Colossians 2:13-15 "A Defeated Foe"

Read Colossians 2:13-15.

"And having disarmed the powers and authorities he made a spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." NIV

Paul is still addressing the false teachings that were bombarding the church of Colosse. But there are so many truths here that are applicable to our lives as believers today.

We are no longer bound by the "written code with its regulations." Christ took all of that on Himself, and made us free to have a direct relationship with God. Our relationship is not based on do's and don'ts, but on love, grace, and surrender.

But here's the part I really want to focus on -- He "disarmed the powers and authorities." When Christ submitted to hang on a cross for our sins, the enemies -- visible and invisible -- were conquered. We are no longer bound to the written code but we are also not bound to the enemy's power either. Since the sinful nature is destroyed, we are not only given power over it, but over the enemy, as well. We have been gifted an authority over the minions of Satan and even Satan himself. He has no power over us that we do not give to him.

How often do we give the enemy the power he does not rightfully have? We yield to his temptations. We flirt with his enticements. We allow compromise to creep in. We fail to remain diligent and become lukewarm in our devotion and faith. We live in defeat and depression denying our rightful joy. We simply hand all our authority over to the enemy wrapped up with a silver bow.

But it doesn't have to be that way, and it's time we retake our authority back. Not with political petitions or propaganda emails, but in each individual heart and life. Sometimes we can try to swing too far the opposite direction and become God on earth. We are not meant to have control over this earth; we are meant to make a difference in it by His power and authority. No matter what we see happening around us, the enemy is defeated if we take claim over the power given to us by the Father. It's a leap of faith and every individual believer must make the leap by themselves. No one can do it for them. The promise is there. Claim it; live it. No longer serve a defeated foe; but live in the power of the Almighty.

Further Thoughts:

1. Are you trapped in a defeatist mindset? Why? What do you need to do to claim power over the enemy?
2. No one in the Bible served God by overthrowing the present political regime. How did they serve Him?
3. What is the connection between claiming the power of Christ within us and prayer? Support with Scripture.

Matthew 20:29-34 "Cry Out to the Lord"

Read Matthew 20:29-34.

"....they shouted, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!'" NIV

When was the last time I sincerely cried out to God for His mercy? And I don't mean because I can't find my keys and I'm already 10 minutes late. I mean really needed Him immediately. I'm sure it was in a moment of complete frustration and hopelessness. It was probably a time that I had tried every other avenue possible, or it was where I had no control over the situation. I called out to Him in last resort desperation because I had no other recourse.

But these men weren't calling for Jesus because they needed food, although I imagine they were probably beggars. And yes, they did have a huge need -- they wanted to see. But they tenaciously shouted for Jesus because they believed He could help them. Even when the crowd tried to stop them, they wouldn't be silenced. They needed the supernatural power that only Jesus could provide, and nothing was going to stop them from asking the Son of David for help.

I'm blessed to have good eyes, but I should never stop crying out to the Lord to give me sight. I need Him to open my eyes to the needs around me. I need Him to direct my every step and my every word so that I am doing what He would have me to do. I want to serve Him as He would have me to serve. And the desperation for Him to intervene must pour forth from the depths of my soul. I cannot do anything without His hand upon it, and I cannot be the person He would have me to be without His healing touch.

Only the Master can transform me into Him image, and He waits for me to ask. But I don't have to shout. He's always as close as a whisper.

Further Thoughts:

1. The Psalms are full of David crying out to God. Read through them and see exactly what David is asking of God?
2. Look up Scriptures for "call," and "cry." "Shout" is another interesting word. Read what we are supposed to be doing with our shouting.
3. Do you need a miracle from the Master? Do you need guidance and direction? Call out to Him first, not as a last resort. He is waiting to hear from you and wants to show you mercy.

Matthew 14:15-21 "Out-of-the-Box Faith"

Read Matthew 14:15-21.

"Bring them here to me." NIV

The first thing that strikes me about this passage is that the disciples appear to be telling Jesus what to do. I never studied Greek, but all the translations I've looked at say that they said, "Send (or dismiss) the crowds away." You don't hear, "Lord, if you think it's best, maybe we should send the people home to eat." No, they are instructing the Messiah. I want to chuckle at their audacity, but the humor would soon turn to a groan as I remember the times I tried to tell God how it should be. We are such an arrogant race of human beings. We think we've got it all figured out. We know just what we want to do, when we want to do it, and how it will be accomplished. Then out of courtesy, we politely inform the God of the universe how it's going to be. What has fed this kind of thinking? Where has the respect and reverence gone? Where is the awe?

But in all Jesus' gentleness, He simply states to the disciples the impossible. "You give them something to eat." Did they bust out laughing or stand there with mouths gaping wondering at Jesus' sanity? There's a Facebook piece of flair that says, "Ha ha, wait, what?" I'm sure this is what the disciples were thinking. The really ironic part is that they would have any questions about this happening. After all, they've been watching Jesus heal all kinds of sicknesses and handicaps. Why couldn't he feed 5000 men plus women and children using only a small lunch? When placed in the hands of Christ, isn't everything possible?

How many times have I told the Lord how something was going to go down and missed out on the miracles He wanted to show me? Unfortunately, I'm a natural problem-solver. I try to figure everything out in my way using my own paradigms and resources when I could be watching the Almighty show me a miraculous way so He could be glorified. We are so bound by the human brain we strain to fill with facts and figures, and then add in a lot of arrogance and you have a formula for inferiority. But if we can let go of all that and have faith the size of a mustard seed in the One who formed us, became one of us, sacrificed for us, and overcame the death we deserve, then we will see things beyond our wildest imagination. It's time to break out of the box. The enemy created the box and I don't want to stay there. It's full of pat methods, man-made ideas, and arrogance. I want to break free and walk in His power and creativity. I want to live out a faith that knows no boundaries. All things are possible with Christ, and I choose to live in the miraculous.

Further Thoughts:

1. Many Old Testament people had out-of-the-box faith. Who were they and what made their faith outside the ordinary?
2. Is God leading you to do something and you think you have the way all figured out? Stop and ask Him if this is His way of doing it. Maybe He has a miracle He wants to show you. Don't miss out on the miraculous.

Matthew 12:15-21 "A New Way"

Read Matthew 12:15-21.

"Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place." NIV

Why didn't Jesus just wipe all His opponents out? He knew they were plotting to kill Him. He knew the evil they were spreading in the name of God and religion. He knew their hearts and their hypocrisy. The same power that He used to heal and call out demons could have been used to wipe out His enemies in one breath. Why? Why did He withhold judgement?

Because of His great mercy. As I go back and read Isaiah 42-44, I see a God who wants to give us another chance. He already wiped out the world once minus Noah and his family because of the evil in men's hearts. But now, He sees a remnant that has some hope. Even in their sin, God sees His chosen people as the hope of the world. And He says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (Is 43:19) It's our second chance; our new covenant. He is providing a way out of our sins other than destruction and giving us a hope -- for heaven and for the salvation of the rest of the world through our work.

That's why He endured the torment, persecution and ultimately death. Yes, He could have wiped them out, but for what? So the rest of the "righteous" people could flounder and probably, eventually turn towards their sinful nature. That already happened after the flood. But we now have victory over our sinful nature because the price for sin has been paid through the blood of Jesus Christ. We are no longer slaves to the sinful nature, but have the power to conquer it because Christ conquered sin and death through His resurrection. How much more powerful is a gift when you stop to think of what the alternative could have been.

Thank You, Lord, for a new way, a new covenant. Thank You for your grace and mercy which ultimately led to Your suffering and death. Thank You for second chances.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read through Isaiah 42-44 and remember that this was prophesied about 700 years before Christ. If you think your life is out of control, remember, God has a plan and is in complete control.
2. We are now the remnant, God's chosen people. Search the Scriptures for references to these names and read them knowing He is speaking to you.

Matthew 10:1-16 "The Most Dangerous Job"

Read Matthew 10:1-16.

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” NIV

Jesus is preparing the 12 to go out among the Jews to tell them that the kingdom of heaven is near, to heal, and to drive out demons…. They are to be Christ’s representatives. But, He also warns them that they are going into dangerous work. The opposition will be strong and bitter, so be ready to face it.

We still face that same opposition when we try to share that the kingdom of heaven is near. It can be painful to be cut down when sharing about a passionate part of our life. I have had many hateful words said to me that felt like a knife twisting in my heart. So how do we live “as shrewd as snakes” while remaining “as innocent as doves?”

We face a crafty enemy and must counter with a cunningness that matches. We must not seek danger, but be alert to it. And all the while, we live in a meekness and humility that represent the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. This is a difficult balance to attain which is why we can only walk in victory in this world with the power of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit leading us. We are in a battle we cannot win, but with Christ, we are already victorious.

Do not back away from the wolves, but remain true to the gospel. Know what you believe, establish your position as a servant of The Most High. Remain intimate with Him through prayer so that in those occasions where words fail you, you can stand firm in the power of His presence at work through you. Never, never, never back down. Stand firm.

Further Thoughts:

1. What do we do when people simply will not listen to our message? Read vs. 14 again. Does this mean we give up on them? Support your answer with Scripture.
2. Compare and contrast the acts of being shrewd and being innocent. How does that play out practically in our daily lives today?
3. Research the phrase "the kingdom of heaven." Why does Jesus use that particular phrase in this passage?
4. Vs. 8 says, "Freely you have received, freely give...." What does that mean? What do you need to change in your life to live in conformity with this command?
5. When the Hebrew people were taken to Babylon, they were sheep among the wolves. Read the stories of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as an example of living shrewdly with innocence.

Matthew 9:27-34 "The Doubt That Blinds"

Read Matthew 9:27-34.

"Do you believe that I am able to do this?" NIV

How many times through the circumstances of my life has God asked me this question? Too many to even name. And I'm ashamed to say that there have been many times that I have said, "No." Oh, not necessarily with my intellect; I know God is able to do anything. But my heart and my actions spoke volumes of doubt. And it's not like God has never done anything for me. If I wrote down all the miracles He has performed in my life - known and unknown - I could fill volumes. So why do I allow the doubts to creep in? Why does the enemy get that foothold in my heart to sway me away from that which I know to be absolutely true?

So often we allow the circumstances of the moment to drive out the faith of our history. Not that He's required to prove anything to me, but He has over and over - in my life, in the lives of others around me, and in His Word through the lives of history. But in those crucial moments of decision when I can choose to stand by faith or turn an ear to doubt, I allow my eyes to be blinded to the Truth - That He is Lord, and He is able to do ANYTHIING.

Fortunately, for these two blind men, at the crucial moment their spiritual eyes were open. They saw Jesus for who He was -- the Messiah -- and had no doubt that they would be healed by the Lord. How ironic that the ones who couldn't see all the miracles in life happening around them, could "see" the Son of God standing in front of them. And because of their belief, they received the touch of Christ.

Lord, forgive me for my moments of doubt. Help me in my unbelief to see you as the one and only Messiah that can do anything. Give me an unshakable faith. Open my eyes to Your Truth and power in my life.

Further Thoughts:

1. Why does calling Jesus, "Son of David" demonstrate that these men recognized Jesus as the Messiah?
2. When we doubt, we will not only continue walking in blindness, but there can be severe consequences to our doubt. What if Abraham had doubted God when he took Isaac up to Mount Moriah? Read Genesis 22:1-18. How is faith and obedience tied together?
3. Click on "faith" label to read other posts on this subject.
4. Have you been allowing your eyes to be blinded to the Messiah's true power? Has the enemy placed so many doubts in front of you that you can no longer see by faith? Repent of your doubt and see by faith with eyes that are healed.

Matthew 9:18-26 "The Touch of Faith"

Read Matthew 9:18-26.

"She said to herself, 'If only I could touch his cloak, I will be healed." NIV

Like the story of the centurion in 8:5, this passage tells of two more tremendous acts of faith. And they were both rewarded with healing. But I have always been partial to the story of the woman. She had been sick for so long -- what could ever change that? But she knows if she just touches Jesus' garment, that's all she needs to be healed.

Did this act come out of desperation? After 12 years, was she willing to try anything. Whether or not she had reached her last straw, she obviously had faith in Jesus because He notes her faith. And she was instantly healed.

How often do I want to simply touch the hem of Jesus' cloak. I often forget that this simple act brings such healing. Caught up in busyness, frustrations, to do lists, fatigue, unending jobs, pain, and even good things like ministry and time with family and friends, knocked out of our thinking like water pouring through a sieve is that we just need to touch His hem.

I need to touch it with praise - declaring Him as my King, Savior, Lord, and Master -- the Lover of my soul. I need to touch His hem with my thanks -- reciting the amazing gifts He has given me in family, friends, salvation, needs provided, joys shared. I need to touch His hem to hear His words of strength and power reminding me I am His and His Spirit lives within me. And after all that, I need to touch His hem to wipe the tears from my eyes. Tears sometimes from self-pity and pain, but also from a deep abiding love for One who loves me so passionately.

If I don't touch His hem by faith every day, my soul shrivels within me and my spirit becomes trapped in the tangled strings that attach me to this world. They hold me down from reaching the heights to which He wants to take me. I'm held bound to the mundane, when I could be living in the miraculous.

But if I will only touch His hem in faith, I will be healed and can "take heart." His comfort penetrates the layers of the world in which I have wrapped myself and restores me from the inside out. I'm bleeding no more, but am alive and well in Him.

Further Thoughts:

1. Research what "take heart" means. Find that phrase in other Scripture passages. That's also a promise for you.
2. If you didn't read it before, look again at my posts on the centurion from Matthew 8:5-13 and the storm in Matthew 8:23-27.
3. Even in the midst of the jostling of the crowd (Mark 5:24), Jesus felt the woman touch His cloak because her faith was so powerful. Has Jesus felt your touch of faith lately? If no, why not? What is standing in the way of your faith. If yes, celebrate again with thanksgiving.
4. Figure out what your method of worship is. Different people worship in different ways, and it is in those times of worship that we are more likely to touch His hem. A great book on different ways to worship is Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas.

Matthew 8:14-17 "With a Word"

Read Matthew 8:14-17.

"When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick." NIV

I am always amazed at the power of the spoken word. It can inspire, praise, destroy, instruct, devastate, or encourage. Words can leave the mouth quickly, but can never return. They begin when we are young and continue till we speak our final words with our last breath. Words can build relationships or divide them forever.

And then there is the power of the words of Christ. They surpass all power that we could ever manufacture with our words. The awesome point, however, is that with Christ living in us, we are given that same power. He even said that we will do greater things than He has done. How is that? It sure doesn't seem like we do. Maybe it's because we are not deliberate with our words. Maybe it's because we are constantly fighting that human nature that wants to use words to our own advantage. Either way, if we submit to the Holy Spirit's guidance, wouldn't our words have a power beyond anything we have ever experienced?

I know I've experienced moments like that -- times where I knew that the Lord was giving me the words to say, and they were having a powerful impact either influencing someone else's life or through healing. Those are amazing experiences and how I would love for them to happen more often. Of course, I'm the only one standing in the way. Once again, we come to surrender, humility, and listening. Humbling myself moment by moment in His presence, opening my "ears" to the Lord's leading and using my words for His glory. Then His power will flow through me for His honor. Lord, let the healing words flow.

Further Thoughts:

1. If Jesus is considered the Word, then doesn't His dwelling in my life change my words? If not, why? (See John 1:1)
2. God gave Moses words to speak that caused amazing things. What were they? What was the irony of Moses using words? If you are feeling that your words are very inadequate, Moses will show you how God can use anyone for His work.
3. Why is humility so important in using words for God's ministry? Read Mark 9:14-29. Why couldn't the disciples cast out the demon?
4. Are your words filled with love, thankfulness, and encouragement, or grumbling and hatefulness? It's a heart issue. (Read Philippians 2:1-16.) Surrender.
5. What is the relationship between thanksgiving and the heart of words we choose to use each day? Support with Scripture.

Matthew 8:5-13 "Faith in Christ's Authority"

Read Matthew 8:5-13.

"I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." NIV

There are two themes running through this passage.

• Faith in the authority of Christ.
• The universality of the gospel.

First of all, Jesus is approached by this Roman soldier who just absolutely facinates me. He obviously wasn't Jewish, and probably wasn't following the Rabbi around listening to his teaching. He had, however, heard of His power. Then, he's compassionate enough to go find help, not from a known doctor of his culture, but from a Jewish preacher. And he was not seeking help for his wife, children or some other family member or friend, but for one of his servants. These elements of his actions speak volumes about his character. He recognized the authority of Jesus and put faith in Him to heal his servant. No wonder Jesus acknowledged amazement at such faith. Notice Jesus specifically said, "in Israel." The Jews were supposed to be looking for the Messiah and should have recognized him for who He was, but a non-Jew is the one who has faith in Jesus.

Why can't we, as Christians, show this same faith and compassion? Many so called Christians question the authority of Jesus, let alone have faith that He will do anything of worth. And then, if on the off chance we believe He can perform a miracle, we usually want it for ourselves.

If we truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God, shouldn't we have the faith that He can do ANYTHING? Why do we walk around with such defeatist attitudes, living joyless lives, trudging through noncommital marriages, punching time clocks, and yelling at our children? Jesus Christ, the Son of the Almighty, the Great Divine, lives in me and can empower me to do whatever He wishes for me to do. I should be walking each and every day in that authority that He has given me. And that power should be put to use in reaching out to others who need the Lord -- whether in their heart or in their physical needs.

I wonder if Jesus experienced sadness when He acknowledged that many of His own people would not see glory because they refused to see Him as the truth? But we know as children of the Most High that one day we will feast with the patriarchs. Let's live not as powerless nothings, but as people holding the dinner invitation of eternity. We serve and must live out our faith in the mighty King, and His authority will reign forever!

Further Thoughts:

1. Where does the Scripture talk about the authority of Christ? Read Luke 3:21-22, John 3:13-21, John 8:27-29, Revelation 12:10, Colossians 1:15-17, as well as the Old Testament prophesies of the Messiah.
2. Reread previous postings on faith. Matthew 8:1-4, 5:14-16, 4:18-22, Ephesians 6:16, 5:18-20, and 2:8-9.
3. What other passages speak to the gospel being for all people?
4. Do you truly believe in the authority of Jesus Christ and walk in faith in that power? Why or why not? If yes, how is it demonstrated in your life? If no, what have been the consequences of denying that authority?