What Do You Want Me To Do For You?

Posted on April 16, 2016 by ccpastormike

The gospel of Matthew relates an event in which Jesus is traveling from Jericho on His way to Jerusalem. As Jesus walked a great multitude followed Him. Along the way they encountered two blind men that were sitting by the roadside. In that time and place, these two men likely occupied that same spot day after day, asking alms of travelers. This day would be unlike any other day in their lives.

The text of Matthew in chapter 20 verse 30 states that these two blind men heard that Jesus was passing by. They didn’t need to be told a crowd was passing by because they would have known that from all the noise. What is significant in verse 30 is they “heard Jesus was passing by.” This means the crowd surrounding Jesus was abuzz with His name. Upon hearing the name of Jesus the two blind men immediately shouted out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David.”

This is significant for a number of reasons. One, by addressing Jesus as Lord, they were recognizing His power. Lord is Adonai, God Almighty. They knew that Jesus could heal them of their blindness. Next they called Jesus “Son of David,” which signifies their belief that Jesus was the long-awaited messiah of Israel. In making this profession the two blind men were saying they believed Jesus would want to heal them.

Taken together, the faith of the two blind men was noteworthy, especially given the tepid attitude of the multitude following Jesus who told the two blind men to “shut up.” But this did not stop the two blind men from seizing their moment and they cried out even louder, so as to be heard over the chatter of the multitude. “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David.”

Can you imagine the expectation of these two men when as it says in verse 32, “Jesus stopped.” The noise of shuffling feet, of numerous conversations, of laughter, of scorn toward them, all ceased in a moment because Jesus stopped. And then in the midst of the silence, while every eye looked first upon Jesus and then at the objects of His attention – the two blind men, Jesus spoke these words, “What do you want me to do for you?”

Can you understand how the hearts of these men must have been beating with anxious anticipation? Jesus had just asked them what they wanted Him to do for them. Without hesitation they responded in unison, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” Verse 34 says, “And moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.”

Friends, this is one event among thousands, where Jesus demonstrated His compassion and loving care for men and women. There is one thing that every person needs in this life, and that is to have their eyes opened to see Jesus for who He is. Do you know Him as Savior and Lord? Today can be the day of your salvation. Wherever you are stop and pray to God and ask Him to forgive you of your sin and to accept you as His child by faith. Then live the life of a disciple by following Jesus.

For more information about how you can become a Christian through faith in Jesus Christ, write me at the following email address – pastormike@cclohio.org – God bless you today as you seek Him.

Image – Charissa’s Grace Notes

The Write Stuff Radio Show with Parker J. Cole

Posted on February 5, 2016 by ccpastormike

Hi friends. I have the honor of appearing on the Parker J. Cole show Saturday, February 6 at 2pm EST. You may listen via this link – http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pjcmedia/2016/02/06/relationship-month–husbands-wives–the-parker-j-cole-show

You may call (646) 668-8485 to ask a question.

Blessings!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – What Are We Celebrating?

Posted on December 21, 2015 by ccpastormike

Opening song – Hallelujah Christmas – Cloverton

Angels We Have Heard On High – Baloche

1 John 4:9-10

“By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

Galatians 4:4-5

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

Continue reading →

Love Lifted Me

Posted on December 5, 2015 by ccpastormike

I am in my study preparing for tomorrow’s sermon in which I will be teaching through Psalm 38. I began this chapter last week and laid the groundwork for what I will cover tomorrow. Meditating on 38:4 created a word picture for me. Here is the verse:

“For my iniquities are gone over my head;
As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me” (NASB)

What do you picture? I picture a person lost at sea and becoming overwhelmed by the waves and slowly but inevitably losing the fight against the power of the ocean and sinking into death.

The Psalmist is describing sin in this passage. Sin is devastating to our physical and spiritual man. It will if left unchecked slowly swallow us up by shear force. What a picture this is of the person who refuses to cry out to Jesus in saving faith and instead slowly sinks into death.

Jesus casts a wide net to rescue all who are perishing in the sea of sin; all who cry out, “save me Jesus for I am a sinner.” Friends Jesus lifts us up out of our sin and puts our feet on the solid ground of trust, hope, faith, and love.

This picture reminded me of an old hymn I enjoy singing. Be blessed today friends in the hope and asurance that Christ brings to every soul who by faith belongs to Him.

Love Lifted Me

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Refrain:
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me!

All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling,
In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,
Faithful, loving service, too, to Him belongs.

Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves;
He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.

Words and music by James Rowe, 1912

Pick Your Chocolates Wisely

Posted on April 17, 2015 by ccpastormike

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Colossians 3:1-2

In the 1994 movie Forrest Gump, actor Tom Hanks uttered a now famous line, certainly one that has assumed a place in our cultural lexicon. Hanks, musing about the mysteries of life uttered this gem, “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.”

This line seemed to perfectly capture Gump’s life, characterized by the myriad twists and turns, brushes with famous people and events, and the eventual realization of his heart’s desire in marrying his childhood sweetheart Jenny, only to tragically lose her early in their marriage to a fatal disease.

It is true that life often presents us with surprises, some good and some not so good. The box of chocolates illustration was meant to convey that idea – life is unpredictable. But let’s carry this picture a little farther and try to apply it to the Christian’s life.

Many boxes of chocolates come with a listing of each chocolate. This is usually printed on the inside of the cover. For those boxes of chocolates that do not give a hint as to what each piece is, how do we determine other than trial and error what each piece contains?

Don’t we rely on previous experience? We know what chocolate covered cherries look like. We also know that in almost every case the caramel pieces are square with a light milk chocolate covering. Brazil Nuts are easily identified as are the coconut haystacks.

Let me suggest to you that we use our experience in picking chocolates we like from the box, and this is where we can learn a spiritual truth. Our experience can help us make choices that result in good and thus avoid many results that are negative.

If life can be compared to a box of chocolates, then we can say we are presented with multiple choices every day. We know from experience that some choices lead to bad consequences. How do we avoid choosing chocolates we don’t like? By training our minds and disciplining our hearts to make the choices we know lead to godliness, holiness, and righteousness. In other words learn which chocolates in the box we like and only choose them.

In our focus passage from Paul’s letter to the Colossian believers we are encouraged to stay focused on spiritual things, to strive to live a heavenly life based on God’s principles, and to reject the principles of this world. I encourage you today friends to make your choices count for the Kingdom in the here and now. When you do you will experience a transformation in your life.