Blog Archives - Collaborative Transformation

Mark 4

7/30/2012

Mark 4:24-25 “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”

This shows the importance of us opening God’s word and hearing what it says. We can easily read it or hear a sermon preached and if we don’t open our heart to really pay attention and live it out it makes no difference. Our walk is not over once we accept Christ into our lives it has just begun and we need to start asking and seeking so we can grow. If we are satisfied with knowing Him but not listening to Him we will not grow and we will struggle with the world and what is in it.

In the parable of the lamp in verse 21 Jesus shares, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine.” We must open our ears and hearts so we can shine and grow. Our lamps will need fuel and that is the word so we need to learn and hear and hear and live it out so we continue to grow. We need to pay close attention and know that we must be fully devoted so we can shine. Amen

Mark 2

7/27/2012

Mark 2:27-28 “Then Jesus said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!”

This is a good reminder for us to see how important it is for us to have a corporate day for learning and fellowship. Whatever happens on the Sabbath needs to be done to help people and not hinder them. In chapter 3 verse 3 it says, “Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, ‘Come and stand in front of everyone.” I like that Jesus brings the guy so everyone can see him. This is how we should be with our faith, bold and loving.

Verse 4 says, “Then He turned to His critics and asked, ‘Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it? But they wouldn’t answer Him.” We must remember everything we do should glorify the Father and if we don’t take every opportunity to do that we are forgetting who we are in Christ.

We have become new creations and are set apart to do good and honor the Father. We must work daily on our relationship with Him so we can always be ready for the devils promptings and also our own evil desires that are in us battling against the Spirit. We must remember to feed the Spirit so we can grow. Amen

Matthew 25

7/23/2012

Matthew 25:1-4 “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.”

Every time I read this story it makes me think and pray. This parable is about ten believers going to see Jesus with five of them thinking just enough is good and five wanting to see Him so bad that they are over prepared (this is a good thing). We all have to understand that when we know the Lord there is nothing more exciting in this world. We should feel that excitement and desire wisdom and knowledge every day to grow and learn to truly live. Nothing becomes a job or a task, everything we do is because we desire to be with Him.

In verse 6 it says, “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet Him!” We should be reading for any day that might be our last or the day Jesus comes back. It shouldn’t be a surprise it should be a celebration. We see in verses 7-9 what happens, “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out! But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.” We can’t hope that our friend’s relationship will be enough to bring us to the wedding. Our walk should be growing and developing so each of us has enough oil and are ready for any day that is our last.

The end of the parable is an eye opener and should be a heart transformer. Verses 10-13 say, “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with Him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us! But He called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you! So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know that day or hour of my return.”

We should be working on our hearts so we are ready every day. We need to pray this prayer, dear Father I thank you for your Son and your word. Please open my heart and help me feel the desires of my heart and let them be focused on following the Spirit not the world. Don’t let me wait any longer but help me work today. In Jesus name Amen.

Matthew 23

7/16/2012

Matthew 23:25-26 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy- full of greed and self- indulgence! You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too.”

As we walk around as Christians we are being watched and when we are struggling internally we do not bear fruit and we don’t do what we are called to do. This stood out to me today because it made me think of so many times I thought to myself (if I just looked good on the outside it will be OK) but that only last so long. We must have a relationship with the Father and meditate on His word so we grow every day. That growth is what helps us hear the Holy Spirit as He tries to comfort us and guide us to what is good and pleasing and right.

When our heart is right it moves us to shine and then our outside does what our inside knows to do. It takes our belief and makes our faith shine. I keep looking at what Jesus said in verse 26, “…First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too.” Where to focus is so important and can make all the difference in the world. We need to ask God daily to help guide us then we can work on giving up control and we can let our transformed heart shine. Amen

Matthew 22

7/14/2012

Matthew 22, Parable of the Great Feast. In reading this parable we see that Jesus is explaining what God has set into play for the New Covenant. Verse 2 says, “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son.” Verse 3 continues on with, “When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!”

As we see the shift from the Jewish people of Israel to anyone with ears to hear we see that the standard that is set still is important. Jumping to verse 14 we see that it says, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” I truly feel that it is because we will struggle with giving up control of our own lives. God accepts everyone and as we see from this parable that we all have the chance to accept Jesus and the free gift of salvation. In that acceptance we are called to new life and we are given the word and the Spirit to guide us to right living. The standard is not gone just because we know Jesus. Matthew chapter 22 verses 11-13 are great illustrations of how our changed hearts should be accompanied by our actions not just our words. “But when the king came into meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. ‘Friend, he asked, how is it that you are here without wedding clothes? But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, “Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

We have to put on the wedding clothes and surrender our lives as Jesus did. Galatians chapter 3 verse 27 says, “And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” We all must be ready and continue to learn and focus our lives on glorifying God in all we do. As we see again in Matthew chapter 22 verse 14, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” God will extend our lives to either eternity with Him or eternity separated from Him. Jesus shows us in Matthew chapter 7 verse 14, “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Let’s put on the wedding clothes and live our lives surrendered to His will by letting the Spirit lead us with joy and peace. Amen

Matthew 19

7/12/2012

Matthew 19:23-26 “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I’ll say it again – it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God! The disciples were astounded. ‘Then who in the world can be saved? They asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

After reading this today you can see how important surrender is. We cannot do anything to earn salvation, all we have to do is surrender and let God change our hearts. When we accept Jesus and are baptized we receive the Holy Spirit and He will guide us to do what is right. When we think we have everything under control our earthly desires keep us from seeing what we need to see. It’s not about just following the law it’s about living as Christ did, fully devoted and willing not to act unless the Father told Him. We are called to do the same, but if we don’t listen to the Spirit’s direction and we think we can do it on our own we will be spinning in the same mud of life. What worldly things are keeping you spinning in the mud?

We see in the parable of the rich man that his possessions were keeping him from a true relationship with God. It might not be possessions for us, but we need to pray and ask God to show us what we need to release so we can grow and mature in our walk. In chapters 18 and 19 Jesus talks about becoming like children if you want to see the Kingdom of Heaven and I feel this is because not only are they innocent but they need someone to guide them and Jesus shows us to be real and need Him. When we need Him we will ask Him but when we feel we can do it on our own we spin our wheels. Let’s all work on our willingness to surrender our will and know that His will is perfect so no other way is right. Thank you God for your love, keep me focused on Jesus and help me be childlike. Amen

Matthew 15

7/9/2012

Faith – living it not just talking about it. As I read in Matthew chapter 15 verse 22 I was enlightened as I read what it said, “A Gentile woman who lived there came to Him, pleading, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” Then in verse 23 it says, “But Jesus gave her no replay, not even a word…” When He finally replied He said in verse 24, “…I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep – the people of Israel.” The woman continues in verse 25 by saying, “But she came and worshiped Him, pleading again, ‘Lord, help me! ‘Jesus responds again by saying in verse 26, “…It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” Then boldly she stands up to Jesus and says in verse 27, “…That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters table.”

That is determination and faith that can move mountains. She was determined to stand up even to Jesus because she knew who He was and she believed He could help her daughter. We know Jesus and what He has done for us, do we have the faith to live out what we know and give our lives to Him?

In verse 28 Jesus speaks to this woman again and says, “Dear woman, Jesus said to her, ‘your faith is great. Your request is granted. And her daughter was instantly healed.” Is our faith great or is it subject to what happens in our lives? Jesus came for our sins so we could be together for eternity with the Father we don’t see Him like that woman but we have the Spirit living in us to guide us and make us say, please lead me. We must show our faith by our actions and living out what Jesus has shown us because we know in our heart that He is our Lord and Savior. That woman didn’t do anything to earn what she got, she just believed in Jesus and was determined to show it by her persistence.

True faith comes from our heart and belief comes from our thoughts. That women didn’t only believe Jesus could help her daughter she knew it and her faith made her disregard what Jesus’ first response was and challenge Him with boldness. We need to open our hearts and be bold because we have so much to be thankful for. We need to thank God for sending His Son just because He loved us. Amen

Matthew 14

7/5/2012

Matthew 14:28-31 “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?”

This is amazing to me even someone that was walking with Jesus could get caught up in fear. The things around him made him focus on them instead of what Jesus could do. This happens to us so many times, even when we say it won’t. Our hearts are so important as we grow and know the Lord because when our hearts truly are filled with the Spirit we can have the faith needed to be fully devoted. Satan will continue to try to discourage us and keep us afraid and focused on the world we must release it and know that Jesus is bigger. We can’t be concerned with what the world thinks or the people around us we need to open God’s word and ask for wisdom and understanding. And we must remember that our faith must be in Him alone.

In verse 33 it says, “Then the disciples worshiped Him. ‘You really are the Son of God! They exclaimed.” What will be that defining moment in our lives that makes us say “yes” you are the Son of God and I will surrender my will to you. If you know that moment take the time to write it out and read it. It is amazing what impact it can have when you can see it. We have to move our belief to faith that creates action because faith without action is dead and just talk. James chapter 2 verses 19-20 puts it perfect, “You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?”

Our lives should show our faith and we should be passionate in all we do because we know the Lord. Let’s make a difference and get out of the boat and walk knowing Jesus is Lord and Savior and there is nothing that can hurt us but us believing the world instead. Amen

Matthew 13

7/2/2012

What kind of soil are you? As we read the parable of the farmer scattering seed in Matthew chapter 13 we can see what the different soils represent because Jesus shares it with us. Whatever soil we are at the most important thing is that we are seeking to move to the fertile soil and make a difference.

In Matthew chapter 13 verse 4 it says, “As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them.” Verse 19 explains what Jesus meant and tells us, “The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts.” Even at that point our hearts should be wrestling with the truth and at that point we need to seek that relationship and wisdom. When hearing is all we do the devil keeps our hearts from learning.

In verses 5-6 we see, “Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died.” Jesus tells us in verses 20-21 that, “The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing in God’s word.” Again we see a trend with our constant seeking and asking. What moves us to the fertile soil is our relationship with God. As we grow and ask for understanding we receive godly wisdom that helps us be ready for what the devil is trying to do.

Verse 7 says, “Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants.” We see how Jesus explains this in verse 22 by saying, “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.” We must remember God is perfect and so is His will, when we accept Jesus as our Lord we have a perfect example to guide us so our worries can be given to Him. As you see the devil will try every trick to keep us from fertile soil and he will use different people and things in our lives to stop us from moving to be fully devoted to Jesus for everything.

Finally we see in verses 8-9 that, “Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Fertile soil takes our choosing to die to self and work on His will which we see in His word is perfect. Romans chapter 12 verse 2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” We see how this looks in Matthew chapter 13 verse 23 when Jesus says, “The seed that fell on the good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

Let’s make a difference and cultivate our soil so we can through Christ produce a harvest for the Lord. Amen