Tag: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Today’s Word Is BURDENS

Wed-Jul-15-2020

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Jesus (Matthew 11:28)

Another version says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened…”

The heaviest burden many people carry is the load of expectations placed on them by others. Trying to live up to an image of who others think we should be can become a weight too great to sustain.

One of the reasons people flocked to hear Jesus was because he talked more about a God who cared, than one whose heavy hand wanted to control them and punish them for not being good enough or for breaking too many rules. I wonder if a single rabbi (teacher) had ever in their lives invited them to come follow so they could rest!

But Jesus was doing just that, which essentially was an invitation to live a life of trust in the goodness of God. Those who felt hopeless, oppressed, and tired of trying and failing were intrigued by these words … “Come to me, and I will give you rest.”

Now, this was not an invitation to stop trying, nor to escape responsibility, but to receive an internal shift from dependence on the approval of others to dependence on the grace of God. Worldly living says, “I will love you if” … and then there comes the expectation.

Kingdom living (God’s Kingdom, that is), says that you are loved by your Creator and your Savior for who you are, not for what you accomplish. The first step of Kingdom living is to get rid of the baggage, the load of expectations, the fear that you might not prove to be worthy, … and in exchange receive the following reality … You are accepted because God made you and loved unconditionally because that’s who God is and what he does.

After that, there are lots of things we do to accomplish Kingdom purposes, but they are not done to prove we are acceptable, they are done out of thanks that we were “declared” to be acceptable as God’s primary gift. (We call this salvation or conversion.) We are no longer laboring and heavy laden under a load of disapproval, but rather there is rest from it.

Welcome to the Jesus life. Now, I need to complete the picture. In the beginning, I only gave you one of three verses to describe the Jesus invitation. Here’s the “rest of the story”:

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

You may notice that after Jesus offered rest, he told us to take his yoke upon us, which is the equipment placed on the shoulders of oxen and other work animals, for the purpose of carrying or pulling loads. How about that! … Invited to rest and put to work! But that’s it! Rest, work, rest, work. Not work, work, work, work.

In the Pharisees’ world, the “working” at proving ourselves to be religious and obedient was primary. In Jesus’ world, the “resting” is primary. The Sabbath is the holy day when God rested. For God, six days was “enough” to complete creation. Get it? This faith we practice has works of righteousness involved, but not to prove our worth and not to the extent that they become a burden we can’t carry. The most important day of the week is Sabbath, meaning the most important aspect of the Kingdom life is rest.

Is this making sense? Jesus invited us to turn around, to stop thinking of religious performance as the basis of life, but rather to let rest and assurance be the focus of life, with an attitude towards works of faith that sees it as a joy, not a burden, and certainly not the way to prove anything to God.

The result is rest for our souls, because the yoke (workload) is easy, and it burdens us only lightly, because it was given to us by a Savior who is both gentle and humble.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

By the way … this has been my favorite passage of Scripture for 40+ years. When I was a young pastor, I had read this passage many times, but the first time I used it as a sermon text, I began preparing and spontaneously became overwhelmed with tears at Jesus’ invitation to come to him and get rid of my burdens in exchange for his rest and a yoke that was much easier than the burdens I had been carrying for such a long time.

I say this because when we are first saved, we understand our salvation as we experienced it at that point. But later on, more revelations of the nature and glory of this new life in Christ will touch us in deeper and richer ways. This passage became my best symbolism for the illustration of salvation … to give him what I have, and in return get what he has. That’s the best bargain anyone in the world will ever get!

Today’s Word Is TRUTH

Thu-Jun-25-2020

This coming Sunday marks the 4th anniversary of the death of well-known Tennessee Women’s Basketball Coach Pat Summitt. Her premature death was due to early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. If you recall, I quoted her just recently in a devotion called “Today’s Word Is Team.”

Here is another great quote from Coach Pat Summitt:

“The absolute heart of loyalty is to value those people who tell you the truth, not just those people who tell you what you want to hear. In fact, you should value them most. Because they have paid you the compliment of leveling with you and assuming you can handle it.” – Pat Summitt

If you are going to value those friends who tell you the truth, you will need to value yourself first. And you can do that because God values you first and most.

If you do not accept and value yourself, you will not be able to …

  • Properly value those who are honest with you,
  • Handle the truth when it is painful,
  • Speak the truth to others without flinching,
  • Care about and value friends enough to speak the truth openly.

The Apostle Paul talks about “speaking the truth in love.” It takes maturity to do that. Some folks think that they should just “tell it like it is,” but end up leaving a trail of wounded people. While others think that their job is to soothe people, to the extent that they don’t “level” with anyone because it might “hurt” them.

Somewhere in the middle of that is “the way.” If someone who cares about you tells you a painful truth, then as Coach Summitt says, they have actually paid you a compliment … they believe in you, that you can hear what is difficult to hear and be able to “handle it.” And not just be able to handle it, but to be inspired by it, challenged to change, to grow, to improve, to succeed. And as Coach Summitt also says, if you can find someone who will treat you that way … both truthful and caring … you should value that person with your loyalty.

“… but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ …” – Apostle Paul (Ephesians 4:15)

As Paul points out, Jesus was the best at doing this … at speaking truth, and at loving others. It should cause us to want to “grow up” to be like Jesus, who is the head of our faith.

Carry this thought with you always … “Speak the truth in love.” You will know you are fulfilling this Scripture when you can do this without unnecessarily hurting others while you love them enough to speak to them the truth they need to hear.

Sometimes people get hurt by the truth. But hurt is not always a bad thing. It is through processing the hurts in life that we grow. They will make you “bitter” or “better” … your choice. But our reaction need not be to blame the person who had the courage to tell us the truth we needed to hear. Rather our response should be to turn to God in humility and ask how we may use this opportunity to grow forward into Him.

Good stuff!

Chaplain Mark

NOTE: The BEMA Podcast is a great Bible Study tool from a Messianic Jewish perspective, which I highly recommend. It is a long-term study which will increase your understanding of the Scriptures in a new and deeper way. You can also get it on your other devices by going to the Google PlayStore or Apple App Store.

Today’s Word Is HEAR

Wed-May-27-2020

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Revelation 3:20)

When this verse says, “If anyone hears,” I conclude that not everyone hears. It implies to me that even though a voice may be speaking, something about some people causes them not to hear that voice, at least under present conditions.

For the first time in our 37-year marriage, my wife and I have a home with a swimming pool. We like it. I am now the “pool guy,” and there is always something to do. Under certain conditions, sometimes the pool pump clicks off and must be restarted. The equipment is near the end of the house where our bedroom is, and while I am getting ready in the morning, I can tell by the presence or absence of a certain sound with a certain pitch whether the pool pump is running or not. My wife can’t hear it unless I hum the pitch and she really, really concentrates, and sometimes still can’t.

On the other hand, my wife has had the sense of hearing the faint cry of one of the kids during the night while I remained asleep. There are folks who can be at a crowded occasion in a large facility, and yet when a child falls and cries out from the other side of the room, the parent of that child knows the sound of that cry.

There is something in each of us capable of hearing the voice of God. We can be preoccupied by our world, our job, our activities, whatever … such that God’s voice doesn’t get our attention. But God is calling. He hasn’t left you out or given up on you because of your present season of stress and distraction. Stop and listen. You can hear him.

During my younger years, I heard others use this passage as an evangelism and conversion tool. And I adopted that approach as well. Jesus is knocking on the hearts of unbelievers because he wants to come in and save them, take up residence.

While that is true … that Jesus wants to come into the hearts of unbelievers, that is not who this message was originally written to. It was addressed to the Church at Laodicea. Yes, Jesus is knocking on the door of a church that has stopped listening to his voice. This is the church to whom Jesus said, “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” Revelation (3:15-17)

This is evidence that even though we might have been a believer for a long time, we still have spells when we are not really listening. In one sense, that is what this passage is about … the church … one full of believers who have stopped listening. Isn’t it interesting that his request was for “anyone” on the inside of that door to hear him and invite him in!! And while this is a call to the churches to become on fire again, it is also about any believer who has learned to ignore what God is saying.

I listened to a story on the radio today from a man who was sitting in a church leadership meeting when the Lord spoke to him about the extra-marital affair that he thought he was getting away with. And the voice said, “Today is the day to come clean. It is time to trade your story of infidelity for God’s story of faithfulness and forgiveness.” The next day he revealed the truth to his wife, and a new story began.

Now that’s pretty serious. And maybe your situation is, too. Or maybe your story is completely different. Maybe it’s about your church. Or perhaps you personally have wandered away from God. Listen for his voice today. God has “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) But he does want you to hear his voice. He wants to continually write and rewrite your story. He does not want you to be lukewarm. He wants you to be all in.

Wherever you are in life … stop and listen. Invite him in. Dine with him and be nourished. Be changed. Be new.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word is REDEPLOYMENT

Thu-Apr-30-2020

In John 21, after Jesus’ resurrection, he appeared to the disciples for the third time. They were out on a fishing expedition, which was Simon Peter’s idea. Six of the others agreed to go with him, including James, John, and Thomas. Haven’t you always wondered why they did this?

I am thinking that having seen Jesus twice already, they are now more at peace, but having discussions about what’s next. Is he going to show up again? How long should we wait? We can’t just sit around all day every day rehashing the same questions. Should we go back to life as we knew it? It would be good to stick together, but that would be difficult. We surely should tell our story to as many as possible.

So finally, Simon Peter says, “How about we go fishing?” And seven of them head out early the next morning. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. (John 21:4-6)

<<<<< FLASHBACK TO LUKE 5 >>>>>

When Jesus began his ministry, he was walking by the lake and the people crowded around him. So, he got into an empty boat belonging to Simon and asked him to push out. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything …” (I think Simon paused right here, waiting for Jesus to change his mind, but Jesus just looked back at him, and his eyes reached deeply into Simon. So, Simon said …) “But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. (Luke 5:1-7)

<<<<< BACK TO JOHN 21 >>>>>

With the nets overloaded, John has a flashback and now realizes it is Jesus. [He] therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. (John 21:7-8)

Would you do that … jump in and start swimming? I sincerely believe that I would! (Tears are coming to my eyes as I think about this.) When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. (v.9) The rest of this passage has many wonderful aspects, but I am going to focus on one … redeployment.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” (v.15) Jesus repeated this two more times, and there are points about why three, and what the words for love are, but my focus is that Jesus is giving Simon Peter a new direction in life.

Did Simon Peter love Jesus? I think that by jumping into the water, he was clearly acting out of his love for him. But there is an interesting twist to what Jesus was really asking. When Jesus asked, “Do you love me more than these?”, I always assumed he meant more than the other disciples. But a Greek scholar whom I like says that the connection between nouns and pronouns in these sentences indicates that Jesus meant “these fish” or “this fishing,” not “these disciples.” Maybe he was looking or pointing at the fish in front of them, or at the boat. Wow. Jesus was asking him if he wanted to go back to his fishing career or take on the mission of feeding Jesus’ sheep.

Why would Simon Peter, or why would we choose redeployment to the mission of Jesus? The motivating qualification that Jesus wanted to know was … “Do you love me more than anything?” There are not qualifications for talent or experience, only how much you love your Savior. And if you were asked three times in a row, would it help you to say “Yes!” more enthusiastically?

I believe ministry is every Christian’s primary career. And we have a secondary job career to earn money to support our missional career of blessing others in the name of Christ … a redeployment from focusing on work to feeding his sheep.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

THE REST OF THE PASSAGE – John 21:10-25

John 21:10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Jesus and Peter

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Jesus and the Beloved Apostle

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”

24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

Today’s Word Is PERCEPTION

Wed-Apr-29-2020

A few years ago, one of my colleagues at the hospital was reading my daily devotional about the word PEACEMAKER. But being in the cardiology department where “heart talk” is common … well, let’s just say that this person mistakenly read the title as “Today’s Word Is P-A-C-E-MAKER.” How funny!

Think about it … sometimes you can “see” something that is not there … and fail to see what really is there. For instance, back in the early 1990’s, while pastoring in Brainerd, I had thick, curly hair … yes I did. It was not natural, but I was getting it permed for a period of six years. Years later, after I was back to my normal short, dark (but greying) hair, I would occasionally run into people from that church in public … and they didn’t even recognize me! I would say, “It’s me … Mark … remember? … your pastor?” And their eyes got wide as it dawned on them that it was really me.

This misperception also happened on the Sunday of Jesus’ resurrection. Several disciples were meeting together in the upper room, trying to sort things out. This included not just the “eleven” disciples, but other close followers. There were reports of angels and resurrection from the women and decisions by Peter and John to go check it out at the tomb.

Somewhere in that confusion, waiting for answers, two of the followers, one of them named Cleopas, decided to get started on the 7-mile journey to their home in Emmaus for the night, not knowing yet if Jesus was really alive. Little did they know that Jesus had two important appearances he wanted to make before he headed to the upper room to see the disciples. First was to see the two Mary’s, and then on toward the road to Emmaus to catch up with the two men on the road, who had left the meeting early, and were dejected. “[They] were talking with each other about all these things … [and] Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.” (Luke 24:15-16)

I believe we all have those times when we are so shocked, so hurt, so distraught and puzzled, frozen with disbelief at the turn of events, that we cannot for the moment get ourselves to think straight. In this kind of moment, Jesus showed up … unexpectedly. Most of you know the remainder of this story, so instead of repeating it here, I will place it at the bottom of this page. In short, the two men were telling this stranger that they had hoped Jesus was the “One,” so Jesus told them the prophecies and teachings they needed as reminders.

It is so, so, so important for us to know the story, the truth, the Word, as thoroughly as possible. And if we do, just as Jesus came to those two men, the Holy Spirit will come to us to remind us. Let us not be one of those who survives on a-sermon-a-week … or a-class-a-week at church. We must “study” the Word, know the story, the ways of God. Then, the Holy Spirit can use the storehouse in us to lift us up.

When you are struggling, as the two men going to Emmaus were, it is easy to miss what is there or fail to perceive what is real. If something puzzles you or creates doubt in you, it might just be a matter of perception. Someone else might see things differently. Don’t be afraid to ask. And don’t be afraid to believe something spiritual or miraculous in nature (like a resurrection!) when your earthly perception thinks it can’t be true.

And finally, I remind you that this blog has two goals … for God to bless you through me and for God to bless others through you. This is the principle of “blessed to be a blessing!” As well as being blessed today, how can we bless someone else?

What do you do if one of your coworkers, friends, family, or others are distracted by a personal issue, such as despondence or frustration? They might not see the obvious and need you to come alongside them and remind them of God’s story in their lives. Jesus didn’t criticize the disciples for their failed perception. He just spoke truth for a while as they were walking, and finally their eyes were opened.

By the way … I love that moment when the two disciples recognized Jesus at their home while he was “breaking the bread” at their table. I wonder if they immediately thought back to walking with Jesus, and wondered, “How did I not know it was him?” (I’ve said things like that … you have too.) And then the clue they missed came into their minds … but of course … “Our hearts burned within us!” Jesus’ presence was setting us on fire inside … I need to remember that … He was with me and I didn’t perceive it!

May you perceive with clarity!

Chaplain Mark

The Gospel of Mark Mentions the Walk to Emmaus (Just after Jesus sees Mary)

Mark 16:12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

The Walk to Emmaus

Luke 24:13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Today’s Word Is DOUBT

Mon-Apr-13-2020

The Disciple Thomas is a hero, and referring to him as “Doubting Thomas” seems a bit harsh to me. I would rather call him the “gung-ho disciple.” In Jewish terminology, they would say that Thomas had chutzpah (pron “hootspa”), meaning audacity. And as such, he’s not in bad company. In the Old Testament, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, and King David all had chutzpa! You could say bold, brash, and determined.

In John Chapter 11, when Lazarus died and Jesus was going to go to Bethany, the other disciples hesitated, reminding Jesus that the Jews were plotting to kill him, and it would be a dangerous place to go. But not Thomas, oh no, he was ready! So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11:16) If Jesus wants to go face the threat of death, then me, too. I’m in! … Now, that’s chutzpah.

And it was Thomas who spoke up at the Last Supper when Jesus said he was going away. Jesus said, “And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (John 14:4-5) Don’t you think all of them wanted to ask? Not even Peter spoke up. But when Thomas said “we” don’t know, none of the others denied it. And that’s when Jesus gave him that great answer, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (v.6)

Now we fast-forward to after the resurrection, when on that Sunday later in the day, Jesus came to the disciples in the upper room where they were secluded. For whatever reason, Thomas was not there, when suddenly Jesus appeared to them, showing them his wounds and saying, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

When they told Thomas they had seen the Lord, his chutzpah came out. But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” (John 20:25)

Let me encourage you, if you sometimes are experiencing doubts. It’s OK. Doubt comes in several forms, some helpful, some dangerous. I would say our goal is to eventually overcome all doubt, but it will come easy for some and hard for others, quickly for some and decades later for others. Can you be a believer and have doubts at the same time? Based on the disciples, I say yes.

Thomas wasn’t the only disciple struggling with doubt. Luke records one of Jesus’ appearances to the disciples like this, But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.” (Luke 24:37-39) More than just Thomas were struggling to understand this unbelievable turn of events.

Furthermore, at the end of Matthew, Jesus met them a final time on the mountain. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. (Matthew 28:17) So, if you struggle with doubt, you are not alone. Some of the disciples did, too. Just keep on struggling through it. By the way, every single one of the disciples were witnesses and evangelists until the end. All were executed for their beliefs except John, who was exiled to an island.

Now, wrapping up with Thomas, what do you think? Did Jesus know that Thomas was not going to be there on his first appearance to the upper room? Of course, he did. So, why didn’t Jesus just wait until they were all there, including Thomas? I don’t know that answer, but I do know that Thomas ended up with a unique blessing. Jesus returned eight days later with a personal message. Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:27-28)

The important question you must answer about your times of doubt is whether you want to keep it or let it go. Thomas was up front about saying he would let it go if he could see Jesus. Thomas had chutzpah, and he was not about to be labeled as “the disciple who was absent when Jesus appeared,” or “the only disciple who didn’t get to see the resurrected Lord, because he was off doing something else.” Thomas wanted the same privilege and experience as the rest, to see his risen Lord. And Jesus appeared especially for him.

And because of what Jesus did for Thomas, this disciple with chutzpah traveled to India, 2,500 miles away. Arriving in 52 AD, he fulfilled his calling to preach the Gospel in Eastern Asia. Many modern Christians who are descended from that area of India still call themselves “St. Thomas Christians” in his honor.

Doubt doesn’t have to hold you back. Sometimes doubt is the best incubator for faith! I can personally vouch for that.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is FOCUS

Tue-Apr-14-2020

Today’s devotional is short since my laptop has only a small amount of battery power. We have been without electricity at our home for almost 24 hours. This is due to a series of tornadoes that struck Chattanooga last night and inflicted tremendous destruction. Thankfully, our home was not damaged. Please lift up prayers for those who have suffered from the devastation. And now, a brief word of encouragement.

“Obstacles are those frightful things we see when we take our eyes off our goal.” – Henry Ford

What we are focusing on definitely affects our progress and likelihood of success.

“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” – Matthew 14:29-30

Yes, the wind and the storm are there. And it is okay to know that. Jesus wasn’t unaware of the storm; he just knew how to walk above it. Simon Peter learned a lesson that day … the difference between awareness and focus. This lesson applies to us as well … learning how to speak and to practice this principle … I am aware of the storm, but I am focused on Jesus.

You may be one of those folks who does it the other way around … aware of Jesus but focused on the storm. Maybe you never realized that’s what you’ve been doing.

Others of us may be well-grounded and focused, but still at certain times can get overwhelmed. So, we say to ourselves s-l-o-w-l-y …  I am aware of the storm, but I am focused on Jesus.

Trying to stay focused,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is FINISHED

Good Friday
Fri-Apr-10-2020

The foundation of our salvation is the combination of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. There is not one without the other. It would be like asking, “Which is more important, breathing out or breathing in?” The Crucifixion is the breathing out – getting rid of the carbon dioxide, the poison, the sin. Breathing in is the Resurrection – filling with oxygen, new life, the Holy Spirit.

Today we focus on the Crucifixion. It was foretold in prophecy in numerous ways. Isaiah Chapter 53 is all about Jesus … (v.3) He was despised and rejected by men — (v.4) Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows — (v.5) But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities — (v.7) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,  yet he opened not his mouth — (v.9) although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth — (v.17) because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

King David said some prophetic things about Jesus in Psalm 22. And, among the seven “words” of Jesus from the cross, there is a quote from Psalm 22:1 … “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34)

In my early years, I had to struggle and come to terms with that verse. Many explanations that I heard did not make sense to me. Like this one … because Jesus took on our sin, God had to turn away from him because he couldn’t look at all that sin. Well, my thought is that God looks at sin all the time. He may not like the sin, but it is in his people, and he loves his people.

Another thought I have is that I thought Jesus’ death on the cross was part of the plan. So why would God have to look away from Jesus as he carried out the plan they made together?

If you read all of Psalm 22, you discover by the end that although David felt in his humanity that God had forsaken him, David finally affirms that God was there for him, and he was not really forsaken, but he did feel like it. This is what I think Jesus was experiencing. He knew the plan, that he would have to go to the cross. But while on that cross, he felt alone and helpless. It’s not that God was now rejecting him, it’s more like he was experiencing from a human standpoint what death and suffering felt like.

Besides his human emotion on the cross causing him to cry out to God about feeling forsaken, there is another angle to this. If you read all of Psalm 22, you will see that, just like Isaiah 53, it is a description of Jesus, with many details about the Crucifixion.

Psalm 22 (v.7-8) All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” — (v.16) For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet — (v.18) they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.

Now, the Pharisees and teachers standing at the cross should know about Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22, right? And here is Jesus, dying on the cross as described in that Psalm. So, Jesus quotes the first verse as his expression of pain and helplessness. The teachers and rabbis who take students to school them in Scripture do an interesting thing. They will quote the first verse of a Psalm, perhaps, and the student is supposed to know the rest of the Psalm. It’s almost like Jesus is inviting them to quote the rest of the Psalm and discover that they are crucifying the Messiah … that they are, in fact, fulfilling a prophecy!

There is one other of the seven words of Jesus that relates to Psalm 22 … When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30)

He was, in effect, quoting the meaning of the last verse of Psalm 22 (v.31) They shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.”

Yes! Yes! Yes! He has done it! It is finished! To his last breath he was obedient!

This terrible, dark day of the Crucifixion is for you and me. And, since we are now 2,000 years removed and understand its meaning, it is in one sense both the worst day and the best day. We get tears and agonize over his suffering, while at the same time find ourselves filled with thanksgiving and praise. We know we are not worthy of such love, yet we love the Savior who did for us what we could not do for ourselves — paying the price for every sin we ever committed or ever will commit.

Glory to His Name!

Chaplain Mark

The Crucifixion and the Resurrection Work Together in Salvation

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures …” (1st Corinthians 15:3)

And then … “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Today’s Word Is COLLABORATE

Mon-Mar-23-2020

Do you sometimes feel like giving up on something? … Even though it is very important? But it just isn’t working out?

Maybe your usual way of solving things is not getting results. This happens to folks who compartmentalize God. Although He has promised to “walk” with us, never forsake us, it is like we keep him in the back seat of our “car.” And thus, it is a bit misleading to tell people that “I know God is with me” … if “with me” means he’s just a silent passenger (who would really like to say something if invited!).

There are folks who rarely discuss things with God throughout the day. It’s no wonder that things frequently don’t work out so well. Our best friend, the wisest of all, is waiting for the invitation not just to help, but to be our guide, our wisdom, our everything. Instead we go about solving daily problems without Him, and sometimes give up on important things too soon.

After the death and resurrection of Jesus, the disciples didn’t know what to do next, so several of them went out in their boat fishing (their old career). They were having no luck, when a man called to them from the shore. (At first, they didn’t realize it was Jesus.)

So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. (John 21:5-6)

God wants us to collaborate. “Co-“ means together, “labor” means work … work together!! And not just occasionally … all day … every day. God doesn’t need to be a passenger; he needs to be driving our car!

Often, we are throwing our nets on the wrong side of the boat. We have our own habits, methods, and solutions. If we listened to God, there is another way … a “God way” that is outside our logic. Don’t be afraid to cast your nets “one more time” before you give up. And listen to God, because he may not have you cast your nets in the “same old place.”

My guess is that the disciples remembered this scenario happening before, at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, when he called Simon, Andrew, James and John to follow him. They had fished all night with no catch.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. (Luke 5:4-6)

There may be a “catch of fish” waiting under the water, but you keep coming up empty. Maybe your first job is just to believe it is there. The success God wants you to have is not just to catch the fish, it is to “co-labor” with him in doing it … to “collaborate” in the success. What are you facing that in your mind has no reasonable solution? For me … well … I have this stormwater problem under my driveway that is threatening our property, and I haven’t found a solution yet. But I am not giving up, because God knows where the answer is, and in his good timing he will reveal the solution.

In these uncertain times, you may be dealing with a looming financial crisis. Even though the answer is not visible to you, it is visible to God. And this fact applies to any problem, not just financial ones. Do you have a problem child? Difficulty at work? Health issues? Keep listening to the voice of Jesus. He is right there in the situation with you. And at the right time, things will work out, probably in a manner you do not imagine, and you will confess the name of Jesus as the supplier of your need. As Simon said, “… because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

Have a blessed day,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is LIGHT

Thu-Mar-12-2020

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” (1st Peter 2:9)

The difference in a life lived without God, and a life lived through him is like the difference between night and day.

Many years back I was an associate pastor in charge of the youth program. Our meetings were on the third floor of a dated building. As I was closing up one Sunday night, my two preschool children and I were the last ones out. I don’t know who designs light switch locations in churches, but they don’t make sense. The hallway lights had already been turned off by someone else, and I was turning off the youth room lights. That put the three of us in the dark, and I realized that the only hallway light switch was at the far end of the hall.

The idea of walking down that dark hallway to the stairs at the other end was not appealing to my kids, because it was very dark outside that night. I pointed out that through the window at the far end where we were going there was a faint streetlight in the distance. We held hands and made it to the other end by focusing on that tiny light.

I’m sure you’ve used the saying about “being in the dark” about something, meaning that there is information that we don’t know or is being withheld from us. This information seems to us to be very important to have.

All light comes from God. If your world is dark at the moment, ask God to shine the light. This could require action on your part as well. Because of where you are in life, it may seem like just a faint light at the end of a long hall, but it is there. God has lots of light shining, but often we don’t want to go where he shines it. We want him to shine it “where I say to shine it.”

There is a way to live in the dark and wonder why there’s no light. Many people do that … no time for church, faith, prayer, study, fellowship, mission projects, family, etc. Yet, God is shining the light in those activities. We should head toward the light God is shining, rather than fretting about the dark where we’re sitting. Today’s verse says that God has “called us out of darkness” and “into his marvelous light.” The implication here, when it says he is “calling us out of darkness” is that we have to move toward the light. And when we come into his light, it is “marvelous”!

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark