Be Like Bruce

You must not lie. 

(Exod. 20:16 TLB)

These chairs showed up on my lawn about a week ago. They were made and delivered by a friend, Bruce. He asked me to pick out the colours. I had a choice of blue, white, yellow, green, and pink. I picked colours I thought would brighten up the place, and I believe I chose wisely. Bruce is 88 years old. He is not on any form of social media. He is a retired boat builder, an avid golfer, and a doer of good deeds. We can learn from Bruce.

The stress/loneliness of self-isolation in our homes, and social distancing in public, is leading to sinful actions – even by individuals who call themselves followers of Jesus. At one end of the spectrum are those sharing multiple conspiracy theories (China released the virus for population control, it’s a vehicle of the New World Order to get people under control, etc.), many that contradict each other. At the other end are those sharing extreme government-like propaganda. (We should keep all restrictions in place until a vaccine is discovered, regardless of how long it takes; those who do not take the vaccine should be placed in containment camps.) What we’ve discovered is that lies are being spread all over the place, shared by many people, causing both fear and division.

The temptation is strong, and I’ve even succumbed to it at times, but there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. His forgiveness is never-ending. There is no time that is too late for us to turn back from evil ways. There is no better time than now. There is great advice, and warnings, in Proverbs 11 – so much for us to learn:

• The Lord hates cheating and delights in honesty (v. 1).

• A good man is guided by his honesty; the evil man is destroyed by his dishonesty (v. 3).

• Good people are directed by their honesty; the wicked shall fall beneath their load of sins (v. 5).

• To quarrel with a neighbor is foolish; a man with good sense holds his tongue (v. 12).

• A gossip goes around spreading rumors, while a trustworthy man tries to quiet them (v. 13).

• Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel (v. 17).

• If you search for good, you will find God’s favor; if you search for evil, you will find his curse (v. 17).

• Godly men are growing a tree that bears life-giving fruit, and all who win souls are wise (v. 30).

Sharing any form of information that causes fear or division, without confirmation of truth, is of the deceiver. Those in tune with God’s Word see how this can give Satan control. Followers of Jesus are to be witnesses to the world in all that we do and share (verbally or electronically). 

So, what do we do? How do we take back control? We can’t! (We deceive ourselves by thinking we ever had control.) What we can do is decide who will have that control over us. The choice is, relinquish it to Satan or to the Holy Spirit. What happens when we give control to the Spirit?

But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control; and here there is no conflict with Jewish laws. 

(Gal. 5:22–23 TLB)

We don’t want to be in conflict with the commandments of God, and displaying the fruit of the Spirit creates no conflict.

Ask yourself, Is what I am about to say, is what I am about to post on Facebook, or is what I am about to do advancing the Kingdom of God? Does it honour God? Is it God's honest truth?

We are being watched during this pandemic. Share misinformation now, share untruths now, pass on outright lies, and people may not believe the truth of the Gospel if it comes from your mouth.

Bruce displayed the fruit of the Spirit. There was no hatred shared about the government, there was no dislike towards people without masks, there was good fruit! Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control.

Be like Bruce, who was being like Jesus!

Follow God’s example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father. Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins.

(Eph. 5:1–2 TLB)

Answers on Wednesday

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

    whose trust is the Lord.

(Jer. 17:7 ESV)

Questions, answers. Answers, questions. It seems the more answers we get, the more questions we have. At one end of the “answer sheet” are the conspiracy theorists. At the other end are the “do-whatever-the-WHO-says” activists. Both groups seem to contradict themselves on a daily basis. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from this pandemic, it’s that everyone has answers, but rarely are they the right ones. Sadly, people are sharing misinformation, untruths, and outright lies. There’s only one person we can go to for the truth, and that person is Jesus. Jesus asks questions, and Jesus gives answers. And unlike the answers we get from others, His are always truthful and insightful. Let’s turn to the Answer Man, and see what He has to say.

Photo by Bruce Mars – Unsplash.com

Q1 – Are you not of more value than they?

(Matt. 6:26 ESV)

This seems like a redundant question. Right before this, Jesus shares a simple fact.  “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” Jesus – hopefully – makes us think about this question, and I hope we don’t think for very long. Jesus makes it very clear that we’re each held in high value by the Heavenly Father. Where do you turn for your self-worth? There’s only one place to turn, and that is to God.

Q2 – Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?

(Mark 2:19 ESV)

Some context: Fasting was associated with three things: (1) sorrow for a deceased person, (2) penitential mourning to nullify the wrath of God and to avert calamity, and (3) petition to God. * Jesus used the analogy of a wedding to show that someone fasting at a wedding would draw attention to him/herself and away from the newlyweds (a selfish act).

It’s a reminder to us to reflect on the motivation for doing what we do. Are we truly doing it for God, or is there a selfish motivation to draw attention to ourselves? God (Jesus) was with them, and there was no reason for the people to fast – for He wouldn’t be with them much longer. This was a time for celebration. Today, even through adversity, we live in a time of celebration, for Jesus is with us (Emmanuel). Fast? Yes! But do so for all the Godly reasons.

Q3 – Why do you question in your hearts?

(Luke 5:22)

This question comes in the middle of the account of the paralytic man (whom Jesus heals). It’s a question for the Pharisees, and He performs the miracle for all to see – so they may realize He is the son of God (yet some still would not believe). It’s a question that’s still relevant today. Why do you question the validity of Jesus? There’s more than enough proof, yet the deceiver still deceives. See through the lies, and know the truth.

Q4 – Woman, what does this have to do with me?

(John 2:4)

Mary, Jesus’ mother, wants her son to help out with a situation at a wedding (they have run out of wine). This is a redundant question by Jesus because He has already decided to help out. The significant part of this encounter is Mary’s response: “His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’” (v. 5). Mary had complete trust that Jesus would do what was needed. No argument, no discussion, just instructions to the servants to do whatever Jesus asked. Mary didn’t know what Jesus would do, but she did know that He could be relied on for the proper outcome. Do you have the faith that Mary had? Are you trusting in Jesus for the outcome – whatever we/you are going through?

Q5 – And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

(Matt. 6:27)

This is an additional question that Jesus adds to question 1 (above). Are you not of more value than they? It’s another redundant question (Jesus asks a lot of them), but less redundant than first thought. Jesus asks this because He wants us to think about it. Once again, trusting in Jesus is the antidote for anxiousness. It’s difficult to do both simultaneously (trust in Jesus and be anxious). 

We live in anxious times (or so media portrays), yet we ought not succumb to these cultural norms of anxiousness. Go forward knowing that this, too, shall pass – not because it’s a mistaken Bible verse, but because God is in control, not viruses, not governments, and definitely, not social media.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

    and do not lean on your own understanding.

(Prov. 3:5 ESV)

* Taken from a commentary by Garland on the Book of Mark.

Trivia Tuesday

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

(Prov. 18:15 ESV)

Some great news about our family trivia team from Monday night! We came close to winning with a score of 42/52 (81%). Our best so far, beating our previous best of 65% by a wide margin. We cleaned up in categories that we would not have expected to do well in: Gift Cards, Floral Arrangements, and strangely enough, Disney Settings (thanks to Amanda).

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To play Socially Distant Trivia to support OCA, contact Carolyn DeWare.

As fun as the Monday trivia night is, could there really be more important questions than those that Jesus asked? Let’s dive in:

Q1 – Are you not of more value than they? 

Q2 – Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?

Q3 – Why do you question in your hearts?

Q4 – Woman, what does this have to do with me?

Q5 – And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Pick one, two, or even all five and imagine Jesus asking you these questions. What would your response be? Tomorrow we’ll discuss the responses and the contexts in which these questions were asked.

Be filled with the words of the Christ, for “man cannot live on bread alone.”

Take my instruction instead of silver,

and knowledge rather than choice gold.

(Prov. 8:10 ESV)

It’s OK to Be Sad

 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matt 5:4 ESV).

Yesterday was Mother’s Day, and I had the opportunity to reflect on what an incredible mother my children have. It brings me great joy to play back the last twenty years in my mind and replay how my children have grown – because of their mother. In scripture, we see that God likened Himself to a mother:

“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem” (Is. 66:13 ESV).

Every Mother’s Day, I also reflect on the forty years I had with my mom. Some may say that forty years is a long time, but for me, it wasn’t long enough. She had me at a young age (17) and passed far too young (57). She married my dad two months before I was born, then left her country, and her family, for a land across the ocean, where she could not speak the language. Raising a child – with another soon on the way – in this new land could not have been easy. She even learned another language. (I grew up speaking two, Dutch and English.)

Bob & Maryke

The reflection makes me sad, for I know I’ll be making no more memories with my mom. And even though I’ve been without my mom for 15 years, I still shed a tear or two on Mother’s Day. I’m still sad – and it’s OK to be sad.

“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Eccl. 3:4 ESV).

Maryke & Christian

My mom liked to laugh, and she liked to dance (and sing), so the thought of never hearing that laugh or a song from her voice – or seeing her dance – saddens me. I’m sad because my children will never remember their grandmother as I knew her. I’m still sad. And it’s OK to be sad.

Many grieve in different ways, and God gives us permission to be sad, to grieve in our way, to grieve in our time. Words that do not help include “It’s been long enough,” “It’s time to move on,” “You are not being rational,” and “This will pass,” among others. For those who grieve, simply walk with them, love them, and show them the way. Show them the way of the Christ. Let’s not forget that Jesus wept.

I’m thankful for these 40 years of memories. And I get to make many more years of memories with the mother of my children. Every Mother’s Day will bring its bitter-sweetness to me, and I’d have it no other way. Both the joy of memories and the pain of making no more are surpassed by the knowledge that I will see my mom again in our eternal home.

Fifteen years later, the pain is still real. It still hurts, but hope in the Eternal brings me comfort.

This song [below] is a special one that my mom loved, and every time I hear it, it brings both a tear and a smile. 

“Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thes. 4:17 NLT).

Samwise Gamgee

One of my favourite books is the Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. It's a family favourite as well. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve read it. These times include reading it to each of the children. I’ve also seen the film adaptations multiple times, including watching them over the last ten days. The story is filled with heroes. Frodo, the ring bearer, who must take the evil ring to Mordor to destroy it. Strider (Aragorn) the Ranger, destined to return as the King of Gondor. Gandalf the Grey (eventually, the White) who helps the fellowship. Legolas (elf) and Gimli (dwarf) who continually risk their lives, and even Meriadoc and Pippin (hobbits) who show bravery far and above their stature.

But, I contend that in all of fiction literature, there is no greater hero than Samwise Gamgee. Sam has two skills that are second to none. The first is, he’s an exceptional gardener – employed by Frodo, his closest friend. He is caught listening in on a conversation between Gandalf and his friend Frodo. His punishment ... he is to accompany his friend on the quest to destroy the ring. Tolkien was a Christian, a friend of C.S. Lewis, and you can see the messages of grace, mercy, and redemption in his stories.

I want to share five Samwise quotes for your consideration – and what we can learn from Sam.

• Frodo: Go back, Sam! I’m going to Mordor alone. 

• Sam: Of course you are, and I’m coming with you!

Have you ever had a friend – someone close to you – tell you to leave them alone? You are torn. You are their friend. You want to do what they ask— Don’t do it. In those times of distress, the request to be left alone is the last thing they need (or want). Be Sam, and do not let your friend go into the darkness alone. 

“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family” (Prov. 18:24 MSG).

• Sam: I made a promise, Mr Frodo. A promise. “Don't you leave him, Samwise Gamgee.” And I don't mean to.

We live in a world where promises are thrown about without a care – and broken just as quick. Sam made a promise, and there was absolutely nothing that would keep him from honouring that promise. 

 “When you tell God you’ll do something, do it—now. God takes no pleasure in foolish gabble. Vow it, then do it. Far better not to vow in the first place than to vow and not pay up” (Eccl. 5:5–6 MSG).

image credit: www.deviantart.com

• Sam: Come, Mr. Frodo! I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you. 

Frodo is at the foot of Mount Doom and cannot take another step. It is the hero Sam, who stuck by his friend, who understands he cannot carry the burden (ring) himself, but he can carry Frodo. He can share the burden. 

 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2 NIV).

• Sam: There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it's worth fighting for.

We have a message that is the Good News, and this good news is worth fighting for. 

“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven” (Matt 5:14–16 MSG).

• Sam: Is everything sad going to come untrue?

We have an answer to Sam’s question. He asks it with incredible hope in his voice. He wants it to be true, and we have the answer for him: Yes, all that is sad will become untrue. 

“They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone” (Rev. 21:4 MSG).

Sam’s second skill?

Well, it’s more of a characteristic. It is loyalty. Loyalty to his closest friend. He will never leave Frodo’s side. He will carry him when he can no longer take a step. Sam keeps his promises. He will die for Frodo if need be. (SPOILER ALERT: Sam lives.) We all want a friend like that. Who doesn’t? That friend is yours for the having. That friend is Jesus. Jesus, who fulfills every promise. The friend who NEVER leaves you – and, the friend who has even died for you. Yet, the friend who lives! He is my best friend, and He wants to be yours too.

“I no longer call you slaves, for a master doesn’t confide in his slaves; now you are my friends, proved by the fact that I have told you everything the Father told me” (John 15:5 TLB).

Photo credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/rAaHxCwnwN2kAtHm9

Answer Wednesday

God’s Word says to not let your hearts be troubled, yet death troubles us all. If we are to be obedient to God’s Word – and not have troubled hearts – then we are to continue in God’s Word to find our peace and comfort in troubling times. Let’s do that now as we address yesterday's questions with His Holy Word – and may your hearts not be troubled.

Q1 – What happens to a person who dies?

Photo credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/diBvMubgFKToHNux5

We have encouragement that this life is not the only life. There is life after death, an eternal life. John 5 says:

“Don’t be so surprised! Indeed the time is coming when all the dead in their graves shall hear the voice of God’s Son, and shall rise again—those who have done good, to eternal life; and those who have continued in evil, to judgment” (vv. 28–29).

All who live and die will face a judgement from the Father. Hebrews 9 says,

“And just as it is destined that men die only once, and after that comes judgment” (v. 27).

Those who believe have no fear, for we will be in the presence of Jesus. Second Corinthians 5 says,

“And we are not afraid but are quite content to die, for then we will be at home with the Lord” (v. 8).

The new life will be victorious. First Corinthians 15 says,  

“When this happens, then at last this Scripture will come true—“Death is swallowed up in victory” (v. 54).

NOTE: There is no promise of help for a troubled heart that does not know Jesus. 

Q2 – How does God help those who grieve?

Psalm 119 gives us multiple assurances. We have the assurance of God’s justice, we have the assurance of His character, and we have the assurance of His lovingkindness and comfort through troubled times.

“I know, O Lord, that your decisions are right and that your punishment was right and did me good. Now let your loving-kindness comfort me, just as you promised. Surround me with your tender mercies that I may live” (vv. 75–77).

The comfort comes from knowing Jesus. Jesus wept! Jesus cares. Jesus loves. Jesus prepares a place for us in eternity.   

“You can be sure that the more we undergo sufferings for Christ, the more he will shower us with his comfort and encouragement” (2 Cor. 1:5).

Q3 – How can I prepare for my own eventual passing?

Understand our own frailty.

“Lord, help me to realize how brief my time on earth will be. Help me to know that I am here for but a moment more. My life is no longer than my hand! My whole lifetime is but a moment to you. Proud man! Frail as breath! A shadow! And all his busy rushing ends in nothing. He heaps up riches for someone else to spend” (Ps. 39:4–6).

Understand that there is nothing we can do to obtain eternal life.

“Then he saved us—not because we were good enough to be saved but because of his kindness and pity—by washing away our sins and giving us the new joy of the indwelling Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).

Understand that the loving Christ’s sacrifice was all that was required.

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. There is no eternal doom awaiting those who trust him to save them. But those who don’t trust him have already been tried and condemned for not believing in the only Son of God” (John 3:16–18).

Understand that not all will choose wisely, although the gift is extended to all.

“Even in his own land and among his own people, the Jews, he was not accepted. Only a few would welcome and receive him. But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust him to save them” (John 1:12).

Q4 – Jesus asked, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)

Jesus asked this question of Martha. And this is what Jesus said right before He asked the question:

“Jesus told her, ‘I am the one who raises the dead and gives them life again. Anyone who believes in me, even though he dies like anyone else, shall live again.  He is given eternal life for believing in me and shall never perish. Do you believe this, Martha?’” (John 11:23–26).

If Marilyn had an opportunity to share one thing with us, now that she has gone to her eternal home, it would be this: “Heaven is for real.”

Do you believe this?

Memories

“Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from there?” “Just come and see for yourself,” Philip declared" (John 1:46 TLB).

Two weeks ago, a couple of my friends challenged me to post an album cover, one a day, on Facebook, showcasing the music that has impacted me over the years. Growing up mostly in Germany, we had no phone or TV. What we had was music, and needless to say (but I’m going to say it anyway), music had a huge impact on my life. During this FB challenge, memories of grade eleven came flooding back. 

My father being posted back to Canada, I had to leave my friends and head to a strange land: from Germany to Petawawa, Ontario. The first thing I did was sign up to play baseball. I loved sports, and it’s a great way to make new friends. Sadly, our team was not allowed in the league, and I quote, “The military kids just want to fight.” I just wanted to play baseball. So, I decided to hang out at the recreation centre to work out. But, the centre was closed for the summer for renovations. I’ve always enjoyed going to the movies, and it is a good distraction, but the theatre in Petawawa was also closed for summer renovations!

I had a part-time job, backing up a paperboy. But, he only called me when it was raining, snowing, or really cold – and it was also the heaviest weighing paper in Canada (Ottawa Citizen). To date, that’s still one of the toughest jobs I’ve ever had.  

To complete the miserable year, three of my schoolmates were killed by a bear. Yes, a bear! Two of them trying to save the third. And two other classmates drowned in the local watering hole, one trying to save the other. :( 

I was beyond overjoyed when my dad informed us we were moving back to Germany for my grade-twelve year. If you were to ask me, “Petawawa, can anything good come from there?” – my answer would have been loud and clear: NO! 

But, God has the power to redeem all, and I am living proof that something good can come from anywhere! I was a bitter teenager with no belief in an afterlife, and no belief in myself, but God took that broken vessel from grade eleven, remoulded him over time, and created a life of value. 

Where have you been? Where are you now? Can anything good come of it, or from it? God has proven over and over again that it can. Are you still not sure? There will be a time when we’ll be able to congregate together, and you will have an opportunity to find out if anything good can come from Petawawa.

As Philip declared to Nathanael, “Come and see.” Come to The Stone Church and see!

 For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I will be right there among them” (Matt 18:20 TLB).

Answer Wednesday

So many questions asked of Jesus. So much to learn from the answers. Let’s take a look at the five questions asked yesterday – and what they reveal to us today.

Q1 – His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you always use these hard-to-understand illustrations?” (Matt. 13:10 TLB)

Then he explained that only they [the disciples] were permitted to understand the Kingdom of Heaven. “For to him who has will more be given,” He told them, “and he will have great plenty; but from him who has not, even the little he has will be taken away. That is why I use these illustrations, so people will hear and see but not understand” (Matt 13:11-13).

God gave the disciples understanding – understanding doesn't come from “enlightenment” or the “age of reason.” God reveals what He wants to reveal to His people. God’s Word cannot be fully understood without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, our teacher. We understand what God wants us to understand. Jesus then goes on to quote Isaiah 6:9–10. “This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah:

‘They hear, but don’t understand; they look, but don’t see! For their hearts are fat and heavy, and their ears are dull, and they have closed their eyes in sleep, so they won’t see and hear and understand and turn to God again, and let me heal them.’” (Matt 13:14-15)

Q2 – But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” (Matt. 3:14 NIV)

Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” (V. 15)

We know Jesus was sinless, so His baptism was not a baptism to wash away His sins – His baptism was both for John and the people. John testified to this in John 1:32–33.

“I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit’” (NIV).

We also see that it was for the people, as God responded with a message for the people, following the baptism in Matthew 3, verse 16.

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’”

Q3 – “Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. ‘There’s a youngster here with five barley loaves and a couple of fish! But what good is that with all this mob?’” (John 6:9 TLB)

 “‘Tell everyone to sit down,’ Jesus ordered. And all of them—the approximate count of the men only was five thousand—sat down on the grassy slopes. Then Jesus took the loaves and gave thanks to God and passed them out to the people. Afterwards he did the same with the fish. And everyone ate until full! ‘Now gather the scraps,’ Jesus told his disciples, ‘so that nothing is wasted.’ And twelve baskets were filled with the leftovers!” (v. 10–12)

This miracle was only possible with the intervention of the supernatural – a sign that Jesus was who He was claiming to be. The response of the witnesses reveals their new understanding. “When the people realized what a great miracle had happened, they exclaimed, ‘Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!’” (John 6:14 TLB)

Q4 – And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” (Matt. 12:23 ESV)

First, an answer came by way of the religious leaders, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons” (v. 24 ESV). They immediately attributed the miracle to Satan, without demonstrating due diligence – a lesson for us all. Jesus immediately addressed their comments.

“A divided kingdom ends in ruin. A city or home divided against itself cannot stand. And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is fighting himself and destroying his own kingdom. And if, as you claim, I am casting out demons by invoking the powers of Satan, then what power do your own people use when they cast them out? Let them answer your accusation! But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you” (v. 25–28 TLB).

Too often we explain away the miracles of God, as the Pharisees did. We are to diligently take the time to confirm that they truly are of God.

“Do not scoff at those who prophesy, but test everything that is said to be sure it is true, and if it is, then accept it” (1 Thes. 5:20–21 TLB).

Q5 – And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” (Matt. 12:10 ESV)

The Pharisees were trying to trick Jesus so they could arrest Him, and this was His answer,

“If you had just one sheep, and it fell into a well on the Sabbath, would you work to rescue it that day? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep!” (Matt. 12:11–12 TLB)

Jesus took their tricky question and sent a question right back at them, insinuating that everyone “works” in one way or another on the Sabbath. Jesus again gets to the “heart” of the matter. It’s not always about what you do but about the motivation for what you are doing – what’s in your heart!

I hope you’ve learned something from God’s Word today. Blessings to you all, and “see” you next week for Trivia Tuesday/Wednesday.

Trivia Tuesday

“Question those who have been listening to me. They know well what I have said. My teachings have all been above board” (John 18:21 MSG).

Trivia Tuesdays are back on Tuesdays. How did we do at the Monday Night Social-Distancing Trivia put on by Oceanview Christian Academy? We did our best so far (in four tries). I attribute it in small part to our name change. We had gone with the “Fluff Muffins” because Toby (our dog) was participating with us. The problem was, she did not give us any insight to any of the questions – yet she was given all the credit. :) The new name? “Justice League.” (I am a Batman fan.) Others may say our 65% could be due to the fact that we scored 5/5 on the Bible category. Let’s hope the Justice League can surpass our score next week (and they have more Bible categories).

Speaking of “Bible Categories,” the category today is, Questions Asked of Jesus. A lot can be learned based on the character of the enquirer, the question itself, and of course, the response of the Christ. 

Questions Asked of Jesus

1.  His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you always use these hard-to-understand illustrations?” (Matt 13:10 TLB)

2.  But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” (Matt 3:14 NIV)

3. Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. “There’s a youngster here with five barley loaves and a couple of fish! But what good is that with all this mob?”(John 6:9 TLB)

4. And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” (Matt 12:23 ESV)

5. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” Matt 12:10 (ESV)

Tomorrow, we’ll look at the Christ’s responses and if they have any significance to us today.

(Hint: They do!)

“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on” (Matt. 7:24 MSG).