Listening

Posted on March 29, 2018 by cchrisholland

When Jesus was transfigured on the mountain (in the presence of Peter, James and John), His heavenly glory burned bright as the sun. Excited by what he saw, Peter immediately began talking of his plan for monuments, but the scripture says while he was still speaking, God interrupted and this happened:

“…a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him! And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.” – Matthew 17:5-6 NKJV

Once again, Peter was talking when he should’ve been listening. Seeing the glory wasn’t about memorializing a “moment”, it was about a heavenly endorsement of actionable words; “Hear Him!” the voice of God commanded. Of course, Peter isn’t the only example of “Sudden Speech Syndrome”. We too can suffer from the urge to start speaking (or sharing on social media) about an experience, instead of truly listening and applying His words.

Have you caught a glimpse of His glory? Has your heart been overshadowed by His presence? If so, be empowered by recalling the moment as you apply what He said. If you haven’t, today would be a great time to prayerfully look toward His majestic presence…and truly listen.

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Wisdom 20.29

Posted on March 28, 2018 by cchrisholland

“The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray hair.” – Proverbs 20:29 HCSB

How a society views its elder population reveals much of its spiritual condition. May we in the church model an appreciation for those who have so much love, experience, and wisdom to give. A life-well-lived can be a source of truth-passed-on.

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Christ

Posted on March 27, 2018 by cchrisholland

“Who do men say that I, the Son of Man am?” – Matthew 16:13 NKJV

Opinions about Jesus have always varied; even during His earthly ministry. When He asked the disciples what the “word on the street” was, they responded with several answers; John the Baptist (resurrected), Elijah, Jeremiah or others (returned to earth). However, when Jesus asked directly, “Who do YOU say that I am?” Peter spoke-up and got it right. He said:

“You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”– Matthew 16:16 NKJV

But the interesting part is Jesus’ response. He said specifically that the Holy Spirit revealed it to him. In other words, among the various descriptions “in the press”, He was the CHRIST. Yes Jesus healed the sick, yes He fed hungry folks, and yes He showed kindness to the downtrodden, but the ultimate reason He came was to deal with sin; and the two questions still apply today.

Who do people say that He is? Maybe a higher power? Maybe a great teacher?

But then the next question is, “Who do YOU say that He is?

Is He Christ to you, or something more along the lines of a great humanitarian? Yes, there’s a list of wonderful things that come through knowing Christ (love, joy, peace, etc.), but His main purpose in coming wasn’t to help us feel better about ourselves; it was to make us new altogether through a transforming relationship with Him. At that point, we leave “ourselves” behind…and follow Him.

He’s the Christ-the Son of the Living God!

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Heaviness

Posted on March 26, 2018 by cchrisholland

Jesus sighed. The reality of sin’s effects on the world moved Jesus to express a heaviness through what we call a “sigh”. Even though a “sigh” isn’t verbal speech, we know what it means. It’s a pause that reflects a deep emotion in our spirit. When Jesus was preparing to heal a deaf-mute, He touched the man’s ears and tongue, then:

“…looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him, ‘Ephphatha’, that is ‘Be opened.’.” – Mark 7:34 NKJV

The moment so clearly forms a picture of our need for Him. As broken vessels, our only hope is in Christ. There was nothing the man could do in his own power to overcome his physical challenges. There are broken lives all around us needing the same thing…His touch, His healing, and His declaration of freedom! Jesus said:

“…but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 NKJV

If you’re redeemed, give thanks for His healing. If sin is crippling your faith; repent and be healed. If your heart is grieving, find comfort in Him. For others who need it, pray for them to be open to His life-changing touch.

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The Lord’s Day 3-25-18

Posted on March 25, 2018 by cchrisholland

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:3-4 NKJV

A heart trusting in the Lord, delighting in His ways, and gaining strength from His faithfulness; is one desiring the right results. May our worship be properly placed today.

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Powerless

Posted on March 24, 2018 by cchrisholland

The disciples knew power, but they also knew weakness.

In Mark chapter 6 records where they were sent out by Jesus with the power over evil spirits and to heal. Afterwards, they returned with stories of demons being cast out and people miraculously healed. However, a crowd was looking for Jesus, and when they caught up to them, there was a crisis (thousands of people and no food).

The disciples inquired of the Lord about the need, and He said,

“You give them something to eat.”

Their response,

“Shall we go and buy two-hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?”  – Mark 6:37 NKJV

What happened next is the familiar story of Jesus feeding the five-thousand, but consider the moment in light of the disciples recent experiences. They had literally just been the instruments of healing and casting out demons in dramatic fashion, but when it came to groceries, they were looking for money. We do that too sometimes. Jesus proves himself faithful in awe-inspiring ways, then a grocery crisis pops-up and we start digging through the “couch cushions” of our life for nickels and dimes as a solution.

In both situations (twelve being sent out, and feeding the five-thousand) the power was the Lord’s. The disciples were always powerless in their own abilities. It was the Lord’s authority that sent demons fleeing, the mention of His name that mended broken bodies, and His miraculous provision refreshing the basket each time bread was drawn out. They were “power-less”, but He was “power-full”.

In what ways will His power be displayed in your life today?

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Perceptions

Posted on March 23, 2018 by cchrisholland

Jesus was a carpenter; and to those who knew Him growing up, the image of a tradesman was fixed in their minds. To them, that’s what He was…and all He was ever going to be. Consider what the people of Nazareth said:

“Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us? So they were offended at Him.” – Mark 6:3 NKJV

Imagine, God literally standing there wanting to do great miracles while someone basically says, “That’s good and all, but my leaky barn roof could really use your attention.” If we’re not careful, our reaction and prayers can reflect the same type of attitude. God wants to do powerful things in our lives, but more often than not, our prayers resemble a to-do list for a fix-it guy.

What perception do you have of Him today? And what kind of prayers will you pray?

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Reaching

Posted on March 22, 2018 by cchrisholland

Pride and fear can build walls of separation. There was a woman in the Gospels who’d suffered from a bleeding affliction for twelve years. In addition to the obvious physical challenges, she would have also been considered perpetually “unclean” according to Jewish law, (limiting her worship activities).

When Jesus came near, she saw an opportunity to be healed. However, it was unthinkable in that day for an unclean person to expect physical interaction with a rabbi…so she sneaked a touch. Reaching through the chaos of the crowd, she made contact with Jesus’ clothes; and healing power surged through her body. When He turned to inquire about the touch, she fell at His feet trembling, but Jesus said this:

“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” – Mark 5:34 NKJV

Sometimes there’s fear in the “reaching”. Sometimes pride prevents an extension of the hand to admit we need Him. But the truth is, we NEED Him! His healing power is available and His grace can cleanse a dirty life. What do you need to reach out for today? There’s nothing like the touch of the Master!

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Wisdom 19.21

Posted on March 21, 2018 by cchrisholland

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the LORD’s decree will stand.” – Proverbs 19:21 HCSB

There’s an old saying among carpenters, “Measure twice, cut once.” because once a cut is made, it can’t be undone. Perhaps it’s a good rule for life as well, “Measure your plans twice against God’s Word, then act.” And although it’s not a guarantee for success, it will minimize regret.

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Peace

Posted on March 20, 2018 by cchrisholland

Storms are powerful displays of nature, and when seasons change, the weather can get nasty. In our personal life, “changing winds” can also bring a storm. In the Gospels, there’s a pivotal moment where the disciples sailed into rough seas while Jesus slept; and they were petrified. From their perspective, the crashing waves would destroy their boat at any moment…but then Jesus spoke:

“Peace, be still!” – Mark 4:39a NKJV

Instantly there was calm, astonishment, gratitude, worship, bewilderment…and a deep realization of the presence of ALMIGHTY GOD!

Do you see dark clouds forming on the horizon of your life today? Perhaps you’re already in the middle of a raging storm and your boat is taking on water. He alone can speak calm into your soul. The disciples admitted their fear. They even questioned His concern for their safety, but they were never in real danger because Jesus was in the boat. Is He in your life today? If so, He’s near. Call out to Him and listen for His powerful words…”Peace, be still!”

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Tiny

Posted on March 19, 2018 by cchrisholland

Big results in God’s kingdom often start very small. Jesus explained it this way:

“To what shall we liken the Kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds of the earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.” – Mark 4:30-32 NKJV

The contrast between the size of the seed and the mature plant has everything to do with the Designer. The tiny seed contains the potential for large sturdy branches. It may start very small, but once placed in the ground, growth follows. However, as amazing as mustard seeds are, they must be sown for the germination process to begin. The same can be said of small acorns. They must be properly positioned to start the growth process to become a large, towering oak tree.

Today, the “sowing” can be something said, done, started, shared, prayed for, and more. What “mustard-seed” do you need to sow in faith today?

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The Lord’s Day 3-18-18

Posted on March 18, 2018 by cchrisholland

“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; my ears You have opened…I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is written within my heart.” – Psalm 40:6-8 NKJV

Obedience is better than sacrifice (2 Sam. 15:22). Is your heart open to the Lord’s leading? Are you willing to hear His Word and act on it? It’s the Lord’s Day…let’s worship not only with our actions, but also with our hearts.

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Labels

Posted on March 16, 2018 by cchrisholland

People will label you various ways; “nice”, “mean”, “attractive”, “talented”, “clumsy”, etc. Some are welcome…and some aren’t. In the Bible, there’s a lot of people who knew about labels. One of them encountered Jesus while in a lifestyle so “colorful” the entire town knew of it. But when Luke introduces her, she had recently received a new label. Luke records that she went into a dinner gathering at Simon’s house to express her love and gratitude to the Lord. After washing His feet with her tears, she opened an alabaster flask and anointed Him with an expensive, fragrant oil (which created a stir). After making a point with an illustration of creditor and debtor, Jesus turned to the woman and spoke the most important words any of us could ever hope to hear:

“Your sins are forgiven…your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” – Luke 7:48-50 NKJV

As broken, self-centered people, what could possibly compare to the status of “forgiven” as we stand before Holy God? Through gracious love, He’s given us something we could not earn in a thousand lifetimes; followed by the words “Go in peace.” Not only is there a redeemed status, there’s a soul-deep resonance of peace.

In the Christian life, there’s nothing more central to who we are than the precious, costly label of “Forgiven”. How will you wear it today?

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Burdens

Posted on March 15, 2018 by cchrisholland

Sometimes the journey of faith is filled with “stumped toes” and “skinned knees”. Do you ever feel like sitting down, tending to your wounds, and giving up? If so, you’re not alone. Jesus understands your struggles. Think about that for a moment; He actually, literally, in a real-life-work-a-day-world understands your challenges. As a matter of fact, He may be the only one that really does, because He not only knows the details of the circumstances, He knows the details of you. For a disciple, it’s good to occasionally hear the following words:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest in your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV

The original word-picture is a young ox being teamed up with a strong, experienced one for learning and support. Jesus encourages us to relax in our spirit and find true rest for our souls while still moving forward. Only He can provide that. If you’re feeling tired and beat-up today, lean into Him. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

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Wisdom 18.21

Posted on March 14, 2018 by cchrisholland

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:10 NKJV

Words lift. Words crush. Words wound. Words heal. Be careful how you use them, since they often linger…for a lifetime.

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Humility

Posted on March 13, 2018 by cchrisholland

Don’t confuse humility with weakness. A person can be in a position of weakness, or forced into submission, and still not have humility. Humility only comes when there is a decision of the will. A strong will can be a positive thing (such as pushing through challenges), but sometimes, the challenge is on the negative side. It can be when pride encourages our will to resist the Lord’s authority in certain areas of our life.

Consider the Roman commander that sent messengers to Jesus with a request for Him to heal his servant. The officer said he wasn’t worthy for Jesus to enter his home, but asked Him to simply speak the words and it would be so. The interesting part is how he framed the request:

“Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one ‘Go’ and he goes; to another, ‘Come’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this’ and he does it.” – Luke 7:7-8 NKJV

The next verse describes how Jesus responded with a great endorsement by saying:

“I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.” – Luke 7:9b NKJV

Even though the man had power and the authority to command, he recognized the Lord’s supremacy. Ultimately, the commander’s confession of faith is what he’s remembered for, not his battlefield bravery. How will you view the Lord’s authority today?

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Rock

Posted on March 12, 2018 by cchrisholland

Wise builders start with a solid foundation. If the substructure is faulty, what’s above will eventually crumble. Jesus said not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” shall enter the Kingdom. Consider His words:

“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” – Matthew 7:22-23 NKJV

He goes on to connect that statement to the picture of wise and foolish builders (v.24-27). He said the wise builder is the one who hears AND does. He’s the one who takes the words, and puts in the effort to establish a foundation deep-down on the rock. The foolish builder rushes to construct something without concern for foundational integrity. Eventually, the wind and rain come; and only the one built on the rock survives.

Following Christ isn’t just casually speaking His name, attending some church services, or feeling “inspired”, it’s about a relationship. It’s knowing Him and Him knowing you. Is your life anchored firmly to the Rock? Hopefully it is. And if so, what will hearing AND doing look like today?

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The Lord’s Day 3-11-18

Posted on March 11, 2018 by cchrisholland

“Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” – Psalm 40:4 NKJV

If your trust is in the Lord, have you pondered how secure that hope is? There is no person or circumstance that can threaten the power of His protection. Have you given Him thanks for that today? He is worthy of worship and praise!

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Pathways

Posted on March 9, 2018 by cchrisholland

The life of a disciple is not readily understood or embraced by popular culture. Consider how Jesus described the contrast:

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV

Following Christ is a forward-looking mindset, and this world isn’t our home. However, it’s easy to slip into a lifestyle that’s completely “at-home” here. It’s the equivalent of decorating a bus-stop bench while waiting for the bus to arrive (mentally knowing the time is short, but practically acting like it’s forever).

What does your path look like today, and what are the markers along the way? Are the checkpoints kingdom-focused or have they drawn more influence from trends and social media? Naturally, all things in the culture aren’t bad (many are quite good), but there are significant points where the paths separate. It’s the defining moments of a life “in Christ” (priorities, attitudes, words, goals, and relationships). May our steps be sure today and our hearts be set toward home…

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Judged

Posted on March 8, 2018 by cchrisholland

No one likes being judged; especially by someone else’s standards. Jesus gave a rule we call “golden”:

 “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12 NKJV

The struggle however is with the item He described leading up to the “therefore”; the plank in the eye (v.3). When vision is obstructed, we’re only able to see what we remember, imagine or perceive to be there. As He taught about the plank and the speck, He also mentioned the result of plank removal:

 “…First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” – Matthew 7:5 NKJV

Vision correction can reveal things not previously known or appreciated. First, we see ourselves as we really are in the mirror of God’s grace. Next, we may discover a quality in someone not previously noticed, or gain an understanding of the underlying cause of their problems. It can also lead to better application of biblical instruction, guidance, and discussion. Plank removal can be one of the most difficult tasks in the life of faith, but it can also be one of the most liberating. How’s your vision today and by what standard will you measure?

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