Craving Something Salty...

As I’ve mentioned in past posts, I love food. My three most favorite times of the day are breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I’m not picky. Whatever makes its way onto my plate will inevitably find its way to my stomach. I really enjoy sharing a meal with people – my husband, family, or dear friends. When I share a meal with my family, my grandmother never fails to cover her food in salt and pepper. Most of the time she won’t taste the food before smothering it in seasoning. She adores the flavor of salt and pepper, especially salt. In her opinion, it makes everything better. Her meal is not nearly as satisfying without salt.

Salt has been important throughout history. You can go on Amazon right now and purchase a book on salt and the influence it has had on mankind for centuries. Salt often symbolized wealth since it was a frivolous extra. Then it became a necessity for preservation.  Meats were salted and vegetables stored in a brine so that their shelf life would extend through barren winter months. Now it has returned as a delicious extra on our tables; used to add pop and zing to certain items like corn on the cob in the summer time.

Have you noticed that after you ingest salt you crave liquid? This is true for me. After I enjoy a box full of hot Chick-Fil-A waffle fries that have been perfectly salted, I can’t help but take a long sip of my half-sweet/ half-unsweet iced tea. Salt makes us thirsty.

This is why Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth…” in Matthew 5:13. You, as a follower of Jesus, have been placed here to make people thirsty.

Thirsty for what?

Thirsty for living water – a supply that never runs dry.

It is the water Jesus told the Samaritan woman about in John 4: 13-14. “Jesus said to her, ‘“Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’”

Thirsty for Jesus.

We are called to be the salt that causes people to want a drink of everlasting life.

This isn’t as easy as it sounds. Jesus knew that. That is why He continues in Matthew 5:13 saying, “…but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.”

What do you do with salt that has gone stale while sitting in your seasoning cabinet? You know the kind, you finally need to use it but it has developed a salt rock inside the container that refuses to separate. You attempt to use it but upon tasting it you realize it is bland. 

Regretfully, because you hate to waste, you dispose of this salt. It cannot be used on the meat as a rub, or in the soup as part of the broth; it is purposeless. Why? It has lost its flavor. And what is salt without flavor?

That’s what Jesus is communicating in Matthew 5. Salt without flavor has no purpose. Salt without flavor is not going to lead anyone to drink the living water.

So let’s take away the example for a moment. As a Christian, your purpose is to lead other people to Jesus Christ. The problem is that our salt has lost its flavor.

How did that happen?

Well, are we any different than the rest of the world? What about you is unusual to someone who doesn’t claim Jesus as their Savior and Lord?

Are you just as negative?

Are you just as worried about the state of our world?

Are you angry? Do you lose control and fly off the handle at work?

Do you gossip with the girls during mani/pedis?

Do you accept sin because you don’t want to be alienated for believing in Scripture? Have you accepted sin in your own life by excusing it as a personality trait?

When we do these things, our salt becomes less flavorful. It becomes useless.

Why? Well, who would want more of what you have if it is exactly like what they have?

People look for something different – something salty.

I may sound like a broken record to those who read this blog often, but this is the truth. We must strive to look more like Jesus every day. We do not have time to be flavorless. We must become salty again so that men and women in this world will want to take a drink from the water that brings everlasting life – Jesus Christ!

So what can one do to become more flavorful?

First, you ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Ask Him to reveal what does not belong; what is causing your salt to be flavorless.

Second, through the power of the Holy Spirit, commit to removing those things that do not belong in your life. Disengage from sinful behavior and thinking. Allow Him to form you in a way that reflects the image of Christ daily. This will revive your salt and bring back its usefulness.

Third, you must share your relationship with Jesus with everyone you know. If salt is not being sprinkled, it does not transform what is around it. By sharing your story, the Gospel, with others around you, through word and deed, a thirst develops in this world for what you have – Jesus Christ.

So, remember my friends, “You are the salt of the earth…”

Be flavorful today.

For Hearts Overwhelmed by Tragedy

I shared with you earlier in the year that the “one thing” I was going to focus on in 2016 was writing, which is what I believe God has asked me do. So I took to the keyboard and have tried (unsuccessfully at times) to write an encouraging blog once a week. The very year that I have focused on pursuing this calling has been a year drenched with tragedies – personal, national, and global – which have left me heart broken and sometimes afraid. In the midst of these moments I come to my corner, open the Bible, and hear the voice of God directing me through these difficult times. These thoughts I share with you.

Over the past few weeks our world has seen tragedy after tragedy. Our televisions scream headlines our way while our computers shout opinions at us. By the time we figure out how to respond to one incident, we are hammered by another. Many of us are running for the proverbial hills looking for a way out of the chaos. And some of us have lost sleep wondering about the state of our nation and the world. Worry has become our companion; fear, our neighbor.

Perhaps you have not experienced this in that past few weeks or months. True confession: I have.

In these moments, I open my Bible and God speaks.

Hear these words today:

In John 14:27 Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (emphasis added).” He also says, in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (emphasis added).”

When Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, He was close to fulfilling His purpose by being crucified, resurrecting, and returning to heaven. Jesus knew that the disciples’ time on earth would be filled with difficulty and uncertainty. You see, the disciples did not know it but they would face unfathomable amounts of persecution after Jesus returned to heaven. They would be driven out of villages, despised and hunted down by government officials, beaten, imprisoned, burned, exiled, and crucified. Therefore, Jesus gives them peace. Not just any peace… It doesn’t come from government officials, journalists, political commentators, protest organizations, small groups, pastors, hymns, etc. No. This peace comes directly from Jesus Christ.

Do you remember the story of the disciples in the boat? They were sailing on the Sea of Galilee when a storm came and rocked them so furiously that they were overcome with fear. Where was Jesus? Asleep. He had peace. You see, He knew who was in control over all things. Therefore, He had peace in the midst of the storm. Interestingly enough, that’s what He used to calm down the wind and waves. Jesus said, “Peace, be still.” [Read Mark 4:35-41]

This is the peace He offers us. Peace that is rooted in the character of God, not the condition of the world. A peace that always remains and never changes because it comes from Him.

Jesus understands that this world is disturbing and terrifying at times.

This world is under the curse of sin, therefore we will have trouble. There will be disease, famine, hate, war, and persecution. The world will hate us as they hated Christ (John 15:18-19). It will be difficult, uncertain, and at times, painful.

However, we need not fear a battle that has been won nor be afraid of an enemy who has been conquered. The Bible tells us that Jesus has “overcome the world.” When Jesus rose from the dead, He defeated Satan – conquered Him. That’s why the Bible tells us that “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).” Jesus won it all. Satan truly has no authority. Therefore, worry and fear have no purpose in keeping you company. No matter how much evil you see in the world, remember the Christ within you. Jesus won the victory. In doing so you have peace through Him.

As you look around and see pain, sadness, devastation, murder, and hatred you might be tempted to panic, worry, fear, or doubt God.

Friend, “Peace, be still.”

Open the scriptures and find your hope, strength, promise, and peace in the Word of God.

Perhaps you are like me and these words from Jesus are exactly what you need today: “Peace I give to you… Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid… but take heart; I have overcome the world.”

He is not here, He is risen!

Happy Resurrection Sunday, friends! What a day to celebrate!

As I scroll through my social media page, I see countless smiles, families dressed in their best, enjoying this day we call Easter. It makes my heart happy to see the people of God enjoying the day that transformed our lives.

Granted, over two-thousand years ago the disciples were dressed a bit differently and were anxiously awaiting their fate. Some doubted whether or not Jesus would actually do as He said, and rise from the dead. Sure, He had the power to heal and free others, but could He actually be victorious over death?

We’re blessed because we know the end of the story, we know that Jesus did as He said and conquered death, and we know that He reigns victoriously in heaven waiting until God releases Him to catch us all away! This knowledge makes today the most exciting day on the church calendar!

Without today Christmas is pointless.

Without today Lent has no significance.

Without today Palm Sunday was just another time mankind welcomed the wrong Messiah.

Without today Good Friday isn’t good at all.

But because Jesus rose from the dead, we live and all of the previous events are significant.

Today is the day that Christians live for!

Jesus is alive! He fulfilled His purpose and conquered sin, death, and hell.

We have life today because of Jesus’ victory. We have freedom and forgiveness because He made it possible. It is all because of Jesus, and His victory, that we are alive.

Since this day, the body of Christ as been on the move and growing throughout the world. The power of Jesus literally changed the world and is continuing to change lives today. I hope to continue exploring the growth of the church as we journey on throughout the next few weeks together, but today I want to focus on a passage of scripture that speaks to all of us today.

Earlier I mentioned that some of the disciples had trouble believing if Jesus was actually going to do as He said and raise from the dead. Even after Jesus started revealing Himself, some had difficulty believing the testimony of others. To one disciple, Thomas, Jesus said in John 20:29, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

That’s right. This verse speaks to all of us. Unless you have been blessed with the overwhelming gift of seeing Jesus face to face, you fall into this category of those who believe but have not seen. We know, through faith, that Jesus rose from the dead and now sits at the right hand of God the father in heaven.

It is by faith that we love Him, stand on His Word, and share His truth with others. It is by faith that countless Christians, right now, are laying down their lives in death for His namesake. Because of this faith, Jesus says we are blessed. We are blessed for our faith in Him regardless of what our eyes have seen or haven’t seen. We know that Jesus rose again and believe the testimony of those who have gone before us; therefore, in His eyes we are blessed.

The first time we see Jesus will be when He welcomes us into the eternal life He purchased for us with His blood. Whoa.

So, what’s the point to this Resurrection post?

The point is this:

If you know Jesus, I celebrate with you today. I rejoice with you that our sins are forgiven and we are made whole in Jesus. Hallelujah, He is risen! I also encourage you to share this joy and freedom with someone else. After all, Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. Now that you have been found, lead someone else to Him. Take this gospel, this good news, to the broken world around you.

If you do not know Jesus, I welcome you. There is a reason you were drawn to this blog. I believe it is because of the love Jesus has for you. He desires to free you from all sin, shame, and pain. He loves you so much that He went to a cross and battled with hell, all for you. He won the battle for you. He was victorious so that you might live. My role in all of this is merely to remind you that you need only to believe. Recognize that Jesus is who He says He is – Lord of all, Savior of the world, Son of God. Believe that He did exactly as He says – went to the cross, was buried in the tomb, and resurrected three days later with victory over sin, death, and hell. Let Him know that you need salvation from your sin. Jesus is waiting for you. He loves you with a truly everlasting love. Today is the day! What better day to do so than resurrection Sunday! I encourage you to open your heart to Jesus. Open your heart and believe. After all, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Happy Easter, everyone!

He is not here, He is risen!

Focus on Jesus - Part 1

Okay, confession time. I have been struggling with inspiration lately. I keep having ideas that end up in my writing journal but never in a word document. Yesterday, as I sat in my big comfy chair and stared out the window looking at the bright blue sky and cotton-shaped clouds, I settled on a thought. 

This week we should focus on Jesus. I'm sure you're thinking, “this is a Christian encouragement blog, of course we're going to focus on Jesus.” And you would be right to have that thought, but I mean this in a more specific way. This week we should focus on Jesus and the week leading up to His death. 

On the Christian calendar this week is known as “Holy Week.” It is the week when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem for the final time because He would spend this week being tried and killed. For all of us, this is the time that began the rest of our lives, because it was in this week that Jesus died and purchased our freedom from sin with His blood. But, I must stop because I am getting ahead of myself. 

Today I encourage all of us to think about Jesus’ grand entry into Jerusalem. After all, today is Palm Sunday (it received this name because that is what the people waved at Jesus as He rode into town on a donkey). Men, women, and children lined up along the streets and welcomed Jesus into town because they believed Him to be their Messiah. In their minds He would save them from Roman oppression. In reality, He was going to save them from eternal damnation and the greatest enemy this world has ever known – Satan. 

I'm not going to focus on the faults of the people but rather their initial response to Jesus. In John 12:13 we read “So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 

There is so much happening in this small portion of scripture and I look forward to reviewing it together as we enter this Holy Week. Here the people acknowledged Jesus as King. Again, they believed He would save them from their earthly woes. For a man that was simply going to free them from an oppressive government, they waved palm branches, and they laid down their own coats at the donkey’s feet to welcome this man into the city. They sang and shouted His praises; saying hosanna “which signifies salvation (Henry).” All of this for a king of flesh and blood.

We know today that Jesus was more than a mere king. He is the Savior of the world, Lord of all creation, author of perfection, bright and morning star, end and the beginning, and king of all kings! Jesus is almighty God. He defeated Satan and conquered sickness, death, and hell. He is all of this and more!
Yet, when we come to worship Him in corporate or private settings, what does it look like? Is it tainted by obligation? Is it over-shadowed by other responsibilities? Is it “old hat” because we've done it for so long? 

If the people of Jerusalem could “roll out the red carpet” for a man they thought to be a mere king, should we not do the same (if not more) for our Savior? The one who shed His own blood for us? 

My challenge to all of us this week is to focus on Jesus – the king of all kings. If you have trouble breaking out of your mundane worship rituals, try starting this way: “Hosanna, Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Work Cited 
Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on John 12." Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar, 1996. Web. 20 Mar, 2016. <http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Jhn/Jhn_012.cfm>.