Dancing With the King?

Music is a powerful force in our lives. From Genesis to tomorrow, music makes us feel and experience joy and elation. Not everybody can dance, but if you don’t ‘feel’ like dancing when a song is played on the radio that you really like, you have a hole in your soul! We’re not talking about all the dancing shows on TV that are diseased with pomp and circumstance, mega dollar commercial endorsements and who’s famous and who’s forgettable. Hollywood is infected with generating hype and substance out of nothing. The Old Testament says, “There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3

King David was about to unite the northern kingdom and southern kingdoms together into a unified Israel. His new capital of Jerusalem was an excellent choice. David wanted the Ark of the Covenant to be placed in the capital so God would bless the entire nation. In 2 Samuel 6 the Bible records the triumphal entry of the Ark into Jerusalem. “David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts and sound of trumpets.” 2 Samuel 6:14-15. Michal, David’s wife, the daughter of Saul, watched from a window. “When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart.” 2 Samuel 6:16

After David placed the ark in its resting place he sacrificed burnt offerings and the Lord was pleased. David gave those in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Michal told David of her disapproval, but David said it was God who put him on the throne, and if God was pleased, that was all that mattered! And everyone danced but Michal. Because of her disapproval, she remained childless until she died. It’s better to dance when the occasion calls for it than to be bitter. Just ask David!

Bottom line:

“Let Israel rejoice in their maker; Let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people; He crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in his honor and sing for joy on their beds. Psalm 149: 2-5

The Fragile Hunter

Don’t be fooled by his graceful approach and striking beauty, the lowly butterfly is a skillful and delicate hunter! There’s not a flower whose nectar is safe when this stealthy ultra-light is in pursuit. Multitasking, he can transfer pollen at the speed of winged-flight, leaving no trace of the assault! Seems simple doesn’t it? Would you like to try it while evading predators that weigh more than 100 times your weight and can fly 100 times faster?

There is another delicate and fragile hunter who is graceful in his approach, multitasks effortlessly and is ultra-stealthy in his approach. You have been watched by him for years and although you are a common target, he doesn’t attack without your consent! That’s right, he approaches multiple times from multiple angles, but you must agree to his approaches. He is a predator that stalks the inner workings of your heart and mind, your very soul, planting the notion that God is your creator, supreme in thought word and deed, and that you should acquiesce your stubborn pride and accept His provisional grace and mercy.

Who is this fragile hunter? He is none other than the Holy Spirit of God.

Consider His personality and some of His characteristics:

1. He is intelligent (1 Corinthians 2:10-11)
2. He has feelings (Ephesians 4:30)
3. He has will (1 Corinthians 12:11)

Consider His works:

1. He teaches (John 14:26)
2. He guides (Romans 8:14)
3. He commissions (Acts 13:4)
4. He commands men (Acts 8:29)
5. He restrains (Genesis 6:3)
6. He intercedes (Romans 8:26)
7. He speaks (John 15:26 and Peter 1:21)

We may not always feel as though we belong to God, but the Holy Spirit is our witness. His inward presence reminds us of who we are and encourages us with God’s love. “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:5) We are one in Sonship with him.

What Percentage are You?

Can you believe it? Nine (9%) of Americans donate blood annually. Does that figure shock you, surprise you, appall you, or move you in any way? It all depends on your need for blood at any given moment, doesn’t it? Blood donors save lives, that’s a given. If you donate, thank you, don’t stop! Let’s look at another percentage of life savers. Do you recall the situation Lot (Abraham’s nephew) found himself in while he was living in Gomorrah? God was going to destroy Gomorrah because of sin. Lot begged God to spare the city if 50 righteous people could be found (Genesis 19). God agreed, but 50 could not be found. Lot again started bartering with God. What if 40, 30, 20, or 10; what if only 10 could be found? God said, “If 10 could be found, he would spare the city.” Lot couldn’t find 10, much blood was shed, the city was destroyed, and Lot barely got away with his life. America itself is in trouble, like Sodom and Gomorrah, we are turning our back on God and refusing to obey his word, or follow the example set by his son. If Lot bargained from 50 to 10 and still couldn’t find 10 righteous people, what is our hope? Lot bargained it down to just 20% and still could not deliver. Does America even have 20% of righteous believers? What percentage are you—the 80% or the 20%? There’s another life saver, who donated blood, you might recognize him. It’s the blood of Jesus, which is the foundation of our redemption. His dying and shedding of blood is the only payment for our sins. 1 Peter 1:18 is clear “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but, with the precious blood of Christ.” When we trust in Christ, we barter too—our sin for his righteousness. Our sin was poured into Christ at his crucifixion. His righteousness is poured into us at our conversion. God offers to trade his righteousness for our sin—something of immeasurable worth for something worthless.

2 Corinthians 6:21 reads, “God made him to be sin for us who knew no sin,that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Winning by Losing

Suppose you’re addicted to Chrystal Meth: and suppose you’re willing to beg, borrow or steal to get your dose: and suppose you’re offered a way out of your addiction? You’re not being forced; you’re being offered a chance to escape your addiction, by highly trained professionals, to get your life back on track. Whacha gonna do? Please bear in mind that those addicted to drugs are either forced to change or die from excessive use. Isn’t the best scenario—not to get addicted?

In the Bible, Moses leads the Hebrew nation out of slavery from Egypt. He guides them through the desert to a land God promised them. After crossing the mighty Red Sea on dry ground to safety, God saw fit to provide the nation with some fundamental guidelines. We know these guidelines today as the Ten Commandments. One of those commandments was crystal clear, like crystal clear meth, very powerful.

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:2-3

The nation of Israel had a problem. They were addicted to worshiping idols! Some worshiped God only, but many worshiped many gods. They were dying a slow death until God miraculously delivered them, and saved them from a fate worse than death: separation from Him! God offered them a fulfilling life if they would lose their idols and place Him first and foremost.

One man who remembered the cruelty of Egypt and witnessed God’s offer and accepted it unconditionally is recorded in the Book of Joshua.

“As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Joshua 24:15

God himself instructed Moses to commission Joshua to be his successor. He was known as Moses’ constant shadow. Who is your Moses? Who is your Joshua? Since you are a part of the chain of God’s ongoing work in the world, who’s your model? Do those who are watching you see God reflected in every area of your life? Pray and ask God to lead you to a trustworthy Moses. Ask Him to make you a good Joshua.

The Day the World Turned Upside Down!

It happened on an ordinary day. People were shopping at the market, working in the fields, raising kids, everything seemed so normal, no one suspected a cataclysmic event was approaching. This man named Jesus was traveling throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people. He was like no one they’ve ever seen or heard. One day Jesus saw the crowds and went up on a mountainside and sat down and began to teach them. This particularly long discourse wasn’t on the topic of salvation.

This day Jesus was teaching on the way of righteous living for those who are in God’s family, contrasting the new “Way” with the old way. The old way being; the teachings of the scribes and the Pharisees. His message was directed to the Jews of his day and was a detailed explanation of ‘repent’. His message was an elaboration of the spirit of law. Even for an audience of today, it’s a detailed revelation of the righteousness of God.

Their world was turned upside down that day.

In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus said to them:, "When people insult and persecute you, rejoice and be glad, because your reward is in heaven! Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you won’t enter the kingdom of heaven! Don’t think I’ve come to abolish the Law or the Pharisees; I’ve come to fulfill them! If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles! You have heard it said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy'. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you! Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, but store up treasures in heaven! Do unto others, what you would have them do to you!"

The Sermon on the Mount changed their lives—what’s it done for you?

Beyond The Cuttung Edge

 

The White House in Washington D.C., the capitol that houses the Senate and the Congress, the New York Stock Exchange, every state capitol building in every state, the embassies in every civilized country is integral. What do these places have in common? Generally, that’s where the illuminati and the cognoscenti dwell and run the country’s business, and other matters of critical interest. They are usually on the cutting edge of new policy and reform that affect our lives. If there is major changes being planned and instituted, these are the people who are usually leading the charge and making things happen.

It wasn’t so different in Bible times. The movers and shakers then were constantly stirring the pot, quietly, to get their way, trying to remove all the obstacles to progress and fortune. When Jesus came along, the established power structure was threatened. The office of the High Priest had become a political appointment. The religious rulers were neither ‘religious’ nor were they ‘ruling’. Rome was in charge, and every crucifixion was an exclamation point driving that little detail home to those surviving in Palestine.

Whether it’s manipulating the treasury, running the Temple like a business, controlling the production of goods and services required for everyday life, making laws that benefit the rich and powerful, or trying to play Pharaoh and keep the people making bricks without asking any questions. One thing is always present. There’s always someone who’s honest and upright shining a light on the process of “progress”. Being on the ‘cutting edge’ has its benefits here, but when the kingdom of God comes, that cutting edge will become a double-edged sword and slice right through that thick bologna we’ve been served for centuries.

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17

“For it is time for judgment…” is not referring to final judgment but to God’s refining discipline (see Hebrews 12:7). God often allows believers to sin and then experience the consequences. He does this for numerous reasons:

(1.) To show us our potential for sinning.

(2.) To encourage us to turn from sin and depend on him.

(3.) To prepare us to face other, even stronger temptations in the future.

(4.) To help us stay faithful and keep on trusting him. If believers need earthly discipline (judgment) from God, how much more will unbelievers receive it? If it is hard for the righteous to be saved (only because of God’s mercy), what chance do those have who reject Christ?

Bottom line

Don’t let them say its steak only to sell you a bunch of baloney.

Come in We're Open

Knock, Knock…Who’s There?

Ever wonder where humor comes from? Imported or domestic, it’s always enjoyed. The Bible is replete with stories involving humor. A boy named David strikes a giant named Goliath with a stone from his sling, then uses Goliath’s sword to cut off the giant’s head! A prophet of God is taunted by a group of impudent youths, and the prophet sends in a few grizzly bears to maul them! One prophet decides that he doesn’t want to do what God asks and in return God sends a great fish to swallow him and carry him to his appointed task.

God has a unique sense of humor that is demonstrated throughout the Bible. Recall the most feared man in Palestine by the Christians? Remember King Nebuchadnezzar? God made him eat grass like a cow and his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird. Recall how God changed Paul and he became the most effective evangelist in the world? While in the city of Philippi once, Paul and Silas were falsely charged, then beaten, then they were thrown in prison. Locked in the inner cells with their feet in chains, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. About midnight a powerful earthquake shook all the cell doors open, and shook everyone’s chains loose! The jailer was afraid the earthquake had let everyone escape and he was responsible. Thinking suicide, the jailer drew his sword, just then Paul called to the jailer from his cell; “Hey Mr. Jailer man, come on in, we’re still open for business! Ya ‘wanna’ have a little karaoke sing along with us?” [Paraphrased of course].

What Paul really said was, (Acts 16) “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer was so surprised—the earthquake, the open doors, the prisoner’s chains loosened, and the prisoners still in their cells! He asked Paul about his faith and then asked, (Acts 16:30) “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” What happened next is simply incredible and shows God’s unique sense of humor. Your homework is read Acts 16; it will warm your heart and bring you such joy.

Knock, Knock…Who’s There? Jesus

Jesus who? Jesus Christ, your redeemer…

Christ knocks at the doors of our hearts, but we don’t always answer. If you leave the door to your heart open to God, you won’t need to worry about hearing Him knock. (Revelation 3:20) “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in and join him.”

All Poured Out

Athletes expend an enormous amount of energy when in competition. Marathon runners will tell you that after they compete in a race, they feel energized, but they are completely exhausted! All their resources are used up and until they get rest and nourishment, they are simply depleted. In a physical sport, you may have less skill than your opponent, but if you can endure a little longer, that may be all that’s needed for victory.

When Christ met with his apostles the day before his crucifixion, he knew it would be his longest day. He would be up for over 30 hours, and for the last half he would have nothing to eat or drink. He would be arrested, beaten with fists, flogged with a whip, forced to wear a piercing crown of thorns, and made to carry the cross, that he would be crucified on, to the place of execution, outside the city. With the lack of rest, the lack of nourishment, and the loss of blood from the beating, he would be physically drained.

The writer of Psalms described the suffering savior 1,000 years earlier.

“I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint.”

Psalms 22:14

Psalms 22:14-16 describe His struggle with death; a prophetic way of describing crucifixion, a method of execution not known until Roman times. The pain, the extreme thirst, the asphyxiation, the agony of His hands and feet, the blood and the fluids pouring out, all of which describe a horrible death: He wasn't drained, He poured Himself out!

Are Our Hands Clean Enough?

Mao Tae Tung had blood on his hands! 70 million. 

Joseph Stalin had blood on his hands! 62 million. 

Adolf Hitler had blood on his hands! 10 million. 

Genghis Khan had blood on his hands! 10 million. 

Vladimir Lenin had blood on his hands! 10 million. 

Benito Mussolini, Pol Pot, Carl Marx, each 3+ million.

---

That’s a total of over 170 million people. Clean hands are important. In Judaism, the practice of ritual hand-washing was very prominent. Jews washed their hands on many occasions, when first getting out of bed, before daily prayers, and other occasions. The Old Testament has several examples of ritual hand-washing to symbolize innocence, see Deuteronomy 21:6-8 and Psalm 26:6, where David said, “I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your alter, O Lord.” The Roman governor Pilate washed his hands at the arraignment of Jesus Christ. He did it to symbolize his “withdrawal from responsibly” for whatever might happen to Jesus. It was a mere ritual. The act fooled no one! It was probably a widespread custom. Matthew records the event in chapter 27 of his Gospel. Matthew reported that Pilate took water and washed his hands before the multitude saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood.”

---

Stomer, Matthias c.1600-after 1650 b. Netherlands active Italy  

PILATE WASHING HIS HANDS

Stomer was fascinated by struggles with one’s conscience, and Pilate is the prime example of a man who goes against his conscience for the sake of peace. In the Gospel story, he ostentatiously washes his hands, saying that he is innocent of the blood of Christ. Light shines on Pilate, but his inner world is dark, and the full dilemma of his fatal misjudgment is the theme of this picture.

---

Pilate’s word “innocent” obviously meant cleanness and purity-but, was it clean and pure? Of course not! Maybe it was Pilate’s illusion that the word water was perfectly pure. It is not the water, but the heart and mind that need purifying. Hands are our instrument of action, and we just cannot wash them and feel what we do is good work. The washing of hands is an important action and still today we say, “I wash my hands of this entire situation” which implies escapism, which is man’s natural response to avoid difficult situations. We know that even though Pilate washed his hands, clean hands are not enough. Pilate knows that now!

Cake and Eat It Too

Add caption

Spies are trained to observe and gather information. This information is then analyzed and a decision is made to gather more information or take a course of action based on the information gathered. Spies are as old as the Garden of Eden. Every nation has spies that constantly try to learn other nation’s secrets and use that information to their advantage. When the fledgling nation of Israel left Egypt they stood on the edge of the Promised Land. The leaders sent spies into the land to determine how difficult it would be to take possession of the land. The spies returned and gave their report. The consensus was not unanimous. Most feared the inhabitants and counseled not to enter the land. Only two said the land was flowing with milk and honey, and those dwelling there presented only a small problem. Even though God had told them He would give them the land, fear ruled. The decision was made not to take the land, and God was displeased. 

“The Lord’s anger burned against Israel and he made them wander in the desert forty years, until the whole generation of those who had done evil in his sight were gone.” Numbers 32:13

The next generation entered the Promised Land and made history.   God let the nation of Israel have their cake and eat it too. But sometimes, you have to be a bit of a lock-pick to make it work!

Heart Healthy Habits Hardly Happen

Everybody is searching for the fountain of youth. Our culture is obsessed with youth and artificial beauty. Can you count the number of paid programs trying to sell you exercise equipment, anti-aging creams, or age-defying plastic surgery? We’ve taken our eyes off the prize and concentrated on winning the, “best-in-show” ribbon for the current year!

The Bible tells us in no uncertain terms that God doesn’t look at our outward appearance, but instead looks at our heart! The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 When people judge by mere outward appearance, they may overlook quality individuals who lack the particular physical qualities society currently admires. Appearance alone doesn’t reveal what people are really like or what their true value is. Fortunately, God judges by faith and character, not appearance. And because ‘only’ God can see on the inside, only he can accurately judge people. “Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” Colossians 3:23-25 We can eat healthy 24/7, exercise healthy 24/7, diet healthy 24/7, work healthy 24/7, play healthy 24/7, and medicate healthy 24/7. We can spend great amounts of time and money and resources on an outward appearance. Will that get God’s attention? No! If we want God’s attention, we must start the cleaning process from within. Obedience, service, and a contrite heart, that will get God’s attention. Who will be remembered 100 years from now; a famous movie star, a famous singer, a famous athlete, a famous inventor, a famous President or…Mother Theresa, Albert Schweitzer, Dwight L Moody, Billy Graham? Ladies and gentlemen… please make your selection carefully.

---

Sealed With a Kiss

The story is as interesting as it is appalling. Betrayed by a friend you’ve known for years. You simply cannot turn away from all the grisly details. Who could imagine a show of affection would result in death? Some have said his destiny was “Sealed with a kiss”! With an ordinary greeting, a smile, and a kiss on the cheek, one man would die from such a simple gesture. What a horrifying turn of events. What started out as a peaceful evening, sharing a meal with friends, would turn into a “death sentence”! Two thousand years have passed and it still baffles wise men.

The setting is late in the evening in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus is with his disciples, praying in a secluded garden. Jesus goes off by himself to pray alone. Jesus knows that this is the night history has been waiting for. Jesus is arrested and brought to the authorities; tried on false charges; quietly in the middle of the night and under the influence of the prince of darkness (Satan himself); and without any evidence. Although it looked as though Satan was getting the upper hand, everything was proceeding according to God’s plan. Every Roman and Jewish legality was ignored for expediency. Those who played a role in this tragedy weren’t aware that prophecy had to be fulfilled. Even though the events of the day were horrible, they had to happen. No death – no resurrection!

Even today, the kiss of death is still part of the mystery. The moment Judas kissed Jesus, his fate was sealed: Judas’ fate--not Jesus’! Jesus’ fate was already prophesied. Judas could have lived another 75 years, but betraying the Son of God was just too much. Mark 14:45 “And Judas leaned in to kiss Jesus…” It appears to be a fate worse than death!

The Theory of Relaxticity

The Theory of Relaxticity, although quite complex, can be explained in a straightforward algorithm using Boolean Logic, and Himalayan folklore: “A self—inflated mind will remain inflated until deflation occurs.”

Do some people have an over-inflated opinion of their mental acuity? Hmm!! Some people are brilliant beyond measure, but lack “common sense”. From the most preeminent astrophysicist to the MENSA rat-packers, the use of common sense when applying the Bible to a worldview is non-existent. And that makes perfect sense in a world going ‘ga-ga’ over UFO’s and DNA.

“God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:27

Is Christianity against rational thinking? Christians clearly do believe in using their minds to weigh the evidence and make wise choices. No amount of knowledge can replace or bypass Christ’s work on the cross. If so, Christ would be accessible to only the intellectually gifted and the well-educated, and not to ordinary people and children. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2 that the way to receive salvation is so simple that anyone who wants it can understand and receive it. Skill and wisdom do not get a person into God’s kingdom—simple faith does. Salvation is totally from God through Jesus’ death. We need only accept what Jesus has already done for us.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the best thing this crazy world has ever seen. God, having a unique sense of humor, saw that the common people would preach His Gospel to the cognoscenti, the rich and the powerful.

Following or Leading?

Leading—following; it’s not a matter of either/or, it’s a matter of action or inaction. Different situations call for different strategies. In the book of Luke, there is a story where the friends of a paralyzed man try and bring him to Jesus for healing, but the crowds prevent them. Desperate, they concocted a plan to remove part of the roof and lower their friend on a mat, right into the middle of the crowd, directly in front of Jesus. Their plan succeeded!

Jesus so admired their faith, He forgave the paralyzed man’s sins! The religious leaders in the crowd protested loudly, Jesus challenged them. “Which is easier; to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’, or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?” Luke 5:23 Jesus knew what they were thinking, and while everyone was watching, Jesus told the paralyzed man to pick up his mat and go home! The man stood up, completely healed and picked up his mat and headed home, praising God. That settled the matter for everyone, if He could do one—He could do the other! Action speaks louder than words. After the miracle someone said aloud, “We have seen remarkable things today.” Indeed!

Crossing theThin Grey Line

Everyone has heard the story of Job and his patience dealing with hardship. Reading the Book of Job, one can outline Job’s position and his arguments. Probing questions dealing with weighty matters, or so he thought. When the poor man had exhausted himself seeking answers; God answered him personally.

“Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?” Job‘s foundation? Who controls the sea and its tides? Who regulates light and dark? Where are the hail, snow, and lightning stored? Who controls nature and all the animals? Who keeps the planets and stars in alignment?

Job only had one answer for the Lord. “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” Job 42

Job admitted he had been foolish. Are you using what you cannot understand as an excuse for your lack of trust? Just admit to God that you don’t have enough faith to trust him. True faith begins with humility. Would the message of the Book of Job change if God had not restored Job to his former blessings? No! God is still sovereign. Jesus said that anyone who gives up something for the kingdom of God will be repaid. (Luke 18:29-30) Our restoration may or may not be the same kind as Job’s, which was both spiritual and material. Our complete restoration may not be in this life—but it will happen.

Around the planet Saturn, there is a thin gray line circling the entire planet. Do you know who put it there? Do you know who keeps it there? You know people that have passed that line, but there are two who will pass it again. On their way back to earth! You can read about them in Revelation 11.

In Pursuit of Happiness

Our present world (the United States) is traveling at the speed of light towards self-fulfillment, self-satisfaction, and self-aggrandizement. In short order, the pursuit of happiness at all costs. Hollywood paints a glowing picture of happiness as having everything you want, servants at your beckon call, Rolls-Royce’s in every garage, recreational drugs on the table, and sitting idly by the pool while life comes to you for your approval while waving a golden idol—Oscar. They are not all to blame; they had the same salesman as Eve did in the Garden.

The Bible is clear about the pursuit of happiness. Matthew devotes chapter after chapter about the subject. The Sermon on the Mount contrasts the values of the kingdom [eternal] against the values of the world [temporary]. The beatitudes tell us how to be blessed or happy. The beatitudes don’t promise laughter, pleasure, or earthly riches. Happiness means finding hope and joy, regardless of outside circumstances. Happiness is like a journey to God that must be through Jesus. Learning about God and to live for God doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey. The Christian’s life is mapped out from the beginning. There will be times when we fall flat on our faces, we all do. That’s because we’re all fighting our sinful hearts, that want things ‘our’ own way, plus we’re fighting Satan who keeps us from God. Your life must be through and with Jesus. For no one comes to the Father but through Him. On the journey to God, Jesus says, “I will never leave or forsake you” Hebrews 3:5. On your travels remember “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” Philippians 4:14.

In the final analysis, it doesn’t matter if you’re a college clown dropout, a circus clown, a rodeo clown, or a puffed-up US senator; we have to discover the truth for ourselves. Remember; ‘truth’ has no agenda.

Finding the deepest form of happiness means; following Jesus. Happiness is not a destination, it’s a journey.

Keeping Your Nose Clean

When Jesus healed someone, it was news. Word of what happened spread quickly and if He lingered, they would bring those who needed healing to Him in droves. He never disappointed. During His ministry, He healed over a period of three years, from the Galilean region to Philistia, both male and female and children, both Jew and Gentiles and from all levels of society. No challenge was too big, no plea was rejected, and no one was charged a single coin.

Of all the recorded healings, one in particular stands out as rather unusual. The Gospel of John records the event, what happened after the healing and the advice Jesus gave the healed man.

A man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years was in Jerusalem by a pool of water called Bethesda. A large number of disabled lie near the pool. When the water in the pool is stirred up, people strive to get in the water to be healed. This man had tried, but never got into the pool when the water was stirred. Jesus came to Jerusalem and went to that very pool and encountered the man. Jesus asked the man a peculiar question. Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well?”! The man explained his circumstances. The question to the reader is: How badly did the man wish to be healed? Did he have a genuine desire to be well? And how many people in church sit idly by Sunday after Sunday right next to the living waters and refuse to do anything about it, they refuse to obey?. Remember, Jesus did say, “Get in the water”.

“Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.” (John 5:8) Jesus found the man again in the Temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” (John 5:14) It appears what Jesus was saying indicated that the man’s former illness was indeed of sin and Jesus warns him “lest a worst thing happen” meant God could lodge much worse pain. This further showed Jesus knows the future. This was a great miracle. But the man needed an even greater miracle then a physical healing—he needed to have his sins forgiven, he needed to seek God’s forgiveness to be spiritually healed.

Did the man keep his nose clean? Who knows—we do know that he ran straight to the Jewish authorities and told them who healed him on the Sabbath! Was it an oversight or carelessness? You decide.