Daily Dose 1-12-12

Matthew 9:10-13 Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew's house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus' followers. "What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?" Jesus, overhearing, shot back, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: 'I'm after mercy, not religion.' I'm here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders."

There’s a difference in religion about Jesus and relationship with Jesus. When we focus on religion, our concerns over the minutia of “church business” become paramount. We focus on atmosphere, music styles, and emotional ploys to get people in and more importantly, keep the believers content. Jesus was pretty radical in His days on earth and His desire is for us to think more like Him. Jesus was all about showing mercy and love. He wants us as His followers to be role makers for showing love to the lost. When we have strife in our relationships within a church, our efforts to bring others in are futile. When we are so focused on our own comforts and having our desires met at church, we forget about those who do not know the comfort of Jesus as their Savior. Deepening our relationship with Jesus helps us to be more like Him. We go into the fray of the lost to love people into salvation from Jesus. We don’t waste our energy on internal strife – resolve and reconcile, don’t stew and simmer!

Father, Help me to change my heart to look more like Jesus. Please help me to show mercy to those who need You most. Help me and others to resolve and reconcile old issues that bring strife and discord so that we will be more effective for the Kingdom. I love You! Amen

Daily Dose 1-11-12

Matthew 8:23-26 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

Do you feel like Jesus is asleep in your boat on a stormy sea? The apostles had Jesus in the flesh with them, yet they were still terrified in their storm. It’s understandable that we would have anxiety and fear when we are trying to navigate storms in our sea of life. This incident was probably for our benefit more than the apostles. The fact that He rebuked them for their panic when it seemed justified sends a powerful message. No matter how justified your anxiety may seem, faith and panic cannot be in the same boat. Ride out your storm knowing He’s got it all under control – even if it feels like He’s snoozing in the back of your boat!

Father, I see the waves, hear the wind and the dark clouds are consuming, but I know You are in my boat. Give me strength. Increase my faith. Help me ride out this storm in confidence and faith knowing You have it all under control. I love You! Amen