3 Lessons from Questioning Jesus' authority

As we are getting closer and closer to Easter many people are so focused on the Easter bunny they are missing out. Others are so focused on rules and regulations they are missing out on the freedom Jesus offers us.

The big question that the rule following Pharisee's had was what gives Jesus the right? Jesus had a unique way of answering this question. Sadly, inquiring minds never found out the answer. Because they were too scared to answer Jesus's questions.

Jesus entered the temple courts and while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” 

Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” 

They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”
So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” 

Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. - Matthew 21:23-27

What lessons can we learn from the Chief Priests questioning Jesus' authority?


Disown / Deny Christ?
This story brings so many questions. But first it reminds me of another verse.

But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. - Matthew 10:33

The Chief Priests and Elders had spent so much time trying to trap Jesus that all they could see was a trap. They started analyzing Jesus question to them. If we say this then .... and if we say that then... No, I don't believe Jesus was trying to trick them. In reality, Jesus was trying to offer than truth. If they would have denied that John's baptism was from God then he would need to start a different way.

If they believed John's baptism came from God then they were half way there. That wasn't a trick, it was an opportunity to acknowledge Jesus. It was step 1 to believing in him. Because they refused to answer he refused to answer them.

Because of their fear they couldn't be right or wrong. They were lukewarm.


Hot, Cold, or Lukewarm?
In Revelations, we're reminded that God wants hot or cold, but not lukewarm.

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. - Revelations 3:16

Here is a perfect example of lukewarm. They could have denied him, or they could have acknowledged him, but instead they decided to stay out of it. God doesn't want us to fear making a mistake so much that we are lukewarm. No, he wants us to make time to know his will and his love.

But that means testing the spirit.


Testing the Spirit?
Jesus was testing the beliefs and spirits of the Chief Priests. We must also test the beliefs and spirits of those we deal with.

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. -1 John 4:1-3

If the Spirit is from God it will acknowledge Jesus and his authority from God. If they aren't well they won't. Another thing we need to look at is their fruit. Is it good or bad? In our world, so many come stating they believe in Jesus, but their fruit isn't good. We must beware of this as well.

Don't be like the Chief Priests and Elders. If you have questions about Jesus, read his words, ask questions. Don't let fear keep you from knowing Jesus.

Dear Lord, As I work on living fearlessly, help me to make decisions. Help me not to fear the wrong decision so much that I stay put. Help me to put my trust in you, testing the spirit of those who wish to lead me. Help me to forever hold on to your hand. In Jesus Name, Amen

I notice we all gravitate toward certain lessons. Which of these 3 lessons are something you are working on?

Unwavering Faith to beat Fear this year!

Once upon a time I had faith. That faith grew and grew, and then I stumbled upon a lie. As I let that lie sit there, I pondered it. The lie, oh it was horrible. I wasn't sure what I was going to do. Eventually, that lie led me down rabbit holes that filled up quickly with feelings of inadequacy and depression.

Let me tell you what. I have those moments of pure hope, and faith. It is in those moments I feel like I could move mountains.

This reminds me of a story of something that happened in Jesus last week.

Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.  When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.  Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” - Matthew 21:18-22

I'm guessing that you are wondering how this story has anything to do with my rabbit holes of fear and lies? 

See those lies led me to feeling completely alone and abandoned, which made my fear even worse. How could anyone bear to be around me, if I couldn't pull myself up by my bootstraps? How could God love me, when I let fear steal my faith? I am making that leap today. 

Okay, I've been jumping from one lily pad to another for the past few months, but today I take a huge hop and jump further, and hopefully onto solid ground. 

This verse reminds me that if I have faith and do not doubt, I can do more than wither a tree, I can move mountains. See those faith filled days, I really could move that mountain. The mountain I am going to move today is fear. 

See the same spirit in that was there when God created the word, was also inside Jesus. Guess what...that same spirit lives inside me. This plus God's wonderful love give me the ability to do great things, but what about unwavering faith. Well that comes in not pondering the lie, not following it down the rabbit hole. 


That lie filled rabbit hole leads to death and destruction. But this kind of faith leads to broken chains, and everlasting life. So today, join me as I say mountain of fear, into the ocean you must go. Oh yeah, fear, no peaking out of the ocean, for it will swallow you. 

Dear Lord, I know you love me. Yes me, I come to you in faith asking you to remove this fear. I know this fear is not of you, so may it produce no more fruit. Help me to have unwavering faith, as lies come. In Jesus Name, Amen

5 Tips to Hearing God's Voice

How do you recognize that God is directing your paths?

This is a question I have dealt with for awhile. I have strong desires for something, but what if it is wrong? I'm sure I am not the only one, right?

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. - John 12:16

Most of the time I find myself praying for God to reveal these things to me now. But I also know that if I know the end results it will affect how I step.

So here are a few tips for making sure you hear God's voice.

1. To Hear God's voice, you must have a relationship with God.
To hear God's voice, you need to have a relationship with God. Jesus himself reminds us of this.

25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all;no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” - John 10:25-30

If we are going to hear and follow God's voice we need to have a relationship with Jesus. We must have a prepared heart to hear him.

2. If we want to hear God's voice, we must realize that God is soft spoken
We are reminded that God is soft spoken in 1 Kings 19:11-13

11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of theLord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Just because God is soft spoken, doesn't mean he won't use unusual methods to grab our attention.

2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” - Exodus 3:2-3

God grabbed Moses attention with a burning bush that didn't burn.

Sometimes I wish God would use this method with me. But instead, he is using his still soft voice.

3. If it is God's will, He will open the door, He will make the way.

10 Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, theLord? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” - Exodus 4:10-12

Moses may not have been the best talker, but God promised to provide the words to say. This didn't satisfy, so God gave him a brother, Aaron, who could speak.


We should remember this, God won't leave us hanging, or expect us to make our own way.

4. If it is God's direction, it may not be the shortest path.

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle. - Exodus 13:17-18

God knows our future, He knows who we will react to things. So sometimes He makes us go the long way, to keep us from turning back to what he is trying to save us from.

5. If we ignore God's led, or disobey Him, it becomes harder to hear His voice.

God's voice isn't booming, since he is so soft spoken, the more we ignore or disobey His voice, the harder and harder it is to hear His voice.

9 The Lord had said to Moses, “Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you—so that my wonders may be multiplied in Egypt.” 10 Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go out of his country. - Exodus 11:9-10

Pharaoh's heart was so hard it took losing his son before he followed God's guidance. To make matters worse, even after he let the Israelites leave, he changed his mind and chased them.

In the words of the recent facebook meme. Pharaoh was bad. Don't be like Pharaoh.

Now you have 5 tips to help you hear God's voice when he speaks to you. Jesus loved and listened to God. Be like Jesus.

What is your tip to hearing God's voice? Do you use a journal, Evernote, or talk and listen to advice from others? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

Song of Praise - No Longer Slaves

Sorry, I didn't mean to miss posting my Monday Song of Praise. I don't want you to miss it, so here it is. No Longer Slaves by Jonathan David & Melissa Helser.

The lyrics to this song are so powerful. So I hope that you will soak them in, and know that Jesus came to free us, from fear, we are now children of God.

Verse 1

You unravel me, with a melody
You surround me with a song
Of deliverance, from my enemies
Till all my fears are gone

Chorus

I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

Verse 2

From my Mothers womb
You have chosen me
Love has called my name
I’ve been born again, into your family
Your blood flows through my veins

Interlude

          

Bridge

You split the sea, so I could walk right through it
All my fears were drowned in perfect love
You rescued me, so I could stand and sing
I am a child of God

3 reminders of Grace found in Fearless Living

Have you ever been scared to do something because of the "what if's"?

God has really been trying to get it into me that He is bigger than my "what if's". He has convicted me of living in my "what if's", and for blaming him for leaving me stuck where I am. Well in 2016 I am going to find grace by living fearlessly, and I hope you will join me.

I just need a place to start and I'm guessing you do to. Let's start with 3 reminders of God's grace.

1. God has already written the days of your life.

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. - Psalms 139:16

God loves us and gives us free will to live in faith or fear.

We must choose which one we will stand in. He knows our choice, but he is there leading us, beckoning us toward faith.

2. God has plans for your life

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

God has plans to beckon us to Him and faith in Him. Those plans offer us hope when things are bad. When Jeremiah said those words the Israelites were in the midst of the bad. They saw no hope, but God still offered them Faith of coming Hope. He offers this to each of us too.

3. God offers grace if we step in the wrong way.

When we fail, fall down, or take the wrong path we need to come back to God. Humbly asking for forgiveness.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. - Psalm 73:26

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9

God knows we are going to fail, but if we put our Faith in God he will strengthen us. Because of this, we know that when we fail; God offers us grace. For His glory isn't in us failing, but us getting back up. When you have reached rock bottom and there is no hope, there is God. God can do things no one else can providing a way out. A way to bring glory to him. 

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

These 3 reminders, serve us well. How, by showing us where fearless living meets grace. Because of God's love, plans and grace, we don't have to live in fear. We can boldly follow the path He is leading us down. 

Living Fearlessly; My one word for the New Year

If you have known me for any of 2011-2015 you know that have been fearful. God doesn't want me to live in this fear. As I have been journaling (writing Scripture) this month. I have encountered "Do not be afraid". It feels like it has appeared constantly, but I think that is because God wants me to live in freedom.

 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. - Luke 2:10

Living in freedom means not being afraid. 

So before I tell you about what I hope living fearlessly in 2016 looks like. I want to tell you about living in fear.

I accepted a job because I was scared nothing else would come around. That I wouldn't be good enough. I mean, I applied to a job that I thought I would be perfect for and they went with someone else. Without even telling me. 

I have ignored God's voice telling me it is okay to allow others in. Yep, I am a true loner. I would be fine sitting in my apartment all by my lonesome. Ok, that is so not the truth, but it is what I want people to think.

I took a break from my church jobs, yet I still worked on these things, because I didn't want to be replaced. Yep, so break or no break. I didn't rest like I needed. God is pointing out this in my pure exhaustion.

I have ignored God leading me to start my own business.  Except in those moments when I am tired of the toxic work environment, I have grown accustomed to.

All this time, I have yearned for the faith to move, in these areas. Yearned for God's protection if I did move. Yet, I see the holes in the plan and am concerned that God will let me fall through them. So in 2016, I want to live fearlessly.

How am I going to live fearlessly?

1. I am going to work on starting that business. I have an idea, a deadline, and my plan is coming together. When I am exhausted, I know I need to move forward, but can't see how. I have reached that point with this, but I have a plan to work it out while also resting.

2.  I am once again going to take a break from my church duties. Not everything, but I am no longer going to strive to do it all. We were never meant to do it all. God has others who are capable of doing some of the things I do. So I will let them stretch their wings and grow.

3. I am going to let people in. I am still working on this plan. In the past, the plan worked but then fell through because I said yes, but reacted with a no. So I'm working on this, but I am going to try and follow God's lead and let people in, and get out and do stuff as well.

These are the biggies. I hope that you will join me as I try to live 2016 fearlessly. Oh, and if you want to pick one word for your 2016.  It isn't too late. You can do it, check out one word 365 where you can decide to live intentionally and find your one word. If you do I would love to hear your one word.

If you're a blogger, link to your post about your one word, so I can check it out, and help encourage you.

If you want to follow my journey you can subscribe to my blog. I promise to not take advantage but to treat it like I would want mine treated.

Praise God in Song - Dream For You

My life seems to be a fight between dreams and my hope and then it falls to reality. I see just how far off those dreams and hopes are from a reality and that it would take a miracle for me to see them come true. So I have a bad tendency of failing to dream. When I catch myself hoping for things that don't seem to fit, I remind myself that high hopes in my life lead to greater disappointments. 

I didn't make it to church yesterday morning. I hadn't been feeling well and was completely exhausted. I have Stage Hop on the Roku. Since I didn't go to church I was able to replay an old Night of Joy, and I choose to watch the Casting Crown concert. It was from their Thrive CD and I heard a new song. 

As the first Monday Song - I would like to remind you that God has dreams for your life, one that will give you hope. So as we begin living fearlessly, let's dare to say yes to the dreams God has for you. 

Do you have a song or Bible Verse that reminds you to allow God to dream for you?