Gospel: Thing of Compassion Or Ugliness

“Biblical orthodoxy without compassion is surely the ugliest thing in the world.”
—Francis Schaeffer

When Jesus “saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things” (Mark 6:34).  Just as easily, Jesus could have condemned the crowd for their sins and preached judgment due to that sin.  He would have been correct, or as Schaeffer says, within “Biblical orthodoxy.” 

 

But, Jesus “began teaching them many things.”  

 

No doubt, He taught things about heaven, things about salvation, things about grace, and things about eternity with God.  Christ’s compassion, I’m sure, included teaching things that would keep one eternally lost and without the Shepherd.  It is compassion for the lost that lets you see great things as God’s Spirit enables your witness and words to teach things with Biblical orthodoxy—in a way that isn’t “the ugliest thing in the world.”    

Teaching many things—for your eternity,

Owen <><

 

Compassion for someone to live in the eternal presence of God is the basis of Jesus’ desire (Luke 19:10) and the task He has given you and me (Mt 28:18-20, Acts 1:8). 

Rooftop Whisper

We have a Hollywood vision of how we hear God speak. In the scene you are deluged in a blinding light, then a booming voice of thunder emanates from behind a veil of smoke as the Almighty speaks—a scene not unlike going before the Wizard of Oz. 
Jesus taught differently, saying: 

What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight;

what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.     ~ Matthew 10:27

The Lord speaks loudest in a quiet moment—as you pray in stillness before starting your day.
God will “tell you in the dark” what catches your breath, by what is “whispered in your ear.”
 

Into your spirit is placed encouragement, comfort, and an urgent message of good news to be shared—the whisper burns in your soul something that is too good to keep hidden in a dark closet.  ...
You have to take it out into “the daylight,” where you can “proclaim from the roofs” the message for all to receive.

Job heard such a whisper that resonated through him like thunder, he proclaimed, “...how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?” (Job 26:14).  Take time in quiet conversation—out of the noise of Hollywood’s bright lights—listen, then get up on the roof and proclaim, broadcast, declare the thunder—whispered in your ear. … …

 

 

 

Pssst,
Owen <><

Are You Boastful?!?

Do you get boastful about how things go well in life?
Do you brag about how life’s stumbles and blows do not justify your attitude?
Do you unashamedly tell everyone of life’s success poured out over you—only because of the compassion, grace, and loving protection of your Lord Jesus Christ?

King David loudly sang, and asked you and me to embrace the same attitude in life as he did:

“My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.”                   ~ Psalm 34:2-3

The more bragging on what God has done, is doing, and will do in your life will reflect your steps being in His will, living and fulfilling His ways; and yes, we’ll see the swagger in your step as you live by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit (Gal 5:25).   The swagger in your walk is to the rhythm of the song you sing, the song of great redemption and glorifying God, exalting him to be the glory of all things.    

So, let’s be like David, a man with a lot of problems, nonetheless the same man who sang of a life in which we are “boast in the Lord, … exalt his name” … not for his pleasure nor special recognition, but to “let the afflicted hear and rejoice” — it is our faith in Christ and praise of Him that reveals, the heart of your praise, the good news — people receive your praises of Christ’s redemption, and desire it, unlike complaining.   

How about a little bragging on Jesus, and have a good day,

Owen <><
 

One More Thought—When the Apostle Paul had a problem in life he tells us this story:

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.”  ~ 2 Corinthians 12:8-9

From Unanswered to Answered Prayers

The only time my prayers are never answered is on the golf course.  ~ Billy Graham

Prayers can go unanswered.  But, is Rev. Graham referring to unanswered prayers that truly matter, those that change lives and honor God?  Being honest, while fishing I’ve prayed to catch the biggest fish of my life, well, that may have been answered, but the fish I’ve caught weren’t the size I had in mind.  Success on the golf course, in a fishing boat, or while playing the games of life are not about things that matter.  Jesus did say, “I will do whatever you ask,” (John 14:13a).  So, why can’t I make a hole in one or catch a world record fish?  After all, Jesus did promise a lot.

 

Let’s read ALL that he said in John 14:12-14:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.  And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.  You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

The next time you are doing what you like, and in prayer seeking what you want, ask yourself:  “Am I living a faith that puts what Jesus did as a desire of my heart, are my prayers focused on bringing glory, the fame, to God the Father in the Name—with the same heart—of the Son?”  Give that a try, then as you pray, be ready to go from living in disappointment to living a life full of answers.     

 

 

Praying your heart is overrunning with the desires of Christ Jesus,

Owen <><

“The most eloquent prayer is the prayer through hands that heal and bless.” ~Billy Graham

How Can I Lack Nothing?!?

Perseverance must finish its work
       so that you may be mature and complete,
       not lacking anything. ~ James 1:4

There is a work that must finish in you as a Christ follower.  If you are to become mature and complete, then perseverance’s patience must finish its work in you.  Once this work is done, a Christian will lack nothing—becoming complete …yes, lacking nothing! 

 

So, what do you need to do to lack nothing? 

What is it do you need to do to become perfect, mature and complete? 

 

First, perseverance is of God, as He completes His work to fill Christ’s perfection in you—it’s not what you do, “it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).  In God’s unceasing love and patience toward you is why He perseveres with accomplishing a good work in you (Phil. 1:6), ensuring that you won’t be lacking maturity in Christ.  Last, the finished work comes only when, in humility and surrender to the work of God’s Spirit can you be complete.  What then?  Then, you will not lack anything in God’s will for you.

In God's Perseverance,  

 

Owen <><

 

 

~ Hebrews 13:20-21: 

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.