Intimacy

Matthew 8

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy

8 When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2 A man with leprosy[a]came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. 4 Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

It took me a while to think this one through.....

The first part was loud and clear! HE IS WILLING... God loves us so so so much that it is sometimes impossible to comprehend his love. He knows the desires of our hearts before we even ask. His plans for us are good and perfect! No body is more willing and has the the power to do what is best for us than God..... again.... HE IS WILLING..... sometimes, all it takes is for us to ask!

The second part was a bit tricky for me..... why do I have to keep it a secret? Did this guy actually keep it a secret? What is the message of lesson in this?..... INTIMACY.... that little something special that you hold so dear.... that something that you treasure and do not have to share to delight in it. Special moments, special communication.... those moments when God moves you and there are hardly words to describe it.... don't try to find the words.... just enjoy the moment and delight in the Lord.... hold on to your special moment.... let God move you :)

Foundations

Matthew 7:24-27

New International Version (NIV)

The Wise and Foolish Builders

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

I used to think this was all about those who have heard about Christ and know him.... sadly, its not..... its about actions and what backs up our actions.... on what do we base our actions and decisions? What use is it reading the word of God if all we do is read? we need to put into practice what we read...... but how easily we forget in the heat of the moment.... how quick to think, what will they say, what will they think, what is in it for me, how much is it worth or will it cost me?... and on and on.... and when things get tough (the storm) and it all falls apart around us, we wonder why.... we ask, why me God, we then remember to go back to him..... how do we expect not to be swept away by the storm if we base our lives, actions, decisions on things that change with the storm....

Who we are determines what we do.... what we think about.....

Who I'm I Lord? Help me define myself according to your will and live out your word...base my life on the only foundation that can with stand any storm that life brings my way.

Truth

Matthew 7:15-23

New International Version (NIV)

True and False Prophets

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

True and False Disciples

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

You will know them by the fruit they bear.....

First time I read or heard a sermon on this I thought it was limited to teachers of the word, false prophets and cults. In this case their followers (fruit) were a reflection of whether or not they are false....the ability to draw people to Christ....But man can not change the heart of another man, only God can...

Then I read it some time back recently and thought about how my mom always emphasized how what I do is not only a reflection on me but on her and my dad as well. Brought new meaning to the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree. So I and all the other offspring could be a reflection of who our parents really are!

Further still, not only with spiritual leaders and parents but people on a day to day basis. We interact with different people everyday, some are sheep and some are wolves in sheep skin.... so how do you tell them apart? The fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self control! it's a wonder we take the sheep for granted and seek out the wolves....Father open my eyes, heart and mind to recognize the sheep from the wolves....

Only they that do the will of God

I pondered this long and hard.... it all boils down to one word.....LOVE! It is the cry of my heart to love...always.....unconditionally....christlike love.

Paths

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.

It has been a while since I posted.... when I read this, it really got me.... got me real good. I then got overwhelmed with events (or did I?) was busy, will do it later I told myself..... and on and on....

I have not been travelling the narrow path.... I have been travelling the wide path... its easier and has more company....

Somehow I felt that the narrow path was lonely and I had to travel it by myself... this is not true... It doesn't say no body finds it.... it says a few find it.... so it wont be just me... I will have company!

I have with open eyes led myself to destruction, I have exchanged my future happiness for momentary pleasure and company..... and I have done this with my eyes and mind open and aware..... is/was it worth it...for a while I guess it felt like it was.

I am trying to find my way back to the narrow path that leads to the narrow gate that leads to LIFE! Come with me....be counted among the few.