Who Sinned?

 

And passing by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, Master, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?  (John 9:1)

Yesterday when I read this verse, it struck me how much I want to know, who to blame. This also reminds me of a verse near the end of Psalm 19, which says; “Who can understand error? Cleanse me from secrets. Keep back your servant from presumptions; let them not have dominion over me: then I shall be upright and innocent of great transgressions.” (Psalm 19:12-03)

I am so interested in finding out who to blame, who is the cause of my trouble?

But Jesus shows us that we are just thinking incorrectly.

Jesus answered, “Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.”  

I cannot say that every person with a disability or unfortunate circumstance is my responsibility to heal or fix. At this point I take away that when I see these things, I should not judge, rather I can pause and pray for them, and ask God if there is any part that I can play in improving their circumstance.

what do you think about this?

Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

 

When I committed to writing a blog every day, I fell into a trap I have observed and judged in others. I found myself studying or reading to find something to write. I have heard many sermons based on this kind of thinking and they usually are either without much spirit or the message wonders off to some favorite teaching or understanding. That also is misleading or second best.

In Matthew 16:6 Jesus says to the disciples, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.”

I prayed about this statement, and what I came to understand was that it is a warning against performing to be seen and not from sharing what I have heard to be and encouragement from the Spirit of God.

To my surprise this verse corresponds directly to a verse I am hoping to write a little about soon in Luke 17:3, where in the beginning of the verse Jesus is quoted as saying, “Take heed to yourselves.”

I thank God that in a very strong way I am hearing to pay less attention to what others are doing and pay more attention to my own walk, as I am learning to follow Jesus.

Therefore, I will try to limit my sharing to the things I am hearing for my own life. Hopefully that will be an encouragement to others.

 

 

Without Charity I am nothing

 Thank you, my Father, for the truth of 1 Corinthians 13.  Thank you that I can hold my life up to that chapter and see where it doesn't fit, and then come to you in prayer and pray confidently for grace to conform my life to your truth. 

Oh, give thanks unto the Lord

 

Oh, give thanks to the Lord,

For He is good!

For His mercy endures forever

Psalm 136:1

 

One of the things that has been a very real encouragement and help to me is to start my day, by writing three reasons or things that I am thankful for. Jeannie says that I have been someone who journals for as long as she has known me (that’s a while). Even so I didn’t get much from it for a long time, until I came across the idea of using that habit to give thanks. First.

This is a very simple thing to start doing. Get a notebook or some paper, and a pen or pencil. Every morning when you wake up just write 3 things that you are thankful for. This doesn’t have to be big things, in fact it is probably better if you start recognizing the really small things; the paper and pencil that you have for this exercise. Be thankful.

I find this really helpful to use complete sentences, and to address it to, “my Father” or “Abba”, or even “Papa”, however you’re comfortable.

The point is to get into the habit of starting your day with thanksgiving.

 

If anyone has had any similar experience, or even comments of any kind please feel free to make them. I need help also.

 

Thank you,

Be faithful

Rick

 

Go therefore, and make disciples

 

Sixty-six years ago, in a Quaker church in Springfield Ohio, I asked Jesus to be my savior. Soon after that I was baptized, by immersion (I was not Quaker). I attended church and youth group regularly, and after high school I went to Bible college to become a minister. Apparently, I was not suited for Bible college, and I flunked out. Then I was drafted and ended up in Viet Nam. Since that time, I struggled at being a “Christian”.

In 2001 circumstances were arranged to change my life completely.

Yesterday (Sunday, August 24, 2025) I was at a rally where there were people sharing about “making disciples”, and the fire was rekindled in my heart and mind. The introduction that I saw seemed to emphasize the urgency of assuring people that they are “saved.” Which was proven with scripture verses ripped out of context, “Proof Texts.”

This is not what I read in Jesus’ words when he gives the command to his disciples. This is what it says in Matthew 28:18-20.

And Jesus came and spoke to them saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Shortly after the events of 2001, I was challenged to discover what this commandment meant, and how to accomplish it. This resulted in the creation of a beginning discipleship course, which I have offered to share in the past. The response has been unspectacular. I did this by faith, believing that I was led by God to do it. I am again motivated by that same faith to work harder at promoting what I see as discipleship according to what Jesus said.

I intend to do this from now on, hopefully daily in FB and blog posts, until I see that this is not what God desires me to be doing.

 

As always, Be Faithful

Rick

The Heavens Declare the Glory of God

 

For the last few weeks in my “prayer time”, “morning meditation” or whatever you call it, Psalm 19 has been very significant. Especially when mornings were early and warm, I could go outside as twilight grew to sunshine, and watch and listen to nature waking up and starting a new day. That is exciting and very stimulating for me because,

“The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the firmament shows forth knowledge

Day unto day pours forth speech,

And night unto night reveals knowledge

There is no speech, nor are there words:

Their voice is not heard.”

                                                (Psalm 19:1-3)

It seems to me that people who get pleasure from mocking things they don’t understand, would have a ‘hay day’ with these verses. First it says things are being declared and shown, it says speech is pouring and knowledge is revealed. Then it says there is no speech or words and nothing is heard.

Over the last several years, I have developed a habit of writing in the morning. This has proven to be very beneficial for me an a few ways. One way is that writing requires thought. Thought stimulates questions. Therefore, while I am writing questions come to the surface of my mind, and sometimes they are very troubling questions. I have developed the practice of simply including these questions in my writing. Often as I am writing the question, (a form of prayer, for me) the answer comes to my mind.

“There is no speech, nor are there words:

Their voice is not heard.”

And the answers settle the question for me.

The mockers and the Bible scholars can probably rip this argument to shreds. I hope I am not a mocker, and I am sure I am not a scholar, but I am learning to be a disciple of Jesus, and this is a help for me.

Be Faithful.

Mercy:

This week I seem to be thinking about MERCY.

Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, the cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 13:37-John 14:3)

 

It is good to remember that when the Bible was originally written there were no chapter and verse notations. This section is only part of a larger conversation.

Here is something that I saw as I considered this passage.

Jesus was giving final instructions to his closest followers, in the verses that come before and then he begins to talk about his departure and the disciples are upset. And Peter declares his devotion to Jesus, in his usual enthusiastic way. Jesus, very lovingly, shows Peter what and how he is.

It seems to me that this is a lovely example of Jesus and our Father’s mercy. Here is what I mean, as I understand this.

·         MERCY: It is the mercy and the very great Love of God that shows me my sin.

·         SIN: Sin is how I live outside of connection/relationship with the Father. (Romans 14:23b) all that is not of faith is sin.

·         GRACE: Father gives grace to live a life of faith. (Hebrews 4:16) Therefor let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that me my obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

A life of Faith is a life of listening in order to obey.

What I believe

 

I believe in God the Father, Almighty,

The creator of Heaven and earth

Of everything seen and unseen.

 

I believe in Jesus the Christ,

The only begotten son of God,

Our Lord and Savior.

 

He was conceived by the power

Of the Holy Spirit of God,

And born of the virgin Mary.

 

Jesus grew from an infant to a man,

And was tempted in every way, just as we are.

He chose to live in humble obedience, to his Father

And did not sin.

 

In humble obedience, by example and words,

He taught and teaches us,

How to obey God and enter the kingdom of God;

Loving one another.

 

He was persecuted by the religious leaders of his day,

And, in co-operation with the government,

Was prosecuted and executed by crucifixion

 

Three days later

 

He rose from the dead,

Proclaiming himself,

Lord of ALL.

 

And leaving us instructions

To bring all of mankind

Into the kingdom of God.

 

He ascended into Heaven

And will come again,

To judge the living and the dead.

What would you see

 

This morning I was reading in the second chapter of Mark. I am always a little amazed by the first few words of verse 5. “And seeing their faith…” I think about, what if this was my house and I had a group of people there to hear a well-known speaker and all of a sudden, someone is tearing up the roof. What would I be seeing? Jesus saw faith. That is amazing! I am too often critical of things people do when they are only living out their faith.

This morning I was also struck by the sequence of things that happened next.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the sick of the palsy, Son your sins are forgiven you.

Now that ruffled a lot of feathers. The religious legal team that was there for some reason, were thinking, who does he think he is forgiving sins.

Jesus replied, “which is easier to say to the sick of palsy (a paralytic) your sins are forgiven you or to say get up take us your bed and walk home.” Then he turned to the paralytic and said, “Get up pick up your cot and walk home.” And he did.

As I was reading and thinking I realized that what happened here was. This man’s sins were forgiven and he was given something to do. To me it seemed like a picture of salvation.

Once your sins are forgiven that part is done. Now get busy doing what you have to do.

Our sins are forgiven. Now get busy.

Does God Speak To You?

 

Does God ever seem to speak to you in the scripture that you are reading? While you are praying, do you ask God a question and hear an answer that seems true.

My spiritual practice involves writing in a journal every day. That is the practice or discipline. I don’t always get it done, but that is my goal and intention. Sometimes I let life get in the way. The fact is that is just disobedience with a pretty face. I know that writing is a way I can draw closer to God and hear what he is saying to me. I believe God wants me to do that at this time in my life and for the foreseeable future. Since I am kind of a slow person, this takes time and sometimes a lot of time.

Journal writing is part of prayer and silence for me.

In 2009 I started writing for a blog. I believed it was a good thing to do. For several years I tried publishing as regularly as possible. For a short time, I published a devotion every day. I did this because I believed it was good and I believed God was in it. I have not felt like publishing for a while, for several reasons.

But this morning while writing in my journal I was led back to the blessings and the salt and light admonition (Matthew 5:13-17) and I was reminded that that was part of my reason for doing this blog. I heard Jesus say to me, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.”

I know that my light is not always or altogether true, but it is my light. I do believe that my Father in Heaven has successfully been able to shine a little true light into my life and by sharing the light I have I am being obedient.

I am learning to listen and obey.

Let us each one grow in faithfulness.

In everything give thanks,

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

 

For the next 30 days I am going to participate in a discipline, self-imposed. Each day I will post 3 things on Facebook that I am thankful for, with little or no explanation. Then I will write and post a blog going into a little detail about my thanksgiving, especially the unusual things.

25 June 25, 2021

1.  The Spirit of God in me that bids me call Him, Papa.

2.    My garden.

3.    Morning Coffee.

 

This is going to be an especially rewarding exercise. I am eager to see if I can for 30 days come up with 3 unique things for which I give sincere thanksgiving. It will be an exercise in practicing the truth of God’s word.

 

1 (Romans 8:15-16) For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption by which we cry, Abba, Father! The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. And (Galatians 4:6) And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. The word Abba is the familiar form of Daddy or Papa. Because of the Spirit of God working in my life I experience that familiar sense when it comes to how I can address the Creator of all that is. I am truly thankful.

 

2. My garden is a place where I am learning many things and able to enjoy the fruit and blooms.

 

3. Yea, well coffee. I do enjoy my coffee.

 

 

 

Doing What Comes Naturally. NOT!

 

The Scriptures seldom tell us to do what comes naturally.

 

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, Rejoice.

 

Rejoicing always, is hardly a natural and constant condition for most people. Yet this is what the apostle commands us to do. It seems unnatural, even against reality, at times. Situations are not always a party. People are sometimes aggressively unpleasant. And we are commanded to, “Rejoice in the Lord always,” and then it is emphasized, “and again I say rejoice.”

 

Life is a battle, and the Christian life, or the life of a disciple is even more of a battle. But the war is not against other people. It is against the sin in my flesh that demands. Simply demands. Demands because of discomfort, because of fear, because of disappointment.

I will be happy when…(demand), I will rejoice when…(demand), I will pray when… (demand), I will love when…(demand), I will give when … (demand)

 

Scripture doesn’t tell us to be happy when we have lots of good food to eat or when we have every possession we desire or every pleasure.

 

Scripture doesn’t speak against many of those things in moderation and balance, but there is no need to tell us to rejoice then and be thankful. That is just the natural way.

 

God is not opposed to natural pleasure. He gave us those pleasures. But He wants us to experience greater life than just what we can have naturally.

 

He is not opposed, but what he wants for us is so much greater than our temporary pleasures and demands.

 

He wants us to enter into that eternal life, Now. The life that transcends the pleasures we naturally seek.

 

What does this mean for me, here where I have all my natural comfort and pleasure?

 

It may mean that in my quest for those things, I have gone astray from the things that are better. But it seems to me that many of my temporal blessings have just come to me and even though I have sought wrong satisfaction, I have consistently found myself seeking the right way. I don’t even know what that means

 

The Eternal Way.

 

No matter how pleasant my life is or how bright the prospects appear, I cannot begin to imagine the joy that my Father wants to give me, if I will only truly give my life completely to Him.

 

Frankly, I don’t think I even have a vague idea of what that means. I do believe that it involves disciplines of obedience that I will probably only be able to learn one or two at a time and that will be learned in the melee of daily life.

 

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice. Let your moderation (confidence, hope…) be known to all people.  (How do I do that?) The Lord is very near.

Do not be anxious for any reason ever. Rather in every circumstance, by prayer, petition and meditation; always with thanksgiving, keep your heart attentive to your Father in the heavens. (The one who is very near) and His wonderful peace, which is beyond understanding will guard your heart continually in Christ Jesus.

Finally, dear sisters and brothers, 

whatever things are true, 
whatever things are honest, 
whatever things are just, 
whatever things are pure, 
whatever things lovely, 
whatever things are of good report, 
if the is any virtue, 
if there is any praise, 
think about these things.

                                          Philippians 4:4-9

 

This entire meditation is absolutely at odds with the flesh.

 

What I learned today from Zacchaeus

 

Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” (Luke 19)

 

Can you hear Jesus saying that to you? “Come down from all the big important things that occupy your life, your thoughts, and energy. Come down and receive me into your thoughts and your daily life. Let’s have breakfast together. Let’s have coffee, just you and me.”

 

Zacchaeus saw the invitation more clearly than I often do. I am inclined to hear something about religious duty. Zacchaeus heard an invitation from the most amazing and exciting person in his world.

 

I must understand who is calling me to come down. Then like Zacchaeus I will receive him joyfully.

 

The people standing around saw all this and they were critical because they condemned Zacchaeus outright. Therefore, if Jesus would associate with him, he was suspect also.

 

Zacchaeus, aware of this condemnation, saw a way to repent and promised to give half of his wealth to the poor and to return double to anyone he had cheated.

 

Jesus answered him saying, “Today salvation has come to this house… For the son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” 

 

When I was baptized at 12 years old, I had no idea of what sin was or how I was guilty. I was told that if I became a Christian, I wouldn’t have to go to Hell and I could go to heaven. That was all I understood.

 

Sin didn’t mean much; repentance didn’t mean anything. Hell was really hot and Heaven was really nice, sort of like southern California, without smog and a lot like Disneyland. It was a no-brainer. 

 

Now I see that, for salvation to truly happen in my life, I must become aware of the sin in my life and find the way to repent.

Temtation, Sin, and Forgiveness

 

I have read and reread Luke 17 many times in different translations and today I saw something I don’t think I had ever noticed before. Jesus is talking to the disciples about temptation, sin and forgiveness. In verse 4 he says something that really took me off guard. Speaking of my brother sinning and repenting, Jesus says;

 

  and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him."

 

 Please note that this is for Disciples. Jesus simply said, “if he turns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’” All he has to do is say ‘I repent’. I want some evidence of repentance. Surely, he must do more than just mouth some words. Jesus says all he has to do is say, ‘I repent’, and then he says you must forgive him.

 

How often have I gone to my Father and said, “I’m sorry, please forgive me,” only to turn around and do the same thing again? Our perfect God and heavenly Father is everlastingly merciful, and Jesus tells us to be perfect as our heavenly father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)

 

Just another lesson in becoming like Jesus.

Eager to Enter the Kingdom?

 

"The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.”

I came across these words of Jesus in Luke 16:16 this morning and it caused me to wonder how many actually are forcing their way into the kingdom of God. In the New Living Translation, “it says everyone is eager to get in.”

I think of times when I was pretty young and I was going to go hunting or fishing with my dad. I was up and dressed by 5:00 in the morning with no complaining. One time, while Jeannie and I were traveling, it was the last leg of our trip and we woke up at 3:00 and couldn’t get back to sleep. We were eager to get there.

Is everyone really eager to get into the kingdom of God. Are you eager enough to get up a little early to meet with God before you head off for your day? What are you truly eager for?

What Does That Mean? How Does That Work?

 

What does that mean? How does that work? Sometimes it feels like I am the only one who thinks of these questions. Christianity is a religion of many languages and many more vague phrases and words.

Recently I tried to re-establish communication with a brother from a group where we used to fellowship. He and his family has also left that group. During our short exchange of messages back and forth, he asked me if I was interested in, or practiced sanctification. There is one of those words that seems to have different meanings in different Christian circles. I told him I wasn’t sure what he meant by the word sanctification and that I would be very interested to have him share his understanding. I didn’t hear back from him.

Most Christians seem quite content with vague understandings of Christian terms that have little or no use outside of religious application. A good example is the word grace. Even respected Christian teachers will tell you that grace is when God gives us something we don’t deserve. What does that mean? How does that work?

I have contributed to this blog since 2009 and written over 200 articles. Of all those articles, the one article that has gotten the most attention is an article I wrote back in 2013. Although it is over 7 years old, it still gets more views than any other. “Grace: The divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life” has been viewed 419 times which is more than twice as many times as any other article. That seems to indicate to me that there is an interest in discovering a useful meaning for that word.

Think about the words you use. Can you offer a clear definition of what they mean to you? Can you illustrate how they work? Whether we agree on the exact meaning of the word is not as important as our being able to express clearly what we mean when we use a word. So that me might at least understand what is being said. Agreeing is nice too but not always possible.

Brothers and sisters, we need to communicate. And we need to understand what we are saying in order for real communication to happen. If I ask you, “What does that mean?” “How does that work?” I am not challenging you, I want to understand what you mean.

 

Be Faithful.

Rick

Naked

 

Sitting on the toilet this morning in my birthday suit, I began praying. All of a sudden, I thought of the picture I was presenting to God. I quieted my prayer and listened. It came into my mind, as if from God, “you are always naked before me to the very center of your being.”

 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:13)

Thinking about this, I realized that God is not embarrassed to look at me and he doesn’t turn away. So often when I see someone in what I consider a shameful condition or someone with a severe visible handicap I look away. God sees all that I am and He doesn’t turn away. Rather He loves me and reaches out to offer me help to become what he longs for me to become.

 Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. Let us have confidence, then, and approach God's throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it. (Hebrews 4:15-16 Good News Bible)

 

What is your Practice #1

What is your Practice? What activity do you actively, regularly do to help you draw closer to God? There are a few things that I have done over the years and even more recently that I am finding helpful for my spiritual development.

I think that the first thing I would like to share is the practice of journaling. I have written in journals for many years. I think that, even though we have moved too many times, I could still find a notebook that I used in Viet Nam over 50 years ago.

It may be good to mention that I don’t think you have to journal in order to be growing spiritually. I am only sharing what has helped me and a little of how it has helped me.

Journals like the proverbial diary are very personal. This is a place where I can put all of my thoughts on paper and look at them. Sometimes this is definitely not something I want others seeing. But it can be very helpful in really seeing what I am thinking and in coming to actions necessary to improve situations.

In my journaling in recent years I have tried to start my journal entries with at least three statements of thanks. I usually address these to my Father in Heaven. This practice has helped me to appreciate things that I had not considered blessings. This has included big things like a healthy new baby and little things like hot coffee. It has also come to include things that we don’t often think of, like the loss of a loved one or a financial setback. There are many scriptures to support this but just one is 1st Thessalonians 5:18.

Journaling has also been very helpful in better understanding of God’s will. Many times, when I have a question or a problem about what to do or what a scripture means, I will write the question in my journal and as I am writing the question, I begin to understand the answer. Then I write the answer that I see, so that I can pray about that.

These are just a few of the benefits that I have found, journaling. I hope you will think about it and see if it is not a tool or practice that might be helpful for you.

Journalers please comment.

Be Faithful, Rick

Discipleship; What's the deal?

My intention in this blog is to encourage you, the reader, to become active as a disciple of Jesus. For a long time, I wondered about that whole business. Why? What’s it all about? How do you do it.

In Sunday school we sang, “Read your Bible and pray every day and you’ll grow, grow, grow…”. 

Why? So what?

Frankly, it looked like everyone else was having all the fun. Only after years of seeing how the ones I envied developed and how their lives looked did I begin to see the value and wisdom of taking those simple instructions seriously.

For myself I was one in the middle. I wanted to be a teacher, someone in authority, where it involved spiritual things. But, I envied those who turned their backs on spiritual things and lived for pleasure. I was in the “we don’t smoke and we don’t chew and we don’t go with girls that do” group. I think that may be the most miserable group of all.

It wasn’t until much later that I began to see that the ones following the way that Jesus offers are the truly happy ones. I began to try to learn what it means to be a disciple, not just a Christian. In John 10:10 Jesus says,

The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

What is that abundant life?

It’s something to think about, pray about and look into.

Daily thoughts 9 December 2019

I am on a journey of discipleship. I have been on this journey for some time and yet in so many ways it seems I am just a beginner. I am certainly nothing of consequence, but I am on this journey.

For a few years I contributed articles to this website in order to encourage others who are also learning to be disciples. For very selfish reasons I stopped. I must ask your forgiveness.

I am now retired and can spend literally hours in prayer and meditation. My thoughts turn toward those who are still busy with life of work and raising children. I recognize that you do not have hours for dedicated prayer, reading and meditation. Even so, if you can begin or end your day with one thought to think on through your day, hopefully that can be an encouragement to draw closer to Jesus and listen for his words of encouragement and love.

Therefore, it is my intention to offer by this medium; simple, short words of encouragement, that you can think on through the day.

Let us begin with familiar words of Jesus found in Matthew 11:28-30;

Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

Copy these words to a note card or small piece of paper, then look at them through the day and think what they mean to you.

These are the words of someone who loves you more than you can imagine and wants you to have rest. What does that mean to you?