Archived Devos-

Jesus Said Hate Your Parents??

With the holidays now approaching many of us will end up spending time around family members that might not always see things eye-to-eye with us causing frustration. I've got great news! Jesus promoted hating those relatives that get on your last nerve!! After all in Luke 14:25-27 He clearly states that one must “hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sister” or you will not be called His disciples. WOW!! Sweet! So you can kick your rude relatives to the curb with Christ’s permission! Hmmm Jesus said what?? That isn’t very Christ-like. What do you think He really meant?

Christ was explaining the cost of being a disciple. While salvation is a free gift because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, following Christ is not an easy task. We are required to lay down our lives and our priorities and turn our full attention to God. He must become our top priority and purpose. In fact this passage continues to say that we must even hate our own lives – meaning we must be willing to give them up.

Jesus wasn’t saying to hate our family members or hate ourselves. He was saying that God’s will must take highest priority over earthly relationships and our own desires. The Message paraphrase says: “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple.”

Following Christ is costly, but the reward is far beyond any earthly relationship or possession. Hate Your Parents – really just means Put God First!

Dig Deeper: Matthew 22:37-38; Luke 8:19-21, Deuteronomy 5:16, Matthew 10:38-39, Philippians 2:1-10

Jesus said Turn the Other Cheek??
October 26 - November 8, 2009

So many people have a hard time in wanting to be a Christian because they feel that once they hold to that label - they become a doormat or have to give away everything they own and be poor.

Likewise, some Christians struggle with this concept thinking that just because we are Christ followers we must never get angry and always be the underdog. Wow are we WAY OFF!?

Jesus references a common teaching from the OT here in Matthew 5 when He says, You've heard it said, and eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Well I say If a man strikes you on the right cheek - turn him the other (my paraphrasing).

This was not a teaching on allowing abuse to be in our lives. Christ would NEVER approve of that. This was a new radical concept of living with a spirit of reconciliation. He was showing those listening that though they might have the "right" to hurt someone back - Christ would challenge us to forgive and not just to forgive but to give a second chance. And in doing that, you have just lived Jesus in front of that person.

I realize this can be easier said than done. These things that Jesus shared were not commandments -but suggestions. He was trying to show us that there are ways to LOVE through our frustration or hurt.

As the passage continues in the Word you hear Christ bring out more examples of this type of response. These teachings were very real situations back in the Bible days and the people listening knew exactly what Christ meant. Revenge is His... There is a place for righteous anger - but it is not in one of these situations. Defuse the heated moment by living Christ.

If someone hurts you or challenges you in a frustrating situation - think to yourself "Here's my chance!" Here's your chance to show love and to not just "be the better person" but to be an example of Christ! "Turn the other Cheek" in today's world would have probably been - "Here's My Chance!" Not "Here's my chance to get back at them!" - but "Here's My Chance To Be Jesus!"

Jesus said Pluck Out My Eye?? Huh?
October 19- 25, 2009

A revolutionary teaching of Jesus' was when He spoke about adultery. The topic itself was a familiar subject in the religious circles but things became revolutionary as Jesus said - You've heard it said don't sleep with another man's wife - but I tell you - don't even lust after another woman. And if you do - pluck out your eye. (This is my paraphrasing) The story is found in Matthew 5.

Jesus Said WhatEveryone had been so focused on the actual act of adultery that they've overlooked these stepping stones to sins. Jesus continues to say that it would be better for us to live one-eyed and pure than to enter hell as a whole person. So, puck out your eye or chop off your hand if it offends you or causes you to sin.

Jesus is trying to teach us that sin can occur in your mind, heart and spirit before we ever actually sin outwardly. He says that our hearts can be corrupted by lust even quicker than our bodies. Our secret sins will destroy us. His advice to pluck out our eyes or cut off our limbs is not literal (although I'm sure it would be harder to lust if you were blind).

His advice meant to pluck out the source that is causing these thoughts or temptations. So, if you struggle with alcoholism don't enter a bar. If you struggle with pornography, put a filter on your computer or allow your spouse to view your browser history to keep you accountable. If there's a co-worker with whom you flirt or tease sexually - stop. All of these are stepping stones to sin that will rob us of eternity with Christ and could destroy current relationships. Having an accountability partner is a wonderful alternative to self-mutilation.

We are all human - and lust is a daily temptation - through tv, magazines, novels, radio and the internet just to name a few. We are surrounded by it. Recognizing these warning signs and plucking out these distractions will help keep us in line with God's will and Word.

A Christian that happens to be gay!
October 12- 18, 2009

Sometimes we get wrapped up in labels finding our identity in something we do - like parent, partner, athlete, or a job title like coach, teacher, or doctor. As LGBT people - we are told to find pride in our labels.

God tells us in 1 John 3 that our true identity is as His children and every other label falls to second place. So remember on this week, following Nation Coming Out Day, that we should come out as Christians first – who just happen to be gay.

God doesn’t care if I’m gay!
October 5 - 11, 2009

You’ve probably heard it said, “God doesn’t’ care if you’re gay or straight. He just wants you to be happy.”

Well, I would agree with the last part of that statement – that God wants you to be happy, but I think Scripture proves to us that He cares about every detail of our lives. In fact, Luke 12:7 tells us that God knows even the number of hairs on our heads! He knows us intimately and cares about every detail of our lives. He cares if you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or straight, and He wants you to be healthy and happy not only physically, but also spiritually.

Take time out this week to share with God intimate details of your heart and life. Set aside time that allows Him to have moments with you that are just yours and His – He cares!