Pure and Faultless Religion

Jesus is alive: He is the word

As I read the word the Lord is continually showing me that he has called his dearly beloved to extraordinary lives- fully alive. Lately I've been reading about the Israelites journey to the Promised Land and a little in Matthew. The bible is crazy! Have you ever really opened your eyes to see how crazy the bible is? If so you will understand that the Lord of all creation has not called us to comfortable lives. The other day I read this book by Tom Davis "Fields of the Fatherless" and in it he says "the harvest is ready, but we are too busy painting the barn."

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:27

There is so much action in the scriptures. Why is there so much complacency in the body? Love is an action word. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength, and love others as yourself. When you love others you love God as well. Jesus says to give to anyone who asks (Matthew 5:47). He doesn't put stipulations and exceptions on it either. He doesn't say give to those who you think need something or look hungry, but give to anyone who asks. I'm telling you the scriptures are crazy. If someone asks for your coat offer your shirt as well. Being here on the mission field gives more perspective on scripture. It's not rare for someone to ask you for something as you walk down the street. You see young boys guiding cattle like the shepherds that came to meet baby Jesus. The young boys are age twelve or younger just like the shepherds in the New Testament. These are just some examples.

Seek ye first his kingdom and his righteousness and all of these will be added unto you. Loving God and others is Kingdom. Jesus doesn't say well if you could possibly make time, and oh if you have enough extra money could you please help the fatherless, widow, and alien. Loving the fatherless, widow, and alien aren't just things some "Christians" do… it's a given in God's book- after all we are his hands and feet. For whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did (1John2:6).

Faith & Confidence:

Jesus didn't plead with the father for healing others. He was demonstrating the authority and faith we should operate in- commanding the mountain to be cast into the sea. Its action!

Get up and walk… Luke 5:24

Stretch out your hand… Luke 6:10

Be clean… Luke 5:13

My child get up… Luke 8:54

Rise and go… Luke 17:19

Receive your sight… Luke 18:42

Lazarus, come out… John 11:43

In Matthew 10 Jesus sends out the twelve with these instructions:

Heal the sick

Raise the dead

Cleanse those with leprosy

Drive out demons

Freely give

Take no bag or extra clothes

You will be sheep among wolves

WHEN they arrest you…

Men will hate you because of me

When a teacher of law told Jesus that he would follow him anywhere; Jesus replied and told him well are you sure about that, because I don't even have a place to lay my head. Can you handle that? (Matthew8:19-20) Or what about this one- Matthew 10:37-39- Whoever loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. And if you find your life you will surely lose it, but if you lose your life for my sake will surely find it.

What a glorious standard we are called to- WHEN they arrest you… he didn't say well guys if you happen to get arrested…he said when you are arrested you I will put my words in your mouth and you will speak before kings and officials. The word is alive, crazy, and radical… take the time today to read what the God of all creation is crying out.

 Lord open my eyes to see what you are trying to show me in your word. Show us what it means to really live this life you have called us to. May we truly walk as you did. Father forgive us for watering down your word to fit our comfortable lifestyles. May we truly be your hands and feet. I thank you that you are a God of discipline and love. Be glorified. In Jesus Name!