Sheep Food

  The young man ‘blinked’. He stood before Jesus, feeling rather confident that he was ‘worthy’ and would probably be ushered right in, maybe even continue being a person of ‘influence’ in God’s kingdom. I mean, look what all he (the rich, young ruler in Matt. 19) had to offer God with such an impressive resumé. From what I read in Matt. 7:21-23, he would not be the only one who could be so deceived. (You might want to read yesterday’s message if you missed it, or even read it again before continuing on here today) We’ve been looking at the story of the rich, young ruler who was in search of eternal life. Even with all his wealth and influence, he sensed that something was missing in his life and came to the very author of his existence who was more than willing to offer this life to him (John 10:10). But he blinked... when he heard what the ‘cost’ would be. (Luke 14:25-33) Have you ever gone into a fancy restaurant, or jewelry store, or high-end car dealership, and the one thing ...

  He is often referred to as the ‘Rich, Young Ruler’ who approached Jesus with a question wanting to know how he might obtain this ‘eternal life’ that Jesus was often speaking about. He assumed there must be some ‘good thing’ he could do to obtain it, and was probably ready to ‘do it’, whatever it might be...or so he thought. (Matt. 19:16) Not only do we learn he had wealth and influence, being a ruler (Luke 18:18), but he also exhibited a respectful attitude, and clearly had a good upbringing as we read how he came and ‘knelt before Jesus’ (Mark 10:17)...informing Him that he had been taught the commandments (and kept them) since he was a young lad. (Matt. 19:20) I also find it noteworthy that in spite of all this young man must have possessed, he clearly recognized that something...was missing in his life. And he came to the One who was offering life... in search of how he too might obtain it. (John 10:10) Do you not find it interesting that in responding to his question as to ho...

  If you have never seen them in a movie or TV show, I’m guessing you have at least heard the expression that refers to a ‘ball and chain’. This form of punishment and restraint was often used in the 17th century Americas to limit and restrict leg movement of both prisoners and slaves, with the shackle and ball weighing anywhere from 5-25 pounds. Anyone who was bound with such a device could at best, shuffle through a field while working, but it would be futile to think you could pick up that ball with its short chain and make a quick run for it in search of freedom. So imagine with me now going to your local swimming pool or club where you can swim laps; but before you dove or slipped into the water, a ball and chain was attached to one of your legs prior to beginning your swim workout. Care to guess how far you might make it no matter how hard you splashed and kicked? Take a moment with that scenario and let the reality of such a struggle sink in. I would submit to you today...t...

  It happens rarely, but every now and then someone will come across one of my posts and want to engage in a little theological ‘sparring’. I have stated in times past that I am totally open and receptive to fielding any questions someone has regarding something they may have read, but I usually like to redirect the conversation ‘off board’ via private messaging. We’ve all seen how those kind of ‘discussions’ can take a life of their own, especially in the political climate we live in these days. But there is one particular exchange of dialogue that occurred a few months back that stands out to me... I don’t remember the full context of what this person was wanting to contest, but I clearly remember a point they took exception to which had to do with the conversation that took place in the Garden of Eden where the serpent deceived Eve into eating the fruit. My purpose in referring back to that incident, often, is to illustrate this pattern the enemy has in wanting to refute God’s...

  If you want to see yield, you have to learn to yield. Yeah...why don’t you take a moment with that one. It’s not a Bible verse, but gosh... it has so much truth wrapped up in it, if I could say so myself. That statement just kind of ‘dropped into my spirit’ the other morning when I was up studying. While I can appreciate catchy phrases and such, I’m not a big fan of ‘soundbites’ for this reason alone: We have reduced our ability to truly take the time to read and learn and in turn... have settled for leaning on catchy slogans. Trust me, I’m aware that plenty of people will not take the time to read and study out these lessons I share here simply because of their length, which is fine; I’m not looking for a ‘following’. Folks are just way too busy for that anymore (Matt. 22:2-5; Luke 14:16-20)  And yes, there is a danger in replacing the word of God with our clever little 'catch phrases' (Mark 7:8,13) I had been thinking about how to better explain what it means to ‘take ...

  For as much emphasis that I have placed on the importance of abiding in Jesus, which the word itself does, and most sincere believers today will admit to not doing based on their own confession (1 John 2:6; 3:6)...the last thing I want to try and do is reduce it to some ‘3-Step Easy Formula on How to Abide in Christ’. That is NOT...what abiding in Jesus is about. Yes, the WWJD bracelets were a cute and noble idea, but they fell short in truly transforming hearts into becoming a ‘new creation’ (2 Cor. 5:17) Now having said that, I would like to offer up some ‘practical tips’ that might better help your mindset as you purpose in your heart to truly surrender to His leading and Lordship (Matt. 7:21; Luke 6:46; John 10:27; Heb. 5:9) If I were to ask you what is one of the more troublesome ‘besetting sins’ (Heb. 12:1) that you contend with on an ongoing basis, meaning you do well for a while, then ‘stumble and fall’ as you regress back into old habits...but then pick yourself up an...

  I have a pretty good idea why you don’t hear that much preaching/teaching in the ‘church world’ anymore on the topic of sin. And truth be told, you have to applaud, or at least respect the reason why many in the pulpits today avoid addressing the topic (in the right spirit, of course) on a regular basis (Heb. 3:12-13). Most preachers would admit they too struggle with their own sins, daily...and it would seem hypocritical of them to preach ‘against’ something they have failed to overcome themselves. And what is not to at least appreciate about that? So we end up moving on to other parts of the Bible in hopes that we can encourage the ‘sheep’ in their walk of faith, having believed the lie that we can never be ‘free indeed’. Folks feel enough guilt and shame over their ‘imperfections’, do they not? Why come to church if you are only going to be ‘made to feel worse’ about yourself, right? Many a preacher, self-included back in the day, will often remind their congregants how whe...