Author: dgould77

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” v.3

This is the first of eight statements Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount.  We know them today as the “Be Attitudes.”  In these, are hidden truths of the Gospel that each one of us can experience.

When we realize that we don’t have anything offer, or we have nothing left to try, those tend to be the moments that God shows up in the biggest ways.  It is the simple realization that you can’t do this on your own.  It’s in this moment that we cry out to God and say, “Father help me, I can’t do this and I need you.”  This is the beginning, not the end, of a journey were God becomes our rescuer and sustainer.  Sometimes its not easy, but we can take confidence that we don’t have to do it alone!

“He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, ‘Hold out your hand.’ So the man held out his hand, and it was restored!” Mark 3:5 (NLT)

Have you ever been disappointed by someones actions or reaction?  Jesus is looking at the religious leaders of the day in disappointment that they would be more concerned with it being the Sabbath then helping someone who had a need.  Jesus was saddened by their hard hearts.

A hard heart comes when we ignore the things God wants us to be sensitive to.  It can come from avoiding sin that God is convicting us of, not serving in an area God wants us to serve in, and by having an unforgiving heart toward others.  When it comes to your hearts condition, to you have a soft sensitive heart, open to God and what he wants to do?  Or, do you have a hard heart, closed to God and what He wants to do?

Today, God would you break our hearts for the things that break yours.  Help us to be people that a sensitive to you and the things you are trying to accomplish.  Not for our glory, but for the Glory of your name sake.  May we make you famous!

“So Jesus explained, ‘I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.’” v.19 (NLT)

Jesus, fully God, fully Human, says that he con do nothing by himself.  It doesn’t mean that Jesus was weak, incompetent, or needy.  It simply shows His humble, disciplined, servants heart.  He was so in tune with God that every aspect of His life reflected his relationship with The Father.

There is much for us to learn from this one verse.  If Jesus, fully God, fully Human, says he can do nothing by himself, why do we try to attempt things on our own?  This statement, is the secret to Jesus Life.  It allowed him to heal, teach, love and serve others.  But it wasn’t just the secret to the good stuff/miracles.  It also kept Him from sinning.  He knew that He was not alone and that the Father was with Him.  Jesus was able to live in this world without sin because he knew the secret of life, “I can do nothing by myself.”

Today ask yourself, “What am I trying to do in my own power?  Who am I when no-one but God is looking?”  Then give that to God and faithfully follow His lead.  I think you and I would be surprised by the results.

Father today, make us more like Jesus by being more like you!  Help us to surrender everything to you and to lean on your power and strength not our own.  Help us to understand that we can do nothing by ourselves.

“Jesus answered them, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.’” v. 31-32 (NLT)

Jesus didn’t come to make religious people more religious.  He came to seek out those who were lost, trapped in sin, hurting, and needing a Savior.  Sadly, this description would classify many of the religious leaders of His day and ours.  But the difference Jesus looked at was the heart.  Throughout Scripture, the people impacted by Christ the most realized a couple of things.

• That He was Different – Many people believed that Jesus was the Messiah, some still didn’t.  Some just knew that He had the ability to do things that no-one else could do and he spoke and taught with authority.
• That they needed Help – The first step to getting help is realizing you need help.  This is where many of the religious leaders of the day and today fell and fall short.  Pride, Knowledge, Busyness, are all things that can keep us from asking for help.
• They Believed He could Make A Difference – The people that had the best encounters with Jesus, believed what He said and that He could and would make a difference in their Life.  He did.  Jesus can make a difference.

The best place to be is at the place where you realize you can’t do it on your own.  It’s in this place that Jesus is able to work and restore.  Today will you just give all your cares to Him.  Will you trust Him with the details of your life.  We you let Him be your Rescuer, your Savior, your Lord?