Category Archives: Jesus

Devotions, Jesus, Ministry, Renewal

Open my heart today.

Matthew 5:1,2, “And when He saw the multitudes. He went up on the hill; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.  And opening His mouth He began to teach them.”

——————————————-

Jesus’ teaching on a hillside has been called the greatest sermon ever given. When I read it again and again, I see something much more personal, much more intimate. The masses were assembled, but the teaching was not really for them rows and rows of eager listeners. He was there to teach the chosen disciples.  Those few who had made a commitment to be something more. The multitudes were there with their own agendas, needs, and for some, simply curiosity.  The crowd was there to listen in and just perhaps become more than eager listeners.

His message was not about a new theology.  His message moved beyond the heady and distressing understandings to the emotional heart issues. Blessed for those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are gentle, who are hungry, who are merciful, who are pure in heart, who are peacemakers, who are persecuted and lied about. Words filled with emotion.  Words that drive us to our deepest feelings.

I must let these words speak to my heart and to my emotions. All the theology and prior understandings of God must take a back seat.  This sermon speaks another language, a language of the heart. For this moment I simply let the grass of the hillside cool my heated mind and learn the language of the heart.

Lord, still my mind and open my heart.

#Just Larry

Denominations, Jesus

Expectant Greeter

John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I grew up in the 50s in a little town pushed up against the Pacific Ocean. Occasionally as the summer fog lifted, I would walk a mile or so down to the beach. Across the dunes, I would go. My shoes would fill with sand. I threw stones into the ocean surges. An occasional starfish would wash up and I would throw it back in. I would walk the beach looking for sand dollars and castaway junk thinking I would find something of great value. Sometimes I simply did nothing but stare at the constantly breaking waves. Time seemed to stop and yet pass by quickly.  At the end of my walks was the realization I had to return home. The urge to return was complicated because of two paths.

One path was a retracing of my steps back home and probably chores. Often, the chosen path was to go over the dunes, along the schoolyard and cross a four-lane highway and show up at my father’s workplace.  He was a mechanic at a small local shop. “Hi dad, I walked over to see how you are doing.” With a smile, he pulled out a slightly greasy stool, sat me down, and gave me a soda. “How was the hike?”, he would ask. And I would respond with my usual, “good”.  He acted as if he expected me. Not an overly emotional man, but I could tell he was glad I was there.

I am expected in another place someday.  And my heavenly father is expecting me. He may not have a greasy stool and a coke, and He may well ask me, “How was your hike?” There will be a smile on his face because will be glad to see me.

What shall we call Him?  Jesus my expectant greeter.