Author: dgould77

“And then he added, ‘It is what comes from inside that defiles you.  For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder,  adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.’” v. 20-23

An Evil action begins with a single thought.  Allowing our mind to dwell on lust, envy, hatred, or revenge will lead to sin.  Don’t defile yourself by focusing on evil.  Instead, follow Paul’s advice in Philippians 4:8 and think about what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable!  — NLT Life Application Study Bible

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8

“They replied, ‘We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?’

Jesus told them, ‘This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.’” v. 28-29

Did you know . . .

• God loves you just the way you are?
• God has a plan for your life?
• You can’t earn God’s love?
• You can’t earn your way to Heaven?
• You can be forgiven?
• Through Jesus, you can be changed from the inside out?

People have tried many things to “feel good” spiritually.  They have this idea that if they go to church enough, do enough good things, be baptized, or even pray, read the bible, serve in a church that they will please God and have a relationship with him.  Jesus says that it’s not about all these things.  Don’t get these backwards, all of the things above are things you should do because you have a relationship with God not because you want a relationship with God.  Jesus says the first step to a relationship with God is this:

“Jesus told them, ‘This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.””

The NLT Life Application Study Bible had this to say today:

Many sincere seekers for God are puzzled about what he wants them to do.  The religions of the world are people’s attempts to answer this question. But Jesus’ reply is brief and simple: We must believe on him whom God has sent.  Satisfying God does not come from the work we do, but from whom we believe.  The first step involves accepting that Jesus is who he claims to be.  All spiritual development is built on this affirmation.  Declare to Jesus, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God” and embark on a life of belief that is satisfying to your Creator.

“But Jesus spoke to them at once. ‘Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!’
Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.’
‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me?’” v. 27-31

Probably one of my favorite lessons/miracles Jesus performed because I relate so much to Peter.  Peter’s a guy that is willing to try anything Jesus asks of him.  In the midst of a storm, Jesus ask him to get out of the boat and walk to Him on the water through the waves and the wind and he does!  Peter takes a couple of steps on the water!!!  How awesome is that?  Taking his eyes off of Jesus, he realizes what he is doing and starts to focus on the fact that he is walking on water.  He feels the strong wind and looks at how big the waves are and begins to panic.  He starts to sink and cries out for help.  Jesus is right there and tells Peter,  “You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me?”

I see myself in this story.  I have read and even experienced the power of Christ to do things that I think are impossible.  However, sadly there are many times that

1. I never get out of the boat!
2. I take my eyes of Jesus and panic!
3. I don’t have strong enough faith!

I know it may be hard to believe that I struggle with these since I am a pastor that works with teenagers.  But it’s the truth; some things come easy while other things are harder to do.

Today may we be people that keep our eyes on Jesus, growing in faith, knowledge, and love for Him!

“Herod Antipas, the king, soon heard about Jesus, because everyone was talking about him. Some were saying, ‘This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. That is why he can do such miracles.’  Others said, ‘He’s the prophet Elijah.’ Still others said, ‘He’s a prophet like the other great prophets of the past.’” v. 14-15

People were talking about Jesus.  They had heard what He said but still wanted to say he was someone else.  Sounds like our world today.  People hear about Jesus, but want to say something different about Him so they don’t have to deal with the reality He is who He says He IS!  I love what the NLT Life Application Study Bible says about these 2 verses.  Check it out:

Herod, along with many others, wondered who Jesus really was.  Unable to accept Jesus’ claim to be God’s Son, many people made up their own explanations for his power and authority.  Herod thought that Jesus was John the Baptist come back to life, while those who were familiar with the Old Testament thought he was Elijah.  Still others believed that Jesus was a teaching prophet in the tradition of Moses, Isaiah, or Jeremiah.  Today people still have to make up there minds about Jesus.  Some think that if they can name what he is – prophet, teacher, good man – they can weaken the power of his claim on their lives.  BUT . . . what people think does not change who HE IS!

Who do you say Jesus is?