Acts 15: 11 "We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the special favor of the Lord Jesus."
In the early church, the elders were having a disagreement over whether the Gentile converts needed to first adhere to Jewish laws and customs. Paul and a few others make the case that the gentiles are not bound to the Jewish law. Then Paul declares that everyone is saved the same way-by special favor of Jesus-not through the law.
For some reason we are easily led to believe our good works lead to our righteousness. Even when we know better, we find ourselves feeling good about what we have done or are doing and we think these good works put us in a better standing before God. When that happens, pride is quick to rise up. We need to remember our salvation is completely through Christ and is his gift to us.
Thank you Jesus for your gift of salvation. Amen.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Monday, December 08, 2008
Agabus from Antioch
Acts 11: 29 "So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could."
At the church in Antioch a dude named Agabus predicted a famine for the entire Roman world. The church then decides to pool together their money to send to other Christians around the empire to help them-before the famine has even begun!
Right now our world is in a tough spot economically. What do most people want to do? They want to hunker down and hoard what they have. I feel that way. I want to save everything I can and cut down on as many expenditures as possible. But look what the early church does. Before the famine even strikes, they begin thinking about others and acting on their beliefs! I need to have faith and act more like them even in these uncertain times! Thanks Agabus!
Dear Jesus, help me to step out in faith even when times are uncertain. Amen.
At the church in Antioch a dude named Agabus predicted a famine for the entire Roman world. The church then decides to pool together their money to send to other Christians around the empire to help them-before the famine has even begun!
Right now our world is in a tough spot economically. What do most people want to do? They want to hunker down and hoard what they have. I feel that way. I want to save everything I can and cut down on as many expenditures as possible. But look what the early church does. Before the famine even strikes, they begin thinking about others and acting on their beliefs! I need to have faith and act more like them even in these uncertain times! Thanks Agabus!
Dear Jesus, help me to step out in faith even when times are uncertain. Amen.
Friday, December 05, 2008
The Big Bad Lion
1 Peter 5: 8 "Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour."
Peter is giving some instructions to some younger Christians and he tells them to watch out for the devil. Peter describes the devil as a roaring lion who prowls around looking for his next lunch. This image is similar to that given in Job when the devil has been going back and forth across the earth looking for a victim.
Satan is my enemy and is just like a hungry lion looking to devour me. In the wild, animals use good defense systems to thwart hungry lions. They use camouflage and speed to defend against predators. What defenses am I using to keep the devil at bay? I think my defenses are the word of God, prayer, my meal group, my church and my family. All of these tools are necessary and helpful in my defense against the lion.
Dear Jesus, help me use the defenses you give me against the devil.
Peter is giving some instructions to some younger Christians and he tells them to watch out for the devil. Peter describes the devil as a roaring lion who prowls around looking for his next lunch. This image is similar to that given in Job when the devil has been going back and forth across the earth looking for a victim.
Satan is my enemy and is just like a hungry lion looking to devour me. In the wild, animals use good defense systems to thwart hungry lions. They use camouflage and speed to defend against predators. What defenses am I using to keep the devil at bay? I think my defenses are the word of God, prayer, my meal group, my church and my family. All of these tools are necessary and helpful in my defense against the lion.
Dear Jesus, help me use the defenses you give me against the devil.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
An Elijah Style Swagger
1 Kings 18:27 "About noontime Elijah began mocking them. "You'll have to shout louder," he scoffed, "for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or he is relieving himself. Or maybe he is away on a trip, or he is asleep and needs to be wakened!"
Elijah is on Mount Carmel in a showdown with 450 prophets of Baal. He challenges them to build an altar and call on their god to light the altar and burn it up. After a few failed attempts Elijah begins to mock them and their God. Eventually, Elijah calls on the one true God and he of course sets the altar ablaze.
This is easily one of my favorite Bible stories. I love the attitude and cockiness that Elijah displays. He has such strong faith in God he is able to toy with the prophets of Baal a bit. In the NFL certain players are known for having a swagger in the way they play the game. They walk and talk and play football with a certain confidence and pride in their game because they know they are good. Elijah has that same kind of swagger here on Mount Carmel. He knows who the victor is before the game is played. Do I have that same kind of confidence in my God? Do I have that same swagger?
Dear Jesus, give me the swagger and strut that Elijah had. Give me the courage and bravery Elijah displayed in front of his 450 enemies. Amen.
Elijah is on Mount Carmel in a showdown with 450 prophets of Baal. He challenges them to build an altar and call on their god to light the altar and burn it up. After a few failed attempts Elijah begins to mock them and their God. Eventually, Elijah calls on the one true God and he of course sets the altar ablaze.
This is easily one of my favorite Bible stories. I love the attitude and cockiness that Elijah displays. He has such strong faith in God he is able to toy with the prophets of Baal a bit. In the NFL certain players are known for having a swagger in the way they play the game. They walk and talk and play football with a certain confidence and pride in their game because they know they are good. Elijah has that same kind of swagger here on Mount Carmel. He knows who the victor is before the game is played. Do I have that same kind of confidence in my God? Do I have that same swagger?
Dear Jesus, give me the swagger and strut that Elijah had. Give me the courage and bravery Elijah displayed in front of his 450 enemies. Amen.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Don't Forget to Tip the Birds
1 Kings 17:5-6 "Elijah obeyed God's orders. He went and camped in the Kerith canyon on the other side of the Jordan. And sure enough, ravens brought him his meals, both breakfast and supper, and he drank from the brook."
God has ordered Elijah to get away from Ahab for awhile because God was going to bring drought and Ahab probably wasn't too happy with Elijah at the moment. So Elijah obediently follows God's instructions and God provides for him by sending ravens to feed him.
My 4 year old daughter Ellie just heard about this story last week at CrossWalk and we talked about it on the way home from church. We asked her what she thought of this story and how the birds fed Elijah and she replied "I wish birds would feed me too!" To Ellie, this story seems completely plausible and normal. Birds can feed people. What I have to understand is that yes, birds can feed people. God can and will provide for us. We just have to have faith and trust in Him.
Dear Jesus, help me to trust in you and believe birds can feed me. Amen.
God has ordered Elijah to get away from Ahab for awhile because God was going to bring drought and Ahab probably wasn't too happy with Elijah at the moment. So Elijah obediently follows God's instructions and God provides for him by sending ravens to feed him.
My 4 year old daughter Ellie just heard about this story last week at CrossWalk and we talked about it on the way home from church. We asked her what she thought of this story and how the birds fed Elijah and she replied "I wish birds would feed me too!" To Ellie, this story seems completely plausible and normal. Birds can feed people. What I have to understand is that yes, birds can feed people. God can and will provide for us. We just have to have faith and trust in Him.
Dear Jesus, help me to trust in you and believe birds can feed me. Amen.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Everything is New!
Revelation 21: "He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
John is writing about his revelation from God and he describes the new heaven and the new earth. In the new Jerusalem, seated on the throne God declares he is making all things new. The earth is new, heaven is new, his city is new, and his people will be new. Everything in creation will be new.
I love these words. I love the idea that God will make all things new in the end, and in fact is in the process of renewing us all now. That is the work of Christ in the lives of people. He takes old things and makes them new. He removes the old dead stuff in our lives and re creates us in his image. We cannot and will not remain the same once in Christ Jesus.
Dear Jesus, help me each day to allow myself to be made new in your image. Amen.
John is writing about his revelation from God and he describes the new heaven and the new earth. In the new Jerusalem, seated on the throne God declares he is making all things new. The earth is new, heaven is new, his city is new, and his people will be new. Everything in creation will be new.
I love these words. I love the idea that God will make all things new in the end, and in fact is in the process of renewing us all now. That is the work of Christ in the lives of people. He takes old things and makes them new. He removes the old dead stuff in our lives and re creates us in his image. We cannot and will not remain the same once in Christ Jesus.
Dear Jesus, help me each day to allow myself to be made new in your image. Amen.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Call Me Kodak
Luke 1: 78-79 "Because of God's tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace."
Zechariah has just had his mouth opened after the birth of his son (to be John the Baptist) and Zechariah shares this prophecy regarding the coming messiah. He says that the "light"- that is Jesus -is about to break upon the people and bring hope and peace.
We just had our jr. high fall retreat-Fall Escape this past weekend. Our theme was "Illuminate" and we talked about light and darkness and how Jesus is our light and how we are called to be a light in a dark world. One of the images that stuck out to me this past weekend is how a camera is designed to allow a small amount of light in at just the right time and that the light is then imprinted as an image which becomes the photo. Just like this process, we too are to have the light imprinted inside of us. I am not the light, but Jesus can imprint his image upon us which then shines through to others.
Jesus, help me to allow you to imprint yourself all over me. Help me to shine! Amen.
Zechariah has just had his mouth opened after the birth of his son (to be John the Baptist) and Zechariah shares this prophecy regarding the coming messiah. He says that the "light"- that is Jesus -is about to break upon the people and bring hope and peace.
We just had our jr. high fall retreat-Fall Escape this past weekend. Our theme was "Illuminate" and we talked about light and darkness and how Jesus is our light and how we are called to be a light in a dark world. One of the images that stuck out to me this past weekend is how a camera is designed to allow a small amount of light in at just the right time and that the light is then imprinted as an image which becomes the photo. Just like this process, we too are to have the light imprinted inside of us. I am not the light, but Jesus can imprint his image upon us which then shines through to others.
Jesus, help me to allow you to imprint yourself all over me. Help me to shine! Amen.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Illuminate
Phil. 2:15 "...let your light shine brightly before them."
Paul is instructing the Philippians to live "clean and innocent lives as children of God in a dark world." He tells them to "hold tightly to the word of life" and to "stay away from complaining and arguing." Paul gives them important instructions on how to shine for Jesus.
Our jr. high fall retreat is coming up next weekend and our theme is "Illuminate." We will be talking about being a light for Jesus and shining brightly in a dark world. My job next weekend is to talk about how these students can become illuminated. And how exactly is that? How do we become illuminated with the love of Jesus and shine brightly in this world? Paul gives us some tips...live clean and innocent lives, don't complain or argue, hold onto the word. Now that I am going to teach these things I must ask, do I do these myself? Am I living in the light and do I shine brightly? Would people I know answer yes to that question?
Dear Jesus, help me to understand what it means to shine brightly for you. I pray that people would see you in me and know that I am yours. Amen.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Keep Alert and Pray!
Matthew 26: 41 "Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!"
Jesus' disciples have gone with him to the garden the night of his betrayal. He asks them to pray with him and keep watch but they are too tired and fall asleep. Three times Jesus walks back to them to find them sleeping. He tells them that they need to keep alert and pray otherwise temptation will come. And just like Jesus warned, temptation does come.
I have found in my life that temptation rarely comes when I am diligent in reading the scriptures and when I am devoted to prayer. When I am lazy about my personal devotions and personal growth, I find it easier to let my mind wander and become side tracked. Spending time with God puts our minds and hearts in the right place and focused on the right things. It also allows God to come into our minds and speak truth into our lives.
Dear Jesus, help me to stay diligent and not become lazy in my relationship with you. Amen.
Jesus' disciples have gone with him to the garden the night of his betrayal. He asks them to pray with him and keep watch but they are too tired and fall asleep. Three times Jesus walks back to them to find them sleeping. He tells them that they need to keep alert and pray otherwise temptation will come. And just like Jesus warned, temptation does come.
I have found in my life that temptation rarely comes when I am diligent in reading the scriptures and when I am devoted to prayer. When I am lazy about my personal devotions and personal growth, I find it easier to let my mind wander and become side tracked. Spending time with God puts our minds and hearts in the right place and focused on the right things. It also allows God to come into our minds and speak truth into our lives.
Dear Jesus, help me to stay diligent and not become lazy in my relationship with you. Amen.
Monday, September 29, 2008
A Kick in the Gut for my Heart
Psalm 78:35-37 "Then they remembered that God was their rock, that their redeemer was the Most High. But they followed him only with their words; they lied to him with their tongues. Their hearts were not loyal to him. They did not keep his covenant."
The psalmist is recalling the history of the Israelites relationship with Yahweh. He records how the Israelites again and again turned away from God despite of how faithful and patient He was with them.
This passage hit me in the stomach! How often do I lie to God with my mouth? How often do I say one thing, yet do another? My intentions are good, my thoughts are good, but that gets me nowhere. Talk is cheap and I talk a big game! I so wish I talked less and did more! I have this God who loves me unconditionally and continually forgives me and lifts me up. And yet again and again, like wayward Israel I lie to him and cheat on him with my heart!
Oh God, forgive me and help me to see You alone deserve my heart! Amen.
The psalmist is recalling the history of the Israelites relationship with Yahweh. He records how the Israelites again and again turned away from God despite of how faithful and patient He was with them.
This passage hit me in the stomach! How often do I lie to God with my mouth? How often do I say one thing, yet do another? My intentions are good, my thoughts are good, but that gets me nowhere. Talk is cheap and I talk a big game! I so wish I talked less and did more! I have this God who loves me unconditionally and continually forgives me and lifts me up. And yet again and again, like wayward Israel I lie to him and cheat on him with my heart!
Oh God, forgive me and help me to see You alone deserve my heart! Amen.
Friday, September 26, 2008
The More the Merrier
Matthew 20:16 "And so it is, many who are first now will be last then; and those who are last now, will be first then."
Jesus just got done telling a story about the kingdom of God that surely messed with his disciples, as it messes with me. The boss in the story hires workers at different hours of the day and at the end of the day he pays them all the same-despite how long they worked. The workers who began in the morning and worked all day complain they were getting paid the same as the guys who started in the evening. But the boss argues he can do what he wants with his money and they agreed to work all day for that wage. How unfair!
I have to be honest here and empathize with the complaining workers. They worked all day for the big guy and at the end of it all, he compensates them the same as the guy who shows up 8 hours later! It doesn't seem right. It doesn't seem fair. This just goes to show that Jesus is the ultimate revolutionary and that the ways of the world are different from the ways of the kingdom. At the end of his story, Jesus says in his kingdom the first shall be last and the last shall be first. That's the way it is and I better get on board with that and celebrate what God is doing and what he will do. I should rejoice over those who turn to Christ after me. The more the merrier anyway!
Dear Jesus, help me to love those who have not yet turned to you and help me to see everyone as you see them! Amen.
Jesus just got done telling a story about the kingdom of God that surely messed with his disciples, as it messes with me. The boss in the story hires workers at different hours of the day and at the end of the day he pays them all the same-despite how long they worked. The workers who began in the morning and worked all day complain they were getting paid the same as the guys who started in the evening. But the boss argues he can do what he wants with his money and they agreed to work all day for that wage. How unfair!
I have to be honest here and empathize with the complaining workers. They worked all day for the big guy and at the end of it all, he compensates them the same as the guy who shows up 8 hours later! It doesn't seem right. It doesn't seem fair. This just goes to show that Jesus is the ultimate revolutionary and that the ways of the world are different from the ways of the kingdom. At the end of his story, Jesus says in his kingdom the first shall be last and the last shall be first. That's the way it is and I better get on board with that and celebrate what God is doing and what he will do. I should rejoice over those who turn to Christ after me. The more the merrier anyway!
Dear Jesus, help me to love those who have not yet turned to you and help me to see everyone as you see them! Amen.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Real Deal
Hebrews 1:3 "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word."
Jesus Christ is the exact representation of God. He exemplifies and represents God's character and nature because he is after all God.
We often say or wish or hope we could see God. If we could just hear from him or talk to him face to face, things would be better, we say. Well, we have seen God-in Jesus! We have his words, stories and miracles recorded for us in the gospels. All we need to do is read them and meditate on them and in that way we have seen God.
Dear Jesus, help me to spend more time with you each day. Amen.
Jesus Christ is the exact representation of God. He exemplifies and represents God's character and nature because he is after all God.
We often say or wish or hope we could see God. If we could just hear from him or talk to him face to face, things would be better, we say. Well, we have seen God-in Jesus! We have his words, stories and miracles recorded for us in the gospels. All we need to do is read them and meditate on them and in that way we have seen God.
Dear Jesus, help me to spend more time with you each day. Amen.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Practice Makes Perfect
Matthew 7:24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
Jesus is telling his followers that they need to not only hear what he is saying and understand it, but they need to put it into practice as well. If they practice what he preaches, they will be wise. If they do not, they are foolish. Interestingly, you could hear and understand what Jesus teaches, but only if you practice it are you wise.
I try to be a good listener. I also am fairly bright. I think I have done a good job hearing and understanding the teachings of Jesus. Now I need to practice more. This is where I fall short. I need to do some more "doing" and start practicing what I hear and understand.
Dear Jesus, help me to practice your teachings! Help me to get better at them each day! Amen.
Jesus is telling his followers that they need to not only hear what he is saying and understand it, but they need to put it into practice as well. If they practice what he preaches, they will be wise. If they do not, they are foolish. Interestingly, you could hear and understand what Jesus teaches, but only if you practice it are you wise.
I try to be a good listener. I also am fairly bright. I think I have done a good job hearing and understanding the teachings of Jesus. Now I need to practice more. This is where I fall short. I need to do some more "doing" and start practicing what I hear and understand.
Dear Jesus, help me to practice your teachings! Help me to get better at them each day! Amen.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Once And For All
Hebrews 9:14 "How much more then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God."
Jesus' sacrifice was so superior to those the priests used to make. Jesus was the perfect lamb and his sacrifice has once and for all cleansed our consciences and wiped the slate clean. He did in one act, what thousands of other acts could not. He once and for all conquered sin and death for us.
This is such great news! We no longer have our sin and guilt hanging over us. We don't have to continually offer sacrifices to atone for our sins. Now I can trust solely in Jesus for my forgiveness. This is good news!
Dear Jesus, thank you! Amen.
Jesus' sacrifice was so superior to those the priests used to make. Jesus was the perfect lamb and his sacrifice has once and for all cleansed our consciences and wiped the slate clean. He did in one act, what thousands of other acts could not. He once and for all conquered sin and death for us.
This is such great news! We no longer have our sin and guilt hanging over us. We don't have to continually offer sacrifices to atone for our sins. Now I can trust solely in Jesus for my forgiveness. This is good news!
Dear Jesus, thank you! Amen.
Friday, July 11, 2008
My Best Friend T-Rex
Isaiah 8:13-14 "The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, He is the one you are to fear, He is the one you are to dread, and He will be a sanctuary."
Isaiah is telling the Israelites they are to fear God alone. He is the one who is holy. Isaiah also mentions that He will be a sanctuary.
I just found it interesting that we are to fear God and in fact dread Him, yet He is our sanctuary. That is a difficult thing to comprehend. How can God be a sanctuary if He is so fearful and dreadful? I guess a sanctuary is a safe place. Is there any more of a safe place than in the presence of the most fearful and dreadful being in existence? I guess I'm glad He is on my side. Who can harm you if everyone fears and dreads Him? It's like having a T-Rex as a best friend!
Dear Jesus, help me to fear and dread your power and yet still see you as my sanctuary. Amen.
Isaiah is telling the Israelites they are to fear God alone. He is the one who is holy. Isaiah also mentions that He will be a sanctuary.
I just found it interesting that we are to fear God and in fact dread Him, yet He is our sanctuary. That is a difficult thing to comprehend. How can God be a sanctuary if He is so fearful and dreadful? I guess a sanctuary is a safe place. Is there any more of a safe place than in the presence of the most fearful and dreadful being in existence? I guess I'm glad He is on my side. Who can harm you if everyone fears and dreads Him? It's like having a T-Rex as a best friend!
Dear Jesus, help me to fear and dread your power and yet still see you as my sanctuary. Amen.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Best Priest Ever!
Heb. 7:25 "Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them."
Jesus is being compared to Melchizedek. The author (likely Paul) is making the argument that Jesus is our high priest-in fact he is the ultimate high priest. There is no need for any other priest because Jesus continually intercedes on our behalf. He is able to do completely what former priests (and current ones) could only do in part. He saves us and justifies us completely.
My hope needs to continually remain in Jesus. My salvation and righteousness do not come through good works, rituals or religion-they comes through Jesus. He is my high priest who intercedes on my behalf before the father.
Dear Jesus, please intercede for me each day. I need you! Amen.
Jesus is being compared to Melchizedek. The author (likely Paul) is making the argument that Jesus is our high priest-in fact he is the ultimate high priest. There is no need for any other priest because Jesus continually intercedes on our behalf. He is able to do completely what former priests (and current ones) could only do in part. He saves us and justifies us completely.
My hope needs to continually remain in Jesus. My salvation and righteousness do not come through good works, rituals or religion-they comes through Jesus. He is my high priest who intercedes on my behalf before the father.
Dear Jesus, please intercede for me each day. I need you! Amen.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
A New Look
Col 3:9-10 "Do not lie to each other since you have taken off your old self with it's practices and have put on the new self which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of it's creator."
Paul is talking about the kind of people we are to be. He says we have taken off our "old self" and now have a "new self." And this new self is being renewed or remade in the image of our Creator. We are "new creations" as Paul says elsewhere. We are continually becoming more and more like Jesus.
I guess it's not enough to believe in Jesus or believe in God. If we truly are a follower of Christ we will become more like Him. Our image will begin to resemble His image. W begin to talk like Him, act like Him, love like Him, and forgive like Him. I need to remember this whole deal is not just about believing in someone or giving mental assent to some religious ideals, but rather it's all about becoming more like Jesus.
Dear Jesus, help me to daily evaluate how I "look" compared to you. Amen.
Paul is talking about the kind of people we are to be. He says we have taken off our "old self" and now have a "new self." And this new self is being renewed or remade in the image of our Creator. We are "new creations" as Paul says elsewhere. We are continually becoming more and more like Jesus.
I guess it's not enough to believe in Jesus or believe in God. If we truly are a follower of Christ we will become more like Him. Our image will begin to resemble His image. W begin to talk like Him, act like Him, love like Him, and forgive like Him. I need to remember this whole deal is not just about believing in someone or giving mental assent to some religious ideals, but rather it's all about becoming more like Jesus.
Dear Jesus, help me to daily evaluate how I "look" compared to you. Amen.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Punk'd
Col. 2:15 "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
At the time of Christ, the Roman Empire had power. They were power. They had authority. They were the authority. They had the power and authority to do what they wanted and they used that power and authority to kill Jesus. Yet Jesus had the final word. He conquered death and showed everyone who's boss. Through the cross, he disarmed all powers-the Romans, the Pharisees, and Satan himself. He made a public spectacle of them while he was hanging on the cross publicly for all to see. It was one giant episode of Punk'd where Jesus conquers death and rises from the grave and says "Gotcha!"
Jesus conquered! He had victory over death, powers, sin and Satan. Not only did He have victory, but that victory extends to me. I, through Christ am victorious over sin and Satan. I, because of Jesus, can look straight at Satan and say, "Gotcha!" He has no power or authority over me!
Dear Jesus, help me to live victoriously in all areas of my life. Amen
At the time of Christ, the Roman Empire had power. They were power. They had authority. They were the authority. They had the power and authority to do what they wanted and they used that power and authority to kill Jesus. Yet Jesus had the final word. He conquered death and showed everyone who's boss. Through the cross, he disarmed all powers-the Romans, the Pharisees, and Satan himself. He made a public spectacle of them while he was hanging on the cross publicly for all to see. It was one giant episode of Punk'd where Jesus conquers death and rises from the grave and says "Gotcha!"
Jesus conquered! He had victory over death, powers, sin and Satan. Not only did He have victory, but that victory extends to me. I, through Christ am victorious over sin and Satan. I, because of Jesus, can look straight at Satan and say, "Gotcha!" He has no power or authority over me!
Dear Jesus, help me to live victoriously in all areas of my life. Amen
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Better than Me
Phil 2:3 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."
Paul instucts the Philippians to not be selfish and to think of others ahead of themselves. Isn't this central to the life of a Christ follower? In this chapter, Paul compares the attitude of Christ to the attitude we should have. Jesus, even though he was God, took the nature of a servant and died for us-mere mortals! Paul says we should live the same way and put others interests ahead of our own.
How often do I live like this-really? When was the last time I put someone else's interests ahead of mine? I am always looking out for three people-me, myself and I! I need to put others first and be more humble.
Dear Jesus, teach me and show me how to put others first. Help me to do this each day. Amen.
Paul instucts the Philippians to not be selfish and to think of others ahead of themselves. Isn't this central to the life of a Christ follower? In this chapter, Paul compares the attitude of Christ to the attitude we should have. Jesus, even though he was God, took the nature of a servant and died for us-mere mortals! Paul says we should live the same way and put others interests ahead of our own.
How often do I live like this-really? When was the last time I put someone else's interests ahead of mine? I am always looking out for three people-me, myself and I! I need to put others first and be more humble.
Dear Jesus, teach me and show me how to put others first. Help me to do this each day. Amen.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Laser Like Focus
Phil 1:21 "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Paul is referring to his hardships and imprisonments. According to 2 Cor. 11:23, Paul may have experienced several periods of confinement. Paul knew suffering for the gospel's sake. Amazingly, he was able to maintain a very focused perspective throughout his trials. He says here that while he is living, it's all about Jesus, and if he dies-that's only better because he will be with Jesus.
This is my favorite verse in the Bible. I love Paul's focus. He knows what his life is to be about. He has no indecision in his mind. His life is to be all about Jesus. And no matter what that might bring him-pain, suffering, prison, even death-Paul doesn't seem to care! I love that. I hope to live as Paul did-with a laser like focus on Jesus and to not care about the details or what might happen to me.
Dear Jesus, help me to have a laser like focus on you-no matter what the consequences! Amen.
Paul is referring to his hardships and imprisonments. According to 2 Cor. 11:23, Paul may have experienced several periods of confinement. Paul knew suffering for the gospel's sake. Amazingly, he was able to maintain a very focused perspective throughout his trials. He says here that while he is living, it's all about Jesus, and if he dies-that's only better because he will be with Jesus.
This is my favorite verse in the Bible. I love Paul's focus. He knows what his life is to be about. He has no indecision in his mind. His life is to be all about Jesus. And no matter what that might bring him-pain, suffering, prison, even death-Paul doesn't seem to care! I love that. I hope to live as Paul did-with a laser like focus on Jesus and to not care about the details or what might happen to me.
Dear Jesus, help me to have a laser like focus on you-no matter what the consequences! Amen.
Friday, June 06, 2008
A Great Memory Verse
Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast."
Paul loves to talk about grace! Here he states that we are saved by grace-and not because of anything we've done. It is a gift from God. It is free. It is ours to have. It was given by God through Jesus. This is the gospel. This is the good news!
I memorized this verse when I was a boy. It's one of the most important verses in the Bible for me. It represents this great idea that God saved us from our sins, our guilt, our shame, our past, our demons-all for nothing. It was and is a free gift from him. It is a gift we have to receive, but ultimately a free gift nonetheless. When we work for something or earn it, we have a tendency to be proud of whatever it is we did. We tend to boast or feel real good about ourselves and what WE accomplished. Our salvation-the gospel-doesn't work like that. It is a free gift. So we are not to boast of ourselves but of God alone.
Dear Jesus, thank you for grace and for Ephesians! Help me to boast about you! Amen.
Paul loves to talk about grace! Here he states that we are saved by grace-and not because of anything we've done. It is a gift from God. It is free. It is ours to have. It was given by God through Jesus. This is the gospel. This is the good news!
I memorized this verse when I was a boy. It's one of the most important verses in the Bible for me. It represents this great idea that God saved us from our sins, our guilt, our shame, our past, our demons-all for nothing. It was and is a free gift from him. It is a gift we have to receive, but ultimately a free gift nonetheless. When we work for something or earn it, we have a tendency to be proud of whatever it is we did. We tend to boast or feel real good about ourselves and what WE accomplished. Our salvation-the gospel-doesn't work like that. It is a free gift. So we are not to boast of ourselves but of God alone.
Dear Jesus, thank you for grace and for Ephesians! Help me to boast about you! Amen.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
A Salty Heart
Proverbs 28: 13 "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."
In Israel there are several important bodies of water. In the north there is the Sea of Galilea-a living, breathing, healthy, freshwater Sea teeming with life. From it, the Jordan River flows southward to the Dead Sea-a sea well below sea level with a very high salidity of over 30% which inhibits nearly any life from thriving there-hence the name "Dead Sea." Many tourists do flock here to float in it's salty waters for health benefits as well as soak up the hot sun. The Jordan River serves as an outlet for the Galilea. It takes sediment, salt and pollutants and drains them southward. The minerals and deposits wind up in the Dead Sea which has no outlet of it's own so these materials collect and create the conditions we see there today.
Just as the health of the Galilea is dependant upon the Jordan for taking away the pollutants and minerals and crud, we too need to have outlets in our lives to get rid of the junk and garbage that accumulate in our hearts. We sin and because of our sin, guilt and shame build up in our lives. We, like the Sea of Galilea, need to get rid of this junk so we can be healthy. We need to have regular times of confession and repentance to clean our souls.
Dear Lord, help me to admit my sins to others and to continually allow you to wash away the guilt and shame from my life. Amen.
In Israel there are several important bodies of water. In the north there is the Sea of Galilea-a living, breathing, healthy, freshwater Sea teeming with life. From it, the Jordan River flows southward to the Dead Sea-a sea well below sea level with a very high salidity of over 30% which inhibits nearly any life from thriving there-hence the name "Dead Sea." Many tourists do flock here to float in it's salty waters for health benefits as well as soak up the hot sun. The Jordan River serves as an outlet for the Galilea. It takes sediment, salt and pollutants and drains them southward. The minerals and deposits wind up in the Dead Sea which has no outlet of it's own so these materials collect and create the conditions we see there today.
Just as the health of the Galilea is dependant upon the Jordan for taking away the pollutants and minerals and crud, we too need to have outlets in our lives to get rid of the junk and garbage that accumulate in our hearts. We sin and because of our sin, guilt and shame build up in our lives. We, like the Sea of Galilea, need to get rid of this junk so we can be healthy. We need to have regular times of confession and repentance to clean our souls.
Dear Lord, help me to admit my sins to others and to continually allow you to wash away the guilt and shame from my life. Amen.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Sinful Hamburger
Romans 14:23 "...and everything that does not come from faith is sin."
As the Christian church began to grow, Gentiles and Jews had to learn how to live together and how to live as followers of Christ. There was much tension between the two groups. Jews had their customs and traditions. Gentiles were new to the whole deal. Here, Paul addresses the topics of food and special days. Jews abstained from certain food and had special days of celebration according to their traditions. Many Jews expected the Gentiles to also adhere to these customs. Paul makes the case that the kingdom is not about this stuff, but rather about real issues such as joy and peace. He says whatever an individual decides about food and holidays should be done in faith-not out of guilt, peer pressure or doubt. Faith is what matters most.
God wants us to trust him and have faith in him even when we're not sure of the perfectly correct action. We so often want to look at the rules, the customs, the traditions of our past as we decide how to live our lives and we forget to use faith. I think God honors us when we trust him even when we are not sure exactly what is right. He wants us to faithfully make decisions and trust him that he will work through us. God doesn't get caught up in technicalities-although sometimes he seemed to in the Old Testament! He wants us to make up our minds and faithfully move forward and follow him. So bring on the burgers!
Dear Jesus, help me to faithfully follow you.
As the Christian church began to grow, Gentiles and Jews had to learn how to live together and how to live as followers of Christ. There was much tension between the two groups. Jews had their customs and traditions. Gentiles were new to the whole deal. Here, Paul addresses the topics of food and special days. Jews abstained from certain food and had special days of celebration according to their traditions. Many Jews expected the Gentiles to also adhere to these customs. Paul makes the case that the kingdom is not about this stuff, but rather about real issues such as joy and peace. He says whatever an individual decides about food and holidays should be done in faith-not out of guilt, peer pressure or doubt. Faith is what matters most.
God wants us to trust him and have faith in him even when we're not sure of the perfectly correct action. We so often want to look at the rules, the customs, the traditions of our past as we decide how to live our lives and we forget to use faith. I think God honors us when we trust him even when we are not sure exactly what is right. He wants us to faithfully make decisions and trust him that he will work through us. God doesn't get caught up in technicalities-although sometimes he seemed to in the Old Testament! He wants us to make up our minds and faithfully move forward and follow him. So bring on the burgers!
Dear Jesus, help me to faithfully follow you.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Don't Swerve
Proverbs 4:25 "Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you."
Solomon is writing about the supremacy of wisdom. Wisdom is to be gained at all costs according to Solomon. In verse 25, he advises to keep our eyes straight ahead of us. He wants us to continually look in front of us-not to the side or behind us-just directly before us.
I was driving home yesterday from a Memorial Day weekend at my in-laws and we encountered some heavy holiday traffic. Being a curious fellow, my eyes tend to wander and I like to check out what's going on around me. I like to watch fellow motorists-see what they are up to, what they are driving, what's going on in their vehicle. I like to imagine where they are coming from and where they are going. Many things on the road steal my attention-cows in the field, roadkill on the shoulder, a broken down car, SUV's that think they own the road, truckers who ride my bumper...Anyhow, as soon as I take my eyes off the road, I begin to swerve. I do this a lot. My wife makes fun of me (and gets a bit angry) when I swerve. The point is, when we take our eyes off of what's most important-what's directly in front of us-we are prone to swerve. And bad things happen when we swerve!
Dear Lord, help me to keep my eyes in front of me so I don't swerve. Amen.
Solomon is writing about the supremacy of wisdom. Wisdom is to be gained at all costs according to Solomon. In verse 25, he advises to keep our eyes straight ahead of us. He wants us to continually look in front of us-not to the side or behind us-just directly before us.
I was driving home yesterday from a Memorial Day weekend at my in-laws and we encountered some heavy holiday traffic. Being a curious fellow, my eyes tend to wander and I like to check out what's going on around me. I like to watch fellow motorists-see what they are up to, what they are driving, what's going on in their vehicle. I like to imagine where they are coming from and where they are going. Many things on the road steal my attention-cows in the field, roadkill on the shoulder, a broken down car, SUV's that think they own the road, truckers who ride my bumper...Anyhow, as soon as I take my eyes off the road, I begin to swerve. I do this a lot. My wife makes fun of me (and gets a bit angry) when I swerve. The point is, when we take our eyes off of what's most important-what's directly in front of us-we are prone to swerve. And bad things happen when we swerve!
Dear Lord, help me to keep my eyes in front of me so I don't swerve. Amen.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
One Sinful Lamb
Romans 3:25 "God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice..."
Paul is explaining how Jesus became a sacrifice for our sins. Just as sacrifices were made to atone for sin-usually bulls and goats-Jesus was playing the part of sacrifice for us. God "presented him" just like a priest might present a bull or goat before the altar. This is an almost eery image-God "presenting" Jesus like he really was an animal. Jesus was slaughtered on our behalf.
I've been reading "Vintage Jesus" by Mark Driscoll and he emphasizes the concept that Jesus took on our sin. Even though he himself was sinless, on the cross he literally bore our sin. He became sin and became everything we are on the cross. He took on the sins of the world and died in our place. He was the ultimate sacrifice. Normally, you would slaughter some goats or a bull year after year to atone for sin. But now, Jesus as the perfect lamb died for all the sins of all the world. One shot and it was all done. This just makes me awe at the love God has for me.
Dear Lord, help me to remember Christ's sacrifice. Amen.
Paul is explaining how Jesus became a sacrifice for our sins. Just as sacrifices were made to atone for sin-usually bulls and goats-Jesus was playing the part of sacrifice for us. God "presented him" just like a priest might present a bull or goat before the altar. This is an almost eery image-God "presenting" Jesus like he really was an animal. Jesus was slaughtered on our behalf.
I've been reading "Vintage Jesus" by Mark Driscoll and he emphasizes the concept that Jesus took on our sin. Even though he himself was sinless, on the cross he literally bore our sin. He became sin and became everything we are on the cross. He took on the sins of the world and died in our place. He was the ultimate sacrifice. Normally, you would slaughter some goats or a bull year after year to atone for sin. But now, Jesus as the perfect lamb died for all the sins of all the world. One shot and it was all done. This just makes me awe at the love God has for me.
Dear Lord, help me to remember Christ's sacrifice. Amen.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Smoke what you're selling
Romans 2:21 "you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?"
Paul has some harsh words here for the Jewish leaders and teachers in Rome. At that time many Jews-especially teachers, thought of themselves as superior to Gentiles. Paul confronts these conceded and hypocritical attitudes. He tells them that if they think they are so high and mighty, they better be practicing what they are preaching. I'm sure Paul knew many of them were not "walking the talk." Jesus had similar encounters with the religious elite years earlier. The point of Paul's barrage is that we ultimately are all equal at the foot of the cross and if we are going to be a leader or teacher, we better be modeling what we are preaching.
I'll never forget Rob Bell once saying to a group of pastors, "Are you smoking what you're selling?" I better ask myself that question every day! The worst thing in the world is to be a poser, phony, fraud, or hypocrite.
Dear God, help me to smoke what I'm selling. Amen.
Paul has some harsh words here for the Jewish leaders and teachers in Rome. At that time many Jews-especially teachers, thought of themselves as superior to Gentiles. Paul confronts these conceded and hypocritical attitudes. He tells them that if they think they are so high and mighty, they better be practicing what they are preaching. I'm sure Paul knew many of them were not "walking the talk." Jesus had similar encounters with the religious elite years earlier. The point of Paul's barrage is that we ultimately are all equal at the foot of the cross and if we are going to be a leader or teacher, we better be modeling what we are preaching.
I'll never forget Rob Bell once saying to a group of pastors, "Are you smoking what you're selling?" I better ask myself that question every day! The worst thing in the world is to be a poser, phony, fraud, or hypocrite.
Dear God, help me to smoke what I'm selling. Amen.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A Thesis of Faith
Romans 1:16-17 "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"
Paul is writing to the church in Rome and this passage serves as the thesis for his letter and his ministry. This passage drives everything he does. He states that righteousness from God is revealed in the gospel and is now available to everyone through faith in Jesus Christ. No longer is righteousness sought after through good works, rituals, and personal achievement. No longer is righteousness available to Jews only. Now righteousness is available to all through faith alone. Paul as a Jew takes the time and effort to make it perfectly clear that our salvation, our righteousness, our right standing with God, is through faith in Jesus. Our ancestry, family line, and our personal good works and best effort no longer affect our standing before God-as if they ever did! Now it is all about Jesus.
How much faith do I put in my good works? How much faith do I put in what I've accomplished? My vocation? My past? My family? My goodness? How much faith do I actually put in Christ? What do I think really saves me, truly reconciles me to God? It is so easy to get caught up in doing, doing, doing, and doing more good works to earn my righteousness. I need to remember my salvation is through faith in Christ.
Dear Lord, help me to put my faith in you and not in me. Amen.
Paul is writing to the church in Rome and this passage serves as the thesis for his letter and his ministry. This passage drives everything he does. He states that righteousness from God is revealed in the gospel and is now available to everyone through faith in Jesus Christ. No longer is righteousness sought after through good works, rituals, and personal achievement. No longer is righteousness available to Jews only. Now righteousness is available to all through faith alone. Paul as a Jew takes the time and effort to make it perfectly clear that our salvation, our righteousness, our right standing with God, is through faith in Jesus. Our ancestry, family line, and our personal good works and best effort no longer affect our standing before God-as if they ever did! Now it is all about Jesus.
How much faith do I put in my good works? How much faith do I put in what I've accomplished? My vocation? My past? My family? My goodness? How much faith do I actually put in Christ? What do I think really saves me, truly reconciles me to God? It is so easy to get caught up in doing, doing, doing, and doing more good works to earn my righteousness. I need to remember my salvation is through faith in Christ.
Dear Lord, help me to put my faith in you and not in me. Amen.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Live for the Weekend?
2 Thess. 3:6 "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us."
Apparently in the Thessalonian church there were some idle people-some busybodies and Paul instructs the believers there to keep their distance from them. Paul reminds them how he and his companions kept busy and did not waste time or take advantage of others' work while they were with them. He set an example for them to follow.
It is very easy to become idle and lazy in our society. We have so many freedoms, so many luxuries, so many temptations vying for our time, money and energy. These can draw us away from being useful and doing what is right. So many people settle for an ordinary life and live for the weekends. Movies, video games, and entertainment become their pursuit instead of God. Life is only so long and I don't want to waste it on stuff that doesn't matter. I need to guard against wasting time and becoming idle.
Lord help me to spend my time on you, others and my family and help me to not live for the weekend. Amen.
Apparently in the Thessalonian church there were some idle people-some busybodies and Paul instructs the believers there to keep their distance from them. Paul reminds them how he and his companions kept busy and did not waste time or take advantage of others' work while they were with them. He set an example for them to follow.
It is very easy to become idle and lazy in our society. We have so many freedoms, so many luxuries, so many temptations vying for our time, money and energy. These can draw us away from being useful and doing what is right. So many people settle for an ordinary life and live for the weekends. Movies, video games, and entertainment become their pursuit instead of God. Life is only so long and I don't want to waste it on stuff that doesn't matter. I need to guard against wasting time and becoming idle.
Lord help me to spend my time on you, others and my family and help me to not live for the weekend. Amen.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
HeMan
1 Chron. 25:1 "David, together with the commander of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymballs..."
David is setting up his kingdom/administration and he appoints a group of people for the ministry of prophesying. Included in this group are 14 sons of HeMan! Apparently, HeMan was not originally a steroid injecting, sword wielding hero who battled Skeletor, but rather the father of a family of prophets! These prophets were accompanied by harps, lyres and symbols.
Later in this passage it says that the prophets were "given him through the promise of God to exalt Him." So there was this entire team/ministry created to prophesy and exalt/worship God. I had to journal on this passage as I saw the name HeMan-my boyhood idol! What I see here though is that God has created people for specific tasks and Heman's is not to fight Skeletor or the Phillistines-that's Joab's job-Heman's is to speak for God and praise Him.
Dear Lord, help me to know the purpose you created me for and help me to devote myself to it. Amen.
David is setting up his kingdom/administration and he appoints a group of people for the ministry of prophesying. Included in this group are 14 sons of HeMan! Apparently, HeMan was not originally a steroid injecting, sword wielding hero who battled Skeletor, but rather the father of a family of prophets! These prophets were accompanied by harps, lyres and symbols.
Later in this passage it says that the prophets were "given him through the promise of God to exalt Him." So there was this entire team/ministry created to prophesy and exalt/worship God. I had to journal on this passage as I saw the name HeMan-my boyhood idol! What I see here though is that God has created people for specific tasks and Heman's is not to fight Skeletor or the Phillistines-that's Joab's job-Heman's is to speak for God and praise Him.
Dear Lord, help me to know the purpose you created me for and help me to devote myself to it. Amen.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Right Kind of Short Temper
Psalm 30:5 "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."
David is dedicating the temple and reflecting on his hot and cold relationship with God. David and the Israelites ride a rollercoaster of sorts as they find God's blessing and then disobey and receive God's punishment. Again and again this happens. It's amazing how often they screw up and how patient God is with them.
It is easy to dwell on our sin, our mistakes and our failures. Sometimes we have a hard time moving on and letting go. And surely God doesn't ignore our sins, but his anger only lasts a moment. He is quick to forgive, quick to reconcile, and quick to take us back. I must remember that once it is forgiven, it is done. I must move on and have faith in God that my sins are taken care of.
Dear Lord, help me to remember your goodness and your patience. Amen.
David is dedicating the temple and reflecting on his hot and cold relationship with God. David and the Israelites ride a rollercoaster of sorts as they find God's blessing and then disobey and receive God's punishment. Again and again this happens. It's amazing how often they screw up and how patient God is with them.
It is easy to dwell on our sin, our mistakes and our failures. Sometimes we have a hard time moving on and letting go. And surely God doesn't ignore our sins, but his anger only lasts a moment. He is quick to forgive, quick to reconcile, and quick to take us back. I must remember that once it is forgiven, it is done. I must move on and have faith in God that my sins are taken care of.
Dear Lord, help me to remember your goodness and your patience. Amen.
Monday, May 12, 2008
True Motivators
1 Thess. 1:3 "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
Paul is beginning his letter to the Corinthian church and is applauding the work they have done in the Lord. Paul is reminding them that he is thankful for them and he keeps them in his prayers.
It is interesting to me that work, labor and endurance are all produced, prompted and inspired by faith, love and hope. Paul highlights these three-faith, hope and love also in 1 Corinthians 13. Work isn't just for work's sake. We do what we do because we are prompted and inspired by our faith, hope and love in Jesus. Our faith in him produces good works. Our love for Him prompts us to labor for something bigger than ourselves. Our hope in Christ inspires us to endure until the end. It all begins with our relationship with Jesus.
Dear Lord, help me to work, labor and endure because of my faith, hope and love in you. Amen.
Paul is beginning his letter to the Corinthian church and is applauding the work they have done in the Lord. Paul is reminding them that he is thankful for them and he keeps them in his prayers.
It is interesting to me that work, labor and endurance are all produced, prompted and inspired by faith, love and hope. Paul highlights these three-faith, hope and love also in 1 Corinthians 13. Work isn't just for work's sake. We do what we do because we are prompted and inspired by our faith, hope and love in Jesus. Our faith in him produces good works. Our love for Him prompts us to labor for something bigger than ourselves. Our hope in Christ inspires us to endure until the end. It all begins with our relationship with Jesus.
Dear Lord, help me to work, labor and endure because of my faith, hope and love in you. Amen.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Jesus vs. Chariots
Psalm 20:7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."
David is the author of this psalm and he states that we trust in God, not in chariots and horses. It is ironic that David said this considering David, maybe more than anyone else in the Bible knew and used the power of chariots and horses! David is consistently beating up on people. Yet here he declares we are to trust not in the war machine, but in God alone.
At this time there is a lot of debate as to who will be our next president. There is lots of talk of politics, taxes, war, oil and the economy. Where is our hope? Is it in Obama? Clinton? McCain? Chevron or Amoco? Our hope needs to be in Christ. Obama can't save us. Big oil and big military can't either. As followers of Jesus, our trust should be in Him alone.
Dear Jesus, help me to not fret over oil prices, the falling dollar or extremists in Iran. Help me to put my trust in you! Amen.
David is the author of this psalm and he states that we trust in God, not in chariots and horses. It is ironic that David said this considering David, maybe more than anyone else in the Bible knew and used the power of chariots and horses! David is consistently beating up on people. Yet here he declares we are to trust not in the war machine, but in God alone.
At this time there is a lot of debate as to who will be our next president. There is lots of talk of politics, taxes, war, oil and the economy. Where is our hope? Is it in Obama? Clinton? McCain? Chevron or Amoco? Our hope needs to be in Christ. Obama can't save us. Big oil and big military can't either. As followers of Jesus, our trust should be in Him alone.
Dear Jesus, help me to not fret over oil prices, the falling dollar or extremists in Iran. Help me to put my trust in you! Amen.
Monday, April 21, 2008
A Centurian Feast
Matt. 8:11 "I say to you that many will come from the east and the west and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Jesus has just healed a Roman centurian's servant because of the centurian's great example of faith. This centurian was not a Jew-not one of God's chosen people and yet he shows faith in Jesus greater than those following him. Jesus says many who are a part of the kingdom-at least think they are-will find themselves sadly mistaken in the end! And many outside of the kingdom will find themselves sitting at the banquet in the end.
I definitely want to go to the feast! Am I like the centurian with amazing faith evident in my life? Or am I a person who considers myself "in" but just might be setting myself up for a rude awakening? I need to show uncompromising faith 24/7 in Jesus. I don't want to miss the feast!
Dear Lord, help me to have unwavering faith in you today! Amen.
Jesus has just healed a Roman centurian's servant because of the centurian's great example of faith. This centurian was not a Jew-not one of God's chosen people and yet he shows faith in Jesus greater than those following him. Jesus says many who are a part of the kingdom-at least think they are-will find themselves sadly mistaken in the end! And many outside of the kingdom will find themselves sitting at the banquet in the end.
I definitely want to go to the feast! Am I like the centurian with amazing faith evident in my life? Or am I a person who considers myself "in" but just might be setting myself up for a rude awakening? I need to show uncompromising faith 24/7 in Jesus. I don't want to miss the feast!
Dear Lord, help me to have unwavering faith in you today! Amen.
A Well Aimed Mag Light
...from Friday April 18...
Matt. 5:16 "in the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven."
Jesus is telling the people they are to be salt and light to the world. They are to be different and stand out from the rest of the world. Jesus is calling them to be set apart and holy.
What I find interesting here is that we are to let our light shine so that others praise our father in heaven. We are not to do good works and let our light shine for our benefit, but rather for God's benefit. Doing good things isn't for our glory but for our fathers. So often I do good things so people see me-so they recognize and admire me. I am just like the Pharisees who were surely in Jesus' audience somewhere that day! It's great to do good works, but for what purpose? What are my motives? Who gets the glory? Where is the light shining and on whom? I need to be a bright light, but I need to be a bright light pointed at the right thing. A lighthouse does no good if it's pointed down at itself. I need to be a spotlight directed at Jesus.
Dear Lord, help me to be a bright light pointed at you! Amen.
Matt. 5:16 "in the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven."
Jesus is telling the people they are to be salt and light to the world. They are to be different and stand out from the rest of the world. Jesus is calling them to be set apart and holy.
What I find interesting here is that we are to let our light shine so that others praise our father in heaven. We are not to do good works and let our light shine for our benefit, but rather for God's benefit. Doing good things isn't for our glory but for our fathers. So often I do good things so people see me-so they recognize and admire me. I am just like the Pharisees who were surely in Jesus' audience somewhere that day! It's great to do good works, but for what purpose? What are my motives? Who gets the glory? Where is the light shining and on whom? I need to be a bright light, but I need to be a bright light pointed at the right thing. A lighthouse does no good if it's pointed down at itself. I need to be a spotlight directed at Jesus.
Dear Lord, help me to be a bright light pointed at you! Amen.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Leave the Walleye Behind
Matt. 4:19 "'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'"
Jesus is calling his first disciples. He sees Peter and Andrew fishing in the Sea of Galilee and he tells them to come and follow him. Immediately they leave their nets and follow Jesus. I used to think that was bizarre when I was a kid-that they just up and followed Jesus like that. It seemed Jesus hypnotized them! Later I learned that as a rabbi these young men would be eager to be his disciple. And a rabbi did not recruit followers. In any event, Jesus calls them to come and fish for men instead of fish.
I can't let go of the image of Peter going fishing again after the crucifixion in John 21. James Brown did such a great job of teaching on this passage last week at "Big Church." Initially Jesus calls Peter to come and fish for men in Matthew 4. But as soon as Jesus dies and the game appears to be over, Peter returns to the boat in John 21. His faith has failed. What boat am I tempted to return to? Jesus calls us all to fish for men and leave the walleye behind!
Dear Lord, help me to always fish for men and leave the walleye behind. Amen.
Jesus is calling his first disciples. He sees Peter and Andrew fishing in the Sea of Galilee and he tells them to come and follow him. Immediately they leave their nets and follow Jesus. I used to think that was bizarre when I was a kid-that they just up and followed Jesus like that. It seemed Jesus hypnotized them! Later I learned that as a rabbi these young men would be eager to be his disciple. And a rabbi did not recruit followers. In any event, Jesus calls them to come and fish for men instead of fish.
I can't let go of the image of Peter going fishing again after the crucifixion in John 21. James Brown did such a great job of teaching on this passage last week at "Big Church." Initially Jesus calls Peter to come and fish for men in Matthew 4. But as soon as Jesus dies and the game appears to be over, Peter returns to the boat in John 21. His faith has failed. What boat am I tempted to return to? Jesus calls us all to fish for men and leave the walleye behind!
Dear Lord, help me to always fish for men and leave the walleye behind. Amen.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Smack Talk
1 Samuel 17:47 "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's..."
David is about to fight Goliath. I love David's courage and bravado in this story! He has a swagger to his step and an attitude in his voice. He's talking smack to a nine foot giant! And David is clear that God will win this battle-it's his to win. God uses the ordinary, the weak to show his power. God uses a small boy with a sling and some stones.
I need to have the faith and courage of David! I need to trust in God and know that the battle is his. I don't need to rely on myself or my power, but on God's alone. When it comes to sin and Satan, I should have a swagger, an attitude that says, "God will win this battle." That courage comes only from faith in God.
Dear Lord, help me to have the courage of David so I can trust in you to win the battle. And help me talk a little more smack to the devil! Amen.
David is about to fight Goliath. I love David's courage and bravado in this story! He has a swagger to his step and an attitude in his voice. He's talking smack to a nine foot giant! And David is clear that God will win this battle-it's his to win. God uses the ordinary, the weak to show his power. God uses a small boy with a sling and some stones.
I need to have the faith and courage of David! I need to trust in God and know that the battle is his. I don't need to rely on myself or my power, but on God's alone. When it comes to sin and Satan, I should have a swagger, an attitude that says, "God will win this battle." That courage comes only from faith in God.
Dear Lord, help me to have the courage of David so I can trust in you to win the battle. And help me talk a little more smack to the devil! Amen.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Jeans
1 Samuel 16:7 "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearances, but the Lord looks at the heart."
God has sent Samuel to the house of Jesse to find the next king to replace Saul. Samuel sees Eliab and thinks he would make a fine king. But the Lord tells Samuel to forget Eliab. God is not concerned with outward appearances. God cares about the heart-what's on the inside.
I care too much about outward appearances! Our society cares way too much! Look at the people who are on TV and the people with power and influence. I spend much of my day concerning myself with the way I look, the way my car looks, the way my house looks. We spend tons of money on clothes, makeup, amenities for our houses and yards-why? Jesus didn't give a rip about any of this. And yet we invest hours of time and loads of money on this stuff. I need to see things the way Jesus did. I need to look at the heart-the inside.
Dear Lord, help me to care more about my heart than my jeans! Amen.
God has sent Samuel to the house of Jesse to find the next king to replace Saul. Samuel sees Eliab and thinks he would make a fine king. But the Lord tells Samuel to forget Eliab. God is not concerned with outward appearances. God cares about the heart-what's on the inside.
I care too much about outward appearances! Our society cares way too much! Look at the people who are on TV and the people with power and influence. I spend much of my day concerning myself with the way I look, the way my car looks, the way my house looks. We spend tons of money on clothes, makeup, amenities for our houses and yards-why? Jesus didn't give a rip about any of this. And yet we invest hours of time and loads of money on this stuff. I need to see things the way Jesus did. I need to look at the heart-the inside.
Dear Lord, help me to care more about my heart than my jeans! Amen.
Friday, April 11, 2008
I'm a loser baby...
2 Cor. 11:30 "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness."
Paul has just chronicled his sufferings as he has traveled throughout the empire spreading the gospel. He's trying to make the point that he isn't doing this work for his benefit. It isn't about him, it's about Christ. Not only does Paul mention his trials, but he also refers to his weaknesses. Surely Paul struggled with things. There were areas in which he was weak. He made mistakes, knew failures, struggled with temptation and sin. He says he will boast of the things that show his weaknesses. In chapter 12, he goes on to explain that in our weaknesses, Christ's power and strength are made perrfect-verses 9 and 10.
I was just thinking about this very concept this morning! In and through my weakness, Jesus is strong. When I am at my worst, Jesus is at his best (as if he can ever not be at his best!) To me this means that when I am weak, I must fully rely on God. When I screw up, all there is, is Jesus. And I screw up a lot! Jesus picks up the slack. He comes through when I am unable to get it right. A lot of people in my profession like to boast about what they've done-things they've accomplished. I need to boast about how I suck and Jesus rules!
Dear Lord, help me to boast about you! Amen.
Paul has just chronicled his sufferings as he has traveled throughout the empire spreading the gospel. He's trying to make the point that he isn't doing this work for his benefit. It isn't about him, it's about Christ. Not only does Paul mention his trials, but he also refers to his weaknesses. Surely Paul struggled with things. There were areas in which he was weak. He made mistakes, knew failures, struggled with temptation and sin. He says he will boast of the things that show his weaknesses. In chapter 12, he goes on to explain that in our weaknesses, Christ's power and strength are made perrfect-verses 9 and 10.
I was just thinking about this very concept this morning! In and through my weakness, Jesus is strong. When I am at my worst, Jesus is at his best (as if he can ever not be at his best!) To me this means that when I am weak, I must fully rely on God. When I screw up, all there is, is Jesus. And I screw up a lot! Jesus picks up the slack. He comes through when I am unable to get it right. A lot of people in my profession like to boast about what they've done-things they've accomplished. I need to boast about how I suck and Jesus rules!
Dear Lord, help me to boast about you! Amen.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
A Different Standard
2 Cor. 10:2 "I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world."
Paul is telling the Corinthian believers he hopes he does not have to be as bold with them as he has to be with some of the other churches and non-believers. Apparently, Paul could be quite bold at times with others. I imagine he writes "bold" referring to his zeal, authority, conviction and passion with which he speaks to people about God. Anyhow, he mentions kind of as a side note, that others think he (we) lives by the standards of this world. He insists that "we" do not.
As I am finishing up "Jesus for President" I cannot get myself away from thinking about how we as followers of Jesus are to be "set apart" and different from the world. We don't just believe different things, we actually live our lives differently. We are not to be content with being good neighbors, or honest citizens, or nice people. We all together do not live by the standards of this world. When it comes to how we live, we are to be different.
Dear Lord, help me to live by your standards! Amen.
Paul is telling the Corinthian believers he hopes he does not have to be as bold with them as he has to be with some of the other churches and non-believers. Apparently, Paul could be quite bold at times with others. I imagine he writes "bold" referring to his zeal, authority, conviction and passion with which he speaks to people about God. Anyhow, he mentions kind of as a side note, that others think he (we) lives by the standards of this world. He insists that "we" do not.
As I am finishing up "Jesus for President" I cannot get myself away from thinking about how we as followers of Jesus are to be "set apart" and different from the world. We don't just believe different things, we actually live our lives differently. We are not to be content with being good neighbors, or honest citizens, or nice people. We all together do not live by the standards of this world. When it comes to how we live, we are to be different.
Dear Lord, help me to live by your standards! Amen.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Messiah Wannabe
Psalm 72:17 "May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. All nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed."
This psalm was written by David for his son Solomon-likely as a coronation prayer or song as Solomon was about to take the throne. This psalm is very similar to a coronation liturgy for an Assyrian king, Ashubanipal, from around the same time period. Psalm 72 is fascinating with it's language and how it describes the "royal son." The words and images are extremely messianic-high hopes for Solomon perhaps? The Israelites knew messiah was coming some day. They hoped and prayed for the messiah. Was Solomon the one? Of course he was not, as we know the messiah was Jesus.
I need to remember my hope and faith are in Jesus-the true Messiah. His name endures forever. All nations have been and will be blessed through him. My hope is not in my job, my name, my country-it is in Christ alone. Everything else will pass away-David and Solomon did! Jesus will always be. He is my hope.
Dear Lord, help me to put my faith in you alone. You are the real Messiah-the real king. Amen.
This psalm was written by David for his son Solomon-likely as a coronation prayer or song as Solomon was about to take the throne. This psalm is very similar to a coronation liturgy for an Assyrian king, Ashubanipal, from around the same time period. Psalm 72 is fascinating with it's language and how it describes the "royal son." The words and images are extremely messianic-high hopes for Solomon perhaps? The Israelites knew messiah was coming some day. They hoped and prayed for the messiah. Was Solomon the one? Of course he was not, as we know the messiah was Jesus.
I need to remember my hope and faith are in Jesus-the true Messiah. His name endures forever. All nations have been and will be blessed through him. My hope is not in my job, my name, my country-it is in Christ alone. Everything else will pass away-David and Solomon did! Jesus will always be. He is my hope.
Dear Lord, help me to put my faith in you alone. You are the real Messiah-the real king. Amen.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Headless Dagon
I Samuel 5:3 "...there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord."
The Philistines had captured the ark of the Lord-the very place God rested. They had brought it back to their city of Ashdod and placed it in the temple of Dagon. In fact, they placed the ark right next to the statue of Dagon. I guess they thought one more god wouldn't hurt! When they looked the next day Dagon was bowing before the ark. They set him up again, but day after day they saw the same thing-Dagon on the ground bowing before Yahweh. Eventually, his head and hands broke off from the fall!
Scripture is clear about idols-have none! Every idol we have will bow at the feet of Jesus. We can know our idols by watching where our time and money go. Those are our idols. I just read regarding war and violence, "we can know our idols by what we are willing to kill for." What am I willing to kill for? Where does my time go? Where does my money go? I have idols-we all have idols. Money, power, cars, houses, oil, food...I need to see these idols for what they really are. They are statues made of rock and stone and their heads and hands break off when they are thrown to the ground-just like Dagon. Thankfully we have a God who doesn't break even when crucified!
Dear Lord, help me to cast away my idols and worship you alone. Help me to worship you with everything in me. Amen.
The Philistines had captured the ark of the Lord-the very place God rested. They had brought it back to their city of Ashdod and placed it in the temple of Dagon. In fact, they placed the ark right next to the statue of Dagon. I guess they thought one more god wouldn't hurt! When they looked the next day Dagon was bowing before the ark. They set him up again, but day after day they saw the same thing-Dagon on the ground bowing before Yahweh. Eventually, his head and hands broke off from the fall!
Scripture is clear about idols-have none! Every idol we have will bow at the feet of Jesus. We can know our idols by watching where our time and money go. Those are our idols. I just read regarding war and violence, "we can know our idols by what we are willing to kill for." What am I willing to kill for? Where does my time go? Where does my money go? I have idols-we all have idols. Money, power, cars, houses, oil, food...I need to see these idols for what they really are. They are statues made of rock and stone and their heads and hands break off when they are thrown to the ground-just like Dagon. Thankfully we have a God who doesn't break even when crucified!
Dear Lord, help me to cast away my idols and worship you alone. Help me to worship you with everything in me. Amen.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Sorrow for Sorrow's Sake
2 Cor. 7:10 "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."
Paul is referring to his earlier letter in which he gave the Corinthians some strong warnings and instructions regarding some instances of sin taking place in the church. He does not apologize for his words and tells them any sorrow they experienced only served to help them repent and change their ways. Paul's point is that Godly sorrow is a good thing-worldly sorrow only brings more sorrow and ultimately death.
I get sorrowful from time to time. I think about pain in the world-war, poverty, crime, and I think about pain in my life-regrets, sin, mistakes, failures-things I'm bad at. How often does my sorrow lead to repentance and salvation though? Usually I am left with regret. In fact, I just wrote that two sentences ago! Sorrow is just sorrow for sorrow's sake unless we are sorrowful in a godly way which leads to repentance and salvation.
Dear Lord, help me to use my sorrow for a purpose. Help me to repent and turn towards you. Amen.
Paul is referring to his earlier letter in which he gave the Corinthians some strong warnings and instructions regarding some instances of sin taking place in the church. He does not apologize for his words and tells them any sorrow they experienced only served to help them repent and change their ways. Paul's point is that Godly sorrow is a good thing-worldly sorrow only brings more sorrow and ultimately death.
I get sorrowful from time to time. I think about pain in the world-war, poverty, crime, and I think about pain in my life-regrets, sin, mistakes, failures-things I'm bad at. How often does my sorrow lead to repentance and salvation though? Usually I am left with regret. In fact, I just wrote that two sentences ago! Sorrow is just sorrow for sorrow's sake unless we are sorrowful in a godly way which leads to repentance and salvation.
Dear Lord, help me to use my sorrow for a purpose. Help me to repent and turn towards you. Amen.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Heart Stationary
2 Cor. 3:3 "Clearly you are a letter from Christ prepared by us. It is written not with pen and ink, but with the spirit of the living God. It is carved not on stone, but on human hearts."
Paul is comparing the old covenant with the new covenant. As great as the old covenant was, it was written on stone, but the new covenant is written on our hearts. We are a letter written by Christ. God's truth is written on us.
So yesterday I am a smell and today a letter! God's truth should be written on my heart. Is it? Is it something in my heart, my life, written into the very being of who I am, or is it still simply written with pen and ink on a piece of paper placed on a dusty bookshelf? I need to hide God's word in my heart. It needs to become part of me, not just something I believe in and read from time to time.
Dear Lord, help me to hide your word in my heart. Amen.
Paul is comparing the old covenant with the new covenant. As great as the old covenant was, it was written on stone, but the new covenant is written on our hearts. We are a letter written by Christ. God's truth is written on us.
So yesterday I am a smell and today a letter! God's truth should be written on my heart. Is it? Is it something in my heart, my life, written into the very being of who I am, or is it still simply written with pen and ink on a piece of paper placed on a dusty bookshelf? I need to hide God's word in my heart. It needs to become part of me, not just something I believe in and read from time to time.
Dear Lord, help me to hide your word in my heart. Amen.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Hai Karate
2 Cor. 2:15-16 "Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those being saved and by those perishing. To those who are perishing we are a fearful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved we are a life-giving perfume..."
Paul is contrasting the different ways he and his message, in fact the message of the gospel itself, are perceived to different people. To some, the news of Christ is awesome and freeing and smells good. To others, the news of Christ is threatening and dangerous and smells bad. Maybe the point is, the gospel smells!
How do I smell? Do I smell at all? There are plenty of Christians who blend into the smells in our culture. I think we are called to stand out-to be salt and light-to smell funny. That can mean we may smell nice and sweet to some, and stinky and stale to others. The point again is, that we need to smell. People should notice something different about me.
Dear Lord, do I smell? Help me to smell to people. Help me to be salt and light and a bottle of Hai Karate! Amen.
Paul is contrasting the different ways he and his message, in fact the message of the gospel itself, are perceived to different people. To some, the news of Christ is awesome and freeing and smells good. To others, the news of Christ is threatening and dangerous and smells bad. Maybe the point is, the gospel smells!
How do I smell? Do I smell at all? There are plenty of Christians who blend into the smells in our culture. I think we are called to stand out-to be salt and light-to smell funny. That can mean we may smell nice and sweet to some, and stinky and stale to others. The point again is, that we need to smell. People should notice something different about me.
Dear Lord, do I smell? Help me to smell to people. Help me to be salt and light and a bottle of Hai Karate! Amen.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Jesus for President
Judges 8: 23 "But Gideon replied, 'I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The Lord will rule over you!'"
Gideon has proven himself to be a very capable leader. As Israel's judge, he routs the Midianites and makes a name for himself. After his victories, the Israelites plead with him to be their "ruler." Gideon wants nothing to do with being the king or their ruler. He tells them that God alone will be their ruler. Gideon understands he has a specific purpose and that God alone desires to rule his people.
I have been reading "Jesus for President" by Shane Claiborne the past few days. It's a great book contrasting "empire" with the kingdom of God. Shane points out that God never intended for the Israelites to have a king or a ruler. God alone wanted to rule his people. God knew what having a king could do to a people. God wanted his people to be special, set apart, holy. By having a human king or ruler they became more empire-like and less God-like. Allegiances and hopes turn towards the king in an empire. Under God's rule, allegiance, faith and hope are given solely to God. I need to remember that my hope, and my allegiance belongs solely to Jesus Christ.
Dear God, help me to follow you alone. Help me to be loyal to you and give you my complete allegiance. Amen.
Gideon has proven himself to be a very capable leader. As Israel's judge, he routs the Midianites and makes a name for himself. After his victories, the Israelites plead with him to be their "ruler." Gideon wants nothing to do with being the king or their ruler. He tells them that God alone will be their ruler. Gideon understands he has a specific purpose and that God alone desires to rule his people.
I have been reading "Jesus for President" by Shane Claiborne the past few days. It's a great book contrasting "empire" with the kingdom of God. Shane points out that God never intended for the Israelites to have a king or a ruler. God alone wanted to rule his people. God knew what having a king could do to a people. God wanted his people to be special, set apart, holy. By having a human king or ruler they became more empire-like and less God-like. Allegiances and hopes turn towards the king in an empire. Under God's rule, allegiance, faith and hope are given solely to God. I need to remember that my hope, and my allegiance belongs solely to Jesus Christ.
Dear God, help me to follow you alone. Help me to be loyal to you and give you my complete allegiance. Amen.
Friday, March 28, 2008
But a Breath
Psalm 39:5 "You have made my days a mere hand breadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath."
David recognizes one of life's harshest realities. Life is short! They say there are two things in life that are certain; death and taxes. David understood death and the brevity of life. His son Solomon would come to appreciate and love taxes! David understands that our life is but a breath compared to God's timing. We exist for a short time and then we are gone.
I heard the quote "there are no atheists in a foxhole" today. How true! When we are faced with death we are able to see life for what it is. We are able to focus on what matters most in life. In a foxhole or on our deathbeds, we do not concern ourselves with our houses, our cars, or our 401K's-we leave that for our beneficiaries! They can fight over these matters. Life is short and I better focus on what really matters-Christ and his kingdom, God and his people, and my family with whom God has entrusted me with.
Dear Lord, help me to live for what matters! Amen.
David recognizes one of life's harshest realities. Life is short! They say there are two things in life that are certain; death and taxes. David understood death and the brevity of life. His son Solomon would come to appreciate and love taxes! David understands that our life is but a breath compared to God's timing. We exist for a short time and then we are gone.
I heard the quote "there are no atheists in a foxhole" today. How true! When we are faced with death we are able to see life for what it is. We are able to focus on what matters most in life. In a foxhole or on our deathbeds, we do not concern ourselves with our houses, our cars, or our 401K's-we leave that for our beneficiaries! They can fight over these matters. Life is short and I better focus on what really matters-Christ and his kingdom, God and his people, and my family with whom God has entrusted me with.
Dear Lord, help me to live for what matters! Amen.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Jesus is Lord
1 Cor. 12:3 "...and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit.
Paul says the ability to say "Jesus is Lord" comes directly from the Holy Spirit. To say "Jesus is Lord" in the first century would be problematic as it was a direct challenge to Rome and the emporer. The emporer was lord, so by Christians saying Jesus is Lord, they were declaring their allegiance not to the emporer but to Christ. Paul says this ability and courage comes from the Holy Spirit.
JJ spoke at HangTime last night and a did a fantastic job. He shared his story and hung out an extra hour and a half to talk with students. Afterwards, his dad Fred told me that JJ believes strongly that God is speaking through him and in fact, JJ will only speak to groups if he totally allows God to speak through him. JJ wants God's words to be spoken, not his own. How often am I speaking my words, or allowing God to speak through me? I need to ask for, and trust God to do the talking and I need to stay out of the way!
Dear Lord, help me to get out of the way, so you are the one speaking. Jesus is Lord! Amen.
Paul says the ability to say "Jesus is Lord" comes directly from the Holy Spirit. To say "Jesus is Lord" in the first century would be problematic as it was a direct challenge to Rome and the emporer. The emporer was lord, so by Christians saying Jesus is Lord, they were declaring their allegiance not to the emporer but to Christ. Paul says this ability and courage comes from the Holy Spirit.
JJ spoke at HangTime last night and a did a fantastic job. He shared his story and hung out an extra hour and a half to talk with students. Afterwards, his dad Fred told me that JJ believes strongly that God is speaking through him and in fact, JJ will only speak to groups if he totally allows God to speak through him. JJ wants God's words to be spoken, not his own. How often am I speaking my words, or allowing God to speak through me? I need to ask for, and trust God to do the talking and I need to stay out of the way!
Dear Lord, help me to get out of the way, so you are the one speaking. Jesus is Lord! Amen.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Christ in OT
1 Cor. 10:3 "They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ."
Paul is talking about our forefathers-the Israelites. He says they all were fed spiritually by the same rock. And that rock was Jesus. This verse jumped out at me because I do not often associate Jesus with the Old Testament.
I know all about the Trinity and I know Christ was present in the Old Testament. I was taught that my whole life but here it is specifically stated that it was in fact Christ who was present and fed the Israelites. That was interesting to me today.
God, help me to know that Christ is ever present with me and will always feed me.
Paul is talking about our forefathers-the Israelites. He says they all were fed spiritually by the same rock. And that rock was Jesus. This verse jumped out at me because I do not often associate Jesus with the Old Testament.
I know all about the Trinity and I know Christ was present in the Old Testament. I was taught that my whole life but here it is specifically stated that it was in fact Christ who was present and fed the Israelites. That was interesting to me today.
God, help me to know that Christ is ever present with me and will always feed me.
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