Lev. 20: 26 "You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own."
Leviticus is a book full of laws. The Israelites were on their way to the promised land and God wants to make sure they know who they are what they are to do. He gives them all of these laws so that they will be holy, like he is holy.
God wants us to be like him. He created us unique but in terms of character he wants us like him. Just like a good dad wants his kids to behave and act like him. Now some dads take things too far and put too much pressure on their kids to be great at something that dad wants them to be great at-think over zealous t-ball dads. But good dads want their kids to be like them because they are his and they want what's best for them. The same is true for our God. He wants us to be holy, like he is holy, because he is our Abba dad. And as a dad, I know nothing pleases me more than when my kid does something I would have done.
Dear Jesus, help me be more like you each day. Amen.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Big Important Deal
Lev. 16: 21 "He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites-all their sins-and put them on the goats head. He shall send the goat away into the desert in the care of a man appointed for the task."
Lev. 16 describes the Day of Atonement, a day when the high priest would make atonement for the sins of the entire community. One goat would be sacrificed and another, the scapegoat would symbolically carry all of the sins outside of the camp into the desert. It was a big important deal!
I love how a "man appointed for the task" is required to lead the scapegoat into the wilderness. That job would suck. He had to take the goat with all of the sins of the whole nation on it and walk for miles into the wilderness. Then he had to ceremonially clean himself before he could come back into town! And you have to ask, why the scapegoat? Was that really necessary? Wasn't this a bit of overkill? The scapegoat showed that not only were sins forgiven, but they were taken away never to be seen again. Jesus became the final scapegoat. Jesus has forgiven and removed my sin, so it is never to be seen again! And that is a big important deal!
Dear Jesus, thank you for your awesome sacrifice! Amen.
Lev. 16 describes the Day of Atonement, a day when the high priest would make atonement for the sins of the entire community. One goat would be sacrificed and another, the scapegoat would symbolically carry all of the sins outside of the camp into the desert. It was a big important deal!
I love how a "man appointed for the task" is required to lead the scapegoat into the wilderness. That job would suck. He had to take the goat with all of the sins of the whole nation on it and walk for miles into the wilderness. Then he had to ceremonially clean himself before he could come back into town! And you have to ask, why the scapegoat? Was that really necessary? Wasn't this a bit of overkill? The scapegoat showed that not only were sins forgiven, but they were taken away never to be seen again. Jesus became the final scapegoat. Jesus has forgiven and removed my sin, so it is never to be seen again! And that is a big important deal!
Dear Jesus, thank you for your awesome sacrifice! Amen.
Monday, December 06, 2010
Silent Moments
Lev. 10: 3 "Moses then said to Aaron, 'This is what the Lord spoke of when he said, "Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored."' Aaron remained silent."
Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu offered "unauthorized fire" before the Lord as an offering and God had them burned up as punishment. Moses quotes the Lord words to Aaron to explain and justify God's response yet Aaron remained silent.
Aaron, the one chosen to be the spokesman for Moses, who probably was never at a loss for words, here finds himself at a loss for words. Yeah he probably knew and understood God's rule, but he didn't want to hear it right now. He was left confused and speechless. His boys had just been burned up right in front of him. I imagine he was heartbroken, upset, sad, horrified, and depressed all at once. He simply had no words. The speech giver was left speechless. I can identify with this at times. Sometimes, it just seems there are no words and we just remain speechless. God help us during these times.
Dear Jesus, sometimes we don't have words. Give us your grace during these silent moments. Amen.
Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu offered "unauthorized fire" before the Lord as an offering and God had them burned up as punishment. Moses quotes the Lord words to Aaron to explain and justify God's response yet Aaron remained silent.
Aaron, the one chosen to be the spokesman for Moses, who probably was never at a loss for words, here finds himself at a loss for words. Yeah he probably knew and understood God's rule, but he didn't want to hear it right now. He was left confused and speechless. His boys had just been burned up right in front of him. I imagine he was heartbroken, upset, sad, horrified, and depressed all at once. He simply had no words. The speech giver was left speechless. I can identify with this at times. Sometimes, it just seems there are no words and we just remain speechless. God help us during these times.
Dear Jesus, sometimes we don't have words. Give us your grace during these silent moments. Amen.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Oops, My Bad
Lev. 4:27 "If a member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord's commands, he is guilty."
God is giving the law to Moses and gives several commands regarding unintentional sin. If the priests, leaders, or members of the community sin unintentionally, they are to make sacrifices for their sins. These sacrifices involve bringing an animal to the Tent of Meeting and slaughtering it right there for everyone to see.
God takes sin seriously. Even unintentional sin. It would be easy for God to "let us off the hook" for the things we don't realize we do, but he doesn't. Even this sin matters to God. And while Jesus' sacrifice atones for all of my sin, even the unintentional sin (which is awesome and I'll save for another time), I must be diligent to discover the hidden, unintentional sin in my life and come clean before God. I must examine my heart extensively each day. I do this not out of legalism, guilt, or fear, but because it matters dearly to the heart of God and pleases him.
Dear Jesus, help me look deeply at myself and be honest with you each day. Amen.
God is giving the law to Moses and gives several commands regarding unintentional sin. If the priests, leaders, or members of the community sin unintentionally, they are to make sacrifices for their sins. These sacrifices involve bringing an animal to the Tent of Meeting and slaughtering it right there for everyone to see.
God takes sin seriously. Even unintentional sin. It would be easy for God to "let us off the hook" for the things we don't realize we do, but he doesn't. Even this sin matters to God. And while Jesus' sacrifice atones for all of my sin, even the unintentional sin (which is awesome and I'll save for another time), I must be diligent to discover the hidden, unintentional sin in my life and come clean before God. I must examine my heart extensively each day. I do this not out of legalism, guilt, or fear, but because it matters dearly to the heart of God and pleases him.
Dear Jesus, help me look deeply at myself and be honest with you each day. Amen.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thick Cloud
Exodus 40:35 "Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle."
Moses and the Israelites had finally finished creating the tabernacle complete with all of the equipment and articles used within it. They set it up and upon completion, the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. God's presence filled it in such a way that Moses could not even enter it!
I have to ask myself what work has God asked me to do that in the end, his glory so enveloped it, that I could not go near it? What have I put my hands to lately that God has blessed in this way? I get that God doesn't always show up in a cloud or pillar of fire, but I would love to create more moments in which it was unmistakable that God's glory was there and was thick and heavy. I need God to lead and direct me, even specifically and meticulously, like he did with Moses so that his glory can fill the work he has for me do.
Dear Jesus, help my heart follow you and help my hands do what you want me to do, so that your glory will increase. Amen.
Moses and the Israelites had finally finished creating the tabernacle complete with all of the equipment and articles used within it. They set it up and upon completion, the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. God's presence filled it in such a way that Moses could not even enter it!
I have to ask myself what work has God asked me to do that in the end, his glory so enveloped it, that I could not go near it? What have I put my hands to lately that God has blessed in this way? I get that God doesn't always show up in a cloud or pillar of fire, but I would love to create more moments in which it was unmistakable that God's glory was there and was thick and heavy. I need God to lead and direct me, even specifically and meticulously, like he did with Moses so that his glory can fill the work he has for me do.
Dear Jesus, help my heart follow you and help my hands do what you want me to do, so that your glory will increase. Amen.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Radiant Face
Exodus 34:29 "When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord."
Moses has gone up again the second time to Mt. Sinai to receive the law. Upon returning to the Israelite camp, his face shone radiantly because he had spent time with God.
Does my face shine radiantly? Do people notice anything different about me because of my faith? I have asked myself this question many times in my life-even within the past few years on this blog and in my journal. Unfortunately I think I still have the same answer to this question. I'm not sure people always see my face shine radiantly. I truly wish they would and not because I force it or fake it but because it is real and genuine. And this radiant face is a result of spending time with the Savior. I will continue to seek God's face and turn to him daily with the hope and expectation that my face will shine brighter and more radiantly day after day.
Dear Jesus, help my face to shine for you and because of you. Amen.
Moses has gone up again the second time to Mt. Sinai to receive the law. Upon returning to the Israelite camp, his face shone radiantly because he had spent time with God.
Does my face shine radiantly? Do people notice anything different about me because of my faith? I have asked myself this question many times in my life-even within the past few years on this blog and in my journal. Unfortunately I think I still have the same answer to this question. I'm not sure people always see my face shine radiantly. I truly wish they would and not because I force it or fake it but because it is real and genuine. And this radiant face is a result of spending time with the Savior. I will continue to seek God's face and turn to him daily with the hope and expectation that my face will shine brighter and more radiantly day after day.
Dear Jesus, help my face to shine for you and because of you. Amen.
Monday, November 22, 2010
40 Days
Exodus 31: 18 "When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God."
Moses has been on the top of Mt. Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights receiving the Law from God. At the end of the ordeal, he comes down the mountain with two stone tablets.
Much of the law is boring. Let's be honest. So many details on fabric and gold and dimensions of this and that...don't have sex with this and don't have sex with that...and on and on it goes for 40 days. However, Moses got to spend time with God and hear God's specific instructions on how to live. Despite the boring details, Moses pays attention to God and his plan. Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights with God listening to all of this. When was the last time I spent 40 minutes listening for God and paying attention to him? I get bored in a 1 hour, 15 minute church service! Today I need to relax and listen. I need to pay attention to the details today.
Dear Jesus, thank you for your word, your details and your truth. Amen.
Moses has been on the top of Mt. Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights receiving the Law from God. At the end of the ordeal, he comes down the mountain with two stone tablets.
Much of the law is boring. Let's be honest. So many details on fabric and gold and dimensions of this and that...don't have sex with this and don't have sex with that...and on and on it goes for 40 days. However, Moses got to spend time with God and hear God's specific instructions on how to live. Despite the boring details, Moses pays attention to God and his plan. Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights with God listening to all of this. When was the last time I spent 40 minutes listening for God and paying attention to him? I get bored in a 1 hour, 15 minute church service! Today I need to relax and listen. I need to pay attention to the details today.
Dear Jesus, thank you for your word, your details and your truth. Amen.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Turn the Other Eye, Tooth, Hand, and Foot
Exodus 21: 24 "eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise."
Moses and the Israelites are receiving the law at Sinai. God tells them that if someone wrongs someone else, they are to be punished in an equal way. This was different from many of the surrounding nations. In other tribes, villages, and nations people would seek out revenge and usually the punishment would be much more severe than the crime.
God shows his fairness and justice here at Sinai. Thousands of years later, Jesus goes a few steps further and teaches we should not seek equal vengeance. In fact, we should be quick to turn our cheek, and forgive our enemies. God wants me to be patient and kind to other people-even when they wrong me. My heart should never be set on vengeance or getting back at someone. It's so easy, and possibly human nature to want to "get someone back" and make them hurt for what they did to me. That is not the way of Jesus.
Dear Jesus, help me forgive and turn the other cheek. Amen.
Moses and the Israelites are receiving the law at Sinai. God tells them that if someone wrongs someone else, they are to be punished in an equal way. This was different from many of the surrounding nations. In other tribes, villages, and nations people would seek out revenge and usually the punishment would be much more severe than the crime.
God shows his fairness and justice here at Sinai. Thousands of years later, Jesus goes a few steps further and teaches we should not seek equal vengeance. In fact, we should be quick to turn our cheek, and forgive our enemies. God wants me to be patient and kind to other people-even when they wrong me. My heart should never be set on vengeance or getting back at someone. It's so easy, and possibly human nature to want to "get someone back" and make them hurt for what they did to me. That is not the way of Jesus.
Dear Jesus, help me forgive and turn the other cheek. Amen.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Better than a Yellow Flag
Exodus 18:20 "Teach them the decress and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform."
Moses and the Israelites have come out of Egypt and suddenly Moses finds himself as judge and jury for the entire nation! His father-in-law Jethro stops by for a visit and encourages Moses to create a better system of administrators and judges to lighten his load. And most importantly, he tells Moses to teach the people themselves the difference between right and wrong.
As I read this, I thought about Jack and Ellie. Oftentimes I feel like a referee blowing whistles, throwing flags, and calling fouls as they argue and fight. That is my job to an extent but maybe I need to do a better job of teaching them more about right and wrong and how we treat others? I want them to know the right way to live, not because I said so, but because it is who they are and they have truly learned it. I must do this by what I say but more importantly by how I act and what I model for them.
Dear Jesus, help me be a better role model and teacher for my children today. Amen.
Moses and the Israelites have come out of Egypt and suddenly Moses finds himself as judge and jury for the entire nation! His father-in-law Jethro stops by for a visit and encourages Moses to create a better system of administrators and judges to lighten his load. And most importantly, he tells Moses to teach the people themselves the difference between right and wrong.
As I read this, I thought about Jack and Ellie. Oftentimes I feel like a referee blowing whistles, throwing flags, and calling fouls as they argue and fight. That is my job to an extent but maybe I need to do a better job of teaching them more about right and wrong and how we treat others? I want them to know the right way to live, not because I said so, but because it is who they are and they have truly learned it. I must do this by what I say but more importantly by how I act and what I model for them.
Dear Jesus, help me be a better role model and teacher for my children today. Amen.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Listen Up!
Exodus 12: 11 "This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord's Passover."
The Lord is giving instructions to Moses and Aaron about what the Israelites are to do on the night they escape from Egypt. The Lord is very specific about what they do, what they eat, how they eat it, what they wear, and how they must leave.
At times God gives us very clear instructions. At other times he does not. When he does, we better listen up! In this case, God gives his people very clear and urgent instructions because he is about to rescue them from slavery. I am sure there are things I need to be rescued from-greed, pride, sloth, and envy, to name a few. What clear instructions has God given me lately? Have I been listening clearly to his voice, or am I skimming the details and doing things my own way? I need to listen and listen carefully to his voice. I may need some rescuing of my own.
Dear Jesus, help me listen for you so clearly and follow you so closely I can make no mistake about my path. Amen.
The Lord is giving instructions to Moses and Aaron about what the Israelites are to do on the night they escape from Egypt. The Lord is very specific about what they do, what they eat, how they eat it, what they wear, and how they must leave.
At times God gives us very clear instructions. At other times he does not. When he does, we better listen up! In this case, God gives his people very clear and urgent instructions because he is about to rescue them from slavery. I am sure there are things I need to be rescued from-greed, pride, sloth, and envy, to name a few. What clear instructions has God given me lately? Have I been listening clearly to his voice, or am I skimming the details and doing things my own way? I need to listen and listen carefully to his voice. I may need some rescuing of my own.
Dear Jesus, help me listen for you so clearly and follow you so closely I can make no mistake about my path. Amen.
Friday, November 12, 2010
What's in My Hand?
Exodus 4:2 "Then the Lord asked him, 'What do you have there in your hand?'"
God has instructed Moses to go to Pharoah and demand that he let the Israelites go. Moses is scared and doesn't think he is up to the job. "They won't believe me" Moses whines to God. God then asks Moses this very simple yet profound question.
"What do you have there in your hand?" Moses has been asked to do the impossible and according to God, all he needs to pull it off is whatever may happen to be in his hand at that moment! To do the impossible, we don't need an action plan, vision statement, finely worded philosophy, grand strategy, mighty military, or loads of cash. We need God! In this story he begins with a common shepherds staff and changes the world. What can he do with me and what I have? God wants me to do radical, crazy, big things for Him and His kingdom. What is stopping me? It better not be things I may or may not have. God is not limited by my talent, my resources, my insecurities, my past, my ideas, my stupidity, or my energy.
God please use me and what you have given me to do your work today. Amen.
God has instructed Moses to go to Pharoah and demand that he let the Israelites go. Moses is scared and doesn't think he is up to the job. "They won't believe me" Moses whines to God. God then asks Moses this very simple yet profound question.
"What do you have there in your hand?" Moses has been asked to do the impossible and according to God, all he needs to pull it off is whatever may happen to be in his hand at that moment! To do the impossible, we don't need an action plan, vision statement, finely worded philosophy, grand strategy, mighty military, or loads of cash. We need God! In this story he begins with a common shepherds staff and changes the world. What can he do with me and what I have? God wants me to do radical, crazy, big things for Him and His kingdom. What is stopping me? It better not be things I may or may not have. God is not limited by my talent, my resources, my insecurities, my past, my ideas, my stupidity, or my energy.
God please use me and what you have given me to do your work today. Amen.
Monday, November 01, 2010
One Day
Exodus 3:1 "One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he went deep into the wilderness of Sinai, the mountain of God."
Moses is tending a flock and he sees a burning bush. God speaks to him through the burning shrubbery, telling Moses to confront Pharoah and save his people. Moses reluctantly agrees and trudges off to Egypt. The rest is history.
I love how this passage begins "one day." Exodus chapter three. The burning bush. The beginning to one of the pivotal stories in all of history. And it begins "one day." No particular day. Not a holiday or notable day on the Sinai calendar. Just one normal, average, run of the mill day. This shows any ordinary day can become extraordinary if we are willing to stop and see the burning bushes in our lives. One day. Is today that day? Is tomorrow? It could be. It should be. God has big things for us all one day. I need to notice the burning bushes, God speaking to me today. One day.
Dear Jesus, help me see you each day in every place, face, conversation, and shrubbery. Amen.
Moses is tending a flock and he sees a burning bush. God speaks to him through the burning shrubbery, telling Moses to confront Pharoah and save his people. Moses reluctantly agrees and trudges off to Egypt. The rest is history.
I love how this passage begins "one day." Exodus chapter three. The burning bush. The beginning to one of the pivotal stories in all of history. And it begins "one day." No particular day. Not a holiday or notable day on the Sinai calendar. Just one normal, average, run of the mill day. This shows any ordinary day can become extraordinary if we are willing to stop and see the burning bushes in our lives. One day. Is today that day? Is tomorrow? It could be. It should be. God has big things for us all one day. I need to notice the burning bushes, God speaking to me today. One day.
Dear Jesus, help me see you each day in every place, face, conversation, and shrubbery. Amen.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Grand Story
Genesis 50:26 "So Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten. And after they embalmed him, he was placed in a coffin in Egypt."
Joseph, one of the main characters in Genesis has died. He is embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt. The story of Genesis is over. But the grand story is still just forming.
Genesis ends with a daunting sentence. Joseph is dead and is in a coffin in Egypt. The story appears to be over. But of course there is so much more to come-slavery, exodus, law, judges, kings, civil war, prophets, exile and then Jesus and redemption! When the story seems to be wrapping up, it is often just getting warmed up. There are certain stories in my life that seem to be drawing to a conclusion. Perhaps they are just a page turning to the next chapter? I need to have my eyes open and my radar active to see what God may have in store for me next.
Dear Jesus, help me see what's next in your grand story today. Amen.
Joseph, one of the main characters in Genesis has died. He is embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt. The story of Genesis is over. But the grand story is still just forming.
Genesis ends with a daunting sentence. Joseph is dead and is in a coffin in Egypt. The story appears to be over. But of course there is so much more to come-slavery, exodus, law, judges, kings, civil war, prophets, exile and then Jesus and redemption! When the story seems to be wrapping up, it is often just getting warmed up. There are certain stories in my life that seem to be drawing to a conclusion. Perhaps they are just a page turning to the next chapter? I need to have my eyes open and my radar active to see what God may have in store for me next.
Dear Jesus, help me see what's next in your grand story today. Amen.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Joseph's Glass Half Full
Genesis 45: 5 "But don't be angry with yourselves that you did this to me, for God did it. He sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives."
Joseph has just revealed himself to his brothers in Egypt. He tells them not to be sad because of what was done. Instead, Joseph claims God orchestrated events for the good of their family.
We all want to believe that Joseph is correct and that God intended this to happen. We want to believe this is true in our own lives but it is difficult. When you receive the news from the doctor, get the pink slip from your boss, answer that phone call you've been dreading-in that moment it's very difficult to believe God is behind it all. And I guess some people don't. Some take God out of the equation altogether and blame Satan. That's a topic for another day. Needless to say, in Joseph's mind, God has all things in his hands and at the end of the day, we must put our trust in him. I tend to believe him.
Dear Jesus, help me trust you today. Amen.
Joseph has just revealed himself to his brothers in Egypt. He tells them not to be sad because of what was done. Instead, Joseph claims God orchestrated events for the good of their family.
We all want to believe that Joseph is correct and that God intended this to happen. We want to believe this is true in our own lives but it is difficult. When you receive the news from the doctor, get the pink slip from your boss, answer that phone call you've been dreading-in that moment it's very difficult to believe God is behind it all. And I guess some people don't. Some take God out of the equation altogether and blame Satan. That's a topic for another day. Needless to say, in Joseph's mind, God has all things in his hands and at the end of the day, we must put our trust in him. I tend to believe him.
Dear Jesus, help me trust you today. Amen.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Crystal Ball Gone Bad!
Genesis 40:19 "Three days from now Pharoah will cut off your head and impale your body on a pole. Then birds will come and peck away at your flesh."
Joseph is in jail in Egypt and is asked to interpret a few dreams for some fellow inmates. One guy gets a favorable interpretation but the poor chief baker receives this gloomy forecast.
The Bible is awesome! If only Sunday school actually taught the good stuff! Here's what I take from this story...Joseph could have put on his rose colored glasses and sugar coated the interpretation. He could have said something nice and lie. But Joseph chooses to do the hard thing-tell the truth. Now I imagine Joseph could have, and maybe did use a little more tact and courtesy than what is recorded in Genesis, but at the end of the day he tells the truth. He defines reality for the chief baker. This is what leaders do. Speak the truth in love as Paul once wrote. Today I need to be brave and speak truth.
Dear Jesus, thank you for who you are. Help me be more like you. Amen.
Joseph is in jail in Egypt and is asked to interpret a few dreams for some fellow inmates. One guy gets a favorable interpretation but the poor chief baker receives this gloomy forecast.
The Bible is awesome! If only Sunday school actually taught the good stuff! Here's what I take from this story...Joseph could have put on his rose colored glasses and sugar coated the interpretation. He could have said something nice and lie. But Joseph chooses to do the hard thing-tell the truth. Now I imagine Joseph could have, and maybe did use a little more tact and courtesy than what is recorded in Genesis, but at the end of the day he tells the truth. He defines reality for the chief baker. This is what leaders do. Speak the truth in love as Paul once wrote. Today I need to be brave and speak truth.
Dear Jesus, thank you for who you are. Help me be more like you. Amen.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Assume the Best
Genesis 39: 19,20 "After hearing his wife's story, Potiphar was furious! He took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king's prisoners were held."
Potiphar's wife has lied about Joseph attempting to rape her so Potiphar sends him right to prison.
Potiphar jumps to conclusions without hearing all the facts. To be fair, if you're a smart man, you listen to your wife and don't ask questions! But, Potiphar did not hear the whole story. And before gathering the facts he rushes to a conclusion-a false one. How often do I do the same thing? Sometimes we are too impatient, too emotional, too naive, that we rush to make assumptions and end up making rash decisions. As Phil pointed out in his cyber update today, love is always hopeful and love always assumes the best. I need to give people the benefit of the doubt, avoid making assumptions, and understand love always assumes the best.
Dear Jesus help me assume the best today. Amen.
Potiphar's wife has lied about Joseph attempting to rape her so Potiphar sends him right to prison.
Potiphar jumps to conclusions without hearing all the facts. To be fair, if you're a smart man, you listen to your wife and don't ask questions! But, Potiphar did not hear the whole story. And before gathering the facts he rushes to a conclusion-a false one. How often do I do the same thing? Sometimes we are too impatient, too emotional, too naive, that we rush to make assumptions and end up making rash decisions. As Phil pointed out in his cyber update today, love is always hopeful and love always assumes the best. I need to give people the benefit of the doubt, avoid making assumptions, and understand love always assumes the best.
Dear Jesus help me assume the best today. Amen.
Monday, October 04, 2010
No Perfect People Allowed
Gen. 37: 27 "'Let's sell Joseph to those Ishmaelite traders. Let's not be responsible for his death; after all, he is our brother!'"
So Joseph receives these crazy dreams where everything and everyone bows down to him. Joseph makes the mistake of telling his 11 brothers and naturally they end up hating him. They decide to kill him, then change their minds and decide to leave him for dead in a pit. That was too cruel so they change their minds again and decide the humane thing would be to sell Joseph as a slave!
Genesis and the first families make me smile, laugh, and cry all at the same time! It seems there is no end to their depravity and sinfulness. I am not sure what to take from this story or how to apply it to my life. I just find it very true that everyone, as Pastor Phil says, has hurts, habits, and hang ups. We are all messed up. Some more than others-Joseph's brothers for example! It just shows why we need God's grace every day.
Dear Jesus, thank you for your word. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Amen.
So Joseph receives these crazy dreams where everything and everyone bows down to him. Joseph makes the mistake of telling his 11 brothers and naturally they end up hating him. They decide to kill him, then change their minds and decide to leave him for dead in a pit. That was too cruel so they change their minds again and decide the humane thing would be to sell Joseph as a slave!
Genesis and the first families make me smile, laugh, and cry all at the same time! It seems there is no end to their depravity and sinfulness. I am not sure what to take from this story or how to apply it to my life. I just find it very true that everyone, as Pastor Phil says, has hurts, habits, and hang ups. We are all messed up. Some more than others-Joseph's brothers for example! It just shows why we need God's grace every day.
Dear Jesus, thank you for your word. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Amen.
Friday, October 01, 2010
Kiss and Make Up
Genesis 33:4 "Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him affectionately and kissed him. Both of them were in tears."
Jacob and Esau have reconnected after years of separation. In their early days, Jacob tricked Esau a couple of times and Esau grew to hate Jacob. Yet after all this time, the two brothers were able to forgive and forget.
This story shows that no matter what, reconciliation is always possible. And I guess sometimes it takes years and years and thousands of miles of separation to bring people back together! I don't feel like I am at odds with anyone in my life but this serves as a good lesson that no chasm is too wide to not be bridged. It's never too late to say I'm sorry, I forgive you, and I love you.
Dear Jesus, help me be aware of who I wrong and make me quick to heal and restore. Amen.
Jacob and Esau have reconnected after years of separation. In their early days, Jacob tricked Esau a couple of times and Esau grew to hate Jacob. Yet after all this time, the two brothers were able to forgive and forget.
This story shows that no matter what, reconciliation is always possible. And I guess sometimes it takes years and years and thousands of miles of separation to bring people back together! I don't feel like I am at odds with anyone in my life but this serves as a good lesson that no chasm is too wide to not be bridged. It's never too late to say I'm sorry, I forgive you, and I love you.
Dear Jesus, help me be aware of who I wrong and make me quick to heal and restore. Amen.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Stone Pillows
Genesis 28: 11 "...Jacob found a stone for a pillow and lay down to sleep..."
Jacob is traveling to Paddan-aram to find a wife. Along the way he stops to sleep. He finds a stone for a pillow and drifts off to sleep. While he is sleeping he dreams of a stairway leading him to heaven where God tells him that he will bless and protect him. Jacob wakes up and uses his stone pillow to create an altar for God right there at a place he names "Bethel" meaning the house of God.
I find it odd that this story includes this little detail about a stone pillow. And why did Jacob use a stone for a pillow? It seems to me sleeping flat on the dirt would be more comfortable than a stone for a pillow! Yet this story includes the stone pillow. And while on this hard pillow Jacob hears from God and then he uses this pillow to build an altar for God. Sometimes all we have in life is a stone pillow. But God has this amazing way of taking the mundane, simple, and lowly things to do great things. September has been one big stone pillow for me. Yet on this 30th day of September I am seeing him more clearly and feeling his love more deeply than I have in some time.
Dear Jesus, stone pillows suck, but thank you for them. Help me to sleep peacefully tonight. Amen.
Jacob is traveling to Paddan-aram to find a wife. Along the way he stops to sleep. He finds a stone for a pillow and drifts off to sleep. While he is sleeping he dreams of a stairway leading him to heaven where God tells him that he will bless and protect him. Jacob wakes up and uses his stone pillow to create an altar for God right there at a place he names "Bethel" meaning the house of God.
I find it odd that this story includes this little detail about a stone pillow. And why did Jacob use a stone for a pillow? It seems to me sleeping flat on the dirt would be more comfortable than a stone for a pillow! Yet this story includes the stone pillow. And while on this hard pillow Jacob hears from God and then he uses this pillow to build an altar for God. Sometimes all we have in life is a stone pillow. But God has this amazing way of taking the mundane, simple, and lowly things to do great things. September has been one big stone pillow for me. Yet on this 30th day of September I am seeing him more clearly and feeling his love more deeply than I have in some time.
Dear Jesus, stone pillows suck, but thank you for them. Help me to sleep peacefully tonight. Amen.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Plainly in Me
Genesis 26: 28 "They replied 'We can plainly see that the Lord is with you. So we decided we should have a treaty, a covenant between us.'"
One day, Abimelech and his advisors come to visit Isaac and make a treaty with him. There have been some hostile relations in the past between Abimelech and Isaac (and Abraham) but now they want peace. Isaac agrees and they form a treaty.
Abimelech and his advisors see something different in Isaac. To be honest, it was most likely they noticed his abundant crops and how God was blessing him, but the greater point is they noticed something. In fact they noticed something that Isaac had little to do with! They noticed God. Do people notice anything in me? Do they notice God? Is there anything about my life that people can see and know about me, before they ever even meet me? That is the sign of a true follower of Jesus.
Dear Jesus, help make your presence noticable in me.
One day, Abimelech and his advisors come to visit Isaac and make a treaty with him. There have been some hostile relations in the past between Abimelech and Isaac (and Abraham) but now they want peace. Isaac agrees and they form a treaty.
Abimelech and his advisors see something different in Isaac. To be honest, it was most likely they noticed his abundant crops and how God was blessing him, but the greater point is they noticed something. In fact they noticed something that Isaac had little to do with! They noticed God. Do people notice anything in me? Do they notice God? Is there anything about my life that people can see and know about me, before they ever even meet me? That is the sign of a true follower of Jesus.
Dear Jesus, help make your presence noticable in me.
Monday, September 27, 2010
A Timely Lamb
Genesis 22:8 "God will provide a lamb, my son."
God has asked Abraham to sacrifice his own son, Isaac as a burnt offering. Without question, Abraham brings Isaac to Mt. Moriah and prepares to sacrifice him.
I know the ending to this story. The ending is predicted by Abraham in verse eight. God indeed provides a lamb-a ram caught in a nearby bush. But in verse eight, Abraham had no sure way to know this would happen. In verse eight he is prepared to kill his son-his only son. Everything he has and is, his reputation, legacy and wealth ultimately rest on this boy's shoulders. And God asks Abraham to kill him. Abraham relied on faith and trusted that God would provide. Today I need to rely on God and trust that he will provide the lamb. Even when circumstances are stacked against me, I must rely on God's faithfulness. He is always faithful.
Dear Jesus, help me to rely on you, the final lamb today. Amen.
God has asked Abraham to sacrifice his own son, Isaac as a burnt offering. Without question, Abraham brings Isaac to Mt. Moriah and prepares to sacrifice him.
I know the ending to this story. The ending is predicted by Abraham in verse eight. God indeed provides a lamb-a ram caught in a nearby bush. But in verse eight, Abraham had no sure way to know this would happen. In verse eight he is prepared to kill his son-his only son. Everything he has and is, his reputation, legacy and wealth ultimately rest on this boy's shoulders. And God asks Abraham to kill him. Abraham relied on faith and trusted that God would provide. Today I need to rely on God and trust that he will provide the lamb. Even when circumstances are stacked against me, I must rely on God's faithfulness. He is always faithful.
Dear Jesus, help me to rely on you, the final lamb today. Amen.
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Buck Stops...with My Wife!
Genesis 20:2 "Abraham told people there that his wife, Sarah, was his sister. So King Abimelech sent for her and had her brought to him at his palace."
For the second time, Abraham tells people his wife Sarah is just his sister, intentionally hiding the fact that she is indeed his wife. He did this before with Pharoah in chapter twelve while in Egypt. It seems Abraham does this to save his own skin and avoid any trouble while out on the road.
It appears easy for Abraham to throw his wife under the bus to save his own neck. In front of Pharoah and again with Abimelech, Abraham lies and sacrifices his wife for his own good. I think passing the buck, and throwing others under the bus is something we often do. Instead of standing up, being brave and facing adversity, we blame others, shift responsibility and sometimes down right lie to avoid hardships. How often do I repeat Abraham's mistake? Abraham ended up hurting himself, his wife, and many others more than if he had just stood up like a man and told the truth.
Dear Jesus, help me not skirt responsibility and lead well. Amen.
For the second time, Abraham tells people his wife Sarah is just his sister, intentionally hiding the fact that she is indeed his wife. He did this before with Pharoah in chapter twelve while in Egypt. It seems Abraham does this to save his own skin and avoid any trouble while out on the road.
It appears easy for Abraham to throw his wife under the bus to save his own neck. In front of Pharoah and again with Abimelech, Abraham lies and sacrifices his wife for his own good. I think passing the buck, and throwing others under the bus is something we often do. Instead of standing up, being brave and facing adversity, we blame others, shift responsibility and sometimes down right lie to avoid hardships. How often do I repeat Abraham's mistake? Abraham ended up hurting himself, his wife, and many others more than if he had just stood up like a man and told the truth.
Dear Jesus, help me not skirt responsibility and lead well. Amen.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Abram's Faith
Genesis 15: 6 "And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith."
God has called Abram to move far from his homeland. He picks up and moves without giving it a second thought. He ends up getting involved in a war to rescue his nephew and throughout it all, he struggles knowing he has no children to pass on his name. Dspite this all, Abram remains faithful and obedient to God. He believes in God and God declares him righteous because of it.
Abram's faith is inspiring. Faced with difficult challenges such as a massive family migration, a bloody conflict and no children, Abram continues to believe God is there for him and will bless him. Today I sit amidst uncertain times. Do I have the faith of Abram to see me through. Does God think I am righteous? Abram's faith continued despite his circumstances. My faith needs to increase and persevere despite my circumstances.
Dear Jesus, give me your faith and help me persevere this week. Amen.
God has called Abram to move far from his homeland. He picks up and moves without giving it a second thought. He ends up getting involved in a war to rescue his nephew and throughout it all, he struggles knowing he has no children to pass on his name. Dspite this all, Abram remains faithful and obedient to God. He believes in God and God declares him righteous because of it.
Abram's faith is inspiring. Faced with difficult challenges such as a massive family migration, a bloody conflict and no children, Abram continues to believe God is there for him and will bless him. Today I sit amidst uncertain times. Do I have the faith of Abram to see me through. Does God think I am righteous? Abram's faith continued despite his circumstances. My faith needs to increase and persevere despite my circumstances.
Dear Jesus, give me your faith and help me persevere this week. Amen.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Compromise
Gen. 13:9 "I'll tell you what we'll do. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we'll separate."
Abram and Lot have been traveling together and both have experienced growth in their wealth and herds. With their herds and herdsman numbers growing, the land begins to get a bit small for both camps to coincide peacefully. Abram recognizes this and takes charge and comes up with a plan. He tells the plan to Lot, and Abram solves the problem.
I like the fact that Abram recognizes the problem and acts on it quickly. And he also finds a nice compromise between he and Lot. I think oftentimes compromise is seen as weakness in our world. However I think compromise shows humility and an "others first" mentality. Certainly there are things we should never compromise but when we can extend grace and love through compromise, we should.
Dear Jesus, help me to think of others more than myself and help me find compromise when I can. Amen.
Abram and Lot have been traveling together and both have experienced growth in their wealth and herds. With their herds and herdsman numbers growing, the land begins to get a bit small for both camps to coincide peacefully. Abram recognizes this and takes charge and comes up with a plan. He tells the plan to Lot, and Abram solves the problem.
I like the fact that Abram recognizes the problem and acts on it quickly. And he also finds a nice compromise between he and Lot. I think oftentimes compromise is seen as weakness in our world. However I think compromise shows humility and an "others first" mentality. Certainly there are things we should never compromise but when we can extend grace and love through compromise, we should.
Dear Jesus, help me to think of others more than myself and help me find compromise when I can. Amen.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Crouching Sin
Genesis 4:7 "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
Cain has just killed Abel and he is feeling pretty guilty about it. God knows what he did and calls him on it.
I like the fact that God is kind of toying with Cain here a bit. And he makes a good point. If we do what is right, what do we have to fear? We'll sleep well at night, have many friends, and avoid a lot of trouble. But it's when we sin, when we have to deal with awful consequences. And many times, the consequences of sin are long lasting and far reaching. Our sin and it's affect crouches at our door. It waits for us at every turn and at every moment. Today's lesson learned.
Dear Jesus, help me to choose what is right and avoid that crouching sin. Amen.
Cain has just killed Abel and he is feeling pretty guilty about it. God knows what he did and calls him on it.
I like the fact that God is kind of toying with Cain here a bit. And he makes a good point. If we do what is right, what do we have to fear? We'll sleep well at night, have many friends, and avoid a lot of trouble. But it's when we sin, when we have to deal with awful consequences. And many times, the consequences of sin are long lasting and far reaching. Our sin and it's affect crouches at our door. It waits for us at every turn and at every moment. Today's lesson learned.
Dear Jesus, help me to choose what is right and avoid that crouching sin. Amen.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Work
Gen. 3:19 "All your life you will sweat to produce food, until your dying day..."
Adam and Even have both been deceived by the serpent in the Garden and disobeyed God. Upon hearing this, God hands out some pretty severe and long lasting punishments. The woman gets pain in child birth and the man has to work hard all his life just to eat.
Work. Most people hate it. Some people with great jobs like pro athletes and reality TV stars love their work. Is it a punishment or a blessing? In Gen. 1 God commands us to subdue the earth and work as if it is a duty or calling. In Gen. 3 it is a consequence for disobedience. So I guess it makes sense that we have this love-hate relationship with work. I love my work. Today is the first day of the school year and HangTime and One.Eighty begin next week. I am anxious to get back into a regular schedule. Today, I see work as a blessing. I pray I always view it that way.
Jesus, guide me in my work today. Amen.
Adam and Even have both been deceived by the serpent in the Garden and disobeyed God. Upon hearing this, God hands out some pretty severe and long lasting punishments. The woman gets pain in child birth and the man has to work hard all his life just to eat.
Work. Most people hate it. Some people with great jobs like pro athletes and reality TV stars love their work. Is it a punishment or a blessing? In Gen. 1 God commands us to subdue the earth and work as if it is a duty or calling. In Gen. 3 it is a consequence for disobedience. So I guess it makes sense that we have this love-hate relationship with work. I love my work. Today is the first day of the school year and HangTime and One.Eighty begin next week. I am anxious to get back into a regular schedule. Today, I see work as a blessing. I pray I always view it that way.
Jesus, guide me in my work today. Amen.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Jack's Bike
Mark 1:11 "And a voice came from heaven: 'You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'"
Jesus has been obedient and gets baptized by John. A voice from heaven, God the Father, says he is well pleased with him.
Every son wants to please his dad. Jack gets such a huge smile on his face when he knows he did something right and made me proud. He's learning to ride his bike now and he is doing a great job! When he's riding, he knows I am excited for him, proud of him, and glad he is my son. I would be even if he wasn't riding, but in that moment, on his bike, I have a hunch that's all he cares about. He's scared to death of falling off his bike, but he knows it makes his dad proud. I want the same for my heavenly father. I hope that God the Father is pleased with me.
Dear Jesus, help me be more like Jack. Amen.
Jesus has been obedient and gets baptized by John. A voice from heaven, God the Father, says he is well pleased with him.
Every son wants to please his dad. Jack gets such a huge smile on his face when he knows he did something right and made me proud. He's learning to ride his bike now and he is doing a great job! When he's riding, he knows I am excited for him, proud of him, and glad he is my son. I would be even if he wasn't riding, but in that moment, on his bike, I have a hunch that's all he cares about. He's scared to death of falling off his bike, but he knows it makes his dad proud. I want the same for my heavenly father. I hope that God the Father is pleased with me.
Dear Jesus, help me be more like Jack. Amen.
Monday, June 07, 2010
Obedient Cannonball
Matthew 3:15 "Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented."
John the Baptist has been baptizing people in the Judean desert and Jesus shows up. John intends to be baptized by Jesus, but Jesus insists on being baptized himself. Jesus is the Messiah and yet he chooses to be baptized. If anyone doesn't need to be baptized it would be Jesus. What does this teach about baptism?
If Jesus was willing to be baptized, it must mean baptism is something pretty important. So often we define baptism as a "public declaration of an inward faith or transformation." Did Jesus have a faith transformation? Was he just saved prior to meeting John and then needed to publicly declare that he believed in himself!? Of course not, but I think the bigger point is that Jesus chose to be fully obedient to the Father. He says he must "fulfill all righteousness." Pastor Phil said yesterday that baptism is really all about obedience. If Jesus needed to be obedient, how much more so do I need to be obedient!
Dear Jesus, help me be obedient to you and your will today. Amen.
John the Baptist has been baptizing people in the Judean desert and Jesus shows up. John intends to be baptized by Jesus, but Jesus insists on being baptized himself. Jesus is the Messiah and yet he chooses to be baptized. If anyone doesn't need to be baptized it would be Jesus. What does this teach about baptism?
If Jesus was willing to be baptized, it must mean baptism is something pretty important. So often we define baptism as a "public declaration of an inward faith or transformation." Did Jesus have a faith transformation? Was he just saved prior to meeting John and then needed to publicly declare that he believed in himself!? Of course not, but I think the bigger point is that Jesus chose to be fully obedient to the Father. He says he must "fulfill all righteousness." Pastor Phil said yesterday that baptism is really all about obedience. If Jesus needed to be obedient, how much more so do I need to be obedient!
Dear Jesus, help me be obedient to you and your will today. Amen.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Who I Am
1 Peter 4 :10 "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."
Peter is encouraging Christians to use their gifts for the Lord. The implication is that every person has been given a gift to serve the kingdom.
In the past few months I have taken two personality tests. Both tests revealed similar information about who I am and what my strengths and weaknesses are. In addition, I am reading a few leadership books this summer. The tests combined with the books are causing me to really evaluate who I am and what my strengths and gifts are. I have done this before in my life. In fact I find I often evaluate myself and discern who God created me to be and how I can be aware of that and play to my strengths. My hope is to use my gifts and strengths to better "serve others" and "administer God's grace" to others.
Dear Jesus, help me this summer to continue to clarify who you created me to be and how I can use my gifts to serve. Amen.
Peter is encouraging Christians to use their gifts for the Lord. The implication is that every person has been given a gift to serve the kingdom.
In the past few months I have taken two personality tests. Both tests revealed similar information about who I am and what my strengths and weaknesses are. In addition, I am reading a few leadership books this summer. The tests combined with the books are causing me to really evaluate who I am and what my strengths and gifts are. I have done this before in my life. In fact I find I often evaluate myself and discern who God created me to be and how I can be aware of that and play to my strengths. My hope is to use my gifts and strengths to better "serve others" and "administer God's grace" to others.
Dear Jesus, help me this summer to continue to clarify who you created me to be and how I can use my gifts to serve. Amen.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Not Another Reptile Gardens
Romans 12: 4 "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function..."
Paul is comparing the church to a physical body. Just as there are many parts of a body and every part is essential (with a few exceptions I guess-tonsils and appendix?) so too every Christian is unique and has a specific role to play in the church.
We all have unique giftings, passions, and personalities, yet too often we try to conform to those around us. America and America's church are too concerned with being like someone else. I travel fairly often and it's interesting to see that wherever you go the same stores, restaurants, and gas stations exist everywhere. Even the same lame tourist traps are duplicated throughout the country-think Reptile Gardens and the one crazy trap where the laws of gravity do not work and balls roll up hill. What is that place called? In any event, do our churches and Christians follow the same pattern? Do I? God has called me to be me and do what I do.
Dear Jesus, help me do what you created me to do today. Amen.
Paul is comparing the church to a physical body. Just as there are many parts of a body and every part is essential (with a few exceptions I guess-tonsils and appendix?) so too every Christian is unique and has a specific role to play in the church.
We all have unique giftings, passions, and personalities, yet too often we try to conform to those around us. America and America's church are too concerned with being like someone else. I travel fairly often and it's interesting to see that wherever you go the same stores, restaurants, and gas stations exist everywhere. Even the same lame tourist traps are duplicated throughout the country-think Reptile Gardens and the one crazy trap where the laws of gravity do not work and balls roll up hill. What is that place called? In any event, do our churches and Christians follow the same pattern? Do I? God has called me to be me and do what I do.
Dear Jesus, help me do what you created me to do today. Amen.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
My Seat
Mark 10:35 "Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. 'Teacher,' they said, 'we want you to do for us whatever we ask.'"
Two disciples, James and John ask Jesus if they can sit at his side in His kingdom. Jesus tells them no and says instead of being rulers they should be servants. Sometimes the disciples are morons! Like really? All this time with Jesus and they still haven't gotten it.
My life should be about serving others. My life isn't about me and my glory. James and John did not understand that at this point. I need to constantly remind myself that life is about others. It's not about where I sit, it's about where I serve.
Dear Jesus, help me get off my seat and not worry about my seat so I can give others a seat. Amen.
Two disciples, James and John ask Jesus if they can sit at his side in His kingdom. Jesus tells them no and says instead of being rulers they should be servants. Sometimes the disciples are morons! Like really? All this time with Jesus and they still haven't gotten it.
My life should be about serving others. My life isn't about me and my glory. James and John did not understand that at this point. I need to constantly remind myself that life is about others. It's not about where I sit, it's about where I serve.
Dear Jesus, help me get off my seat and not worry about my seat so I can give others a seat. Amen.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Ten Minas
Luke 19:26 "He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.'"
Jesus just told the parable of the Ten Minas. Basically, the master has given three guys different amounts of money to see how they would spend/invest/save it. He gives more to the ones who invested their money, and he takes away from the man who did nothing with his.
Honestly, this verse on it's own does not sound like the kind of thing Jesus would normally say. The point is that those of us who have been blessed better do something with what God has given us. I too often squander and waste what God has given me including my time, money, talents, and energy. God does want us to be productive and do something. He wants his kingdom to increase and I need to be a part of that today.
Dear Jesus help me use what you have given me today wisely and for you. Amen.
Jesus just told the parable of the Ten Minas. Basically, the master has given three guys different amounts of money to see how they would spend/invest/save it. He gives more to the ones who invested their money, and he takes away from the man who did nothing with his.
Honestly, this verse on it's own does not sound like the kind of thing Jesus would normally say. The point is that those of us who have been blessed better do something with what God has given us. I too often squander and waste what God has given me including my time, money, talents, and energy. God does want us to be productive and do something. He wants his kingdom to increase and I need to be a part of that today.
Dear Jesus help me use what you have given me today wisely and for you. Amen.
Friday, May 07, 2010
The Truth
John 14:6 "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
Jesus declares that he is the way, the truth, and the life. The Hebrews would say the same thing about Torah. Jesus is saying that he now is the way to the Father. He has fulfilled and completed the Law. Interesting, but that's for another time.
This verse creates problems for us in our pluralistic, post-modern society. Faith is relative today. "Whatever works for you" is the attitude many Americans have in matters of faith and spirituality. While I must learn to share the true story of Jesus in today's culture, I must not succumb to this philosophy. Jesus has made it clear that He and He alone is the way to the Father. He alone holds the keys to the kingdom, eternal life and heaven. I must proclaim this message and this message only to my world.
Dear Jesus, thank you for being the way, the truth, and the life for the whole world. Amen.
Jesus declares that he is the way, the truth, and the life. The Hebrews would say the same thing about Torah. Jesus is saying that he now is the way to the Father. He has fulfilled and completed the Law. Interesting, but that's for another time.
This verse creates problems for us in our pluralistic, post-modern society. Faith is relative today. "Whatever works for you" is the attitude many Americans have in matters of faith and spirituality. While I must learn to share the true story of Jesus in today's culture, I must not succumb to this philosophy. Jesus has made it clear that He and He alone is the way to the Father. He alone holds the keys to the kingdom, eternal life and heaven. I must proclaim this message and this message only to my world.
Dear Jesus, thank you for being the way, the truth, and the life for the whole world. Amen.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Martha Like Faith
John 11: 27 "'Yes, Lord,' she told him, 'I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.'"
Jesus' friend Lazarus has died. Jesus arrives four days after his death and plans on raising him from the dead. After arriving, he asks Martha if she believe in him and his power as the son of God. She gives him this answer.
I first of all have to wonder if the story of Lazarus is a foreshadowing of what was to come with Jesus? I am sure it is. I also have to admire Martha for her faith and her declaration here. Even though her brother has been dead for four days she still believes. Even though Jesus could have healed him when Lazarus was sick and he didn't, Martha believes. Do I have faith like Martha? Or do I let the present circumstances in my life dictate the level of my faith? I need to see past what is right in front of me and have faith in Jesus regardless of the circumstances.
Dear Jesus, help me have faith in you today no matter what. Amen.
Jesus' friend Lazarus has died. Jesus arrives four days after his death and plans on raising him from the dead. After arriving, he asks Martha if she believe in him and his power as the son of God. She gives him this answer.
I first of all have to wonder if the story of Lazarus is a foreshadowing of what was to come with Jesus? I am sure it is. I also have to admire Martha for her faith and her declaration here. Even though her brother has been dead for four days she still believes. Even though Jesus could have healed him when Lazarus was sick and he didn't, Martha believes. Do I have faith like Martha? Or do I let the present circumstances in my life dictate the level of my faith? I need to see past what is right in front of me and have faith in Jesus regardless of the circumstances.
Dear Jesus, help me have faith in you today no matter what. Amen.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Dumb Sheep
John 10:4 "...and his sheep follow him because they know his voice."
Jesus is comparing himself to a shepherd. He argues that like a shepherd, he cares for his flock and they know his voice and follow him in complete faith and trust.
I am a dumb sheep. I know it. And because I am just a dumb sheep, I better pay attention to my shepherd's voice. And honestly, I am not sure I do that very well. I'm really good at listening to my own voice, but how long until my bleating gets drowned out by other sheep's bleating and soon who knows who I am listening to? Today I will listen to God's still small voice.
Dear Jesus, help me to shut up and listen for you and follow you in every area of my life. Amen.
Jesus is comparing himself to a shepherd. He argues that like a shepherd, he cares for his flock and they know his voice and follow him in complete faith and trust.
I am a dumb sheep. I know it. And because I am just a dumb sheep, I better pay attention to my shepherd's voice. And honestly, I am not sure I do that very well. I'm really good at listening to my own voice, but how long until my bleating gets drowned out by other sheep's bleating and soon who knows who I am listening to? Today I will listen to God's still small voice.
Dear Jesus, help me to shut up and listen for you and follow you in every area of my life. Amen.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
His Own Testimony
John 8:13 "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid."
Jesus is in the temple area and is defending his authority to a group of Pharisees. Since he is defending himself, the Pharisees point out that as his own witness his testimony is not valid.
The Pharisees have a point-kind of. I can't show up at church on Sunday and claim to be the son of God and tell people to "just trust me!" "Because I said so" only works on 4 year olds and even then it has a 15% success rate! If I were there that day I am pretty sure I would have had my doubts about Jesus as well. I might have laughed at him a bit too. But in the end, Jesus backs up his claims with numerous miracles, and this little thing called the resurrection. Maybe on that day, his own testimony didn't hold water, but the New Testament and the last two thousand years has.
Dear Jesus, thank you for being who you said you were. Amen.
Jesus is in the temple area and is defending his authority to a group of Pharisees. Since he is defending himself, the Pharisees point out that as his own witness his testimony is not valid.
The Pharisees have a point-kind of. I can't show up at church on Sunday and claim to be the son of God and tell people to "just trust me!" "Because I said so" only works on 4 year olds and even then it has a 15% success rate! If I were there that day I am pretty sure I would have had my doubts about Jesus as well. I might have laughed at him a bit too. But in the end, Jesus backs up his claims with numerous miracles, and this little thing called the resurrection. Maybe on that day, his own testimony didn't hold water, but the New Testament and the last two thousand years has.
Dear Jesus, thank you for being who you said you were. Amen.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Bitterness
Psalm 73:21 "Then I realized how bitter I had become, how pained I had been by all I had seen."
The psalmist had been crying out about how the wicked always seem to prosper. He mourned how the rich live in sin and the wicked oftentimes seem to be blessed. But then he realizes that all of his judgement and complaining have left him bitter.
Too often, when our eyes are focused on someone else's life, we grow bitter. We become bitter over what "they" have or what "they" do. We should instead be content with what we have been blessed with. God does want us to right the wrongs in our world and fight for justice and peace. It's OK to have some righteous indignation or "holy discontent" at times but it should not lead to a life of bitterness. In good times and bad, we should find joy and peace with our Savior.
Dear Jesus, help me hate what is wrong, but please save me from bitterness. Amen.
The psalmist had been crying out about how the wicked always seem to prosper. He mourned how the rich live in sin and the wicked oftentimes seem to be blessed. But then he realizes that all of his judgement and complaining have left him bitter.
Too often, when our eyes are focused on someone else's life, we grow bitter. We become bitter over what "they" have or what "they" do. We should instead be content with what we have been blessed with. God does want us to right the wrongs in our world and fight for justice and peace. It's OK to have some righteous indignation or "holy discontent" at times but it should not lead to a life of bitterness. In good times and bad, we should find joy and peace with our Savior.
Dear Jesus, help me hate what is wrong, but please save me from bitterness. Amen.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
All Creation
Romans 8:21 "All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay."
When Adam and Eve ate the apple, all of creation was cursed. And now all of creation is eagerly awaiting Christ's return and the final victory on that day when the curse will be once and for all lifted.
I often think about Christ's redemptive work in my own personal life. I so often just think about me and what Jesus did for me. This passage paints a more complete picture including all of creation in Christ's redemptive work on the cross. Jesus came to save and rescue it all. This new kingdom has come and will be complete someday soon with a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jake-probably in that order?
Dear Jesus, thank you for the cross and what it means for the whole world. Amen.
When Adam and Eve ate the apple, all of creation was cursed. And now all of creation is eagerly awaiting Christ's return and the final victory on that day when the curse will be once and for all lifted.
I often think about Christ's redemptive work in my own personal life. I so often just think about me and what Jesus did for me. This passage paints a more complete picture including all of creation in Christ's redemptive work on the cross. Jesus came to save and rescue it all. This new kingdom has come and will be complete someday soon with a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jake-probably in that order?
Dear Jesus, thank you for the cross and what it means for the whole world. Amen.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Planet Earth
Psalm 104:24 "O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures."
Psalm 104 praises God for his creation. All of creation is attributed to the masterful work of the great artist himself-God. Everything we see and experience here in this earth and the heavens as well, come from and are dependant upon God.
As a gift, my wife bought me "Planet Earth" the nature documentary by the BBC. It is a wonderful, nearly hypnotic look at our world. Planet Earth explores some of the more mysterious and rarely seen domains of our planet. My favorite episodes include the birds of paradise, deserts and caves. Our world is wonderfully diverse and beautiful. God made all of it. This earth is his creation. If nothing else, we should praise him for it. But of course we have so much more to praise him for; calvary, salvation, eternal life, forgiveness, hope...
Dear Jesus, thank you for our planet earth. You are a wondeful creator! Amen.
Psalm 104 praises God for his creation. All of creation is attributed to the masterful work of the great artist himself-God. Everything we see and experience here in this earth and the heavens as well, come from and are dependant upon God.
As a gift, my wife bought me "Planet Earth" the nature documentary by the BBC. It is a wonderful, nearly hypnotic look at our world. Planet Earth explores some of the more mysterious and rarely seen domains of our planet. My favorite episodes include the birds of paradise, deserts and caves. Our world is wonderfully diverse and beautiful. God made all of it. This earth is his creation. If nothing else, we should praise him for it. But of course we have so much more to praise him for; calvary, salvation, eternal life, forgiveness, hope...
Dear Jesus, thank you for our planet earth. You are a wondeful creator! Amen.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Please Don't Ask
Luke 8:25 "Then he asked them, 'Where is your faith?'"
The disciples are in a boat on the Sea of Galilea and a storm develops. The disciples get scared and wake Jesus. He calms the storm and then asks them "Where is your faith?"
I hope Jesus never has to ask me this question. Maybe before he has to ask me, I should get in the habit of asking this of myself every day-"Jake where is your faith?" Sometimes I don't know. Honestly, many days my faith is in myself, my job, and my ability to take care of myself. That really is stupid though because storms do come and I can't control them. So, today I need to make sure my faith is not in me or in my boat, but instead entirely in Jesus.
Dear Jesus, help me keep my faith in you each day so you don't have to ask this question. Amen.
The disciples are in a boat on the Sea of Galilea and a storm develops. The disciples get scared and wake Jesus. He calms the storm and then asks them "Where is your faith?"
I hope Jesus never has to ask me this question. Maybe before he has to ask me, I should get in the habit of asking this of myself every day-"Jake where is your faith?" Sometimes I don't know. Honestly, many days my faith is in myself, my job, and my ability to take care of myself. That really is stupid though because storms do come and I can't control them. So, today I need to make sure my faith is not in me or in my boat, but instead entirely in Jesus.
Dear Jesus, help me keep my faith in you each day so you don't have to ask this question. Amen.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Faith and Doubt
Mark 9:24 " The father instantly replied, 'I do believe, but help me not to doubt!'"
A father has brought his demon possesed son to Jesus' disicples and they were unable to heal him. Jesus arrives and tells the father that if he believes, all things are possible. The father says he does believe but he needs help with doubt.
This had to be difficult for this father. On one hand he see Jesus. Jesus was the son of God. He was walking on water and casting demons out all over the place. When he looked at Jesus he had faith. But then when he turned his head and saw his son, there was doubt. Here was his son who had been ill for so long. I think this is similar to our battle. One one hand we look to Jesus and see heavenly things and have faith. But then we are constantly reminded of our humanity and fallen world and we can't help but doubt. This is the tension of being human. I must continually look to Jesus for my faith.
Dear Jesus, help me always look to you. Amen.
A father has brought his demon possesed son to Jesus' disicples and they were unable to heal him. Jesus arrives and tells the father that if he believes, all things are possible. The father says he does believe but he needs help with doubt.
This had to be difficult for this father. On one hand he see Jesus. Jesus was the son of God. He was walking on water and casting demons out all over the place. When he looked at Jesus he had faith. But then when he turned his head and saw his son, there was doubt. Here was his son who had been ill for so long. I think this is similar to our battle. One one hand we look to Jesus and see heavenly things and have faith. But then we are constantly reminded of our humanity and fallen world and we can't help but doubt. This is the tension of being human. I must continually look to Jesus for my faith.
Dear Jesus, help me always look to you. Amen.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Plot Twist
Mark 16: 3 "On the way they were discussing who would roll the stone away from the entrance to the tomb."
Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary the mother of James were on their way to Jesus' tomb. They were going there to put burial spices on his body. As they were walking, they discuss who will roll the stone away.
I can imagine this conversation. They had lost their messiah, their leader and now are talking about such depressing things as burial spices and who will roll the stone away. I'm sure they were still in shock. But of course, no one had to roll the stone away because it had already been done! Oftentimes in our despair, Jesus has a twist for us. In the pain, there is always hope. When we are discussing who has to roll the stone away, Jesus has other plans.
Dear Jesus, thank you for Easter and plot twists. Amen.
Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary the mother of James were on their way to Jesus' tomb. They were going there to put burial spices on his body. As they were walking, they discuss who will roll the stone away.
I can imagine this conversation. They had lost their messiah, their leader and now are talking about such depressing things as burial spices and who will roll the stone away. I'm sure they were still in shock. But of course, no one had to roll the stone away because it had already been done! Oftentimes in our despair, Jesus has a twist for us. In the pain, there is always hope. When we are discussing who has to roll the stone away, Jesus has other plans.
Dear Jesus, thank you for Easter and plot twists. Amen.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Cloud of Ripples
From Friday March 26...
Hebrews 11 and 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us."
Hebrews chapter 11 is often called the "Hall of Faith." Similar to a hall of fame, this passage lists a series of faithful followers of God including Abraham, Jacob and Moses. Like baseball legends enshrined in Cooperstown, these giants of the faith are remembered here in Hebrews 11. They are commended for their life of faith and obedeince to God. In chapter 12, the writer continues and says that we are surrounded by this great "crowd of witnesses", that is the list in chapter 11. Another translation refers to this as a great "cloud of witnesses."
The writer of Hebrews goes on and on about these heroes of the faith and then proclaims that we are surrounded by them! We are surrounded by them much like a cloud may surround a mountain. This tells me that we are not alone. Our faith is not just about us. There are others who have gone before us. Many others blazed the trail and broke the ground for us. We are continuing the work they began. As we make ripples in our communities we must remember we are not alone, but rather we are part of a movement of God that began long ago and that many have gone before us. We are simply continuing the giant ripple.
Dear Jesus, thank you for our cloud of witnesses. Help us remember what they started as we make our ripples. Amen.
Hebrews 11 and 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us."
Hebrews chapter 11 is often called the "Hall of Faith." Similar to a hall of fame, this passage lists a series of faithful followers of God including Abraham, Jacob and Moses. Like baseball legends enshrined in Cooperstown, these giants of the faith are remembered here in Hebrews 11. They are commended for their life of faith and obedeince to God. In chapter 12, the writer continues and says that we are surrounded by this great "crowd of witnesses", that is the list in chapter 11. Another translation refers to this as a great "cloud of witnesses."
The writer of Hebrews goes on and on about these heroes of the faith and then proclaims that we are surrounded by them! We are surrounded by them much like a cloud may surround a mountain. This tells me that we are not alone. Our faith is not just about us. There are others who have gone before us. Many others blazed the trail and broke the ground for us. We are continuing the work they began. As we make ripples in our communities we must remember we are not alone, but rather we are part of a movement of God that began long ago and that many have gone before us. We are simply continuing the giant ripple.
Dear Jesus, thank you for our cloud of witnesses. Help us remember what they started as we make our ripples. Amen.
A Fine Pearl
From Thursday March 25...
Matt. 13:46 "When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it."
Jesus is describing the kingdom of heaven. Here, he compares the kingdom to a priceless pearl. The pearl merchant does everything he can to obtain this pearl. So too, we should do whatever it takes to obtain (and share) the kingdom of God.
Am I willing to do whatever it takes for the sake of the kingdom? I know I will do what I can. I will do what is easy. I will do what is convenient. But will I drop everything and give up everything for Christ and his kingdom? Isn't one more soul in the kingdom worth everything? I need to figure this out. Why don't I go all out and do all I can for one more?
Dear Jesus, help me learn how to drop it all for one more. Amen.
Matt. 13:46 "When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it."
Jesus is describing the kingdom of heaven. Here, he compares the kingdom to a priceless pearl. The pearl merchant does everything he can to obtain this pearl. So too, we should do whatever it takes to obtain (and share) the kingdom of God.
Am I willing to do whatever it takes for the sake of the kingdom? I know I will do what I can. I will do what is easy. I will do what is convenient. But will I drop everything and give up everything for Christ and his kingdom? Isn't one more soul in the kingdom worth everything? I need to figure this out. Why don't I go all out and do all I can for one more?
Dear Jesus, help me learn how to drop it all for one more. Amen.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Life and Death
Mark 8:32 "As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and told him he shouldn't say things like that."
Jesus is telling his disciples about the terrible things that will be happening to him and Peter scolds him! I had to laugh when I read that. Here is Peter, scolding Jesus and telling him not to say things like that.
Oftentimes when people are sick or dying they will begin talking about death. Quickly, a love one will snap back, "Don't say things like that." Why do they do that? Why did Peter do that? Is it because we are afraid of losing them? Does it make mortality a bit too close to home? Do we think about ours? Jesus is Jesus and he holds life and death in his hands. We, unlike Peter must trust Jesus knows what he is talking about and he knows what he is doing.
Dear Jesus, help me trust you in life and death. Amen.
Jesus is telling his disciples about the terrible things that will be happening to him and Peter scolds him! I had to laugh when I read that. Here is Peter, scolding Jesus and telling him not to say things like that.
Oftentimes when people are sick or dying they will begin talking about death. Quickly, a love one will snap back, "Don't say things like that." Why do they do that? Why did Peter do that? Is it because we are afraid of losing them? Does it make mortality a bit too close to home? Do we think about ours? Jesus is Jesus and he holds life and death in his hands. We, unlike Peter must trust Jesus knows what he is talking about and he knows what he is doing.
Dear Jesus, help me trust you in life and death. Amen.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Go Big or Go Home
Luke 14: 33 "So no one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me."
Jesus had large numbers of people following him. There were surely many reasons they followed him. He was known as a healer and miracle worker. No doubt this attracted many followers. In Luke 14, Jesus turns to them and lays it all on the line. He tells them that if they truly want to follow him, they better count the cost and give up everything.
Sometimes I don't like to listen to Jesus! Give up everything? Love him more than my wife and my kids? I guess you get one shot at this thing called life. And you must choose what you will live for and go all in. Go big or go home! There's no point in doing anything halfway. So, if I am going to walk around and call myself a "Jesus follower" I better get used to going all in.
Dear Jesus, help me this week to go all in for you. Amen.
Jesus had large numbers of people following him. There were surely many reasons they followed him. He was known as a healer and miracle worker. No doubt this attracted many followers. In Luke 14, Jesus turns to them and lays it all on the line. He tells them that if they truly want to follow him, they better count the cost and give up everything.
Sometimes I don't like to listen to Jesus! Give up everything? Love him more than my wife and my kids? I guess you get one shot at this thing called life. And you must choose what you will live for and go all in. Go big or go home! There's no point in doing anything halfway. So, if I am going to walk around and call myself a "Jesus follower" I better get used to going all in.
Dear Jesus, help me this week to go all in for you. Amen.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Silent Sacrifice
Isaiah 53:7 "He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth."
This passage in Isaiah foretells the suffering Jesus will endure. As he was falsely accused and illegally beaten and tortured, he did not say a word.
If I am wronged, mistreated, offended or inconvenienced I say something. I speak up to defend myself and my pride. Jesus did not. Even though the entire situation he was in was wrong and was our fault, he said nothing. He took the fall for my sin and did so willingly. Maybe I need to be a little more patient, and have a little more mercy and grace for people? Maybe it's OK to be wronged and inconvenienced from time to time? Maybe I should shut up and be still and remember how quiet he was one day for me.
Dear Jesus thank you for doing what you did so willingly. Amen.
This passage in Isaiah foretells the suffering Jesus will endure. As he was falsely accused and illegally beaten and tortured, he did not say a word.
If I am wronged, mistreated, offended or inconvenienced I say something. I speak up to defend myself and my pride. Jesus did not. Even though the entire situation he was in was wrong and was our fault, he said nothing. He took the fall for my sin and did so willingly. Maybe I need to be a little more patient, and have a little more mercy and grace for people? Maybe it's OK to be wronged and inconvenienced from time to time? Maybe I should shut up and be still and remember how quiet he was one day for me.
Dear Jesus thank you for doing what you did so willingly. Amen.
Friday, March 19, 2010
My Cheerful Heart
2 Cor. 9:7 "You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully."
Paul is heading up a fundraising effort for the church in Jerusalem. In this letter, he is talking with the Corinthian believers about how they can help. He encourages them to give willingly and cheerfully. He does not want gifts to be given out of guilt, shame or peer pressure. Many churches do respond and give cheerfully to the effort in Jerusalem.
It might be easy to give big to God with our money, our gifts, and our time, but if our heart is not in it we're fooling ourselves. God knows us inside and out. He knows our thoughts and our motives. He wants us to be all in to make ripples but only if our heart is involved. So I must ask myself, where is my heart? Am I all in to make ripples or am I going to fake it and give reluctantly? God wants me to be honest with him and I intend to do that.
Dear Jesus, help me be real with you and help my heart be in the right place to give cheerfully. Amen.
Paul is heading up a fundraising effort for the church in Jerusalem. In this letter, he is talking with the Corinthian believers about how they can help. He encourages them to give willingly and cheerfully. He does not want gifts to be given out of guilt, shame or peer pressure. Many churches do respond and give cheerfully to the effort in Jerusalem.
It might be easy to give big to God with our money, our gifts, and our time, but if our heart is not in it we're fooling ourselves. God knows us inside and out. He knows our thoughts and our motives. He wants us to be all in to make ripples but only if our heart is involved. So I must ask myself, where is my heart? Am I all in to make ripples or am I going to fake it and give reluctantly? God wants me to be honest with him and I intend to do that.
Dear Jesus, help me be real with you and help my heart be in the right place to give cheerfully. Amen.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Jerusalemwood
Acts 1:8 "But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jesus is about to return to heaven and he shares some final words with his followers. These aren't any normal, everyday words though. In fact, they are a manifesto, a mission, a destiny for his followers. Jesus describes a ripple for his followers. First they hit Jerusalem right where they live. Next they venture out a bit to Judea, then a bit farther to Samaria, and finally to the "ends of the earth." This massive, worldwide ripple begins right in their hometown.
My hometown is Maplewood. I live north of highway 36 in the Hazelwood neighborhood. This is my Jerusalem. I have neighbors who I am sure have not heard about Jesus and his kingdom. They need to hear about my faith and my joy this summer.
Dear Jesus, help me be who I am called to be in my Jerusalem we call Maplewood. Amen.
Jesus is about to return to heaven and he shares some final words with his followers. These aren't any normal, everyday words though. In fact, they are a manifesto, a mission, a destiny for his followers. Jesus describes a ripple for his followers. First they hit Jerusalem right where they live. Next they venture out a bit to Judea, then a bit farther to Samaria, and finally to the "ends of the earth." This massive, worldwide ripple begins right in their hometown.
My hometown is Maplewood. I live north of highway 36 in the Hazelwood neighborhood. This is my Jerusalem. I have neighbors who I am sure have not heard about Jesus and his kingdom. They need to hear about my faith and my joy this summer.
Dear Jesus, help me be who I am called to be in my Jerusalem we call Maplewood. Amen.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Helpless Midian Sisters
Exodus 2: 17 "But other shepherds would often come and chase the girls and their flocks away. This time, however, Moses came to their aid, rescuing the girls from the shepherds. Then he helped them draw water for their flocks."
Moses has just fled Egypt because Pharoah wanted to kill him. He ends up in Midian and there encounters a group of sisters. These sisters are continually harassed by some rowdy shepherds so Moses steps in, rescues the girls from the shepherds and then helps them draw their water for that day.
Moses is in a foreign land. He had no reason to help these girls-unless he was lonely I guess! Yet he steps in and does the right thing. I imagine he risked his life for these girls he had never met before. It's easy to do the right thing for me and my family. But real justice involves caring for those you have no stake in. It shoudl not benefit me to help. So the question is, who can I care for that I have no stake in? I need to find them and do something.
Dear Jesus, help me step up and do the right thing even when it does not benefit me. Amen.
Moses has just fled Egypt because Pharoah wanted to kill him. He ends up in Midian and there encounters a group of sisters. These sisters are continually harassed by some rowdy shepherds so Moses steps in, rescues the girls from the shepherds and then helps them draw their water for that day.
Moses is in a foreign land. He had no reason to help these girls-unless he was lonely I guess! Yet he steps in and does the right thing. I imagine he risked his life for these girls he had never met before. It's easy to do the right thing for me and my family. But real justice involves caring for those you have no stake in. It shoudl not benefit me to help. So the question is, who can I care for that I have no stake in? I need to find them and do something.
Dear Jesus, help me step up and do the right thing even when it does not benefit me. Amen.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
God's Armor
Ephesians 6:13 "Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm."
Paul instructs believers to wear "God's armor" so that we can stand firm and conquer Satan. It's easy to assume that Paul used the common Roman soldier as an inspiration for this passage as they were common in his day. However, Paul does something much more profound as he is actually alluding to the Messiah's armor referenced in Isaiah 59:17 for example. Paul is saying we must arm ourselves in the same manner as Jesus.
Last night I had a crazy weird dream that I was in a large battle. We were all armed with swords and machetes and we ended up massacring each other. It was a horrible dream! However, that dream and this passage remind me that if I am to conquer Satan and his plans I must wear the armor of Jesus. My armor and my fighting techniques will fail. Only his sword, shield, and helmet will allow me to be victorious.
Dear Jesus, remind me daily I am in a war and I need your armor. Amen.
Paul instructs believers to wear "God's armor" so that we can stand firm and conquer Satan. It's easy to assume that Paul used the common Roman soldier as an inspiration for this passage as they were common in his day. However, Paul does something much more profound as he is actually alluding to the Messiah's armor referenced in Isaiah 59:17 for example. Paul is saying we must arm ourselves in the same manner as Jesus.
Last night I had a crazy weird dream that I was in a large battle. We were all armed with swords and machetes and we ended up massacring each other. It was a horrible dream! However, that dream and this passage remind me that if I am to conquer Satan and his plans I must wear the armor of Jesus. My armor and my fighting techniques will fail. Only his sword, shield, and helmet will allow me to be victorious.
Dear Jesus, remind me daily I am in a war and I need your armor. Amen.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Expensive Pigs
From Friday March 12...
Mark 5:16-17 "Those who had seen what happened to the man and to the pigs told everyone about it, and the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone."
A man possessed by a demon, many demons in fact (hence the name Legion) encounters Jesus and has a huge ripple moment with him. Jesus casts the demons out and sends them into a herd of pigs which then do their best cannonball in the lake and plunge to their deaths. The townspeople nearby seem to care less about the healing of this man and more about their pigs and their livelihood. They demand that Jesus leave them at once.
Sometimes the ripple threatens people. Sometimes the good news of Jesus doesn't appear to be good news to some. On Wednesday in Pakistan, five World Vision workers were killed in a terrorist attack. These relief workers were attempting to make ripples in Pakistan and serve the marginalized and forgotten-people like our friend "Legion." Making ripples and changing the world cost something. Maybe it's a herd of pigs, but maybe it's something more? As we begin to make ripples in our homes, our neighborhoods, our schools, our workplaces, and our community we must be prepared for the costs. We must wrestle with this and choose what we are willing to give up and sacrifice for the sake of God's kingdom and his ripples.
Dear Jesus, help me care less about the costs and more about the ripples. Amen.
Mark 5:16-17 "Those who had seen what happened to the man and to the pigs told everyone about it, and the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone."
A man possessed by a demon, many demons in fact (hence the name Legion) encounters Jesus and has a huge ripple moment with him. Jesus casts the demons out and sends them into a herd of pigs which then do their best cannonball in the lake and plunge to their deaths. The townspeople nearby seem to care less about the healing of this man and more about their pigs and their livelihood. They demand that Jesus leave them at once.
Sometimes the ripple threatens people. Sometimes the good news of Jesus doesn't appear to be good news to some. On Wednesday in Pakistan, five World Vision workers were killed in a terrorist attack. These relief workers were attempting to make ripples in Pakistan and serve the marginalized and forgotten-people like our friend "Legion." Making ripples and changing the world cost something. Maybe it's a herd of pigs, but maybe it's something more? As we begin to make ripples in our homes, our neighborhoods, our schools, our workplaces, and our community we must be prepared for the costs. We must wrestle with this and choose what we are willing to give up and sacrifice for the sake of God's kingdom and his ripples.
Dear Jesus, help me care less about the costs and more about the ripples. Amen.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Zacchaeus' Ripple
Luke 19: 8 "Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, 'I will give half of my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have overcharged people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!'"
You gotta love this story! Jesus invites himself over to Zacchaeus' house for lunch. Zacchaeus was a rich tax collector, a man despised by the masses. Jesus doesn't care though. He goes to his house, has some enchiladas and for some reason, Zacchaeus decides to give away half of his wealth.
I'm not sure what inspired Zacchaeus to do what he did. Maybe it was Jesus' love, or something about the way the crowds reacted, who knows for sure? Either way, Zacchaeus responds generously. Something clicks in an instant and his life is changed. When was the last Zacchaeus moment I've had? When was the last time it clicked for me and I knew I had to do something right then at that moment? I need to respond and respond generously to the ripple and God's call in my life.
Dear Jesus, thank you for asking not a little, but a lot from us. Amen.
You gotta love this story! Jesus invites himself over to Zacchaeus' house for lunch. Zacchaeus was a rich tax collector, a man despised by the masses. Jesus doesn't care though. He goes to his house, has some enchiladas and for some reason, Zacchaeus decides to give away half of his wealth.
I'm not sure what inspired Zacchaeus to do what he did. Maybe it was Jesus' love, or something about the way the crowds reacted, who knows for sure? Either way, Zacchaeus responds generously. Something clicks in an instant and his life is changed. When was the last Zacchaeus moment I've had? When was the last time it clicked for me and I knew I had to do something right then at that moment? I need to respond and respond generously to the ripple and God's call in my life.
Dear Jesus, thank you for asking not a little, but a lot from us. Amen.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Block Party 2010?
Acts 2:11 "...and we all hear these people speaking in our own language about the wonderful things God has done!"
On the day of Pentecost, followers of Jesus were meeting together and out of nowhere flames like tongues of fire touched all of them. They each began speaking in other languages and praising God. Much like a ripple, these "tongues of fire" from heaven reached out and touched all the believers that day. On this day, these flames began a ripple like the world has never seen. The church is born and God begins using his people to reach the world with his love and hope.
How am I carrying on the flames and the ripple? How do I do this, not with my occupation, but as a person? I need some fire to touch me! I need to speak the language of my community, my neighborhood and my block! I need to talk to my neighbors. They need to hear the good news. Maybe this summer, Erin and I can host the block party we have talked about before and reach out to our neighbors?
Dear Jesus, help me make a ripple in my neighborhood this year. Amen.
On the day of Pentecost, followers of Jesus were meeting together and out of nowhere flames like tongues of fire touched all of them. They each began speaking in other languages and praising God. Much like a ripple, these "tongues of fire" from heaven reached out and touched all the believers that day. On this day, these flames began a ripple like the world has never seen. The church is born and God begins using his people to reach the world with his love and hope.
How am I carrying on the flames and the ripple? How do I do this, not with my occupation, but as a person? I need some fire to touch me! I need to speak the language of my community, my neighborhood and my block! I need to talk to my neighbors. They need to hear the good news. Maybe this summer, Erin and I can host the block party we have talked about before and reach out to our neighbors?
Dear Jesus, help me make a ripple in my neighborhood this year. Amen.
Friday, March 05, 2010
His Ripples
Matthew 5:3 "God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them."
Matthew 5 contains one of the most famous passages in the Bible, the Sermon on the Mount. At the very beginning of Jesus' sermon, he includes a series of blessings, today referred to as "The Beatitudes." The word beatitude is from the Latin "beatus" which means blessed or happy. In Jesus' first blessing in this collection, he says that those who realize their need for God will be blessed. Not only will they be blessed, but the "Kingdom of Heaven is given to them."
I find it interesting that the very first blessing in this very important sermon simply reminds us of our need for God. If I am to be a ripple maker I need God. If I am going to make ripples with my life, my finances, my words, my deeds, and my influence, I must have a complete dependancy and reliance on God. I cannot make ripples on my own. I must daily spend time with God and turn over my ambitions and goals to Him. As I decide my role in this ripple movement, I must first seek God's will for my life.
Dear Jesus, help me rely on you and to daily remember I am yours. Remind me that without you, I cannot make any ripples. Amen.
Matthew 5 contains one of the most famous passages in the Bible, the Sermon on the Mount. At the very beginning of Jesus' sermon, he includes a series of blessings, today referred to as "The Beatitudes." The word beatitude is from the Latin "beatus" which means blessed or happy. In Jesus' first blessing in this collection, he says that those who realize their need for God will be blessed. Not only will they be blessed, but the "Kingdom of Heaven is given to them."
I find it interesting that the very first blessing in this very important sermon simply reminds us of our need for God. If I am to be a ripple maker I need God. If I am going to make ripples with my life, my finances, my words, my deeds, and my influence, I must have a complete dependancy and reliance on God. I cannot make ripples on my own. I must daily spend time with God and turn over my ambitions and goals to Him. As I decide my role in this ripple movement, I must first seek God's will for my life.
Dear Jesus, help me rely on you and to daily remember I am yours. Remind me that without you, I cannot make any ripples. Amen.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
From the Inside Out
Philippians 2:13 "For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him."
Paul is encouraging the Philippian believers to unite, practice humility, and shine brightly for Jesus. Their reputation and how they live their lives speaks louder than any words they could say. In verse thirteen, Paul says that it is God working in us and he gives us the desire to obey him and please him. This ambition does not come from us alone.
I think it is a huge statement to say that God is actively working in me. What if I was cognisant of this fact at all times? Knowing that God is working within me, would my choices and behaviors be any different? It's one thing if we think of God as hovering in the clouds thousands of miles away looking down at us from heaven. But to think he is inside us working on us-well that is truly humbling! I hope I can humble myself enough to allow God to do his work.
Dear Jesus, thank you for being in my life. Please help me get out of the way so you can do your thing. Amen.
Paul is encouraging the Philippian believers to unite, practice humility, and shine brightly for Jesus. Their reputation and how they live their lives speaks louder than any words they could say. In verse thirteen, Paul says that it is God working in us and he gives us the desire to obey him and please him. This ambition does not come from us alone.
I think it is a huge statement to say that God is actively working in me. What if I was cognisant of this fact at all times? Knowing that God is working within me, would my choices and behaviors be any different? It's one thing if we think of God as hovering in the clouds thousands of miles away looking down at us from heaven. But to think he is inside us working on us-well that is truly humbling! I hope I can humble myself enough to allow God to do his work.
Dear Jesus, thank you for being in my life. Please help me get out of the way so you can do your thing. Amen.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Mine
Phil. 2:7-8 "Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross."
Jesus was deity. He was God's son and really had all authority and power. Yet he thought nothing of that and humbled himself for the good of the world.
So often, I get caught up in what I've earned or what I feel is owed to me. I spend much of my time thinking about my money, my stuff, my reputation, and my capital. But I need to have the attitude of Christ. I should think nothing of what I've earned, accomplished or collected. If he didn't take advantage of his power and authority, who am I? What can I let go of to be used by God more?
Dear Jesus, help me let go of my addiction to what is mine. Amen.
Jesus was deity. He was God's son and really had all authority and power. Yet he thought nothing of that and humbled himself for the good of the world.
So often, I get caught up in what I've earned or what I feel is owed to me. I spend much of my time thinking about my money, my stuff, my reputation, and my capital. But I need to have the attitude of Christ. I should think nothing of what I've earned, accomplished or collected. If he didn't take advantage of his power and authority, who am I? What can I let go of to be used by God more?
Dear Jesus, help me let go of my addiction to what is mine. Amen.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Friends
Romans 1:12 "When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours."
Romans 1 is not a chapter known for any happy thoughts or warm fuzzy's. Chapter one is well known for verses 18 and following but here Paul has something happy to say. He points out that he loves being together with other believers and enjoys encouraging them and himself being encouraged. I guess we call this fellowship.
I need fellowship. Erin has been on me lately to spend more time with my friends. I took a personality test Friday and the results said I tend to not want or need friends. But I do. I like my friends. But I do need to spend more time with them. I neglect my friendships too often. I need to encourage them and they need to encourage me. I do need to do better at this. As always God, and my wife, are right!
Dear Jesus, thanks for friends. Help me spend more time with them. Amen.
Romans 1 is not a chapter known for any happy thoughts or warm fuzzy's. Chapter one is well known for verses 18 and following but here Paul has something happy to say. He points out that he loves being together with other believers and enjoys encouraging them and himself being encouraged. I guess we call this fellowship.
I need fellowship. Erin has been on me lately to spend more time with my friends. I took a personality test Friday and the results said I tend to not want or need friends. But I do. I like my friends. But I do need to spend more time with them. I neglect my friendships too often. I need to encourage them and they need to encourage me. I do need to do better at this. As always God, and my wife, are right!
Dear Jesus, thanks for friends. Help me spend more time with them. Amen.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Audience of One
1 Thess. 2:4 "For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts."
Paul is explaining to the Thessalonian Christians that he does what he does to spread the gospel and please God. He does not do it for himself, for his glory, or to win the favor of people.
Too often I want to please people. I am a people pleaser by nature-or nurture perhaps-I'll blame it on my parents! I do know this about myself. Maybe it stems from some insecurity in my past or feelings of inadequacy? I have no idea. At times it is a strength but more often than not it is a weakness. In the past several years I have grown significantly and I feel I have overcome this weakness but it still comes back every so often. The key for me in overcoming this is knowing and owning who I am in Jesus. I am secure and founded and loved in him alone. And this is so refreshing and so easy! It's much easier serving an audience of one than an audience of many.
Dear Jesus, help me please you today. Amen.
Paul is explaining to the Thessalonian Christians that he does what he does to spread the gospel and please God. He does not do it for himself, for his glory, or to win the favor of people.
Too often I want to please people. I am a people pleaser by nature-or nurture perhaps-I'll blame it on my parents! I do know this about myself. Maybe it stems from some insecurity in my past or feelings of inadequacy? I have no idea. At times it is a strength but more often than not it is a weakness. In the past several years I have grown significantly and I feel I have overcome this weakness but it still comes back every so often. The key for me in overcoming this is knowing and owning who I am in Jesus. I am secure and founded and loved in him alone. And this is so refreshing and so easy! It's much easier serving an audience of one than an audience of many.
Dear Jesus, help me please you today. Amen.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
First Things First
John 5:39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!"
Jesus is giving a bit a verbal beat down to the Jewish leaders. He points out their hypocrisy by explaining to them that they look to the scriptures for eternal life but are missing it all together. He tells them that the scriptures (the Hebrew scriptures) point directly towards him and the life he alone gives.
The Bible is an amazing text. It inspires, corrects, and gives hope. And I truly love reading the Bible and studying it. However, I must not allow the Bible to become something it is not. It is God's word, not God himself. It reveals eternal life, but does not give it. I must remember that with or without the Bible, my Jesus loves me, died for me and has a future for me. The Bible points to him and who he calls me to be. I must keep first things first.
Dear Jesus, help my life point to you and not to a book, a church, a philosophy or an idea. Amen.
Jesus is giving a bit a verbal beat down to the Jewish leaders. He points out their hypocrisy by explaining to them that they look to the scriptures for eternal life but are missing it all together. He tells them that the scriptures (the Hebrew scriptures) point directly towards him and the life he alone gives.
The Bible is an amazing text. It inspires, corrects, and gives hope. And I truly love reading the Bible and studying it. However, I must not allow the Bible to become something it is not. It is God's word, not God himself. It reveals eternal life, but does not give it. I must remember that with or without the Bible, my Jesus loves me, died for me and has a future for me. The Bible points to him and who he calls me to be. I must keep first things first.
Dear Jesus, help my life point to you and not to a book, a church, a philosophy or an idea. Amen.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Good Question
1 Thess. 4:1 "Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you."
Paul is encouraging the Christians in Thessalonica to continue to live lives that please God. They have already been doing this and Paul seems happy with them and encourages them to keep at it.
This is a good motto. "Live in a way that pleases God." Before I do or say anything I should get in the habit of asking, "Does this please God?" I have a hunch I would avoid many pitfalls and be used by God more if I asked this question. My life would be pretty sweet if I always errored on the side of pleasing God. I'll give it a shot today.
Dear Jesus, help me please you today as I work, pick up Ellie, make dinner, talk with Erin, and put the kids to bed. Amen.
Paul is encouraging the Christians in Thessalonica to continue to live lives that please God. They have already been doing this and Paul seems happy with them and encourages them to keep at it.
This is a good motto. "Live in a way that pleases God." Before I do or say anything I should get in the habit of asking, "Does this please God?" I have a hunch I would avoid many pitfalls and be used by God more if I asked this question. My life would be pretty sweet if I always errored on the side of pleasing God. I'll give it a shot today.
Dear Jesus, help me please you today as I work, pick up Ellie, make dinner, talk with Erin, and put the kids to bed. Amen.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A Life Worth Remembering
2 Peter 3:14 "And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight."
Peter is talking about the last days and encouraging the believers to get themselves right before God as Jesus is returning. His return may seem delayed but God is being patient so that more people may repent and turn towards him. Peter encourages the readers to live peaceful lives and be pure and blameless.
I attended a memorial service today for a friends father who recently passed. This man was a good, honest, and hard working man who cared for and provided for his family. By all accounts he tried to live a good and peaceful life. His family and friends shared great memories of him and told of his good deeds. Will people remember me as fondly as this man? Have I lived a peaceful, pure, and blameless life? What would they say at my service? I need to remember life is short, Christ is coming back, and I need to be ready. I want to live a life worthy of heaven.
Dear Jesus, help me live a life you'd be proud to remember. Amen.
Peter is talking about the last days and encouraging the believers to get themselves right before God as Jesus is returning. His return may seem delayed but God is being patient so that more people may repent and turn towards him. Peter encourages the readers to live peaceful lives and be pure and blameless.
I attended a memorial service today for a friends father who recently passed. This man was a good, honest, and hard working man who cared for and provided for his family. By all accounts he tried to live a good and peaceful life. His family and friends shared great memories of him and told of his good deeds. Will people remember me as fondly as this man? Have I lived a peaceful, pure, and blameless life? What would they say at my service? I need to remember life is short, Christ is coming back, and I need to be ready. I want to live a life worthy of heaven.
Dear Jesus, help me live a life you'd be proud to remember. Amen.
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