ONE HEART!

 

Monday, May 4, 2026

 

ONE HEART!

 

Acts 4:32-33

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

 

Jer 32:39

39 And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:

 

          The early church was able to grow rapidly and accomplish much because each one lent their strength to the common good. The Holy Spirit had most recently come upon all of them and their number had grown from 150 to over 3,000 members. They were energized! They were focused on a goal! No one felt that any of their things belonged to them exclusively. Each one was ready to cast in their tiny bit with the rest to make up whatever was needed.

 

          Selfishness destroys great enterprises! One tiny raindrop alone will soon sizzle and die upon the hot and hard-packed ground but let that one drop be joined by many others and soon a flood appears. The steaming ground is cooled, and the stony earth soon becomes supple and soft. Great enterprises require unity!

 

          We will likely fail if we insist on our own way. Great causes often require great sacrifice. Selfish interests must be put away for a more peaceful time. Today the battle rages and we stand together to defeat a common enemy. The result is that it will be good for all of them and for their children after them.

 

Dear Lord, let me set aside my own self to join others in the cause for godliness and for good. AMEN

 

GENTLE JESUS!

 

Sunday, May 3, 2026

 

GENTLE JESUS!

 

Mark 10:17-23

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

 

          We sometimes joke about evangelists and preachers beating people over the head with the Bible in order to win their loyalty, but we see no such attitude in Jesus. He was the way and the truth but not everyone followed His way or believed His truth. Yet Jesus never preached to be personally offensive. He never pouted when some walked away unchanged. Jesus’ model was gentleness and reverence.

 

          Jesus never argued with those who disagreed with Him. He did ask some leading questions meant to make the subject think! Here He asks: “Why callest thou me good? There is none good but God.” In this short question Jesus challenges the man to investigate his own motivation. He also hints that He was God.

 

          Jesus answered a simple question with a simple answer. The man wanted to know what he could do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responded that he should never ever, not even once, do anything wrong. The man foolishly said that he had kept every part of the law flawlessly. Then Jesus looked at this foolish man and loved him. Jesus then focuses on the man’s love of his money.

 

          Jesus never lashed out in anger or ridicule. Jesus never challenged the man’s assertion that he had kept the law from his youth until now. Instead, Jesus used common sense dialogue, storytelling and logical debate. The man walked away – and Jesus let him do so.

 

James 3:17

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

 

Dear Lord, let me present the gospel in a persistent and gentle manner. Bless each effort with fruit by your Spirit. AMEN

 

IF IT WEREN’T FOR GRACE!

 

Saturday, May 2, 2026

 

IF IT WEREN’T FOR GRACE!

 

Rom 5:15

15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

 

          A choir song has been running through my head for days! The truth of it is immense and amazing. Where would I be if it weren’t for grace?

 

          Grace is that attribute of God that allows Him to relate to us as though we had no sin. No, it is not the same as ignoring our sin! That produces spoiled bratty children. Grace is possible because the punishment has already been exacted. My debt is paid. Grace is the parental hug after the spanking.

 

          The gift of grace is “by one man, Jesus Christ” and it is abounded unto many. Why only many? Why not all? Certainly, Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for all sins and all sinners! The answer is in the word “whosoever.”

 

          “Whosoever” is found 183 times in 163 verses. The final time it is used is in Revelation 22:17 and it is the final invitation.

 

Rev 22:17

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for your grace which was purchased by Jesus Christ. AMEN