• Jesus-Style Living

    Jesus's first action at the Last Supper provides powerful insight into one aspect of "Jesus-style" living. He wrapped Himself with a towel, picked up a basin of water, knelt before the disciples, and performed the act of the lowliest servant...washing their feet. He used that awkward, yet mind blowing moment, to instruct them in true, God-reflecting servanthood.


    Think about your style of living today as you seek to hear from God. I must ask, what is "Curtis-style" living? Does it resemble the example of my Savior? How far off am I?


    There is always room to improve your story and change your narrative by seeking the help of God as you strive to reflect Jesus in your life.

    1. Blessed (Matthew 5)

      When we think of blessings, or being "blessed," we might come up with images of financial security, good health, great family, prestige, etc. However when Jesus spoke to the crowd on the side of a mountain, during His famous "Sermon on the Mount," His rendition of "blessed" described blessed people as "poor in spirit," "those who mourn," "meek," "peacemakers," etc. Those who fit these descriptions are blessed because their reward in heaven is great. The benefits in this life include fulfillment, joy, and peace. Although Jesus describes the road less traveled because it is not an easy road, it is still the road to true happiness in the Lord.

      1. Mum's the Word

        Mum's the Word?

        In Mark 7:31-37, some folks brought their friend to Jesus, in hopes that he would be healed by Jesus's touch. This friend suffered from deafness and a speech impediment. Jesus took the man aside, touched his ears and tongue, and said, "'Ephphatha,' that is, 'Be opened.'" The man could immediately hear and speak. Jesus instructed everyone to say nothing about this. In other words "Mum's the word!"


        Well, "mum" was the only word the formerly deaf and speech-impaired man had ever known. Historically, the "mum" in "mum's the word" was "mmm" -- the sound one makes with a closed mouth, showing unwillingness or inability to speak.


        It is a mystery to me why Jesus often told those He healed to "say nothing," because the first thing they did was say something. Wouldn't you?


        If Jesus has changed your life -- if He is your hope and joy -- if you love Him because of His unspeakable love for you - if you have experienced His healing power and presence...mum is NOT the word. Tell somebody today!


        1. Are you a "Carrier" or a "Carry-ee?"

          Mark 2:1-12 records the story of some people who carried their paralyzed friend (on his bed) to see Jesus. They were determined that Jesus would heal him...they had faith. When they couldn't get in the normal way because of the crowd listening to Jesus, they climbed up on the roof...carrying their friend on his bed! They ripped away some of the roof, carefully lowering their friend, bed and all, down to the feet of Jesus. If you've read the story you know that, in spite of some naysayers in the crowd, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Rise, take up your bed, and go home."

          How amazing! The "carriers" rescued their friend, the "carry-ee," by exercising their faith on his behalf.


          Seasons will come when you need your brothers and sisters to carry you, in faith, to Jesus in prayer. When you are unable to do it on your own, you need them to lift you up.


          Other seasons will arise when God calls you and others to carry someone else who can't do it on their own.


          We will all face seasons of weakness...seasons that require others to carry us to Jesus. Further, we will also encounter situations that place us in the position to pick up someone else and carry them to the Lord in prayer and active support.


          The "carriers" in Mark 2 witnessed the healing of their friend because they knew where to take Him. Let us be challenged to care for others so much that we instinctively take them to Jesus...the only one who can meet our deepest needs.

          1. Do Not Weep

            (Luke 7:11-17) "Do Not Weep"


            Jesus spoke these words to a grieving widow who now walked beside her only son's casket...en route to bury him. In the midst of her deep sorrow, she faced a future of destitution and misery. In that culture, widows needed their adult sons to care for them because they had no other source of assistance and no real way to make a living.

            Then Jesus touched the casket and called out, "Young man, I say to you, rise up!" To the utter shock of everyone in the procession, the man sat up and began to speak. I'm just guessing, but I can imagine the men carrying the casket nearly jumping out of their skin, possibly even dropping the casket. It's not every day pallbearers encounter a corpse coming back to life.


            As you can imagine...the crowd cried out in fear. The fear quickly turned to awe and wonder, as they glorified God and told everyone of this amazing event.

            This day, so many centuries later, let us experience the encouragement and power of our risen Savior. He speaks life into the dead, frightening, or fear-inducing areas of your life, "Do not weep!"

            1. FAITH MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

              In Mark 5:21-34, a desperately sick woman sought out Jesus because she suffered from an incurable disease - none of the doctors had been able to help her. It was a large crowd....she wouldn't be able to speak to Jesus. She thought, "let me touch the hem of Jesus's garment - perhaps that will be all it takes to heal me. What have I to lose?" She had no sooner touched the hem when she recognized the healing power of Jesus in her body. At the same instant, Jesus knew someone had touched Him and received the benefit of His power.

              How is your faith today? I have no doubt that God is able to do the impossible. At times, my faith is weak. But I still have faith because God has given each person a "measure of faith." In the face of weak faith, what should we do? Strength training -- exercise your faith regularly and it will grow.

              1.  — Edited

                Read Nehemiah 4:14–20; Ecclesiastes 4:9; Hebrews 10:24. "Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil." -- Ecc. 4:9 (ESV) Nobody should lead a cause alone. We are all meant to work together in unity and in collaboration toward God’s end results. Just as Nehemiah’s leadership involved delegation to a variety of people, you may be a part of aiding your leader or you may need others to come alongside of you. Take action steps to work with all your heart for a cause and learn to bring other people along for the journey. You can trust God to provide!

                1. I read Mark 4:35-41 -- The Sea of Galilee was raging and Jesus slept like a baby in the stern of the boat...until the Disciples woke Him up and asked Him if He even cared that they were about to drown. He looked out, said "peace be still!" and the storm ceased. They were amazed -- Jesus said, in essence, "What's it going to take for you to believe? Your faith should be stronger by now!" He is saying to the storm in our lives today, "Peace be Still!" Dare to believe -- dare to give your worry and fear to Him.

                  1. Read Proverbs 3:5–6; Matthew 28:19–20; 2 Corinthians 5:17. Pay attention to the vision and burden you have in your heart. When you know where your leadership and efforts are needed, it is time to step out and rise up. Take time to turn your efforts into seeking God. Start clean with God before you venture out. Do you need to repent? Don’t let your past issues keep you from moving forward. Acknowledge your dependence on the Lord, thank Him for His help, and trust His leading for the next step. Listen closely so you only do what God is asking—no more and no less—before you rush off to conquer something on your own. Assemblies of God. (2020). Listen: Adult. Assemblies of God; Springfield, MO.

                    1. Bible Engagement: Read Deuteronomy 31:6; Nehemiah 8:10; Proverbs 16:3; Isaiah 41:10. If you want to see God do great things or even change situations, then you have to expect that your life is going to be complicated. When you launch out in God’s plan, there will be opposition. Just because God calls you to do something doesn’t mean it will be easy. People you love may not understand. Finances may be low. Your health may be attacked. Everything you do may not work. But you don’t have to second-guess what will happen. God can be trusted to help you! Nehemiah prayed, made a plan to ward off the opposition, and then praised God in the midst of his battles. And God was faithful! Assemblies of God. (2020). Listen: Adult. Assemblies of God; Springfield, MO.