Tuesday, January 24

Matthew 7:25

“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

Reflection

Life will always have difficulties, problems and obstacles.  That is what Jesus is referring to when he talks about the wind and the rain blowing against the house that is built on the rock.  However, if our lives are built on the rock-solid foundation of Jesus’ teachings then we can face the difficulties, problems and obstacles of life.  Following the teachings of Jesus will keep us headed toward Jesus and that will keep us safe from all that can come against us.

Are we living our life on the solid foundation of Jesus’ teachings?

Monday, January 23

Matthew 7:24

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Reflection

Jesus says these words immediately following his presenting his teachings that have become known as the “Sermon on the Mount.”  Jesus is telling us that if we want to follow him then we must follow his teachings.  Following Jesus’ teachings is the way we keep headed toward the direction of Jesus.  If we follow Jesus’ teaching then we will have a solid foundation that will enable us to continue our journey toward Jesus.  According to Jesus following his teachings is the wise choice.  Why?  It is wise to follow Jesus’ teachings because it helps us keep our lives going toward his direction.

Do we consciously make the attempt to live according to Jesus’ teachings?

January 22-28

Take Them to Where Jesus Wants Them to Be

Matthew 7:24-27

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Hebrews 12:1b-2

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

When we follow Jesus it is a journey.  The important thing is that we stay headed toward Jesus.  Sometimes we don’t make a lot of progress but slowly but surely we should always be headed toward Jesus.  When we get into problems is when we take a detour and go a direction that leads us away from Jesus.  It is critical that we always are facing toward our destination and moving toward Jesus.

We also, as disciples of Jesus, need to help others begin that journey toward Jesus.  We do that by investing in their lives and walking with them on their journey toward Jesus.  This week we are going to focus on the journey of following Jesus.

Saturday, January 21

Principle:

When people receive the love of Jesus they change.

Reflection

Never once did Jesus berate Zacchaeus for who he was.  Jesus’ desire was to give his love and grace to Zacchaeus so that he would want to change.  Too many times we do the exact opposite of Jesus.  We spend a lot of time telling people what is wrong with them instead of loving them and allowing them to come to the conclusion that not everything is right with their lives. 

The way to reach people is not to condemn them but to offer the love of Jesus so that they can be saved from the darkness that is in their lives. 

What does loving, caring ministry look like?

Friday, January 20

Principle:

Jesus didn’t condemn.  He wanted to save.

Reflection

When Zacchaeus felt the love and acceptance of Jesus in his life he immediately knew that he needed to make changes in his life.  He then told Jesus this, “Look, Lord!  Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”  Jesus didn’t ask Zacchaeus to do this.  He did it because he had completely changed.  How did Jesus respond to Zacchaeus’ change?  He said this, “Today salvation has come to this house…”

When we take Jesus and his love to people it creates change.  That change might take time and it might be gradual and incremental but Jesus does bring change into people’s lives.  That’s why we take Jesus to people who need salvation.  Jesus can change people.  The role of the church is not to change people.  The role of the church is to offer Jesus and he will change people.

How has your life changed because of the love and grace of Jesus?

How have you seen other’s lives change because of the love and grace of Jesus?

Thursday, January 19

Principle:

Jesus had no problem going to the places where people he wanted to reach hung out.

Reflection

When Jesus noticed Zacchaeus he told him that he was going to go to his house that very day.  Zacchaeus invited all of his friends to come meet Jesus.  What kind of people did Zacchaeus invite to his house?  Zacchaeus invited people to meet Jesus who were just like him.  Jesus went to where sinners gathered. 

If we want to meet and connect with people who need Jesus then we need to go to places where they gather.  We need to dare to go places that we wouldn’t normally go.  We don’t go to participate in what they are doing.  We go to those places to get to know the people.

If Jesus was willing to spend time with “sinners” why shouldn’t we do the same?