Luke 7:47-48
47 "For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little."
48 And He said to her, "Your sins have been forgiven." (NAS)
Religious movements or political ventures are generally started by an individual with followers willing to believe in what the leader says or does. Throughout history the leaders have proved to either lead people astray or establish something positive for the good of mankind.
Jesus invaded first century Palestine with a new message and new hope. As His follower you need to take a good look at His words and actions. As the founder of not only your faith, but of a new approach to life He challenges His followers with His lifestyle and His words. Jesus found Himself in the home of Simon, the religious one. At the same time a prostitute settled at the feet of Jesus and began to wash His feet with her tears; tears of remorse, repentance and faith.
Jesus knowing of her sin and her repentant heart announces her forgiveness. The reason was because of her faith and her great love for Jesus. At the same time He condemns Simon for his lack of love, repentance, remorse and faith. When you realize what a sinner you are and how much you need forgiven you will look for the Savior to change your life through His forgiveness and His love. Your faith will save you.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ.
May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
______________________________Today's Personal Note From Dennis
Greetings from Beautiful and WARM Arizona! Thanks for all your prayers during the past three weeks. Sandy and I both have been unable to do much. She is slowly recovering from her fall. It was two weeks ago today. The past two days I have finally been without fever, which I assume means the infection is better. Praise the Lord. It is good to be back to Starbucks this morning. Most of The Encouragers have been written at a table in Starbucks.
The emphasis of today's Encourager is for you to think about the words and actions of Jesus. He IS our leader, as well as Savior and Lord. I hope and pray we will be influenced by His actions and words and not by the world's influence or even our own flesh. Praise the Lord for a great day and a great week to come.
May God bless you with His great fellowship. You know He loves you!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Rules or People? #83
Matthew 12:9-14
14 Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, 10 where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.) 11 And he answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. 12 And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! 14 Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.
Jesus’ enemies came from the religious crowd. They constantly sought for a way to condemn Jesus for breaking the Law of Moses. Working on the Sabbath was strictly forbidden by the Law. The opportunity for pushing the envelope came when Jesus saw a man with a deformed hand. Jesus asks the Pharisees if a sheep fell into a well on the Sabbath would they have to work to pull it out, and would they pull it out. Of course the answer was yes. Then Jesus shows the value of a man over not only a sheep, but over the Law. He turns to the man and heals him. The Pharisees are so upset they called a meeting to determine the best way to kill Jesus.
Does your understanding of the Law of Moses place it above people needs? It is easy to put rules above people needs. Jesus reminded the Pharisees at another time that “The Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath.” Be careful how you judge one another.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
14 Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, 10 where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.) 11 And he answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. 12 And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! 14 Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.
Jesus’ enemies came from the religious crowd. They constantly sought for a way to condemn Jesus for breaking the Law of Moses. Working on the Sabbath was strictly forbidden by the Law. The opportunity for pushing the envelope came when Jesus saw a man with a deformed hand. Jesus asks the Pharisees if a sheep fell into a well on the Sabbath would they have to work to pull it out, and would they pull it out. Of course the answer was yes. Then Jesus shows the value of a man over not only a sheep, but over the Law. He turns to the man and heals him. The Pharisees are so upset they called a meeting to determine the best way to kill Jesus.
Does your understanding of the Law of Moses place it above people needs? It is easy to put rules above people needs. Jesus reminded the Pharisees at another time that “The Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath.” Be careful how you judge one another.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Careless Words #82
Matthew 12:35-37
35 "The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil.
36 "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment.
37 "For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall condemned." (NAS)
What words have come out your mouth lately that you would like to take back? You may have said harsh words, critical words, curse words, negative words, or hurtful words that left a breach in a relationship. It has been said that for every negative comment that is spoken to someone it takes seventeen positive ones to undo the hurt. Jesus reminds us that the evil words come from an evil heart. Jesus deems them careless words and He warns that in the day of judgment there will be an accounting.
The reason words are so powerful is that their origin is from deep within your own being. Your heart is either evil or good. Jesus knows the only way for you to control your tongue is for Him to be in control of your life. Speak those things that are good from your good heart based on your life of faith in Jesus.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
35 "The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil.
36 "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment.
37 "For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall condemned." (NAS)
What words have come out your mouth lately that you would like to take back? You may have said harsh words, critical words, curse words, negative words, or hurtful words that left a breach in a relationship. It has been said that for every negative comment that is spoken to someone it takes seventeen positive ones to undo the hurt. Jesus reminds us that the evil words come from an evil heart. Jesus deems them careless words and He warns that in the day of judgment there will be an accounting.
The reason words are so powerful is that their origin is from deep within your own being. Your heart is either evil or good. Jesus knows the only way for you to control your tongue is for Him to be in control of your life. Speak those things that are good from your good heart based on your life of faith in Jesus.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
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