Being Teachable and Its Importance

 

There is a concept among various circles that seems to constantly come up, that is, the need to be teachable. Whether it be in the religious or secular, (non-faith world.) It is a concept that each person must consider and think about regarding their attitude about learning. As one credentialed into the ministry in Evangelism and as a Pastor, I am going to approach this from a Christian perspective.

 

I recently asked the question of what does it mean to be teachable on Facebook? I got a myriad of answers, but one of the things that seemed to come up most was humility and humbleness. Those are good responses I believe to start because often what happens in life is many think they know it all and are unwilling to try and learn new things. As a follower of Jesus, we must seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, elders in the church, and those in leadership to seek truth.  Of course, there are ways to make sure they are giving good advice as well and are teaching the concepts of God, much of the following applies to them as well. After all, we need to remember we follow one who is called truth, (Jesus). Shouldn’t we be about discovering the truth of the one called truth?  Far too often our own opinions and pride get in the way of truth. This can cause problems.

 

The one area I believe must be used to determine what ultimate truth is and being teachable is the Bible.  The Scriptures are I believe God’s truth and especially for a Christian, when we use our truths to determine God’s truth as opposed to God’s Scripture, then we run the risk of making ourselves out to be God and the ultimate determining factor as to what truth is. For obvious reasons, this can be dangerous and not only cause problems in the application and practice of our faith but also in the relationships of those we call brothers and sisters.  While the Holy Spirit will give us truth in being teachable, that truth will never, let me repeat, NEVER be inconsistent with scripture. This was a prevailing thought in the responses I got today at Facebook on the question of being teachable.

 

If the above is true, and I believe it is, it is catamount that we study scripture to have a starting point, whether it be a place we perceive to be true, or want to be true, the scripture gives us the assurance that certain things and thoughts are true. When we negate scripture, try to avoid what it says, often because of a sinful concept called pride we do so because we don’t want to admit that we might be wrong.  Remember the phrase that pride comes before the fall?  For the follower of Jesus, as one who believes that the Bible was inspired by God and is God’s truth, this can cause serious issues in our walk with God and relationships with other Christians.

 

Let me say at this point, there is often struggle in being teachable, I know, because I have had those struggles in areas where I thought I was correct about something but then being challenged in some instances, after a study of scripture, I did indeed find out I was wrong. Thus needing to change my opinion and admitting to others that I was wrong.  That process is not nearly as painful as going through life, making bad or poor decisions, or promoting a concept that is, wrong.

 

There are various verses that talk about the need to be teachable and some flat out telling us, while others giving us great advice.  Some of those include the following:

 

 All of you young people should obey your elders. In fact, everyone should be humble toward everyone else. The Scriptures say,

“God opposes proud people, but he helps everyone     who is humble.” ~ 1 Peter 5:5

 

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so ~ Acts 17:11

 

Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge. ~ Proverbs 23:12

 

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. ~ Psalm 86:11

 

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ~ 2 Timothy 3:16

 

Believe me I am only touching the surface on scriptures that reaffirm the concept of being teachable, a willingness to learn and so forth. The question becomes, are we willing to search for the truth through scripture or even defend our positions with scripture.  If the answers to those are no, then maybe just maybe we have a bigger problem than being teachable, maybe just maybe we need to search to see if we truly have a relationship with God and are willing to make sure we are right before going ahead with a belief that may be wrong according to the scripture. It’s not a rules thing, but a thing where we strive to be imitators of Christ because we love Him so much and has such important consequences to those around us.  With that, I’ll close with another scripture.

 

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord! Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. ... ~ Psalm 25: 4-9

The following is information on how you can support the work of Mike through The Virtual Pew and his Movie Reviews that provide spiritual insights. 

 

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

Wasted Time

 

This morning I’m up early and decide to listen to some John Cougar Mellencamp music and discover that he has a new song out with Bruce Springsteen called Wasted Days. Well, right off the bat, let me admit, I’ve been a fan of Springsteen and Mellencamp for quite some time. There is an aspect to their music I can relate to. Forget the politics and various beliefs they may have, heck if I criticized and measured everything by personal beliefs in life related to politics or another religious believes life would be boring and I would have a lot less joy in life. Instead, I’ve learned to appreciate a variety, so, I really like these two guys music and the new song has me reflecting this morning.

 

Am I the only one that looks back on life as they get older, or I guess even youngsters do this and reflect on the wasted moments in life, whether they be spiritual, in practice, the decisions we’ve made and so forth? I realize that at least for me, I’ve wasted far more than I’ve achieved. It isn’t that I haven’t achieved anything, I know I have, even escaping homelessness to graduate high school was an accomplishment, but like Schindler in the movie Schindler’s List, I see how much more I could have done. As I get older, in likely my last years, that matters.

 

So, what do I/We do with the wasted moments in life?  One thing I’ve learned, is once a moment is wasted, we can’t go back in time and reclaim it, it is gone. If we are lucky, we can be given an opportunity to reclaim that which we lost, but the reality is, we’re not all so lucky.

 

I am reminded of Jesus words from The Sermon on the Mount, this from the Contemporary English Version of the Bible, Matthew 6: 31-34:

³¹ Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” ³² Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. ³³ But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.

 

³⁴ Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.

 

Are you like me, having a problem especially with verse 34, worrying about tomorrow?  Heck I worry about yesterday if truth be told, even the premise of this posting, what have I wasted in life?  Yet we do things like procrastinate and put things off, I do, but then there are clear verses, warns us to not procrastinate:

 Ecclesiastes 11:4 - If you worry about the weather and don’t plant seeds, you won’t harvest a crop.

 

Yet, knowing simple things like this, we still waste time and opportunities. Why?  Especially if we are seeking to serve a loving God with our all?

We must be willing to receive discipline, and discipline ourselves, no matter how difficult it is,  from the book of Wisdom. Proverbs 10:17

 

Accept correction, and you will find life; reject correction, and you will miss the road.

 

Yep, like I started off with, I have missed the road, I have wasted far more time than I should have in life. This is a confession as much as it is a lesson or teaching. Hopefully, I don’t waste so much time today and tomorrow, but even more so, hopefully, my expression of my own weaknesses inspires others to take full advantage of the time they have left in life. If you are younger, Praise God if this inspires you because you have life left. If you are older, that’s okay, together we can correct and not fret about yesterday, not be concerned with tomorrow, but make a difference today. After all, today is what matters for many, it matters for us. Let’s not waste anymore time.

The following link is of the video Wasted Days, it will definitely cause one to think about the content of this posting. 

 John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen - Wasted Days (Official Video) - YouTube

The following is information on how you can support the work of Mike through The Virtual Pew and his Movie Reviews that provide spiritual insights. 

 

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

Do We Love Like Jesus?

Today’s commentary will be short. I have come to the realization in my life that being loved is a far different experience from feeling loved. I battle Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD) daily. One of the primary attributes is the desire to be loved, yet while I know I am loved, I don’t always feel it. I know, I am not the only one who experiences this feeling.

One of the last things Jesus said prior to being taken into custody by Roman soldiers prior to his torture and crucifixion was the following from John 13, verses, 34, 35.

But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.

 

We see Christ love for us through His sacrifice for us. There is no doubt that He loved us to the extent He did. The question today is simple, do others see and feel love by our actions?  That level of love requires commitment and sacrifice. It is rare and exceptional; when it does occur, it is a love that others will see and feel the seriousness of. 

 

In the last week’s I know of several deaths in the music world surrounding Wichita Kansas. One of those was suicide. We say we love each other, we say, if you ever need me let me know, we say all kinds of things. There is something to remember though; the one needing love should never have to be the one searching, the love from others should be obvious and unfortunately, it’s not always so. 

I challenge, not just for you, but for me, love others in the way Christ loved us. He didn’t wait for us to express our need, He was there from the git go, showing His love for us in an unconditional, perfect way. May we love like Jesus.  In that love, may we also understand there is at times a finality to the lack of love. For those feeling unloved, they often give up on life. May we never have to question if our actions could have shown more love towards someone we may love, but haven’t shown love to in the ways they need it.

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

 

Hearing God In The Whispers

Sometimes life is difficult, so difficult in fact that we are almost ready to give up. The walls around us close in and the stress can be so difficult that we are ready to give up.  Those emotions and feelings have recently been smothering me, even as good things in life happen, there are no guarantees of happiness or joy. The sad truth is, we all at times face difficulty.

I unfortunately have a disorder called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, that makes things even more complicated in the above area. They are compounded with feelings of worthlessness, and the experiences in life can be a reminder that nothing good is going to happen and that life is set up for failure. There is the desire to be accepted, to be loved, to feel a since of a word I hate, “normalcy.”  While there is a need to be loved, and reminders needed of feeling like one has accomplished something in life for everyone, due to typically abuse or some form of life-threatening event, this is especially true for the victims of PTSD. With a very tough week that I recently had, my PTSD was kicking in more than usual. The specifics as to the triggers are not so important, the way that God came through to help in the little things are.

I am reminded at this point of a passage from 1 Kings 19: 9-13   9 and he spent the night there in a cave.

While Elijah was on Mount Sinai, the Lord asked, “Elijah, why are you here?”

 

10 He answered, “Lord God All-Powerful, I’ve always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!”

 

11 “Go out and stand on the mountain,” the Lord replied. “I want you to see me when I pass by.”

 

All at once, a strong wind shook the mountain and shattered the rocks. But the Lord was not in the wind. Next, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 Then there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.

 

Finally, there was a gentle whisper, 13 and when Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his coat. He went out and stood at the entrance to the cave.

 

The Lord asked, “Elijah, why are you here?”

 

In the above passage I have come to realize, although I don’t practice it perfectly, that sometimes in searching for God, in finding peace, maybe just maybe we need to take a step back and listen to the gentle whisper of God. Maybe just maybe making sure that we enjoy, appreciate, and observe the little things are the ways that God can bring us back to a place of peace. For me this week, that was the case. 

It started out in a number of ways, first was spending some quality time with my fiancé after a little bit of a misunderstanding. Taking the time to communicate, be open and honest with one another despite the relationship is a place to start.  Then sometimes there are the gentle reminders that you’ve made a difference and in reality, have friends who mean something to you, where you’ve made a difference. This week God had two friends who I hadn’t seen in a very long time just happen to run into me, one who was passing through Wichita and another who I happened to run into from Dallas Texas who was at a little Amish restaurant in a little Amish town of Yoder Kansas. What are the odds. My fiancé has reminded me of how the smile on my face was so beautiful and how good it was to see me so happy.  God will find a way if we listen to the whispers.

 

Saturday Night/Sunday morning was another time. My fiancé and I happened to take a walk late in the evening on a golf course, and then later that night, late night we decide to go lay down on the golf course on a blanket, in the middle of the country, and watch a meteor shower.  Laying down, gazing at the heavens we realize the mighty power of God and the beauty of His creation. I was reminded of the song. “The universe declares Your majesty, you are holy, you are holy…”  As we sang together a few tears pop up because it was in Gods’ gentle whisper in the night, gazing at God’s creation that I am reminded, God speaks in a gentle whisper.

Truth is, life sometimes is just awful, especially for someone like me who has PTSD, but in those times where it seems to be awful, and we feel so lost, if we step back, spend time with those we love, or even alone, and listen to the gentle whisper of God, maybe, just maybe, we will feel more complete and recognize the purpose God has for us.  Something to think about. Now sit back and listen for that gentle whisper.

To listen to the song mentioned in the posting, click on the following link.

God of Wonders - Chris Tomlin (with lyrics) - YouTube

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

 

Daily Devotional Matthew 11, 12 Jesus Challenges the Norm of Religion and Government

 

Daily Devotional, Matthew 11, 12
Jesus Challenges the Norm of Religion and Government

Jesus said of John the Baptist (His cousin,) that he was the greatest of all who had come before Him. Yet, we don't really read much about John. There are things we can learn if we read between the lines.

This chapter starts with John in prison, asking questions about Jesus. He asks his disciples, followers, to go ask Jesus if He is the Messiah promised in scripture.

Jesus knows John's situation but does nothing to change the situation although He could have. Sometimes the truth is, not only does it rain on the just and unjust, but sometimes, bad things happen to good people, like John.

Jesus speaks to those gathered around who have just seen the conversations take place between Him and John's followers. He does something rather remarkable, He praises John but in His praise of John He also praises the reality that John was among the least of these. John didn't dress like, act like someone in authority. Jesus tells those around Him that John was the one God chose to prepare the way of the of the Messiah and that none were greater than John among those born on earth.

Praise, recognition, worth, are not always based on material things. John certainly had none of those but the spirit of his heart spoke to the truth to the need of redemption and salvation as well as his willingness to live among the least of these. A concept we read about later on in Matthew. If this chapter does not play havoc with the thoughts of some in the prosperity name it claim it area of "christianity," we clearly see they are not reading and taking to heart the words of Jesus here.

For the remainder of the chapter Jesus does what I call, complicate things, especially in a time and era where we seem today to blend nationalism and faith with some going so far as preaching a gospel that promotes health and wealth. There are those who would deny God's judgment and condemnation for those who refuse to listen to the message. One may not like the message but that doesn't change the message unless we put words and intent into Jesus own words and actions, If we're doing that we are making ourselves the savior as opposed to listening to the Savior.

Jesus gives the warning for not listening to His teachings here. There are consequences to pay that He says will make Sodom and Gomorrah look tame. It doesn't stop there, there is also praise and recognition to those who do listen. There is relief, salvation, and one who will help us carry on the burden's that life throws our way.

In Chapter 12 we see a new direction. The first part of the passage has Jesus and His disciples picking grain and then eating it in the temple. The Pharisees confront Jesus about this and He speaks to the intent of the law as opposed to the letter of the law. He emphasizes the importance of treating others with compassion. This continues through the chapter. Jesus shows mercy and love be it a healing, eating, whatever. The religious leaders try to nail Jesus down for not practicing the faith as they thought it should be practiced. They have more of a focus on the law as opposed to the needs of the people. Even today, we see this in our world, in my country, the USA, where many people find reasons to not show compassion for those suffering from this terrible virus, Covid-19. We see it in their constant attempts, just like we do the Pharisees who look at the concepts of the law, as opposed to the needs and compassion of the people. The Pharisees didn't like being challenged and for the first time we see their plan start to take place; find a way to kill Jesus. It wasn't just Jesus they wanted to kill though, it was the things He taught, mainly, caring for, loving and showing compassion to others over the importance of the law, or their political beliefs. Does our faith model and represent those ideologies? 

Jesus left that place aware of the efforts of the Pharisees, yet, He knew He had work to do and went about showing compassion and love. We see here the references to the prophesy of the Messiah in the book Isaiah in the Old Testament that speaks specifically of how the Messiagh will be different, especially in the following verses quoting Isaiah starting with verse 18.

“Here is my chosen servant!
I love him,
    and he pleases me.
I will give him my Spirit,
and he will bring justice
    to the nations.
¹⁹ He won’t shout or yell
    or call out in the streets.
²⁰ He won’t break off a bent reed
    or put out a dying flame,
but he will make sure
    that justice is done.
²¹ All nations will place
    their hope in him.”

Jesus continues the miracles that show He is the Messiah.  The Pharisees continue their attack on Jesus going so far as accusing Him of being the Devil. Jesus responds in ways that puts them in their place, using reasoning and logic. He also attacks their intentions.

Jesus goes on to address the ways we can tell those who are and are not of God. You tell it by inspecting their fruit, in other words, what are their results? Who are they reaching? Who are they saying Jesus is? Do they promote the Kingdom of God? These ideas and more are the things Jesus starts to emphasize. He also addresses the attitudes of their hearts. Are their concerns more about the law, rules and so forth? We are supposed to show love and compassion the way John the Baptist did. In their attempts trick Jesus, He tells them the story of Jonah, in reference to how He will be in the grave for 3 days and then return. He also tells them that because they are evil, they won't understand or accept Him.

The next part of this passage is troubling and is often taken out of context. Jesus tells of the need to search for and fill ourselves with truth, not misperceptions. While demons are the analogy He is using, I believe Jesus is speaking about much more than that. We have to be on the search to not just understand and formulate our ideas but to do so with truth as opposed to perceptions. If we fill our minds with falsehoods those falsehoods only create more falsehoods. It won't take long before a false narrative takes over our minds and we will have to do a total cleansing to replace all of falsehoods. I believe Jesus is saying, truth is from God, fill it with the things and ways of God. Remember, Jesus just finished talking about and showing the importance of compassion with the attitudes and ways of John the Baptist.

The chapter concludes with the popular story of Jesus mother, Mary and family wanting to talk to Jesus while He is doing this teaching. I recognize there are many different ways to interpret Jesus words as to who His brothers and sisters are. Yes, Jesus says this, but I think it's because of the importance He wants to place on actually being there for our real brothers and sisters in the faith. This is how we show real compassion. Are we there? Do we show love, or, do we make excuses?

To see this post in it's original setting, along with information on how to support The Virtual Pew, click on the link in the comments. of who is his mother and father, and the importance of obeying. To see Matthew 11, 12 Click the following link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%2C+12&version=CEV

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