A characteristic that goes hand in hand with integrity is accountability. Accountability is being responsible for justifying or explaining one’s actions. Michael Rowell
Quote for the Day
Stop trying to impress people
Reflection on Matthew 12:15-21
Scripture
And his name will be the hope of all the world.
Observation
Jesus knew that the Pharisees were planning to kill Him, so He left that area. He healed many sick people amongst those who followed him. He warned them not to reveal who He was.
All of this was God’s plan as revealed by the prophet Isaiah (see Isaiah 42: 1-4).
The servant of the Lord is His beloved. The Lord puts His Spirit on the servant, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He won’t fight or raise his voice. He will be gentle and cause justice to be victorious. His name will be the hope of the world.
Application
The name of Jesus is the hope of the whole world.
Many people put their hope in political leaders, but they are only human and limited in power. They will inevitably disappoint us because they are there to govern (hopefully wisely). They are not there to bring salvation or even the hope of a better life.
Jesus is the hope of the Nations
* He brings us eternal life. This hope gives us the ability to rise above life’s challenges.
* He brings abundant life. Jesus enables us to live wisely and to prosper in our work, finances, relationships, and so on.
* He transforms national life. The prosperity and freedom in the West are the fruit of Christian shaped laws and institutions. Nations that are shaped by faith in Christ tend to enjoy peace and prosperity.
At every level, Jesus is our hope.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for the promise of eternal life and abundant life to all who walk with you. Please help me to share my hope with my friends and colleagues. Amen.
Wait patiently…
Today’s Bike Ride
After yesterday’s heat wave, it was good to get out on the bike again this morning. A nice ride along Jacks Creek and Gun Club Roads. #cycling #Narrabri #Biketooter
Quote for the Day
When we display integrity in our lives, others will understand that with us ‘what you see is what you get’. As a result, they are more open to us. When people can see that we are consistent in what we stand for, how we treat people, what our priorities are and what we are motivated by, then we can more likely influence them in a positive manner and they have the necessary information to choose to follow us or not. Michael Rowell
No condemnation
Reflection on Matthew 12:1–14
Scripture
“You would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of the scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’“
Observation
Jesus and his disciples walk through some grain fields on the Sabbath. Some of the disciples are hungry so they break off some heads of grain to eat.
Some Pharisees complain to Jesus that his disciples are breaking the Sabbath law. Jesus points out that David did something similar and that the priests also work on the Sabbath.
Jesus quotes the Scripture: “I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.”
Jesus goes into the synagogue where there is a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees ask Jesus if the law allows people to heal on the Sabbath. Jesus points out that if they had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, they would rescue it. A person is more valuable than a sheep, so He heals the man.
Application
The problem with legalism is that it blinds you to love and to God.
Legalism encourages self-righteousness when we obey the law, and despair when we fail.
The Pharisees were so obsessed with the minutiae of the law that they forgot to rejoice in the miracles. Instead of being awe struck, they were cynical to the point of being murderous.
Legalism can be as blunt as “You can’t do that,” or as subtle as “You ought to do this.”
A person who is genuinely in love with the Lord Jesus will often find themselves in trouble with the religious crowd. Their love and compassion for other people, especially the people that seem unworthy or unclean, will be tainted by their association with sinners.
Prayer
Lord, please let your compassion grow in me to such an extent that I am drawn out of the safe places. Amen.
The Gospel is about God
Quote for the Day
Professor Ronald Burke, who spent forty years studying behaviour in the workplace, published a study titled, ‘Why Leaders Fail: Exploring the Dark Side’ in the International Journal of Manpower. He demonstrated that more leaders fail because of character-related, integrity issues, such as arrogance, selfishness and betrayal of trust, than from a lack of talent or skills. Michael Rowell
New Life Narrabri 