Lent 2012: Week TWO (The Proof)

The Proof Is in the Proclamation

Matthew 4:23-25

Objective: To Realize that it is the evidence of our wholeness and healing that "proclaims" the truth of the Word of God.

As we embark upon our second week of the Lenten season, we must realize that this journey through the Lenten Season for "Wholeness & Healing Through Christ" is not about us. I know this seems so cliche--"it's not about us;" however, this sentiment needs to be at the forefront of our minds. I believe that many of us seek after God for the wrong reason...oftentimes, we are selfish in motive because we are asking God for what "I need"...what would be good for "my family" and so on...Well, what is the point in that?!?! If we truly believe God to be the God that we declare Him to be, then we come to realize "the proof is in the proclamation".

I recently discovered the original saying: "the proof of the pudding is in the eating" (we know it more popularly and simply as "the proof is in the pudding"). This phrase basically means that you only know the taste of something after you've tried it or experienced it. Can I borrow this sentiment for our second week of Lent?

Others can better KNOW the Word of God if they can SEE the Word of God in you and me! "The Proof Is in the Proclamation"!

Breakdown of the Scripture:

(verse 23) teaching in the synagogues--If we seek to be a display or "proof" of God's goodness, we need to start in God's house. The scripture tells us that when Jesus began his journey of wholeness and healing, he began by TEACHING in the SYNAGOGUES. (If we are not present for the teachings of Christ then it is difficult to experience the miracles of Christ)

proclaiming the good news--Before the experience of wholeness and healing, we will hear the "good news". Many times we search for a source of good news (whether it be through comedy shows or on the phone with our friends) but the source of the good news lies in the proclaiming of the Word of God.

healing among the people--It is after we sit under Christ's teaching and listen to the preaching of the good news that we open ourselves up as candidates of "proof". If we desire to be the "proof of the proclamation" then we must be present with the proclaimer. This portion of the verse says that Jesus did His healing "among the people". Are we among the people or are we in our own worlds waiting for Christ to come to us?

(verse 24) When we become of "proof of the proclamation" (when we open ourselves to experience wholeness and healing through Christ) then the NEWS SPREADS! After Jesus began to heal among the people, the news spread so much that others brought people to Jesus. If we desire growth among the body of believers, then we have to allow spiritual and miraculous growth to take place within our own body.

When people are brought to Christ, then we begin to witness the wholeness and healing of Christ:

severe pain--emotional healing

demon possessed--spiritual healing

seizures--mental healing

paralyzed--physical healing

(verse 25) As a result, "the proof is in the proclamation". When we are the proof for the world, LARGE CROWDS will come from all over to follow Christ!

APPLICATION: Although we may experience moments of discouragement within our church family and spiritual community, we must stay connected to the "teaching" and "preaching" of Christ and the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven if we want to fully experience wholeness and healing through Christ. That which we desire of God is readily available "among the people". God begins with those who are "among the people" so that we may be the "Bible someone sees". As we become the "proof" of God's Word, then others will come to Christ and experience wholeness and healing as well. We must not be selfish in our pursuit of wholeness, but we must stay within the body of believers in order to demonstrate the need of God to others.

CHALLENGE: Live in front of people!!! When I was serving my first appointment as pastor, I became so excited when the people began to consistently come to Bible Study. One lonely ride home, I called my grandfather and shared the great news with him. He responded, "Sugar, just keep living in front of them". That simple statement blew my mind...that was it! Although I am not perfect, "living in front of them" demonstrated the truth of the Word of God. During this Lenten Season, particularly this week, pay special attention to how others see Christ if they are to see Christ through you. At 9:05am...who would Christ be to me if I had to see Him in you? At 9:05pm...who would Christ be to you if you had to see Christ in me? Come on...let's live in front of them!

PRAYER:

All wise and most powerful Lord, help us to be better witnesses of Your glory and the truth of Your Word. As we continue to seek our individual wholeness and healing through Christ, please do not allow us to be selfish in our process. Remind us that someone is watching and needs to see Christ in us. Someone is ready to give up and our living in front of them could change their life. Hear us O' Lord when times are the most difficult to follow You and the temptations of doubt seem to be stronger than our faith. We desire to be the proof of Your goodness, glory, and grace. We thank You because we acknowledge that we are unworthy but You still use us and love us anyhow. Strengthen us for this week's journey. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Day 7: Only Believe

During this Lenten journey, we will ask God for what we see as our needs and even some desires. If it is in God's will, we shall receive-Only believe!

Lenten Daily Tidbits

Day 6:

On this sixth day of Lent, recommit yourself to a dream God gave you already. You can achieve it! Amen.

Day 5:

Rejoice. This is a day of rejoicing!

Day 4:

Choose to relax! On this fourth day on Lent, things could worry you or get under your skin. However, I believe in God's word-Stand Still & know that God is God!!!

Day 3: Gratefulness

Day 3: On this third day, stop everytime you can and just tell the Lord "thank you". We should always have grateful hearts!!! (Remember even that which the enemy means for bad, God is working for your good-thank God!)

Just Show Up!

Day 2: On this 2nd Day of Lent, I pray that when you SHOW UP...God will bless you. Wherever you go today, I believe that God has a blessing waiting on you. Whether it's a smile from the cashier in the grocery store or an unexpected gift...that which God has for you is YOURS! In Jesus' name-AMEN.

Lent 2012: Week ONE (PREP TIME)

Lent 2012: Week ONE

Preparing for Wholeness & Healing Through Christ

Luke 10:18-20

Objective: To Prepare for the wholeness and healing that is ours through Christ Jesus.

As we kick-off this Lenten Season (Wednesday, February 22, 2012), I invite you to focus on the theme: "Experiencing Wholeness & Healing Through Christ". Although each and everyone of us have a need for wholeness and healing in some area of our lives, we cannot help but to have a slight piece of skepticism. I mean, is it really worth it? Should I even seek wholeness and healing through Christ and go through this self-denial Lenten Season? I think it is an honest and practical thought process; however, don't stop there. Let's prepare...prepare for what we are seeking from God. Whether it is brokenness in relationships or a need for a financial or emotional breakthrough, God desires for us to be whole. If it is illness in your body or the body of a beloved family member, God demonstrates the miracle of healing. So, if we believe that this Lenten Season is our opportunity to "Experience Wholeness & Healing Through Christ," then we must prepare.

Recently, I have found a new hobby of sorts--cooking. Yep, I was given a cookbook about a year ago, and I am now trying my hand at all kinds of meals and baked goods. What I found interesting at the start of my pursuit of being a great cook is that my cookbook always had two times listed at the top of the recipe: Cook Time & Prep Time. What this means is that although it may only take 20 minutes to bake a tilapia fillet, there are steps prior to placing this fine fish into the stove that one must take. These preparation steps are essential! Much like the art of cooking, I believe that we must take the time to PREP ourselves for what we are seeking after from God. Without the proper preparation, we may dry out during the wilderness seasons of life; however, Christ teaches us that there is a proper way to receive our wholeness and healing...let's prepare!

In Luke 10:18-20, we have a sneak peek into Jesus' response to 70 individuals who experienced wholeness and healing through Christ. The 70 came back to Jesus and declared "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name". They were excited about what they had witnessed--wouldn't you be?! Well, I am believing on your behalf that God will give you this same testimony through this Lenten Season. As you walk through these 40 days, you will begin to see wholeness and healing manifested in your life-it may not look the same way that you envisioned it, but it doesn't mean that God is not present. So, as we prepare for this...let us learn from the 70!

Breakdown of Scripture:

verse 18-Satan is not OVER YOU (He has no authority over you)

verse 19-Jesus has GIVEN YOU (no one can take it away from you) AUTHORITY (the power and the right) to trample on snakes and scorpions and to OVERCOME (deal with, defeat, and prevail) all the power of the enemy; NOTHING WILL HARM YOU!

verse 20-...Rejoice that your names are written in heaven!

Application: No matter how difficult things seem, Satan has no power OVER you! Do not give up in your situation or circumstances because Christ has given you authority to walk over your enemies and to DEAL WITH, DEFEAT, and PREVAIL! Nothing will harm you. So, what's the big deal about preparing for the awesome experiences that Christ promises us in verses 18 and 19...Jesus urges us not to get so excited about the healing and the wholeness that you forget who your Father is! Ultimately, it is not about us or about our wholeness or our healing, it is about our names being written in heaven/about the Glory of God!

Challenge: During this week, I challenge you to DEAL WITH the issues that you need Christ's wholeness and healing to be realized. As you DEAL WITH it, remember that you will DEFEAT it and you will PREVAIL! No matter how difficult...no matter how long it takes...NOTHING WILL HARM YOU!!! The next time someone gives you the opportunity to share about God's goodness, we should begin by saying "my name is written in heaven"!

PRAYER:

Most Holy God, as we begin this Lenten Season, we seek your guidance and presence in our hearts, minds, and souls. We are longing for a closer walk with you and a fresh move in our lives, in our families, on our jobs, and in this world. We believe that we can experience wholeness and healing through Christ, so help us to be prepared to experience it. We believe that this Lenten Season will be like no other as we continue to see You in a whole new way. In Jesus' name-Amen.