Author: Chuck & Deb

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Matthew 5.17-20

“For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5.20)

Got Power?

I pushed all the right buttons, had the right drives installed and had it correctly connected to my computer. But for some reason, I just couldn’t get my printer to work. Then the most embarrassing thought crossed my mind, “Did I forget to plug it in?” Sure enough, the reason it didn’t work was because it had no power. The same is true in our spiritual life. Unless we plug into the power to be righteous there will be no righteousness. And the power for righteousness is in Jesus Christ (Jn 15.5, 2 Cor 5.21). As we maintain our connection with the power, we still need to participate in the process by learning to push the right buttons (Jn 14.21, Mat 7.24). Two Ps: Stay Plugged in and keep on Practicing!

Are you praying about bringing your life into conformity of the image of Christ or are you winging it?

Matthew 5.13-16

“You are the light of the world…” (Matthew 5.14)

Latte Lights

“Triple Grande 140-degree no foam cinnamon dolce latte with caramel on the whip,” came the order of an eager Washingtonian through the headset. She was about to drive up to one of the best-lit Starbucks in the Nation. No, I’m not talking about fluorescents. I’m talking about my son and daughter-in-law, Wes and Tina. When they were baristas, their good works and testimony had an amazing impact for Christ. Hostile people became curious. Curious people became followers of Jesus. And the light wasn’t isolated to this little coffee shop. It penetrated some of the darkest corners of their small town. How did they make such an amazing impact? They didn’t just serve coffee; they served people and shed light on the Kingdom of God just like Jesus did.

How well–lit is your workplace, classroom, or neighborhood?

Matthew 5.1-12

“Blessed are those…” (Matthew 5.4)

Upside-down Happiness

The Mexican doctor confirmed it was a shattered kneecap. I had slipped on a wet floor in the cruise ship’s dining room. After painful surgery, I was at home contemplating what to do. Can you say big–fat–hairy lawsuit? That’s what the world would do, right? After a lot of thought and prayer, I decided against suing the cruise line. Why? Because it was an accident. Why? Because the opportunity revealed a deep sense of greed and I would not let it master me. Why? Because we have become a lawsuit-happy society and I didn’t want to be part of that. My insurance covered the medical expenses and I was blessed. Blessed in the Greek means ” happy “. And happy is the man with Kingdom values.

How are you shocking the world with your eternal perspective?

Matthew 4.23-25

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. (Matthew 4.23)

Jailbreak

Even as I write, a neurological disease is slowly closing the prison doors on my mobility. But spiritually, I have been rescued from my bondage through the powerful truth of Jesus Christ. I have committed myself to following Him because He is my only hope. He has set me free! And there is hope for physical liberation, too – even if it is in the life to come. Mankind is imprisoned in so many ways. Basically you can boil it down to two: physically and spiritually. But Jesus came to break us out. As people becoming like Christ, we are joining Him in the great jailbreak. As we proclaim His message of good news and help others through the struggles of this life, we are setting the captives free, from both physical and spiritual bondage.

How are you helping people overcome their spiritual and physical bondage?

Matthew 4.18-22

At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4.20)

When God Interrupts

Have you ever been really busy and someone interrupts your work? It’s very irritating unless of course it’s by someone you respect or love dearly. I can remember when my sons were born. I dropped everything at work to be with Deb and my sons at that very important time in life. But what about God when He interrupts? Do we see it as a priceless opportunity or an annoying inconvenience? Notice how quickly the disciples left nets, boats, and even family to follow Christ. They must have valued the relationship immensely. Relationship is far more powerful than obligation.

How has God interrupted your life in the last week? How did you respond?

Matthew 4.12-17

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matthew 4.17)

Enthusiastic U-Turns

I swerved my car across two lanes to make it to the left turn lane and then made a quick u-turn, squealing the tires just a little bit. Why the sudden change of direction? We were headed to some humdrum restaurant, when out of the corner of my eye I spotted Deb‘s and my favorite TexMex place. The dangerous maneuver was worth it. That’s what people who value the Kingdom of God do when they see it. They repent and change directions on a dime. They do whatever it takes to be a part of it. Generally, we view repentance as a negative, hard decision of I have to change. But people who recognize the Kingdom for what it is, desperately want to change!

Have you ever done a Bible study on the Kingdom of God/Heaven? What would a study like that be worth to you?

Matthew 3.13-17

Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. (Matthew 3.15)

Leading from the Bottom

Deb and I spend half the year at West Point and half at Fort Benning, two local ministries that I oversee as the Director of Army Ministries. But when we participate in those local ministries, I’m not the boss. I submit myself to the couples that have been entrusted with those posts and serve under their supervision. This is proper. Can you imagine what kind of ruckus I would create by usurping their influence? Jesus submitted to the baptism of John because it was the right thing to do. Jesus was humble, had a strong sense of identity, and clearly understood His role. These attributes freed Him up to be led by His follower when it was proper.

Do you clearly understand your role? How would it be proper to submit to a subordinate?