Thursday Matters
Jesus enters Jerusalem and from the masses gathered for Passover he’s met with cheering and excitement. As he travels, he spots a fig tree “in leaf.” (Mark 11:13)
Jesus inspects the tree and is immediately disappointed. All leaves, no fruit. So, Jesus curses the tree and makes it wither from the roots, never to yield fruit again. This seems out of character for Jesus, but the fig tree cursing is not just about historical Israel. It’s about us and the people of God throughout time. The fig tree, like the bustling temple courts during Passover, was putting on a good show. It’s one thing to lack fruit out of season. It’s another thing to lack it while pretending you have it.
Our personal lives can look like we’re “in leaf.” Our leaves may look like those of a supermom, winning with a successful job, or we have an overstuffed schedule of ministry activities. But the root may be withered. There may be no fruit of holiness and no intimacy with God. What’s worse, our leaves may even fool us. In being a genuine Christian, you develop real and ripe fruit by the Holy Spirit…everyday.
Everyday Do Not Hate
“God loves the people you hate." I have that sticker on my car (with a multitude of other stickers) and recently I really thought about what it meant. God loves every single human on earth. We’re equally loved by Him. Oh, I hear you, the frustration of people, those who’ve hurt you, been unkind, and downright mean.
But, instead of emotionally fighting back, stay quiet. It doesn't mean you’re not hurt by what someone says or posts but by His grace choose not to be "moved" and harbor bitterness. Romans 12:19 says God will avenge us and take care of the others person like He does us.
Jesus came as the Good News to redeem us all. The Christian faith is the only faith where God says, "love your enemy" and not take revenge. Stand up to evil and hate sin but don’t forget, the real enemy is Satan who wants to destroy our relationship with God and others. We love because He first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar.” (I John 4:19) God gives you the grace to love the most difficult…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Jesus enters Jerusalem and from the masses gathered for Passover he’s met with cheering and excitement. As he travels, he spots a fig tree “in leaf.” (Mark 11:13)
Jesus inspects the tree and is immediately disappointed. All leaves, no fruit. So, Jesus curses the tree and makes it wither from the roots, never to yield fruit again. This seems out of character for Jesus, but the fig tree cursing is not just about historical Israel. It’s about us and the people of God throughout time. The fig tree, like the bustling temple courts during Passover, was putting on a good show. It’s one thing to lack fruit out of season. It’s another thing to lack it while pretending you have it.
Our personal lives can look like we’re “in leaf.” Our leaves may look like those of a supermom, winning with a successful job, or we have an overstuffed schedule of ministry activities. But the root may be withered. There may be no fruit of holiness and no intimacy with God. What’s worse, our leaves may even fool us. In being a genuine Christian, you develop real and ripe fruit by the Holy Spirit…everyday.
Everyday Fig Tree
Jesus enters Jerusalem and from the masses gathered for Passover he’s met with cheering and excitement. As he travels, he spots a fig tree “in leaf.” (Mark 11:13)
Jesus inspects the tree and is immediately disappointed. All leaves, no fruit. So, Jesus curses the tree and makes it wither from the roots, never to yield fruit again. This seems out of character for Jesus, but the fig tree cursing is not just about historical Israel. It’s about us and the people of God throughout time. The fig tree, like the bustling temple courts during Passover, was putting on a good show. It’s one thing to lack fruit out of season. It’s another thing to lack it while pretending you have it.
Our personal lives can look like we’re “in leaf.” Our leaves may look like those of a supermom, winning with a successful job, or we have an overstuffed schedule of ministry activities. But the root may be withered. There may be no fruit of holiness and no intimacy with God. What’s worse, our leaves may even fool us. In being a genuine Christian, you develop real and ripe fruit by the Holy Spirit…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Jesus Gospel
I’ve been to enough gatherings with both Christians, non-Christians and those who believe in Jesus but don’t call themselves Christians because of the stigma the word may bring and sometimes I feel that way too. Much of the time we get bogged down about being right and putting down how others are doing it wrong. We end up talking about issues, rules, programs or how we should be doing church. Sadly, what’s missing from our discussions is sharing the GOOD NEWS…the Gospel. Sharing how Jesus is the difference and the answer.
Author Carl Medearis writes; “The Gospel is not a ‘what.’ It is not a ‘how.’ The gospel is a ‘Who.’ The gospel is literally the good news of Jesus. Jesus is the gospel.” He still lives. He claims to be the way, not just show the way. There is an enormous difference in religion and the forever-relationship Jesus offers. It’s not based on what we do but what He’s done. I want to be more vocal this; Jesus has changed my life…everyday.
Everyday Jesus Gospel
I’ve been to enough gatherings with both Christians, non-Christians and those who believe in Jesus but don’t call themselves Christians because of the stigma the word may bring and sometimes I feel that way too. Much of the time we get bogged down about being right and putting down how others are doing it wrong. We end up talking about issues, rules, programs or how we should be doing church. Sadly, what’s missing from our discussions is sharing the GOOD NEWS…the Gospel. Sharing how Jesus is the difference and the answer.
Author Carl Medearis writes; “The Gospel is not a ‘what.’ It is not a ‘how.’ The gospel is a ‘Who.’ The gospel is literally the good news of Jesus. Jesus is the gospel.” He still lives. He claims to be the way, not just show the way. There is an enormous difference in religion and the forever-relationship Jesus offers. It’s not based on what we do but what He’s done. I want to be more vocal this; Jesus has changed my life…everyday.