Where's The Beef?

Back in the 80's the hamburger chain Wendy's , ran a commercial that became a huge hit . Basically it had to do with who had the real big "beef"  hamburger , and was aimed at its competitors . It scored huge and if the term viral existed back in the day , that would have been the right word.

It was more or less show me and I will believe what you say. If you say we have a bigger burger or more beef , than prove it. Show me the proof.

We are a people who want to see the proof . The old saying seeing is believing . How often have you heard this saying when it comes to God . If  God would just show me a miracle or get me out of this ,I will believe. They will cry  out in time of need , oh Jesus please if you will help me , heal me etc.. I will follow you or believe in you . In other words , show me the beef!

But in reality this is not true . Even if one is delivered  or showed mercy , we want the benefits without the worship or devotion . Time and time again God showed His power and mercy to a stiff necked people , and over and over again they still turned away but a few.

In Jesus ministry the crowds thronged out to see Him , but when the going got tough and the masses where not getting their felt needs met anymore , they bailed . Even when he performed a miracle , it didn't make people  jump on the Jesus train.

In Luke 17:11-19 , 10 lepers are crying out as Jesus passes by. No doubt by this time Jesus healing abilities have been circulating for  a while , so they cry out in a loud voice , Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. Lepers of course were considered unclean and it was a very painful disease. Leaving one an outcast . Jesus , has compassion on them , tells them to go show themselves to the temple Priest , and when they do , they are all healed.  So what happens , they all come running back to Jesus and fall to their knees in thanksgiving and worship. Right? Only one returns , a Samaritan at that , who were considered irreligious to the Jews.

One out of ten. So they saw firsthand the healing power of Jesus , but 9 did not return to give Him thanks . You would think that they all would have come running back , for being healed of leprosy meant entrance back into society , free from pain and being unclean for the rest of your life. No seeing  doesn't mean one will believe. The 9 are much like most of us . We want the benefits of there being a God , to cry out when things are bad . Others will say stuff like , if so and so would see a miracle they would know there is a God . That simply is not true. For in reality we want no part of God .We don't want Jesus .

So why did the Samaritan return with a heart of worship and thankfulness ? The healing was not just physical it appears to have been spiritual as well.When Jesus tells the Samaritan that his faith has made him well ,it indicates a heart that has been changed as well. That is the bigger miracle.

It wasn't that he was healed he came running back . His heart that was dead in sin , was opened to see Jesus for who He is. The healer of souls.

We need a miracle to believe but its not seeing , its inward . We have so much evidence for God that when someone uses the argument they would believe and follow if they saw clearly is a fallacy . In truth they are without excuse. From creation ,to the word of God its right in front of them ,of us . But we hate God . So we use that excuse to run.

So if someone ever says , show me the beef , instead of going toe to toe with evidence , even though that can be useful at times , share the gospel of Christ. Remember they can't see God because they are dead men walking. Share the light of Jesus and pray the Holy Spirit we make them see .

A Christmas Carol - Patrick Stewart

Every year we would watch 3 versions of the Christmas Carol ,that number is now 4 with the Jim Carrey animated version having just been released on DVD. Over all I would have to say that the Alastair Sim version , done in1951 ,is the best due to his stellar performance of the old miser .The transformation scene is both funny and emotional at the same time.

Having said that , each version has scenes that are truly impacting for me. The scene above , featuring Patrick Stewart as Scrooge , is one such scene. Awakening Christmas day , and having been re-born if you will , he makes merry on the streets on London but as he is walking, he hears a Church singing and enters in . Timidly at first , but then joining in with joyful singing, proclaiming the reason for Christmas. What better place for a repented sinner to be on Christmas day .Then singing to the one who brings a change of heart. A person who truly knows how sinful they were and are , should be full of joy knowing how much they have been forgiven . But not just forgiven , but a new creation.

In this scene we see that change in Scrooge . From a Buh Humbug to singing praises of the Son of God . Awesome!

The Heart is the Matter

"Feel for others- in your pocket" Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Apparently over the last 2 years charitable giving is down . Significantly among the wealthy to the tune of 30%. That is huge and telling. Giving comes from a heart that is thankful and has a treasure other than this life and its earthly comforts.

If this life is all we  hope in we will covet and like Scrooge , cling and grasp to earthly things. If its God we take our delight in and comprehend the gift given to us freely in Christ , when the Father gave the Son , our soul should be moved towards generosity.

As Christmas draws close , the sense of need or lack of basic essentials seems be more acutely felt. Part of it because of the expectations that have been forced  on us by consumerism and materialism . But the fact is there is a real need out there in the world . Perhaps we want too much , but if all we have is from God , then should we not desire to give out of a thankful heart and thereby , store up treasures in heaven.

Giving is out our of the heart . So when you walk by the Salvation Army give, buy a little extra when you shop and give to the foodbank. Ponder the amazing gift of salvation , freely given .

So what is your heart telling about you . May your prayer be like mine , Lord may you be my treasure that I may be free to give what You have given me. Amen.

Third Day - Jesus, Light of The World - Christmas Offerings

[12] Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
(John 8:12 ESV)

As this Christmas season draws closer ,may the light of Jesus shine in your life so that others see His light shine. May the focus be on Him who was born to die for our sins and rose again that we may be justified .

Hands Off The Prince

This has to be one of the saddest things that I read for a long time and tells much about the state of affairs in the Church of England. A Bishop has been suspended , for what you rightly ask? Was it because he crossed the line and denied a cardinal Christian teaching , nope . He had the audacity  to make light of Prince Williams impending marriage. The basic comment suggested that this union would be doomed. He doubted it would last.

Was it wise to publicly make a statement like this , no. He probably doesn't know them well enough to make such a statement . But the fact he was asked to withdraw from public ministry over this statement frankly , makes me a bit sick.

Over numerous years within this denomination you have had bishops question the deity of Christ , the resurrection , the veracity of the Bible ,denial of the virgin birth and  a openly gay minister in a relationship.Now here is the rub. Throw a little jab at Prince William and the royal family and you are asked to be quiet and step down. But its open season on the King of Kings . The one all of these heretics will answer to .

How a denomination defends the truth from within is a clear indicator of its doctrinal health . To openly allow clergy deny doctrines that are the cornerstones of the faith is unthinkable.

A pastor needs to be solid in the word and doctrine , if he is not , he is not fit to be a shepherd of God's flock .


[9] He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
(Titus 1:9 ESV)

Where is the rebuke from within to those have denied the faith . The silence is telling I think. If the body is diseased , one needs to take either medicine , have treatment or change ones life style in order for the body to heal. If those who pastor a church are denying the faith and teaching heresy ,they need to be rebuked publicly , and if they will not repent , amputation form body is  a must . They have disqualified themselves to lead the flock that Christ laid down Hid life for.

Sad you can kick the King but its hands off the prince !

Tim Hawkins - Holding Hands

This is so true and funny . Tim Hawkins is  funny and clean , what a novelty. Humor,good humor is indeed a gift from God.

Third Day - Trust In Jesus

This song really preached to me today . Some days it so easy to slip into despair and  lose sight of the hope we have in Jesus. When we stumble or fail to live up to God's law , we need to hear the gospel . Its what helps us grow in grace .

What I love about this song is its all about Jesus. When we stand in judgement we will not be able to boast about anything . It is all the work of Christ on our behalf . As the old hymn Rock of Ages brings this point home as well with these words .

1. Nothing in my hand I bring,
   Simply to Thy cross I cling;
   Naked, come to Thee for dress;
   Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
   Foul, I to the fountain fly;
   Wash me, Savior, or I die.
2. May we trust in Jesus to secure our salvation on the day of judgement to come.