A Morning Cup of Tea: The Blind Leading the Blind

Good morning! Please forgive me for not posting yesterday. I really have no excuse, it just didn't happen. I will try not to let that happen again.
  Today we are finishing up Luke chapter six, specifically verses 39 to 49.
   Jesus had been speaking of judging, and being merciful toward one another. He continued this line of thought in a parable.
  Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? (v39)
  41.And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eyes, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?her
 42. Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself heholdest not the beam in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to  to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.
  Now notice, he did not say don't you dare try to help someone at all by showing them they have a sin that needs to be repented of. He didn't say, mind your own business. What Jesus said was,  take care of your own life first. None of us are without fault, but that shouldn't stop us from loving  one another enough to say You're wrong.  We just need to examine our own lives first, and honestly, and take care of that glaring sin of our own so that we can help someone else. 
  If you've ever been on an air plane, you know the safety spiel they go through every time. When a situation demands that the oxygen masks drop down, what do they tell you? Put the mask over your own nose and mouth first before you help your kids or anyone else. Otherwise you are not going to be able to properly help.
  Children, especially our own, are very observant. Telling them to live one way while they know you are living another just isn't going to fly. 
  46. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
  47. Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
  48. He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
  49. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the streams did beat vehemently, and immediately if fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
  None of us are perfect, but we should strive toward the goal of being more like Jesus every day. We should help our brothers and sisters out, lovingly, if we have examined ourselves first.  And finally, do we have that firm foundation built upon the rock of Jesus and his teachings? Or have we built our house on the earth --not focusing as much on God as we are what others say or do?   

A Morning Cup of Tea: Judge Not

Good afternoon! 
 Today we are focusing on three verses in chapter six of Luke: 
 36. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father is merciful.
 37. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
 38. Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
  The words do not judge, to some, mean, don't tell me when I am doing wrong, period. As a mother, when I see my son doing something wrong, especially something that can hurt him, I let him know, quickly. As a Christian, if I know someone is doing wrong, especially if the person is a Christian, then I need to go to her or him and discuss the matter. 
  If we read all three verses together we see that whatever I put out into the world will come back to me, whether goodness or evil. So I should be careful how I broach a subject. If I handle a situation in a manner that suggests I am better than the person I am trying to counsel, then I am wrong.  The fact of the matter is we all sin. In God's eyes sin is sin. Doesn't matter that for example, I lied to a friend while Susy committed adultery. Both are sins. I need to take care of my own sin before talking with Susy about hers, and I should do it in love. 
   Judging also has what seems to be a more acceptable (to the world) connotation. Somehow it became wrong to tell a person they were in danger of hellfire because that is "judging" but its perfectly okay to decide that Alice is a horrible person because her house isn't as spotless as I believe it should be, or that Joe should have his kids taken away because he is obese and may teach bad eating habits to his children. One woman judged many, including me, on a forum that should have brought us together. A hot button issue was brought up --vaccination -- and she proclaimed to the world that she hoped the children of those of us refusing vaccination would die because of that decision. That, my friends, is standing in judgement and is absolutely wrong. I think that is the judgement Jesus is saying is wrong. I would like to do a study on judging, and will probably do so after the study of Luke and John , and before we start on Acts.
  Judging is a hard topic to write about because so many (self included at times) believe  in don't you dare judge me but its okay for me to judge you. Truth is, whether we try to (lovingly) point out a sin that needs to be taken care of or standing in judgement on a personal matter, we need to understand that either way we put ourselves in the spotlight so that others can point out our own faults, whether sin or difference of priority. Focus on your own life before you speak, and remember to be merciful. Forgive those who need to be forgiven, help those who need help, but keep in mind your own imperfections. Discuss without attacking. While sin can't and should not be ignored, do so in such a way so as not to push the person away. Have a wonderful day. 

A Morning Cup of Tea: Love Your Enemies

Good morning! I'm a bit late getting my study in this morning. Today we are beginning in verse 20 of the sixth chapter of Luke. Jesus began to preach to his followers, and he gave quite a large number of lessons in this passage: blessed be ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God; Blessed are ye that hunger now, for ye shall be filled;blessed are ye that weep now, for ye shall laugh. (verses 20, 21)
  I don't know whether Jesus is speaking literally or figuratively of hunger here, but both fit. We may not have riches untold here on earth; we may go to bed with a not so filled belly sometimes, and things may be bleak for a time, but it will not always be so. Things will get better, whether here on earth, or in heaven, where there will never ever be sadness or hunger or anything bad. There will always be hardships to face here, but those of us who look to God will be rewarded.
  The verses I want to focus on today are 27 through 35. There is a lot that Jesus says in these verses, and I won't copy all of them, but I hope that you will take the time to read them for yourself.
  These verses tell us to love our enemy.  Indeed, listen to verses 27 and 28:
 27. But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
 28. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
 Notice the first thing he says:  "to those who hear". This was rather important and he wanted those who were there to learn to pay attention and understand. Jesus went on to say that if someone hits us on the cheek we should offer him the other cheek as well. If someone wants our jacket he should take our coat as well. It is easy to love someone who loves us; easy to give to someone from whom we expect something in return. But truly loving others means we put aside our feelings. Anyone can love her friends and family--almost everyone does that automatically. But to love someone who hates you takes having a relationship with God.  When we give something, we should not expect something in return; otherwise it was not freely given with a loving heart but with strings attached, a what's in it for me attitude. 
   It is not easy to love someone who does not love us. But if we treat others as we would like to be treated and leave it at that --feeding those who are hungry, giving clothing to those who need it, tending the sick --and doing it out of love and compassion, not in such a way that says I'm better than you or I want recognition for this act --we will receive a great reward in heaven. It was never meant for our government to take care of our neighbors. We should take care of one another.

A Morning Cup of TEa: Jesus Prayed

Good morning!  Today we begin chapter 6 of Luke. The first few verses tell about different Sabbaths in which the Pharisees are not happy with Jesus or his followers' actions, and question him on it. Taking and eating corn from the field (v 1-5); healing a man's withered hand (v6-10).  Jesus did what needed to be done, no matter the day. The Pharisees did not like this and Luke says they were already angry and talking amongst each other trying to decide what to do with him.
  Luke brings up in verse 12 that Jesus went to a mountain to pray, and stayed there all night in prayer to God.When  it was day, he called the disciples to him and from those he chose twelve, known as the apostles:
 Simon, called Peter
 Andrew, Peter's brother
 James
 John
 Philip 
 Bartholomew
Matthew
 Thomas
 James the son of Alphaeus
 Simon called Zelotes
 Judas the brother of James
 Judas Iscariot, who is named as the traitor (v 17)
  This is a great example to us, how important prayer is. This was a serious decision, choosing the ones who not only would help in his ministry, but to carry on the teachings later when his job here on earth was done. I like that he was consistently in communication with the Father.
Have a wonderful day.

A Morning Cup of Tea: Jesus Walks on Water

After they had fed the five thousand, Jesus sent the disciples on a ship while he sent the people on their way. Once all the people were gone, Jesus went up onto the mountain to pray.
 At evening when the boat was in the middle of the sea, Jesus knew that the disciples were having a hard time rowing because of the wind.
   Jesus walked out on the water to meet them. When the disciples saw this, they were afraid. They thought they'd seen a ghost! But Jesus called to them Be of good cheer: it is I, do not be afraid.
  When Jesus went onto the ship, the wind stopped. All of this amazed the disciples. They'd already forgotten that he could feed five thousand or more with just a few little fish and five loaves of bread. I don't think they really understood yet just who Jesus was. They didn't understand  yet the fullness of his power. I think that is where some of us get stuck as well. We try to put limits on God. 

A Morning Cup of Tea: Feeding of the Five Thousand

Earlier in chapter 6 (v7) of Mark, Jesus had sent the apostles out two by two to teach and heal. Now, (v 30) they had all come back together and were telling Jesus what they had done and what they had taught. Jesus saw that they needed rest, which wasn't going to happen there because the people were round about them so much they could barely eat. Jesus took them to a desert place to get the rest the apostles needed. 
 The multitudes, however, figured out where they were going and they went too. Jesus didn't have the heart to send them away, seeing they were like sheep without a shepherd. He taught them many things for most of the day. Finally the disciples came to him and suggested that Jesus send the people on their way so they could go find food. Jesus replied, You feed them. The disciples didn't understand. You want us to go into town and buy 200 pennyworth of bread? 
  Jesus asked them to see what they already had here. There was found five loaves of bread and 2 fish. Jesus took the food and blessed it, and broke it apart, and the disciples fed at least 5000 that day, and most likely more. During that time women and children weren't counted, only the men.  After everyone had eaten their fill, all the leftovers were taken up, and they had twelve baskets full left. 
  Jesus saw to the needs of people, both spiritual and physical. We should follow his example and take care of others--not necessarily through letting the government take care of them. The disciples only had a little food, yet they fed many because Jesus blessed it. We ourselves may have only a little food, a few extra clothes, a few words of kindness, but it never ceases to amaze me what God can accomplish through us if we let him.

A Morning Cup of Tea: The Death of John the Baptizer

Jesus went into Nazareth, and on the Sabbath taught in the synagogue. The people marveled at his wisdom, but did not want to listen to him. They had seen him grow up there, they knew his parents and his brothers and sisters. They could not believe that one such as he would try to teach them.
 Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
 Jesus couldnt do much there except heal the sick. He went about to the other villages, teaching. He called the twelve disciples to him and charged them to go out and teach, and gave them power over unclean spirits. The were to go out two by two, with only the shoes on their feet and the clothes on their backs. They were to take no money, no food, and no change of clothes. Those things would be provided.
  King Herod heard of the preaching and healing going on, and he was convinced that John the baptizer had come back from the dead.  He had married Herodius, his brother Philip's wife. John told him it was not a lawful marriage (v17). Herodius did not like John and wanted him dead. She couldn't do it, but he was imprisoned. On Herod's birthday he had a supper and Herodius' daughter came and danced for him. He was so pleased he offered her anything, up to half his kingdom. On her mother's advice, she asked for John's head on a silver platter. Herod was extremely sorry he'd made the offer but he would not go back on his word. John the baptizer was executed and his head was brought to Herod. John's disciples came for the body and buried it.  

A Morning Cup of Tea: Stop Worrying

Today we are finishing up chapter 6 of Matthew. We are reading verses 25-34. I wont copy the whole passage, but I will encourage you to read it. I think one of my goals should be to commit this passage to memory because I inherited the "worry gene" from my mother. I understand what Jesus is saying here, and I have read many times  Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (v 27.) My mother's answer? I've GOT to worry! No, you don't. God doesn't want us to worry! While I don't think or say I've got to worry, I do gnaw on a situation like a bone sometimes. What I should be doing is praying to God. He knows my needs! And He will make sure my needs are met.
  Does this mean all I have to do is sit back and let the blessings flow? No. I need to continue to work my part. While I may not ever end up with the 3 story Victorian home that's been my dream home forever, I will have a place to live that I can be happy and content in. While my pantry may not be overflowing, we have yet to starve. Somehow my husband's check stretches or God provides another source. 
31. Therefore take no thought, saying: What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32.(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that you have need of these all these things.
33.But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
 My translation on those two? Look to God first in all things. He will take care of you. Stop borrowing trouble from tomorrow. Each day has enough of its own problems to deal with. 
  Above all, seek first the kingdom of God. He knows your needs, wants, desires. He still wants to hear from you. While we aren't promised everything we want in this life, our needs will be met. Have a wonderful day.

A Morning Cup of Tea: Where is Your Treasure?

Are you a collector? I am, somewhat. I collect ducks that friends have given me because of my online name, and I love books and old blue canning jars. I like pretty things that catch my eye. Sometimes I bring them home, sometimes I don't. If something gets broken or messed up, sometimes I get upset, but I try not to let it bother me too badly. I try to remember Matthew 6:19-21 to help keep things in perspective:
19. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

I think it is fine to have nice things here, and enjoy pretty things. But eventually all these things will fade away. Things like God's love, God's Word, those things will not fade away. When we lose a loved one here on earth, someone who has been faithful in his or her walk with God, or a child who passes away, I count them as treasures in heaven as well. I look forward to seeing faithful loved ones again. 

A Morning Cup of Tea: Fasting

Good morning! I'm a little late getting this post out today. J had a hard time getting to sleep last night.Usually when he wakes before I do I hear him singing or giggling. This time he was sitting quietly in the living room playing with a toy car meant to be put together and taken apart. I am thankful for moments such as these, not so much that I was allowed to sleep a bit, but that he was showing patience and self reliance and a host of other things I may blog about later.
 
Today's scripture is Matthew 6:16-18
16. Moreover, when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
17. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head and wash thy face;
18. That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto they Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Admittedly, I do not know very much about fasting. Not enough to decide whether to implement it in my life or not. Sometime down the road I may do a study on it. 
 But here, Jesus tells us that when we fast, don't be a martyr. This should be something done in secret, between you and God. Otherwise it turns into an attention seeking device. Instead of going around looking as if you hadn't eaten in three days, put a smile on your face and continue on with your day. 
 Have a wonderful day! 

A Morning Cup of Tea: Matthew 6;1-4

V1. Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven,
  2. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before the,
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

When we give, we should be doing so without fanfare. We've all seen the big corporations or movie stars or athletes who hold a big press conference every time they do something for the less fortunate-- the huge cardboard check, the handshake and smile.Their reward is here on earth. Oh look, so and so just gave that person a house.What a great person they are!
  When we give, it should be done quietly. We should do it because we want to give an amount to the church, or to help a family, not to get the pat on the back. 

Join me tomorrow, won't you? We'll be discussing a little about prayer and the model prayer.