Mid-Week Message - Heavy Burdens

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'"  Matthew 11:28-29  (NLT)

When something heavy needed to be moved in our home when I was younger, I was the child that was called upon to help.  I had an older brother but he never quite seemed to be around when these things needed to be done.  I became quite good at moving television consoles, couches, dressers and anything else that was more than a one person job.  I learned how to move most things on my own even, if I needed to do so.  Where there is a will, there is a way.  

Heavy physical burdens are quite familiar to me.  As I have dealt with obesity for most of my life, I know what it feels like to be weighed down and to be so overwhelmed with weight that I have found it difficult to move at times.  One of my favorite things to do is to float in a pool.  The feeling of being weightless is sheer joy!  

The physical weights we carry are easy compared to the other burdens that life places upon us.  All of us encounter times of trouble that drive us to our knees.  In the last few years, two of my closest friends have had to endure the death of a child.  I can't even begin to imagine how difficult that has been for them.  As a mother myself, I can think of nothing worse.  Carrying that grief was crushing for them.  They made it through by crying out to the Lord and understanding that they were not alone to bear the sadness alone.  He was with them in the valley they had to traverse.  

Today's verse refers to a yoke, which is a crosspiece that is laid across the shoulders of two animals to lighten a load for each of them.  We are not meant to bear the burdens of life alone.  Galatians 6:2 tells us to, "Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."  We are to come together to help each other.  When we do not have the strength to continue on our own, we need to be able to reach out to those around us. 

Psalm 55:22 tells us, "Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you.  He will not permit the Godly to slip and fall."  We have been created by a loving and caring Creator.  He never desired for us to feel alone.  He wants to be actively involved in our lives.  He cares about everything we encounter.  When we are weighed down, He will be there to lighten the load, to walk with us and to support us.  He can bring healing to the deep wounds that the pain of this life brings.  And He reminds us that a time is coming when we will be free of that pain for eternity.

What are you carrying today that is weighing you down?  Illness?  Financial problems?  Wayward children?  Whatever it is, ask Him to help you through it.  He is faithful and true and will make a way where there seems to be no way.  He adores you and is delighted when you turn to Him. God bless. 

Daily Word of God - John 9:1-5

John 9:1-5 New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Daily Word of God - Psalm 139:23-24

Psalm 139:23-24 New International Version (NIV)

23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

Daily Word of God - Matthew 5:3-10

Matthew 5:3-10 New International Version (NIV)

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Daily Word of God - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 New International Version (NIV)

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Daily Word of God - John 5:41-44

John 5:41-44 New International Version (NIV)

41 “I do not accept glory from human beings, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God[a]?

Footnotes:

1. John 5:44 Some early manuscripts the Only One

Daily Word of God - 1 Corinthians 7:17-19

1 Corinthians 7:17-19 New International Version (NIV)

Concerning Change of Status

17 Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Proper Living

Several months ago, I began to research the housing bubble of 2008. As many of you know, this was the time when the entire world slipped into a recession that lasted longer than any other. The recovery from this recession took a lot longer than it took for the Great Depression and previous recessions. Millions of people in the United States were unemployed. I remember the time so very well. I saw many of my dear friends struggling to make their mortgage payments, apartment rents and loan payments. Some even lost their homes. Everything that they had worked so hard for was gone in an instant. One day they were on top of the world and looking to buy a bigger home and the next day they were struggling to make their daily bills and financial obligations. It was a very tough time for all.

As I continued to do my research, I read article after article that listed the players in this tragedy that was euphemistically referred to as “the financial meltdown of 2008”. Banks, insurance companies, mortgage companies and a whole host of other financial organizations played fast and loose with a system that had been deregulated for years and “grey areas” of the remaining laws and regulations were exploited all in the name of greed. 

While so many suffered, others enjoyed a massive payday. These individuals and groups made billions of dollars off of the misery and pain of others. When I began to look for those to blame for all of this, it would have been easy to assign that blame to financial institutions and the “fat cats” of Wall Street. But, in the end, I placed the blame squarely on all of us. We all had a part in the meltdown. Many bought houses they couldn’t afford, because they thought that nothing could happen. When I talked with people who lived through that time, they all told me the same thing. Mortgage companies told them that real estate was the safest investment anyone could make. Each were given examples of properties that sold for two and three times what they were originally purchased for. Everyone was getting rich.

Just like the children’s game, Musical Chairs, the music was getting slower and slower and soon people were going to find themselves without a chair. Many literally lost their chairs when the banks foreclosed on their homes as the music stopped. The good times were over and everyone was looking for a way out.

While I was doing my research, I ran across a passage in Paul’s second epistle to the Thessalonians. In chapter three of that letter, Paul talks about proper living and how we should always conduct ourselves.

Paul writes, “For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: ‘Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.’ Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.”

Let me be clear here. Paul is not telling us that we turn our backs on those in need. We are commanded by the author and perfecter of our faith, Christ Jesus, not only to help those in need but to also love them.   

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, in chapter twenty-five, says, “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”

As Jesus tells us, we have a responsibility to our brothers and sisters who are in need. During the early days of the church, believers sold their homes and possessions to help those in need, especially the widows and orphans. Jesus even went further to tell us that we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. 

However, if there are those who are idle, they need to heed the words and commands of Jesus’ faithful servant. Paul is quite explicit in his words. He states, “We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.”

Later, Paul praises those who follow the words and teachings of Jesus and tells them not to get tired of doing good. We should always do our best and do good for all. During the meltdown of 2008, the ministry that my wife and I started with the generous donations of our faith family helped those in need. We helped with medication, utility and rent payments, bought food, clothing and gifts for those in need and loved all who needed a shoulder to rest or cry upon. When parents didn’t have enough money to buy Christmas gifts for their children, the ministry was there to help and provide.

Each day my wife and I thank Father God for the opportunities that He gives us to serve His children. Everything that we receive is a gift from His hand and we do not deserve it. It is out of His love for us that He provides for our daily needs and gives us that daily bread that feeds us spiritually.

With the holiday season coming up quickly, I urge everyone to live the words of Jesus and Paul. Do not remain idle. Always work hard in the Kingdom to help those in need. Counsel those who are idle and help them to see the righteous path so that they, as Jesus tells us in Matthew, “will go into eternal life.”

When we do what we are commanded to do out of love not only for our Heavenly Father but also for those around us, we know that we can keep a strong grip on the righteous teachings of Jesus and stand firm in His grace.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Daily Word of God - Matthew 13:18-23

Matthew 13:18-23 New International Version (NIV)

18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Daily Word of God - Ephesians 6:13-17

Ephesians 6:13-17 New International Version (NIV)

13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Daily Word of God - John 12:23-26

John 12:23-26 New International Version (NIV)

23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

Daily Word of God - 1 Corinthians 4:5

1 Corinthians 4:5 New International Version (NIV)

5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

Daily Word of God - Matthew 7:13-14

Matthew 7:13-14 New International Version (NIV)

The Narrow and Wide Gates

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 40:26-31

Isaiah 40:26-31 New International Version (NIV)

26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
    Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
    and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
    not one of them is missing.

27 Why do you complain, Jacob?
    Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord;
    my cause is disregarded by my God”?
28 Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Daily Word of God - John 3:5-8

John 3:5-8 New International Version (NIV)

5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[a] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[b] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[c]

Footnotes:

1. John 3:6 Or but spirit
2. John 3:7 The Greek is plural.
3. John 3:8 The Greek for Spirit is the same as that for wind.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 145:14-20

Psalm 145:14-20 New International Version (NIV)

14 The Lord upholds all who fall
    and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
    and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways
    and faithful in all he does.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
    he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The Lord watches over all who love him,
    but all the wicked he will destroy.