Scripture: All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 6:15
Observation: The only people who could have told Luke - the author of Acts - this information was ... members of the Sanhedrin. And the only way Luke would have used the term 'all' would be ... if several - or many - members of the Sanhedrin provided this observation. And the only way that any member of the Sanhedrin would have been interviewed by Luke 10-20 years after-the-fact and provided this favorable memory of Stephen is if ... they were now favorably inclined to the Church of Jesus Christ!
Application: The upcoming trial and stoning of Stephen is the turning point of the Church. It is the time when it is scattered out of Jerusalem to begin its mission to the rest of the world. And here we have the council that has opposed Jesus and is opposing his Church, with insight that these very people will someday be members of the Church and believers in Jesus. How did that happen?
The answer might have been in Acts 5 with advice from a Pharisee named Gamaliel:
"Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." Acts 5:38-39
The Sanhedrin is about to kill Stephen, kill other leaders (like James), persecute all the apostles, scatter all the members ... and watch the Church exponentially grow stronger. In other words ... they discovered they were fighting against God, and repented.
Prayer: The most exciting thing about this thought, Lord, is the idea that you are so loving and forgiving that you would allow men who voted to kill your son and waged war against your Church to then join into your Church and receive everlasting life, simply by placing their belief in Jesus. And so we all can learn that nothing we do could ever separate us from your love, and others should learn that they can always come to you, believe in Jesus, and receive eternal life.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Here Alone
Scripture:
Observation:
Application:
Pray: Lord, today, I have reached the end of my rope here at work. Through a combination of where I work and the field I work in, I am surrounded by lying, conniving, manipulative, deceitful people. I have no understanding of their motivations and logic in how they execute their daily lives and interactions. I pray often for understanding about why I am in this place - surrounded by these people, with no support structure of any kind for nine hours a day - and all I ever get told by you is to 'stay'.
I don't know how much more I can handle this. I know some of why I'm here ... as a provider for my family to enable their further work and lives in you. But I don't know why that means it has to be this place, with these people.
I never have a "good day".
I don't have one, single friend here. None. I am alone, isolated, and embattled. I am defeated and deflated.
I will stay. I will dwell in the land. I will walk through the valley and know that, overall, my cup overflows with your love. But ... I could use a sign of progress in whatever purpose you have me here for.
Amen
Observation:
Application:
Pray: Lord, today, I have reached the end of my rope here at work. Through a combination of where I work and the field I work in, I am surrounded by lying, conniving, manipulative, deceitful people. I have no understanding of their motivations and logic in how they execute their daily lives and interactions. I pray often for understanding about why I am in this place - surrounded by these people, with no support structure of any kind for nine hours a day - and all I ever get told by you is to 'stay'.
I don't know how much more I can handle this. I know some of why I'm here ... as a provider for my family to enable their further work and lives in you. But I don't know why that means it has to be this place, with these people.
I never have a "good day".
I don't have one, single friend here. None. I am alone, isolated, and embattled. I am defeated and deflated.
I will stay. I will dwell in the land. I will walk through the valley and know that, overall, my cup overflows with your love. But ... I could use a sign of progress in whatever purpose you have me here for.
Amen
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Get to the Gospel
Scripture: When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus ..." Acts 3:12-13a
Observation: With people astonished by the healing of the lame man, Peter immediately responds in three ways:
1) He acknowledges their surprise and that something important has happened.
2) He deflects the credit away from him and to God.
3) He immediately jumps into the Gospel message about Jesus.
Application: How often do I (or others) stop short of Step 3?!? When we gain the opportunity to engage with someone for any reason, we may try to make the conversation personal (talk about ourselves), and hopefully get around to bring God into the conversation ... but do we dare utter the name of Jesus?
Peter doesn't just mention Jesus, he immediately makes the entire conversation about Jesus. It isn't even "look what God did, and he could help you too if you have faith." The message is, "If you think this was good, God gave us Jesus, his son and our messiah, who was crucified for you and resurrected to life, and if you believe ..."
He barely even pauses for breath before launching into the Gospel message. This is a critical lesson for me and every other Christian.
Prayer: Jesus, my lord and savior, may I glorify you in word and deed. May I not try to tell people about God - instead, may I show people and tell people about you, Jesus, and then you can show them your father. Even among firm 'non believers', I feel there is still a hope of God. May I show them you, so they understand that their flawed understanding of God should actually reside in a love that radiates from you, Jesus.
Observation: With people astonished by the healing of the lame man, Peter immediately responds in three ways:
1) He acknowledges their surprise and that something important has happened.
2) He deflects the credit away from him and to God.
3) He immediately jumps into the Gospel message about Jesus.
Application: How often do I (or others) stop short of Step 3?!? When we gain the opportunity to engage with someone for any reason, we may try to make the conversation personal (talk about ourselves), and hopefully get around to bring God into the conversation ... but do we dare utter the name of Jesus?
Peter doesn't just mention Jesus, he immediately makes the entire conversation about Jesus. It isn't even "look what God did, and he could help you too if you have faith." The message is, "If you think this was good, God gave us Jesus, his son and our messiah, who was crucified for you and resurrected to life, and if you believe ..."
He barely even pauses for breath before launching into the Gospel message. This is a critical lesson for me and every other Christian.
Prayer: Jesus, my lord and savior, may I glorify you in word and deed. May I not try to tell people about God - instead, may I show people and tell people about you, Jesus, and then you can show them your father. Even among firm 'non believers', I feel there is still a hope of God. May I show them you, so they understand that their flawed understanding of God should actually reside in a love that radiates from you, Jesus.
Monday, January 26, 2015
That Escalated Quickly
Scripture: And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. Exodus 14:31
Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.) So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” Exodus 15:22-24
Observation: Three days?!? Re-read Exodus 14 ... God directly opposed the Egyptian army with his fire and smoke, divided the land with dark and light to further confuse the Egyptians, parted the sea to afford the escape, then drowned the entire Egyptian army. The Israelites pledged their trust to God, and ... three days later were grumbling because the water didn't taste good.
I mean ... they didn't know how to boil water? Or they hadn't packed any water for a trip into the desert in the first place? Or they are just ... the archetypal example of how we all fail to understand God's provision in our lives.
Application: That is of course the issue. When God blesses us, we say "thanks" and then ... immediately worry about our own lives again. I never fully lean into God's love in a way that means I fully trust him. I may trust him for something small, and when I trust him and he provides I thank him, but I fail to just trust him first the next time.
That is the story here. God has proven himself worthy of our trust to be certain. I need to therefore rely upon him and trust him with everything.
Prayer: Lord ... I'm working on it. Please be patient with me.
Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.) So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” Exodus 15:22-24
Observation: Three days?!? Re-read Exodus 14 ... God directly opposed the Egyptian army with his fire and smoke, divided the land with dark and light to further confuse the Egyptians, parted the sea to afford the escape, then drowned the entire Egyptian army. The Israelites pledged their trust to God, and ... three days later were grumbling because the water didn't taste good.
I mean ... they didn't know how to boil water? Or they hadn't packed any water for a trip into the desert in the first place? Or they are just ... the archetypal example of how we all fail to understand God's provision in our lives.
Application: That is of course the issue. When God blesses us, we say "thanks" and then ... immediately worry about our own lives again. I never fully lean into God's love in a way that means I fully trust him. I may trust him for something small, and when I trust him and he provides I thank him, but I fail to just trust him first the next time.
That is the story here. God has proven himself worthy of our trust to be certain. I need to therefore rely upon him and trust him with everything.
Prayer: Lord ... I'm working on it. Please be patient with me.
Friday, January 23, 2015
We Believe
After reading about the trial of Jesus in Luke today, I decided I couldn't say anything better than this ...
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Careful Negotiations
Scripture: But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite?" Exodus 4:13-14a
Observation: There is something about the dynamic between God and man when God chooses someone for a task but they are reluctant. It is something baked into the "free will" element of our in-God's-own-image paradigm. When God calls us, he grants us the ability to decide, however at the same time HE has already decided. When we ask to opt out, he gets angry, and sometimes even punishes (let's see ... Moses, the Israelite spies, Jonah, Zechariah, just to name a few off the top of my head). However, he too has made a choice, and he proceeds with his plan. We can eventually definitively say 'no', but that takes us into a much darker place, removed from a right relationship with God.
Application: The most amazing quality of God may be that he is willing to have a true relationship with his flawed, sinful people. That relationship isn't just as lord/master, but as a partner. He will discuss, listen to us ... and sometimes agree. As long as we remain in relationship, he collaborates with us.
Clearly there is a line not to be crossed, and that line is refusal. We - including I - cross that line too often, and that is our sin; our disobedience to his laws. Independent of that, however, we are allowed to discuss our work, tasks, assignments, calling with God, and create a mutual plan.
We must not say "no", but we can say "how about this idea ...".
Prayer: Lord, here I am. Send me! I long for your call and your words. I seek your instruction and direction. I wait in my current place, in my current service, and pray for a renewed call to discuss with you. I will wait patiently and obediently. And when you call, I will probably be afraid and want to negotiate - you know me well enough to know that! Here I am.
Observation: There is something about the dynamic between God and man when God chooses someone for a task but they are reluctant. It is something baked into the "free will" element of our in-God's-own-image paradigm. When God calls us, he grants us the ability to decide, however at the same time HE has already decided. When we ask to opt out, he gets angry, and sometimes even punishes (let's see ... Moses, the Israelite spies, Jonah, Zechariah, just to name a few off the top of my head). However, he too has made a choice, and he proceeds with his plan. We can eventually definitively say 'no', but that takes us into a much darker place, removed from a right relationship with God.
Application: The most amazing quality of God may be that he is willing to have a true relationship with his flawed, sinful people. That relationship isn't just as lord/master, but as a partner. He will discuss, listen to us ... and sometimes agree. As long as we remain in relationship, he collaborates with us.
Clearly there is a line not to be crossed, and that line is refusal. We - including I - cross that line too often, and that is our sin; our disobedience to his laws. Independent of that, however, we are allowed to discuss our work, tasks, assignments, calling with God, and create a mutual plan.
We must not say "no", but we can say "how about this idea ...".
Prayer: Lord, here I am. Send me! I long for your call and your words. I seek your instruction and direction. I wait in my current place, in my current service, and pray for a renewed call to discuss with you. I will wait patiently and obediently. And when you call, I will probably be afraid and want to negotiate - you know me well enough to know that! Here I am.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Sacrificial Giving
Scripture: As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Luke 21:1-4
Observation: I am very aware of the story of 'the widow's mite'. On this reading, I observe a fact that I have never considered before. While certainly praising the poor widow, Jesus stops shot of criticizing the gifts of the rich.
Application: I am reminded in this of the difference between tithe and offering. My tithe - the 10% of my gross income I give to the church every month - is an amount given out of my wealth. We can spare that money. In fact, I can honestly say that ever since we began tithing, we have never missed the money at all. What is a fairly large sum that it seems we would really want, we have never even noticed, and in fact every time things have gotten a little 'tight' for us, God provides more out of the blue.
So, when an I making a sacrificial gift to God? What have I given to got that I need to live on? Last year we did give over and above our tithe, and it took a little sacrifice, but it didn't "hurt". And it certainly wasn't to the point of putting us in jeopardy of our next meal. And in fact, it was even returned to us by God!
Prayer: I am here to be used, and my resources belong to you, God. Whatever you ask of me, I will hand over to you. May this poor woman who has been handed down through the centuries also be an example to me of sacrificial giving. Amen.
Observation: I am very aware of the story of 'the widow's mite'. On this reading, I observe a fact that I have never considered before. While certainly praising the poor widow, Jesus stops shot of criticizing the gifts of the rich.
Application: I am reminded in this of the difference between tithe and offering. My tithe - the 10% of my gross income I give to the church every month - is an amount given out of my wealth. We can spare that money. In fact, I can honestly say that ever since we began tithing, we have never missed the money at all. What is a fairly large sum that it seems we would really want, we have never even noticed, and in fact every time things have gotten a little 'tight' for us, God provides more out of the blue.
So, when an I making a sacrificial gift to God? What have I given to got that I need to live on? Last year we did give over and above our tithe, and it took a little sacrifice, but it didn't "hurt". And it certainly wasn't to the point of putting us in jeopardy of our next meal. And in fact, it was even returned to us by God!
Prayer: I am here to be used, and my resources belong to you, God. Whatever you ask of me, I will hand over to you. May this poor woman who has been handed down through the centuries also be an example to me of sacrificial giving. Amen.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
The Power of Children's Words
Scripture:
Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
Psalm 8:2
Observation: The words of children and youth have a special quality in the Kingdom of God. Their praise can defeat the enemy, and their words of truth can silence those opposed to the word of God.
Application: Just last night, our church had a prayer meeting where I was struck by a recurring theme of individual prayers related to children and youth. Some were general, some were specific. Some related to people, some to programs, some to the leaders who serve. But almost half of the spoken words I heard - including my own - related to the demographic of, say, 5 to 22 year olds in our church.
I do not have the gift of prophesy, but I am sometimes granted wisdom, and I know that this means there is a movement already begun in our community of Christ. I am aware of two significant roles to which I am called in that movement already. And I am excited about where this is going for our entire church.
Prayer: Lord, I know you have given me a mission in this field. May I be ever stronger in fulfilling that call. And also, I pray as you prepare our church family for what you are bring forth among us. We are willing and expectant.
Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
Psalm 8:2
Observation: The words of children and youth have a special quality in the Kingdom of God. Their praise can defeat the enemy, and their words of truth can silence those opposed to the word of God.
Application: Just last night, our church had a prayer meeting where I was struck by a recurring theme of individual prayers related to children and youth. Some were general, some were specific. Some related to people, some to programs, some to the leaders who serve. But almost half of the spoken words I heard - including my own - related to the demographic of, say, 5 to 22 year olds in our church.
I do not have the gift of prophesy, but I am sometimes granted wisdom, and I know that this means there is a movement already begun in our community of Christ. I am aware of two significant roles to which I am called in that movement already. And I am excited about where this is going for our entire church.
Prayer: Lord, I know you have given me a mission in this field. May I be ever stronger in fulfilling that call. And also, I pray as you prepare our church family for what you are bring forth among us. We are willing and expectant.
Friday, January 16, 2015
I Cannot, but God Can
Scripture: Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” Genesis 41:15-16
Observation: In this one-sentence response and his ensuing action, Joseph perfectly demonstrates a right relationship with God:
-- God first loves us.
-- We choose to have faith in God and his love.
-- We willfully act upon that faith, with guidance from God and in accordance with his will.
-- God blesses us.
In other words, our blessings are all from God, for God's glory, and it all starts with his love for us.
Application: I titled my blog "the lord will provide" to always remind me of this truth ... God has provided me with EVERYTHING in my life! When I was a lost, angry, frustrated, drunk, lonely, straying young man, God chose to pour his love upon me. As only he could do, my life is now filled with love, hope, family, joy, riches ... every kind of blessing. (I'm still too angry ... working on that.)
I know God gave these things to me, but I do need to be reminded. There are times I get a little too full of myself and my plans. Sometimes I'm too proud - thinking about how good I am at my job or how I've earned a promotion. sometimes I'm too worried - concerned about how to pay for my son's college or our next vacation. Today I am reminded ... Jehovah Jireh ... the LORD will provide!! I know this, and I trust it.
God loves me, and I have faith in him. I strive to seek and do his will every day, and in all situations I know he will provide to me what he has decided is right for the advancement of his kingdom. I do not seek my plans, my desires, my goals ... and even if I did, they would be folly, as his ways are better than mine.
Prayer: Dear lord ... thank you for loving me SO much that you gave me salvation through Jesus, and then all the blessings of my life. I return my life to you - make me a living sacrifice for you - to advance your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Observation: In this one-sentence response and his ensuing action, Joseph perfectly demonstrates a right relationship with God:
-- God first loves us.
-- We choose to have faith in God and his love.
-- We willfully act upon that faith, with guidance from God and in accordance with his will.
-- God blesses us.
In other words, our blessings are all from God, for God's glory, and it all starts with his love for us.
Application: I titled my blog "the lord will provide" to always remind me of this truth ... God has provided me with EVERYTHING in my life! When I was a lost, angry, frustrated, drunk, lonely, straying young man, God chose to pour his love upon me. As only he could do, my life is now filled with love, hope, family, joy, riches ... every kind of blessing. (I'm still too angry ... working on that.)
I know God gave these things to me, but I do need to be reminded. There are times I get a little too full of myself and my plans. Sometimes I'm too proud - thinking about how good I am at my job or how I've earned a promotion. sometimes I'm too worried - concerned about how to pay for my son's college or our next vacation. Today I am reminded ... Jehovah Jireh ... the LORD will provide!! I know this, and I trust it.
God loves me, and I have faith in him. I strive to seek and do his will every day, and in all situations I know he will provide to me what he has decided is right for the advancement of his kingdom. I do not seek my plans, my desires, my goals ... and even if I did, they would be folly, as his ways are better than mine.
Prayer: Dear lord ... thank you for loving me SO much that you gave me salvation through Jesus, and then all the blessings of my life. I return my life to you - make me a living sacrifice for you - to advance your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
An Unknown Meaning
Scripture: When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes. He went back to his brothers and said, “The boy isn’t there! Where can I turn now?” Genesis 37:29-30
Observation: Reuben had something different in mind from his brothers. He had talked them out of killing Joseph, and instead throwing him into a well - prior verses say that he had a plan to come back and retrieve Joseph from the well later. When he discovers Joseph is no longer in the well, he is distraught.
There is something hidden to me about this passage and reaction. Reuben's original intentions are unknown - he was going to spare Joseph's life, but it is not all that clear about if he intended to actually spare Joseph or to save him for his own nefarious purpose. His reaction is even more confusing ... his expression is one as if using Joseph was some form of protection or salvation for himself, and losing that leverage will cause him harm. The fact he expressed this to his brothers - who knew the truth of Joseph's whereabouts - is also strange, as that seems to indicate that his plan was not some way of separating himself from their plot.
Application: At the 'high level' I get the story of Joseph - the plot against Joseph is ultimately God's process to save all of Israel ... God can even use the worst evil that man can conceive and use it toward his purposes. However, some of the details I don't get. I don't understand any of this section that relates to Reuben, yet it is part of the bible and forever memorialized as the word and instruction of God.
So what am I to learn from Reuben? I don't know. As I read through the bible, though, these are the things I wish to discover - those deeper elements and truths about God that go way beyond the 'Technicolor dream coat' Sunday school lesson. There MUST be something deeper here. Perhaps I will learn it later regarding some quality of the tribe of Reuben. Maybe there is some quality of Christian life that an apostle covers later that I can't align to Reuben's fears yet. We'll see.
Prayer: Lord, I long to know you better!! I am in your word not to simply relax with you, but to also learn, grow, meditate, receive correction, and mature as a believer in Jesus. My I even meditate on those elements I don't understand, so at your time and by your will you can use them to teach me a new lesson. Amen.
Observation: Reuben had something different in mind from his brothers. He had talked them out of killing Joseph, and instead throwing him into a well - prior verses say that he had a plan to come back and retrieve Joseph from the well later. When he discovers Joseph is no longer in the well, he is distraught.
There is something hidden to me about this passage and reaction. Reuben's original intentions are unknown - he was going to spare Joseph's life, but it is not all that clear about if he intended to actually spare Joseph or to save him for his own nefarious purpose. His reaction is even more confusing ... his expression is one as if using Joseph was some form of protection or salvation for himself, and losing that leverage will cause him harm. The fact he expressed this to his brothers - who knew the truth of Joseph's whereabouts - is also strange, as that seems to indicate that his plan was not some way of separating himself from their plot.
Application: At the 'high level' I get the story of Joseph - the plot against Joseph is ultimately God's process to save all of Israel ... God can even use the worst evil that man can conceive and use it toward his purposes. However, some of the details I don't get. I don't understand any of this section that relates to Reuben, yet it is part of the bible and forever memorialized as the word and instruction of God.
So what am I to learn from Reuben? I don't know. As I read through the bible, though, these are the things I wish to discover - those deeper elements and truths about God that go way beyond the 'Technicolor dream coat' Sunday school lesson. There MUST be something deeper here. Perhaps I will learn it later regarding some quality of the tribe of Reuben. Maybe there is some quality of Christian life that an apostle covers later that I can't align to Reuben's fears yet. We'll see.
Prayer: Lord, I long to know you better!! I am in your word not to simply relax with you, but to also learn, grow, meditate, receive correction, and mature as a believer in Jesus. My I even meditate on those elements I don't understand, so at your time and by your will you can use them to teach me a new lesson. Amen.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
One Way Entrance
Scripture: Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’" Luke 13:23-25
Observation: Jesus doesn't answer the question. The question is about how many people will be saved. Jesus instead says that there is a 'narrow door' to enter through, and many will try to enter but will not be able to, because they will show up after the door is closed and locked and won't be acknowledged.
Application: What are all the different ways people try to gain some form of eternal life? Through purely good works ... or being in tune with the world ... or Buddhism or Hinduism ... or some other monotheistic belief system.
But what is the 'narrow door'? It is belief in Jesus as God's son, our lord and savior.
This isn't about atheistic/agnostic non-believers - those who have no belief in God and thus believe that life is a meaningless accident - it's about those who try to find another option for reconciling themselves to God the Creator (in whatever form they believe in him). They are wasting their time looking for some other entry to heaven, and the longer they fail to enter through the door, the more likely it will be too late when they finally figure it out.
Personally, I believe it is JUST as important to see that Jesus refuses to answer the question about raw numbers. Instead, he simply says the entry is limited - it is through faith in him alone. And while the door is open, we can all get inside. This isn't about some people getting crowded out, it's about some people just not walking through the open door.
Prayer: Lord, as I interact with others, I pray for the wisdom to be able to express the idea that there is one way into eternal life, without being off-putting about others' thoughts. It is a difficult balance, but I will speak truth. May your Spirit always be part of that conversation.
Observation: Jesus doesn't answer the question. The question is about how many people will be saved. Jesus instead says that there is a 'narrow door' to enter through, and many will try to enter but will not be able to, because they will show up after the door is closed and locked and won't be acknowledged.
Application: What are all the different ways people try to gain some form of eternal life? Through purely good works ... or being in tune with the world ... or Buddhism or Hinduism ... or some other monotheistic belief system.
But what is the 'narrow door'? It is belief in Jesus as God's son, our lord and savior.
This isn't about atheistic/agnostic non-believers - those who have no belief in God and thus believe that life is a meaningless accident - it's about those who try to find another option for reconciling themselves to God the Creator (in whatever form they believe in him). They are wasting their time looking for some other entry to heaven, and the longer they fail to enter through the door, the more likely it will be too late when they finally figure it out.
Personally, I believe it is JUST as important to see that Jesus refuses to answer the question about raw numbers. Instead, he simply says the entry is limited - it is through faith in him alone. And while the door is open, we can all get inside. This isn't about some people getting crowded out, it's about some people just not walking through the open door.
Prayer: Lord, as I interact with others, I pray for the wisdom to be able to express the idea that there is one way into eternal life, without being off-putting about others' thoughts. It is a difficult balance, but I will speak truth. May your Spirit always be part of that conversation.
Monday, January 12, 2015
In our Weakness He is Strong
Scripture: And my honesty will testify for me in the future, whenever you check on the wages you have paid me. Any goat in my possession that is not speckled or spotted, or any lamb that is not dark-colored, will be considered stolen. Genesis 30:33
Observation: The rest of Genesis 30 goes on to describe how Jacob tricked Laban by using deceptive breeding practices to ensure all future 'strong' animals were speckled, and weak ones were pure in color.
I never know what to make of Jacob. This is a man who tricked his brother twice out of all his inheritance, deceived his father into giving him his blessing against his father's will, somehow "accidentally" slept with the wrong woman on his wedding night, tricked his uncle out of his flocks ... he just doesn't seem like an honest or faithful person.
Application: God finds a way to use people for his purposes despite their weaknesses. Maybe even because of their weaknesses. Through Jacob's weakness, he ultimately fathered more than a dozen children - enough to truly start a nation - and laid in motion the animosity between the various other nations of that region that would ultimately ensure God's ability to demonstrate his power and miracles.
Am I willing to see how God is using those people around me to advance his purposes ... not despite their weaknesses, but through their weaknesses? Do I know how God could use my weaknesses and shortcomings? Do I have enough faith to let him do so?
Prayer: Lord, please use me, and please use me in a way that is unexpected and even uncomfortable to me. I am here for you and your purposes.
Observation: The rest of Genesis 30 goes on to describe how Jacob tricked Laban by using deceptive breeding practices to ensure all future 'strong' animals were speckled, and weak ones were pure in color.
I never know what to make of Jacob. This is a man who tricked his brother twice out of all his inheritance, deceived his father into giving him his blessing against his father's will, somehow "accidentally" slept with the wrong woman on his wedding night, tricked his uncle out of his flocks ... he just doesn't seem like an honest or faithful person.
Application: God finds a way to use people for his purposes despite their weaknesses. Maybe even because of their weaknesses. Through Jacob's weakness, he ultimately fathered more than a dozen children - enough to truly start a nation - and laid in motion the animosity between the various other nations of that region that would ultimately ensure God's ability to demonstrate his power and miracles.
Am I willing to see how God is using those people around me to advance his purposes ... not despite their weaknesses, but through their weaknesses? Do I know how God could use my weaknesses and shortcomings? Do I have enough faith to let him do so?
Prayer: Lord, please use me, and please use me in a way that is unexpected and even uncomfortable to me. I am here for you and your purposes.
Friday, January 9, 2015
A Very Bold Prayer
Scripture: Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” Genesis 24:12-14
Observation: Was Abraham's servant even a believer? In this prayer, he only claims a third-hand knowledge of God - the God of his master. He seeks understanding of the situation, but in the context of showing kindness to Abraham. He also clearly wants personal success. And yet, he is praying, and he is praying boldly - not just asking for success, but defining a very specific 'test' to ensure success.
Application: I recently saw a document where a pastor was challenging the biblical justification for praying boldly. This pastor was stating that asking for explicit, bold prayers demonstrated a lack of humility by both claiming a knowledge of God's will and even commanding God ... that instead prayer was supposed to only involve humbly asking God for "his will" in a vague manner. In other words, asking God for something that suited your own goals fell somewhere along the continuum between "prideful" to "mortally sinful" and was absolutely non-biblical if not actually evil.
However, I see bold prayers ALL the time in the bible! In this case, we have someone who might not even be a believer giving a bold prayer, specifically asking God to meet his goals and to 'show kindness' toward Abraham, with a challenging test God must meet first. And God ... immediately delivers!
Clearly, when we pray boldly, it must also be aligned to God's will - in this case, certainly God wanted Isaac to have a wife. There is a pitfall in praying boldly, therefore, about whether or not we are truly understanding God's will. However, in the context of knowing God's clear will, praying boldly is biblical and honorable to God.
Prayer: Dear God, you know the person on my mind today. I do believe it is in your will that he continue to grow and mature in his Christian walk with you. Though I would never presume to be a person who can aid in that, I do pray for his growth. I pray that this very passage today illuminate new understanding for him.
Observation: Was Abraham's servant even a believer? In this prayer, he only claims a third-hand knowledge of God - the God of his master. He seeks understanding of the situation, but in the context of showing kindness to Abraham. He also clearly wants personal success. And yet, he is praying, and he is praying boldly - not just asking for success, but defining a very specific 'test' to ensure success.
Application: I recently saw a document where a pastor was challenging the biblical justification for praying boldly. This pastor was stating that asking for explicit, bold prayers demonstrated a lack of humility by both claiming a knowledge of God's will and even commanding God ... that instead prayer was supposed to only involve humbly asking God for "his will" in a vague manner. In other words, asking God for something that suited your own goals fell somewhere along the continuum between "prideful" to "mortally sinful" and was absolutely non-biblical if not actually evil.
However, I see bold prayers ALL the time in the bible! In this case, we have someone who might not even be a believer giving a bold prayer, specifically asking God to meet his goals and to 'show kindness' toward Abraham, with a challenging test God must meet first. And God ... immediately delivers!
Clearly, when we pray boldly, it must also be aligned to God's will - in this case, certainly God wanted Isaac to have a wife. There is a pitfall in praying boldly, therefore, about whether or not we are truly understanding God's will. However, in the context of knowing God's clear will, praying boldly is biblical and honorable to God.
Prayer: Dear God, you know the person on my mind today. I do believe it is in your will that he continue to grow and mature in his Christian walk with you. Though I would never presume to be a person who can aid in that, I do pray for his growth. I pray that this very passage today illuminate new understanding for him.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Make Bad Soil Better
Scripture: Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. Luke 8:12-14
Observation: In the "parable of the sower", many Christians (including me) focus on the nature of the sower (depending on your perspective, either Jesus or any evangelical effort), and the 'good soil' (the place where the seed takes root and produces ... a.k.a. believers). However, Jesus gave us great information here about non-believers - seeds in the 'bad soils'. In fact, he have three very specific reasons why people DON'T believe when we tell them the good news about Jesus:
1) They are to some degree under the influence of Satan, with their hearts given to some sin that prevents even their desire for a relationship with God.
2) They get excited about the benefits of believing - they like the concept of eternal life - but never establish any real actual belief or understanding of the word of God.
3) They hear the truth, but they are simply too 'of the world' to incorporate faith into the their busy lives, and so they effectively ignore God.
Application: These are actionable issues!! How often have I spoken about Jesus to someone, and when they don't respond I don't know what to do next? Or I give the ol' "it's up to the Holy Spirit now" excuse? Or I think that maybe I didn't say the right words?
Instead ... could I help the person transform their 'soil'?
1) If this is a friend, perhaps I could speak truth to them about the harm of a specific issue/sin in their lives independent of a biblical teaching - talk about the harm it is doing them and their family - to remove a roadblock from their heart.
2) If they excitedly start attending church, I can get them into a bible study, small group, or some other form of study/accountability situation to help them get deeper quicker.
3) Depending on how well I know them, I could provide relief in their lives from business and stress ... anything from just being kind, to aiding them in some element of their life ... in order to calm their minds to focus on the message again.
Some of these aren't easy, especially #1. However, at least there is some guidance here.
Prayer: Lord, just yesterday I read something about how bad it is to gloss over "familiar" parts of the bible. This parable is one of those for me, and today you gave me fresh teaching. Thank you for your faithfulness and guidance and teaching - thank you for loving me enough to care about my growth!
Observation: In the "parable of the sower", many Christians (including me) focus on the nature of the sower (depending on your perspective, either Jesus or any evangelical effort), and the 'good soil' (the place where the seed takes root and produces ... a.k.a. believers). However, Jesus gave us great information here about non-believers - seeds in the 'bad soils'. In fact, he have three very specific reasons why people DON'T believe when we tell them the good news about Jesus:
1) They are to some degree under the influence of Satan, with their hearts given to some sin that prevents even their desire for a relationship with God.
2) They get excited about the benefits of believing - they like the concept of eternal life - but never establish any real actual belief or understanding of the word of God.
3) They hear the truth, but they are simply too 'of the world' to incorporate faith into the their busy lives, and so they effectively ignore God.
Application: These are actionable issues!! How often have I spoken about Jesus to someone, and when they don't respond I don't know what to do next? Or I give the ol' "it's up to the Holy Spirit now" excuse? Or I think that maybe I didn't say the right words?
Instead ... could I help the person transform their 'soil'?
1) If this is a friend, perhaps I could speak truth to them about the harm of a specific issue/sin in their lives independent of a biblical teaching - talk about the harm it is doing them and their family - to remove a roadblock from their heart.
2) If they excitedly start attending church, I can get them into a bible study, small group, or some other form of study/accountability situation to help them get deeper quicker.
3) Depending on how well I know them, I could provide relief in their lives from business and stress ... anything from just being kind, to aiding them in some element of their life ... in order to calm their minds to focus on the message again.
Some of these aren't easy, especially #1. However, at least there is some guidance here.
Prayer: Lord, just yesterday I read something about how bad it is to gloss over "familiar" parts of the bible. This parable is one of those for me, and today you gave me fresh teaching. Thank you for your faithfulness and guidance and teaching - thank you for loving me enough to care about my growth!
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Defining Good Fruit
Scripture: No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Luke 6:43
Observation: This entire section is about leaders first being accountable for our own actions. It starts with Jesus choosing 12 apostles, then with a large crowd he directly looks at/addresses those leaders. He tells them to love their enemies and treat others as they wish to be treated. Just before the good/bad tree analogy, Jesus uses the analogy about correcting a person with a speck in their eye when you have a plank in your own. Before that, he says that the blind cannot lead the blind.
In other words, a tree is known by its fruit, just as a leader is known by their actions ... a good leader acts goodly.
Application: I have been thinking a lot in the last 24 hours about prooftexting - the act of misinterpreting the bible by looking at a very small phrase or verse without any other context. I feel this is an example: I once had a pastor teach a friend of mine that - based on this verse - my friend was a good man because ... his children were good.
Within the limited context of these 14 words, you can understand that interpretation. However, within the context of all of Luke 6, this is clearly part of a discussion about personal behavior, and therefore in fact would say that the determination of being a 'good man' is tied directly to personal behavior. And within the context of the entire bible - which repeatedly says that children are blessed based on the actions of the parents and not the other way around - the teaching given to my friend is inconsistent at best.
And that is, today, a lesson for me I need to recall and reinforce in my own mind. I have amazing kids! My son is especially an astonishing man of God, full of patience, kindness, mercy, and wisdom. I need to recognize that this is not "credited" to me in the context of my behavior ... my son's goodness does not make me good, or worthy, or respected in the eyes of heaven. Instead, I need to be a man of patience, goodness, gentleness, humility, mercy, and kindness - through my own deeds, and in my own heart.
Prayer: Jesus, my lord, may your will be done on earth today, and to the extent you are willing to use me, may your will be done through me. May I be your love to others today. May I show mercy and kindness. And may I feel love and patience in my heart.
Observation: This entire section is about leaders first being accountable for our own actions. It starts with Jesus choosing 12 apostles, then with a large crowd he directly looks at/addresses those leaders. He tells them to love their enemies and treat others as they wish to be treated. Just before the good/bad tree analogy, Jesus uses the analogy about correcting a person with a speck in their eye when you have a plank in your own. Before that, he says that the blind cannot lead the blind.
In other words, a tree is known by its fruit, just as a leader is known by their actions ... a good leader acts goodly.
Application: I have been thinking a lot in the last 24 hours about prooftexting - the act of misinterpreting the bible by looking at a very small phrase or verse without any other context. I feel this is an example: I once had a pastor teach a friend of mine that - based on this verse - my friend was a good man because ... his children were good.
Within the limited context of these 14 words, you can understand that interpretation. However, within the context of all of Luke 6, this is clearly part of a discussion about personal behavior, and therefore in fact would say that the determination of being a 'good man' is tied directly to personal behavior. And within the context of the entire bible - which repeatedly says that children are blessed based on the actions of the parents and not the other way around - the teaching given to my friend is inconsistent at best.
And that is, today, a lesson for me I need to recall and reinforce in my own mind. I have amazing kids! My son is especially an astonishing man of God, full of patience, kindness, mercy, and wisdom. I need to recognize that this is not "credited" to me in the context of my behavior ... my son's goodness does not make me good, or worthy, or respected in the eyes of heaven. Instead, I need to be a man of patience, goodness, gentleness, humility, mercy, and kindness - through my own deeds, and in my own heart.
Prayer: Jesus, my lord, may your will be done on earth today, and to the extent you are willing to use me, may your will be done through me. May I be your love to others today. May I show mercy and kindness. And may I feel love and patience in my heart.
Monday, January 5, 2015
THY Will Be Done
Scripture: While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Luke 5:12
Observation: Interaction with God does NOT begin with us - it begins with God. Specifically, it begins with a relationship and a conversation that involves two primary elements first and foremost:
1) Acknowledging the lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives.
2) Seeking GOD's will (not ours).
Jesus later taught prayer the same way - "Father in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come and will be done ..." This leper gets it right: "Lord, if you are willing ..."
Application: Every day, and almost every time I pray, I get it wrong. I have entire prayers that are effectively "God, please do x, y, z." Even when I believe I am asking for something that is within God's will, I don't couch it that way - I couch it by saying 'this is what I know to be right, therefore I have faith you will act accordingly.'
As my church enters a month of prayer, I need to embrace this truth: Effective prayer involves starting with a focus on my relationship with Jesus, and that relationship is grounded in the fact that he is my Lord, and thus I should seek his perfect will and join him in his work. With that as the starting point, surely I can be of better service to him, and get to celebrate his amazing work on earth.
Prayer: Abba - my father in heaven - you are my lord, and I am yours. I seek to join you in your work here on earth, which is perfect and powerful and loving. If it is your will, please show me where you are moving, so I may join you and pray further into that will. I seek to be used by you, so I may enjoy your love. Amen.
Observation: Interaction with God does NOT begin with us - it begins with God. Specifically, it begins with a relationship and a conversation that involves two primary elements first and foremost:
1) Acknowledging the lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives.
2) Seeking GOD's will (not ours).
Jesus later taught prayer the same way - "Father in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come and will be done ..." This leper gets it right: "Lord, if you are willing ..."
Application: Every day, and almost every time I pray, I get it wrong. I have entire prayers that are effectively "God, please do x, y, z." Even when I believe I am asking for something that is within God's will, I don't couch it that way - I couch it by saying 'this is what I know to be right, therefore I have faith you will act accordingly.'
As my church enters a month of prayer, I need to embrace this truth: Effective prayer involves starting with a focus on my relationship with Jesus, and that relationship is grounded in the fact that he is my Lord, and thus I should seek his perfect will and join him in his work. With that as the starting point, surely I can be of better service to him, and get to celebrate his amazing work on earth.
Prayer: Abba - my father in heaven - you are my lord, and I am yours. I seek to join you in your work here on earth, which is perfect and powerful and loving. If it is your will, please show me where you are moving, so I may join you and pray further into that will. I seek to be used by you, so I may enjoy your love. Amen.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Life or Death
Scripture: The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” Genesis 3:2-3
Observation: God did NOT say that. He said:
The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. ... And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” Genesis 2:9,16-17
There were TWO trees in the middle of the garden, and only one was forbidden. The tree of life was not forbidden. In addition, there was no law about touching anything. In other words:
-- God was specific about which tree was forbidden; Eve acted without distinction between the two trees in the middle of the garden.
-- God was specific about what act was forbidden; Eve is both broad and inaccurate.
-- God gave a command that was initiated by freedom to choose; Eve turned it into a threat.
-- God tied the punishment to a very explicit and intentional act; Eve related the punishment to an incident that might even happen on accident.
-- God effectively said 'choose life or death'; Eve heard 'don't even think about touching this' and became fascinated with the forbidden.
Application: He has given us a choice of "live a great life in eternity" or "die hopeless". God has given us some pretty easy rules ... to love him, and to love others. He has given us clear guidelines regarding the behavior of love that we can only violate if we intentionally try.
And every day, I do the wrong thing. We all do. We hate and sin. We stress and yell and covet. Then we lie about it all ... to others, to ourselves, and to God.
Does this happened because we missed the fact that there is a choice? We missed the part that said, "there are TWO trees, one called the Tree of Life, and you can choose that one!!" (That tree is, of course, a metaphor for Jesus - the way, the truth, and the life - and the option anyone can choose if they wish.) Or did this happen because all of us fail to actually understand God's intention and will for us? He loves us and wants us to have an easy life with all blessing and provision, but we obsess over forbidden fruit.
I am not pointing fingers ... I obsess over work, money, and worldly distractions at least as much as anyone. I need to fix my thinking in 2015. I need to choose the Tree of Life every day, eat of that fruit, and take comfort in God's blessings. I need to focus on the good and easy way of loving God and others, and simply doing whatever is consistent with that daily walk.
Prayer: Lord, in 2015, guide me in a daily relationship with you. Let me walk in the garden with you during the cool of the evening, by focusing on 'the life'. May I become increasing obsessed with Jesus, and focus on the fact that following your way will naturally result in peace and joy. Amen.
Observation: God did NOT say that. He said:
The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. ... And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” Genesis 2:9,16-17
There were TWO trees in the middle of the garden, and only one was forbidden. The tree of life was not forbidden. In addition, there was no law about touching anything. In other words:
-- God was specific about which tree was forbidden; Eve acted without distinction between the two trees in the middle of the garden.
-- God was specific about what act was forbidden; Eve is both broad and inaccurate.
-- God gave a command that was initiated by freedom to choose; Eve turned it into a threat.
-- God tied the punishment to a very explicit and intentional act; Eve related the punishment to an incident that might even happen on accident.
-- God effectively said 'choose life or death'; Eve heard 'don't even think about touching this' and became fascinated with the forbidden.
Application: He has given us a choice of "live a great life in eternity" or "die hopeless". God has given us some pretty easy rules ... to love him, and to love others. He has given us clear guidelines regarding the behavior of love that we can only violate if we intentionally try.
And every day, I do the wrong thing. We all do. We hate and sin. We stress and yell and covet. Then we lie about it all ... to others, to ourselves, and to God.
Does this happened because we missed the fact that there is a choice? We missed the part that said, "there are TWO trees, one called the Tree of Life, and you can choose that one!!" (That tree is, of course, a metaphor for Jesus - the way, the truth, and the life - and the option anyone can choose if they wish.) Or did this happen because all of us fail to actually understand God's intention and will for us? He loves us and wants us to have an easy life with all blessing and provision, but we obsess over forbidden fruit.
I am not pointing fingers ... I obsess over work, money, and worldly distractions at least as much as anyone. I need to fix my thinking in 2015. I need to choose the Tree of Life every day, eat of that fruit, and take comfort in God's blessings. I need to focus on the good and easy way of loving God and others, and simply doing whatever is consistent with that daily walk.
Prayer: Lord, in 2015, guide me in a daily relationship with you. Let me walk in the garden with you during the cool of the evening, by focusing on 'the life'. May I become increasing obsessed with Jesus, and focus on the fact that following your way will naturally result in peace and joy. Amen.
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