Why Do So Many Christians Fail to Have a Life of Blessing? Matthew 4:19

In many of Christ's teachings are statements that his followers would be blessed and be a blessing to the world.  Why do so many people try to follow him but fail to live the same joyful and purposeful life of blessing?

Maybe we need to read a little between the lines of what he said.

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." Matthew 4:19

COME

Jesus used the word "come" a lot. If you take a few minutes and look it up you will see he was always inviting people. Many people, however, get the wrong idea of what his invitation is about. He did not invite them to an organization, institution, religion, philosophy, movement, or any of the things we think of when we associate Jesus with the popular definitions. He said come but come to what? 

Matthew 4:19

FOLLOW ME

He invites us to himself. He calls us to know and experience him. But to know and experience him is empty without the following of him. We must know his teaching and his way, but more than that, we must be those who do what he taught. We must enact or practice the daily habit of putting him in our lives by obedience to him and knowing him. 

AND I WILL

The results or blessings of following him do not come from something we do but from something he does. We do not make our lives a blessing- he does. We don't make our own purpose; he does. Our religion does not fulfill us- he does. Our church does not give us meaning; he does. It is crazy, but it is all about him. 

SEND YOU OUT TO FISH FOR PEOPLE

This is a promise, but it is open-ended and not directly defined. It tells first, of God's activity in our lives, but this promise is not for a blessing but for labor. Fishing for others is not a self-focused activity: it is intensely other-centered. 

Fish for people is not specific. It may be a work among the poor or the marginalized people it may be reaching out to the sickly or refugees. It may be working among prisoners. It may be meals for the elderly. It may be the many traditional expressions of faith and service, such as preaching and teaching his Word. 

As there are many types of fish in the sea, so there are many answers to what fishing for people means. It is not even our determination because he said, "I will make you," so Jesus is the one who enables us to fish for men, and he is the one who defines for each of us what manner of fishing we do.

If we try to build or create our own blessing by following rules or some self-energized activity, we are going to be disappointed. If we give it all up and just focus on coming to Jesus every day and hour and focus on following him every day and every hour, then we will experience him in our lives. He will make us become a blessing to others. There is no guarantee that you will be blessed or fulfilled but you will have something greater; you will experience the works of Jesus in and through you. 

Blessings. 

A.E. Dozat © 11/10/20

What Should the Church be in These New Difficult Times?

Our world is changing and people are rethinking what the church is to be.  

When we think about the church we have many tools and resources available today to help us define it and give it expression and direction, but suppose we looked at what Jesus said instead? Shouldn't his words guide us?

Luke 19:46 says,

"It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be a house of prayer'; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" Luke 19:46. See also Matthew 21:13 and Mark 11:17, (The passage in Mark adds, "...prayer for all the nations...").

Every word of the Bible is sacred and to be dutifully obeyed, but how much more important is it to obey when something is repeated three times!  These are the things we really want to be careful about. 

The verse we are considering is from the account of the cleansing of the temple. Where Jesus turned over the tables of the money changers and used a whip of cords to drive the animals from the temple. 

WHAT WAS IT LIKE?

The worshipper traveled for days to the temple and offer sacrifices. But when he arrives he is told that the lamb he brought to offer is inadequate and he must buy a sheep from the temple merchants at an inflated price. He may have to sell the lamb he brought at less than its fair value. He may be told that the money he was bringing was not good enough for the temple and he had to exchange it for temple coin and to do so cost a percentage. This experience at the very least would distract him, it would very likely take the joy out of his worship, and maybe destroy the worship he was going to offer. 

DEN OF ROBBERS

Who were the robbers? Most people assume that Christ is talking about how the moneychangers were taking advantage of the worshippers that came to offer sacrifices and worship. Some people might argue that the robbers were the authorities who were allowing it to happen and they were profiting by it. Other people may say the leaders were the robbers by taking advantage of the people who came to serve God and worship and enriching themselves through religion. Those are valid interpretations but what if there is another?

Who was being robbed? What if the question about who is being robbed is answered by connecting the two statements together? For a moment let's connect the robbery statement to the statement of prayer like Jesus did.  This would mean that the robbery Jesus was talking about wasn't the swindling of the worshippers by the money changers but the robbery of prayer to the Almighty!

CAN GOD BE ROBBED?

It would be foolish to rob a cop, and more foolish to rob a prosecuting attorney and it would be even more foolish to rob the only judge in your town, but there is no greater foolishness than to rob God who is the judge of heaven and earth.

So, can God be robbed? YES! Malachi 3;8-9 says, Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me.

If God can be robbed because we fail to give Him the offerings and tithes, it is only a step away to rob Him by neglecting prayer.

Malachi 3:8-9

ARE WE THE ROBBERS?

When we fail to pray for others we may be keeping the Blessings of God from them. Perhaps we are robbing the nations when the church is no longer a place where they are prayed for. 

For all the hours we spend in church services, we only spend a few minutes in prayer and those minutes are often defined and consumed by prayer requests and little actual praying.

If there is one clear example from the teaching and actions of Jesus in this matter it is that the church is to be a community of prayer for the nations-our own and all others. (Of course not to neglect the other clear commands of scripture to love one another, assemble together, the lord's supper etc.)  

MY HOUSE WILL BE...

As we consider what the church is and does we should remember that it was Jesus who connected the idea of prayer for the nations and the statement about robbers. Sadly it is a statement of judgment and condemnation. His actions of cleansing the temple are actions of holy zeal for the temple and the purity of worship. We should take note of it or else we may see him do the same to the church 

today. 

If you want to rethink what church is start with reassessing the foundational place of prayer in church. Do not be surprised if from the foundation of prayer the other things that the church should be occurfes spontaneously.

 

(c)Adron Dozat 

What Should be a Christian's Political Point of View?

Is there a Biblical political point of view?

As a Christin, should I be a Republican, a Democrat, a Capitalists, a Socialist, or is there another that is closer to the Biblical point of view?

We Christians should live our lives in the sight of a loving God, yet one who is righteous and holy. When we try to put Him in our decisions, then we are often forced to ask ourselves difficult questions. But God's Word gives some direction, though not always clear answers. 

I know very little about what a Capitalist is, or a Socialist is, or any of those other political-economic ideals. But I know Jesus taught a lot about how to live life. And one of the things that stands out to me lately is the parable of the talents. Matthew 25:14-30.

Here is a link to where you can read it. I recommend that you do. 

In the parable, the ruler leaves on a journey and entrusts three servants with three different sums of money, and upon his return, he requires accounting for the management of those sums. The ones who respected him handled the sums well had doubled the amount. The third did not take responsibility and hid his in the ground and gave back the money to the ruler. The king rewarded the ones who were wise and punished the one that did nothing.

The story is about fearing God and being good stewards,  and it ends with the ruler judging all three and either rewarding or punishing the servants.  (I believe God is love- but you must remember He is holy and just).

The sums can represent anything, your material blessings, your wealth, your talents, your freedoms, your citizenship, and your vote.

I tried to read the Wikipedia article on capitalism, and it was long and complicated. So my limited understanding is that a capitalist says, "I earned it, it is mine, and I answer to no one for it." Of course, that is an oversimplified summary; but if it represents the foundation of the capitalist view, then I cannot be a capitalist because what I have is a gift from God and not the fruit of my own will. I must answer to God for it. That means tI should use the blessings He gives as He would have me use them, not as I would use them.  In short, I am to use these blessings that He has entrusted me with to obey God and to activity love my neighbor. 

I went to Wikipedia to try and learn about socialism. It is confusing,  Socialism seems to be many things and different groups have different interpretations of what socialism means. My basic understanding of the socialist view is, that no man lives unto himself, we are all one, so what is mine is yours and what is yours is mine. A Socialist should collectivity use his gifts for all. Again, this is oversimplified. But if it is a correct summary of the socialist's view then I cannot be a socialist because I personally must answer to God for how I use His gifts. I cannot surrender my responsibility to the collective. I admit I do not understand how Socialist and progressives get things done but it seems they must arrive at some common ground, but that ground may not agree with my understanding of God's command to love my neighbor. So I cannot be a socialist. I am mindful of the third servant in Jesus' parable I do not want to be judged like him. I must remember that I will answer to God for how I used the gift He gives me.  

I can make a long list of why I cannot be a member of this party or that, and no one would read it except to argue.  

The story of the ruler who entrusted his servants with different sums makes me think about fearing God and being a good steward. The parable ends with the ruler judging all three and either rewarding or punishing the servants.  (I believe God is love- but remember He is holy and just). 

When God gives these blessings, He still requires an accounting because we are stewards. If I may coin a phrase, we are DIVINE STEWARDS, because He who is divine has made us stewards.

I am responsible for the gifts God has given me. As a steward, I must become more educated and informed and use those gifts to further His cause of loving my brother. I cannot accept blindly what any party says because I am answerable to God- not to a group or a party. This responsibility of stewardship is not for the lazy of mind or weak of will. It means I have to work to know the truth about charities, institutions, people, and causes. I may, with a good conscience, support institutions, and non-profits that are either conservative or progressive. I can never say that there is a program that is supported by the conservative community (or progressive),  and I am a conservative (or progressive), so I will automatically give my support to it without researching it. In every case, as a steward, I must learn the answer to the question, "Is this the best use of God's blessings, and will it show His love to my brother?"

If anybody asks me if I am a Conservative or a Progressive, I say that I am neither. I have chosen the third view, and so I am a Divine Steward.  

(c)Adron Dozat 

Can We Be Close to Jesus Like His Disciples Were? Matthew 12:49-50

Wouldn't it have been wonderful to walk with Jesus as he traveled over the Judean countryside, just to be intimate and close to the Lord and really know him? Too bad those days are gone, but according to the words of Christ it is possible to us today.

"And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!  For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:49-50

CONTEXT
Jesus said this after being told his mother and brothers were waiting to see him but they were unable to approach because of the crowds.

You would have thought the response would be for Christ to jump up and go to his family since scripture teaches we are to care for our family. But it was more important that he use the moment for teaching to his greater family, about a greater extended family of greater intimacy.

AND STRETCHING OUT HIS HAND
A strange and small detail but this gesture is recorded for a reason. It shows many things.

• He was personable. That gesture is one any of us might make.
• It was a powerful communication to those he gestured to; imagine how they must have felt to see the Lord pointing to them as he declared they were his family.
• It is a detail that an observant journalist would report; this detail proves the account believable.
• The gesture makes his meaning unmistakable.

TOWARD HIS DISCIPLES
At first one would think Jesus meant the twelve but he gestured to all. His statement was inclusive and not just the twelve. If it included the crowded house of that day it must also include the crowded world of today.

HERE ARE MY MOTHER AND MY BROTHERS
Did you ever want to be one of Christ's disciples, what about being his brother or sister? In this statement, our Lord says, "Yes you are my brother my sister...."

FOR WHOEVER
The whoever in this verse is you and me. Not just some super saint, or priest, or seminary graduate but any guy on the street can by obedience to the Father become accounted as a brother or sister.

DOES THE WILL
We use the word, does, as an action word it is a word of work, doing and moving. Doing the will of the father is not about sitting in church on Sunday but more. We have to know His will and that means knowing His Word then we have to be obedient to its teaching.

INVITATION
To declare the possibility of kinship with Jesus by obeying the father is an invitation, it is saying the door to intimacy with Jesus is open.  But do we do God's will? The Bible offers many verses about God's will.  Here are just a few for you to start with.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Give thanks.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Be sanctified.
• 1 Peter 2:15, Do good.
• 2 Peter 3:9, For none to perish.
• Micah 6:8, Walk Humbly.

If you want to learn more about having the light of Jesus in your life follow THIS LINK.

(c) Adron 12/25/17

What If Jesus Came To My Church Today? Matthew 24:13

Is everything in church ok? Are there some things we do that do not make God happy?

"It is written," He said to them, "My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers." Matthew 21:13.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND
The quote above is from when Jesus entered the temple courts and found the merchants making a profit by changing money to temple coin and selling the sheep and cattle needed for sacrifices. Jesus drove the profiteers out of the temple.

ACTIONS OVER WORDS
The things Jesus did said as much as his teaching. He did not complain about the injustice of profiting at the expense of poor people seeking God, instead, he took action and drove the merchants from the house of worship.

YOU ARE THE CHURCH
The church God is not a building or even what we do in the building but the church is the people who come to the Lord through faith.

WHAT IF JESUS CAME TODAY
If Jesus turned over the tables and drove the crooks out of the temple what can we expect if he comes into our lives today? Would he judge, condemn, and throw everything out? Jesus was loving and gentle to those who came to him but was harsh to those who hindered them from coming.

OUR MOTIVATION
Knowing Christ brings us into a relationship. We can expect his activity in our lives; he will be loving but he will not tolerate compromise or hypocrisy for long. We should examine our acts and motives to see if any are offensive and turn from them. If Our Lord cleansed the temple we can expect he will do similar acts in our lives.

Though we should act against injustice and wrongdoing we must turn from things that are wrong and ask his help to do right. He is willing to cleanse us and then we will be able to serve him, our churches and our communities.

To learn more about how to have a personal relationship with the Lord see my other blog.

Thank you for visiting and reading my blog. I sincerely hope this post is helpful and an encouragement.  For more like this see the most popular post in the left sidebar, or use the search box above.

(c) Adron 9/29/14

Does Jesus See My Needs?

We have needs that go on unfilled, needs like love, forgiveness, freedom from guilt and a need for hope.  Does Jesus know- does he care?

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36, NIV.

CROWDS
The first words tell it all. "When He saw the crowds..." He sees. He is looking in a way that is thoughtful of us. When Jesus saw the crowds he saw the individuals in an intimate, understanding and knowing way.

We may not have been there that day but we are all alike; we are hungry for something in our lives and want to find meaning, purpose, God, hope, and comfort for our souls. No matter how many we are he cares for each of us.

COMPASSION
Jesus lived a life that was full of emotion. He felt compassion for the crowds. The religious leaders of his day had no feeling for the crowds, they sought their own benefit. Jesus cares for each one in the crowd. He sees our need and sets it ahead of his own.

HARASSED
We are harassed today by guilt and sin. We are victims of people who should love us or who are malicious. Our world promises peace and prosperity and we chase the dream of happiness but are disappointed. We look for hope and chase after one promise of happiness to the next.  We are harassed by our own longings and desires. We cannot escape our sins or purge our guilt.

SHEPHERD
Jesus is the shepherd who has compassion on us. He knows our need and he acts. Compassion is not just feeling it is a feeling that leads to action. Jesus is the shepherd who gave his life for the sheep* and he arose from the tomb to be the one who gives victory and assurance of the permanence and power of his love for us.

Jesus came to meet our greatest need- the need for forgiveness from our sins and to be brought back to God. When we come to him we begin a new life in him; some of our needs are resolved and some others we must wait until he finishes working in us.

Feelings may lead us astray and though we may not feel it the facts are that Jesus meets all of our deepest needs.

To learn more about having a new life in Jesus follow this link: Click Here.

*John 10:11

(c)Adron Dozat

Can We Trust The Words of Jesus?

Are the words of Jesus special?

Everybody likes to quote a favorite quip from the teaching of Jesus, usually when it justifies our actions or to humble someone else. Are the words of Jesus different from teachers of other faiths, can we trust his words more?

"Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will never pass away."Matthew 24:35, NIV.

JESUS' WORDS
For Jesus to make a claim that his words will never pass away and even outlast heaven and earth is to claim something that only God can say. It would be arrogance or insanity if someone said this sort of thing, but Jesus went around doing what only God could do, like raising the dead, stopping storms, commanding demons, healing the incurable with a word or touch, etc. so the evidence of his life makes his words trustworthy. Because he did the things only God could do, he had the authority to say what only God could say.

COMFORTING WORDS.
It is comforting that Jesus said, "My words will never pass away." Salvation is based on the words of Jesus where he promised that "whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 Therefore, we trust in the words of Jesus' promise of salvation. Since salvation is a promise God gives to us, and His word will never pass away, so also salvation will never pass away.

TRUSTWORTHY WORDS
The circumstances of life may change, but Jesus' word and God's promises in the Bible will never change. What Jesus promised to us yesterday is true today. We cling to the promise of God's love and need never worry that His promise will change. We hope in his promise of forgiveness through Jesus blood, and we know that promise will never pass away. We call upon his promise to abide with us, and never fear He has departed, because his word will not change.

OUR WORDS
We should make the words of Jesus our own words. Our lives and the world are temporary; our achievements are passing, our monuments do not endure, and our possessions decay. Jesus's words are eternal and righteous, and good for us- wouldn't it be wise to invest in it?

We need to spend time learning his words and teaching. We must stop spending so much time on things that don't last even a few years and completely ignore something that will last forever- God's Word. We spend too much time watching TV, playing games, window shopping, and generally amusing ourselves for a little while. Instead, we need to study God's word and build a life that will have eternity in it.

(c)Adron Dozat 5/25/13

How Did Jesus Handle Rejection?

This short post gives a perspective on being rejected from the example of Jesus who experienced tremendous rejection and misunderstanding.

***

When we experience rejection we are sometimes angry and hurt, we lash back or pout.  What did Jesus do when he was rejected?

How did Jesus handle with Rejection

"But when the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, 'Hosanna to the Son of David,' they were indignant. 'Do you hear what these children are saying?' 'Yes,' replied Jesus, 'Have you never read, from the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise. 'And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night." Matthew 21:16-17, NIV.

SO SAD
This is the sorry end of what should have been the greatest day in history.  The people were ready to receive him as king, he came riding humbly on a donkey to fulfill prophecy, (Zechariah 9:9), he cleansed the temple, the children were praising him, and he healed the sick, all are actions demonstrating that he was the rightful king- but, the leaders out of jealousy rejected him.

JESUS' REACTION TO REJECTION
     * Jesus did not argue further with them.
     * He did not demand they accept the evidence of his authority and Kingship.
     * He did not force himself upon them.
     * He did not use power to overcome the rejection.
     * He did not command angel armies or followers to support of His Kingship.

He does not force himself on anybody, Jesus offers himself.

REJECTING JESUS TODAY
The offer was rejected, "and he left them and went out of the city..."  Though he is Savior forever; there are times when we may reject his influence in our lives.  There may be an area of thought, family, job, friendships, or time management where he is waiting to be the king, but we reject his kingship.  When we reject him he withdraws, he won't force himself where he is not invited.

When the leaders rejected Jesus they rejected blessing, glory, and salvation for themselves and Israel.  When a person today rejects Jesus as king of family, thoughts, money, or some other area then they may be rejecting blessings.

A day is coming when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus is Lord, and a time when he will rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords; but we seem to be living in a time of grace and choice.

WARNING TO US
These are frighting words which say, "and went out of the city."  When rejected Jesus completely removed himself from them.  His influence was gone.  No more healing, miracles or teaching in the city that day.  Jesus promises to never leave nor forsake his own, he said that no one can snatch those who come to him out of his hand,  ( John 10:28); but the Christian life is a living, and growing relationship with Christ and relationships are work.  We must be open to Jesus and careful to not reject him in any area of our lives.

May our response to Jesus be not a cause for him to withdraw his blessings and influence in our lives.


If you are interested in receiving Jesus follow this link: Click Here.

Philippians 2:11  Revelation 19:16

(c)Adron Dozat

What Does The Bible Teach About Success Matthew 18:1-4.

We want to be successful in life, in career, in love, and in a way that gives peace of heart. There are many teachings on the subject in the world. What did Jesus say about it?

"At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: 'I tell you the truth unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"Matthew 18:1-4.NIV

THE DISCIPLES
The disciples were thinking that some earthly kingdom was about to come, and they would have a position of authority in it. So, they asked who will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Their ambition was to live in a palace, have power, servants, and wealth.

These disciples were a worldly bunch; workers, a traitor, a tax-collector, opinionated zealots, sunburnt fisherman, the ones called Sons of Thunder, and Peter called "Rock." Jesus brings a barefoot, thumb sucking, dirty-faced, runny-nosed kid; and says, "Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

CHILDREN:

     * Are disadvantaged in society.
     * Are defenseless.
     * Are dependent on others for food and clothing.
     * Are fearful.
     * Are unlearned in the ways of society.
     * Can contribute little to the economy.
     * Do not speak back and give advice.
     * Cannot get justice on their own.
     * Cannot earn a living.
     * Are needy for shelter.
     * Do not have a voice in the affairs that affect them.

BECOME LIKE ONE OF THESE?!
YES, because they are aware that they are dependent. Dependent on the "Grown Ups," forced to trust them for all things. So, like children we need to be dependent upon God and recognize that we need to trust His mercy, provision, care, and love. We forget how dependent we are, but we need to trust God like kids trust those adults around them.

This verse teaches we need to personally "change" or to use the old word we need to "Repent" and not seek greatness, status, or to be well thought of. The disciples wanted to be greatest, but the ways of God's Kingdom are different than our earthly world; we value pride and self-esteem, but God rewards humility and those who esteem him.

DECIDE
Children do not choose to be humble they just are, but we must choose. We must change and decide to be like a child, and to trust God. We must come to God with empty hands and depend on Him and let Him be all things.

To learn more about coming to God follow this link: Click Here.

(c)Adron Dozat

How To Find Out About Jesus

How can we understand who Jesus is?  Who is he in history, and human affairs? The correct view of Jesus is possibly the most important understanding we can have- all eternity may depend on it

"Simon Peter answered, ' You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Jesus replied, 'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man but by my Father in heaven.'"Matthew 16:17, NIV.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND
The words quoted are the conclusion of a conversation where Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Who do people say I am?" Peter replied that people thought he was John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or some other prophet. Then Jesus asked, "Who do you say I am?"

People have many ideas about Jesus; some say he was a teacher, mystic or just a man, and some deny his irrefutable existence but a few embrace his Deity.

So, who is Jesus? Peter declared he was the, "Christ the son of the living God,"

CHRIST
Christ is the one who is the Savior, chosen of God to rescue mankind from their sins, give peace to men's hearts, and bring them to a relationship with the Father.

SON
This not to say God gave birth in the physical sense but that God without giving up his deity took on the lower form of humanity, being both fully God and fully man.

LIVING GOD
This is referring to the true God, the only One, the Eternal One, who is active, Lord of life, a far cry for the gods the world then or today.

ENDORSED
Jesus replied, "This was not revealed by man but by my Father in heaven." Jesus did not say, "Peter, you got it wrong. I am not God," instead with the highest endorsement he reaffirms Peter's declaration.

The true person of Christ is something we must get right. We need the Father to reveal to us who he really is.

Pray...
     * For the Father to reveal who Jesus is.
     * To be willing to abandon preconceived ideas.
     * To be willing to change in response to what we learn.
     * As you read the Bible pray for God to show Jesus in its pages.

BLESSED
Christ said Peter was blessed because God revealed the truth to him. We will be blessed when we come to understand who Jesus is. Understanding Jesus will make all the difference in your life because no one who has a genuine encounter with Jesus remains the same.

To learn more about what Jesus means for your eternal salvation follow this link: Click Here.

____________________________

Thank you for visiting and reading my blog. I sincerely hope this post is helpful and an encouragement.  For more like this see the most popular post in the left sidebar, or use the search box above.  

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(c)Adron Dozat

Is Who Jesus Is Important?

We may think we know who Jesus is and feel comfortable or complacent about his identity. What if not knowing who Jesus really is makes a difference? What if missing out on who Jesus is means we miss out on something really important?

"And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, 'Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor.'And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. " Matthew 13: 57-58. NIV.

THE NEIGHBOR KID
In this passage, Jesus was in his hometown and the people took offense at him. The people were basically saying, "We know this guy, don't we? He grew up here. It's just Jesus, Mary's kid." They were so familiar with Jesus they thought they knew that they missed out on who he really is.

We do that with all our relationships. We get comfortable and begin to take a friendship, a family member, or even a spouse for granted; we assume we know all there is and nothing more is there.

FAITH IN WHOM
The problem becomes the words, "And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith." They were too familiar with a Jesus they thought they knew and that translated into a lack of faith. It is as if Jesus became common so they failed to see past the usual. The commonness of Jesus became an obstacle that diminished their faith. Because they misunderstood who he was they were not able to have faith in who he was.

Today we might say, "Isn't this just the Baby Jesus we sing about at Christmas? Don't we take about him in Sunday School every week? Isn't he in the songs on my Gospel music collection? Isn't he the topic of the book I bought at the Bible Book Store?" It is just the same as the people in Jesus' hometown.

MIRACLES
If Jesus does not bless us with miraculous it may not be because we lack faith, but that we have a wrong idea about him and who he is. We must pray that he reveals himself to us clearly, and be open to having our ideas corrected by him. We must not neglect our relationship with Jesus; we may need to repent of doing so and seek his forgiveness.

Jesus is knowable. He is revealed in the Holy Scripture. If you want to know how to have Jesus in your life follow this link to my other blog: Click Here.

If this has been a blessing to you won't you consider a small gift to help me keep this blog going?

(c)Adron Dozat

What Does Jesus Call Us To Do?

There is much confusion about what Jesus is asking of people. People say one thing and another, but few look at what Jesus himself said.

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28, NIV.

COME
If Jesus had a catch-phrase it would be the word, "Come." Over and over he says to persons and groups, Come to me..." His life was an open invitation to all. This invitation is to come to a person, Jesus, not a series of rules and regulations.  We come to the Man of Galilee not a creed or system of philosophy. Many find this to be difficult, because it is a relationship and relationships take work, unlike a cold impersonal set of rules to live by.

ALL
Christ invites all to come, all who are weary and burdened. No matter who we are, what we have done, or have experienced, Jesus welcomes us. No one is too bad or too wicked; there is not exception clause, he says all may come.

REST
Jesus offers something no one else ever does, or can, and if they did it would be insane. He offers rest. He says, "I will give you rest," this is a strange use of the word rest.  We would say, "Take some rest or get some rest;" but Jesus is saying something new and different here- he is the source of rest.

Christ offers the end of the struggle with guilt, victory over pain, and the finish of shame. If we rest in a chair it is temporary but Jesus offers a new, unending, and fully complete rest because in his next sentence, recorded in verse 29, he defines it as rest for your souls, this has to be a deeper, more complete, and more fulfilling rest than any other we could ever find.

WHAT AN OFFER
If we are weary of the struggle of our pain and burden he invites us to bring it to him. If we are tired of trying to solve our problems, and if the burdens of our hearts are too heavy to bear then Jesus is calling each of us. No matter what guilt, or shame, or pain we carry he says, "Come."

(c)Adron Dozat

Who is Too Dirty For Jesus? Matthew 8:3

We might feel like we have done the unforgivable and we will never be acceptable again. We may ask, "Will we ever feel the loving touch again?"

"Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing.' he said. 'Be clean!' Immediately he was cured of his leprosy." Matthew 8:3, NIV.

LEPROSY
In this passage, a man with leprosy kneels before Jesus and says, "Lord, if you are willing you can make me clean." Everyone knows what horrible disease leprosy is; it is highly contagious, and the afflicted were outcasts who were pelted with stones if they approached another person. Leprosy was often used to typify sin and sin's punishment, this symbolism was an additional stigma carried by the afflicted persons.

THE LEPER
He was a lonely, outcast, and estranged from society, but he comes and kneels before Jesus and expresses his faith in the Lord to have the ability to heal him. One wonders, did he intend to question Jesus' willingness to heal him? His words, "If you are willing." almost sounds sarcastic- or was he referring to the teaching that leprosy implied sin's punishment, which meant he was a sinner.

It was more, it was an act of faith; he believed in Jesus' power to heal, so he says, "If you are willing."

JESUS
Jesus is willing. "Jesus reached out his hand," and touched him on purpose; he did not accidentally brush him, but really reached out and touched the man. This man had not been touched by another person in who knows how long, and now he is touched by Jesus.

You can almost hear the crowd gasp today. A rabbi would never touch a person who was unclean, and a sensible person would never touch a leper. Yet in love, Jesus tosses that aside.

WE NEED HIS TOUCH
How much did that touch communicate to the leprous man? Love, acceptance, validation, worth, and emotional healing were all in that gentle touch. We all have pain and affliction, we have sorrow and hurt, many of us face dreadful situations that have scarred us, but Jesus is willing to heal, comfort, and love. We do not fully understand why we suffer but we know he is as grieved by our sorrows as we are. In the darkest depths of our woes, we find how high are the heights of His Love. We need to come to Jesus, kneel, and say, "Lord, I know you can perform a miracle in this situation." Jesus is willing.

(c)Adron Dozat

What is the Answer for Worry? Matthew 6:25

Worry can really cripple us, emotionally spiritually and in practical life. If your worries are little or big Jesus' teaching points to the perfect answer.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, yet our heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable then they?" Matthew 6: 25, 26. NIV.

In history's greatest sermon Jesus deals with many issues; one of which is worry. Many things constitute worry. We might be worrying if we...

     * Take things and turn them over again and again in our imagination.
     * Take a situation and start to imagine all the different ways it could turn out.
     * Dwell on all the "what ifs" about a thing.
     * Wear out a subject in our mind.

HELP
Christ points out several basic things people worry about, they are legitimate like the need for food, water, and clothes. There are lots of other worries he could have listed like public safety, old age, disease, and finances. In our modern complicated world we have many more things to worry about, like school, career, the effects of technology on our daily lives, city life, loneliness- the list can go on and on. Some of these worries are monumental to us.

WHY
Jesus said "do not worry," and gives a good reason. If Our Heavenly Father does such a good job of taking care of birds that are small what about humanity who are more important to God than birds. It is genus that Jesus chose birds as his example since some birds eat many times their own weight each day. God does a good job of caring for his creation so what about us who are so much more valuable than birds?

LOVE
People are the object of God's eternal love. He sent his Son to pay for our sins and there-by fulfilled our greatest and deepest need; if he did that out of His love and care for us what else is he willing to give or do? (See Romans 8:32.)

COMMAND
The way Jesus said, "do not worry," is like a command. If we continue to worry we are breaking a command and need to confess that sin. We need to...

     * Pray and confess
     * Tell God my concerns.
     * Acknowledge that he is in charge.
     * Receive His peace.
     * And leave it all with Him.

May you find all your cares are fulfilled by his loving provision today and always.

If you are interested in know Jesus as your savior see my other blog follow this link: Click Here.

(c)Adron Dozat

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Adron

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Will Christians Ever Get Along? Matthew 18:20

Christianity seems so divided; critics point out that if Jesus is the one way and he is the truth then his followers would get along, or if Christians were following the way of love that Jesus taught there would be only one church. The words of the Lord himself touch on this problem, as he concluded teaching on resolving problems in the community of faith* he said:

"For where two or three are gathered in my name there am I with them." Matthew 18:20

Matthew 18, where the quote is taken, is placed in the time before the birth of the New Testament church on Pentecost and the giving of the Holy Spirit, but here we see a hint of what was to come. We see suggested the giving of God's Holy Spirit to all individuals who believe, and that Jesus would be present in the holy spirit in the lives of his church.

Will Christians Ever
Get Along? 

The Lord did not say we are gathered in the name of an organization or even of a church, but the important thing is being gathered in his name, clearly, it is not a religion that unites Christians but the person of Jesus.  We may have different understandings about Bible teachings but Jesus did not say where two or three are gathered incorrect doctrine or the right organization, he said gathered in my name.

Many ignore the thousands who set aside their differences and work together in outreach, missions, relief, camps, soup kitchens, reaching out among the poor, infirm, distressed, and needy. Those who believe know that whatever else is true the focus truth that overrules all others is that Jesus is their common Savior and Lord. Coming together in his name unites parties, race, status, nationalities and all other things.

There is a significance that the Lord endorses the coming together of two or three. We need each other. We were made by God to function in a community; we hurt ourselves and our community when we withdraw. We may have differences but it is not worth the cost of missing fellowship with Jesus by leaving fellowship with those he loved and died for. The unity of the Body of Christ depends on the twos and threes; not ecumenical counsels or declarations by church leaders but a practice of the individuals.

When we have a problem with a believer, restitution and restoration is the goal as Jesus taught in Matthew 18. As we go through the process of correcting or being corrected, we must remember the presence of Christ with us; just to think that our Savior is the present witness should put humility in all our dealings with our brothers.

* See Gospel of Matthew 18:20, a wonderful passage teaching about gently correcting someone who has sinned against you.

To read this verse in different translations follow this link: Matthew 18:20.

To learn more about how to know God personally follow this link: Click Here.

(c)Adron Dozat

How Mercy Leads To Happiness. Matthew 5:7

We all want to be happy, the Bible has much to say about happiness and most of it is surprising.

"Blessed are those who are the merciful for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7.NIV.

HAPPINESS:
The word blessed can be translated happy, it has a sense of happiness being given by God. This scripture does not say we become happy is by getting something, accomplishing something, or marrying someone. Instead, it tells us that we will find happiness by doing something, it is a rare thing too- showing mercy.

Anyone can be merciful. You don't have to be wealthy, wise, educated, or upper-class to be merciful. We can be merciful to the clerk in the store by being polite, merciful to the service person by showing hospitality, and merciful to every person we meet by extending grace and sacrificial compassion.

MERCY IS:
Mercy is an action, but to be merciful is more, it is a habitual demonstration of the attitude of mercy.

Mercy is a choice to be actively compassionate, not just to feel sorry for someone, but to do something to lift their burden that they cannot do themselves.

MERCY DOES FOR US:
Being merciful prepares us to receive God's favor. God wants us to be merciful to others, and he has already prepared blessings for it; it is when we fail to be merciful that we fail to receive the blessing.

Being merciful imitates God. We are made in God's image; part of that image is the ability to dispense mercy, grace, forgiveness, and kindness. By our actions, we fulfill God's image, and that brings happiness.

WHEN WE ARE NOT MERCIFUL:
If we are not merciful, it is vain to expect to receive mercy. Our actions show disregard for mercy as a principle. Since God honors those who honor him, if we don't honor him in mercy, we might not expect to receive mercy.

GOD'S MERCY:
We are not saved by our good works but by the mercy of God. God has shown us mercy by not punishing us for what our sins deserve. In fact, God has made the most merciful salvation available by sending his son to die in our stead so that we may have salvation and righteousness in Jesus.

Only faith saves us, but our mercy toward others will determine our blessings since all God's blessings are truly gifts resulting from his mercy.

To learn more about the plan of salvation, see my other blog and follow this link: click here.

(c)Adron Dozat 7/22/12 

Where Can You Find Loving Help If You Are The Most Worst Person There Is? Matthew 8:2-3.

This short post proves that no matter how bad off you are, how shameful or vile you are, there is someone where you can find compassion.

We have struggles with things that are shameful and are slowly eating us away from the inside out. Where can you go and get help without being judged and condemned?

“A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, 'Lord if you are willing, you can make me clean.' Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man, 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be clean!' Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.” Matthew 8:2- 3. NIV

THE NAMELESS LEPER

Every time he saw his hands, arms, legs, or feet, he would see the loathsome sores and rotting flesh of a painful creeping death.  This dreaded disease had the stigma of sin and God’s judgment.  The leprous had to wear rags and live apart from society, and whenever another person approached, they must call out, "Unclean! Unclean!"  The response would have been curses punctuated with thrown stones.

What beauty and compassion to see Jesus speak to him with tenderness and to do the unthinkable- to touch the man with leprosy and to risk the contamination of the disease.  The touch may have meant more to the man than the healing.

WHAT THE LEPER KNEW

The beggar called Jesus Lord.  This is in contrast to the action Jesus takes moments later.  A lord or king does not touch a common person, and in first-century Jewish culture, he would not even speak to a leprous person.  The beggar knew Jesus was the Lord.

He knew that Jesus was able to cleanse him. He did not ask, "Are you are able?" believing that Jesus was able is implied when he stated that if Jesus was willing, he could heal him.

He knew his place was on his knees before Jesus. Not only since Christ as Lord but as a humble petitioner.

COMPASSION

Jesus spoke kindly and gently to the beggar.  His words, "I am willing." are among the most significant words ever written.  Amazingly, Jesus touched the untouchable man, a man who has not known a human touch for so long- and he is healed.

This Savior who touches the untouchable is Lord and Master.

If Jesus were among us today, he would not steer away from people who struggle with addictions, abuse, deformity, poverty, ignorance, and slavery to harmful lifestyles; he would reach out to touch them.

I AM WILLING

Jesus said. "I am willing." as he touched this poor soul, and on his lips, those words are golden music from heaven.  He is willing to heal and to touch.  It is not only good wishes or good intentions, but he is purposeful in healing us.  He is willing- after all, he left his place in heaven. He came to be our Savior by dying for our sins and to give us eternal life, thereby dealing with the cause of our inner darkness and beginning the process of transforming us into new creatures.

THE TOUCH OF JESUS HEALS
When we come to Jesus with our own personal leprosy, we can kneel before him and say, if you are willing, you can heal me- and we can be assured that he is willing.

(c) Adron 8/18/10

One of The Most Narrow Minded Things Jesus Ever Said. Matthew 12:30

Some of Jesus's words were pure poetry, beautiful teachings, or memorable parables, but here is something that really cuts to the bone.

“He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.” Matthew 12:30, NIV.

EITHER OR...
Jesus says you are one or the other, there is no middle. He says we must be “with” him as if our identity and future is one with his; and we are to “gather,” that is to work at bringing others to him.

AGAINST JESUS?
It is clear that if we are not with Jesus then we are against Jesus. Who would be "against" Jesus? Jesus lived the most beautiful life ever and offers the power to live that life to any who come to him. He lived perfect love, mercy, and compassion. He is himself the “Way the truth and the life,” (John 14:6). He is the “Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep,” (John 10:11). With or against- Jesus did not give a third option.

GATHER
So few "gather," and even in the church, many oppose the Lord and "scatter." We say, “I am with Jesus. I go to church, I tithe, and I give my time.” You can do all that and still not be "with" Jesus. We don’t consider ourselves against Jesus; we are just neutral or waiting for a better time. But to Jesus, neutral, passive, halfhearted, or waiting until later are the same as against and scattering.

To be with Jesus means:

• Having his purposes as your purposes.
• Being close in the companionship of Jesus.
• Participating in action and heart in the same task as Jesus.
• To share his identity and lot.
• To experience the same treatment as was given to Jesus.
• Performing the same work he did.

To be with Jesus is to be a gatherer. We are to draw people to Jesus, and our actions should attract people to Him. Our words should make others wish to know the Savior If our lives do not match up such standards then we are scattering.

Wolves succeed in the kill by scattering the sheep; if we are not gathering people to Jesus, then we are leading friends and family toward wolves that would devour their souls.

ON JESUS' SIDE
Let's resolve to be on Jesus' side, do what he did, and live out his life. Let's possess his actions and purpose. His hand is set to work and ours ought to be at the same task. He did good works among men and we should too. He brought redemption’s hope to people and so should we. May our actions never become a reason others do not come.

(c)Adron Dozat 3/5/10

What Is The World's Only Hope?

Is there any hope for the world? 

You would think the teaching of Christ would offer a solution. We read Jesus’ words and feel they are for someone else but his words of hope and challenge are for all of us to take to heart.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” Matthew 5:13.

SALT

There is nothing to boast about in being called a mineral that comes out of brackish marshland, but it has virtues that challenge us.

To say, "You are the salt of the earth;" is to say, "You are the world's only hope." Jesus does not give you the choice. We must get radical and make his truths relevant to ourselves and others. We must fill our lives in doing good unto others.

YOU

Jesus spoke to individuals, and his words speak to each of us today. We can't say, “My church is doing something for God, so I'm OK.” Being salt is a personal mandate. It says we each must live the attitude that we are the last living Christian and the work of Jesus to the world was on your shoulders alone.

Matthew 5:13

You can't save the whole world but you can influence the five or ten people God gave you. Be salt in those lives, bring the flavor of love and joy to their lives, sting them with the challenges of righteousness, and preserve their well-being at a deep cost to yourself.

SALT-LESS

Today's world has seen salt-less Christianity and has thrown it out. Today's Christianity is often conformist and wants membership without making waves; creating a soft cuddly church culture that focuses on comfort. Like the terminal patient who receives no treatment just morphine to deaden pain while they expire.

HOW
Jesus asks, “How can it be made salty again?” It cannot so we must not let it happen that we are no longer making a positive difference in the world. Begin with repentance and prayer. Ask God to show you where you have failed to be salt to those around you. Ask Him to show you where to start. And pray for those in your own community to become “Salty” too.

Salt just is; it has no will or ability to choose, it is simply being what it is. We must be who God meant us to be- the light of Jesus to a dark world.

(c) Adron 2/11/10

The Overlooked Sermon of Jesus. Matthew 4:17, NIV

We love Jesus' teaching on the Sermon on the Mount. We love his words of kindness and wisdom. We are OK with the teaching of Jesus but we ignore his preaching. What did Jesus preach?

“From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” Matthew 4:17, NIV.

PREACHING
Preaching is different than teaching. If we reject the preaching of Jesus we will not “GET” the teaching of Jesus. Respond to the preaching first then you will be ready to be blessed by the teaching.

REPENT
We don’t like the word “Repent.” It is abused and used to manipulate others, when we hear it we cringe; but when Jesus says “repent” he is speaking in love. The message to repent is the beginning, for after Jesus preached "repent" then people were ready to hear his call to follow.

When we repent we:

     * Examine ourselves to determine our failure to measure up to God’s standard.
     * Decide to act.
     * Admit our failings, to ourselves, others, and God.
     * Resolve in earnest to turn away from our wrongdoings.
     * Set things right.
     * Conform to the purposes of God.
     * Become ready us to hear the Spirit teach us.

We must “keep short accounts with God,” which means don’t wait till later to confess our sins but as soon as we are aware confess and turn away from them.

A LIFESTYLE
Repentance is more than a prayer of confession. It must be a lifestyle. If we consistently turn from the things that are wrong, hold us down, and things that offend we will be living happier lives. A lifestyle of repentance will lead to healed relationships, inner peace, fewer apologies, and more advancement.

BLESSINGS
Why repent? We repent because “The kingdom of heaven is near." Blessings are at hand, and repentance makes us ready for them.

Begin the practice of repentance. Pray and wait on the Lord to show you what you need to turn from. It is not fun but it will lead to blessing, renewal, and joy.

To learn more about how to have a relationship with Jesus see my other blog.

(c) Adron 2/5/10