SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 44:1-8 (NRSV)
God gives life to the people
But now hear, O Jacob my servant,
Israel whom I have chosen!
Thus says the Lord who made you,
who formed you in the womb and will help you:
Do not fear, O Jacob my servant,
Jeshurun whom I have chosen.
For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour my spirit upon your descendants,
and my blessing on your offspring.
They shall spring up like a green tamarisk,
like willows by flowing streams.
This one will say, "I am the Lord's,"
another will be called by the name of Jacob,
yet another will write on the hand, "The Lord's,"
and adopt the name of Israel.
Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel,
and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
I am the first and I am the last;
besides me there is no god.
Who is like me? Let them proclaim it,
let them declare and set it forth before me.
Who has announced from of old the things to come?
Let them tell us what is yet to be.
Do not fear, or be afraid;
have I not told you from of old and declared it?
You are my witnesses!
Is there any god besides me?
There is no other rock; I know not one.
DEVOTION
This Bible reading makes me laugh! Isn’t God awesome in might and in splendor? Who else could brag on themselves like this and be credible? No one!
My favorite line from today is, “Is there any god besides me? There is no other rock; I know not one.”
(Laughter…)
Let’s face it. If God doesn’t know something, it can’t be known or discovered! There are no other gods beside God in whom we can put our trust.
I love the promise in scripture that God will fill up our “thirsty” places with water. In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises to give us water that will become in us a spring of living water gushing up into eternal life (4:14).
I am so glad that God is indeed our rock, our fortress, and our strong tower. God is the giver of living water that satisfies the thirsty soul. Since this is true, we can be confident that there is no problem that is too big for God to solve and there is no bully whom God cannot defeat.
I’m awful glad about this, because the biggest problem in my life is SIN. It is a condition that all of us humans live with. It is sickness that we can’t overcome by ourselves. I believe that this is because, by our very nature, human beings are egocentric; this means that we always put “I” first.
For example, I need…I want…I deserve…I like…Give it to MEEEEE!
Oh my! This ego problem, or SIN problem, causes us to forsake what is truly important—that is, “to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength and love our neighbors as ourselves (Luke 10:27)!”
But, there is GOOD NEWS for us today! We are invited to take on the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5). When we do this, God helps us to move from an “I” mentality, to a “THY” mentality. We begin to earnestly pray things like “THY will be done on Earth as it is in heaven.”
When we start desiring the will of God, wonderful things begin to happen! God has said, “Do not fear, or be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? You are my witnesses!”
These are our “marching orders.” We are to live into a life of active witness, boldly declaring GOOD NEWS, as God’s witnesses here on the Earth.
And what shall we say?
Let’s tell our friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members, and even our enemies that, “God loves, God gave, God saves.” Let us share the GOOD NEWS story about God’s great love which gave Jesus, allowing him to die on the cross in order to attain our salvation!
Indeed, our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. We dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus Name! On Christ the Solid Rock we stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand! (Edward Mote)
Who can you throw a rope to today?
Holy God, indeed Jesus is the Solid Rock! There are so many people downing in the sinking sands of life. They are depressed and without hope in the absence of a relationship with you. Help me to “throw them a rope” today by introducing them to Jesus! You are my rock and you are their rock too! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come To Jesus" found at
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html
We are celebrating with all of the people who have recently put all their hope in Jesus! Happy Re-birthday!
You are invited to follow Pastor Yolanda on Twitter www.twitter.com/PastorYolanda
Good News has now added a Prayer Ministry. http://www.kindlejoy.com/groups/goodnews
You are invited to leave comments or questions regarding today’s devotional. These comments are public.
EACH ONE--REACH ONE! To share GOOD NEWS with a friend please click the "Share With Friends" button to the right! Thanks for reading and please come again.
Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to all of our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.
From Pastor Yolanda's blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE!
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 43:8-13 (NRSV)
God is our savior
Bring forth the people who are blind, yet have eyes,
who are deaf, yet have ears!
Let all the nations gather together,
and let the peoples assemble.
Who among them declared this,
and foretold to us the former things?
Let them bring their witnesses to justify them,
and let them hear and say, "It is true."
You are my witnesses, says the Lord,
and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor shall there be any after me.
I, I am the Lord,
and besides me there is no savior.
I declared and saved and proclaimed,
when there was no strange god among you;
and you are my witnesses, says the Lord.
I am God, and also henceforth I am He;
there is no one who can deliver from my hand;
I work and who can hinder it?
DEVOTION
Today’s devotion continues the GOOD NEWS theme that God is not a “respecter of persons,” but has made a decision rooted in love to offer salvation to the whole wide world!
I love the verse in today’s reading that says, “Let all the nations gather together, and let the peoples assemble!” I love the vision of Godly unity offered in scripture. It is readily welcomed amidst the war, genocide, conflict, confusion, and turmoil that often seem to define the relationships of nation with nation, tribe with tribe, and family group with family group that exist in the present moment and are often portrayed in the public news media.
Today, our GOOD NEWS declaration is that God has gathered all of us as witnesses, to proclaim that it is God--and God alone--who saves.
As human beings we sometimes erroneously believe that in the time of trouble we will have many options for our salvation. We look to leaders of nations, military commanders, or the economic prowess of geniuses to offer us hope and consolation in an ever-changing world.
But, God has called these illusions of grandeur an exercise in idol worship and proof positive of our being spiritually blind and deaf! These “gods” are not really able to save us, despite the trust that we place in them.
In today’s scripture God makes the source of our salvation plain. God intones, “Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior.”
God is the only God and Jesus is God’s chosen savior! As we place all of our hope in Jesus, three things happen. 1) God forgives our sin. 2) God establishes a new relationship with us, making us children and friends. 3) Jesus opens the door for us to enter into eternal life with God when we die.
It’s so simple! Yet many fail to believe precisely because it seems “too easy.” Friends, do not forsake God’s invitation to salvation and eternal relationship because you feel it should be harder! That makes no sense. Today, if you hear the voice of God, do not harden your heart…Come to Jesus, in the simplicity of the GOOD NEWS message, and be saved!
Have you been counting on other “gods” to save you in the time of trouble? Will you put all of your hope in Jesus?
Savior God and Friend, thank you that there are no other gods but God! Thank you that you have extended forgiveness of sin and eternal relationship with you in the Heavens through faith in Jesus Christ! Today, we believe that you raised Jesus from the dead just as you promised! Thank you that in Christ we all invited to be saved. You are such a good and generous God and we love you! Please help us to share that love with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have additional questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come To Jesus" found at http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html
We are celebrating with all of the people who have recently put all their hope in Jesus! Happy Re-birthday!
You are invited to follow Pastor Yolanda on Twitter www.twitter.com/PastorYolanda
Good News has now added a Prayer Ministry. http://www.kindlejoy.com/groups/goodnews
You are invited to leave comments or questions regarding today’s devotional. These comments are public.
EACH ONE--REACH ONE! To share GOOD NEWS with a friend please click the "Share With Friends" button to the right! Thanks for reading and please come again.
Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to all of our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.
From Pastor Yolanda's blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/
Sunday, March 29, 2009
We Want To See Jesus Lifted High!
Note to New Readers: On Sunday Pastor Yolanda posts her Sunday sermon! Monday-Saturday she offers a very short devotion or meditation! God bless you!
SCRIPTURE
Fifth Sunday in Lent
John 12:20-33 (NRSV)
The grain of wheat dying in the earth
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.
"Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say - 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
SERMON
Today’s Bible passage really excites me because it is a glimpse into the heart and mind of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This portion of John begins with Jesus’ disciples being approached by some Greeks who want to see Jesus.
Now, we don’t know a lot about these Greeks. Some have theorized that they were diasporic Jews or Jewish converts or recruits. Others have said that perhaps they were God-fearing Greeks who had come to Jerusalem to pay their respects. Still others have said that they were just dirty, no good, Gentile, foreigners.
We really have no idea who these Greeks were; history leaves them in obscurity. But, I’m not extremely worried about the ambiguity. In my mind, it makes them ready fodder for us to discuss how we—as modern-day disciples of Christ—treat the strangers, foreigners, and/or Non-Christians who come to us asking, “Please, may we see your Jesus?”
Now, in today’s Gospel we are offered one way of handling the strange folks amongst us. When Philip was approached by the Greeks he was obviously taken aback. I can just imagine his “self-talk” as he debated what he should do with these folks.
Can’t you just hear Philip saying, “Should I bother Jesus with these people? But, aren’t they’re Greek? They’re nothing like us, are they? Are they unclean? But, Jesus seems to like unclean people! What should I do? I’m just not sure…Let me go ask Andrew.”
At this point, Philip interrupts his “self-talk” and invites Andrew into the conversation. Together they decide to go and tell Jesus about strange visitors.
As they approach Jesus I can just imagine Andrew shouting, “Hey Jesus! There’s a bunch of GREEKS here to see you!”
Wow! These Greeks wanted to see Jesus. Isn’t it awesome that Jesus’ name had become famous near and far because of the testimony of his many followers? Folks must have been sharing GOOD NEWS with friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and friends…
See, it occurs to me that the Greeks must have been hearing the rumors about Jesus swirling around the city. See, human beings love to gossip and I can only imagine that the folks in the city were talking. There must have been whispers and shouts about Jesus’ many good deeds.
Perhaps the Greeks had heard about the miracle in Cana when Jesus multiplied the wine for the wedding feast. Or maybe they had heard tell of Jesus clearing the temple of the salesmen and money changers who were taking advantage of the saints of God. Or possibly they had heard about Jesus healing the sick, feeding the 5,000, or raising the dead.
Whatever it is that they had heard about Jesus, it captivated their hearts and minds so much that they sought out Jesus through his disciples. Upon hearing the request, something weird happens. It actually appears that Jesus ignores the Greek-issue all together and launches into a seemingly disconnected soliloquy about life, death, seeds, fruit, following and serving Jesus.
Wow! Can you imagine being Philip and Andrew? I’m going to be honest and say that in their position I might have worried that Jesus had finally “fallen off the deep end.”
But, in 2009, and this side of the cross, we have a unique perspective into how all of these seemingly disjointed and disconnected images--and discussion points--fit together rather nicely in regard to welcoming the stranger and the outcast.
See, when Philip and Andrew brought the Greeks to Jesus, Jesus said, “The hour has come for me to be glorified…”
How would Jesus receive this glory? He makes it clear by saying in essence, “Look ya’ll I’m about to die. But, my death won’t be for nothing. It will produce much good fruit. My immanent and violent death scares me. I’ve even considered backing out, but I won’t, for this is the whole reason that I have come…”
Wow! Isn’t this a great example of Jesus’ being fully God and fully man? The man was scared to die and even considered backing out. But the God would not back out, would not abort the salvation plan, and was determined to forge ahead—no matter what the cost—thereby securing our salvation and eternal life!
And isn’t it great that salvation was not just for Philip and Andrew? It was not just for the other ten disciples. It was not just for practitioners of Judaism. It was not just for those Greeks who sought him out. No, salvation is a free gift offered to all who are willing to receive it!
John 3:16 makes this perfectly clear. It reads, “For God so loved the WORLD that he gave his only begotton son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Those Greeks, those outsiders, those “so-called dirty folks” were a part of the whole wide world that God loves and Jesus came to save! When they arrived on the scene it reminded Jesus that in as much as he was willing to lie down his life-- the whole wide world would be given the opportunity to be saved!
Isn’t that amazing!? But, let’s not miss out on something here. In addition to talking about his own death, Jesus had a word to say to his followers. He said, “Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.”
Whoa! Jesus said that if we want to be his followers, we must be willing to follow him to the foot of the cross and to lay down our lives in willing service to Jesus.
What does it mean to lay down our lives in service to Jesus? Well, first of all, it means being willing to bring those whom others consider “foreign, strange, or unclean” to Jesus! I’m always concerned when I walk into a church and everyone appears to be “clothed and in their right minds.” I’m always a little worried when everyone appears to be very clean, have immaculately groomed hair and nails, and smells like roses. I’m always a little taken aback when everyone appears to be of the same race, ethnicity, and social class.
It makes me wonder, “Where are all of the people whom Jesus called “the least of these?” Where are the outsiders whom Jesus welcomed with open arms? Where are the outcasts of our society who were continually invited to feast with Jesus?
Remember, Jesus said elsewhere in the Gospels, “Truly, Truly, I say unto you, Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my friends, you have done it unto me.”
Today, we could make a long list of those people whom Jesus might consider “the least of these” in our community. It would be people who are homeless, drug addicts, alcoholics, carriers of HIV or AIDS, and/or the poor and unemployed. Additionally, it would be folks who have lost their homes due to foreclosure, Black men, people of color in general, new immigrants, Muslims, people who don’t speak English and the list goes on and on.... These “so-called strange people, unclean people, foreign people” are not unlike the Greek people that Philip and Andrew brought to Jesus.
See, evangelism, otherwise known as sharing GOOD NEWS, is hard and dirty work. As we associate with folks that other people choose to ostracize, we join with the broken-hearted in their oppression.
Now, let me be frank, it is easier to be selfish. In fact, we are carefully taught in our consumeristic society to look out for Number 1, to get ahead at any cost, and not to worry about stepping on the little guy on the way to the top! But, let me warn you my friends, Jesus has said that this path always leads to death and destruction, for those who love their lives loose them. No good fruit can be born from the seeds of selfishness, prejudice, self-centeredness, stinginess, or pettiness.
But, let me share some GOOD NEWS with you. Jesus has promised that, “those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” As we lay down our lives and our reputations in love for the least of these—and in service to Christ—our families, churches, and communities are positively transformed as a result of God’s efforts through us! As we die to self, and live in Christ, God will produce good and abundant fruit which will remain forever.
I can hear Jesus saying to us today, “Let them come…Let the stranger come. Let the outcast come. Let the foreigner come. Let the weirdos come! This is exactly why I came to the Earth and died on an old rugged cross. This is exactly why I did not turn back when the going got tough. Let them ALL come…”
As we lay down our lives in service to Jesus by feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, housing the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, filling sandbags down by the riverside, providing cards for soldiers overseas, caring for an aged relative, or offering any other act of kindness in the Name of Jesus, we become participants in the greatest story ever told.
Aren’t you glad that Jesus did not forsake the way of the cross? He bled, and suffered, and died to make provision for our sin and to open the door to eternal life. It is our greatest honor to follow Jesus to the cross, bringing friend and foe with us, so that all of us—together—may behold the lamb who takes away the sin of the whole world!
Many of the prophets made promises about the coming Messiah, but in Jesus all of those promises were fulfilled!
Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ shall come again!
Now, ainta that GOOD NEWS?!
Loving God, thank you that you were willing to die on the cross, that all of us might be drawn to you. Today we are so grateful for your sacrifice and it is our desire to lift Your Name on high so that all people might know the joy of loving and serving you. In response to your great love poured out on Calvary's tree, we gladly pledge to follow and serve you all of our days! We look forward with great anticipation to the good fruit that you will produce as we lay down our lives in service to you. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come To Jesus" found at http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html
We are celebrating with all of the people who have recently put all their hope in Jesus! Happy Re-birthday!
Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to all of our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.
From Pastor Yolanda's blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/
SCRIPTURE
Fifth Sunday in Lent
John 12:20-33 (NRSV)
The grain of wheat dying in the earth
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.
"Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say - 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
SERMON
Today’s Bible passage really excites me because it is a glimpse into the heart and mind of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This portion of John begins with Jesus’ disciples being approached by some Greeks who want to see Jesus.
Now, we don’t know a lot about these Greeks. Some have theorized that they were diasporic Jews or Jewish converts or recruits. Others have said that perhaps they were God-fearing Greeks who had come to Jerusalem to pay their respects. Still others have said that they were just dirty, no good, Gentile, foreigners.
We really have no idea who these Greeks were; history leaves them in obscurity. But, I’m not extremely worried about the ambiguity. In my mind, it makes them ready fodder for us to discuss how we—as modern-day disciples of Christ—treat the strangers, foreigners, and/or Non-Christians who come to us asking, “Please, may we see your Jesus?”
Now, in today’s Gospel we are offered one way of handling the strange folks amongst us. When Philip was approached by the Greeks he was obviously taken aback. I can just imagine his “self-talk” as he debated what he should do with these folks.
Can’t you just hear Philip saying, “Should I bother Jesus with these people? But, aren’t they’re Greek? They’re nothing like us, are they? Are they unclean? But, Jesus seems to like unclean people! What should I do? I’m just not sure…Let me go ask Andrew.”
At this point, Philip interrupts his “self-talk” and invites Andrew into the conversation. Together they decide to go and tell Jesus about strange visitors.
As they approach Jesus I can just imagine Andrew shouting, “Hey Jesus! There’s a bunch of GREEKS here to see you!”
Wow! These Greeks wanted to see Jesus. Isn’t it awesome that Jesus’ name had become famous near and far because of the testimony of his many followers? Folks must have been sharing GOOD NEWS with friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and friends…
See, it occurs to me that the Greeks must have been hearing the rumors about Jesus swirling around the city. See, human beings love to gossip and I can only imagine that the folks in the city were talking. There must have been whispers and shouts about Jesus’ many good deeds.
Perhaps the Greeks had heard about the miracle in Cana when Jesus multiplied the wine for the wedding feast. Or maybe they had heard tell of Jesus clearing the temple of the salesmen and money changers who were taking advantage of the saints of God. Or possibly they had heard about Jesus healing the sick, feeding the 5,000, or raising the dead.
Whatever it is that they had heard about Jesus, it captivated their hearts and minds so much that they sought out Jesus through his disciples. Upon hearing the request, something weird happens. It actually appears that Jesus ignores the Greek-issue all together and launches into a seemingly disconnected soliloquy about life, death, seeds, fruit, following and serving Jesus.
Wow! Can you imagine being Philip and Andrew? I’m going to be honest and say that in their position I might have worried that Jesus had finally “fallen off the deep end.”
But, in 2009, and this side of the cross, we have a unique perspective into how all of these seemingly disjointed and disconnected images--and discussion points--fit together rather nicely in regard to welcoming the stranger and the outcast.
See, when Philip and Andrew brought the Greeks to Jesus, Jesus said, “The hour has come for me to be glorified…”
How would Jesus receive this glory? He makes it clear by saying in essence, “Look ya’ll I’m about to die. But, my death won’t be for nothing. It will produce much good fruit. My immanent and violent death scares me. I’ve even considered backing out, but I won’t, for this is the whole reason that I have come…”
Wow! Isn’t this a great example of Jesus’ being fully God and fully man? The man was scared to die and even considered backing out. But the God would not back out, would not abort the salvation plan, and was determined to forge ahead—no matter what the cost—thereby securing our salvation and eternal life!
And isn’t it great that salvation was not just for Philip and Andrew? It was not just for the other ten disciples. It was not just for practitioners of Judaism. It was not just for those Greeks who sought him out. No, salvation is a free gift offered to all who are willing to receive it!
John 3:16 makes this perfectly clear. It reads, “For God so loved the WORLD that he gave his only begotton son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Those Greeks, those outsiders, those “so-called dirty folks” were a part of the whole wide world that God loves and Jesus came to save! When they arrived on the scene it reminded Jesus that in as much as he was willing to lie down his life-- the whole wide world would be given the opportunity to be saved!
Isn’t that amazing!? But, let’s not miss out on something here. In addition to talking about his own death, Jesus had a word to say to his followers. He said, “Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.”
Whoa! Jesus said that if we want to be his followers, we must be willing to follow him to the foot of the cross and to lay down our lives in willing service to Jesus.
What does it mean to lay down our lives in service to Jesus? Well, first of all, it means being willing to bring those whom others consider “foreign, strange, or unclean” to Jesus! I’m always concerned when I walk into a church and everyone appears to be “clothed and in their right minds.” I’m always a little worried when everyone appears to be very clean, have immaculately groomed hair and nails, and smells like roses. I’m always a little taken aback when everyone appears to be of the same race, ethnicity, and social class.
It makes me wonder, “Where are all of the people whom Jesus called “the least of these?” Where are the outsiders whom Jesus welcomed with open arms? Where are the outcasts of our society who were continually invited to feast with Jesus?
Remember, Jesus said elsewhere in the Gospels, “Truly, Truly, I say unto you, Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my friends, you have done it unto me.”
Today, we could make a long list of those people whom Jesus might consider “the least of these” in our community. It would be people who are homeless, drug addicts, alcoholics, carriers of HIV or AIDS, and/or the poor and unemployed. Additionally, it would be folks who have lost their homes due to foreclosure, Black men, people of color in general, new immigrants, Muslims, people who don’t speak English and the list goes on and on.... These “so-called strange people, unclean people, foreign people” are not unlike the Greek people that Philip and Andrew brought to Jesus.
See, evangelism, otherwise known as sharing GOOD NEWS, is hard and dirty work. As we associate with folks that other people choose to ostracize, we join with the broken-hearted in their oppression.
Now, let me be frank, it is easier to be selfish. In fact, we are carefully taught in our consumeristic society to look out for Number 1, to get ahead at any cost, and not to worry about stepping on the little guy on the way to the top! But, let me warn you my friends, Jesus has said that this path always leads to death and destruction, for those who love their lives loose them. No good fruit can be born from the seeds of selfishness, prejudice, self-centeredness, stinginess, or pettiness.
But, let me share some GOOD NEWS with you. Jesus has promised that, “those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” As we lay down our lives and our reputations in love for the least of these—and in service to Christ—our families, churches, and communities are positively transformed as a result of God’s efforts through us! As we die to self, and live in Christ, God will produce good and abundant fruit which will remain forever.
I can hear Jesus saying to us today, “Let them come…Let the stranger come. Let the outcast come. Let the foreigner come. Let the weirdos come! This is exactly why I came to the Earth and died on an old rugged cross. This is exactly why I did not turn back when the going got tough. Let them ALL come…”
As we lay down our lives in service to Jesus by feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, housing the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, filling sandbags down by the riverside, providing cards for soldiers overseas, caring for an aged relative, or offering any other act of kindness in the Name of Jesus, we become participants in the greatest story ever told.
Aren’t you glad that Jesus did not forsake the way of the cross? He bled, and suffered, and died to make provision for our sin and to open the door to eternal life. It is our greatest honor to follow Jesus to the cross, bringing friend and foe with us, so that all of us—together—may behold the lamb who takes away the sin of the whole world!
Many of the prophets made promises about the coming Messiah, but in Jesus all of those promises were fulfilled!
Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ shall come again!
Now, ainta that GOOD NEWS?!
Loving God, thank you that you were willing to die on the cross, that all of us might be drawn to you. Today we are so grateful for your sacrifice and it is our desire to lift Your Name on high so that all people might know the joy of loving and serving you. In response to your great love poured out on Calvary's tree, we gladly pledge to follow and serve you all of our days! We look forward with great anticipation to the good fruit that you will produce as we lay down our lives in service to you. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come To Jesus" found at http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html
We are celebrating with all of the people who have recently put all their hope in Jesus! Happy Re-birthday!
Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to all of our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.
From Pastor Yolanda's blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/
Saturday, March 28, 2009
ALL I HAVE, I GLADLY GIVE
SCRIPTURE
John 12:1-11 (NRSV)
Jesus is anointed for his coming death
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."
When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.
MEDITATION—Today is Saturday Psalmody! On Saturday's the meditation is offered as a psalm from my heart. If you would prefer a more traditional rendering of a similar story, please read my devotional from February 14, 2009 entitled “Love Poured Out.” It can be found at http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/02/love-poured-out-alabaster-box.html
ALL I HAVE, I GLADLY GIVE
Like Mary, my heart overflows with love for you
I long to push through the crowds
and to sit at your feet
I wish…
I wish I had something
Something of value
Something to give to you
Mary—
she had her oil,
her precious perfume.
I have nothing
No-thing
Nothing at all
Except…
Except My life
Except My tears
Except My hopes
Except My dreams
Will you accept them?
Lord, I gladly give them all to you…
When I think about how much you love me
How you proved that love on Golgotha’s tree
My heart feels like it is going to explode
My words get caught behind a lump in my throat
My tears drench your feet
I wipe them with my hair…
Lifting my hands to the sky
I drop to my knees
Falling down I cry out
in worship
in honor
in adoration
Crying …
Crying out my thanks and praise to you!
How is it possible that you love me so?
Loved me enough to live--
To heal, to deliver, to save.
Loved me enough to die--
To suffer, to bleed, to cry out from the cross
Father,
Forgive her!
Forgive her!
Forgive her! She knows not what she does…
Your words echo throughout eternity
Your blood covers the multitude of my sin
All of it…
ALL OF IT my king,
Proves your great love for me
Your great love for us!
That same great love
Raised you on Sunday morning
Third day—
Sunday—
Holy Day—
Miracle Day—
You got up!
With all power in your hands
You got up!
Triumphant over sin, death and the grave
You got up!
And now, here you stand
My savior
My brother
My friend
My priest
My everything
Forever…
O how I love you!
Oh how I love you!
Oh how I love you!
Because you first loved me…
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We are celebrating with all of the people who have put all of their hope in Jesus! Happy Re-Birth-Day!
TODAY: Saturday, 3/28, from 9:00-10:00am CST, the Good News Living Book Club will be discussing the book Hinds Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard. Even if you have not read the book, please join us for fun and fellowship! You can access the chat room at http://www.chatzy.com/932083555322
You are invited to follow Pastor Yolanda on Twitter www.twitter.com/PastorYolanda
Good News has now added a Prayer Ministry. http://www.kindlejoy.com/groups/goodnews
You are invited to leave comments or questions regarding today’s devotional. These comments are public.
EACH ONE--REACH ONE! To share GOOD NEWS with a friend please click the "Share With Friends" button to the right! Thanks for reading and please come again.
Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.
From Pastor Yolanda’s blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/
Friday, March 27, 2009
SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER...
SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 4:14 5:4 (NRSV)
Jesus' priesthood surpasses Aaron's
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
DEVOTION
I love the definition of a high priest given in Hebrews today. It says a high priest is, “put in charge of things pertaining to God on [our] behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.” Aren’t you glad that JESUS is our great high priest?!
Jesus is fully God and yet also fully man; he is able to sympathize with our weaknesses because he “walked a mile in our shoes.” Although he experienced temptation, he did not sin, thus making him the perfect high priest to go before GOD on our behalf!
Since we have this awesome high priest, scripture teaches us that we can “approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” WOW!
Isn’t this fantastic?! We don’t have to come before God cowering, afraid, hoping for the best, but expecting the worst, or afraid that God will toss us out of the throne room for daring to approach! No! No, my friends!
We are invited by The Most High God to approach with confidence, sure in our spirits that God will meet our every need according to God’s riches in glory (Philippians 4:19) ! So, let’s get radical in our prayers!
Our loving and compassionate God cares about those things we care about. If we are worried, wounded and sad, God cares. If we are lost, afraid, and hungry, God cares. If we don’t know how we’re going to pay the bills, our marriages are falling apart, or we’ve just been laid off of the job, God cares.
God cares.
God cares.
God cares for us!
Now for some of us this will be a radical new notion. Some of us have lived our whole lives fearful of God and not wanting to “bother” God with our petty little problems. Others of us have been too ashamed to approach God because we were sure that our sins were too big to be forgiven. Be at peace my friends!
God assuredly loves you with an everlasting, never say die, never give up, totally unconditional love that you can’t out run, out fox, or out sin.
God proved this great love for us when JESUS died on the cross, making it possible for God to forgive our sins and to welcome us into an eternal home in the Heavens.
Whatever you are worried about today, God cares, because God loves you. God is inviting you to pray today. Tell God all about your cares, concerns, hopes, and dreams. God wants you to share!
Now, ain’ta that GOOD NEWS?!
Holy God, how I love the sweet hour of prayer! Thank you that you are a burden bearer and a burden sharer. I love to talk to you about all of the affairs of my life! You are an awesome God and my very best friend! I love you and I want to share that love with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Yesterday, GOOD NEWS celebrated its 3,000th reader! To GOD be the glory, great things GOD has done!
TOMORROW: Saturday, 3/28, from 9:00-10:00am CST, the Good News Living Book Club will be discussing the book Hinds Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard. Even if you have not read the book, please join us for fun and fellowship! You can access the chat room at
http://www.chatzy.com/932083555322
You are invited to follow Pastor Yolanda on Twitter www.twitter.com/PastorYolanda
Good News has now added a Prayer Ministry.
http://www.kindlejoy.com/groups/goodnews
You are invited to leave comments or questions regarding today’s devotional. These comments are public.
EACH ONE--REACH ONE! To share GOOD NEWS with a friend please click the "Share With Friends" button to the right! Thanks for reading and please come again.
Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.
From Pastor Yolanda’s blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/
Hebrews 4:14 5:4 (NRSV)
Jesus' priesthood surpasses Aaron's
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
DEVOTION
I love the definition of a high priest given in Hebrews today. It says a high priest is, “put in charge of things pertaining to God on [our] behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.” Aren’t you glad that JESUS is our great high priest?!
Jesus is fully God and yet also fully man; he is able to sympathize with our weaknesses because he “walked a mile in our shoes.” Although he experienced temptation, he did not sin, thus making him the perfect high priest to go before GOD on our behalf!
Since we have this awesome high priest, scripture teaches us that we can “approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” WOW!
Isn’t this fantastic?! We don’t have to come before God cowering, afraid, hoping for the best, but expecting the worst, or afraid that God will toss us out of the throne room for daring to approach! No! No, my friends!
We are invited by The Most High God to approach with confidence, sure in our spirits that God will meet our every need according to God’s riches in glory (Philippians 4:19) ! So, let’s get radical in our prayers!
Our loving and compassionate God cares about those things we care about. If we are worried, wounded and sad, God cares. If we are lost, afraid, and hungry, God cares. If we don’t know how we’re going to pay the bills, our marriages are falling apart, or we’ve just been laid off of the job, God cares.
God cares.
God cares.
God cares for us!
Now for some of us this will be a radical new notion. Some of us have lived our whole lives fearful of God and not wanting to “bother” God with our petty little problems. Others of us have been too ashamed to approach God because we were sure that our sins were too big to be forgiven. Be at peace my friends!
God assuredly loves you with an everlasting, never say die, never give up, totally unconditional love that you can’t out run, out fox, or out sin.
God proved this great love for us when JESUS died on the cross, making it possible for God to forgive our sins and to welcome us into an eternal home in the Heavens.
Whatever you are worried about today, God cares, because God loves you. God is inviting you to pray today. Tell God all about your cares, concerns, hopes, and dreams. God wants you to share!
Now, ain’ta that GOOD NEWS?!
Holy God, how I love the sweet hour of prayer! Thank you that you are a burden bearer and a burden sharer. I love to talk to you about all of the affairs of my life! You are an awesome God and my very best friend! I love you and I want to share that love with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Yesterday, GOOD NEWS celebrated its 3,000th reader! To GOD be the glory, great things GOD has done!
TOMORROW: Saturday, 3/28, from 9:00-10:00am CST, the Good News Living Book Club will be discussing the book Hinds Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard. Even if you have not read the book, please join us for fun and fellowship! You can access the chat room at
http://www.chatzy.com/932083555322
You are invited to follow Pastor Yolanda on Twitter www.twitter.com/PastorYolanda
Good News has now added a Prayer Ministry.
http://www.kindlejoy.com/groups/goodnews
You are invited to leave comments or questions regarding today’s devotional. These comments are public.
EACH ONE--REACH ONE! To share GOOD NEWS with a friend please click the "Share With Friends" button to the right! Thanks for reading and please come again.
Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.
From Pastor Yolanda’s blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/
Thursday, March 26, 2009
TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS!
SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 4:1-13 (NRSV)
God promises an eternal sabbath rest
Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest is still open, let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For indeed the good news came to us just as to them; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, "As in my anger I swore, 'They shall not enter my rest,' " though his works were finished at the foundation of the world.
For in one place it speaks about the seventh day as follows, "And God rested on the seventh day from all his works." And again in this place it says, "They shall not enter my rest." Since therefore it remains open for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he sets a certain day - "today" - saying through David much later, in the words already quoted, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak later about another day. So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God's rest also cease from their labors as God did from his. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs.
Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.
DEVOTION
I have always been very grateful that God has given us the example to rest from our labors. It occurs to me that God did not rest on the seventh day of Creation because God was tired. God doesn’t get tired! God rested on the seventh day to provide an example to human beings about how we are to be in relationship with God, neighbor, and self.
See, it is really easy to get “caught up” in well-doing. There is always someone who is hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless, and sick or imprisoned who needs our service. There is a never ending supply of individuals who are diseased, dis-eased, depressed, anxious, worried, and fearful. There will always be people who have lost their jobs, don’t know how they are going to pay the rent, are worried about their children, or whose marriages are nearing the breaking point.
As Christians we are commanded to love God and neighbor as ourselves. We are called to be of service to people who are suffering great need or great want. But, we are not to “work” for “work’s sake.” We are to serve others as a ministry unto God. Whilst God appreciates when we do the work we are called to do, God does not want us to burn out because we insist upon running on empty!
That is why we have been given the injunction to rest. Once a week, we are called to unplug the phone, turn off the computer, television, and beeper and refuel at the Master’s Station. As we pray, meditate, read scripture, and sing songs, God rejuvenates us for the days ahead. As we spend time with our spouse and children investing in those God-given relationships and doing fun things that build memories, we strengthen our foundation for love and service. As we attend to self-care writing in a journal, reading a fun book, or taking a bath, walk, or nap, we allow God to build us up in body, mind, and spirit that we might be better equipped and prepared to partner with God in the Work of Love.
Now, I can hear you saying one—or more—of the following: “I don’t have time to rest! I’m too important. My work is too necessary. Everything will fall apart if I am not there. I feel guilty when I rest.”
Dear Friends, let me share with you something that I had to learn the hard way. No one is indispensible or irreplaceable except God. If you work yourself into a heart attack, stroke, or depression someone else will be doing your work anyway! Why not take the time to be obedient to God as you trust God enough to believe that you can do more in six days dedicated to God, then seven spent in disobedience?
Now, let me share one more really great thing with you! Because of God’s great love for us, God gave Jesus to die on the cross that we might be saved from our sin and experience ETERNAL Sabbath rest in Heaven.
Can you imagine?! Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His Word! I am looking forward to that great day when I all I have to do is sit at the feet of Jesus and participate in the community of faith that has no end…
Now, ain’ta that good news?!
Are you willing to trust God by observing a day of rest this week? How do you think taking the time to rest and refuel will impact your life’s work in the days ahead?
Holy God, thank you that on the seventh day you rested. I am grateful for your example. Please help me to be obedient to your Word and Will. I want to rest so that I can be my best for You and for Your people. Thank you that your GOOD NEWS to me, and others, is that we are allowed to rest as we serve you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We are celebrating with all of the people who have put all of their hope in Jesus! Happy Re-Birth-Day!
Today, the blog will be unavailable for about 10 minutes at 4:00 pm PT. Do not panic; we are only experiencing scheduled maintenance and will return shortly! LOL
Please take a moment to notice TWO features located directly under Pastor Yolanda’s biography. First of all, you will see the link for the GOOD NEWS CHAT ROOM! That is where we will hold our book discussion on Saturday morning. Secondly, you will notice the link for the GOOD NEWS PRAYER MINISTRY! That is where you can post prayer requests, or pray for others!
You are invited to follow Pastor Yolanda on Twitter www.twitter.com/PastorYolanda
Good News has now added a Prayer Ministry. http://www.kindlejoy.com/groups/goodnews
TWO DAYS: The Good News Living Book Club will be reading Hinds Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard during March. Please mark your calendars for our very first book club meeting to be held on Saturday, March 28, 2009, from 9:00-10:00am CST in the Good News Living Chat Room. Even if you don’t read the book, please join us for a discussion of our faith!
You are invited to leave comments or questions regarding today’s devotional. These comments are public.
EACH ONE--REACH ONE! To share GOOD NEWS with a friend please click the "Share With Friends" button to the right! Thanks for reading and please come again.
Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.
From Pastor Yolanda’s blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/
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