Making Claims

Have you ever had to make an insurance claim? You know, you’ve been in an accident or perhaps had damage to your home or had something stolen.

You call the insurance company to report the loss. They send out a claims adjuster, he writes an estimate of damage done and then it’s filed with the company, and you wait for restitution and/or the repair to your property.

We had to file a claim on our home and one of our vehicles once because of a hailstorm. It was a lengthy process. That was the thought as I was reading this morning in Mark.

“Then so many of them came to the house that there wasn’t even standing room left in front of the door. Jesus was still teaching when four people came up, carrying a man on a mat because he could not walkBut because of the crowd, they could not get him to Jesus. So they made a hole in the roof above him and let the man down in front of everyone.

When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the man, “My friend, your sins are forgiven.”

Some of the teachers of the Law of Moses were sitting there. They started wondering, “Why would he say such a thing? He must think he is God! Only God can forgive sins.”

At once, Jesus knew what they were thinking, and he said, “Why are you thinking such things? 9 Is it easier for me to tell this man his sins are forgiven or to tell him to get up and pick up his mat and go on home? 10 I will show you that the Son of Man has the right to forgive sins here on earth.” So Jesus said to the man, 11 Get up! Pick up your mat and go on home.”

12 The man got right up. He picked up his mat and went out while everyone watched in amazement. They praised God and said, “We have never seen anything like this!” Mark 2:2-12 CEV

That particular damage to the house could certainly be listed as “an act of God”.

These four friends wanted to bring this man to Jesus, so they just picked up his bed and carried him through the streets to the house where Jesus was. Not being able to get in because of the crowd, they carried him to the roof and made a hole in it.

Now for the tricky part. They had to let the man down through the hole and hope that he would drop in close to where Jesus was standing. The Bible doesn’t specify but the friends must have come prepare for every possible circumstance. Did they bring the tools that made the hole in the roof? How long did it take to deconstruct? How did they let him down into the house? Did they bring ropes that they tied to his bed?

However, they did it, it didn’t matter. What mattered was their faith in getting to Jesus? They made claim on Jesus’ ability to heal their friend. Jesus also made a claim. His claim was that the man’s sins had been forgiven. That one set the religious leaders on edge. They objected – they refused His claim.

Jesus produced the evidence that supported His claim. “Take up your bed and WALK”. The man had been crippled. How long, we don’t know. But there was power in the words Jesus spoke. Power to give strength to legs that hadn’t walked in quite some time. Power to refute the skeptic minds of the religious elite. Power to heal and forgive.

Claim filed and settled.

“But I trust you, Lord, and I claim you as my God. 15 My life is in your hands. ” Psalm 31:14-15 CEV

We all need to make a claim. We claim the Father as our Lord and our God. We place our lives in His hands.

“Everything and everyone that the Father has given me will come to me, and I won’t turn any of them away.

38 I didn’t come from heaven to do what I want! I came to do what the Father wants me to do. He sent me, 39 and he wants to make certain that none of the ones he has given me will be lost. Instead, he wants me to raise them to life on the last day.” John 6:37-39 CEV

The claim we make on God’s love will certainly insure us against loss.

My Father’s Hands

Thinking this morning about my earthly father and my heavenly father. My dad was a burly guy – a real man’s man. He wasn’t tall, just under 6′ but his hands were huge!

Our heavenly Father’s hands are big too. He says that he holds us in His hand, and no one can steal us out. His hands are my protection and my provision.

 I give my sheep eternal life. They will never die, and no one can take them out of my hand. 29 My Father is the one who gave them to me, and he is greater than all. No one can steal my sheep out of his hand.” John 10:28-29 ERV

God, our loving heavenly Father, comes to make peace in the midst of the storm, bring restoration to the brokenhearted, give freedom to those who are imprisoned, healing to those who are infirmed and forgiveness to us all!

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has chosen me to tell good news to the poor. He sent me to tell prisoners that they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. He sent me to free those who have been treated badly 19 and to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness.” 20 Jesus closed the book, gave it back to the helper, and sat down. As everyone in the synagogue watched him closely, 21 he began to speak to them. He said, “While you heard me reading these words just now, they were coming true!” Luke 4:18-21 ERV

These words summarize the ministry of Jesus and even though his disciples were with Him daily they still didn’t fully understand his mission. We see that when they asked this about the blind man they encountered begging by the roadside.

“As Jesus walked along, he saw a man who had been blind since birth. 2 Jesus’ disciples asked, ‘Teacher, why was this man born blind? Was it because he or his parents sinned?’” John 9:1-2 ERV

The disciples were asking an honest question. They made an assumption that many of us make when we see someone who has met with misfortune; “they must have done something wrong, and God is punishing them”.

Listen to Jesus’ answer.

“‘No, it wasn’t!’ Jesus answered. ‘But because of his blindness, you will see God work a miracle for him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do what the one who sent me wants me to do. When night comes, no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light for the world.’ 6 After Jesus said this, he spit on the ground. He made some mud and smeared it on the man’s eyes. 7 Then he said, ‘Go and wash off the mud in Siloam Pool.’ The man went and washed in Siloam, which means “One Who Is Sent.” When he had washed off the mud, he could see.” John 9:3-7 CEV

Our heavenly Father is not guilty of causing evil. He is guilty of unconditional love, sacrificing His only Son to reconcile us to Himself and of giving us His word for instruction and correction. He does not tempt us with evil but is responsible for every good and perfect gift that comes into our lives.

Thank you, Father, for holding me in Your hands. I can trust Your love!

Start With A Smile

Doesn’t take much to make me smile in the morning…a good night’s rest, a cool morning, coffee in my new mug and knowing how very much the Father loves me!

Do you remember in Isaiah where the names of Jesus are prophesied? Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, PRINCE OF PEACE!

Prince of Peace.

Aww, take that in! Prince of Peace. Our Jesus is the one who rules and directs peace. Peace must go where He sends, it must stay as long as He says.

“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” John 14:27 AMP

Another verse that tells us what Jesus came to bring is in Isaiah 52.

“How beautiful and delightful on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace, Who brings good news of good [things], Who announces salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7 AMP

This lines up perfectly with what the angels said when they announced Jesus’ birth.

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. 11 For this day in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah) …14 Glory to God in the highest [heaven], And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.” Luke 2:10-14 AMP

Peace: the presence of God and the assurance of God that all will be well. Exalt faith over fear; believe God more than your circumstances!

“Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth…As long as we are in these bodies, we are away from the Lord. But we live by faith, not by what we see. We should be cheerful, because we would rather leave these bodies and be at home with the Lord.” II Corinthians 5:1, 7 & 8 CEV

So, smile. Be cheerful and let peace rule your heart.

A Reliable Cure

Have you ever been to the doctor and had them ask you about your medical history and your family’s medical history? Lots of questions and sometimes you wonder if they are even listening as you answer.

This morning, I have a question for you. Do you have heart trouble? Are there triggers in your life that have or are now affecting your heart?

Then let me give you a prescription for the cure.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1 KJV

Jesus spoke these words to his disciples right before His crucifixion. If anything would cause “heart trouble” for them it would be this, but Jesus’ command was don’t be troubled.

“My son, pay attention to my words and be willing to learn; Open your ears to my sayings. 21 Do not let them escape from your sight; Keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, And healing and health to all their flesh. 23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:20-23 AMP

King Solomon knew the way to prevent “heart trouble” was to pay attention to God’s word. It provides health and healing to all who choose to live by it.

The dosing instructions for this prescription were given to Joshua by the Lord.

Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you doRemember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 ERV

Twice a day are the instructions but more if needed – day and night.

So, if you are experiencing heart trouble this morning, I’m sending you to my cardiologist, He’s never lost a patient. You have a private consultation with Him, listen to His instructions.

 I have told you all these things while I am with you. 26 But the Helper will teach you everything and cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name.

27 I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am leaving, but I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be happy that I am going back to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am. 29 I have told you this now, before it happens. Then when it happens, you will believe.” John 14:26-29 ERV

I guarantee you that Jesus knew about situations that could weaken the heart. He had faced physical and spiritual attacks, mental temptations and reputation destroying lies. In the final night before His death, He was preparing the disciples to withstand the attacks of the heart.

 I have told you all this now to prepare you. So when the time comes for these things to happen, you will remember that I warned you… 33 “I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:4 & 33 ERV

Take the Great Physician’s prescription and keep your heart strong!

Fruit Inspection

Dave and I grew up on the Arizona/California border. We were very familiar with the Agriculture Inspection Station at the border.

“Do you have any fruits or vegetables to declare?” That was always the question.

The Department of Agriculture didn’t want any pests transported from other states to the fruit and vegetable growing in California.

Did you know Jesus has something to say about fruit inspection?

He has been teaching on the mountain for three chapters now. We’ve heard him teach on adjusting our attitudes, how to pray, how not to worry about anything and not to judge others. All daily life, practical teaching from the heart of God.

As Jesus comes to the end of this time with the multitude He gives us a strict warning.

Watch out for false prophets! They dress up like sheep, but inside they are wolves who have come to attack you. 16  You can tell what they are by what they do. No one picks grapes or figs from thornbushes. 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. 19  Every tree producing bad fruit will be chopped down and burned. 20  You can tell who the false prophets are by their deeds.” Matthew 7:15-20 CEV

What Jesus came to share was good news and it brings a harvest of good fruit. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Galatia about the fruit that God’s Spirit produces in our lives.

 God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23 gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.” Galatians 5:22-23 CEV

This fruit is very similar to what Jesus described as the be-attitudes. It’s so important that we don’t allow our fruit to become infected by the harmful pests of pride, anger, fear, greed, malice and gossip. These things can and will ruin our fruit.

“Not everyone who calls me their Lord will get into the kingdom of heaven. Only the ones who obey my Father in heaven will get in. 22 On the day of judgment many will call me their Lord. They will say, ‘We preached in your name, and in your name we forced out demons and worked many miracles.’ 23  But I will tell them, ‘I will have nothing to do with you! Get out of my sight, you evil people!’” Matthew 7:21-23 CEV

God will judge, not us. In our day, we have seen examples of false prophets. Jim Jones is one of the first to come to mind. “We preached in your name”.

Our job is to be fruitful. Jesus gave us a clear message on that.

“Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me.” John 15:4-5 CEV

We don’t judge, but we do inspect fruit.

One Small Thing

Yesterday afternoon I had errands to run. First a stop at the bank, then the grocery store, Walgreens and finally my hair salon.

My purchase at Walgreen’s was $21.99. The cashier gave me several bills and one penny change. I looked to find a donation jar where I could deposit my penny but there was none.

I remembered hearing a story once about a wealthy man who said he would stop and pick up a penny when he saw one on the ground. It reminded him to be thankful because on that penny he read the words “in God we trust”. Not his success or the amount in his bank account but it was in God that he placed his trust.

After hearing this story, I stop and pick up the coins I find on the ground and keep them in my pocket during the day. They remind me to trust God, whatever the day may bring.

So, I deposited the penny on top of a trash receptacle with a prayer that someone would find it and it would remind them to put their trust in God. Silly I know, but that’s what I felt led to do.

On to my hair appointment. When I got there my stylist was visibly upset. I asked what was wrong. She choked back the lump in her throat and told me that one of her clients had died, and she had just found out that a dear friend was dying, and another friend had just learned she had cancer. She was overwhelmed.

The Lord put it on my heart to pray for her. I asked her if we could pray, and she grabbed my hand. I prayed and she sensed a real peace and comfort that only God can give. As we walked to the wash basin she said, “you know some people wouldn’t have done that, thank you”.

Small things. A penny. A prayer.

And that leads us into this morning’s verses.

12 Do for others what you would want them to do for you. This is the meaning of the Law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets.

13 “You can enter true life only through the narrow gate. The gate to hell is very wide, and there is plenty of room on the road that leads there. Many people go that way. 14 But the gate that opens the way to true life is narrow. And the road that leads there is hard to follow. Only a few people find it.” Matthew 7:12-14 ERV

Jesus was all about touching people’s lives. Intervening in their mess. Providing healing, forgiveness, help and comfort. He showed them that they could trust in God. He lived the golden rule, Do for others what you would want them to do for you. He is our example. If we want people to be kind and caring, we need to be that for them.

Jesus came to show us that we don’t have to do life on our own. We can trust our heavenly Father. Jesus openly said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.” John 14:6 ERV

Jesus was the narrow way He was speaking of. He still is!

It’s not by good works, church attendance, charitable donations, self-sacrifice that we find the narrow way. It’s only found by following Jesus. That doesn’t make us narrow-minded; no, just focused on the path that leads to life eternal.

Look for the small things that will show others “the way”.

Time for an “I” Exam

Just last week Dave went to the optometrist. He was able to pick up his new glasses on Friday. It’s interesting how just a little adjustment can make such a big difference in clearer vision.

Jesus is still teaching on the mountain and in today’s verses He’s called us all in for an “I” exam.

 Don’t condemn others, and God won’t condemn you.  God will be as hard on you as you are on others! He will treat you exactly as you treat them.

You can see the speck in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the log in your own eye. How can you say, “My friend, let me take the speck out of your eye,” when you don’t see the log in your own eye? You’re nothing but show-offs! First, take the log out of your own eye; then you can see how to take the speck out of your friend’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5 CEV

We have to remember that all of these verses from the last few days flow together from one teaching. Although little segments can be pulled out for study, they must stay in context with the whole message.

Jesus has already taught us on having a proper attitude, not being a showoff and being light and salt in a world that has spent so much time in darkness. He’s emphasized that we are to love as the Father loves. It only follows that He would instruct more thoroughly on how to treat and deal with others.

Don’t judge unless we would like to be judged. (I didn’t say it, Jesus did.)

Yikes, that one hits pretty close to home. I think we all can fall into that dangerous ditch of judging. That’s why we need to have our eyes examined. It’s easy to see the faults in others; sometimes we even magnify them, and then we overlook our own faults.

But Christ saw that we all need a Saviour.

“Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could be right with God.” II Corinthians 5:21 ERV

“Honor God by accepting each other, as Christ has accepted you.” Romans 15:7 CEV

” But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. 35 If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 CEV

 If you think you are better than others, when you really aren’t, you are wrong. Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don’t compare yourself with others.” Galatians 6:3-4 CEV

God treats everyone alike. He accepts people only because they have faith in Jesus Christ. 23 All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. 24 But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.” Romans 3:22-24 CEV

Now, don’t choke on your coffee when you read “He treats everyone alike”. God’s grace and mercy is extended to all of us. “God loved the WORLD, so He gave his only Son”.

We don’t have to agree with what everyone says or does. God forbid, because then we would be agreeing with sin and that’s what God has delivered us from.

But, we do need to see through His eyes and love the sinner as He did for us without judging and condemning them. In God’s eyes, sin is sin. No big, no little – just sin that stops us all from having a personal relationship with Him. All sin is forgivable and once forgiven gives us a relationship with the Father.

Let’s have the Father give us an “I” exam and fit us with proper lens so that we see the world through His eyes!

Changing Times

Last week I ordered some new calendar pages for my Day-Timer. Do you remember the helpful, organizational calendars called Day-Timer?

I like to see things written down in front of me. Not in my phone or on my laptop, I need something I can flip open and see the month, change things as needed, move them to another day if necessary. Yes, I guess I’m old fashioned.

Well, the pages came, and I spent a good portion of yesterday morning adding birthdays, anniversaries, doctor appointments, etc. Today I’ll enter work dates and activities. As I flipped the pages it made me realize how quickly time is passing.

Even my morning routine is changing. Dave and I have been walking in the cool mornings. However, for the last several mornings we’ve had to wait a bit: it’s been too dark. I lament because walking at 6 a.m. still gives me time to get home, eat a bite, shower and be to work on time.

Yes, time is changing.

It’s changing spiritually too.

“You can be certain that in the last days there will be some very hard timesPeople will love only themselves and money. They will be proud, stuck-up, rude, and disobedient to their parents. They will also be ungrateful, godless, heartless, and hateful. Their words will be cruel, and they will have no self-control or pity. These people will hate everything good. They will be sneaky, reckless, and puffed up with pride. Instead of loving God, they will love pleasure. Even though they will make a show of being religious, their religion won’t be real. Don’t have anything to do with such people.” II Timothy 3:1-5 CEV

Those of us who know Christ sense that His return is near.

“This same Jesus Who was taken from you into heaven will return in the same way you saw Him go up into heaven.” Acts 1:11b NLV

He promised when He left earth that he would come back again and take those of us who are alive to heaven with Him. That day is coming. When? We don’t know for certain, but we are told to watch the signs.

“When you hear about wars and riots, don’t be afraid. These things will have to happen first, but this isn’t the end. 10 Nations will go to war against one another, and kingdoms will attack each other. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in many places people will starve to death and suffer terrible diseases. All sorts of frightening things will be seen in the sky.” Luke 21:9-11 CEV

Those are Jesus’ words. The message is not one of fear but one of hope.

” When these things begin to happen, stand up tall and don’t be afraid. Know that it is almost time for God to free you!” Luke 21:28 ERV

“Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. … I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together.” John 14:1-3 CEV

There isn’t a date we can put on the calendar.

 But no one knows the day or the hour. No! Not even the angels in heaven know. The Son does not know. Only the Father knows.” Matthew 24:36 NLV

The heart of every Christian should be excited. The times they are a changing and the Lord is coming soon!!

New Life

Our granddaughter shared a post yesterday. She is 37 weeks, almost to her due date. We are so excited – she is about to give birth to our second great granddaughter!

I remember those days of being an expectant mother. I wanted everything to be perfect. As I sat here thinking about those days and my emotions, the excitement is fresh in my mind. Wanting the best for them – little outfits to wear, everything perfect in the nursery, what to feed them, and who they would grow up to be.

I’m so blessed by their lives and by the Lord’s faithfulness to them. Thinking on all of this I was reminded of a teaching I did years ago on our spiritual birth and how God planned it all.

Our heavenly Father prepared for our arrival.

Read the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3 – you must be born again. Then look at the question Nicodemus asked Jesus.

“Don’t be surprised that I told you, ‘You must be born again.’…9 Nicodemus asked, “How is all this possible?” …16 Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world. He did not send him to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him.” John 3:7-17 ERV

From the time of Adam’s sin in the garden, the Father began planning for our arrival with great expectation. He sent His Son to bring spiritual birth to all of those on the earth.

He planned what we would wear.

“You have taken off those old clothes—the person you once were and the bad things you did then. 10 Now you are wearing a new life, a life that is new every day. You are growing in your understanding of the one who made you. You are becoming more and more like him. ” Colossians 3:9-10 ERV

“Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks.” Ephesians 6:11 ERV

He also planned what we should eat and drink.

“Then Jesus said, ‘I am the bread that gives life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry. No one who believes in me will ever be thirsty.'” John 6:35 ERV

“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. 14 But anyone who drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give people will be like a spring flowing inside them. It will bring them eternal life.’” John 4:13-14 ERV

And then He planned for all of life’s other necessities as well.

“Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. 33 What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” Matthew 6:31-33 ERV

The Father has meticulously planned for our every need. His plan is perfect. Our responsibility is to trust Him and make relationship with Him our top priority.

He has given us new life!

Thank You for You

This time of year, I get a warm feeling of nostalgia. Early in the morning when I hear the pop, pop, pop of shot guns being fired I remember my days of going dove hunting with my dad, my brother and their friends.

Oh, I was never a very good shot. In fact, I hardly did any shooting at all. My main purpose for being asked to go was so I could “bird dog” the dove. But the thing was I got to go, and it truly is one of my fondest memories. Those times with my dad are more special than words can describe.

This morning, I began to pray I said “Father, I want to thank you for” then I paused and thought for a moment. What is the most precious thing that the Father has given me? What do I want to thank Him for the most? Then I continued, “I just want to thank you for being my Father.”

Not for things, not for blessings, not for getting me out of bad situations. I want to thank you for relationship! Thank you that I have been adopted into the family of God. Thank you that I have been given the privilege to have time with my heavenly Father.

Just like that little 10 year old girl who was always on the ready, waiting to hear my dad say “Come on Kris, let’s go hunting”, I hear my heavenly Father, who has my name on His lips 24/7, inviting me to go and do, to be with Him and to enjoy His presence.

Jesus was talking to Nicodemus in John 3 and told him this:

“Jesus answered, ‘Believe me when I say that everyone must be born from water and the Spirit. Anyone who is not born from water and the Spirit cannot enter God’s kingdom. 6 The only life people get from their human parents is physical. But the new life that the Spirit gives a person is spiritual. 7 Don’t be surprised that I told you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wants to. You hear it, but you don’t know where it is coming from or where it is going. It is the same with everyone who is born from the Spirit.'” John 3:5-8 ERV

New life, born by the Spirit into God’s family! Yes, that’s the best. The whole purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to provide a way of relationship for us with the Father.

” He came to the world that was his own. And his own people did not accept him. 12 But some people did accept him. They believed in him, and he gave them the right to become children of God. 13 They became God’s children, but not in the way babies are usually born. It was not because of any human desire or plan. They were born from God himself.” John 1:11-13 ERV

So as I sit here this morning, remembering Septembers of dove hunting past with my dad, I am also mindful of the relationship I treasure most.

Thank you heavenly Father, thank you for You!