 What About These Weeds?
Do you ever wonder where weeds come from? It certainly seems like weeds are overrunning our world! In today's Kingdom parable (Matthew 13:24-30), when asked where the weeds come from, Jesus says the weeds come from the enemy; he goes on to say that the wheat and the weeds, like good and evil, must exist side by side. The spiritual truth taught in this parable makes it clear that recognizing good from evil is often impossible. The parable also teaches us that since we can't accurately discern the wheat from the weeds, we shouldn't be in a hurry to reach for our Weed Eaters or the Roundup! Friends, Jesus makes it clear that the wheat must continue to grow alongside the weeds until the Son of Man returns to judge the harvest. We must remember; the church's mission is sowing seeds, not pulling weeds. We have a big enough challenge trying to keep sin and weeds out of our lives. It's easy to feel choked out and discouraged in today's weedy, sin-filled world. Today's parable reminds us that our Kingdom work is never done in vain; the weeds will face the Roundup when Jesus returns. So, until the harvest day arrives, stay focused on being faithful and fruitful in this world of weeds! Onward and Upward Fr. Greg
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 Sowing Seeds of Hope
Most of us have planted seeds and experienced the excitement of watching a plant grow. In this well-known parable, Jesus talks about sowing seeds and different types of soils representing the human heart. This parable draws us in as we try to figure out why the story is being told this way. It wouldn’t make sense for a farmer to scatter his valuable seeds carelessly. But as it turns out, Jesus invites us to learn something about sowing seeds of hope. From an agricultural point of view, the farmer or Sower may seem careless, but Jesus isn’t giving farming advice. He is illustrating how the Word of God should be spread. Friends, the farmer doesn’t prejudge the soil in this parable; he just faithfully sows the seeds. Sharing God’s Word does not make presumptions about the human heart. As Jeremiah said, “Who can understand the human heart.” As Sowers of God's Word, we are called to faithfully sow seeds and not worry about the ROI. It’s difficult for some not to think about efficiency, investment risks, and rates of return, but let’s face it, as sinners, Jesus certainly took a risk on us. But thanks be to God; His Word found our hearts. The question becomes, what are you doing with the gift of God’s Word today? Are you sowing seeds of hope or measuring risk and analyzing soil? Just sow God's Word and let seeds of hope grow and amaze you again! Onward and Upward, Fr. Greg  Come To Me!
Are you weary, burdened, stressed out, or burnout? If so, you are not alone! How do you de-stress? Do you watch a movie, have a hobby or a sport that helps you unwind? Nothing is wrong with those things, but they can't provide the rest or restoration you need. You can always take a nap to rest your weary body, but naps won't rest your weary spirit. Lets face it, people, places and things can’t provide the rest our weary souls need. Friends, Jesus' invitation in today's passage promises the soul rest and restoration we need in our weary, overburdened lives. Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." He doesn't say come to Church, come to Bible study, or a small group. True soul rest is only possible through a personal relationship with Jesus. What our weary souls need more than anything else is quiet time alone with the Lord. Finding a quiet place and spending time alone with God is critical! As you sit with Him, spend time praying, reading your Bible, and quietly listening to Him. So, if you're running on empty and need to recharge, plug into Jesus. He alone provides the recharge rest our weary, burdened souls need. Onward and Upward, Fr. Greg  Free Indeed!
Independence Day, for many Americans, is a day to watch fireworks, barbeque, and have fun with family and friends. While there is nothing wrong with those timeless traditions, it is also important to remember why we celebrate Independence Day. Independence Day to our founding fathers meant religious freedom as a God-fearing people, free to seek "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." What does freedom look like for Jesus' followers 247 years after that first Independence Day? The Bible tells us true freedom looks the same as it did over 2000 years ago for us. Our true freedom can only be experienced today, as then, through the blood of Jesus. Only by His precious blood can we be "free indeed," not just politically free, but free from the bondage of sin. Friends, today, God wants you to experience true freedom. Freedom from sin, fear, addictions, guilt, and shame. You will never find true freedom in a relationship, a job, or a political philosophy, nor will it come by making more money or building bigger barns. True freedom comes when we place our trust in Jesus. Only then are we no longer a "slave to sin." So, don't let sin keep you in bondage! Make today your personal Independence Day! Make this the day you confess and repent of your sins, and the "Son" will set you "free indeed" Then you will be able to celebrate Independence Day every day! Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg  Sheep Amidst Wolves Most people struggle when confronted with opposition or rejection. As Christians, occasional rejection should be expected. After introducing us to the reality that not everyone will accept the Good News, Jesus warned his disciples and us how difficult that rejection might be. There will be some who have benign attitudes and will ignore us and our message. There will be others with evil, vengeful attitudes toward the Good News and us who share it. How vicious? Jesus warns us in Matthew chapter 10 that we will be like sheep hunted by wolves. In our verse today, Jesus says two qualities are not only essential; they are commanded! Friends, as Christians equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are commanded to be strategic and wise. We must not let opposition surprise us or let our feelings direct our actions. Secondly, when harassed, criticized, or challenged, we must model Christ's likeness as people of character, patience, and peace. Even Saint Peter, known for his temper and rash judgment, came to understand and model these qualities. Peter said, "Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world" (1Pet. 2:12). We must be fearless but not foolish! Remember the world is always watching us, so be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg  Keep Calm and Carry On!
Do you occasionally struggle with anger? We live in a broken world where sin is rampant, injustice is commonplace, and anger rages around us. This growing trend can also cause us to stumble into sin. Although we often cannot change the situations around us, altering our responses is possible. When hurt by someone's words or actions, we may be tempted to hurl a sarcastic reply or harbor resentment. As followers of Jesus, we are called to model his life: "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23)." Today's Proverb emphasizes the value of being slow to anger. This is especially important when facing verbal attacks. Quiet listening protects us from speaking rashly and offers us the opportunity to seek God's wisdom and grace. A calm, gentle reply can defuse most tense situations. We can only respond wisely if we take time to process what was said. When we are slow to anger, we can often gain an understanding of the situation and the hidden motives that a quick-tempered person can't objectively comprehend. As believers, our character must mirror Jesus. Preserving civility must, at times, replace our need to be correct. So, pause, Keep Calm, and Carry On; all things are possible with Jesus as our counselor and defender. Grace and Peace, Fr. Greg  Knowing The Truth!
It’s easy to become discouraged today in this world of lies and deception! If your only source of truth is your television, social media, or conversation with non-believers, you are on a collision course with depression and hopelessness. Before you reach that point, learn to fill and nourish your mind with Biblical Truth. Jesus said, "Father your Word is truth" (John17:17). Truth is the absolute standard by which reality is measured! God’s Word, is the absolute standard by which reality is measured. Friends, only the absolute, authoritative truth revealed in God’s Word will set you free! Many people quote this verse, but not everyone acknowledges that it’s talking about the Bible or is even from the Bible. Knowing God’s Word enables you to know and decern the truth. The prophet Joshua understood this and said, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do” (Jos.1-8). That is quite a promise! Truth, prosperity, success, and hope are found in God’s Word, which sets you free from lies and deception. Make time in God’s Word a priority, and know the truth! Onward and Upward, Fr. Greg  A Labor of Love!
Do you occasionally feel discouraged in your work? Do you ever wonder, are my labors making any difference? Does the enemy ever whisper in your ear, “your labor is in vain?” If you ever have such feelings, you’re in good company. The Bible is full of faithful servants who felt that way before us. Even the Apostle Paul wrestled at the thought of laboring in vain. But Saint Paul found encouragement in the promised resurrection and left the Corinthians and each of us an exhortation to remain faithful in a “purpose-driven life” even when it seems in vain. Friends, when you become weary, and the enemy says your labor is in vain, reflect on today’s passage and be propelled onward and upward. We must never listen to Satan’s lies! As believers, ours is a labor of love for what our Savior has already done for us. So as Saint Paul says, remember, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward” (Col. 3:23-24). So, seek your strength in the Lord, then “Rise Up” put your hands on the plow, and don’t look back! The Lord has told us our labor for the Kingdom is never in vain! Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg+  Lest We Forget!
Memorial Day marks the start of summer, sunny days, warm evenings, and picnics for many Americans. Unfortunately, many fail to stop and reflect on the deeper meaning of this day. We must reflect on the brave willingness of men and women who answered our nation’s highest call, knowing the risks they faced, yet willing to give their lives to protect and defend this nation we love. What extraordinary examples of service over self. On this solemn day, may we thankfully remember those who lost their lives defending our freedom. Their heroic sacrifices have guaranteed the religious and civil liberties we enjoy today. Friends, as Christians, we know we are all battling the world, the flesh, and the devil who has come to kill, steal and destroy. But we are not in this fight alone! We must fight in the Lord because the battle is His. As Christians, let us never forget the brave men and women who fought and died for us. We must faithfully remember them with thankful and reverent hearts, “Lest we Forget.” And let us never forget or take for granted the most significant sacrifice ever made for mankind by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who provides us our eternal victory! Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg+  Show Me and Teach Me!
Our earthly journey in this life can often be challenging! Sometimes life can seem like a maze of turns, stops, and quick drops. Navigating our journey to eternal glory is not easy, but we are blessed to have a loving God who is always willing to give us divine direction and wisdom. We must seek God, trust Him, and obey His guidance and teaching when we can't see the way. When David lost his way, he said to the Lord, "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths." He didn't seek direction and say, "Lord, if You promise me an easy path, I'll follow and cooperate." Friends, David went to the Lord before he started his journey, the way we go to our GPS for directions today. David said, "Lord, show me and teach me," and I will make my next move. He wanted more than directions; he wanted God to be his personal guide and teacher on the journey. Let's face it; asking God to show us where to go next is one thing. Opening our hearts and minds to His divine teaching and correction is another. What a perfect illustration of "letting go and letting God!" If you need direction today, pray for the Lord to fill you with humility, then trust Him as your leader, teacher, and counselor for daily guidance on life's journey. Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg+ |