SOLID PEACE: Watcha Gonna Do?

Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Matt.5:25 NIV

²⁵  Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. ESV

Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you're likely to end up in court, maybe even jail. If that happens, you won't get out without a stiff fine. MSG

²⁵ Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison  KJV

Ok, so what's my point?   Correction......what's Jesus' point:  I like to focus on the MSG versions first words....MAKE THE FIRST MOVE.   Last week the America's Got Talent show season began, and of course you know there are some people that truly have phenomenal talent, while others probably were just praying they had 15 sec of fame.  This one 77 year old guy dressed himself in a white suit, white hat and a thin little gold chain, and decided to go on as a rapper.  He walks out on stage with a hand held casio keyboard and begins to rap to this simplistic pre-programmed beat on this 80's relic of a keyboard.  His rap was terrible.  There was no way I saw him being allowed to go on to the next round, but the people in this packed auditorium felt differently, because like most rap songs.....all it takes is a catchy hook to make it a hit (no matter how ridiculous the song really is.....) and His hook was so " Watcha Gonna Do, Watcha Gonna Do, Watcha Gonna Do......" and Howie Mandell and the rest of the audience was reciting this with joy. He did get voted to go on in the competition. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW4RUIjOp9k

Jesus wants to see us as a loving healing community of people, and so as He is talking to the people about anger he takes this opportunity to tell them what to do with it, and simply put He says AGREE WITH THINE ADVERSARY, SETTLE MATTERS QUICKLY, MAKE THE FIRST MOVE, COME TO TERMS QUICKLY with whoever it is...that is upset with you.   Don't wait....don't let it fester, don't go gossipping to others about it......SETTLE IT, WHY?  Because all of us are moving towards court, or better stated JUDGEMENT before Him and if you don't settle it before YOUR DAY you may find yourselves being unforgiven, because you were unforgiving. It's all about LOVING GOD enough to trust Him with your anger so that you can concentrate on LOVING PEOPLE daily. 

So Watcha Gonna Do?  ( I pray forgive whomever, surrender your anger to the LORD, and SETTLE MATTERS TODAY!)  LGLP

The Evolution of Anger

But I say, if you are even angry with someone,^[b] you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot,^[c] you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone,^[d] you are in danger of the fires of hell. Matthew 5:22

If we are all honest we've all been hurt before, some of us are hurting right now, but what are you doing about that?  Jesus tells the audience that even if you are angry at or with someone right now you are SUBJECT TO JUDGEMENT.  But Lord......there is no BUT....the simple reality is that He's forgiven you of much....so we too are to be a forgiving, healing community of people, and when we don't.....we bring ourselves to judgement for not demonstrating what He's done to us. 

So this then builds and begins to boil to the point to where this hurt manifests into thoughts that evolve into expressions called words and we say words in attempt to hurt them, because we we're hurting.   This is where the slick term, " Hurt people, hurt people," comes from.   But JESUS says anyone who says "Raca" or "idiot" or "retarded" or whatever phrase that at it's core is to mock them you are worthy to be brought before the courts.......why because think about......JESUS was too mocked!  He was too, brought before the courts unjustly and He has a heart for people that are being mistreated.....much like you can't stand to see someone mistreat or talk evil of your kids.  That person that cut you off.....that's one of Jesus' kids.   The person that's taking your order or serving your food that is nervous and is making mistake after mistake...is one of His kids too.   The automotive mechanic that's telling you, you need something...that you already know was just replaced....is one of His kids too.   As a matter of fact....we all are His kids, and He doesn't want to see His kids engaging in any form of name calling to further HURT each other, He'd rather see us practicing grace towards each other.   


But when we fail to practice grace....we devalue the person behind the counter.   We not only disagree with his/her policies we call them a fool, which really says you are worthless.  Which translates to God....you made a mistake making this person.  We are desiring or communicating an abortion of that life.  This is also the high school stage of he said, she said...or gossip where we search the web or subscribe to sites that spend more time digging up half truths about a person and convincing you of their opinion rather than getting you to see the value of that very life GOD created.....this is why unchecked anger leads to murder eventually.   This is the very mind of Satan.......that doesn't really care about God's creation...the very spirit that enters a man/woman/child that convinces them to taking some one's life is OK, because they don't matter, they're worthless........REALLY?

I remember growing up in the 90's where it was a rapper called Ice Cube feat. Das EFX that came up with a catchy song, "Check Yourself" and the verse that followed that "before you wrecked yourself."  The video started off with a crime scene where an apparent murder had occured.   I never (especially now being 38yrs old and looking back at this purely secular vulgar song) thought that this would speak the spiritual volumes it is right now....but seriously people....before you leave for work and enter the world FILLED WITH HURTING PEOPLE....we'd do well to CHECK OURSELVES (by giving our hurt/anger over to GOD during prayer) before we WRECK OURSELVES (by projecting our own hurt or anger upon others) or even other's lives.   SO THAT WE CAN ACTUALLY BE FOUND LOVING GOD, and EMPOWERED TO LOVE PEOPLE!

SOLID PEACE: How To Get There When I'm Angry

You have heard it said to the people long ago, " Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement." But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement."  Matthew 5:21

So what is it?  What deep hurt lies within you?  Who did it?  How long ago was it?  What triggers it?  The reality is that when Jesus was presenting this message in front of not just regular everyday people, but the religious leaders as well they could all identify with having been hurt, because the reality is, we all have been hurt.   But to intro with murder, we all are under the deception that we don't take it that far.  Many of us can say, ignorantly, I haven't killed anybody.....but the truth is.....the real truth, you probably have in anger.

Allow me to use Bill Bixby, aka the Incredible Hulk.  He was exposed to extreme levels of gamma radiation that hurt his molecular structure to the point that whenever that deep hurt was triggered he'd meta morph into this raging, uncontrollable beast that would literally destroy any and everything in it's path.   And after His fit of rage, he'd always never recall what He said or did, but could see the damage this anger left behind.    You much like him, was hurt by something someone said or did....and when that happens you may not molecular change, your clothes don't rip because you have bulging muscles, but your mouth spews out things and your think things that destroy people's character, sometimes tears down their dreams and self esteem.   Some of your anger may be induced by drinking or doing recreational drugs, but the results are the same.........destruction, and this residual fog of....." What did I say/do?"  Ultimately your words if not just in your thoughts kill them.  

But how do you get to a place of peace....when you have this raging beast, this Hulk like anger masked under your mild mannered persona.   You have to bring that hurt, what they said, or what he or she did to you, to Christ.  We are told in 1Peter 5:7  " cast all of your cares upon Him, because He cares for you."   Instead of carrying that, which you don't like to carry it, which is why when triggered your attempt to project or actuate all of that (hurt/anger) on someone or something......why not just let it go?  I know you are saying " Ray, you don't understand .............."  but really I do, it's killing you.  It's the very reason you can't move forward.   It's the very reason all of your relationships fall apart.   It's the very reason you have difficulties holding a job.  It's the very reason we are critical of everything.   It's the very reason your blood pressure is outta control.  It's gotten to the point it's affecting not just your sleeping habits but your health too.

My prayer for you today is that you face your anger and give it to God, and ask Him, His love to enter into the place that that hurt once occupied, so that we can live as He commanded us to: By loving God, and loving people.  LGLP

In Remembrance of .............

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.  Luke 22:19

As Christ was speaking with his disciples as they were practicing communion, he asked that this was to be done in remembrance of Him.  Remembering how He had walked with them.   Remembering how He had talk to them.   Remembering how He loved them, so much that He'd be giving or have gave his life for them. 

As we gather with friends, and family....let us pause before stuffing our faces...and seek His face for creating men and women that desire for the sake of our freedoms would sacrifice themselves for us.  Not just those that already have, or that have passed having paid the ultimate sacrifice, but those that are currently serving or even those that immediately following H.S. graduation have enlisted to follow in the footsteps of courageous men/women. 

I sincerely appreciate the effort and sacrifice of those (like my father and great grandfather) who have served our country. 

Let us also not forget those that are left behind; the husbands, wives, children, mothers, fathers, etc that are struggling with the loss of a loved one.  May we be filled with the spirit of compassion to come alongside anyone that we hear of or know that needs the comfort of Christ...may we continue in the service of love & prayer as they have need.  LGLP

MISSION POSSIBLE: SHINE

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.  Matthew 5:16

 

So we know that we are the light of world.   We have been set up, to be set on, set out to be set apart, and now what are we to do?  SHINE!  Just shine baby, shine.   But how do I do that.......start your day off meeting with GOD.   The book of Exodus is a love account between GOD, Moses, and His people.   Moses being God's man, His servant to carry out this rescue mission went before him frequently to which during his time with God he received courage to face Pharaoh, as well as to carry out the miracles of GOD where they crossed the Red Sea, had chicken (quail dinners for all), quenched their thirst, and let's not forget the sweet bread God provided.

 

So to you.....God has placed you in an area that has a need, and in order for you be successful in this mission is that you spend time with Him before getting into the THICK of it .    Like any lighthouse or bulb it has to be connected to the very source that gives it THIS LIGHT.  So to receive His Spirit dwelling in you, you have to connect to and with Him daily.  Then you will receive the boldness, the humbleness and words to carry out His desires here on Earth.   People will see this and glorify Him, because of your obedience.   THIS IS YOUR MISSION if YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT!  LGLP

SET OUT, SET ON, and SET APART to GIVE LIGHT

You are the light of the earth.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all the house.

I know this is coming to many of you late, but just maybe this will give you something to pray about as you close your day, and eyes in hopes to be found in GOD's graces tomorrow.   Remember yesterday you were reminded of being a light to the WORLD...much like CHRIST, and since He dwells in you or I hope He's dwelling in you....that means you have a purpose (to shine) and place (where He's put you.) 

Think about it, today it says a " city set on a hill cannot be hidden"  in other words you (representing a metropolis a place where things are happening, where it's meant to be a place that signals people HEY COME HERE) have been blessed with a JOB @_________________, you live in the community, county or country of _______________________ and are involved with _____________________ where you get the opportunity to impact because you are SET ON, SET OUT, SET APART to be noticed for Him.

Light houses are SET OUT away from obstructions, SET ON the highest point to make sure it can be seen, and SET APART so it won't be confused with anything else.   You are no different, the question though is at the close of the day...did you hide the light of Christ, in your actions & words by trying to fit in and not be SET OUT, SET ON, and/or SET APART?  Father forgive us for choosing not to stand out for you today.  In our conversations we failed to give them Jesus.   In our thoughts we allowed selfish to grab the wheel and drive us crazy thinking of only ourselves.   Bless us God to have our mind renewed as we study, read or sleep tonight, that tomorrow we may wake up with a Fresh perspective of our purposes in Christ Jesus.  I pray we welcome His Spirit to envelope us, and lead us to make you famous tomorrow through our words & deeds.  AMEN  LGLP

The LIGHT of WHAT?

"You are the light of the world...." Matt. 5:13a

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”  John 8:12

"But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world."  Johh 9:5

Struggling for purpose?  Don't know why you live where you live?   Asking God, how much longer do you have to be employed by__________________?  Having a difficult time following what God really wants from you?  Lemme Help:   Jesus is the Light of the World right?   You are a descendant of His physically as well as Biblically through profession of your faith in Him, so that makes you ............ well that means you have some traits, a few characteristics that you share with Him as well.   See He said that He is the light of the world, and during the Sermon on the Mount he said that YOU, Yes YOU the reader, are too " the light of the world."  But He said He was too?  So which is it, Is He the light or are we the light of the world?  It's not an either or, it's a both and.  

He is the light of the world, but since He sits next to the Father, He has transferred that gifting of light, the responsibility to shine, the responsibility to SHED LIGHT in those areas of darkness, where people aren't aware of Him.....He's given that responsibility to you!  Shining doesn't really take effort....it's a by product of being connected to a power source. So first make sure you are connected  to Him, through daily devotions and prayer that will keep you inspired & encouraged.  Because you have done these things you will enter LIFE everyday with what it is that will allow you to shine in circumstances where otherwise there would be utter darkness.  He didn't say you were JUST the light of your block, or of your marriage, or job, but rather the LIGHT OF THE WORLD which means wherever you go, or find yourself you should be an attractive beacon that people can't help but see, and want.  Much like the effect a bright moon gives to a dark sky.  Much like seeing a brand new shiny car or diamond commands a pause....or sunlight piercing through a cloudy day, let your life command the attention of a watching world that is wanting the comfort of the light of Christ that emits from your brokenness.   LGLP

You Are the Salt of the Earth? Why Salt?

You are the salt of the earth.  Matt. 5:13a

Of all the spices Jesus described us as salt....but why salt?  Why not pepper, or curry, saffron, sugar, honey or everything nice?  There were other spices that Christ could've used but there was reason He selected to correlate us to salt.  See salt is all over the planet.   Think about it, it's in the sea, land, and air. 

Everything has some degree or level of salt in it.  Salt not only has the ability to enhance the flavor of what it's put in, but it also has the ability to DRAW out other flavors.   For instance, when baking cookies don't you add a teaspoon or something like that into cookies.  Now you may not even taste the salt in the finished product, but you definitely added it.   Or what about for those that love watermelon (I don't) have you ever added a sprinkle of salt that ultimately made the watermelon sweeter?

Now there is a such thing as something being too salty, and this is what we as Christians have to beware of.  Over salting can ruin food, just like over salting our workplaces, our relationships can have a negative affect that they don't want  you around.   Which is why as salt we have to be sprinkled lightly where we are needed, so maybe you work where there are No other believers, so by GOD's design you are the sprinkle they need.  But do so in meekness and humility as not to ruin them by condemning them.....remember you are preservative, you are to buy them time to come to know Him, through your good works. 

So my prayer today, is that as you GO OUT, that you actually find yourself enhancing the overall flavor of your community.   This may come in many ways/forms but I guarantee you if you listen to The Spirit of God, you will do good works, that ultimately Glorify God, and bring people to come to know Him.  LGLP

Are You WORTH Your Salt?

You are the salt of the Earth.  But if the salt loses it's saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It's no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.  Matthew 5:13

During a time when there was no way to refrigerate food to slow down the decaying process SALT was very precious, so much so that soldiers were payed in salt.   Which is where the very term "worth your salt" came from.   Jesus living in such times chose to categorize or associate the listeners of this sermon (on the Mount) with saying : "you are the salt of the Earth."  So I wonder how are you doing in regards to your effectiveness on your job?  Do you like salt; enhance the flavor of the mixture?  Are you preserving the company's integrity, values, and mission statement?

In this same portion of scripture Jesus said (asking a question) if you have lost your saltiness how can it, how can you....be made salty again?  If you are the person who have lost their saltiness; your effectiveness in the church, the workplace, your community......I have only one answer for you regarding having lost who you are: pray.    See you were born with a purpose....and that purpose being to impact, pierce, make a difference in the world.   Not one person was born without this same person.  It's the very reason we spend time at wakes and funerals rehashing, reliving, remembering the difference one has made (or not...the saddest) in the lives of others.

Maybe you're the ONE who feels like you've messed up your life so much you can't make a difference now, and to you I say....if you are still breathing there's time.  If you are the ONE who's leaving out for work already dreading it......I say to you start praying for the job, the people, and that you'd be God's FAVOR enhancer wherever you go today, so that when you leave people want to follow you.   It really goes back to my tag line.......LGLP(Love God, Love People)