DON'T ASK JESUS TO HEAL YOU...

In the book of Matthew, Jesus encounters two blind men. In chapter 9 verses 27-31 we have a record of the interaction. The two blind men follow Jesus, begging him to heal them. He asks them if they believe he is "able to" to it. They both say yes and Jesus says, "According to your faith, let it be done to you." And they were both healed immediately. There is indeed a big question as to how large a role does our faith play in Jesus ability to work miracles in our lives. But we'll save that for later (the month of November at the RISING).

Notice how after Jesus healed these men, he warns them to not tell anyone, but immediately they started spreading the news about Him. Now it's a difficult command that Jesus gives these two. They've been blind for who knows how long and of course they want to share their excitement of being healed with everyone. None the less, it was a direct command and they failed to follow it. One could say that these men were ready to embrace Jesus as their healer, but not yet as their LORD.

So I ask you, is Jesus only your healer? Are you ready to make him your master, whom you obey at all costs? That is what Jesus wants. He's not satisfied with just helping us through the hard times in life. He wants more than requests from us. He wants our hearts, humbled and ready to serve Him. If you're not ready for that, then I'd suggest that you don't ask Jesus to heal you.

DON'T LET JACK & THE BOX GET IN YOUR WAY!

Today I was driving across town for an appointment. I was headed east, just south of the new Cardinal's Stadium ( I refuse to call it the University of Phoenix Stadium). As I'm driving across town, I often look for that GIGANTIC stadium to gauge how far I've traveled so far. At an intersection, I looked toward the north to see the stadium and I couldn't see it at all. It was nowhere to be found, almost like it had disappeared. As I started driving, I noticed it reappear out from behind the Jack & the Box that was right in front of me. I thought it was kinda funny that something as small as a fast food restaurant could actually block my view of such a large building.

It made me think. Sometimes in life, I believe we allow are immediate circumstances (which are temporary and small) to block our view of the GRAND things that lie ahead. When times are tough, don't loose faith and forget that great times lie ahead. Jesus came so that we can have life and have it to the full (John 10:10) and I believe that means that we'll experience lows and highs, hard times and times of plenty, days of pain and days of peace. So whatever you do, don't let the Jack & the Box get in your way!

WE DON'T NEED PEOPLE

Today, I was reading John 2 where Jesus cleared the temple of those trying to make money by ripping off faithful believers. I've got the leadership Bible by John Maxwell with several insights into principles of leadership displayed in scripture. He noted that Jesus had courage to do the unpopular because He was serious about righteousness and pleasing God. "He could lead people, because he didn't need people." He was satisfied in pleasing His Father so He didn't have to worry about maintaining any popularity, instead He focused on doing what would please God.

As christians, we too can have the confidence that our calling is to please God. If at times that calling upsets men, we should make no apologies. May we live like we are called and experience the life God has planned for us!

CHURCH STICKERS vs. CHURCH PURPOSE

Here in Arizona, there is a phenomenon of putting stickers on the rear window of your car that is a logo for the church you attend. I've talked with several people as to reasons why they put these stickers on their cars. I've heard three major reasons.

First, marketing. People want to increase the visibility of their church. They want people all around the valley to know that this church exists.

Second, a sense of belonging. People want to feel like a part of a group. They long to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

Third, they modify their behavior behind the wheel. With the sticker on their car, they carry the name of their church and want to give a positive representation of their church. I've heard many say that it actually helps them drive more friendly.

All of these reasons for stickers are actually the true purposes for the church's existence. The church should be marketing and increasing the visibility of Jesus in our modern world. We need to be the evidence for God's presence. The church is supposed to be a community of believers who share everything in common. Like the first church, we are all there for each other. And finally, the church should indeed be modifying the behavior of the people. We should feel inspired by the church to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. We are all children of the King (actually the King of Kings) and we should act like it. So go ahead and put that sticker on your car, but more importantly, be the actual church that God calls us to be.

OFFER YOUR RESIGNATION

Do you know anyone who consistently plays the victim card? How about someone who's identity is wrapped up in how difficult their life is? Do you know "Debbie Downer" or "Bummer Bob?" If you do, be cautious. Cliches exist because they are generally true, and misery loves company. People who hold on to the victim card, will always need you to empathize. They will never stop expecting you to be their source of encouragement. They will time and again rely on you to keep their spirits up, while continuing to voice the "woe is me" attitude. They actually don't want life to be better, they want you to feel for them. Be careful, because as believers we are called by God to love and encourage one another, but we are not called to be enablers. We are not called to be spiritual medication to the chronically, intentionally ill. Don't be a part of that kind of company. And if you already are, the offer your resignation. Because there's a beautiful world out there that you're missing.