Real Life by Peggi Tustan

Welcome to  Real Life . I am quick to pick up the gavel and play judge.  That person is so wrong!  But, whose rules am I using?  Am I going by God's rules or making up my own? How do we get it so wrong? The Pharisees were the theologians of Jesus’ day. They studied God’s Word. They knew the law. They kept the law. The problem: they added to the law. God set aside the seventh day, the Sabbath, as a day of rest. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were so bent on policing and adding stipulations to the “no work” rule that they forgot the reason behind the rule. It’s for our benefit. These bodies of flesh grow tired. If we keep working without taking a break, our bodies and minds break. Rest is critical for good health. Twice, the Pharisees condemn Jesus for breaking the Sabbath. First, he and his disciples are crossing a grain field. The disciples pick and eat some grain. The Pharisees notice. They accuse Jesus of letting his disciples break the Sabbath l...

Welcome to Real Life . What do I really need? I want God to bless me with strength, health, and enough money to make me happy today. While, he is focused on my long-term needs. After people heard of Jesus’ miraculous healings, crowds hounded him everywhere. In Capernaum, he was teaching in a home. So many gathered; the crowd overflowed outside of the door. Four men arrived carrying their paralyzed friend. Seeing the wall of people and determined to reach Jesus, they dug through the flat, clay roof. Then, they lowered their friend into the room where Jesus stood. Seeing this, Jesus was amazed by their faith. “Son, your sins are forgiven,” he told the paralyzed man. A few teachers of the law were present. “This man is blaspheming. Who can forgive sin but God?” they thought to themselves. These experts in the law clearly recognized Jesus’ claim to divinity. Only God can forgive sin. And only God can hear unspoken thoughts. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Which is easier: to say to ...

Welcome to Real Life . Have you ever felt stuck? You don’t like where you are. But, you’re too afraid to move forward.  Israel is stuck. They had made incredible progress. With God’s strength, they escaped slavery in Egypt and crossed the desert. But, then, on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, they hesitate, fearful of what lies ahead. So, they decide to send in twelve men to spy out the land. Their report: The land is lush, flowing with milk and honey. BUT … the people are giants! They’ll squash us like grasshoppers.” Only two spies, Caleb and Joshua, exude confidence, “Let’s go in. With God on our side, we can take ‘em.” But, the people can’t shake the negative report. Fear has taken hold. They hate the desert, yet  lack the faith to enter the land . They grumble, “ If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken plunder. ”  They have forgotten. This is...

Welcome to Real Life . Life is far from perfect. There’s always much to complain about. But, who wants to hang around a complainer? “ Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain – and most fools do. ” Dale Carnegie (1888-1955) God’s nation of Israel is trapped in slavery to Egypt. Hi s people cry out to him for deliverance. He answers. He sends Moses to Pharaoh with a directive, “Let my people go!” But, Pharaoh refuses. Why give up his free labor? God gives him ten reasons. After the plagues devastate Egypt, Pharaoh lets God’s people go free. Though free, Israel must cross a desert wilderness to reach their homeland—the land God promised to Abraham’s descendants. The journey is long and hard. Food is scarce. God supernaturally provides manna (a type of grain to make bread). Before long, the people tire of manna. They crave the flavors of Egypt. “ Oh, for a nice fish filet. We’re sick to death of manna. Remember the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic we enjoyed in Egyp...

Welcome to Real Life . “Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.” [1]  These words were proclaimed every Sunday in the church I attended while growing up. I understood that Jesus died and rose again. But, I never thought about the “Christ will come again” part.  In the days before Jesus is crucified, he warns the disciples that he will soon die. But, the cross will not be the end. He will rise from the dead. Afterwards, he will go to heaven to prepare a place for them. Then, he promises to return for them at a later date. The disciples ask, “Tell us what will be the sign of your coming?”  “No one knows the day or hour when these things will happen,” Jesus says. He gives four word pictures to emphasize one point: his return will be unexpected.  First Picture. It will be like Noah’s day. People were throwing parties, getting married, and living their everyday lives right up until the moment the flood swept them away. I've seen footage of t...

Welcome to  Real Life . How often I have wished, “if only I had more money.” Money provides the freedom to do many things. It’s tempting to believe that if I were rich, my problems would disappear. But, what if my riches were my greatest problem?   “Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz?”   – song lyrics by Janis Joplin  A chauffeur-driven Mercedes rolls up to the temple gate. The car door swings open and a young man gets out. He flashes a blindingly white smile at the crowd that is gathering to admire his ride. He straightens his custom-tailored Armani suit, glances at his Rolex, and then strides through the temple gate. ( Okay, Mercedes weren't around in Jesus’ day, but this is how the scene might translate today.)  Approaching Jesus, the young man asks, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”  Jesus’ response is interesting, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only One who is good …” He answered t...

Welcome to  Real Life . "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison, then waiting for your enemy to die." – Anonymous  “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Peter boldly asks. Jesus’ answer must have come as a shock, “… not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” In other words, forgive and keep on endlessly forgiving. This doesn’t mean you ignore the offense (see “Taking it Further” below). But, you always forgive.  Certainly, generosity in forgiveness is appreciated (and often expected) when I am the offender. But, what about when I am the offended one? It's not so easy then.  Realizing this, Jesus tells a parable to help us view forgiveness from God’s perspective. The Kingdom of Heaven is like …  The CEO of a major corporation reviews his accounts. He notices an outstanding debt worth millions of dollars. He calls in the business owner responsible for the debt. The man explains, “My business is ...