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No Privacy

July 10, 2011 by Fritz

[The man healed of blindness] said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? – John 9:38-40

A tender, seemingly private moment between Jesus and a new follower when all of a sudden a Pharisee chimes in — having eavesdropped on the whole conversation!

Jesus, really, had no privacy. Later when accused of subversive teaching he truthfully said,

“I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.” – John 18:20

Two things I learn from this:

  1. Jesus did not get upset when his privacy was invaded, neither should I;
  2. Jesus taught nothing secretly, neither should God’s people.

— fritz@langgang.com

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I’m Not The Messiah

July 9, 2011 by Fritz

And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. – John 1:20

I’m not the messiah. That should be obvious but sometimes I start acting as if I were — don’t you?.

Frank G. Honeycutt

Frank G. Honeycutt, Lutheran pastor and author, tells of attempts at rescuing a loved one from suffering, trying to work for justice and peace, striving to actually make a difference in complex problems only to discover “dark and evil powers that perpetuate selfishness, greed, and violence”.

There is a point any Christian reaches in their reflection and witness and disappointment where the most helpful thing to say is exactly what John said to his interrogators: “I am not the Messiah”

For those of us who’ve tried to be, there are few words as sweet.”1 – Frank G. Honneycutt

I know who IS the messiah — Jesus, and he can do all things.

–fritz@langgang.com
1. Marry a Pregnant Virgin Unusual Bible Stories for new and Curious Christians by Frank G. Honeycutt, Augsburg Books 2008, page 27

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Benefit – Renewed Youth

July 8, 2011 by Fritz

“and forget not all his benefits: … so that thy youth is renewed as the eagles.” – Psalms 103:2b,5b

I am old enough to have seen a lot. I’ve seen people grow old in their 30’s. I’ve seen older adults lose interest in life and start a downhill slide that others can’t stop. But I have also seen some, even in nursing homes, vibrant to the end.

Just happenstance? I don’t think so.

  • The ones I know who grew old before their time got that way through the pressures of life and their chosen lifestyle.
  • The ones loosing interest did so as one purpose for life faded after another.
  • The ones keeping their youthful outlook did it by living a daily relationship with Christ, believing his word, expecting his grace.

Everyone needs a purpose in life — the right purpose. Taking Christ as our purpose, becoming his hands and feet in this life as our goal, and experiencing his benefits keeps us involved and renewed.

Stop saying you are old. He still has important things to do through you. Start thanking God that he renews your youth like an eagle right up until it is time to go home with him.

— fritz@langgang.com

Posted in Explanations, Faith, Youth | Tagged | Leave a Comment »

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