Matt. 13. Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. Picture that. Did He have a cup of morning coffee? A beach chair? What was He thinking as He sat looking out across the water? Luke tells us that the fishermen were washing their nets, having come in from fishing all night. Still a quiet peaceful morning... until a great multitude shows up! So many people that Jesus had to get into Peter's boat and have him pull out from the shore a little. Then Jesus sat down ( picturing Him dangling His feet over the prow of the boat) and began speaking a parable. He tells the disciples that those who have ears to hear AND understand will learn mysteries or secrets about the Kingdom of heaven. But many hear and don't understand. Some let it ( the Word) be snatched away by the evil one; some let troubles and trials crush it so it doesn't reach down into their hearts; and some let worries and riches choke it so that nothing comes of it. Only those who HEAR and UNDERSTAND will bear fruit. It is a matter of the heart, a matter of deliberate listening to the Word of Truth. The LOGOs of the kingdom. Lord, keep the Truth of your word alive in my heart. Don't let me stop listening to your voice. Forgive me for allowing anything to crush, choke, or snatch away Your Words from my heart.
Thank you!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
June 10, 2011
Woke up this morning thinking I need to do something special. Tomorrow marks 1 year of retirement from teaching. I believe this blog is the answer God whispered to me. Hope I can make it into something worth reading. My idea is to share the thoughts that God speaks into my heart as I read His word and meditate on the truths He leads me to.
Today I have been thinking about the Kingdom. Jesus told his disciples to go and tell others that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Near. Close. ( Matt. 10) But in Matt. 12 Jesus tells the Pharisees that the Kingdom had come. The proof was that He was casting out demons! In my mind I am picturing a door; on one side is the world, with buildings and noise, smoke and darkness, busyness and confusion; and on the other side a beautiful meadow, sunlit, wild flowers and cool breezes. The door is hung on nothing, like some science fiction prop. The kingdom of Heaven.. where holiness and light and love is everywhere... is on the other side of the door. And Jesus IS the door. He said blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The poor - the pauper, the beggar, the mendicant - one who has absolutely nothing to call his own, but depends on the alms, the gifts of others for his life. Poor in spirit... without Christ I am without spiritual life. That is poor. But Jesus has given me life. Good news. He gives it to any who choose to go through the door, to seek Him. So thankful and amazed at the grace of my God.
Today I have been thinking about the Kingdom. Jesus told his disciples to go and tell others that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Near. Close. ( Matt. 10) But in Matt. 12 Jesus tells the Pharisees that the Kingdom had come. The proof was that He was casting out demons! In my mind I am picturing a door; on one side is the world, with buildings and noise, smoke and darkness, busyness and confusion; and on the other side a beautiful meadow, sunlit, wild flowers and cool breezes. The door is hung on nothing, like some science fiction prop. The kingdom of Heaven.. where holiness and light and love is everywhere... is on the other side of the door. And Jesus IS the door. He said blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The poor - the pauper, the beggar, the mendicant - one who has absolutely nothing to call his own, but depends on the alms, the gifts of others for his life. Poor in spirit... without Christ I am without spiritual life. That is poor. But Jesus has given me life. Good news. He gives it to any who choose to go through the door, to seek Him. So thankful and amazed at the grace of my God.
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