Knowing

Posted on February 2, 2017 by cchrisholland

Knowing someone means to be familiar with their traits and preferences. When the disciples were questioned about their Master being at a gathering of tax collectors, Jesus spoke up and said:

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” – Matthew 9:12-13 NKJV

Jesus is quoting words given by God to the prophet Hosea concerning Israel’s refusal to repent and be faithful to Him:

“For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” – Hosea 6:6 NKJV

Walking with God is about knowing Him. Through reading His word and listening to His voice, we learn His ways and He transforms us into Christ’s image day-by-day. Jesus’ meal at Matthew’s house was casual and conversational. They didn’t all become followers, but those who did chose to follow a Person, not a cause. How about you? Are you listening for His voice and learning His ways? Does the scripture seem alive and personal? Hopefully so, but if not, make that your prayer today.

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Wisdom 16.18

Posted on February 1, 2017 by cchrisholland

“Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud.” – Proverbs 16:18-19 HCSB

Pride is a peculiar ailment; easily identified by others, but often denied by the one suffering from it. And although it may not be the natural first choice, an honest, prayerful self-examination is the wise choice.

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Risk

Posted on January 31, 2017 by cchrisholland

Friendships can involve risk.

One day while Jesus was teaching in someone’s home, word spread of His presence and a crowd formed. Soon the house became so filled that no one outside could see or hear Jesus (except for a paralyzed man with friends who tore through the roof to get in). The story of the man being let down through the rafters is often mentioned to illustrate “faith-in-action”:

“When Jesus saw their faith, He said, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”” – Mark 2:5 NKJV

The friends were obviously determined to see the Lord, but they had no guarantee He would heal their friend. It’s easy to forget that people in scripture (like those mentioned in Mark chapter 2) didn’t know the outcome beforehand. For all they knew they were risking exposure to ridicule, failure, and misunderstanding, but “Jesus saw their faith”. He knew their motive was to help a friend, not to make a scene or become famous as party-crashers.

Is fear preventing you from doing or saying something regarding a friend? If the motive and timing are both right, take courage and prayerfully go forward. If either of them aren’t, then wait, continue to pray, and trust the Lord’s leading.

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Renewal

Posted on January 30, 2017 by cchrisholland

Spiritual power depends on daily renewal. In Jesus’ ministry, there was a consistent pattern like the one recorded in Luke 5. Consider the leper’s question and what happens next:

““Lord if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.”” – Luke 5:12b-13 NKJV

Afterwards, the leper spread the story (against Jesus’ instructions) and the crowds grew even bigger. And as they did, an important note is included in the narrative:

“So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” – Luke 5:16 NKJV

There are many things Jesus modeled for us and a very important discipline was His time to be refreshed in spirit. He always made the effort for renewal time with His Father. As a disciple, there must be time for spiritual renewal. It may look different from one believer to the next, but the components are essential for spiritual power and consistent living. There simply is no substitute for prayer and scripture reading, and the enemy will try to separate us from both. Endless distractions may come today, but a few moments set aside for refreshment will be worth it.

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The Lord’s Day 1-29-17

Posted on January 29, 2017 by cchrisholland

Right now, in Heaven these words are being repeated:

“Holy, holy, holy,

Lord God Almighty,

Who was and is and is to come!”

– Revelation 4:8b NKJV

The throne room is totally focused on God and filled with fire, smoke, music, singing, and praise on a grand scale! As you prepare to engage in worship, remember to pause and reflect on the scene going on simultaneously in heaven. John said “…And they do not rest day or night saying:

“Holy, holy, holy,

Lord God Almighty,

Who was and is and is to come!”

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Reality

Posted on January 28, 2017 by cchrisholland

Jesus ministered within reality.

For example, after Peter’s mother-in-law was healed, the whole town brought sick and demon-possessed people to be healed (and it went late into the night). The next morning, while Jesus was in His early prayer-time, the disciples looked for Him, leading up to this:

“When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”” – Mark 1:37-38 NKJV

On several occasions, the disciples assumed that large crowds meant Jesus was going to stay-put for a while; but He rarely did. Jesus loved people with great compassion, but He always kept things in perspective. He knew the spiritual receptivity of those He ministered to and based His investment of time accordingly. Sometimes that meant staying a couple of days (like in Samaria), but other times it meant moving on when His presence simply became “free bread and healing”.

As a disciple, your time is precious and limited. Sometimes your sharing of the gospel is not welcomed or ignored; keep moving. There are also many who’ll “wear-you-out” for little or no spiritual gain, keep moving (fatigue isn’t a spiritual gift). But then there are those who respond and grow to maturity; and that’s where the eternal “return on investment” is found.

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Confronted

Posted on January 27, 2017 by cchrisholland

Evil spirits love to intimidate. When Jesus encountered one in the Capernaum synagogue, the spirit lashed out saying:

“Leave us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come to destroy us? I know who You are-the Holy One of God!” – Luke 4:34 NKJV

However, Jesus wasn’t intimidated or taken by surprise. He rebuked the spirit and said:

“Be quiet and come out of him!” – Luke 4:35 NKJV

Once Jesus gave the command to come out, there wasn’t a sarcastic rebuttal, or dramatic standoff, because the demon knew Jesus was in charge. However, Luke then tells us the demon threw the man to the ground, came out, but didn’t harm him. The spirit may have been enraged, but was no longer empowered.

As a disciple, there are days when evil makes its nasty presence known with personal accusations and threats, but it’s good to remember that Jesus is in-charge. He isn’t anxiously wringing His hands on the sidelines, worried by the heckling of evil spirits; His demeanor is confident and steadfast. They can be intimidating to us, but to Jesus they’re former servants awaiting final punishment. He’s the One who’ll have the last word, and He’s the One we serve!

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Reception

Posted on January 26, 2017 by cchrisholland

The truth isn’t always welcome.

For example, in His hometown synagogue, Jesus read a passage from Isaiah regarding the coming Messiah. He said this to the audience:

“Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” – Luke 4:21 NKJV

Luke tells us they marveled at His gracious words and couldn’t believe this was “Joseph’s son”. But as He continued to speak, the mood in the room changed. He mentioned that prophets aren’t accepted in their own country, and reminded them that Elijah was sent to minister to Gentiles during the severe famine. At those words, the marveling went away and anger replaced it. The feelings were so intense they tried to kill Him, but He slipped through the crowd and left. What started out as an amazed audience, turned into a murderous mob.

Sometimes the truth does that. It starts out confirming and validating what we feel or hope (gracious words from the hometown son), but then the mood changes (ready to throw Him off a cliff). Those times are crucial in the life of a disciple, because the temptation is to resist and just focus on the confirming and validating things. Paul told Timothy the scriptures are profitable for;

“…reproof, correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:17 NKJV

How do you receive the Word? Is it through a filter that sifts out the unwelcome parts, or is it with readiness? The truth can sometimes be tough, but also liberating, healing, saving, protecting, hope-giving and joy-making.

“Buy the truth and don’t sell it…” – Proverbs 23:23a NKJV

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Wisdom 16.2

Posted on January 25, 2017 by cchrisholland

“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirits.” – Proverbs 16:2 NKJV

Regardless of what popular culture considers acceptable, the Lord looks beyond actions to the motives of the heart. A self-written code of ethics usually accommodates our own habits, but God calls us to righteousness according to His word.

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Following

Posted on January 24, 2017 by cchrisholland

Jesus didn’t call Simon and the others to a new social experience, He called them to a whole new life. He said:

“Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19 NKJV

…and they immediately left their nets. Even though fishing was the only “world” they knew, they left it for the beginning of an amazing journey. “Following” a rabbi in the first century meant being immersed in the teaching and views of the one you were apprenticing under. It wasn’t just hearing lectures and discussing ideas, it was a process of trying to become just like him…in every way.

The four fishermen probably still talked about fishing every now-and-then. For example, taking note of good-quality fish for sale in the market or telling a story around an evening fire; however, it wasn’t their primary focus anymore, following Jesus was.

In the life of faith, our flesh often wants to keep Jesus simply “near”; having Him present in certain areas like “quiet time”, church activities, and times of crisis. But following isn’t about liking Him, it’s about becoming like Him; and our preferences must give way to His.

Are you struggling today with following in certain areas? Maybe at work, around family or with old friends? His call is still the same, “Follow Me”…and not them.

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Words

Posted on January 23, 2017 by cchrisholland

Never underestimate the power of the words “written in red”.

When Jesus was in Samaria, the woman at the well left her water-pot and told the people all about Jesus. They received her testimony and invited Him to stay for a while. But two days later as He was leaving, they said this to her:

“Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the savior of the world.” – John 4:42 NKJV

In the beginning, her words may have intrigued them, but Jesus is the one who changed them. Her words weren’t clever, they were honest ones spoken as an invitation to come listen for themselves. And when the people heard, their hearts were struck with the realization that they were encountering the Son of God.

Giving a testimony, preaching, teaching and other means of communication are great, but only if anchored to the “words in red”. They are the power of God in pure form, and the very words of life. Have you read them lately? Have you felt their strengthening deep in your spirit today?” Have you shared them? “…for we have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”

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The Lord’s Day 1-22-17

Posted on January 22, 2017 by cchrisholland

“Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are Your works!”” – Psalm 66:1-3a NKJV

The word “awesome” has become a casual word in conversation, but God truly is awesome. As Creator of the universe, He has no equal. Will you give Him proper acknowledgment today? Will you seek His face and give Him the praise only He deserves?

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The Truth is, I was Wrong

Posted on January 21, 2017 by cchrisholland

Not all confessions are to be made public, but I’m compelled to share this one. For the past week, the next verses of scripture in our current sermon series have challenged me. And during the presidential inauguration yesterday, Franklin Graham read the very same words for the entire civilized world to hear;

“I urge then first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all men…” – I Timothy 2:1-6a NIV

At first, I thought about how odd the timing, but later as the Obamas flew away on Executive One, I felt remorse that I hadn’t prayed for them enough. Regardless of the politics of the past eight years (of which I have many thoughts on), I simply didn’t do what I knew to do. What really drove the point home was studying the context of those words originally written to believers in Ephesus. They were under great pressure, but strongly instructed to pray for leaders who were literally hostile and brutal toward them. The truth is, when I compared myself to them and their situation, I felt ashamed.

Regardless of your political opinions, if you’re one of God’s people, our new president needs your prayers. As a matter-of-fact, we’re under charge to pray for him and his family. We need to be involved in real prayer that connects with heaven and the Lord’s purposes. For that we need to be clean before the Lord, setting aside our petty grievances, listening to the Holy Spirit’s voice, and fighting the good fight because it is “good and pleasing” to our Savior.

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Appointments

Posted on January 21, 2017 by cchrisholland

Jesus’ mission was based on a heavenly schedule.

He would minister for a period of time in an area then move to another. At the beginning of the gospels He was in Judea, and as He left to go back to Galilee, there’s this small travel note:

“But He needed to go through Samaria.” – John 4:4 NKJV

The reason of course, was a strategically planned water-break. When He arrived at the city, He started a conversation with a woman drawing water and eventually met the whole village. There’s much to learn from the dialogue, and the story reveals a golden thread woven throughout; Jesus loved talking to people. He knew the kindling for a spiritual fire would be inside of the woman and He was going to light it. He spoke truth to her in a spirit of love like she had never known, and she couldn’t contain her joy! Her testimony impacted the entire village. Jesus spent two days with them…and the disciples watched and learned.

Who has receptive ears around you? Perhaps they’re the “friendly” ears of a young believer who’s eager to learn. Maybe they’re the ears of a “seeker” who asks questions from time to time. It could even be one who doesn’t seem interested, but on the inside has the dry kindling for a spiritual fire.

What dialogue do you need to have today? Jesus loved conversations. He still does and will guide ours if we’ll let Him.

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Absolute

Posted on January 20, 2017 by cchrisholland

Jesus came from above. For those familiar with the Bible, that’s an obvious statement, but consider the far-reaching implications of “from above”:

“He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all…The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.” – John 3:31,35 NKJV

Jesus’ teachings aren’t just helpful things to “sell” people on; they’re absolutes. They’re absolutely true, absolutely real, and have absolute consequences. Consider the next verse:

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” – John 3:36 NKJV

That means Jesus came with authority. He ministered with authority. He reigns with authority. He wasn’t timid, insecure or simply hopeful while on earth, nor does He lead that way now. He is decisive, the embodiment of pure love, and we serve under His command of the universe! Is fear creeping into your life today? Are you struggling with insecurity? If so, remember these powerful and refreshing words:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 NKJV

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Decreasing

Posted on January 19, 2017 by cchrisholland

John the Baptist preached powerful, compelling messages and was quite famous among his peers.

Lives were being shaken up by his words. He was also gathering loyal followers; at least that was the case until Jesus came along. Once Jesus started preaching, people left John’s gatherings and joined the crowds listening to Him. Under the circumstances, there was a lot John could have been bitter about (and many would have sympathized with him). However, John’s distinguishing trait wasn’t his ability to call-out the Jewish leadership, it was his tenacious hold on the mission. He rejected the divisive talk about the ones following Jesus, embraced his situation, and pointed to Christ by saying this:

“He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase and I must decrease.” – John 3:29-30 NKJV

John blazed onto the scene like a comet, and his accomplishments were great; but his goal wasn’t to soar ever-higher. He humbly embraced what was laid before him and trusted God with the details. There may be moments today where the increase/decrease question hangs in the balance for you. What will your response be? “He must increase and I must decrease.”

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Wisdom’s Prayer

Posted on January 18, 2017 by cchrisholland

“The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.” – Proverbs 15:31-33 NKJV

Prayer:

“Lord, may I see life from Your perspective today. May Your Word shape these thoughts and may this heart be teachable. Holy Spirit, please speak instructions to this soul and may the steps of these feet, the words of this mouth, and the effort of these hands honor You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

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Uncondemned

Posted on January 17, 2017 by cchrisholland

Condemned is a status. When someone is tried for a capital crime, found guilty and sentenced to death, their status is “condemned”. For humanity, the status of condemned comes naturally, but there is a reversal of that conviction for all who trust Christ as savior based on the life-giving words of John 3:16. But there’s even more to the story. Consider the motive in heaven that facilitated John 3:16:

“For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” – John 3:17 NKJV

Have you ever stopped to think about how incredible that is? God wasn’t sitting there with gritted teeth and clinched fists, reluctantly agreeing to send His Son on a rescue mission, it was His idea! He originated the plan and because of His generous love, He provided a divine substitute.

  • Yes, the life of faith can be a struggle…
  • Yes, there are days of failure…
  • Yes, there are missed opportunities, but…

Your status isn’t based on your success; your success is based on your status. And for those who’ve trusted Christ as savior; it’s “Uncondemned”.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” – Romans 8:1 NKJV

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Finishing

Posted on January 16, 2017 by cchrisholland

It’s been said that how you finish is more important than how you start. Such was the case with a man John mentions early in his gospel account.

In chapter 3, a Pharisee named Nicodemus is recorded as coming to Jesus at night seeking answers. He wasn’t sure about recent events and was trying to fit the pieces together. Incidentally, part of their conversation is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible;

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16 NKJV

Next, we find him in John 7:50 where he’s encouraging the Jewish leadership to reserve judgment concerning the Lord. He didn’t have the answers yet, but he knew something was happening inside of him. Sometimes that’s the beauty of the Holy Spirit’s work. You can’t articulate it, but you know He’s doing something.

Finally, we see how he finished. In John 19:39 he stepped forward and boldly helped take down the body of our Lord, anointed it with expensive oil, and assisted with burial. It would be three days before the resurrection would validate his faith, but in the meantime, Nicodemus was committed to honoring the Lord. He may have started out in the shadows, but he finished in the Light. How do you plan to finish?

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Beyond

Posted on January 14, 2017 by cchrisholland

People love miracles. When Jesus was healing and feeding the crowds, He was everyone’s hero; and the atmosphere was exciting. People were pressing in to get a glimpse of what was happening, however, Jesus saw beyond the cheers and accolades. Consider this moment early in His ministry:

“Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.” – John 2:23-25 NKJV

What lay beyond the cheers and accolades were the hearts behind the voices. He knew they were only interested in the sensational, but He didn’t rebuke them, belittle them, mock them, or punish them…He just quietly moved on. It can be the same way with us. There can be powerful songs, illustrations or stories that move us to tears, while the deep chambers of our heart remain unchanged.

What’s in your heart? When you think about the Lord, what’s foremost? Is it Him personally, or something you’re hoping to see Him do? Don’t rush past the quiet in pursuit of the noise, because you may miss the best moment of all.

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