Jesus is teaching his disciples about the cost of being a follower.  In the midst of his discussion, he states in Matthew 10: 26 – 33 three fears.  The first fear is that of sharing the gospel.  The second fear is that of being killed for sharing the gospel.  The last fear is that of security and provision.  These fears are those that we have as humans.  Fears that drive our actions and direction.  Jesus knew that we would have to address our fears.

 

However, there is a fear that is valid.  This is the fear of the one who can destroy your soul.  Now many think that this is Satan.  Possible, but unlikely.  There is only one who can destroy the soul and that is God.   Followers of Jesus need to have a healthy fear of God.  Fear in this sense is not terror, but respect and awe.  Something that we have lost in the past generation.   We need not to fear the things of this world.  We need to fear God.

When Jesus started his ministry, it began with two words, “Follow Me.”  Two words that demanded a decision.  Soon after, Jesus taught (Sermon on the Mount), healed people, cast out demons, and taught some more.  In the midst of this, he stopped one day.  Looking at the disciples he said, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves….”  At the end of this short teaching and warning, he stated, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.  It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.  If they have called the master of the house Beelzbul, how much more will they malign those of his household.”

 

Following Jesus is not all good times, wealth, perfect health, and a great spouse.  Following Jesus will mean times of betrayal by those who are close because of who you follow.  Our society does not like the truth.  Just as they tried to stop Jesus from speaking the truth, this society will try to stop you from speaking the truth also. 

Yet Jesus promised that the Spirit of God  will be with us.  He will provide the correct words, right actions, and the strength to endure what may happen.  He will always be with you.

Driving in the car and a cry from the backseat resonates, “Where are we going?”  It is bad as, “Are we there yet?”   Still a good question, “Where are we going?”  This nation at this time is in the middle of a great divide (normal people vs. liberals/progressives), big tech vs. freedom of speech, hate groups vs. freedom of religion, and common sense vs. “education.”  The truth–no one knows where this is truly going, yet.

 

History teaches us that most people do not learn from history.  The same mistakes are made over and over.  Sadly, this mistake of not learning cost hundreds of lives, millions of dollars, and freedoms destroyed (nations that is).  Why do we not learn from history?  The answer is simple, we are arrogant.  We believe that we will  not make the mistakes of the past, after all, we have matured, grown, have been enlighten.  All of this is of course wrong, but people never learn.

 

God’s Kingdom never changes.  It is based on an absolute truths — God is right, pure, all – powerful, all- mighty, Creator, Savior, unshakeable, truth, love, and the list can continue.  God is God.  It is black and white.  We need Him and Him alone.  No one or nothing else.  Stop relying on useless words from people, rely on the truth of God.

Tomorrow will begin a new administration for this nation.  I hope and pray that it will bring a growth as the previous.  It is at this time that we begin to pray like we have never prayed before.  It is time for us to get on our knees asking God’s forgiveness and direction.  Yet, if God does not hold back His hand of judgment we also need to pray for strength, wisdom, and direction.   Times may get tough.  Hard decisions may need to be make.  Still, God is in control.  This world is not our home.  No one can defeat us if we walk in the steps of Jesus.

Recently we watched the capitol building overran with “protesters.”  While I personally doubt the identity of these individuals, it was a interesting to watch the event unfold, both by social media(people on the scene) and TV.  Yet what caught my attention was the fact that there were some people there just to be there to let their voice be heard.  This morning they are upset that their voice was not heard by Congress.  There is a sense of doom and despair.  Understandable since there are tons of questions, witnesses to fraud, and video tape to vote manipulation. People are desperate, alienated, and angry. 

 

Now what?  At this time you would expect me to write, “turn to Jesus.”  That is true for only Jesus has the answers to life’s questions, solutions to the life’s problems and peace to life’s turmoil.  Still at times, we think there should be more.  There is.  We have grown accustomed to just listening and not acting.  For there to be change, there is always action.  Action in our case is not violence, it is giving.  Giving to the poor shows strength of character.  Giving food to the hungry shows compassion of the soul.  Bringing a homeless person into one’s home shows trust in mankind and God’s provision.  Visiting someone in jail demonstrates forgiveness to those who have given up hope.  Actions that Jesus describes changes the person (both giving and receiving) and the society.  One person helped, helps another.  After awhile, the society is changed and the peace of Jesus prevails. 

Some would say that we have survived 2020.  Yet, as we look around, the same problems exist.  We are faced with the same issues.  Really only the date has changed.

 

Now what?  Good question.   Jesus stated that we should “seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness.”  I believe that is the answer to our question.  Seeking Jesus and the Kingdom of God is a full life experience.  It requires total concentration, focus, and commitment.  When our focus is upon His Kingdom, Jesus promised that all of the other issues of life would be taken care of by God.  

 

Therefore, this year totally focus on Jesus and His Kingdom.  Let Jesus fill your life with His Spirit, purpose, peace and love.  He has the answers to all your questions.  Happy New Year!!

 

Everyone makes plans.   At the beginning of 2020 plans were made.  Well, we all know that did not work out.  Yet, that is life.  Constantly changing.  Nothing works out as planned. 

This weekend was true for me.  Saturday evening, I was in the ER and then transported to a VA hospital.  That was not the plan.  The plan is the same every Saturday evening and Sunday.  Prep for a sermon, church, and then out to lunch with the people from church.  Not this weekend.

 

Instead, I was blessed by some great nurses, who loved serving people.  Met some great doctors, who desired to make people well.  I was served by some fantastic CNA’s who always smiled and listened.  To those individuals, I thank you and I am grateful for your blessings, smiles, and service.  While pans did not go as expected, I was blessed.

 

2020 is almost over.  Things did not go as planned or did they?

It is that time of the year.  It is the time of celebrating, family, gifts, laughter, and cheer.  Is it?  Since the Covid has started, the government has turn to a new reality.  This reality is one of control.   Dictating what one can do, where they can go, how they can provide for their family has taken away from the spirit of this time of year.  Everyone right now is in survival mode.  When a person, society or culture is in this mode, there is usually depression, despair, and hopelessness.  There is no growth.  Hope is lost.  There is no dreaming.

 

It was that way when Jesus entered the world.  Times were tough under Roman occupation.  Freedom was not even in the vocabulary.  Yet in a stall is born the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.  A child who comes to introduce His kingdom of freedom, hope, peace, and love.  It is not a time of regret, but a time of wonder.  Why would He come here?

 

The answer is simple: you.  

As a child I heard those words often from my father.   “Walk with me,” he would say, knowing that this would be a teaching moment.  As I got older those words were seldom heard from him.   He had his life and I moved away from home to live mine.   As the years rolled by we would talk, but those words were hardly used.

 

When Joseph was told to take Mary as his walk, he was also told the name of the child.  His name would be Jesus.  Yet, Matthew added a Scripture from the Old Testament: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel which means, “God with us.”   Since the beginning of time, God has not walked with His people, but now He will through His Son.

 

“Follow me,” Jesus would say.  They have the familiar ring, “Walk with me.”  Jesus came to walk with us and we walk with him.   It is a teaching moment, healing time, a time of peace, and so much more.  Here it is that time of the year and we see the baby in the manager who would later invite us for a walk.   Who are you walking with?

Today, almost 80 years ago, Pearl Harbor was attacked.  The Japaneses attacked early in the morning, destroying most of the Pacific Naval Fleet.  Everyone was shocked.  The United States was dragged into a war that it was trying to avoid.  In a few months, the might of the United States people moved.  Japanese Admiral Yamato said it best, “I am afraid we have awakened a sleep giant.” 

 

Now the United States is in another war.  It is a war far greater than World War 1 or 2.  It is a war for the very soul of the nation.  This war will determine the path that will be traveled for decades if not generations to come.   

 

When Pearl Harbor was attacked, people across the nation was getting ready to celebrate Christmas.  That year, Christmas took on a whole new meaning, as it is this year.  People began to look at the manager, wishing for hope, peace, and sercurty.  Ironically, according to my grandmother, they found it. 

 

Whether it is a physical war or a war for the soul, in the manager we see the hope, the peace, and the security of God.  It heard in the soft cry of a baby boy who came to show the world the unimaginable power of God.

 

He shall be call Immanuel which means “God with us.”