Clever Free Methodist

The forty days of  Lent  is a time for us to remember and reflect upon the word “sacrifice” and how that definition applies to our spiritual lives. It is a “surrendering” of sorts as we make our life “less about us” and “more about others.” It is also a time that we learn how to give up something that is a sacrifice, an act of self-denial, or some act that will remind us of Christ. Lent is sacred and spiritual for every Christian. It isn’t a “Catholic thing” or a “Protestant thing,” or even “just during Lent, thing,” but a way of life for every Christian. Yes, more emphasis is placed on “sacrifice” during Lent, because there needs to be a season that reminds us of the great sacrifice of Christ for each one of us. Centuries ago Jesus Christ went through an agony, a scourging, a crowning and a crucifixion. The tragedy of Good Friday led to the triumph of Easter Sunday. The acts of self-denial, the acts of sacrifice we make during this season helps us identify with th...

Does it bother you and make you feel uncomfortable to be around someone who is known for being verbally aggressive, offensively opinionated, and outwardly negative and critical on "hot topic" subjects such as race, sexual orientation, and the government? When they express their opinions, they are not only blunt and animated, but their language and demeanor is a bit course and rough around the edges. Does it also bother you to know that people, like this, are also claiming to be a Christian? I've come into contact with several throughout my life and it definitely leaves me wondering, if not disappointed. As Christians, the Bible is clear that we are not to behave in this way. A critical spirit and quick tempered personality that is harsh and toxic is not an attribute we should display. Christians are different. We are “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16) and we are to be advocates for gentleness and respect (2 Timothy 3:15). We are God’s children and should live ...

In 1 Peter 5:8, the haunting Scripture passage reads, “Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”  Were you aware that the Greek word (verb) for “devour” means to “drink down,” “gulp entire” or “swallow”….in other words, we are talking “total consumption” or “complete annihilation” of a person’s life. The reality is that Satan cannot stand the work of an active Christian. Satan is willing to do anything and everything, at any cost, to destroy the work of God in this world. Part of that plan is to destroy you physically, mentally, and spiritually. One of the ways he strategically tries to dismantle us is to keep us busy and too preoccupied with our own agendas, calendars, families, dreams and ambitions.  It is hard to comprehend just how many baptized Christians have succumbed to this ploy of Satan and have become totally caught up in the mad, mindless pursuit of the so-called American dream, the ...

Mark 1:35 is used often to support personal prayer time that is intentional, void of distractions, and interruptions. It tells of Jesus spending “alone time” with God. It says, “Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray.” We need our own prayer time. We need our “alone time” where it is just “me and God” and nothing else. I am more convinced, than ever before, that there’s no way any of us can reach our full spiritual potential as Christian men and women without developing an intentional, strong, deep life of daily personal prayer. True love demands union. True union with God comes only through the life of prayer. I honestly believe God is not going to fully satisfy your spiritual needs, and you are not going to be entirely pleasing to Him, unless you make the time and the effort to have a strong, deep life of daily personal prayer. Your relationship with God depends entirely on how much and how well you are ...

Romans 5:8 “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” It is truly amazing to know that God didn’t first put us on a 30-day trial period to see if we could “handle being a Christian” before he would save us. In fact, he sent his Son, Jesus, to us with the risk knowing there was a good chance that he would be rejected and not one, single person would accept his offer of salvation. It was quite a sacrifice. It is what we focus on during the season of LENT . LENT comes from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “Spring.” What happens in Spring? Well, for one, we “Minnesotans” are at least hoping the Winter snow melts away. But, most importantly, the earth comes back to life! Grass becomes green, trees bud and the leaves return, and flowers grow and bloom. That is what Lent is about…about making sure we are spiritually and mentally prepared (ready) for the “coming back to life” of Jesus after he died on the cross! It is making sure we have made a conscious decision to acknowled...

Sometimes the Lord does things in our lives whether or not we have faith. That scares me, at times, to think that my lack of faith (or effort) could cause God to “go on ahead without me” and accomplish a task or mission despite me. That God loves me so much that despite my response, He will still take care of me and have my best interest in mind. Having faith is extremely important in the life of a Believer. Jesus emphasized that time and time again to us in Scripture. For example, Jesus told the father of a demon-possessed son: "Everything is possible for anyone who has faith" ( Mark 9:23 ). The father realized that Jesus was calling him to exercise a deep, trusting faith. So he exclaimed: "I do have faith! Help the little faith I have!" ( Mark 9:24 ) In that situation, Jesus called not only the father to faith but also Jesus' disciples and the large crowd with them. Jesus said:  "What an unbelieving lot you are! How long must I remain with you?...

One of the many beloved “Sunday School” lessons involves the “wee little man” named Zacchaeus . In Luke 19:1-10 , we read the story that he wanted to see Jesus. He climbed up in a sycamore tree to see over the heads of the crowd due to his small stature. Despite the immense crowd, Jesus singles him out, approaches the tree, and engages Zacchaeus in conversation. The dialogue was convincing as we see Jesus helping Zacchaeus to come down out of the tree . As the story ends, Jesus walks with Zacchaeus to his home. Once there, more fellowship, discussion and a meal is shared. Most importantly, in verses 8 and 9 , we hear the impact of Jesus in his life. Zacchaeus has a change of heart. He amends for his past and presents a course of action in which to prove the sincerity of his confession and repentance. Jesus affirms that change by saying “Today salvation has come to this house….” Interesting, to me, is what Jesus said next in verse 10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to ...