Scripture Nugget 10.8.2016

“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?’” Matthew 16:24-26

Everyone wants to save their life, wants their life saved so much that they will grab a rope regardless of who throws it. (Wish I had thought this up on my own, but heard a great preacher yesterday who spoke this) We’ll grab that rope and be brought safely into the boat or onto shore, the question is who then will we follow? You see if we profess we have been saved by Jesus Christ, that our lives have been changed by faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, that we have experienced salvation, the new birth into a new life; but then, we follow culture …. Then I submit to you that we haven’t been changed. We haven’t given up our life for life with God, we haven’t picked up and carried the cross of Christ but something else. What will we give up for life, life abundant, holy life? Who do you follow? Christ or culture? In the first line of Called to Be Holy, John Oswalt writes, “The fate of the Christian Church in America and around the world depends upon what the Church does with the biblical doctrine of holiness.” God tells us, we “to be holy as He is holy.” Holiness as defined by God, not ourselves or culture. Who do you follow? Christ or Culture?

Scripture Nugget 10.6.2016

“And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’” Matthew 14:25-33

These verses cause me to pause, to take a moment to assess my personal discipleship as well as those God has called me to lead. First, do I put myself into a position, an attitude, that allows Jesus to approach me early in the morning? Second, do I recognize Jesus when he draws close? Third, how could one categorize my response, fear or gratitude? When Jesus responds do I recognize Him, do I hear Him” Do I trust Him? Fourth, am I bold enough to ask him to tell me to do something audacious, something impossible? Do I do it, all the way to completion? Or do I get scared? Pay attention here – fear really gets in the way. Fear, lack of confidence in the Lord causes me/us to shrink away. Fifth, are we at that point faithful enough to call out to God to save us? Or do we attempt to tread water in our own strength? For how long? That is a great question, not only for individuals but congregations as well; how long will we tread water in our own strength thinking we can save ourselves? Know, that when we do call out Jesus is there and will immediately catch us up. Sixth, at that point, in that moment, will we worship him and recognize him for who he is? Will we continue to do so? Oh Lord save me, save us, snatch us up!

Scripture Nugget 10.6.2016

“And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’” Matthew 14:25-33

These verses cause me to pause, to take a moment to assess my personal discipleship as well as those God has called me to lead. First, do I put myself into a position, an attitude, that allows Jesus to approach me early in the morning? Second, do I recognize Jesus when he draws close? Third, how could one categorize my response, fear or gratitude? When Jesus responds do I recognize Him, do I hear Him” Do I trust Him? Fourth, am I bold enough to ask him to tell me to do something audacious, something impossible? Do I do it, all the way to completion? Or do I get scared? Pay attention here – fear really gets in the way. Fear, lack of confidence in the Lord causes me/us to shrink away. Fifth, are we at that point faithful enough to call out to God to save us? Or do we attempt to tread water in our own strength? For how long? That is a great question, not only for individuals but congregations as well; how long will we tread water in our own strength thinking we can save ourselves? Know, that when we do call out Jesus is there and will immediately catch us up. Sixth, at that point, in that moment, will we worship him and recognize him for who he is? Will we continue to do so? Oh Lord save me, save us, snatch us up!

Scripture Nugget 10.5.2016

10.5.2016 (Matthew 12) “…and they (Pharisees) asked him, ‘Is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath?’ so that they might accuse him. … He (Jesus) said to them … ‘So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.’ Then he said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and it was restored, as sound as the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.” Matthew 12:10b, 12b-14

Life and death. Life is demonstrated by Jesus’ grace and mercy. Grace is a gift freely given when undeserved while mercy is the act of giving that grace. Death is the absence of life. Jesus offers life. The Pharisees, so concerned about the rules plot to destroy. The obvious question to them is: Is it lawful to pre-meditate murder? Oh that I, you, we would all be renewed in the image of God, that we would love as God loves, that we would love God, others and ourselves. Bringing life.

Scripture Nugget 10.4.2016

“For John came neither eating or drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” Matthew 11:18-19 … “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as leave that house or town.” 10:14 … “Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous;” 10:41 … “and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” 10:22 … “and whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose these will lose their reward.” 10:42

Who do I/you/we welcome into our presence, onto our hearts and minds? Who do we listen to? As I read Matthew 11:18-19 this morning my thoughts quickly jumped to this week’s political argument over candidate’s tax forms and who has paid how much? Both sides argue the other’s candidate is doing it wrong, and their candidate is clean while both have done the same thing. Who do we listen to? (Not making an endorsement for either side but attempting make a point). Who do we welcome into our hearts? Jesus and his followers or others who separate us from him? How do we decide? Are we steadfast in our faith, do we hold out, will we hang on until the end? Are we at the foot of the cross when Christ cries out I am thirsty, and do we give him a drink of cool water? Are have we like sheep scattered because we listened to the fickle. “Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” The truly wise person stands by the One who comes to bring holiness to the world. Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. God comes and says, “I am here with you, will you be with me? God is holy, to be His people/His person I/you/we/ must be holy. Only through Jesus are we made holy. Do we receive him? Do we share him with others? What reward do we seek?

Scripture Nugget 10.4.2016

“For John came neither eating or drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” Matthew 11:18-19 … “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as leave that house or town.” 10:14 … “Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous;” 10:41 … “and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” 10:22 … “and whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose these will lose their reward.” 10:42

Who do I/you/we welcome into our presence, onto our hearts and minds? Who do we listen to? As I read Matthew 11:18-19 this morning my thoughts quickly jumped to this week’s political argument over candidate’s tax forms and who has paid how much? Both sides argue the other’s candidate is doing it wrong, and their candidate is clean while both have done the same thing. Who do we listen to? (Not making an endorsement for either side but attempting make a point). Who do we welcome into our hearts? Jesus and his followers or others who separate us from him? How do we decide? Are we steadfast in our faith, do we hold out, will we hang on until the end? Are we at the foot of the cross when Christ cries out I am thirsty, and do we give him a drink of cool water? Are have we like sheep scattered because we listened to the fickle. “Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” The truly wise person stands by the One who comes to bring holiness to the world. Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. God comes and says, “I am here with you, will you be with me? God is holy, to be His people/His person I/you/we/ must be holy. Only through Jesus are we made holy. Do we receive him? Do we share him with others? What reward do we seek?

Scripture Nugget 10.2.2016

“But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” … But Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and the dead bury their own dead.’” Matthew 6:33, 8:21

We gain righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. We enter the kingdom of God through faith in Jesus Christ. There is but one way into to the kingdom, it is a narrow gate, but wide enough for all who choose to enter through it. Jesus calls us into discipleship, we enter into a disciplined relationship. This life in the kingdom is available to all who will enter under God’s terms. It is a place for those who are intentional and serious not casual stragglers. All are welcome to enter as they are, but life with God requires transformation into the image of Christ. Take seriously the life we are being called to.

Scripture Nugget 10.1.2016

“And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they their nets and followed him. … Jesus went through Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordon.” Matthew 4:19-20, 23-25

Later, Jesus will tell his disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 That is a command to us, today, as well. Going forth to make disciples is fishing for people. Notice who was “caught”: They brought to him all the sick, those afflicted with diseases and pains, those possessed by demons, those with epilepsy, and paralyzed persons. Jesus healed them! Let that sink in, sit here a moment. Jesus recruited fishermen, who dropped what they were doing, to follow Jesus. They changed environments and species but kept on fishing. They “caught” a lot of trash – if they were still catching fish, they would be throwing these trach fish back into the lack. But now – these people, these sick, afflicted people who are in pain in so many ways are “caught” and brought to Jesus – who heals them. When is the last time I brought a sick person to church, when is the last time we welcomed a sick person? More to the point, when is the last time we went fishing for sick, diseased persons in pain? When was the last time we searched out a demon possessed person and invited them to come be healed? Do I/you/we possess faith in God, to do what he says he’ll do? Why are our sanctuaries not full? Maybe we aren’t fishing for the right people……. Maybe we aren’t casting our nets wide enough……… Maybe we aren’t as faith-filled as we claim to be. Jesus healed them all, Jesus heals us all and Jesus can and will heal all – it is on me/you/us to make the introductions.

Scripture Nugget 9.30.2016

“Know, then, that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may hold, says the LORD of hosts. My covenant with him was a covenant of life and well-being, which I gave him; this called for reverence, and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in integrity and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. For the lips of the priests should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction form his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. But you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by your instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts, and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you have not kept my ways but have shown partiality in your instruction.” Malachi 2:1-9 … “See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight – indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like the fuller’s soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.” Malachi 3:1-4 … “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, have not perished. Ever since the days of your ancestors you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. But you say, ‘How shall we return?’” Malachi 3:6-7

God makes and keeps promises – covenants. We were made to enter into and be the recipients of those promises, the keepers of God’s established covenants. God persists and remains, while we fall away and break the agreements and then wonder what the heck happened? We push through and re-write the very boundaries God established to bless us. We find ourselves outside those boundaries not feeling blessed and wonder what the heck happened? God sends messenger upon messenger, opportunity upon opportunity, invitation upon invitation and we do not respond, we do not return. How shall we return? By God’s grace! By accepting God’s grace, by confession and repentance, by practicing the means of grace (reading Scripture, prayer, fasting, the Lord’s Supper, Christian conversation, and acts of mercy and service) encountering the presence of God and allowing the power of God to transform us (return us) to the divine image of love which we were created to participate in. O God, that I be prepared, that I endure the day of your coming; that I lead others to be prepared and endure that day. Not only endure the day but receive and live in your sanctifying grace always and forever. Thank you God for mercy, for truth and for Grace!

Scripture Nugget 9.29.2016

“Ask rain from the LORD in the season of the spring rain, from the LORD who makes the storm clouds, who gives showers of rain to you, the vegetation in the field to everyone. For the teraphim utter nonsense, and the diviners see lies; the dreamers tell false dreams, and give empty consolation. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they suffer for lack of a shepherd. My anger is hot against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the LORD of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them his proud war-house. … I will make them strong in the LORD, and they shall walk in his name, says the LORD. Zechariah 10:1-3, 12

Come on God, send Your rain upon us! Is this our prayer? Do I/you/we really want the fullness of God’s grace to rain down upon us? Do we receive what is sent? Do we cry out in times of drought? Do we believe, are we confident that God not only can but will send rain? Physical rain as well as spiritual rain. In northeast Georgia we are experiencing drought, not much rain has fallen this summer; crops livestock have suffered, those who make a living off the land are worried. The same has been happening over time to many small church congregations. Have we prayed for rain? For God to send a flood of grace? Take time now, cry out to God – “Come on God, send a soaker - make us strong again. Cleanse us so we may walk with you. Send an anointing of your Holy Spirit upon us so we may be revived, restored and renewed.