Not One But Two

When Jesus was asked to name the most important command of all, He did not give one. Instead He gave two.

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”” (Mark 12:29–31)

It seems to me that Jesus is saying that the way that we demonstrate our love for God is to love people as well. I don't think that we can say we love God if we don't truly love people-ALL people. What do you think? Can you love God and not love your neighbor as yourself? Maybe God has that difficult person in your life to help teach you how to love Him.

Today as you go about your life LOVE GOD and LOVE PEOPLE!

Give God His Place

The religious leaders were doing all that they could to try to get Jesus to make some big mistake that they could use to condemn him. They sent there brightest and best to trip him up in front of the people.

Later the leaders sent some Pharisees and supporters of Herod to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us—is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them, or shouldn’t we?” Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you trying to trap me? Show me a Roman coin, and I’ll tell you.” When they handed it to him, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His reply completely amazed them.” (Mark 12:13–17)

They used flattery to try to distract him by saying: “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. "

But Jesus knew their motives and tactics and turned it back on them. He used this moment to make it clear that we are to give God what is rightfully His. They were amazed at his response. "Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His reply completely amazed them.”

So are you holding back on giving God the first place in your life? Are you making him the center of all that you do? Today, where does that need to take place in your life?

Jesus Cleans Up!!!

Today begins our Easter Reading Schedule: We are taking the next 43 days to read through the Easter Story in the Scriptures and allow God to work in us and through us.

Mark 11:15-17: On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He oer turned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written; My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." But you have made it a den of robbers.

Jesus made it clear that the temple was there for all people from all nations. It was to be a place where people could come and meet God regardless of who they were or where they came from. The religious leaders were taking advantage of those hwo came and making huge profits as a result.

Today, I am asking myself this question: What does God want to clean up in my life so that it I make it easier for others to get to know him? The thing that comes to my mind is that I need to be much more aware of the people that I come into contct with. I am prone to have my agenda and overlook opportunities just to connect with others and show an interest in them. Today, I am looking for ways God would want me to make a difference for them.

What about you, is there anything God would want to clean up in your life so that others could get to know him?

Good Friends...

I have been out of commission over the last several days due to the flu bug. During that time, I have had the opportunity to reflect on the value of having so many good friends in my life.

I have had many, many people praying for me and many who have contacted me. There have been others who have stepped in to help take over some things that I was responsible for-one who stepped in to speak on Sunday, one who stepped in to lead our small group, assist others in ministry etc, etc, etc...

I have also watched others step in to be a good friend to those in need. Visiting the sick in the hospital, preparing meals for those in need, giving food away, and even providing financial help.

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (Proverbs 17:17)

We all need good friends, we all need to be a good friend. Is there someone who needs you to reach out to them? Is there someone you just need to say thank you to?

Finding Joy in Humility

We usually don't associate joy and humility. Humility is one of those words that has some very negative connotations for us. We think of it as putting ourselves down, allowing others to take advantage of us or simply believing that we should be treated poorly. We would rather be treated as if we are more important than others and often believe that this is what will bring us joy and happiness. Yet the Paul tells us this:

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” (Phil. 2:5–8)

Paul makes it clear that humility is to characterize Christ-followers. In fact, Paul would tell us that we can and will find joy when we choose humility. We are to follow Christ's example and have the same attitude that He had and be willing to serve others as he did.

What do you think about when you hear the word humility? Can you find joy in humility? Whom can you serve today and treat as being better than you?