Monday, February 27, 2006

Counterfeit Truth - Matthew 28


We are to put on the belt of truth each morning as we armor up. As I read the chapter this morning, the account of the bribing of the guards caught my attention:

11 As the women were on their way into the city, some of the men who had been guarding the tomb went to the leading priests and told them what had happened. 12 A meeting of all the religious leaders was called, and they decided to bribe the soldiers. 13 They told the soldiers, "You must say, 'Jesus' disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.' 14 If the governor hears about it, we'll stand up for you and everything will be all right." 15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.

I don't know why, but I never really noticed this story before. I never knew the guards were bribed to keep their mouths closed about Jesus' body in the tomb. Remember last chapter, Pilate had the tomb sealed and posted guards so the body would not be taken by the disciples. Did they actually see what happened? How could they miss it? We see they went to the priests and told them what had happened, so they DID see it.

But, because of the greed of these soldiers, many who may have turned to Jesus did not. I wonder if these men knew what an impact their little lie has had...

Put on the belt of truth today.

(that concludes our look at the book of Matthew - tomorrow join us in the 1st chapter of the book of Mark)

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 8:27 AM | | Comments

Friday, February 24, 2006

Be Ready - Matthew 25


You know, what's so good about our God is how He can deliver to us exactly what we need exactly when we need it. Today's chapter has proven to me again that He knows exactly what I'm going through and knows exactly how to handle the situation.

There are three powerful parables in this chapter:

1) The story of the ten bridesmaids
2) The story of the traveling man with 2 wise and 1 foolish servant
3) The sheep and the goats

All of these have to do with being prepared and being good stewards with our time, our treasure, and our talent. As I read this chapter over a few times, it really hit me how important it is to have things in order; to be ready at all times.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 10:33 AM | | Comments

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Hypocrites, Snakes, Sons of Vipers, Oh My! - Matthew 23


Oh to have been a fly on the wall during this conversation. Jesus holds no punches as He put the religious leaders in their place. How many times does He call them hypocrites? How many times does He say, "how terrible it will be for you"?

It occurs to me that Jesus came into this world and "hung out" with the rejects - the sinners, tax collectors, harlots, drunks, and the like. He had compassion for them. He helped the sick and the lame, the leper and the blind. Those that had "issues" where the friends of Jesus.

But, when it came to these religious leaders - where was the compassion? Where was the concern for their salvation? Why was Jesus so harsh with His treatment of these people? Doesn't God want everyone to be saved?

Obviously, these people had chosen to rebel and commit the unforgivable sin - an unrepentant heart. They had been turned over to their own wicked ways. They could no longer be reached. Jesus spent much of his energy putting them in their place (probably in front of others for their benefit) in no uncertain terms, because these are the people working against Jesus. The religious leaders were being used by the enemy to tear down what Jesus was trying to accomplish.

Why did God give us this chapter? It has shown me what's most important. It's not about us and our abilities. It's not about how we look on the outside. It's not about the law. Jesus is teaching us that what is important is to have a servant heart. We're back in Kansas and it's time to stop dreaming!

11 The greatest among you must be a servant. 12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Soften my heart, Lord, so that I can be used by You today.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 10:14 AM | | Comments

Monday, February 20, 2006

Yes, we have no bananas! - Matthew 21


Or, if you prefer, "No fruit."

As most of you know, the fig tree story is one of my favorites. Matthew's account is not my favorite, because it doesn't contain my favorite five words: "it was out of season." But, understanding this story has changed my prayer life - and my life in general.

I took a step back and looked at this chapter as a whole and found that Jesus is really giving the "no fruit" explanation to the high priests and religious leaders. Here's how it hit me:

1) Jesus had to borrow a donkey which fulfills scripture, but certainly speaks volumes about how we provide for our King
2) Jesus cleans out the Temple, which indicates a lack of prayer fruit
3) Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for their comment, "Do you hear what these children are saying?" Jesus responds with "Haven't you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, 'You have taught children and infants to give you praise.' - which indicates a lack of Bible reading fruit.
4) Of course, there's the story of the fig tree - 'nuff said
5) Then, there's the story of the man with two sons which points to a lack of obedience
6) Finally, the story of the landowner who planted the vinyard, which points to a complete lack of understanding and a lack of stewardship on the part of the religious leaders.

Wow, I love how Jesus handled these swindlers.

How can I apply this to my life? Well, in this short chapter, I'm hearing from the Lord that I need to work on my "fruit production" in the areas of prayer, Bible reading, obedience and stewardship. So cül.

Thank You, Lord for speaking to me today through Your Word.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 9:44 AM | | Comments

Friday, February 17, 2006

Childlike = Humility = Greatness - Matthew 18


Childlike.

What comes to mind when you read the following passage from Matthew 18?

3 Then he said, "I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven."

There have been many times in my life when I've become "childish" but I don't think that's what Jesus is talking about here. To become "child-like" requires you to closely observe children. It's a bit easier for those of us who have children. But, we've all been children, so try to think back...

The thing that comes to mind is a total trust. Perhaps because they have to depend on others for their every need (food, shelter, security, etc.) or perhaps because they have yet to experience a reason NOT to trust, they approach life with hope and anticipation. I never remember wondering if my parents would provide my clothes or my food or my shelter - I just woke up in the morning and did what children do!

Let's turn it around. How would we, as parents, feel if our 4 year old got up in the morning and was panicked because they didn't know if they would have a warm coat to wear. "It's going to be very cold tomorrow and what if I don't have a coat?!" What if they started crying and sobbing, "What if I don't have any food tonight to eat?!" How would you feel? Would you feel angry and wonder what basis they have for asking those questions? Would you feel sad to see them worried and in a panic?

How do you think God feels when He sees us all in a tizzy and generating elaborate "what-if" scenarios?

Humility = Greatness

Now, I think I'm starting to understand...

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 9:16 AM | | Comments

Thursday, February 16, 2006

"Listen to Him" - Matthew 17


This one of the funniest moments in the show, "The Rock & the Rabbi." It really made it clear to me how things played out that day on the mountain when Moses & Elijah appeared with Jesus. Typically, the audience is in hysterics at this point because Gary Richardson, playing the part of Peter, does such a good job drawing in the audience and making you feel like you're really there.

Peter: "Suddenly, there was Moses & Elijah. I didn't know what to say. What do you say in the face of a miracle like this? I had nothing to say. ......so I said something"

Peter: "wow...er...Lord, it's a good thing I'm here...I can...um...I could...build a shelter...for the three of you...um...to keep the weather off......like that......with the thing."

Peter is my hero and I can't wait to talk with him on the "back porch." I can relate. You see, Peter, having seen the glory of God on Moses, Elijah & Jesus, is speechless (like me, not a common symptom for Peter). God was trying to make a point - to show His glory to these men like they've never seen it before. In his typical fashion, Peter speaks before he thinks and blurts out:

4 Peter blurted out, "Lord, this is wonderful! If you want me to, I'll make three shrines, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

God quickly, even before Peter could finish, sent a bright cloud and said, "This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him. Listen to him." (verse 5).

The three didn't need shelters or shrines. God didn't need Peter's help or commentary. God just wanted Peter to listen to His Son.

That speaks to me. How about you? When you pray - do you (like I usually do) complain and whine and then run off? Or, do you listen as you pray? Have you ever tried to turn off your radio and ask God to speak to you and then...just listen? Isn't there a time you could carve out of your day to just sit and listen? This used to be an important part of my day...funny how things change.

Thank You, Lord, for this reminder.

Peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 11:15 AM | | Comments

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

The Big Picture - Matthew 16

After all these years of on-again/off-again, God has been calling me to a serious relationship with Him. And, when it comes to a serious Christian walk, there are two verses in this chapter that provide such a wealth of knowledge for success. Not to say that they're easy, quite the contrary. But there is so much treasure buried within these two verses:

25 If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life.

Everything in our nature - in our culture, in our minds - cries out for us to live for "number one" and "climb the ladder of success" and "play to win" and "(insert favorite power cliche here)." Yet, Jesus is encouraging us to lay our lives down at His feet - to loose our lives to find true life. Jesus asks a huge question.

26 And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul?

Drink that in for a while. In view of eternity, we're here for such a short time (vapor in the wind, withering flower, etc.). I'm reminded today in Matthew 16 to remember "the big picture" and resist the temptation to accumulate "stuff" and be distracted by my internal feelings to "get ahead" or "get justice."

My only focus should be: live for Jesus. For my family, for my employer, for my friends, this is what I'm tasked with. And the only way I can do that is to die to self every day, put on the full armor of God and keep accountable to my friends in the reading of His Word and in prayer.

I'm reminded of Matthew 6:33:

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Thank You, Lord, for this good word today.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 10:59 PM | | Comments

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

"The Bait" - Matthew 15


I learned much from the book entitled "Bait of Satan" written by John Bevere. As I read today's chapter, I'm reminded of those teachings by the woman mentioned in verses 22-28.

As she approaches Jesus and pleads for Him to heal her daughter, she is ignored by Jesus and the disciples are annoyed by her begging. Finally, the disciples ask Jesus to tell her to go away. And, in what seems to me as uncharacteristically harsh, Jesus has the following conversation with her:

24 Then he said to the woman, "I was sent only to help the people of Israel – God's lost sheep – not the Gentiles." 25 But she came and worshiped him and pleaded again, "Lord, help me!" 26 "It isn't right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs," he said.

Is He calling her a dog?...because she is a Gentile?

You can look at this two ways. 1) He is being harsh and really wants her to go away and leave them alone. Or, 2) He is trying to teach His disciples (and us) a lesson. I rather think it's the latter case - as otherwise this one passage would go completely against the nature and consistency of Jesus.

Ultimately, the conversation continues:

27 "Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even dogs are permitted to eat crumbs that fall beneath their master's table." 28 "Woman," Jesus said to her, "your faith is great. Your request is granted." And her daughter was instantly healed.

What faith she had. How does this tie in with the book "Bait of Satan" I mentioned earlier? Well, how would you have reacted if Jesus talked to you as He did this woman? I believe most of us would have either been so hurt or embarassed we would have choked, turned and walked off. Or, we would have been offended and stamped off to join the religious leaders' movement to end Jesus' "threat."

The ultra-condensed version of the book is the premise that once we take the "bait," satan has us in his trap. What is the bait? Becoming offended. The word for "offense" comes from the same root as the word used to describe the "bait-stick" in a trap. Once you get offended - the trap is sprung.

What would have happened to this woman and her daughter if she became offended by Jesus' harsh words? Because of her persistance and her ability to let it roll off of her like water on a duck, her daughter was healed and she was blessed.

Something to think about today...

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 11:20 AM | | Comments

Monday, February 13, 2006

FREE Lunch! - Matthew 14


There are two great stories in this chapter, the feeding of the thousands with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish (with 12 baskets of food left over?!), and Peter walking on the water (for a bit).

As I read this morning, I was drawn to the boy with the lunch. What boy, you ask? Neither Matthew, Mark or Luke mention the boy, but John does (see chapter 6). First, I'm amazed that of five thousand men, only a boy had the forethought to bring a lunch?! Come on, where are all the protein bars, the beef jerkey, the honey roasted nuts? Nobody brought food?

Then, think about that boy and what he must have been thinking. He apparently willingly gives up his lunch to these 12 disciples. Then Jesus somehow multiplies it to feed more than five thousand people! Can you imagine what happened when this kid gets home that day?

"Hi, Mom, I'm home!"
"Oh, hello dear. How was your day?"
"Well, I shared my lunch."
"Isn't that sweet? I'm so proud of you honey."
"With five thousand people..."

He probably got grounded for lying.

I guess the point I took was that no matter how insignificant it seems, if we're willing to give it - to share it with our brothers - with Jesus' blessing it can become far more than we can even imagine. This could be our money, our time, our abilities, or even a kind word.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 8:46 AM | | Comments

Sunday, February 12, 2006

Wheat & Tares - Matthew 13


I believe it was the summer of 1980 - and it was called "Starlight Crusade." Typically, this annual outdoor event was a great excuse for me and "the guys" to scope out girls, embarass ourselves (and them), show off, joke around, and see if we could get the entire row laughing uncontrollably but not get caught. Well, at least that was my MO.

The first time I ever heard (or paid attention to?) the parable of the wheat & the tares. Sr. Pastor Bailey Smith was giving the message in the outdoor football stadium of Del City High School (Go Eagles!) to a crowd of at least a thousand people. I remember it like it was last year. I sat rivited to the edge of my seat. The story sank in deep. I remember hearing the message and feeling so convicted. I completely doubted my salvation because a) I looked like a Christian, b) I grew up around Christians, c) I didn't always act like what I thought a Christian should act like, d) I had real "issues" that no one else knew about, e) so how could I be saved?

It is a powerful teaching - no doubt. How you respond to it has everything to do with eternal life.

So, that night - along with many deacons, Sunday School teachers, even pastors and pastor's wives - I went down to get saved (again). Later, upon searching my past and finding myself in the Lord, I realized that I had already given my life to the Lord by that time, but had never been discipled or trained in the ways of a Christian. But, that's another chapter...

The point is that this story in Matthew 13 had a huge impact on me, my friends, and my entire community. It brought up in many people the fact that "I'm not sure how to live like a Christian, so maybe I'm not a Christian at all."
I guess the encouragement is - first, MAKE SURE YOU ARE!!! Then, know that you know that you are - and seek Him with all you've got - like your life depends upon it. The truth is, I had opportunities to grow deeper in my walk, but I was more interested in worldly pleasures and the pursuit of self.

The part about the tares looking like wheat, growing up among the wheat, but in the end - when it came to harvest time - the tares were bundled up and thrown into the fire really speaks to us. Some avoid thinking about this because "it's not my place to judge" but I know there are people in my life who go to church, who go through all the motions, who even think they are saved, but have never called on the name of the Lord. There are some who have never been taught, who are clinging to ritual or to their own goodness (hoping their good will outweigh their bad deeds) who will be very surprised.

Remember Matthew 7:
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 "Many will say to Me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' 23 "And then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

Let these words sink deep - for you and for those in your family, and for those you meet.

Lord, increase my awareness and concern for the lost in this world. Give me the opportunities and the words that would cause them to turn to you!

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 5:42 PM | | Comments

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

We've Got The Power! - Matthew 8


Here you are, a new "recruit" in the band of brothers that Jesus called his disciples. You're wandering around with Jesus, not really knowing what to expect. You come across people with leprosy, and Jesus heals them. A Roman officer comes up to your group and asks Jesus to heal his servant; Jesus makes this big deal out of this guy's faith and the servant is healed.

Later, you head to Pete's house and find his mom sick - Jesus heals her (which is good because she gets right up and prepares a meal).

You see all kinds of people who have gathered outside Pete's house get healed.

You see Jesus calm a terrible storm.

You see Jesus cast demons out of two men.

And - that's just what's written about...

These guys got to see all this happen with their own eyes. And yet, they still screwed up - they doubted - they ran and hid - they denied they even knew Him.

Somehow, this gives me comfort when I doubt or when I fail. Today, we don't have Jesus physically here with us. But, we do have the power of God in the Holy Spirit living inside us - guiding, prompting, convicting, encouraging and comforting. Today's reading reminds me to tap into that power.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 7:56 AM | | Comments

Monday, February 06, 2006

"Layahs" - Matthew 7


I believe there is some powerful teaching in this chapter, and in this case, I believe the enemy would do everything he can to have us doubt what we read here. I know that's the case for me.

7 "Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.

In the hands of a faithful believer, this promise has infinite, unlimited power.

Do you believe it? I say I do, but I really had to examine my heart this morning as I read this. Looking at these verses I have to sort through layers of legalism and doubt to come to my faith in this matter. I felt like Shrek when he was trying to explain to Donkey about layers - I see my experience with the "name it/claim it" people, my doubt of my own feelings, my doubt of my self-worth, my own my experience with non-answered prayers before, and there are even some layers I can't identify yet. No wonder some of my prayers are never answered. Yet - if I could just "muster" up enough faith, huge mountains could be thrown into the sea.

Want another power verse? Look at verse 12:

12 "Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

This is a summary of ALL that is taught in the law and the prophets? Wow - can you get a grasp on the potential of this promise? I wish I was there, but again the layers have built up over the promise. Pride, my failures, my fears, my childhood, my insecurities - even the way my gifts work in me have to be peeled back before I can truly do for someone what I would like them to do for me.

But, when we are obedient and can experience the power of these verses, God is glorified!

Lord, thank You again for Your awesome Word. Thank You for the life it brings by reading and discussing it. Help me - help all of us in these dBrags work through our faith in Your promises. Help us peel back all the layers of junk and get to Your promises. Increase our faith through the reading of Your Word as You have promised. I lay this down at Your feet, my King. Use me...

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 10:58 AM | | Comments

Friday, February 03, 2006

Willing Men-Fishers - Matthew 4


This chapter spoke to me about the authority of the presence of Jesus. If you've ever met someone who commanded attention and respect - not so much by what was being said, but more by the way the words were spoken, or the simple manner of the person: confidence or enthusiasm - then you can start to imagine how it must have been when Jesus arrived on the scene.

Well, why not? He knew who He was (is). Jesus has confidence and security. When He speaks, even E.F. Hutton listens (for those of you old enough to remember that marketing campaign).

Picture Peter and his brother Andrew doing their daily fishing routine when Jesus walks up.

19 Jesus called out to them, "Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!" 20 And they left their nets at once and went with him.

At once! they left everything and followed Jesus. Would I do that? Dunno - if Jesus walked up, I might. I'd like to think I would. But to read about His authority is one thing. To experience it is another.

Do you have this kind of confidence? Do you know who you are? Or more importantly, do you know WHOSE you are? Look at the lyrics to the song, "Who Am I" by Casting Crowns:

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth would care to know my name, would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star would choose to light the way for my ever wandering heart.

Chorus:
Not because of who I am but because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done but because of who you are.

I am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean, a vapor in the wind
Still you hear me when I'm calling, Lord, you catch me when I'm falling
And you've told me who I am.I am yours

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin would look on me with love and watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea would call out through the rain and calm the storm in me.

Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am yours
I am yours

You are Sons of the Most High! Live Bold!

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 9:23 AM | | Comments

Thursday, February 02, 2006

True Wildman! - Matthew 3

(not familiar with Wildmen? check it out: http://www.wildmenministry.com)

John the Baptist, a very interesting character. Can you say TOTALLY sold out?! I get the impression that he was not too concerned with what others thought of him or said about him. Look at the way he dresses. Look at his diet. He is totally self-contained, depending upon nothing but the Lord.

So - it's not surprise his comments as he saw the religious leaders coming to him to be baptized. It appears as though he went ahead and baptized them, but with this warning:

8 Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God. 9 Don't just say, 'We're safe – we're the descendants of Abraham.' That proves nothing. God can change these stones here into children of Abraham. 10 Even now the ax of God's judgment is poised, ready to sever your roots. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.

Serious stuff, no? Can you imagine what must have been going through their minds? "Hey, I just came here to be baptized - how dare you infer that I'm only getting baptized for the purpose of 'fire insurance'!"

I like this John - he tells it like it is. Can't wait to chat with him on the "back porch", too!

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 10:28 PM | | Comments

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Wise Guys - Matthew 2


For some reason, as I read this chapter I was drawn into the wise men's story. As we discover here, the wise men were not on scene to see Jesus in the animal stable in Bethlehem. You're all probably aware of this.

But, were you aware of the tradition of "Three Wise Men's Day" that is celebrated in Puerto Rico? I only found out a few years ago - and I have to say I like the sound of it. Even today, some Puerto Ricans exchange gifts on Jan. 6, which commemorates the Epiphany—the offering of gifts by the Three Wise Men to Jesus. As a matter of fact, in the 50s and 60s, Santa Claus was paraded along the streets of San Juan accompanied by men dressed as the Three Wise Men. Then, Santa was thought of as a menace who was taking over the Wise Men's traditional task of bringing gifts.

Very interesting.

The other thing I noticed about the wise men - they angered Herod by leaving without saying goodbye - because God had warned them not to return to Herod. So, Herod had every boy age 2 and under slaughtered - in an attempt to kill Jesus (who unbeknown to Herod had already fled to Egypt at the angel's prompting).

Wow. Can you imagine?

17 Herod's brutal action fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah: 18 "A cry of anguish is heard in Ramah – weeping and mourning unrestrained. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted – for they are dead."

How many children died because of Herod's pride and arrogance? What about the prophecy? God knew about this before it happened. Did Herod have a choice in the matter? Could he have chosen to belay that order?

Something to think about. This is another one of those mysteries I'll never understand until I'm sitting on the "back porch" chatting with my buddies Pete, James & Job. (Lord, come quickly)

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 2:01 PM | | Comments

About me

  • I'm Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy)
  • From Tampa, Florida, United States
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Reading Schedule

9/22/2006 - Esther 10
9/23/2006 - Psalms 24
9/24/2006 - Psalms 25
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9/30/2006 - Psalms 31
10/1/2006 - COMING SOON!
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