Observation: As 2014 ends, we are another year closer to the coming of Jesus. It is 'sooner'.
Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Soon is Now Sooner
Scripture: He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20
Observation: As 2014 ends, we are another year closer to the coming of Jesus. It is 'sooner'.
Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus!
Observation: As 2014 ends, we are another year closer to the coming of Jesus. It is 'sooner'.
Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus!
Monday, December 29, 2014
The Unknowable
Scripture: And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down.” Revelation 10:4
Observation: In the midst of prophesy about the end times, information was given to John, but then he is told not to reveal it ... this is information that will not be shared with anyone. The angel who is speaks first, to whom the seven thunders respond, is holding a scroll of prophesy that John will receive, but the conversation itself will go undocumented.
Application: So many of us a seeking information about the end times. We look to the metaphors of Revelation and parallels to current day events or historical points. We know that some of the elements of the end times occur in the physical realm on earth, and some occur in the spiritual realm of heaven and thus are not seen. However, in this case it appears we have something occurring that we are not even allowed to guess about - a spiritual conversation that will never be revealed.
This is a reinforcement of the unknowable nature of the end times. We cannot know everything - we can only be faithful to our current work. In fact, it is possible that if we know too much, we will spend our time seeking out evidence of the end times, and lose perspective on our mission - the spreading of the gospel.
This is a path to becoming content as a believer: As a believer, we become secure in our own salvation as if that was the end objective of our purpose ... our salvation. That is of course critical, but no one's personal purpose is their salvation - it is always about others. So therefore we cannot know everything that would give us such security. Instead, we must live a life where we are striving for a new future that includes fulfilling our purpose through sharing the good news of Jesus.
Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus! But in the meantime, may thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Observation: In the midst of prophesy about the end times, information was given to John, but then he is told not to reveal it ... this is information that will not be shared with anyone. The angel who is speaks first, to whom the seven thunders respond, is holding a scroll of prophesy that John will receive, but the conversation itself will go undocumented.
Application: So many of us a seeking information about the end times. We look to the metaphors of Revelation and parallels to current day events or historical points. We know that some of the elements of the end times occur in the physical realm on earth, and some occur in the spiritual realm of heaven and thus are not seen. However, in this case it appears we have something occurring that we are not even allowed to guess about - a spiritual conversation that will never be revealed.
This is a reinforcement of the unknowable nature of the end times. We cannot know everything - we can only be faithful to our current work. In fact, it is possible that if we know too much, we will spend our time seeking out evidence of the end times, and lose perspective on our mission - the spreading of the gospel.
This is a path to becoming content as a believer: As a believer, we become secure in our own salvation as if that was the end objective of our purpose ... our salvation. That is of course critical, but no one's personal purpose is their salvation - it is always about others. So therefore we cannot know everything that would give us such security. Instead, we must live a life where we are striving for a new future that includes fulfilling our purpose through sharing the good news of Jesus.
Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus! But in the meantime, may thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Who Broke Which Laws?
Scripture: So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?” “If he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.” John 15:29-30
Observation: Once again, we see that the Jews refused to bring an actual charge against Jesus - that he was ultimately crucified despite the fact that the Jews refused to charge him with a crime, and the Roman government found him innocent. In this case, the Jews won't even answer the question about his charges; they basically say 'well, he must be a criminal, just look at him.'
Application: I am reminded how much the old testament law was designed to ultimately point to the redemption of mankind through Jesus. From the procedures for the Passover lamb, to a proper understanding of Sabbath rules, Jesus' life and death actually becomes the realization of the rituals Jews had blindly observed for over a thousand years. In fact, Deuteronomy includes a law pertaining to what to do with a person who is put to death while hanging on a pole in public ... this wasn't even a method of execution at the time the law was created!!
According to one source, Jesus' trial broke at least 14 different Jewish laws established in the old testament, one of which is the recording of the charges. The officials won't even speak charges, let alone write them down in order to have them judged.
I am amazed - not surprised, but amazed - how God had prepared for the salvation of all mankind over one thousand years in advance.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as we prepare to enter the Christmas celebration of Jesus' birth, thank you for reminding me of the salvation that comes from faith in his death and resurrection. I believe in the crucifixion, and that Jesus both died and rose again. That doesn't happened without his birth, but you were always in control of it happening. May we praise Jesus during our celebration!
Observation: Once again, we see that the Jews refused to bring an actual charge against Jesus - that he was ultimately crucified despite the fact that the Jews refused to charge him with a crime, and the Roman government found him innocent. In this case, the Jews won't even answer the question about his charges; they basically say 'well, he must be a criminal, just look at him.'
Application: I am reminded how much the old testament law was designed to ultimately point to the redemption of mankind through Jesus. From the procedures for the Passover lamb, to a proper understanding of Sabbath rules, Jesus' life and death actually becomes the realization of the rituals Jews had blindly observed for over a thousand years. In fact, Deuteronomy includes a law pertaining to what to do with a person who is put to death while hanging on a pole in public ... this wasn't even a method of execution at the time the law was created!!
According to one source, Jesus' trial broke at least 14 different Jewish laws established in the old testament, one of which is the recording of the charges. The officials won't even speak charges, let alone write them down in order to have them judged.
I am amazed - not surprised, but amazed - how God had prepared for the salvation of all mankind over one thousand years in advance.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as we prepare to enter the Christmas celebration of Jesus' birth, thank you for reminding me of the salvation that comes from faith in his death and resurrection. I believe in the crucifixion, and that Jesus both died and rose again. That doesn't happened without his birth, but you were always in control of it happening. May we praise Jesus during our celebration!
Monday, December 22, 2014
The Hour has Come
Scripture: Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." John 12:20-23
Observation: Jesus has repeatedly said before that his time has not yet come, that it will be soon, but is not yet. However, that suddenly changes ... there is a direct connection between the Greeks asking to see Jesus, and Jesus stating that the time has come for his true identity as Messiah to be revealed.
He goes on to again revisit his parables - that of scattering seed, and how one must lose their life to gain there life. And by revisiting these metaphors, we can now see what he was always talking about. The gospel is to be scattered to all nations and the entire world, and regardless of people's lives in the world, if they will follow Jesus, they will receive eternal life.
This is the connection: The entire world is ... NNNNOW ... ready to seek the Messiah, receive the gospel, believe in the God of Abraham by believing in the Son and just believing in the one who sent the Son. The hour has come ...
Application: I believe this same concept applies on the micro level that it did at the macro level. Jesus was saving the entire world, and thus God had prepared all of human history for a specific moment, and it arrived. At that time - with the majority of the world unified under one government and the rest of the world at least in communication with that central authority if not sharing in their philosophy and trade - it was time to redeem the world with the good news of God's love.
Today, this applies to individuals. Many individuals are not ready to receive that good news, and thus it is not time to reveal it to them. However, there will come a time - there will be an hour that comes - when that person is ready to hear about Jesus.
Will I be there to deliver that message? Or will someone else?
Prayer: Lord, we need revival in Seattle! This is a dark, dark place, where Satan is winning a lot of battles. There are souls here worth saving, and who would be written into your book of life if only they received the good news at the right time. Help me to be ever aware and alert, to be on the watch for those right times, and may be I prepared with your message when the hour arrives.
Observation: Jesus has repeatedly said before that his time has not yet come, that it will be soon, but is not yet. However, that suddenly changes ... there is a direct connection between the Greeks asking to see Jesus, and Jesus stating that the time has come for his true identity as Messiah to be revealed.
He goes on to again revisit his parables - that of scattering seed, and how one must lose their life to gain there life. And by revisiting these metaphors, we can now see what he was always talking about. The gospel is to be scattered to all nations and the entire world, and regardless of people's lives in the world, if they will follow Jesus, they will receive eternal life.
This is the connection: The entire world is ... NNNNOW ... ready to seek the Messiah, receive the gospel, believe in the God of Abraham by believing in the Son and just believing in the one who sent the Son. The hour has come ...
Application: I believe this same concept applies on the micro level that it did at the macro level. Jesus was saving the entire world, and thus God had prepared all of human history for a specific moment, and it arrived. At that time - with the majority of the world unified under one government and the rest of the world at least in communication with that central authority if not sharing in their philosophy and trade - it was time to redeem the world with the good news of God's love.
Today, this applies to individuals. Many individuals are not ready to receive that good news, and thus it is not time to reveal it to them. However, there will come a time - there will be an hour that comes - when that person is ready to hear about Jesus.
Will I be there to deliver that message? Or will someone else?
Prayer: Lord, we need revival in Seattle! This is a dark, dark place, where Satan is winning a lot of battles. There are souls here worth saving, and who would be written into your book of life if only they received the good news at the right time. Help me to be ever aware and alert, to be on the watch for those right times, and may be I prepared with your message when the hour arrives.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Bread of Life
Scripture: When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” John 6:25-27
Observation: The other day I mentioned a friend who said that Christianity was for weak people who couldn't handle life. One of the reasons that isn't true is right here ... Jesus warned against it, and as a result followers left him.
Jesus has just fed the 5,000, and many of those recipients came looking for him. However, Jesus tells them they are looking for him for the wrong reason - if they are in need of food, that's just seeking someone else to help them survive in life. They should instead be doing the work of God, which is believing in Jesus as Messiah, (verses 28-29). When they argued that God gave the Israelites actual food (verses 30-31), he teaches them they need to seek the 'bread of life' (verses 32-59).
By the end of this chapter, many of the 5,000 have found this teaching to be to hard (verse 60) and deserted him (verse 66).
In other words ... Jesus told them that they needed to quit looking for a handout, and instead do the work of God, and as a result the weak people left.
Application: Following Jesus - REALLY believing in Jesus - is NOT the easy way. It is not the path that allows those who are struggling in life to suddenly not struggle. It is instead that path that leads anyone into a future eternal life, and thus allows them perspective on the very real struggles of life.
I wish more Christians understood this. I see a lot of Christians who treat the church as a welfare organization that needs to take care of them because the "believe". They don't want to serve themselves, and they don't tithe, and they don't show up every Sunday, and they rarely pray, and the hate the worship music, and they disagree with the pastor's message ... but they claim they believe.
And what do others see? Obviously, they see weak people who can't handle life, and who don't have a life that reflects much good, but who attend church.
What they don't see enough is the core - those people who have just as much strife in life, but have their eyes set on a different prize ... on a different standard, and with lives that reflect that standard.
Prayer: Jesus, I do NOT want to judge, so please ... help me to stay focused on being one of your sheep. And then help me be a sheep that becomes a clear reflection of you in this world. I seek to serve you, and not concern myself with how others are serving you. May I show mercy and compassion, by both providing for practical needs of others WITH the context of Jesus. May I feed others with your bread of heaven - bread of life.
Observation: The other day I mentioned a friend who said that Christianity was for weak people who couldn't handle life. One of the reasons that isn't true is right here ... Jesus warned against it, and as a result followers left him.
Jesus has just fed the 5,000, and many of those recipients came looking for him. However, Jesus tells them they are looking for him for the wrong reason - if they are in need of food, that's just seeking someone else to help them survive in life. They should instead be doing the work of God, which is believing in Jesus as Messiah, (verses 28-29). When they argued that God gave the Israelites actual food (verses 30-31), he teaches them they need to seek the 'bread of life' (verses 32-59).
By the end of this chapter, many of the 5,000 have found this teaching to be to hard (verse 60) and deserted him (verse 66).
In other words ... Jesus told them that they needed to quit looking for a handout, and instead do the work of God, and as a result the weak people left.
Application: Following Jesus - REALLY believing in Jesus - is NOT the easy way. It is not the path that allows those who are struggling in life to suddenly not struggle. It is instead that path that leads anyone into a future eternal life, and thus allows them perspective on the very real struggles of life.
I wish more Christians understood this. I see a lot of Christians who treat the church as a welfare organization that needs to take care of them because the "believe". They don't want to serve themselves, and they don't tithe, and they don't show up every Sunday, and they rarely pray, and the hate the worship music, and they disagree with the pastor's message ... but they claim they believe.
And what do others see? Obviously, they see weak people who can't handle life, and who don't have a life that reflects much good, but who attend church.
What they don't see enough is the core - those people who have just as much strife in life, but have their eyes set on a different prize ... on a different standard, and with lives that reflect that standard.
Prayer: Jesus, I do NOT want to judge, so please ... help me to stay focused on being one of your sheep. And then help me be a sheep that becomes a clear reflection of you in this world. I seek to serve you, and not concern myself with how others are serving you. May I show mercy and compassion, by both providing for practical needs of others WITH the context of Jesus. May I feed others with your bread of heaven - bread of life.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
An Intellectual Pursuit
Scripture: Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 1 Peter 1:13
Observation: Our hope in Jesus, and the grace of God, is not to be based on some emotional hunger or fear, but in our intellect ... with a mind that is "alert and fully sober". In other words, a fully functional and thoughtful intellect, with sound judgment and analysis.
Application: A friend once told me that Christianity was for "weak people who can't emotionally handle life." To this day, I don't know how to respond to that.
I mean, I know how I COULD have responded. I could respond with the entire intellectual analysis of the alignment of science and true (not what the History Channel broadcasts) Christian beliefs. I could run through everything about how most of the great intellects of all time have believed in God. I could enter into such a philosophical debate that I would have crushed my friend. And that would have accomplished ... nothing.
And I know how I DID respond. I first paused and waited for my friend to realize exactly what that sentiment implied about me. Then I responded how Paul teaches - I spoke about "Christ crucified" - that I believe Jesus was the son of God who died for all our sins and that He loves my friend. And that accomplished ... well, nothing yet.
The bottom line is that I know that my faith in Jesus is not some emotional crutch I cling to for some hope that my life has meaning. On the contrary, my faith is based on an intellectual knowledge of the mathematical certainty that God exists, through first-hand observational experience with God, and the understanding that God has systematically revealed both himself and his son Jesus to mankind. I don't hope for meaning in my life - I know that the only meaning I will ever have is based on what I can do to bring God's kingdom to earth and show Jesus to others.
Today, I am thankful that Peter clearly reminded me that our faith as found in our minds - that I know Jesus, and my work is to make him known to others.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you know I needed this today. In the last 24 hours, I have become focused on my earthly failures ... the fact that, by earthly standards, I have pretty much failed to live up to my potential. However, I know - not hope, not believe, but know - that my life will never be measured by the number of books I publish, or money I make, or adventures I have, or trophies I won. My life will be measured based on one question: What did I do about your son, Jesus?
What I am doing is I love him, I am telling others about him, and I am seeking to serve his people and do his purposes here on earth. Please keep me strong in body, mind, heart, and soul, so I can do this all effectively for you. Amen.
Observation: Our hope in Jesus, and the grace of God, is not to be based on some emotional hunger or fear, but in our intellect ... with a mind that is "alert and fully sober". In other words, a fully functional and thoughtful intellect, with sound judgment and analysis.
Application: A friend once told me that Christianity was for "weak people who can't emotionally handle life." To this day, I don't know how to respond to that.
I mean, I know how I COULD have responded. I could respond with the entire intellectual analysis of the alignment of science and true (not what the History Channel broadcasts) Christian beliefs. I could run through everything about how most of the great intellects of all time have believed in God. I could enter into such a philosophical debate that I would have crushed my friend. And that would have accomplished ... nothing.
And I know how I DID respond. I first paused and waited for my friend to realize exactly what that sentiment implied about me. Then I responded how Paul teaches - I spoke about "Christ crucified" - that I believe Jesus was the son of God who died for all our sins and that He loves my friend. And that accomplished ... well, nothing yet.
The bottom line is that I know that my faith in Jesus is not some emotional crutch I cling to for some hope that my life has meaning. On the contrary, my faith is based on an intellectual knowledge of the mathematical certainty that God exists, through first-hand observational experience with God, and the understanding that God has systematically revealed both himself and his son Jesus to mankind. I don't hope for meaning in my life - I know that the only meaning I will ever have is based on what I can do to bring God's kingdom to earth and show Jesus to others.
Today, I am thankful that Peter clearly reminded me that our faith as found in our minds - that I know Jesus, and my work is to make him known to others.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you know I needed this today. In the last 24 hours, I have become focused on my earthly failures ... the fact that, by earthly standards, I have pretty much failed to live up to my potential. However, I know - not hope, not believe, but know - that my life will never be measured by the number of books I publish, or money I make, or adventures I have, or trophies I won. My life will be measured based on one question: What did I do about your son, Jesus?
What I am doing is I love him, I am telling others about him, and I am seeking to serve his people and do his purposes here on earth. Please keep me strong in body, mind, heart, and soul, so I can do this all effectively for you. Amen.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Even Demons Believe
Scripture: You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. James 2:19
Observation: The demons believe there is one God. What does this say about a "post modern" world where an ever increasing number of people believe there is NOT one God? They believe there is no God, or many gods, or a convoluted god of anger who seeks to destroy. What does it say about people I meet, work with, and talk to every day who officially have less faith than demons?
Application: James is trying to make point that faith is just a start - that we also need to do God's work, because even demons "believe" but they act in opposition to God.
But ... this means demons believe. I am surrounded by people who don't even believe at all. In this area of the world, nearly half of everyone do not believe God exists, and many others do not believe that there is a definitive "one God" but rather that there are multiple potentially valid belief systems to be explored.
Demons believe in God. The majority of people do not. How hopeless is it, then, to be a light in this part of the world? How hopeless is it to realize that, if I were to talk about God to a demon, I would have a better chance of finding common ground for the conversation than if I were to talk to my co-workers about God?
Yet we are not told to go and do easy stuff. We are told to go and make disciples. We are to tell the gospel. We are to bear witness by our words and actions. We are to show mercy and kindness and love. We are to speak truth and to never deny or be embarrassed by that truth. We are to be a light in the darkness. We are to spread salt to preserve while also enriching. We are to stand on the hill and bear witness. We are to baptize. We are to live by the law. We are to exhibit faith. We are to make our bodies a living sacrifice.
And because we know there is one God - the God of Abraham, Yahweh, Jehovah Jireh, Abba - creator of heaven and earth, who gave his son Jesus to die on the cross and be resurrected to heaven for the forgiveness of sin and reconciliation of all mankind ... because we know there is one God, we know that all we have to do is what he has asked, and it is up to him to do the rest with the unbelievers around us.
Prayer: Lord, may thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Observation: The demons believe there is one God. What does this say about a "post modern" world where an ever increasing number of people believe there is NOT one God? They believe there is no God, or many gods, or a convoluted god of anger who seeks to destroy. What does it say about people I meet, work with, and talk to every day who officially have less faith than demons?
Application: James is trying to make point that faith is just a start - that we also need to do God's work, because even demons "believe" but they act in opposition to God.
But ... this means demons believe. I am surrounded by people who don't even believe at all. In this area of the world, nearly half of everyone do not believe God exists, and many others do not believe that there is a definitive "one God" but rather that there are multiple potentially valid belief systems to be explored.
Demons believe in God. The majority of people do not. How hopeless is it, then, to be a light in this part of the world? How hopeless is it to realize that, if I were to talk about God to a demon, I would have a better chance of finding common ground for the conversation than if I were to talk to my co-workers about God?
Yet we are not told to go and do easy stuff. We are told to go and make disciples. We are to tell the gospel. We are to bear witness by our words and actions. We are to show mercy and kindness and love. We are to speak truth and to never deny or be embarrassed by that truth. We are to be a light in the darkness. We are to spread salt to preserve while also enriching. We are to stand on the hill and bear witness. We are to baptize. We are to live by the law. We are to exhibit faith. We are to make our bodies a living sacrifice.
And because we know there is one God - the God of Abraham, Yahweh, Jehovah Jireh, Abba - creator of heaven and earth, who gave his son Jesus to die on the cross and be resurrected to heaven for the forgiveness of sin and reconciliation of all mankind ... because we know there is one God, we know that all we have to do is what he has asked, and it is up to him to do the rest with the unbelievers around us.
Prayer: Lord, may thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Friday, December 12, 2014
The King of Peace
Scripture: This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. Hebrews 7:1-3
Observations: There have always been things about Melchizedek in Genesis that bothered me. Here was God's own high priest, who ... appears from nowhere, returns to nowhere, is king from a place never discussed elsewhere, yet isn't God's chosen patriarch, and that patriarch honors him in exchange for a blessing. Everything about that is "off" - it's upside down and wrong.
If Abraham is the most faithful man in the world and thus God's covenanted patriarch, coming straight out of battle against other kings, why isn't a king who honors God bowing down to honor Abraham?
I once read an explanation, and this passage in Hebrews skirts close to that explanation: That Melchizedek was Jesus - he was God, presented in human form, choosing to directly engage with Abraham and directly bless him, and with the full recognition of that fact Abraham gave his tithe to God.
This passage calls out the kinds of traits that align Melchizedek to Jesus. He is without parents, without beginning or end, resembles God, is high priest forever, with a name meaning righteousness, and from a place of peace.
Application: I have read these concepts before - that Jesus appears in the old testament, not just as a prophetic reference but actually showing up. I do NOT have the theological understanding to know if this is true. As God three-in-one, eternal, and knowing that Jesus existed at creation, it is of course possible. However, I don't know enough to state it as fact here ... or anywhere else.
However, I love the thinking it takes to ponder such an idea, at it allows me to meditate on God's word. Even thinking about a mystery and NOT solving it brings me closer to God, I think.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for Melchizedek, and thank you for Jesus. And if I was just redundant, so be it :-) And thank you for your living word, and the time to delve into your word ... may my heart be ever open to your teaching, even when I don't understand, or perhaps especially when I don't understand.
Observations: There have always been things about Melchizedek in Genesis that bothered me. Here was God's own high priest, who ... appears from nowhere, returns to nowhere, is king from a place never discussed elsewhere, yet isn't God's chosen patriarch, and that patriarch honors him in exchange for a blessing. Everything about that is "off" - it's upside down and wrong.
If Abraham is the most faithful man in the world and thus God's covenanted patriarch, coming straight out of battle against other kings, why isn't a king who honors God bowing down to honor Abraham?
I once read an explanation, and this passage in Hebrews skirts close to that explanation: That Melchizedek was Jesus - he was God, presented in human form, choosing to directly engage with Abraham and directly bless him, and with the full recognition of that fact Abraham gave his tithe to God.
This passage calls out the kinds of traits that align Melchizedek to Jesus. He is without parents, without beginning or end, resembles God, is high priest forever, with a name meaning righteousness, and from a place of peace.
Application: I have read these concepts before - that Jesus appears in the old testament, not just as a prophetic reference but actually showing up. I do NOT have the theological understanding to know if this is true. As God three-in-one, eternal, and knowing that Jesus existed at creation, it is of course possible. However, I don't know enough to state it as fact here ... or anywhere else.
However, I love the thinking it takes to ponder such an idea, at it allows me to meditate on God's word. Even thinking about a mystery and NOT solving it brings me closer to God, I think.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for Melchizedek, and thank you for Jesus. And if I was just redundant, so be it :-) And thank you for your living word, and the time to delve into your word ... may my heart be ever open to your teaching, even when I don't understand, or perhaps especially when I don't understand.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Just Talk to Him
Scripture: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15
Observation: Jesus understands "the human condition." Part of the miracle we celebrate this time of year - the birth of Jesus - is that he was, in fact, born as a human being. He grew up, became a man, a lived a hard life complete with poverty, want, hunger, longing, ambitions, temptations, frustration, anger, hurt, friendship, pain, desire, suffering, humor, fear, joy, and death. He had a family and friends whom he loved, and he had enemies who attacked him. There was a large crowd around him that hated him, and those closest to him often failed.
In other words, he knows what I am going through.
Application: If I have a savior who completely understands what I am going through - who is able to empathize with my weaknesses and my own frustrations - why don't I just ... talk to him more?!?
Prayer: Lord, I need your help. I need to turn my problems over to you, and have you guide me through the anger and frustration, or even show me what I need to completely let go of and just relax.
I have so many problems here at work, with people who prevent me from progressing due to their inability to simply execute on their jobs. I do not know why they fall short - maybe they have a personal issue I should be helping them with, or maybe they simply can't do their jobs. But I get angry, and then I hurt others' feelings and I fail ... I fail at the most important of your directions, simply loving others. Please forgive me for that sin. However, please also teach me how to handle those situations.
How did you handle Peter when he disowned you? How did you handle Peter, James and John when they couldn't just sit there and stay awake? How did you handle the crowd in your own town who refused to believe in you and thus prevented you from performing miracles? How did you handle the disciples who couldn't understand basic parables? These were you chosen friends, and they fell short.
Please teach me that kind of patience and love, where I can correct as appropriate, prioritize the person over the work, and become your light to my coworkers.
Amen.
Observation: Jesus understands "the human condition." Part of the miracle we celebrate this time of year - the birth of Jesus - is that he was, in fact, born as a human being. He grew up, became a man, a lived a hard life complete with poverty, want, hunger, longing, ambitions, temptations, frustration, anger, hurt, friendship, pain, desire, suffering, humor, fear, joy, and death. He had a family and friends whom he loved, and he had enemies who attacked him. There was a large crowd around him that hated him, and those closest to him often failed.
In other words, he knows what I am going through.
Application: If I have a savior who completely understands what I am going through - who is able to empathize with my weaknesses and my own frustrations - why don't I just ... talk to him more?!?
Prayer: Lord, I need your help. I need to turn my problems over to you, and have you guide me through the anger and frustration, or even show me what I need to completely let go of and just relax.
I have so many problems here at work, with people who prevent me from progressing due to their inability to simply execute on their jobs. I do not know why they fall short - maybe they have a personal issue I should be helping them with, or maybe they simply can't do their jobs. But I get angry, and then I hurt others' feelings and I fail ... I fail at the most important of your directions, simply loving others. Please forgive me for that sin. However, please also teach me how to handle those situations.
How did you handle Peter when he disowned you? How did you handle Peter, James and John when they couldn't just sit there and stay awake? How did you handle the crowd in your own town who refused to believe in you and thus prevented you from performing miracles? How did you handle the disciples who couldn't understand basic parables? These were you chosen friends, and they fell short.
Please teach me that kind of patience and love, where I can correct as appropriate, prioritize the person over the work, and become your light to my coworkers.
Amen.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
What Does 'Rescue' Look Like?
Scripture: You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 2 Timothy 3:10-11
Observation: So God "rescued [Paul] from all of them." Let's see ... in those places, Paul was ... arrested, tortured, beaten, flogged, stoned, and at least once drug outside the city walls because he was presumed dead. That's the definition of "rescued".
Application: God does not "rescue" us from evil by helping us avoid the evil. This is a hard understanding for non-believers - that a good and perfect God allows bad things to happen to those who love him. However, even when we understand this, we have a difficult time explaining "why" that happens. We discuss how perseverance develops character, and the loss of all things teaches us dependence on God, but there are still challenges with understanding this. Often that challenge boils down to two lines of thought:
1) God uses evil - maybe even needs evil - to develop us, and if that's true, then evil is doing God's will, and thus ... it might be good.
2) God has decided to allow evil in order to develop us, and thus God somehow condones evil, and therefore ... it might be blessed.
These are both wrong. God has provided another path, however it relies on the goodness of other. We could have a trouble-free life, but that relies on everyone (including ourselves) doing as God has taught us, and no one does that. And God loves EVERYONE so much that he does not deny others of their free will - that one quality that he gave us that forms us in his image. So when bad things happen to us, they are actually the result of a choice from someone (often our own). Therefore, to "fix" our situation, we can't fix the issue. Instead, we must ... love that person.
Prayer: Okay, God, I just wrote all that, but I have SUCH a hard time understanding it, let alone doing it. It is true that your ways are far above my ways, and your thoughts far above my thoughts. I cannot even understand you. So instead, how about this: I am going to try to let go of my need to understand, and instead by faith lean into your love. I accept that your love is all I need, and thus when bad things happen - and they will - you will rescue me. You won't rescue me by removing the pain or preventing the hurt, you'll rescue me by putting something even better into my life that removes any painful thought and replaces it with the amazing experience of your perfect love. Amen.
Observation: So God "rescued [Paul] from all of them." Let's see ... in those places, Paul was ... arrested, tortured, beaten, flogged, stoned, and at least once drug outside the city walls because he was presumed dead. That's the definition of "rescued".
Application: God does not "rescue" us from evil by helping us avoid the evil. This is a hard understanding for non-believers - that a good and perfect God allows bad things to happen to those who love him. However, even when we understand this, we have a difficult time explaining "why" that happens. We discuss how perseverance develops character, and the loss of all things teaches us dependence on God, but there are still challenges with understanding this. Often that challenge boils down to two lines of thought:
1) God uses evil - maybe even needs evil - to develop us, and if that's true, then evil is doing God's will, and thus ... it might be good.
2) God has decided to allow evil in order to develop us, and thus God somehow condones evil, and therefore ... it might be blessed.
These are both wrong. God has provided another path, however it relies on the goodness of other. We could have a trouble-free life, but that relies on everyone (including ourselves) doing as God has taught us, and no one does that. And God loves EVERYONE so much that he does not deny others of their free will - that one quality that he gave us that forms us in his image. So when bad things happen to us, they are actually the result of a choice from someone (often our own). Therefore, to "fix" our situation, we can't fix the issue. Instead, we must ... love that person.
Prayer: Okay, God, I just wrote all that, but I have SUCH a hard time understanding it, let alone doing it. It is true that your ways are far above my ways, and your thoughts far above my thoughts. I cannot even understand you. So instead, how about this: I am going to try to let go of my need to understand, and instead by faith lean into your love. I accept that your love is all I need, and thus when bad things happen - and they will - you will rescue me. You won't rescue me by removing the pain or preventing the hurt, you'll rescue me by putting something even better into my life that removes any painful thought and replaces it with the amazing experience of your perfect love. Amen.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Focus on Essentials
Scripture: As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. 1 Timothy 1:3-4
Observation: Timothy, a young man called to lead one of the most important early churches, is being given a very difficult assignment: To properly focus the conversations of the entire church to God's faith-based work, and away from various other subjects that distract from that work. In modern-day terms, we now call these the "non-essentials" - those elements of Christianity that are not associated with the core tenants of the lordship of Jesus and salvation through faith in Jesus.
How hard will it be for Timothy to successfully keep the church focused on Jesus?
Application: Here's how hard it was ... we STILL fail at this!!
Just this week, someone who served in a ministry with me decided to leave our church. Why? Because before every service, the worship band plays an instrumental "jam" to a "secular" song. They do this because a) playing three minutes of music is a polite way to tell people to take their seats, and b) playing a popular song helps non-believing visitors feel comfortable as a first impression. However, my friend is leaving the church because he disagrees with the leadership on this issue, tried to engage with a debate on the subject, and finally has decided to leave his church family over this one issue.
Now THAT is a "non-essential" issue! If our church were to debate this issue, we would be creating "controversial speculation" as Paul puts it. And all time and energy in such a discussion would distract from REAL work of our church.
When mature Christians study the word of God, meditation on the Bible is very healthy. In such a setting, discussions on such questions as ... Did the ENTIRE world flood in the time of Noah or just Persia? ... Did creation happen in 7 days or did God use a long evolutionary process to make it happen? ... Since Joseph isn't Jesus' father why care about his lineage to David? ... How does the author of Job know about a conversation between God and Satan ... these can be healthy conversations. However, in the broader church context, we need to focus on a unified message that promotes the core Gospel:
-- God created the world, but mankind rejected God and fell into sin.
-- We cannot reconcile ourselves to God regardless of how good we try to be.
-- However, God loves us and wishes us to have eternal life in heaven basking in his love.
-- Therefore God created a way for us to be forgiven of sin and reconciled to God.
-- That way is to believe that Jesus is God's son who came to earth, died on the cross, and was resurrected to life.
On these items - the true message of love and faith - there must never be debate.
Prayer: Lord, our church is active in our efforts to make Jesus known - to change the lives of our neighbors - with your message of love. I pray for my brothers and sisters serving at our Christmas Lights event this month. May the true Gospel be continually on their lips, and may your message of love be shared into the hearts of thousands of people this month. Amen.
Observation: Timothy, a young man called to lead one of the most important early churches, is being given a very difficult assignment: To properly focus the conversations of the entire church to God's faith-based work, and away from various other subjects that distract from that work. In modern-day terms, we now call these the "non-essentials" - those elements of Christianity that are not associated with the core tenants of the lordship of Jesus and salvation through faith in Jesus.
How hard will it be for Timothy to successfully keep the church focused on Jesus?
Application: Here's how hard it was ... we STILL fail at this!!
Just this week, someone who served in a ministry with me decided to leave our church. Why? Because before every service, the worship band plays an instrumental "jam" to a "secular" song. They do this because a) playing three minutes of music is a polite way to tell people to take their seats, and b) playing a popular song helps non-believing visitors feel comfortable as a first impression. However, my friend is leaving the church because he disagrees with the leadership on this issue, tried to engage with a debate on the subject, and finally has decided to leave his church family over this one issue.
Now THAT is a "non-essential" issue! If our church were to debate this issue, we would be creating "controversial speculation" as Paul puts it. And all time and energy in such a discussion would distract from REAL work of our church.
When mature Christians study the word of God, meditation on the Bible is very healthy. In such a setting, discussions on such questions as ... Did the ENTIRE world flood in the time of Noah or just Persia? ... Did creation happen in 7 days or did God use a long evolutionary process to make it happen? ... Since Joseph isn't Jesus' father why care about his lineage to David? ... How does the author of Job know about a conversation between God and Satan ... these can be healthy conversations. However, in the broader church context, we need to focus on a unified message that promotes the core Gospel:
-- God created the world, but mankind rejected God and fell into sin.
-- We cannot reconcile ourselves to God regardless of how good we try to be.
-- However, God loves us and wishes us to have eternal life in heaven basking in his love.
-- Therefore God created a way for us to be forgiven of sin and reconciled to God.
-- That way is to believe that Jesus is God's son who came to earth, died on the cross, and was resurrected to life.
On these items - the true message of love and faith - there must never be debate.
Prayer: Lord, our church is active in our efforts to make Jesus known - to change the lives of our neighbors - with your message of love. I pray for my brothers and sisters serving at our Christmas Lights event this month. May the true Gospel be continually on their lips, and may your message of love be shared into the hearts of thousands of people this month. Amen.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Work Prepared in Advance
Scripture: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
Observation: "... prepared in advance for us to do." God has prepared specific work that only we can do. In other words, his "purpose" goes beyond some generic statement such as "love and worship God" or "love and serve others". There is also some specific, personal, special, and good work that I - and no one else - am supposed to do.
Application: I am 48 years old, and I have NO IDEA what my personal purpose is for God. How sad is that.
I am not even sure what skills I bring to the table that could be combined to so some Godly purpose. I'm intelligent, which I have used to my advantage to gain wealth, but I know definitively that I had nothing to do with my success - it has all been a blessing from God. I have certain spiritual gifts, but none at this time that seem particularly useful to heavenly purposes. And I have a heart to love God, to acknowledge Jesus as my Lord and savior, and to try to do better as loving others here on earth.
Those are all pretty much the "generic purpose" types of things. So given that God has personalized work for me to do, I am clearly failing at walking close enough to him to know what it is.
Prayer: You know I long to simply hear your whisper. I am sorry that, for 48 years and counting, I have failed. I don't want to fail or flounder anymore. Please guide me to the purpose for which you created me - the good work you prepared in advance for me to do. Amen.
Observation: "... prepared in advance for us to do." God has prepared specific work that only we can do. In other words, his "purpose" goes beyond some generic statement such as "love and worship God" or "love and serve others". There is also some specific, personal, special, and good work that I - and no one else - am supposed to do.
Application: I am 48 years old, and I have NO IDEA what my personal purpose is for God. How sad is that.
I am not even sure what skills I bring to the table that could be combined to so some Godly purpose. I'm intelligent, which I have used to my advantage to gain wealth, but I know definitively that I had nothing to do with my success - it has all been a blessing from God. I have certain spiritual gifts, but none at this time that seem particularly useful to heavenly purposes. And I have a heart to love God, to acknowledge Jesus as my Lord and savior, and to try to do better as loving others here on earth.
Those are all pretty much the "generic purpose" types of things. So given that God has personalized work for me to do, I am clearly failing at walking close enough to him to know what it is.
Prayer: You know I long to simply hear your whisper. I am sorry that, for 48 years and counting, I have failed. I don't want to fail or flounder anymore. Please guide me to the purpose for which you created me - the good work you prepared in advance for me to do. Amen.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
In View of God's Mercy
Scripture: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1
Observation: Most Christians know that Romans 12 is, effectively, and instruction pamphlet on how to live life. I have read it many times, and I truly want to make it my instruction manual for life. So nothing I say today is new, but I wanted to write it out to further re-enforce everything in my mind and heart.
Application: Here is what Romans 12 says to me, in plain language:
Since God loves me, I must serve him with my very self. Everything I do every second of every day should be in service to him.
How I act and what I do isn't just service, it's worship.
My thoughts and deeds are not to align to the world, but to God's word - the Bible - which I need to read daily. When I read God's word, I will learn what he wants me to do to fulfill his purposes.
I need to judge myself honestly in these things.
My life is to be lived in the Church, where I can use my gifts to serve God by serving and loving others. In the same way, I will be upheld by others.
I must strive to truly love others and hate sin. Not just 'think' that way, but truly feel that way in my heart.
Love means serving each other and behaving with honor, and maintaining excitement about doing so. Attitude matters.
Goodness extends beyond the Church, to others. I need to bless others, and share in their lives in order to show them mercy and love. This means everyone, not just those I deem worthy - I shouldn't even have that thought in my head at all.
Non-believers are watching, so I must always do good, even if someone has wronged me. Others won't know the context.
I simply need to be at peace with others. God will avenge me if needed, so I do not need to ever seek revenge.
In fact, if someone does wrong me, I should repay it with kindness. God says this will actually make a stronger statement than anything else.
Prayer: God, help me to live my life exactly as you desire me to live. I will be a living sacrifice ... my entire self exists only to do your will.
Observation: Most Christians know that Romans 12 is, effectively, and instruction pamphlet on how to live life. I have read it many times, and I truly want to make it my instruction manual for life. So nothing I say today is new, but I wanted to write it out to further re-enforce everything in my mind and heart.
Application: Here is what Romans 12 says to me, in plain language:
Since God loves me, I must serve him with my very self. Everything I do every second of every day should be in service to him.
How I act and what I do isn't just service, it's worship.
My thoughts and deeds are not to align to the world, but to God's word - the Bible - which I need to read daily. When I read God's word, I will learn what he wants me to do to fulfill his purposes.
I need to judge myself honestly in these things.
My life is to be lived in the Church, where I can use my gifts to serve God by serving and loving others. In the same way, I will be upheld by others.
I must strive to truly love others and hate sin. Not just 'think' that way, but truly feel that way in my heart.
Love means serving each other and behaving with honor, and maintaining excitement about doing so. Attitude matters.
Goodness extends beyond the Church, to others. I need to bless others, and share in their lives in order to show them mercy and love. This means everyone, not just those I deem worthy - I shouldn't even have that thought in my head at all.
Non-believers are watching, so I must always do good, even if someone has wronged me. Others won't know the context.
I simply need to be at peace with others. God will avenge me if needed, so I do not need to ever seek revenge.
In fact, if someone does wrong me, I should repay it with kindness. God says this will actually make a stronger statement than anything else.
Prayer: God, help me to live my life exactly as you desire me to live. I will be a living sacrifice ... my entire self exists only to do your will.
Monday, December 1, 2014
A Child, not a Slave
Scripture: I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. Romans 6:19
Observation: Just a few weeks ago I discussed the "slave" element of sin - that those who wish to be "free" refuse to be a "slave" to God's law, and thus actually become slaves to their sins. Here, Paul discusses this idea in detail, but includes a key detail: He is speaking metaphorically. He is "using an example from everyday life" to help humans understand ... but there is something more to this than "you are a slave to righteousness", and that something more is found two chapters later ...
"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" Romans 8:14-15
Application: THIS is the true clarification of the discussion on freedom and slavery. Those who seek "freedom" by rejecting God find themselves slaves to sin. However, those who offer themselves as slaves to righteousness through Jesus Christ find themselves adopted children of God.
To be clear: A child is not free to do whatever they wish. My children have some ability to choose their own activities, but they still function within guides - the rules of our house. When they were very young, they had less freedom, and they mostly were to do as we told them. As they matured, we now mostly give them guidelines and trust they will follow them. When they don't (and sometimes they don't), we correct them, pull back on some freedoms, then see how they respond.
The key difference is love. We have rules to protect and love our children, and take pride when they succeed. This is the view of God with believers: We are not slaves, we are children, God loves us, and he takes pride when we succeed.
So as Paul says - we offer ourselves as slaves to righteousness, and thus we are adopted children of God.
Prayer: Daddy, I seek to earn your approval. I know I don't need to earn your love (which you've already poured out on me) or your grace (which Jesus already won), but I wish to make you proud. I long to hear you say "well done". I yearn to feel your smile upon me. I pray for a pat on the back. These are the things I have earned far too rarely due to my own shortcomings. I am sorry. I will try to do better. Amen.
Observation: Just a few weeks ago I discussed the "slave" element of sin - that those who wish to be "free" refuse to be a "slave" to God's law, and thus actually become slaves to their sins. Here, Paul discusses this idea in detail, but includes a key detail: He is speaking metaphorically. He is "using an example from everyday life" to help humans understand ... but there is something more to this than "you are a slave to righteousness", and that something more is found two chapters later ...
"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" Romans 8:14-15
Application: THIS is the true clarification of the discussion on freedom and slavery. Those who seek "freedom" by rejecting God find themselves slaves to sin. However, those who offer themselves as slaves to righteousness through Jesus Christ find themselves adopted children of God.
To be clear: A child is not free to do whatever they wish. My children have some ability to choose their own activities, but they still function within guides - the rules of our house. When they were very young, they had less freedom, and they mostly were to do as we told them. As they matured, we now mostly give them guidelines and trust they will follow them. When they don't (and sometimes they don't), we correct them, pull back on some freedoms, then see how they respond.
The key difference is love. We have rules to protect and love our children, and take pride when they succeed. This is the view of God with believers: We are not slaves, we are children, God loves us, and he takes pride when we succeed.
So as Paul says - we offer ourselves as slaves to righteousness, and thus we are adopted children of God.
Prayer: Daddy, I seek to earn your approval. I know I don't need to earn your love (which you've already poured out on me) or your grace (which Jesus already won), but I wish to make you proud. I long to hear you say "well done". I yearn to feel your smile upon me. I pray for a pat on the back. These are the things I have earned far too rarely due to my own shortcomings. I am sorry. I will try to do better. Amen.
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