BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY: “…some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” Matthew 9:2 ESV

            It was one of those times when the familiar became alive with new impact and meaning. Pastor Trevor Hindman was sharing from this passage during our morning prayer time that is part of the New Year fasting and prayer emphasis. His point was receiving the miracle that was unexpected or not asked for. We believe we know what we need, but the Lord knows our real need. This allowed me to focus more on the easily overlooked words and lessons in this passage.

            In this account the man on the mat had an obvious need. He had concerned friends who were focused on getting him to Jesus to heal him. But when Jesus sees the faith of these friends, He responds by first speaking forgiveness. In reading slowly and looking closely at the words, it is important that Jesus says, “take heart” or “be encouraged.”

            When someone is overcome with remorse and is aware of their failures and sin, it is encouraging to hear the words, “you are forgiven.” But in this case the obvious need of the man and the reason his friends went through all the challenges to get him to Jesus was his physical need. Since this is the only passage that I can remember when Jesus speaks forgiveness first, perhaps the man himself realized his sin and unworthiness as he is in Jesus’ presence.

            It would be interesting to know the thoughts in the minds of the people in this story. Was the paralyzed man surprised or relieved? Did his friends think, “that’s well and good, but let’s get the reason we are here!” We know the thoughts of the Scribes. They thought, “who does this guy think He is?! Only God can forgive sins. This man is committing the sin of blasphemy, while proclaiming forgiveness of sin!” (Verse 3) (my paraphrase)

            Jesus then speaks out loud the thoughts of His critics. “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?” (Verse 4) It is one thing to have a thought in your mind. It is another to “entertain” that thought in your heart. The heart is the seat of emotions. It is one thing to “think” Jesus is blaspheming, it is another to allow that judgment to stir up an emotional response. That shuts out any possibility to the truth. It stops conversation. It hinders looking at the facts. It kept the Scribes from responding with the crowd after the healing, “…they were filled with awe and they praised God, who had given such authority to man.” [to forgive and to heal] (Verse 8)

            Jesus continues, “For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic — “Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” (Matt. 9:5,6)

            The physical healing of the man demonstrated Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. In doing so we see the priority of the spiritual over the physical. Physical healing and health are related to this life. Spiritual wholeness (forgiveness of sin) is related to eternal life. “Whoever believes in Him (Jesus) shall have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

            This gives perspective to the words of the old song, “Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, ‘It is well with my soul.’” When our sins are forgiven. When we have spiritual life, we have what we truly need. And yes, Jesus is able to heal and answer our prayers.

Bible Verse for Today:   

But when she saw him, [the Angel] she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.  Luke 1:29 NKJV

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:3 NKJV

        Here we are Christmas Day in Mississippi at my nephew’s house with his family and my brother who flew in from Colorado yesterday. Debbie and I drove here from Atlanta yesterday and we find ourselves in a house with family all with the same last name. That is a first for many Christmases.

         However, this was not the plan. We were looking forward to our first Christmas in Atlanta joining with Stephanie and family and the rest of the Munn family. However, son-in-law Nathan tested positive for COVID and all of a sudden, we found ourselves “troubled” by the circumstances that threw a curve ball into our otherwise anticipated and well-planned Christmas.

         Our original plans were to spend Christmas with family at Stephanie’s home and then travel to Mississippi for a visit with family here on Sunday. Suzanne, Steven’s wife, learning of our situation invited us to “come on down” and join them for Christmas Day.

        So, we made some quick adjustments. Packed our clothes, stopped by Stephanie and Nathan’s home (Nathan is sequestered in the basement) to open some gifts ahead of schedule and then head to Madison, Mississippi arriving Christmas Eve night.

         This interruption in our plans caused to me think of the first “Christmas” and the events recorded in the Bible. The narrative in Matthew and Luke is filled with events that were “troubling.” Disruptions. Sudden changes in plans. Angelic visitation and supernatural dreams.

         Mary was troubled, Joseph was in distress, Herod was troubled. (And when Herod is not happy…no one is happy!) The shepherds were frightened by the light the shattered the darkness. Joseph and Mary had to make a difficult, unplanned trip to Bethlehem, only to find crowded streets and filled hotels. But in it all God was in control, working out His divine plan so that scripture would be fulfilled and that believers down to this day can understand, as Benjamin Franklin reminded this patriot colleges, “God governs the Universe.” God’s Word can be trusted. His plans will prevail.

         No, I am not viewing our sudden change in Christmas plans as part of a divine orchestration of events. But only an opportunity for me to stop and consider how in the midst of the nostalgic, romanticized, mystical notions around modern Christmas (which we do all enjoy), the reality is that Christmas reminds us of real life. Challenges. Questions. Hardships. Fear. Disruptions.

         So, if this Christmas finds you in situations that are not of your choosing and less than ideal, you can be assured that God is still with you in the middle of the “mess.” The most powerful words of one of my favorite Christmas songs O Holy Night, contains the phrase, “He knows our needs, to sorrow He’s no stranger.”  

         May you experience His comfort and joy this Christmas Day.

Bible Verse for Today:
“At that time the Lord began to make Israel smaller…” 2 Kings 10:32 NCV

This brief statement important not to overlook. In some ways it seems strange in terms of its timing. King Jehu of Israel led one of the few revivals. He ended Baal worship, destroyed the family of wicked King Ahab but even with these reforms, the Lord began to reduce Israel’s territory.

Israel was the “northern kingdom” consisting of ten tribes of Israel. Solomon’s kingdom was divided into two nations following his death, due to his idolatry. Israel established its capital city as Samaria but failed to follow the Lord whole-heartedly.

In these days the strength and economic well-being of a nation was tied to its size and how many other cities that it ruled. This represented economic, military and political power.

At the end of Jehu’s reign Syria began to capture some cities and regions that belonged to Israel. But this was not a prolonged downward slide. Over the reigns of nine more kings, battles would be won by Israel, territory would be reclaimed, but it would end one day with Assyria taking Samaria and the people of Israel captive.

2 Kings 17 gives the indictment against Israel, All these things happened because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God…They lived as their evil kings had shown them, secretly sinning against the Lord their God… And they refused to listen to his warnings. They worshiped useless idols and became useless themselves. 2 Kings 17:7-15 (for full description)

What is important to understand is that the people did not totally reject the Lord. There were many who were faithful. Prophets spoke God’s message and sounded the warnings. There were times of repentance and revival, but there was not a serious and prolonged commitment to follow the Lord’s ways. Instead they were more influenced by the culture of the day and the customs of other nations.

As I view current events, I wonder if America is at one of these turning points. I believe we can observe many “water shed” moments in our nation’s history and in culture. But as a friend recently commented, “I didn’t think I would see things change so drasticallty and so fast as they have in recent months.”

I recall after the 2018 election in Colorado and seeing significant changes in the political structure as a reult of the election, a more politically astute friend of mine commented optimistically that “we will see things shift back.” My response was “I hope so, but I see this as a more significant change than just normal political cycles.”

How should we respond? What does this mean? We need to remember, the Lord is in control. The scripture says, “the Lord began to reduce the size of Israel.” We must keep our eyes on the Lord and seek to understand what is happening from a spiritual and eternal perspective.

We need to be a voice. Just as the Lord’s prophets spoke truth to power and to a culture in decline. We must do the same.

We need to be on guard against the downward spiral of culture. Paul gave these admonitions,
Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Colossians 2:8 NLT

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Romans 12:2 NLT

But all this is only possible when we follow the Lord completely, whole-hearedly. No compromise. No accomdation. So we pray for a spiritual turning point. One back to the Lord and His ways.

Bible Verse for Today:

Because they did not know the way that God makes people right with him, they tried to make themselves right in their own way. So they did not accept God’s way of making people right. Romans 10:3 NCV

I recall many years ago a man saying to me, “I try to live a good life and if that it not good enough for God, it’s not my fault.” Hmmm. It is interesting how people believe they can establish their own criteria when it comes to being right with God, when everyday we accept the standards set by other authorities.

No one says, I am a careful driver so it doesn’t matter how fast I drive. No one applies for a loan and determines their own criteria for what should be acceptable to the lender. No student determines their own criteria for the work and activities needed to pass a course.

It is one thing not to know how to be right with God and so try our best to do what we think is right. This may be the Ten Commandments or our own set of standards. It is another to know and to ignore. Hebrews 2:3 (NLT) gives this warning:
So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? (Hebrews 2:3 NLT)

The Bible makes it clear on how to be right with God.
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we declare with our mouths that we believe, and so we are saved.  (Romans 10:9,10 NCV)

We then have this assurance:
The same Lord is the Lord of all and gives many blessings to all who trust in him, ¹as the Scripture says, “Anyone who calls on the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13 NCV)

That is good news. We don’t need to be confused or to uncertain as to what the Lord requires. We don’t need to work and try, hoping it is good enough. We can just follow God’s plan and provision Jesus Christ has made for us on the cross.
Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:29 NLT)

So “get to work” and start believing. Place your faith in Jesus Christ and accept His forgiveness by confessing your sin and placing your life in His hands.

Bible Verse for Today:
No one worships you
    or even asks you to help us.
That is because you have turned away from us
   and have let our sins destroy us. Isaiah 64:7 NCV

As we look at the world and prophetic events described in the Bible, are they a result of God’s judgment or a natural consequence of a godless world and sinful behavior? Perhaps the answer is, “Yes.” However, this verse caught my attention because it addresses this question at least in part.

We are living in a day when faith is more and more “out of style.” God is pushed to the periphery of life or viewed as nonessential or impractical to life by many. There are a host of reasons for this, but the consequence is the same, no recognition of God or worship of Him or seeking His help and favor.

You can count on it, a godless world is a world in trouble. That trouble comes from people who believe they have the power to address all the problems people have created through society and human activity.

I still recall years ago a youth camp speaker’s message, entitled, “When God Says Have It Your Way.” The bottom line is we don’t realize the grace of God that protects us from our sin and full brunt of the consequences of our actions, lifestyle and behavior.

The most telling verse from the story of Samson is when he was being probed by Deliliah about the source of his strength and kept toying with her until he told her the true source. He woke up and thought, “I’ll leave as I did before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him. (Judges 16:20 NCV)

I believe much of what we see in the book of Revelation is what happens when the Holy Spirit is withdrawn and allows the full consequence of rebellion and rejection of God take place in nature and in human conflict.

What is the application? What should be our response? We continue to worship the Lord and ask for His help, even in the midst of a world or personal and cultural chaos. When it doesn’t look like our prayers are being answered, we must still pray. When it seems like there is no hope, we must still have hope in the Lord. We need to be quick to turn from sin keep our hearts open to the Lord and seek to understand from scripture and our relationship with Him how we are to live and respond to what is taking place around.

Bible Verse for Today: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 KJV)

As we celebrate Christmas, we find ourselves at the end of one of the most challenging years most of us have lived through. In times like this, it is good for us to remember what Jesus is to us and for us. No other verse summarizes succinctly the important qualities we possess through a relationship with Christ then, Isaiah 9:6. 

Even in a Presidential election year, it is reassuring to remember, “the government shall be on His shoulder.” Like Abraham of old, “we look for a city whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:10) 

In Christ, we have a wonderful counselor, a mighty God, an everlasting Father and The Prince of Peace. Perhaps in this season one of those attributes addresses you at your point of need or in your life circumstances. Take some time to consider that and to press into and embrace the Lord’s provision for you. For the confused and struggling He is a wonderful counselor. For those who need strength for each day and hope for tomorrow, He is a mighty God. For those who feel lonely and disconnected, He is the everlasting Father. For those whose lives are wrought with fear, worry, and anxiety, He is the Prince of Peace. 

A blessed and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

The following is from one of my students at Colorado Christian University currently enrolled in a Fiscal Management for Nonprofit Organizations Class. Mariah (Riah) Hodges lives in Topeka, Kansas and volunteers at the Topeka Rescue Mission and Global Missions Ministries.

Bible Verse for Today:

Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. (2 Corinthians 8:16-21 NIV)

Understanding the background of this passage helped my understanding and ability to gain some insights. Paul was concerned about the impact of a famine in Jerusalem and the suffering it was causing the Christians. He had received offerings from the Macedonians and was now sending Titus and two other brothers ahead to Corinth to receive their offerings. Paul would join up with Titus and his companions in Corinth. The entourage would then travel to Jerusalem to distribute the offerings to the suffering Christians. 

In 2 Corinthians 8:16-21, there are several points that stand out: 

1. Accountability requires the right heart.

Paul thanked God for giving Titus a heart of concern for those who were suffering, making him like-minded to Paul and the others. Titus took initiative, he was happy to help!

These verses remind us that God knits hearts together for a common cause. God placed Titus in Corinth and placed in him a heart for the people. As a result, he was more than willing to return to Jerusalem and help distribute the gifts to those who were in need. He did not complain. This was more than just cooperation. Titus was honored to serve the Lord this way and saw this more than just an “assignment” but as an undertaking that he “owned” or embraced. This was more than mission alignment, it was heart alignment.

We too need the right heart and attitude when it comes to receiving and distributing the Lord’s gifts. How do we view what is entrusted to us?

A few weeks ago, I was on a zoom call with Pastor Jim Walters of Servants of Christ International. Pastor Jim stated in this call “everything we have been given belongs to God.” He then made a comment that I enjoyed and changed my perspective on things. He said, even when his car needs repaired his thought isn’t “my car needs repaired, what am I going to do?!” Instead it’s “God, Your car needs repaired, what are You going to do?” I mention this little story because in any organization intended to help the needy, we have to recognize that the donations and gifts being given are not ours, but God’s, and we were simply trusted to distribute them accordingly and to be happy doing the Lord’s work that way! 

2.The men taking the gift were trusted.      

“and we are sending with him a brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness to help” (2 Corinthians 8:18-19 NIV)

This brother is unknown to us but known by Paul and the Church. His desire was to honor God through his service. This brother was “chosen by the church” which indicates he had a good reputation and could be trusted by the Corinthians. His character paved the way for greater service and responsibility. Faithfulness leads to expanded opportunity to serve. That can be a great honor and reward.

We see Paul and his companions express the proper attitude and motivation when he says, we administer (this offering) “to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.”

 In an organization that is intended to distribute gifts to those in need, donor motivation and trust are of great significance to succeed. Donors want to know that the organization can manage and distribute finances in a way that shows integrity, accountability and careful consideration. When they see we are capable of doing so, they begin to trust the organization and its abilities to honor God and serve those who are in need. What an honor it is to be able to serve the Lord and His children! 

3. These verses remind us “there is safety in numbers”

“We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of man” (2 Corinthians 8:20-21 NIV)

Titus, and the unnamed brothers (v.22) were entrusted with this task of collecting the offering and then joining with Paul to travel to Jerusalem to distribute it to those in need. There was not only the risk of traveling great distances, but the need for accountability as well. They approached their responsibility in a manner to make it difficult for people to place blame and claim they are being dishonest with the offering and did so in a way to avoid any “appearance of evil.” 

Paul says, “we are taking pains to do what is right.” Doing what is right might take longer, it might be more difficult, it will take more effort. But when it come to being faithful stewards it is what the Lord desires and deserves.

Bible Verse for today: “…He raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.”

Acts 13:22 ESV) “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.”  (James 2:23 ESV)

Our relationship with God can serve as the basis for healthy relationships with others. In our zoom class today on “The Bible and Mental Health” Ron Hanson shared about “Attachment Bonds: How They Shape Relationships.”

Psychologist John Bowlby says, “the concept of attachment is a lasting psychological connectedness between human beings.” If we apply that spiritually we could say, “attachment is a lasting spiritual connectedness between an individual and God.”

We can be thankful as New Testament believers for the relationship with God through Jesus Christ that is afforded to us by forgiveness and grace offered in the cross. That is why when I read of the lives of Old Testament leaders and especially David’s relationship with the Lord in the Psalms it is even more striking.

There are four distinguishing characteristics of attachment physiologically and they have an application to our spiritual lives.

1 – Proximity Maintenance – The desire to be near the people we are attached to. Application: Do you value and cultivate the Lord’s presence in your life?

 “…in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 “…Set me in your presence forever.” Psalm 41:12 “…The upright shall dwell in your presence.” Psalm 140:13

2 – Safe Haven – Returning to the attachment figure for comfort and safety in the face of fear or threat. Application: Is the Lord a source of comfort, safety and security for your life?

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 (NIV) ”…I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2 (NVI)

3 – Secure Base – The attachment figure acts as stability from which a person ventures into activities of daily living. Application: Take the Lord with you each day every day.

“For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.” Psalm 18:28,29 (NIV)

When Moses was preparing to lead God’s people to the promised land, the Lord responded to his plea for help with these words,  ”The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Moses’ response back to the Lord was, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” (Exodus 33:14,15 NIV)

Remember how the Children of Israel in the wilderness were not to move unless they were following the cloud? That is a good reminder of how important it is for us to trust the Lore for His daily guidance, protection and provision for our life.

4 – Separation Distress – Anxiety that occurs in the absence of the attachment figure. Application: Are we aware of the decisions and actions that bring separation between us and the Lord? While we can be confident of the Lord’s love, we must desire to always be close to Him. We see King David’s prayer of repentance included this plea:

“Do not cast me from your presence   or take your Holy Spirit from me.” Psalm 51:11 NIV

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you?  And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:23-26

I encourage you to look for other verses and the application of these concepts for your life. When we are secure in our relationship with the Lord it will serve as the basis for our healthy relationships with others. We won’t be looking for people to meet the needs that God alone can meet on a consistent basis.