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The Chief Cornerstone Mk. 12:1-12		By What Authority Mk 11:27-33
Forgive Others; Have Faith Mk. 11:22-25		Zeal for Our Father's House Mk. 11:15-19
Humility, Part II Mk. 11:7-11		We Belong to the Humble One Mk. 11:1-3
Healed of our Spiritual Blindness Mk. 10:46-52		Slaves of all Mk. 10:42-45
The Heart of the Gospel Mk. 10:32-34		The Heart of One Who Is Last Mk. 10:17-31
Blessing Children Mk. 10:13-16		No Longer Two, But One Mk. 10:1-12
Salty Christians Mk. 9:50		A Passion to Protect Mk. 9:42-48
For Us Mk. 9:38-41		Upside Down Service Mark 9:33-37
Help Thou Mine Unbelief Mk. 9:14-27		Spiritual Transformation Mk. 9:1-8
Highs and Lows Mk. 8:37-33		Spiritual Health Mk. 8:14-21
Upsetting Sensibilities Mk. 7:31-37		Perseverance Mk. 7:24-30
Clean & Unclean Mk.7:1-23		All Need Healing Mk. 6:54-56
Take Courage! Mk. 6:45-51		Take Time for Prayer Mk. 6:45-51
Sharing What You Have Mk. 6:35-44		Take Time to Teach Mk. 6:32-34
Find time To Rest Mk. 6:30-31		Evil Mk. 6:21-29
Sent out to Preach & Heal Mk. 6:7-13		Without Honor Mk. 6:1-6
Don't Be Afraid, Just Believe Mark 5:22-24, 35-43		Desperately Touching Jesus Mk. 5:26-34
When Troubles are Legion Mk. 5:6-8, 18-20		When Storms Come Have Faith Mk. 4:35-41
Small Beginnings Mk. 4:30-32		A Seed Growing Secretly Mk. 4:26-29
"Consider Carefully" and be "Given More" Mk. 4:24-25:		The Concealed Revealed Mk. 4:21-23
Sown in Good Soil Mk. 4:3-8, 13-20		A House Divided Cannot Stand Mk. 3:24-25
You're Not Crazy Mk. 3:20-21, 31-35		Opposition Mk. 3:1-6
Breaking Old Rules Mk. 2:23-28		New Wine Mk. 2:22
Matthew's Example Mk. 2:14-17		Jesus Heals Home & Neighborhood Mk. 1:29-34
"I am willing" Mk. 1:40-44		Shipwrecked, But Still Healing Acts 28: 1, 7-9
When Giving Becomes Receiving Acts 20:32-35		In Him We Live and Move and Have our Being Acts 17:22-31
Positive Change Can Cause Conflict Acts 17:1-9		Servants Becoming Leaders Acts 6:1-6
Healthy Bodies & Bread Lk. 24:28-33		Stop Doubting & Believe Jn. 20:24-29
Not From Empty Conceit Phil. 2:1-3		Holy Week & Servanthood Phil. 2:5-11
First Give Praise Job 12: 7-10		True Humility, Trust, Obedience Mt. 4:1-4
Put On Love Col. 3:12-14		Where to find the strength Phil. 4: 11b-13
Jesus Acts to Heal, He Doesn't Wait Jn. 5:2-9		Begging to Touch Mark 6:54-56
"Remodeling" to Receive Healing Mk. 2:1-12		Desperately Touching Jesus Mk. 5:26-34
Desperately Seeking Jesus Mk. 3:9-10		Do it All in the Name of the Lord Jesus Col. 3:17
Planting the Seeds of Health Mark 4: 26-32		Joseph Protects the Baby Jesus Mt. 2:13-15
Do Not Worry - The Father Knows Mt. 6:27, 31-34		Christian Love 1 Jn. 3:18

The Chief Cornerstone (Mk. 12:1-12) first posted: 10-May-04

He then began to speak to them in parables: "A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully. He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed. "He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, 'They will respect my son.' "But the tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. "What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. Haven't you read this scripture: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes?" Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away. When we look at the pollution in the environment, when we contemplate the pollution present in our own bodies and the bodies of our children, we may begin to think to ourselves in light of this passage, “Unscrupulous people have been put in charge of the vineyard – those who are even willing to kill.”

Like the stewards who turned out to be thieves and murderers in this text, God will ultimately deal with those who have flagrantly harmed the bodies of our “heirs,” our children – including the harm caused by the pollution that exists in their bodies.

There is a clear note of God’s judgment in this text.

But there is also a profound sense of joy in the wonderful workings of God. The marvelous thing about this passage is that the stone the builders rejected became the chief cornerstone.

Jesus is the chief cornerstone, who will be crucified (rejected) only to become the fount of grace, the foundation of forgiveness and reconciliation of all things (Col. 1:20). Not only is he the chief cornerstone, he is also the Great Physician of body and soul.

Currently we have many “builders” who are literally and figuratively using the wrong materials to build our society, our economy, our way of life. There are other materials we can use, materials that are currently being rejected, materials that don’t pollute the bodies of our children. But such materials will some day become the cornerstone of our society – and they will reflect the healing, reconciling qualities of the Chief Cornerstone. Pray for that day, even as you help to bring it to pass through your own activities.

By What Authority (Mk 11:27-33) first posted: 05-Mar-04

They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you authority to do this?" Jesus replied, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John's baptism--was it from heaven, or from men? Tell me!" They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' But if we say, 'From men'...." (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.) So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things." We know that Jesus is the Son of God. But to the religious authority figures of his day he was just one of many itinerant preachers from the countryside with a temporary following who passed through Jerusalem. Yet Jesus had directly challenged their authority by cleansing the Temple of the moneychangers the day before.

Who was this “preacher” and “faith-healer” from a backwater like Galilee coming in and telling them, the chief priests, how to run the Temple?

If you challenge those who hold recognized positions of authority in any sphere you could essentially be asked the same question that Jesus was asked, “By what authority do you do these things?”

By what authority do you switch from traditional harsh chemicals to clean and disinfect to safer alternatives such as vinegar and hydrogen peroxide? By what authority do you switch to organic produce? By what authority do you say that people should ventilate their homes to reduce indoor air pollution? By what authority do you suggest minimizing or eliminating carpeting?

You could easily meet resistance to making such changes that we suggest on this website.

By what authority do we suggest them? We have culled our information from government agencies, from peer-reviewed scientific journals, and from other respected sources.

When challenged, Jesus at times answered directly and forthrightly. In this particular case he sensed that doing so would not make things better. Only the guidance of the Holy Spirit will help us understand which choice to make when we are challenged.

But make no mistake, just as Jesus was challenged when he made changes, so will we.

Forgive Others; Have Faith (Mk. 11:22-25) first posted: 12-Jan-04

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” If you’re like me, when you first read this passage you’re attention is grabbed by the idea that if you ask in prayer that a mountain be thrown into the sea and do not doubt, it will happen.

Wow!

But maybe what really should grab our attention is not what we can get out of prayer (in a “what’s in it for me?” kind of way), but the kicker at the end.

When we come before God in prayer, forgiveness is an indispensable part. And let’s not kid ourselves and waste God’s time – we’re talking about true forgiveness, because God knows the difference.

And the type of forgiveness required here is not asking God to forgive us. That can be hard; but harder still in many cases is forgiving others.

And we must forgive others first – in order to be forgiven by God.

Wow!

Here's something you might not have thought of before in terms of forgiveness. We’ve all contributed to the pollution that’s in our bodies right now, the pollution that is in the bodies of your loved ones. Some have contributed more than others.

We must forgive them – and ourselves.

Forgiving others and ourselves are the first steps in Christian spiritual maturity that could lead us to a state in which we are mature enough to not doubt in our hearts – and thereby handle the awesome power of prayer.

Zeal for Our Father's House (Mk. 11:15-19) first posted: 17-Dec-03

On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: " 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. When evening came, they went out of the city. Just the day before the crowds had cheered “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” For those wanting something dramatic, on this day Jesus does not disappoint. But his zeal is not directed against the Romans. Indeed, he quotes Isaiah 56:7 which proclaims that the Temple is to be “a house of prayer for all nations”; this would include even Rome.

Instead, his zeal is for the purity of his Father’s house, and his anger is directed at those in charge of the Temple, the chief priests. For Jesus, a devout Jew, to take on the supreme religious leaders of his community was no easy thing. Indeed, it ends up costing him his life.

To apply this text to our concerns, how is your own church being run in terms of creating a healthy environment? While we certainly can’t claim the prophetic mantle of Jesus, we can help our fellow church members recognize that changes may need to be made to “clean up” our Father’s house. We have an article filled with suggestions in our “Your Community” section http://www.healthyfamiliesnow.org/Article_asp-Record=1054.html.

Humility, Part II (Mk. 11:7-11) first posted: 18-Nov-03

Mk. 11:7-11 -- When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!" Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. [Editors Note: The first three paragraphs is a newly discovered commentary from a first century political consultant.]

“What a terrible political event this is! The media consultant and the campaign director need to be fired immediately. Then maybe we can salvage something.

First of all, Jesus shows up on a colt. This isn’t a sign of strength! He looks weak. Heck, he looks beyond weak. Second, once Jesus arrives at the temple – do I have to point out that this is the climax of the journey, people? – it’s too late to bring things to a boil with a supportive crowd right behind him. Jesus and his inner circle simply leave. Who was in charge of handling and briefing Jesus? This event was a disaster.

At least the crowd is on message, shouting ‘Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!’ How are we ever going to kick out the Romans if we don’t get the message, the visuals, the political symbolism, or the timing of our events right? We’re never going to get there with our guy riding a borrowed colt, I can tell you that much.”

Ok, which text do you like better, the biblical text or the political consultant’s text? It’s not much of a contest, is it? But both texts help us understand that this was a failed political event with a profoundly powerful spiritual message.

What we have here is a sequel to last week’s text. It’s “Humility, Part II.” In the end Jesus wasn’t who the crowd wanted or expected. But in His humility, there is the ultimate spiritual strength to obey the Father and defy the expectations and desires of the crowd. He doesn’t go along to get elected. His timing’s terrible. He doesn’t even give a speech. At least the crowd got one thing right: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

When we arrive someplace, do we come in the name of the Lord? When we shop, for example, do we follow the crowd, are we swayed by the glitz of advertising? Or do we in humility buy safe but simple products? When we arrive in our own homes and neighborhoods, do we come in humility, ready to do the Lord’s will? In some ways keeping our homes and neighborhoods healthy and safe means not following the crowd. It means following our Lord in His humility.

We Belong to the Humble One (Mk. 11:1-3) first posted: 11-Nov-03

Mk. 11:1-3 -- As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.' " For those of us who have the benefit of knowing who Jesus really is, the Son of God through whom God created all things (Jn. 1:1-3; Col. 1:15-16), this text paints a beautiful, touching picture. The Son of God will arrive in the Holy City on a borrowed colt.

If we were writing the script of the triumphal entry of the King of Kings into Jerusalem, how would he arrive? Wouldn’t the population of the whole city have been required to turn out? Wouldn’t a huge procession precede him, and wouldn’t he arrive in a huge chariot?

Think about it. The Creator and Owner of all things asks to borrow a colt.

Once again, Jesus is a model for us in his humility, in his not grasping at things that belong to Him.

Nothing belongs to us, not even ourselves. Our homes, our possessions, even our families – do not belong to us. We are simply caretakers, even of ourselves.

We all belong to God, to Christ, the One who in humility borrowed a colt to make his triumphal entry into the Holy City. He has freely given us everything. So, in the Spirit of Christ’s humility, let us take care of our homes, our loved ones, ourselves, our neighbors. Let us remember to whom we belong, the One who borrowed a colt.

Healed of our Spiritual Blindness (Mk. 10:46-52) first posted: 20-Oct-03

Mk. 10:46-52 - Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. The Gospel of Mark is so wonderful in its narrative grittiness. This story is not vague on the details; it’s not fuzzy on the scene it evokes in our minds. Look at the particulars we know from this text: we are in Jericho; we know not only the first name of the blind man, but who his father was; Bartimaeus is sitting by the roadside begging, and he begins to make a ruckus when he knows it’s Jesus passing by; those around him tell him to shut up, but he yells all the more; when Jesus does call for him, he is told to “Cheer up!”

Can’t you see the scene in your mind?

Isn’t it wonderful to have a Savior such as this? He has tremendous patience with both the rebuking crowd and the insistent Bartimaeus. Jesus could have asked Bartimaeus a thousand other questions, “Have you been a good beggar?” “Did you do something to deserve to be blind?” “Why don’t you have anyone to help you – did you alienate your family?” But instead, in his mercy, he simply asks, “What do you want me to do for you?”

The miraculous thing about this story is that the spiritual reality of it can be repeated over and over again in our hearts. What town do you live in? Jesus is always passing by your town. Jesus knows your name; he knows who your parents are. You are a spiritually blind beggar by the road. Your spirit is making a ruckus, while other parts of you, or maybe others in your life, are telling you to shut up. Jesus calls for you. Cheer up! On your feet! Jesus says to you, “What do you want me to do for you?” He heals your spiritual blindness AND YOU FOLLOW HIM.

When you are following Jesus, when you are being His disciple by keeping you home clean and safe, when you are trying to do the same thing for your neighborhood, remember – Jesus is always passing by, ready to heal.

Slaves of all (Mk. 10:42-45) first posted: 29-Sep-03

Mk. 10:42-45 -- Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Jesus does it again. He’s turned things upside down. Do you want to be first? Then be a “slave of all.”

Let that sink in a bit. Say to yourself, “I must be a slave of all.” It’s hard. We recoil.

Most Christians have some sense that we all are called to serve.

But in our everyday world, even in the church, there’s much more lip service paid to this than actual practice.

Our human minds really don’t accept it. We can’t fathom that God would come as a servant, indeed a slave. And not only that, but a crucified slave. It is incomprehensible – but it is the truest truth there is.

God serves. Christ serves. Therefore, we are to serve.

To maintain a clean and healthy home, to do the same for one’s neighborhood and church and school, is to serve. It doesn’t matter who knows, who approves. God knows.

The Heart of the Gospel (Mk. 10:32-34) first posted: 16-Sep-03

Mark 10: 32-34 - They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. "We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise." Here in these three verses you have the heart of the gospel, the heart of Christian belief. Only Christians believe these verses to be true. Only true believers need apply here.

In these three verses you have the heart of who Jesus is, the supreme attestation of His Sonship, His Lordship.

Yet it’s all so seemingly backwards. How can dying lead to true life?

It’s the last six words of these three verses that are the kicker, that create the stumbling block for those who don’t believe.

As Paul rightly said, Jesus’ death on the cross was a scandal, a stumbling block (I Cor. 1:18-25). It wasn’t a sign of anything to his contemporaries except a cursed death, the death of a criminal. Or maybe at it’s most positive it was the death of hope for political deliverance for those crucified as enemies of Rome. Anyway you cut it, the cross meant death, hopeless death.

That’s why those traveling with Jesus are “astonished,” and “afraid.” He’s going towards a certain, hopeless death, and he’s “leading the way.”

For those who don’t believe the last six words, these purported words of Jesus to his followers are probably viewed as the desperate attempt to put words in his mouth to help justify a failed religious movement, and try to redeem Jesus’ death from the garbage dump of history. “Maybe he was handed over by his people’s religious leaders to the Romans,” they might say. “Maybe they did crucify him. But then three days later he arose? Nah.”

Like I said, only true believers need apply here. And in believing these words of Jesus do we find our hope, do we find our Lord, do we find the heart of God. The Son trusted the Father even unto death, death on a cross. And so the Father through the Spirit raises the Son and exalts the Son to the highest heights (Phil. 2:6-11).

For Christians there is never simply crucifixion. There is always resurrection! The ultimate victory has been won!

Whatever it is that may be weighing us down – boredom, fear, anxiety, drudgery – it doesn’t matter what it is, Christ has been raised.

So when we go about our daily lives – and maybe we’re worried about our children, or we’re tired of keeping a clean and healthy home, or we’re facing opposition to helping to make our neighborhoods and schools cleaner and healthier – remember these words of Jesus. He told his disciples he would die the worst death possible, “Then three days later he will rise.”

The Heart of One Who Is Last (Mk. 10:17-31) first posted: 02-Sep-03

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!" "I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields--and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first." This is a hard passage for those of us in the United States, if we take it to heart and are honest with ourselves. For compared to the majority of the people of the world, we are all rich. While true, this refrain is tiresome for those of us who have heard it many times before. It makes us numb. As individuals we don’t have the resources to make the majority of the world more well off. We may be “rich,” but we don’t have much power to lift the majority of the world’s people out of poverty. And most of us don’t seem rich when compared to the truly rich of this country.

Yet most of us have clean drinking water, and the resources to make it cleaner if we choose. In comparison, over one billion people still lack access to safe water, and nearly two billion lack safe sanitation. More than three million people still die every year from avoidable water-related disease. Indeed, one in five children do not live to see their fifth birthday, mostly because of avoidable environmental health threats.

So we’re rich, whether we like it or not. Therefore, we are the rich man who comes to Jesus asking what we must do to inherit eternal life. Does that trouble you? Then take heart, for the text offers love and hope.

Jesus’ first response to the man’s question is to recite some of the 10 Commandments. Don’t murder, steal, lie, defraud, commit adultery, and honor your parents. Except for the last, these commandments forbid negative actions towards others. Don’t actively do bad things, they command. The last one, honoring parents, while positive, is limited to family. For someone in the rich man’s position, fulfilling these commandments would be relatively easy. Jesus knows this. He knows that the man’s wealth is a stumbling block towards his spiritual maturity, towards completely fulfilling God’s will and entering the Kingdom of God.

The easy thing for Jesus to do would be to congratulate him and move on. That’s what the man expects. But because Jesus loves him, he will not leave him in his current spiritual condition. He challenges him right where his problem lies: "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

It sounds impossible. Jesus admits as much. On our own, it is impossible. But "all things are possible with God." And when we have done the seemingly impossible with God’s help (for the rich man giving away all he had) we are invited to be with Christ.

We are invited to follow the One who ends up putting himself last, and therefore becomes First. When we have the heart of the One who is last, and our actions follow our heart, then shall we be first.

How can we make such a servant’s heart tangible? One way is to work to make our communities healthier. Another is to support Christian organizations working to help the poor, such as our Partner organizations World Vision, World Relief, MAP International. See http://www.healthyfamiliesnow.org/partners.asp

Blessing Children (Mk. 10:13-16) first posted: 06-Aug-03

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. This is probably the most famous passage concerning Jesus and children in the New Testament. For many Christians it's story line and lessons are well-worn paths in our memories.

Parents want their children blessed. The disciples tell them to get lost; the teacher's time is too important to be wasted on children. Jesus gets mad when he sees this. The disciples still don't understand Jesus' mission. He's come to help those who need help – which includes all of us, especially children. The Kingdom of God belongs to those who know they need His help, and ask for it. That's what children do. They recognize they need help and ask for it.

Do we truly follow Jesus and bless children by our actions? A blessing concerns present and future well-being. So do we bless or hinder their well-being? They need our help. Keeping your home and community healthy and safe is part of blessing the children in our midst.

No Longer Two, But One (Mk. 10:1-12) first posted: 03-Jul-03

Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" "What did Moses command you?" he replied. They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away." "It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. "But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.' ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery." A healthy home requires a healthy marriage. A healthy marriage requires a healthy commitment to the marriage. Part of such a commitment for Christians is understanding what Christ taught about marriage. Mark's gospel presents Jesus' teaching on marriage at its strongest, with no qualifiers.

Jesus' words are quite clear: God doesn't want divorce. God has joined husband and wife together. "So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

In his private discussion with the disciples as well as the Pharisees who asked the question about divorce originally, Jesus describes divorce as a human custom that is not consistent with the will of God. It is a man's "hardness of heart" that resulted in divorce being written into law. This was never God's intention, as Jesus makes clear by quoting Genesis, "But at the beginning of creation …". In other words, God's original plan was for married couples to stay together for life. Jesus reaffirms this plan. Speaking with the disciples, he says, in effect, that anyone, male or female, who avails him or herself of the human custom of divorce and then marries someone else, is committing adultery. Why? Because they are still married to their first spouse in the eyes of God.

It's interesting how in today's society it is those who affirm Jesus' high view of marriage that are perceived as having hard hearts, a stance that minimizes or ignores the harmful consequences of divorce.

The solution, of course, is to keep a marriage healthy so that a couple does not come to a position of wanting a divorce.

Salty Christians (Mk. 9:50) first posted: 23-Jun-03

Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other. This is one of those intriguing sayings of Jesus that stays with us, even as we never exhaust its meaning. Whatever salt is supposed to stand for, Jesus tells us to have it inside ourselves, "and be at peace with each other." Does that mean there is a tension between being "salty" and being at peace with one another, so that Jesus in effect warns against a common problem with being salty? ("Be salty, but don't let that lead to conflicts.") Or is it the opposite? If we are salty, then we will be at peace with our other salty brothers and sisters.

What are the characteristics of salt? It adds flavor. It is a preservative. It is a cleanser. If it stops being these things, then what is it good for?

A salty Christian is one whose faithfulness flavors, preserves, and cleanses the world around them. (Matthew follows his version of this text up with "You are the light of the world." See Mt.5:14.) We are called to make a difference in our surroundings, to be true to Jesus' teachings to love our neighbors. We are to be salty Christians, who flavor, preserve, and cleanse the world. If our fellow Christians also remain salty, then we will indeed "be at peace with each other."

Keeping our homes and neighborhoods healthy, clean, and safe, is part of flavoring, preserving, and cleansing our world, of being a salty Christian.

A Passion to Protect (Mk. 9:42-48) first posted: 02-Jun-03

'And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell.' These are some of Jesus' strongest words of warning in the Gospels. Why such a harsh warning? Did he get up on the wrong side of the bed this particular morning? Not only does he make his point by talking about cutting off a hand, a foot, and plucking out an eye, he says that all such actions are better than going to hell. Why does Jesus use such strong rhetorical artillery?

Maybe because he means it!

What's gotten Jesus so worked up?

It's the first verse, verse 42, that gives us the answer. "If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck." Yikes! Another strong warning with stark visual imagery. The reason for all of this is Jesus’ concern about "these little ones who believe in me." If we cause them to sin, grave consequences - literally - are the result.

What do these little ones believe about Jesus? They trust that he will protect them and do good for them. They probably don't understand that he is their Savior, but this is what Christ the Savior does for all of us - protects us and does good for us.

Jesus got as worked up as a loving parent would if they found someone leading their child into harms way. But these were not his flesh-and-blood children.

Just like Jesus, we are called to protect all children and do good for them. Keeping our homes and communities clean and healthy is part of protecting children. Jesus had a passion for protecting children. Let's pray for such passion.

For Us (Mk. 9:38-41) first posted: 19-May-03

'Teacher,' said John, 'we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.' 'Do not stop him,' Jesus said. 'No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.'
Why would the disciples tell someone to stop doing good? Who has the authority to use Jesus' name to do good? It's clear that the disciples had an understanding of who could do so - only those who were part of their group. Those "not one of us" should be stopped from doing good in Christ's name.

"Stop them! We're the ones in charge of this power. We're the new Sanhedrin."

Just as the Lord used the Persian emperor Cyprus to achieve His will in Old Testament times, so others who are not Christians can be used by God to achieve His will.

As Christians we must have a stance of openness towards others if we are both trying to achieve the same goals. "For whoever is not against us is for us," Jesus said.

Do you want a clean and healthy neighborhood and community? Do you want a healthy school for your children? There may be those who are not Christians who want the same thing. Find common ground and work together for the health of all the children.

Upside Down Service (Mark 9:33-37) first posted: 05-May-03

They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, 'What were you arguing about on the road?' But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, 'If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.' He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.'

It is easy to forget that Jesus paired these two ideas together: Christian service and taking care of children. Would we have thought to do it?

But Jesus not only links them, he declares them to be of utmost importance.

How does a Christian achieve greatness? Through service.

Whom should we serve? We should serve only the great to maximize our service potential. We want to be good stewards of our time and talents, after all.

But, characteristically, Jesus doesn't say anything of the kind. You want to be great? You must serve everyone - including children.

But how can adults serve children? Isn't it supposed to be the other way around? (That Jesus! He's always reversing things, turning things upside down!)

Jesus makes it abundantly clear to the disciples by having a little child stand before them, and then hugging the child as he verbally delivers the lesson. "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the One who sent me."

To welcome someone, to show them hospitality, is to show them kindness, to treat them with respect, to meet their physical needs. It is to serve them.

If we do such things to children, Jesus says, we do them to God the Father and God the Son.

Do we have a healthy home and neighborhood to offer children? If so, we serve God the Father and God the Son through God the Holy Spirit who works in us.

Help Thou Mine Unbelief (Mk. 9:14-27) first posted: 14-Apr-03

When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 'What are you arguing with them about?' he asked. A man in the crowd answered, 'Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.' 'O unbelieving generation,' Jesus replied, 'how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.' So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy's father, 'How long has he been like this?' 'From childhood,' he answered. 'It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.' 'If you can'? said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for him who believes.' Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!' When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. 'You deaf and mute spirit,' he said, 'I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.' The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, 'He's dead.' But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, 'Why couldn't we drive it out?' He replied, 'This kind can come out only by prayer.'

This conversation between Jesus and the father of the stricken boy strike at the heart of every believer. The father begs Jesus to heal his son, if he can. Jesus' words cut to the quick as he challenges the father right at the heart of his life. "'If you can?' Everything is possible for him who believes."

Everything?

The father speaks for just about all believers -- including the apostles who could not heal his son -- with his answer: "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Or as the King James puts it, "help Thou mine unbelief!"

As we go about our daily lives, working, caring for our homes, taking care of loved ones, helping neighbors, struggling with our ability to trust God more and more, it is comforting to know that in the end, after he helped the father understand the power of trust in God, Jesus healed the man's son.

The man's faith was not strong enough, but the grace of God in Christ made up for his lack of faith.

How do we increase our faith? Jesus' answer is simple but profound: through prayer.

Spiritual Transformation (Mk. 9:1-8) first posted: 31-Mar-03

And he said to them, 'I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.' After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, 'Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: 'This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!' Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

It's tempting to say, "Wow, Jesus really knows how to get whites white" and leave it at that.

Maybe that's because we can be just as tongue-tied as Peter when trying to comprehend Jesus' transfiguration.

Upon further reflection we might think to ourselves, "Gee, what an incredible event. If only I had been there. If I had seen this and heard God's voice I would never doubt or fail to trust in the power of God again."

But we are witnesses to incredible spiritual transformations all the time. The Holy Spirit is constantly transforming the hearts of believers. Think of individual Christians you know. Think of your own life. Think of the positive spiritual transformations your local church is able to facilitate.

As we endeavor to keep our homes clean and healthy we can take solace in the sometimes invisible work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, working to transform us into Christ's image. In a similar way, we may not see all the beneficial differences our changes in cleaning habits have in protecting our loved ones and our neighbors. But our elder brother Christ sees. The Father sees. God sees our efforts and knows the differences we are making for those He loves. Trust in His providential care.

Highs and Lows (Mk. 8:37-33) first posted: 10-Mar-03

Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, 'Who do people say I am?' They replied, 'Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.' 'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?' Peter answered, 'You are the Christ.' Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. 'Get behind me, Satan!' he said. 'You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.'

I don't know how much more of a spiritual high one could have than to be the first person to confess Jesus to be the Christ. Peter's spiritual precociousness and the Holy Spirit led him to this confession. But right after he attains this height Peter is plunged into the spiritual depths. He cannot fathom that the Christ will suffer and die. Jesus answers with his harshest rebuke to anyone: "Get behind me Satan!"

From the heights to the depths in a matter of moments. Of course, Jesus kicked Peter out of the disciples and Peter was never heard from again.

Wait, hold it. That didn't happen! Even at his lowest moments (and there were numerous low moments!) Jesus didn't abandon Peter. And of course Peter became the leader of the Church after Jesus' death.

Trying to keep our homes clean and healthy can produce spiritual highs and lows - maybe not of this intensity, but highs and lows just the same. We do well, and we're up. We don't do so well, and we're down. It's comforting to know that even after Jesus rebuked Peter for being in league with Satan, he didn't abandon him. Indeed, six days later Jesus took Peter, James and John high up a mountain to observe Jesus' transfiguration. Yes, there are plenty of highs and lows, but Christ's love remains steadfast.

Spiritual Health (Mk. 8:14-21) first posted: 03-Mar-03

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 'Be careful,' Jesus warned them. 'Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.' They discussed this with one another and said, 'It is because we have no bread.' Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: 'Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?' 'Twelve,' they replied. 'And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?' They answered, 'Seven.' He said to them, 'Do you still not understand?'

Yeast, a physical catalyst that Jesus used as a metaphor for the spreading of both good (Lk. 13:18-21) and harmful spiritual dynamics, is used here in the latter sense. But the disciples have absolutely no clue, fixated as they are only on the physical. How could they think Jesus was referring to the fact that they only had one loaf of bread when he had just fed 4,000 men (not including women and children) - and the baskets of leftovers totaled the holy numbers 12 and 7? When will they develop spiritual discernment?

In a similar way, health is more than just the physical. It is both the physical and the spiritual. Jesus provides physical bread to the crowds (just as God provides for our daily physical needs), but he is also spiritual bread. Our spiritual and physical health depend upon our relationship to Him.

We cannot lose sight of the importance of spiritual health to our overall health. How can you and your family have ears to hear and eyes to see? A good place to start is by having a regular time of prayer and Bible study.

Upsetting Sensibilities (Mk. 7:31-37) first posted: 27-Jan-03

Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man. After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, "Ephphatha!" (which means, "Be opened!" ). At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. People were overwhelmed with amazement. "He has done everything well," they said. "He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."

Let's be frank. The stark picture of Jesus' healing activities in this story could upset the sensibilities of polite company. Maybe that’s part of the reason Jesus drew him aside. For Jesus to put his fingers in the man’s ears and touch his tongue with his spit – well, that’s a little too close for comfort for most folks.Let’s be frank again. Keeping our homes, our loved ones, ourselves, and our neighborhoods healthy sometimes involves activities that are unpleasant or that could upset the sensibilities of polite company. But Jesus’ example here tells us to do what it takes to achieve health for others. Remember this the next time you need to do something you might think is unpleasant in order to help keep your home or neighborhood healthy. If the Son of God was willing to do such things, so can we all.

Perseverance (Mk. 7:24-30) first posted: 20-Jan-03

Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. "First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." "Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter." She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

This encounter between Jesus and the Syro-Phoenician woman has always struck me as somewhat troubling, because Jesus seems harsh at first.But even while Jesus refuses her request in the beginning, he is treating her with the utmost respect. In arguing with her he is recognizing that even she, a female foreigner, can debate the Son of God – and win!What can we learn from this woman and her encounter with Jesus? In our relationship with Christ there are times when we must be bold and persevere. This woman found Jesus, even when he was trying to hide, and begged him to heal her sick child. Even then her mission was not yet successful, as at first Jesus appears to refuse her legitimate request. She persevered and achieved the healing of her daughter.When it comes to having a healthy home and neighborhood, we must continually pray to Christ to help us. We must be bold with our requests and endeavor to persevere.

Clean & Unclean (Mk.7:1-23) first posted: 13-Jan-03

The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were "unclean," that is, unwashed. (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.) So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?" He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.' " After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable. "Are you so dull?" he asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods "clean.") He went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' "

At first reading, one might think this text repudiates some of the tips on this website. "See, Jesus didn't care about washing hands and all this cleanliness stuff.

But the end of the passage makes clear what Jesus thinks is important: what is in our hearts. If our hearts are right, then we will know how to make the rules, when to adapt them, and even when to disregard them.

What should be in our hearts? The Great Commandments tell us: Love for God, Love for Neighbor, Love for self (and one's family). Love, Love, Love.What are our motivations for keeping our homes and neighborhoods clean? Rules for the sake of rules? Enforcing old rules to show that we are in charge? Or is our motivation love?

All Need Healing (Mk. 6:54-56 ) first posted: 16-Dec-02

As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went--into villages, towns or countryside--they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.

When we turn to the Gospels and look at Jesus' healing miracles, we encounter profound pictures of the human need to be healed by God. We see that the rich, the powerful, the despised, the destitute plead for healing. All are helpless, desperate. Many plead not for themselves, but for their loved ones.

In our text we see that many carried their sick loved ones on mats "to wherever they heard he was placing the sick in the marketplaces. These sick people, helped by their loved ones, begged to touch even the edge of his cloak to be healed.

Think about that for a moment. Visualize the picture in your mind. Who are you in the story? Are you the one helping, or are you the one begging to touch the hem of Christ's cloak?

Spiritually we are all in need of Christ's healing grace. We are all sick beggars in the marketplace desperate to touch the edge of the cloak of Christ's grace.

As those who work to create a healthy home and neighborhood, we are like those who placed their loved ones in the marketplace to be healed by the presence of the Great Physician. Jesus Christ is present with us always. He wants our family members to be healthy, and we have knowledge that can help us do this. Now we must pray that Christ's grace empowers us to continue to create healthy homes and neighborhoods.

Take Courage! (Mk. 6:45-51) first posted: 09-Dec-02

Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I.Don't be afraid." Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed.

Yes, this week we are revisiting the same text from last week, because it so perfectly fits this busy time of year. What is happening with the disciples in this text? What are they experiencing?

Imagine yourself as one of the disciples. You're in the boat, straining at the oars. Jesus has just performed an incredible miracle, and then tells you to leave him. You feel leaderless. You know your destination, but you feel lost all the same. You think, "Wow. Things were going great, and then Jesus leaves us. And now we're in this dumb boat in the middle of the lake at 3am straining against the wind and getting nowhere. I didn't sign up for this!

Just when you think things couldn't get any worse, you see a ghost walking on the water! You and the other disciples are terrified and trapped.

But it's not a ghost. It's Jesus. Immediately he speaks to you and says, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.So the next time you feel lost, the next time you feel like it's 3am and you're straining against the wind, or even the next time you feel terrified and trapped, hear the words of Jesus. "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid. And remember again the words of Paul, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13).

Take Time for Prayer (Mk. 6:45-51) first posted: 02-Dec-02

Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida , while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

It's easy for us to be "completely amazed with the disciples about the fact that Jesus walked on the water. But let's not miss some of the other things this text has to offer.

Why was Jesus separated from the disciples in the first place? Why was he alone? After all, he had just fed 5,000 men (not including women and children) with five loaves and two fish. Yet at one of the heights of his popularity Jesus "dismissed the crowd. Jesus is not in it for his own glory. He knew he needed to get re-centered and focus on the most important relationship: "he went up on a mountainside to pray.

Jesus performed the most astounding of miracles during his life. But he didn't do it for his own popularity or fame or glory. He did it to serve others and to teach them that His Messiahship is made up of doing the will of the Father, even if that means the ultimate sacrifice.

Whether we serve in obscurity or in the glare of fame, we all need to go up "on a mountainside to pray. We all need to stay centered in our relationship to God. Even at your busiest, take time for prayer.

Sharing What You Have (Mk. 6:35-44) first posted: 25-Nov-02

By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it's already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat." But he answered, "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "That would take eight months of a man's wages ! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?" "How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go and see." When they found out, they said, "Five--and two fish." Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

Jesus' words here to his disciples never cease to amaze me: "You give them something to eat.

Their response can roughly be translated: "Are you kidding!?

This text is so rich with lessons. Just like the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, so too do the lessons here continue to multiply.

But one lesson stands out for us today. It is that sharing what you have can result in miracles. We believe that here at HFHE. If more and more folks were to implement more and more of the tips we provide on how to keep one's home and family safe, then the results would multiply to the benefit of the whole community. For example, if more and more of us simply switched from using harsh chemicals to clean with to using hydrogen peroxide and vinegar we would significantly reduce toxic chemicals in our water supply. (See http://www.healthyfamiliesnow.org/Article.asp?Record=1017#nonToxic for instructions.)

You can help this process along by sharing with others the helpful tips on this site. Then we can marvel at how such goodness can multiply.

Take Time to Teach (Mk. 6:32-34) first posted: 18-Nov-02

So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things

As we saw in our last devotion, Jesus knew the value of rest. But today's text tells us that sometimes compassion for others is more important than rest. Jesus and the disciples would eventually get the rest they needed. But sometimes the needs of others takes precedence. Their need is greater and God gives us the grace to serve.

This is especially the case with children. But we must not overlook the fact that the crowd Jesus encountered, who were "like sheep without a shepherd, no doubt had many adults.

Let us remember to take the time to teach others about Jesus. Let us also share with them what we know about keeping a healthy home.

Find time To Rest (Mk. 6:30-31) first posted: 04-Nov-02

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.

Have you ever had times like these? When "so many people were coming and going that you didn't even have a chance to eat?

Jesus is so very wise. He knows that we need rest. We need Sabbaths. We need to let our bodies, our minds, our emotions, and our spirits have time to be restored.

These were exciting times for the disciples. They had just come back from their first mission trip without Jesus. During their trips they probably experienced many highs and lows; they were probably anxious, excited, at times discouraged, at other times filled with courage.As human beings we all need rest. Even Jesus needed rest. Make sure that both you and your family members get the rest you need. A healthy home is filled with people who get proper rest.

Evil (Mk. 6:21-29) first posted: 28-Oct-02

On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you." And he promised her with an oath, "Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom." She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" "The head of John the Baptist," she answered. At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter." The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. On hearing of this, John's disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

My wife and I live in Maryland in the Washington, DC area, which has recently been terrorized by the snipers. They murdered 10 people and critically wounded three. These were evil, horrific acts.

The Bible is not a book that either heightens the reality of evil (as in a bad Hollywood movie) or glosses over its presence in the world. This story about the death of John the Baptist is a simple, straightforward recounting of an evil act, a mother-daughter conspiracy, and a weak, corrupt man who was king. Herod knew it was wrong, and Herod's wife knew how to exploit his weaknesses and have God's prophet killed. This is clearly a family that does not know God.

The Bible does not gloss over evil or the cost of sin. Indeed, later in his gospel Mark will recount another conspiracy by religious leaders and governing authorities that will result in the death of not just a prophet, but the Son of God.

But while evil's presence is recognized, the Bible also proclaims that God is ultimately in charge. There is a resurrection. "In the world you have tribulation. But take courage. I have overcome the world (Jn.16:33).

Sent out to Preach & Heal (Mk. 6:7-13) first posted: 21-Oct-02

Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits. These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff--no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them. They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

Here are Jesus' instructions to his newly minted disciples. Travel light. Travel together. Stay with those who welcome you. Don't waste time with those who won't listen. Practice the ministry of healing and call others to a better life.

Travel light get rid of all spiritual and emotional baggage. This applies to keeping your home, too.

Travel together there are no lone wolf Christians. It's a journey in community. Make sure to have at least one Christian partner. When keeping your home safe and healthy, find someone else who is doing the same and support one another.

Stay with those who welcome you be with people who build you up, not tear you down, including supporting your choices to keep you home and neighborhood safe and healthy. And be someone who welcomes others. Teach them in your own home how they can have a healthy home.

Don't waste time with those who won't listen if people don't appreciate that you're a Christian, or don't appreciate it when you share with them tips on how to keep their loved ones healthy, move on to those who will listen.

Heal and call others to a better life be a healer in your relationships, and continue to put into practice the tips we offer on this website.

Without Honor (Mk. 6:1-6) first posted: 15-Oct-02

Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor." He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith.

Jesus' statement here is truly amazing. A prophet is without honor "among his relatives and in his own house … We usually remember the part about a prophet not having honor in his own hometown. We might assume that when he says a prophet does not receive honor "in his own house that he might be referring metaphorically to his local religious community or his hometown. But that's hard to square with this text that mentions all the names of Jesus' brothers and that he had sisters the only one to do so in Scripture besides the same story in Matthew (13:53-58). Jesus explicitly says "among his relatives and in his own house. It seems his family could not accept him for who he was.

Sometimes it is hard for family members to accept changes in us that are for the better. With a hint of sarcasm they may ask "what's this wisdom that has been given you? Or maybe "you think you're so smart? or "you think you're better than us?Maybe you've decided to run your home in a different spiritual manner than what you grew up with (e.g. prayers at mealtimes, regular attendance at church, family devotions). Or maybe you have decided to implement some of the tips on our website. Whatever the positive change you have made that results in opposition from family members and others who have known you growing up, it's comforting to know that Jesus faced the same thing. You may be hurt by their lack of confidence in you. Jesus felt something similar, because "he was amazed at their lack of faith. Yet his ministry continued. In fact, so confident was Jesus in his ministry that the very next thing he did was to send out his support group (the 12 apostles) to do the work of the Kingdom. So pray to Jesus to give you courage even in the face of opposition from those who should be your support.

Don't Be Afraid, Just Believe (Mark 5:22-24, 35-43) first posted: 07-Oct-02

Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live. So Jesus went with him…While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead, they said. "Why bother the teacher any more? Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe. He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep. But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum! (which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up! ). Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.

"Don't be afraid, just believe. These five words of Jesus to Jairus nearly distill down the entirety of Christian faith.

Can you trust Jesus as your Savior? Don't be afraid, just believe. Can you trust Jesus to be with you when your children or loved ones are in serious trouble? Don't be afraid, just believe. Can you trust Jesus when others give you bad news about those you love and all hope seems lost? Don't be afraid, just believe. Can you trust Jesus with the health of your loved ones? Don't be afraid, just believe.Like Jairus, we must also do our part. He was proactive and sought out healing for his daughter. We must also be proactive in utilizing the information on this site and other reliable sources to help create the conditions for health for our families. In the end, however, it's quite simple. Don't be afraid, just believe.

Desperately Touching Jesus (Mk. 5:26-34) first posted: 30-Sep-02

And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal … and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, 'Who touched my clothes?' 'You see the people crowding against you,' his disciples answered, 'and yet you can ask, "Who touched me?' But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.'

This is one of the most moving passages in all of Scripture. Because of her bleeding, she would have been considered unclean by Old Testament law (Lev. 15:25-27). She's been bankrupted by her disease and is an outcast because of it twelve years an outcast. She's so desperate that she is willing to make Jesus "unclean by touching him. And when Jesus searches for the one who was healed, she falls at his feet trembling with fear. She exposes her shame to everyone. She admits to touching him, making him unclean. She could have thought, "What will he do to me? Will he explode in wrath for touching him and making him unclean?

Jesus' response is quite the opposite. He has shared her shame and through this healing experience they are now family. He calls her "daughter. He says, "your faith has healed you. The greek word for healing here implies both physical and spiritual healing. She has been made whole by the Great Physician of body and soul.When our faith in Jesus leads us to make our homes, our neighborhoods, and our churches healthier places, when we reduce pollution that makes our air and water "unclean and a health burden to someone else's body, then we are sharing in the healing of Christ and are healed ourselves in the process. Then we hear Jesus say to us, "Your faith has healed you.

When Troubles are Legion (Mk. 5:6-8, 18-20) first posted: 23-Sep-02

"When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, 'What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!' For Jesus had said to him, 'Come out of this man, you evil spirit!' Then Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?' 'My name is Legion,' he replied, 'for we are many.' And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area … As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, 'Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.' So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

Hopefully neither you nor your family members have faced the problem this poor man faced! But maybe there are times when you feel your problems are legion and are like demons warring inside you. Pray to Christ to cast out your worries and troubles, and ask for His presence and guidance in dealing with all your problems. Or maybe it is time to recognize that just as Jesus healed this man, so too does he help to make you and your family healthy in ways you will never fully understand. Just like the one who was healed, maybe it's time to tell your family and neighbors what the Lord has done for you.

In keeping with sharing about the good things the Lord has done for us, we're trying to share the good news of all the ways we can help keep our loved ones healthy. Why don't you help us by letting others know about this site? Forward them this devotion, or send them an email with alink to our site.

When Storms Come Have Faith (Mk. 4:35-41) first posted: 16-Sep-02

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side. Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown? He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still! Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!

This is such a wonderful story because it so aptly applies to our lives today. How many times do the storms of life nearly swamp your boat? Does it seem at those times that Jesus is asleep on the job? What's he doing back there in the stern sleeping? Doesn't he care about what's happening to us!?

Maybe part of the storm of your life is that you are worried about the health of your family. Maybe trying to create a healthy home and community at times becomes like waves washing over your boat in a furious storm -- just one more thing to swamp your life. Then Jesus says, "Quiet! Be still! Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?

When storms come, have faith. Christ, the Creator, Sustainer, and Reconciler of all of life, is with you. Have faith in Him.

Small Beginnings (Mk. 4:30-32) first posted: 09-Sep-02

Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade."

Who would have ever thought to compare the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed? If you asked folks to describe the Kingdom of God, most probably would think in grandiose, elaborate terms. Bustling cities with incredible buildings nestled in tremendous, awe-inspiring landscapes. Who would think of "the smallest seed you plant in the ground? Jesus did.

Jesus came into the world as a poor, homeless, helpless infant. No real fanfare to speak of. From the point of view of the world, an insignificant, inauspicious beginning. Sort of like the mustard seed.

Time and again God confounds us with how He accomplishes His will. We think fanfare. Then God comes in a "gentle whisper (I Kings 19:12), or in the baby Jesus.

God's will can arise via seemingly small, inauspicious beginnings.You may think that how you clean your bathroom is not very grand, not very important. It may not be the stuff that gets written up in People magazine or is the highlight of a blockbuster Holywood movie. But being faithful in the "little things is quite important to God. Helping our families and others stay healthy is one of the seeds of the Kingdom of God in this world. Just like the mustard seed, from small beginnings that are faithful to God's will come marvelous outcomes. Jesus knew this. He himself is like the mustard seed. From homeless, helpless infant to King of Kings.

A Seed Growing Secretly (Mk. 4:26-29) first posted: 02-Sep-02

This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.

Jesus' parable of the seed growing secretly is a reminder that there is much we don't know about God's providential care. But there are things we can do to participate in it.The farmer cultivates the seed; however, the farmer didn't create the seed -- it came from God's loving hand. So too we have not created health; it also comes from God's creative graciousness and providence. But we are called to cultivate it. Every tip on this web site is a seed of health. Once planted "the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. You may not understand completely why the tips help us avoid harm but God knows. "All by itself the soil produces grain first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head (v.28). Just so, our children, if given a healthy environment, grow into healthy adults. If you are attempting to implement any of the tips on our web site you are planting the seeds of health.

"Consider Carefully" and be "Given More" (Mk. 4:24-25: ) first posted: 19-Aug-02

"Consider carefully what you hear, he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.

The beginning of this chapter in Mark finds Jesus teaching, and throughout the chapter one idea keeps being emphasized: listen hard and understand Jesus' teachings. So in verse 24 Jesus says, "Consider carefully what you hear.

We have to make an effort to understand Jesus' teaching and then let such understanding enrich our lives. The greater effort we make or the size of the "measuring utensil we use will determine how much we receive. The more we allow Jesus' teachings to manifest themselves in our lives, the more benefits we will receive. Those who do not listen and apply Jesus' teachings will find the most important things of life will not be theirs.We believe that all knowledge that helps us keep our loved ones and others healthy is ultimately from Jesus Christ, the Great Physician of body and soul. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn. 14:6). The more we apply the knowledge on this website that leads to bodily and spiritual health, the healthier our loved ones and others will be. So, "consider carefully all that we offer you, because "Whoever has will be given more.

The Concealed Revealed (Mk. 4:21-23) first posted: 12-Aug-02

He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put in under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.

One is almost tempted to say that Jesus' shorter parables are even more amazing than his longer ones. They're both equally amazing, of course. But the shorter ones have so much meaning packed into them that they truly are astounding.

Jesus' words here are so simple, so straightforward, so utterly filled with common sense that he leaves no room for argument. You really can't say here, "… but on the other hand …

After all, who would hide a source of light somewhere where it would not be able to do its job? Only someone who actually didn't want the light to do its job. That's why Jesus quickly adds the second part: the hidden will be disclosed, the concealed will be brought out into the open.

But we must be honest and say that sometimes we don't want the light to shine everywhere in our lives. This really is a game we play with ourselves, because everything is revealed to God.

When it comes to maintaining a healthy home, we hope our website is a lamp of useful knowledge that shows people the way to better health! We're desperately trying not to hide this light and ask that you pray for us and help us spread the word! And we pray that the light of health will not be hidden in your home.

Sown in Good Soil (Mk. 4:3-8, 13-20) first posted: 05-Aug-02

"Listen to this! Behold, the sower went out to sow; as he was sowing, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil. And after the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold … And He said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.

The good news is that the fullness of the Kingdom of God has arrived in Jesus Christ, and is available, through grace, to His followers. Part of that Kingdom is health in all its fullness. How does each of us accept this Word? In this parable Jesus presents some options, some typical outcomes. How does this apply to receiving the good news on this site concerning what we can do to enhance our health and that of our families and neighbors?

Are some of you like soil along the road, so compacted that nothing can get through? Hopefully not! Let's quickly move on.

Are you rocky soil? Do you immediately receive the good news about health, and the tips available on this website, with joy and enthusiasm, but when things get a little hard, is your stamina gone? Pray for strength!

Or are you like seeds among thorns, where the false lure of unhealthy commercial products chokes off your willingness to pursue health? Pray for faithfulness!

Or are you like good soil, producing abundant health for all those around you? Pray and thank Christ for His abundant grace and mercy to you! Health is part of the good news of the Great Physician. Doing things to achieve health for ourselves and others is part of being a disciple of Jesus, part of doing the good news. Our prayer is that your heart is fertile soil for the health tips we provide.

A House Divided Cannot Stand (Mk. 3:24-25 ) first posted: 29-Jul-02

"If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

These simple but profound words from Jesus are clear and unambiguous. They apply equally to families, churches, businesses, and nations. Indeed, in 1858 Abraham Lincoln stated of the nation, "A house divided against itself cannot stand.

A family deeply divided will never be able to be the family God intends it to be. It will never be able to stand united in common cause.It's essential to have your family united behind the idea that the health of the family is vital. Then when necessary changes are implemented to protect the family's health you stand together. The most important way to become united is by having the Lordship of Jesus Christ at the center of your family. Then there will be no question that the health of the family is vital.

You're Not Crazy (Mk. 3:20-21, 31-35) first posted: 15-Jul-02

Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind." … Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you." "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Have you ever been in the midst of a project or course of action and had someone in your family say to you, "You're crazy!. In our text today we find Jesus was not even able to eat due to his ministry. When his family heard about that they said, "He is out of his mind.

It was his Father's will that Jesus embody the Kingdom of God in his preaching, teaching, and healing. At this point in his ministry his family didn't understand this.

Jesus was certainly no aesthetic. It's ironic that only a chapter earlier in Mark (2:18-20) he is being criticized for NOT fasting. Now his family thinks he's crazy because his ministry temporarily prevents him from eating. But Jesus didn't worry about missing a meal to do his Father's will because he trusted his Father to provide him what he needed.

When they tell Jesus his family is outside calling for him, Jesus' response could be construed as a harsh rebuke to them; he appears to almost sever his relations with them. Jesus' concern for the well-being of his mother even while dying on the cross clarifies that this is not the case (Jn. 19:26-27). Rather, what Jesus teaches us is that our family is wider than our blood relations. That's why Christians call themselves brothers and sisters. Jesus' actions of care, in the form of healing and teaching, extended well beyond his blood relations. They extended even to his enemies.It is God's will that you do what you can to make your loved ones and your neighbors and church members healthy and safe. Some may say, "You're crazy!. Remember to trust the Father when you are doing His will, just like Jesus did.

Opposition (Mk. 3:1-6) first posted: 08-Jul-02

Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone." Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

You wouldn't think that trying to help others, including loved ones, to be healthy would be controversial. But it can be. After all, we're dealing with how and what we eat, with how we clean and run our homes. Like all family issues, these can sometimes be touchy. Folks can get defensive. Doing things the healthy way is nearly always the best way. That means if someone is not doing it the healthy way, they may conclude you are judging them for doing it the wrong way if you show them a healthier approach.As our text demonstrates, Jesus experienced controversy and opposition when he defied the status quo to create health. We probably won't experience the extent of opposition Jesus eventually faced. But as his followers we certainly have a Savior who understands when we encounter opposition to creating the conditions for health. If you do encounter opposition, remember that your Savior is right beside you. Pray to Him to help you. Ask Him to give you strength of conviction and humility of spirit.

Breaking Old Rules (Mk. 2:23-28) first posted: 01-Jul-02

One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?" He answered, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions." Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."

The human body needs rest to be healthy. God does not need rest, but did so anyway on the seventh day of creation as an example for us, as the fourth of the 10 commandments teaches us (Ex. 20:8-11).

To be healthy the human body also needs food. Jesus understood this so well he let his disciples violate the received tradition's interpretation of the fourth commandment. Rest and food go together; they help to create a healthy body; a healthy body gives glory to God, its Maker. This is at the heart of the Sabbath.

In trying to protect the sanctity of the Sabbath, the Pharisees had lost sight of its true meaning. Encrusted rules hid the essence of the Sabbath from their eyes.Sometimes we can be like the Pharisees. We let old rules obscure the actual goal. This especially can be the case with family issues such as food and how to keep the home clean. You and other members of your family may have grown up with certain "rules about how to clean or what to eat and how to prepare it. The tips on this website might break some of these rules. Keep in mind the goal: health. Jesus broke some rules, but not God's intent.

New Wine (Mk. 2:22) first posted: 17-Jun-02

No one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins

The wonderful thing about Jesus' parables is that there are many lessons to draw from them. One way to understand this parable is that sometimes the new and the old don't mix. New wine and old skins won't work.

In our own lives there are old ways of doing things that don't fit with being a Christian. But when the Spirit of Christ enters us like new wine, to change us and make us better with age -- then new, Christ-like ways are possible.In caring for your home and neighborhood, there may be old ways of doing things that are less safe for your loved ones and neighbors. Let the new wine of Christ's Spirit fill you and help you change to safer and healthier ways of living.

Matthew's Example (Mk. 2:14-17) first posted: 11-Jun-02

As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Levi (or Matthew) just may be the disciple who made the most dramatic turn-around of them all. As a tax collector for the Romans he was a traitor who financially oppressed his fellow citizens. He went from being considered the scum of the earth to having a gospel named after him.

Matthew could have thought, "I'm too great of a sinner to follow Jesus. On his own the answer was clearly yes. But not when Jesus called him. He followed. He left everything and followed Jesus. And when he died there was a Christian community he helped to form that preserved his gospel. And because of this his name has been known down through the centuries and throughout the world.

Maybe you've thought, "There's just so much to do to create a healthy home and neighborhood. I don't think I can do it. The thing is, you're right. But Jesus is calling you. Why? Because, just like those of us here at HFHE, you are a sinner. You're a sinner and you're being called precisely because you are one. That's grace.Jesus calls you to care for your family and your neighbors. Keeping a healthy home, yard, and neighborhood helps fulfill your calling to follow Him. It's not too hard, because Jesus is with you. If, with Jesus' help, Matthew could be so completely transformed, then through His grace you can help to transform your home, yard, and neighborhood.

Jesus Heals Home & Neighborhood (Mk. 1:29-34) first posted: 04-Jun-02

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases.

Finding health in the home, being healed at the doorstep. That's what we find here at the beginning of Mark's Gospel. There may not be a better picture in the Gospels to demonstrate to us that Jesus helps us create healthy homes and neighborhoods. That's what he does here. Jesus restores Peter's mother-in-law to health. But not only her, Jesus heals everyone in the neighborhood who comes to the door. Picture these scenes in your mind.

If we believe that Jesus is with us, in our hearts, that he walks along side us, then Jesus is present in our homes and neighborhoods. He's with us when we work to make our homes a healthy place for our loved ones. He's with us when we work to make our neighborhoods a healthy place. Make this spiritual truth real in your own life acknowledge Jesus' presence in your attempts to make a healthy home and neighborhood! Remember Jesus' promise: "Behold, I am with you, even to the end of the age" (Mt. 28:20).

"I am willing" (Mk. 1:40-44) first posted: 27-May-02

A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, ‘If you are willing, you can make me clean.' Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,' he said. ‘Be clean!' Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.

From a Christian perspective this text is a metaphor for the human condition. Our souls are unclean because of our sinful nature and actions. We should all be required to walk around and yell, "Unclean, unclean! We are all this man.

The text tells us not only who we are, but who Jesus is. He is the One who is willing to make us clean. "I am willing. Be clean! Jesus stretches out his nail-scarred hands and heals us all of our unrighteousness.

This man was actually quite fortunate, because he knew that Jesus could heal him. But would he? The man discovers that Jesus is the Great Physician of both body and soul.

It's quite important to understand that this text is not just a metaphor. Jesus actually healed the man's body.When we work to create healthy homes and communities, we work knowing that Jesus has healed our souls. But we also work knowing that restoring human health is an essential part of the good news that Jesus came to bring. In creating health in the name of Jesus we proclaim the Gospel.

Shipwrecked, But Still Healing (Acts 28: 1, 7-9) first posted: 20-May-02

Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta … Publius, the chief official of the island … welcomed us to his home … His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured

The context for this passage is that Paul and Luke are traveling to Rome under guard where Paul will stand trial for his life before Caesar. During that voyage they become shipwrecked on the island of Malta.

Paul certainly has his detractors. We at Healthy Families, Healthy Environment (HFHE) are certainly not among them! We are continually amazed and inspired by his life. In this text we see Paul again giving of himself by healing others of physical ailments. He's going to trial for his life, he's just been through weeks of violent storms at sea, his boat has been shipwrecked, and he's just been bitten by a snake. So what does Paul do? He heals those in need.When you become tired or frustrated in your attempts to help create a healthy home and neighborhood, remember the example of the Apostle Paul. And remember that the grace that empowered him, empowers you.

When Giving Becomes Receiving (Acts 20:32-35) first posted: 14-May-02

"Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified … You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'

These are Paul's last words to the Ephesians. They weep because they know they will never see him again. But though this parting brings tears, it also brings forth these incredible words of blessing and encouragement.

What a tremendous text this is! Paul is giving, giving, giving of himself to them and to us. He gives them a blessing by commiting them "to God and to the word of his grace, which Paul himself taught them. He gave to them through the example of his hard work work that helped those who are less able. Paul gives to them and to us words of Jesus (found no where else in Scripture but here). And it is these words that explain why Paul gives and gives and gives: "

It is more blessed to give than to receive

. When giving becomes receiving, we experience a taste of the Christian maturity that Paul had.Creating an healthy home and community by addressing health concerns in the environment is to experience the blessing that comes from giving, giving, giving. When giving becomes receiving, we are on the road towards Christian maturity.

In Him We Live and Move and Have our Being (Acts 17:22-31) first posted: 07-May-02

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that all would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' "Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone--an image made by man's design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.

Paul walked into what was perhaps the greatest intellectual gathering in the world at that time and boldly proclaimed the word of God. Afterwards, some made fun of what he said. We might think of Paul as having a great deal of courage for doing this. However, he would have known that any strength or courage he possessed came from Christ: "For I can do everything through Him who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13).

In his message Paul makes some profound statements about God and about us and in so doing he demonstrates the connections all of humanity has to God and to each other. We all have a common ancestry. We all have God as our Creator and Father. We are all therefore kin both in blood and through God's Spirit. And God is "not far from each of us because "'in Him we live and move and have our being.'

The closeness of God is quite comforting, but it is also a challenge to our own unrighteousness. How can we, who are unholy, be close to the Holy and not perish!? It is only through the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. As Paul again says, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom. 7:24-25).

Paul's example does comfort us with the knowledge that Christ's grace will strengthen us for the tasks He has for us. Paul's words remind us of our connection to everyone. Paul helps us see that indeed everyone is family. Thus, to keep our "family healthy is to help keep everyone healthy. To help keep everyone healthy is to keep clean the abode of God, for "in Him we live and move and have our being.

Positive Change Can Cause Conflict (Acts 17:1-9) first posted: 29-Apr-02

When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ, he said. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women.

But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting: "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus. When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.

It's amazing how the good news about Jesus can lead to such things as riots. Positive change can bring conflict, and sometimes the more positive the change is, the more resistance we meet.

Jesus wants all people to be healthy. His followers should do what they can to promote health. That's why we've created this website. We're trying to be faithful.

When you encounter resistance for trying to make your home, community, and church a healthier place, remember how much resistance the early church encountered in preaching the Gospel, which from the beginning was about bodily and spiritual health. Then reflect on how the Church has grown over 2,000 years from such humble beginnings. From small beginnings can come great things.

Servants Becoming Leaders (Acts 6:1-6) first posted: 22-Apr-02

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

Have you ever noticed in Acts that it is those chosen to do the practical work of dealing with food that end up dominating the next several chapters? The ones chosen to be the servants become the spiritual leaders! Stephen gives a tremendous sermon and becomes the Church's first martyr. Philip does the first recorded evangelism outside of Jerusalem. These are vitally important happenings in the life of the earlyChurch. And who is doing them? The food servers. The ones who serve. One wonders if the apostles had lost sight of the servant leadership model of Christ.

Serving food is a spiritual act. Making sure our loved ones have healthy food is the type of servant leadership that follows in the footsteps of Christ.

Healthy Bodies & Bread (Lk. 24:28-33) first posted: 15-Apr-02

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

This is such a rich text. We could spend our lives studying and meditating upon it and never exhaust its spiritual guidance for our lives.

Two disciples who have not been mentioned in Luke's gospel until now are suddenly thrust center stage and are part of the resurrection appearances of Jesus a profoundly important element of the gospel. They are on the road to Emmaus when Jesus comes up and joins them. However, they are prevented from recognizing him until a dramatic moment when he breaks the bread.

They recognize Jesus at the moment of breaking bread because He is the Bread of Life. Their joy comes from the realization that Jesus' resurrection in bodily form has actually occurred. His bodily resurrection provides us with the hope we have that we too will be raised.When we strive to keep our families healthy by feeding them healthy food and doing things to protect their bodies from threats in the environment, we can gain spiritual sustenance by remembering that Jesus is the pure, unblemished Bread of Life, that his bodily resurrection is our hope. We are all on the road to Emmaus, and Jesus may join us at any time. Let's be ready to present him with healthy bodies and healthy bread.

Stop Doubting & Believe (Jn. 20:24-29) first posted: 08-Apr-02

Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"

But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

A little over a week has past since Easter. That's about how much time elapsed before Jesus appeared to Thomas.

The good news for us is in the last verse: "blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Jesus blesses us.

But are there times when you feel like a doubting Thomas? In our context of creating a healthy home and community there are times when you may give in to doubt and despair: there's too much to do; it won't make a difference anyway.

In these times picture yourself in the room with the disciples. Jesus appears before you and says: "Peace be with you!.He's the Great Physician! Everything you do to create a healthy home and community matters to Him. Stop your doubting, and believe.

Not From Empty Conceit (Phil. 2:1-3) first posted: 01-Apr-02

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing in