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THE STANDARD FOR KINGDOM KIDS

I have spent the last several mornings in Matthew 5:33-48. Wow! There is so much to unpack here, so here goes!

This is the ultimate of "easier said than done". In fact, it doesn't even make that much sense. The last person I would want to be a servant to is the guy next door who constantly takes advantage of me. What is Jesus talking about here?

My first reaction is...ok, so obviously Jesus was willing to practice what he preached, but why? Why ask us to do this? Part of the answer lingers deep in my gut. My actions toward this kind of person may just be enough to be the tipping point of a conversion experience.

Alright, so what if a fellow believer takes advantage of me? Well I suppose I would need to talk to them about that and express my concern that they are not themselves demonstrating Christ-likeness. But I should look at the text. What does the text tell me?

Verse 45 explains it in a better way. It says, "in that way you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven."

The truth is that children of the Kingdom, those who belong in Christ as children of the King, are held to a higher standard. Throughout this chapter Jesus is constantly contrasting what has always been understood to be the norm to that "higher standard" of living as Kingdom Kids. "You've heard it said...but I tell you..." live this way. If I consider myself to be a child of God than I will be willing to reflect His character and live according to His own standards.

This is further explained in the rest of verse 45. "For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike."

Ok. So if my aim is to be Christlike and live a godly life, then this standard, this kind of living is simply expected. Period. No buts...period. If someone takes advantage of me, I should use it as an opportunity to SERVE and LOVE and BE HUMBLE -- demonstrating certain attributes of my Father in Heaven.

Verse 48 explains that I should be perfect (greek word telios meaning complete and is connected to the word telos which means to set out as in a goal) just as God is perfect (complete). My life should be lived in such a way that I aim for completeness in moral character - like that of my Father's.

When I am faced with the "opportunity to serve and love someone that takes advantage of me, I am also using the opportunity to live out perfection or completeness. I don't need to keep score or track of what he or she has or hasn't done for me. That's not the idea. Besides, as Jesus points out in the next couple verses, where would the reward be in that?

And this leads into the rest of the why question/answer; why ask us to do this? Well there's a reward. What's the reward? I can't say exactly. Part of that may be found as I live here on earth and I think much of that will be revealed to me when I get to Heaven.

So what is the lesson here? I think it's obedience = reward.

TURNING THE OTHER CHEEK? Hmmm?

This morning I was reading Matthew chapter five in my devotions and I ran across verse 39 which reads:

“But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:39b)

As I read this verse the Lord stroked my heart string.  I then posted on my Twitter and FaceBook this statement: Seems like I've been living in this verse too long!  There have been a number of comments to that post. So I thought I would construct a small post pertaining to this particular verse. Let's begin:

John MacArthur says of this verse that we as human beings have the right to be treated with basic dignity, respect, and consideration. Because every person is created in His image, God demands that we treat one another with respect. But he knows that we will not always be so treated. Often for the very reason that we belong to God and go by the name of His Son, we will be mistreated, ridiculed, and held in contempt (see Matt. 10:16-23; John 15:18-16:3; 1 Pet. 2:20-21; 3:13-17; 4:12-19; 2 Tim. 3:12). It is the way we react to mistreatment and insult that Jesus is talking about here.

Among Jews, a slap or other striking in the face was among the most demeaning and contemptuous of acts (Matt. 26:67-68; Mark 14:65; John 18:22). To strike someone elsewhere on the body might cause more physical harm, but a slap in the face was an attack on one's honor and was considered to be a terrible indignity. It was to be treated with disdain, as being less than a human. Even a slave would rather have been stuck across the back with a whip than be slapped in the face by his master's hand.

To strike someone on the right cheek would then be a vicious angry reaction, indicating an act of insult. Yet when we are insulted, maligned, and treated with contempt—literally or figuratively struck on the cheek by someone—we are to turn to him the other also.

According to Jewish law, the one who slapped another faced punishment and a heavy fine. Thus, the law was on the side of the victim, and the victim would have every right to take this offense to court. But, Jesus said not to take the legal channels, however, but to offer the other cheek for a slap as well.

Jesus' point pertains more to what we are not to do than what we are to do.

Turning the other cheek symbolizes the nonavenging, nonretaliatory, humble, and gentle spirit that is to characterize kingdom citizens (Matthew 5:3, 5).

Jesus strongly resisted evil that was directed against others, especially His Father—as when He cleansed the Temple of those who defiled His Father's house. But He did not resist by personal vengeance any evil directed at Himself. 

When the leaders of the Sanhedrin, and later the soldiers, physically abused Him and mocked Him, He did not retaliate either in words or in actions (Matt. 26:67-68). As Isaiah had predicted of Him, Christ gave His back to those who struck Him and His cheeks to those who plucked out His beard (Isa. 50:6). As Jesus hung from the cross, He prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

Peter sums up our Lord's example:

"But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously" (1 Pet. 2:20-23).

When someone attacks our right to dignity, we too are not to defend that right by retaliation. We are to leave the protection and defense of our dignity in God's hands, knowing that one day we will live and reign with Him in His kingdom in great glory.

Jesus suggested a new, radical response to injustice:

Instead of demanding rights, give them up freely! According to Jesus, it is more important to give justice and mercy than to receive it.

Warren Wiersbe sums it up this way:

In order to "turn the other cheek," we must stay where we are and not run away. This demands both faith and love. It also means that we will be hurt, but it is better to be hurt on the outside than to be harmed on the inside.

But it further means that we should try to help the sinner. We are vulnerable, because he may attack us anew; but we are also victorious, because Jesus is on our side, helping us and building our characters.

Psychologists tell us that violence is born of weakness, not strength. It is the strong man who can love and suffer hurt; it is the weak man who thinks only of himself and hurts others to protect himself. He hurts others then runs away to protect himself.

In the face of this human dilemma, Jesus proposed a better way—the radical response of love.

His standard was not an attack on the necessity for justice. Rather, Jesus was presenting a practical, rational, and holy way to deal with personal conflict and offense. The apparent impossibility of our generating love and concern for our enemies on our own directs us to God for help.

Therefore, the lesson is to rely on Him for strength to give the appropriate response when we are attacked.

THE MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT

But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus—my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need. . .  (Philippians 2:25)

Some people know just what to say and do to encourage others who are going through difficult times. Their words give strength to those who are discouraged and comfort to those who are grieving.

These people are sensitive to God's voice. They are not self-centered or unaware of the struggles of those around them. They are the ones we immediately seek when we enter a crisis. They are welcome visitors when we are in distress, for their presence sustains us.

Scripture testifies of many whom God enabled to encourage others.

• When Moses was overwhelmed by his work, Jethro went to him and encouraged him. Jethro gave Moses wise counsel that eased his strain (Exod. 18:1–27).
• When Paul was imprisoned far from those who loved him, Epaphroditus risked his health and safety in order to go to Paul and minister to him (Phil. 2:25–30).
• Later, Paul urged Timothy to come and visit him, for Paul found strength and encouragement in Timothy (2 Tim. 4:9; Phil. 2:19–20).
• Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark also. Mark was 
  the kind of friend Paul needed when he was enduring hardship (2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 24).
• Paul also relied on Luke for encouragement. When everyone else was absent or preoccupied, Luke could be found with Paul (2 Tim. 4:11).

Paul experienced trials throughout his life, but God sustained him by placing Godly friends around him who provided support in practical and sacrificial ways. God wants to develop you into the kind of friend who can strengthen others.

The words you share and the things you do can bring comfort and encouragement to your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your coworkers. Think of someone in your circle of influence and search for a way to encourage them this week.

BIBLICAL LESSONS ON GIVING

Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. - I Corinthians 16:1-3 (NIV)

I have done some figuring.  If I had in my pocket what I have given to the Lord’s work over the years I could:

• Pay cash for a nice piece of property.
• Pay cash for new car, truck, boat or even that Honda Gold Wing motorcycle that I have had my eye on for some time!
• Pay cash for both of my children’s college and buy them a new car to drive off to school.

But, I don’t do those things.  Why?  Because my wife Debbie and I have learned over the years a few things about giving to the Lord’s work:

• We can live much better on 90% than we can on 100%!
• Then we learned we could live better on 85% than we can on 100%!
• Then we learned we could live better on 80% than we can on 100%!
• We have also learned the joy of making an eternal investment by giving to the Lord's work!

There is one Biblical principle that is often overlooked in our materialistic world today:  we, as Christians, are “stewards!”

That’s a Biblical word that means “caretaker.” A steward does not own a thing; he simply manages the possessions of another.  In our case as Christians, we simply understand that God owns it all and we are simply caring for His possessions!  All that we have: our possessions, our abilities, our energy, our time and our talents belong to the Lord!  Therefore, we should not be offended when He directs us on how to use what is His.

God’s Word, the Bible, has a lot to say about money.

• In Matthew, Mark, and Luke one out of every six verses deals with money.
• Of the twenty-nine parables told by Christ, sixteen of them deal with a person and his money.
• The Bible has a lot to say about generous giving as well.

Allow me to share with you six biblical lessons about giving:

 

1. Giving is a universal practice.

Paul said this was not just for the believers in Corinth, but for the churches of Galatia also!  Jesus said in Matthew 10:8, “Freely you have received, freely give.” Because every believer has received so much from the Lord, every believer should give back to the work of the Lord.

2. Giving is to be a weekly practice.

Paul said that we are to give on the “first day of the week.” Early Jewish believers moved their day of worship from Saturday to Sunday to commemorate the resurrection of the Lord.  Therefore, Paul said to give on that day of the week.  We are not to give spasmodically, or when we feel that we can afford to give.  The bible indicates that giving is to be a part of our weekly worship!

 

3. Giving is to be a personal act.

I Corinthians 16:2 says, "Let each one of you…” Giving is not just for the comfortable and the wealthy—everyone should give—even kids!  Why? Because giving is part of our worship to God.

 

4. Giving is to be a predetermined plan.

I Corinthians 16:2 says, " Set aside a sum of money.” There are many people that give because of emotional appeals or special needs.  There are many that give a little week-by-week, almost like tipping the waitress at a restaurant.  But God wants us to have a predetermined systematic amount that we intentionally bring to worship to give to the Lord.  Waiting until Sunday to see what is left over IS NOT taught in the bible.

 

5. Giving is to be a proportioned amount.

I Corinthians 16:2 says, " Set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income.” We are to give in proportion to what we receive.  We are never to give equal gifts, but we are told in Scripture to make equal sacrifices!

 

6. Giving is to be handled responsibly.

I Corinthians 16:3, Paul says, “I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. The church at Corinth was to certify trustworthy people to handle the money.  We are to give sacrificially, then we are to handle God’s money responsibly and efficiently.

In closing, let us evaluate our lives in the area of our “giving.” Ask yourself these question:

• Is my giving pleasing to the Lord?
• Is He being honored and glorified with my management of His finances?
• Do I really believe that God owns it all?
• Am I being a good and faithful steward in the areas of my finances?

ARE YOU FREE TO EXPERIENCE THE ABUNDANT LIFE?

What should we say then? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may multiply? Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it? — Romans 6:1–2 (NIV)

A Christian has died to sin. Sin has no control over a corpse. Temptation can present itself enticingly and persistently, yet a corpse will not succumb! Before you were a Christian you were keenly susceptible to sin. Sin held you in its grip.

When you became a Christian, your old self died (Gal. 2:20). Sin now has no more control over you than temptation has over a corpse. You have died to sin. You can still sin, but you are no longer in sin's power. If you choose to succumb to temptation, you are rejecting the freedom from sin that Christ gained for you by His death.

God's grace is a further motivation for us to resist sin. It was God's grace that enabled Jesus to endure mocking, beating, and crucifixion at the hands of those whom He had come to save. It was grace that led God to forgive our sin despite our rebellion against Him.

It is this same grace that God expresses toward us each time we sin against Him. Knowing this grace, we cannot continue to practice sin (Rom. 6:1–2). We cannot presume upon God's forgiveness by committing further offenses.

You are no longer the helpless victim of your sin. The victory has already been won. God does not have to win a victory over your sin; He already has! You only need to apply His victory to each area of your life.

If there is a sinful habit, an ungodly attitude, or an unrighteous relationship that you need to put to death, claim the victory of Christ's resurrection today. Then you will be free to experience the abundant life that God intends for you.

VIDEO: D6 CONFERENCE 2009 HIGHLIGHTS

D6 Conference 2009 Highlights from D6 Conference on Vimeo.

NOT ONE WORD HAS FAILED!

“. . . and you know with all your heart and all your soul that none of the good promises the Lord your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed.”—Joshua 23:14

Near the end of his life, Joshua took time with the Israelites to review all that God had done for them since they first began following Him. God had given them an impossible assignment: to conquer a foreign and hostile land with fortified cities and armies more powerful than their own. The Israelites were to go forward with nothing more than God's promise that He would go with them and take care of them. Now Joshua looked back over their experience and reminded the Israelites that God had kept every promise. They had experienced numerous victories and had enjoyed God's provision for every need.

Sometimes hindsight gives us a clear picture of how faithful God has been. We are tempted during a crisis to wonder if God will be faithful to His promises. We focus on our problems, and our trust in God begins to waver.

Twenty-four years after God promised Abraham and Sarah a son, they were still waiting on God to fulfill His promise. But in the twenty-fifth year, Abraham and Sarah could look back and see that God had been faithful. As David was fleeing for his life, he may have been uncertain how God would keep His promise to make him a king. But at the end of his long and prosperous reign, David could review how God had kept every promise.

You, too, can rely on God's faithfulness.

Are you in a crisis? Hold to the promises of your Lord! He will not forget His promises to you. Look back over your Christian life and recount the many ways in which God has been faithful to His Word.

D6 - The Shema - Deuteronomy 6:4-9

What is the most-often quoted passage of Scripture in the world?

John 3:16? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Psalm 23? The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

What about the shortest verse in the Bible? John 11:35 - Jesus wept.

These are all great passages of Scripture which many down through the generations have put to memory.  But, the distinction of being the most-often quoted passage of Scripture in the world goes to Deuteronomy 6:4-9! This is the section of Scriture the Jewish people call the Shema.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NKJV) "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

The word Shema literally means "to listen" or "to hear" in the Hebrew language. Each day in Orthodox Jewish homes, usually in the morning and evening the Shema is recited. It's used as a morning blessing, a bedtime prayer and in special dedications such as "home blessings." Traditionally the Shema was quoted every Sabbath, and the congregation would stand to recite these most holy words. Even today, the Shema is quoted at every deathbed, and is part of the mojor feasts and celebrations of the Jewish people.

The Shema is so important that most Bible scholars believe it is the first Scripture Jesus learned as a child. Before He could speak, walk or read He heard it everyday in His home. In fact, when Jesus was asked what is the most important commandment, He quoted part of the Shema (Matt 22:36-40).

The Shema is central to all the teachings in the Bible and shows us how to build a legacy of faith from generation to generation.

The Shema provides three foundational lessons for the home:

1. Loyalty to God
2. Tranmission of our faith to our children
3. Keeping constant mindfulness of the teachings of God

The home is where children must be taught faithfulness and fidelity to God. They must hear it taught and see it lived out authentically in their parents. No one is perfect, but the intentional nature of faithful living is critical.

Unfortunately, in our culture, we have "outsourced" the spiritual discipleship of our children to the church.  We send them to the "professional discipleship makers" (the pastor, youth pastor, children's pastor, and Sunday school teacher) and we think we are doing our part, but that is not the command of Scripture.

Don't get me wrong, the church plays a vital role in the life of Christians, but the first layer of spiritual influence is the parent, not the church!

Action Steps:

1. Pray the Shema as a family.
2. Teach this passage of Scripture to your children
3. Daily live by Biblical principles and be an example for your children

Remember, more is "caught" than is "taught!"

CLEAN HANDS; A PURE HEART

Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart. — Psalm 24:3–4a

God has rigid requirements for those who want to enjoy intimate fellowship with Him. There is no easy access to God for those with unclean hands or an impure heart. It is an affront to holy God to assume that we can indulge in our sin and blatantly disobey His word, then brazenly enter the holy of holies.

In Old Testament times, one's hands represented one's activities. Clean hands symbolized pure activities. Priests washed their hands before serving in the temple to symbolize that only those who were cleansed could worship holy God.

There are levels of intimacy with God. The moment you become a Christian you begin a relationship with the Lord. However, if you persist in your sin, sin will separate you from God and keep you from enjoying close fellowship with Him. If you follow only God's basic commandments but resist every time God gives you specific, personal directions, you will never fully experience the depths of God's Person. If, however, you are like the psalmist and understand the holiness of God, you will adjust your life to His standards and respond to His prompting so that you may have deeper fellowship with Him.

The closer you get to holy God, the more obvious even your smallest sins become. The more you know of God's character, the more you will realize the need to wash your hands and purify your heart before you can get close to Him.

Are you willing for almighty God to make you absolutely pure before Him so that you can enjoy the maximum possible relationship with Him?

VIDEO: CAME TO MY RESCUE

HOW TO OVERCOME NEGATIVE FAMILY PATTERNS

Sunday morning at Victory Church I spoke on the subject of becoming a "Transitional Generation Parent." Even if you grew up in a dysfunctional family, you can be the “transitional generation.” With the help of the Lord, you can break the chain of dysfunction from your past and help your children move beyond negative family patterns. Below are four steps to help you overcome negative family patterns:

 

     1.  ADMIT YOUR BROKENNESS  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The first step to overcoming unhealthy family patterns is to examine the problems plaguing your life and bring that brokenness to God. Awareness often starts by looking at the past.
Ask yourself, “Why did I act (or react) the way I just did?”  When we slow down we almost always find the answer.

We have to see our brokenness as a sign of strength, not weakness! When a person is truly broken of ego and can look at personal issues with a healthy perspective, he or she is ready to be a transitional generation parent. By facing your brokenness you have a better chance to bring a brighter future to your family.

So many people have the opportunity to the transitional generation parents because of their messy childhoods. 

ACTION STEPS:

• I can’t do it on my own.  I am broken.
• Christ can and will help me as I call upon Him.
• I must relinquish my will to the will of God.

 

2. DEVELOP THE COURAGE TO MAKE CHANGE (Luke 6:12)

I’m sure you have experienced that it is easy to get weary and lose heart when it comes to making the right parenting and relational choices. Life-change first requires what Gary Smalley calls “self-care” and Bill Hybels calls “self-leadership.” These great leaders challenge us to make sure we leave enough room in the margins of our overcrowded lives to pay attention to our own soul so that we have something left for our families.  (i.e. Jesus - Luke 6:12)

For any parent, our ministry is to raise our children. The problem is we tend to neglect our own need for solitude and replenishing relationships, then wonder why we are so burnt out. We will do so much better making healthy changes when we take the time to nurture our souls. 

ACTION STEPS:

• What areas of your life do you need the courage to change?
• Have you built “margin” into your life to work on your own soul? (i.e. prayer, reading God’s word, etc.)
• Remember, you can’t help your kids come to a place you haven’t been. 

 

3. ESTABLISH REPLENISHING RELATIONSHIPS (Galatians 6:2)

Too many people are trying to go at it alone. We are not meant to handle heartache, sickness, andbroken relationships by ourselves. We were made for community!

There are 2 types of people in your life:

VDP’s - very draining persons - (don’t ignore - minister to these)
VIP’s - very inspiring persons - (needed for replenishment)

We all need to be intentional about establishing replenishing relationships! Do you invest in replenishing relationships at least once a week?

 

4. KEEP THE ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE (2 Corinthians 4:17)

The secret to perseverance in parenting and being the transitional generation is not creating a plan for the next 3 moths or 3 years or even 30 years - but realizing that our efforts will establish a legacy for eternity! The Apostle Paul had an eternal perspective which kept him moving in the right direction.

When we are focused on an everlasting, eternal legacy, we naturally will...

#1 - Put first things first and choose right priorities
#2 - Admit our brokenness
#3 - Develop the courage to make changes
#4 - Establish those replenishing relationships

We MUST keep an eternal perspective!

All our struggles will not disappear as we adjust to a more eternal view of life, but our life will be focused on the right priority - and that is to - “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

Jim Burns says, “You Can Choose to RECOVER From Your Family’s Past Or REPEAT It.”