Sorrow Needs a Savior

Matthew 1: 22, 23 "All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: 'Look! The virgin will conceive a child!  She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means "God is with us."'"

Immanuel.  God with us.  It's a wonderful idea. It's a great caption for Christmas cards.  But is he? Is he with us?  You see, today I am wrestling with sorrow.  A lot of it. Sorrow in the world and sorrow in the lives of my friends.  I have been reading lately about Belgian exploits in the Congo in the late 1800's, Jew hunting Nazis in Holland in the 40's, and child slavery in Asia today. Pain and sorrow reach every decade, and every continent.  I also have been wrestling with sorrow in my friends lives.  Sorrow closer to home.  Miscarriages, abuse, marital struggles and deaths in the family are a reality these days. In these moments of sorrow and sadness I wish for a God who was with us.  Is he and if he is, how can I share that?  How can I show that?  I believe God was and is with us.  I do.  I believe Jesus is near to each one of us.  I pray today I can share his love with those around me.  I pray that his joy can conquer the sorrow I see today.   Today this sorrow needs a Savior. 

Zechariah

Luke 1:13 "Don't be afraid Zechariah!  For God has heard your prayer..."

And the Christmas story begins.  An angel appears to Zechariah and announces the birth of John the Baptist.  Zechariah can't hardly believe it and I can't blame him.  An angel shows up out of nowhere, tells you you're going to have a child, and you're just supposed to act like that's normal, part of the average day?  Probably not.  But despite his reaction, God's plan was underway.  Do I see God's plan unfolding in my life?  Are my eyes open to see how God is working through my circumstances for his will?  Instead of laughing it off or reacting in disbelief like Zechariah, how can I partner with God for his plan in  my life?

Cubans, Snakes, and Manna for Dinner

Numbers 21:5 "...they complained "There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink.  And we hate this horrible manna!"

Last night at prayer group, Bob and Theresa shared a story of their son Nick who is a missionary in Honduras.  A few days ago, Nick and others noticed something bobbing in the water not far offshore.  They paddled out to it in their kayaks and discovered it was a 16 foot boat filled with over 20 Cuban refugees, including one pregnant woman.  They had been adrift for 14 days and hadn't eaten in 4 days.  Nick and his companions rescued them with their kayaks.  As Bob relayed the story to me he mentioned that the moment these refugees are all in the boat and off the shore of Cuba is the happiest for them.  Imagine that!  They fill their entire family into a tiny boat, push out to a dangerous sea, and it's at that moment they are the most excited, joyous and happy!  It puts things into perspective.  And perspective is what the Israelites needed in Numbers 21.  They sound like my kids complaining about what's for dinner.  Did they not realize that God had just rescued them from slavery and oppression.  Did they not realize the God of the universe was guiding them and right along side them day and night providing for them?  Did they not realize that he was leading them to the promise land and would prosper them and bless them?  Apparently they didn't.  So the snakes came.  How do I compare?  How do I compare to these Israelites, those Cubans or my kids at dinner?  Am I grateful?  Am I appreciative?  Do I realize and see God's blessings in my life?

Exodus 32

Exodus 32: 28 "The Levites obeyed Moses' command, and about 3,000 people died that day."

While Moses is up on Mt. Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, the Israelites make a golden calf to worship and follow.  Needless to say, God gets ticked.  And Moses is ticked.  He calls together all of his priests and they kill 3,000 of their own people that day as a punishment.  Yes, Exodus 32 is a happy chapter.  What is to be learned?  Sin is serious.  Abandoning God is a big deal. What sin am I not taking seriously enough today?  In what ways have I abandoned God this week?  How can I repent and turn back towards him now?

Bear and Jesus

Matthew 20: 26-27 "But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must become your slave."

This morning I was reflecting on one of my favorite leadership quotes.  It's from Paul "Bear" Bryant, legendary head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide. He said "If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If anything goes really good, then you did it. That’s all it takes to get people to win football games for you."  I love that quote and mentality.  There's a certain humility in it.  It's all about giving others the credit and glory.  Putting others on the pedestal instead of yourself.  And while Bear and Jesus were talking about completely different issues (football games and the kingdom of God) I think the point is the same.  To be the best, or to be first, requires me to put others ahead of myself.  I need to be less, and they need to be more.  How have I been doing that lately?  Am I doing a good job of highlighting and celebrating others more than myself?  How can I do better at that today? 

New Name

Revelation 2:17 "Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Everyone who is victorious will eat of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it"

"Jake the Snake" "Jakester" and "Kerschey" are a few of the nicknames I've had over the years.  In high school, a boss of mine started referring to me as "G-money."  This was one of my favorites.  I forget the exact reason why he called me that but I quickly became proud of the name.  I looked up to this guy and admired him.   He was a great boss and a great friend, so to have him call me a special name, meant something.  Now according to John, we as Christ followers will get a new name written on a white stone.  And this new name will be given to us by Jesus himself!  This name will contain our new, eternal identity.  What name will he give me?  What will it mean?  What will it stand for?  Will it be "faithful?"  Will it be "strong?"  How can I live today so that I am worthy of the name he gives me one day? 

Sodm, Gomorrah and McGregor

Genesis 19:13 "For we are about to destroy this city completely.  The outcry against this place is so great it has reached the lord, and he has sent us to destroy it."

At Men's Retreat in McGregor this weekend I was hit with the seriousness of sin.  Sin breaks God's heart, changes who I am, and affects everyone around me.  Like a stone thrown in a lake, sin ripples out and touches everyone I know.  I may think it's my life, and these are my choices, but my sin impacts all I know. I realized that I don't hate sin enough.  I don't take it seriously enough.  I don't do enough to root it out of my life.  God takes it seriously-so seriously he destroyed two towns because of it.  Today, how I can I attack sin in my own life?  How can I purge evil in my life and thwart temptation.  God give me the strength to do so today!

Lotsa Land and Babies

Genesis 13:15 "I am giving you all this land, as far as you can see, to your descendants as a permanent possession.  And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted!"

God is beginning to use Abram in his master plan.  He tells him he's going to give him a ton of land and a ton of descendants.  It's up to Abram to follow through.  What has God given me?  What resources, promises and blessings has God given me and how am I using them?  Maybe it's a good idea for me to take stock of what I have and evaluate how I am using it for God.  I need to evaluate my time, my talents and my treasures.  Am I using them for God's purposes or mine? 

Today

James 4:14 "How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog -- it's here a little while, then it's gone."

I met with a friend earlier this week who spent some time in jail.  He's on a good road now and is taking steps to daily improve his life.  He told me he doesn't dwell on the past and he doesn't worry too much about the future.  He instead focuses on today and does what he can to make today the best it can be.  He realizes that "today" is all anyone really has for sure.  There are no guarantees tomorrow arrives for any of us.  So how can I make today the best day yet?  How can I use today for God's glory and advance his kingdom?  How can I make Friday November 7 a day that I'll remember forever?  How can I make sure today has a lasting impact?  Today I will live for today, right now. 
      

Praise

Isaiah 38:20 "Think of it -- the LORD has healed me! I will sing his praises with instruments every day of my life in the Temple of the LORD."

Hezekiah is practically saved from his death bed and he responds with worship. How do I respond when God has saved me, healed me, or answered my prayer?  I may not be very good at singing or playing an instrument, but I can worship him and praise him in other ways.  How can I do so today?  How can I give God the glory and honor he deserves today?                

Babel

Gen 11:4 "Then they said, 'Come let's build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky.  This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world.'"

This story is simple.  The people thought the world should revolve around them, and God saw it differently.  This same story in Genesis 11 plays out over and over again today in 2014.  On the streets of New York, Paris and Cottage Grove, we attempt to realign the cosmos and redirect it's orbit so that it all spins around us.  But it never will.  It never has been and never will be about us.  In what ways this week have I been trying to realign the heavens?  How can I turn the camera away from myself and point it at God and others? 

A Second Chance

Gen 9:8 "Then God told Noah and his sons, 'I hereby confirm my covenant with you and your descendants...'"

When someone has wronged me severely, cheated me, or lied to me, I am usually done with them.  I wouldn't say I hold a grudge or carry hatred in my heart for that person, but I will probably never deal with them or trust them fully again.  I walk away.  Why waste the time and the effort rebuilding the relationship?  Why risk trusting them again?  God could have taken the same approach in Genesis 6-9.  He could have wiped the slate completely clean and started fresh.  He could have walked away altogether.  But he doesn't.  The whole world had gone wrong and he doesn't throw in the towel.  He doesn't give up.  He saves a small family to preserve and after the flood, he reaffirms his covenant with them!  He starts again.  He begins a new covenant.  What lesson can be learned here?  I do think it is wise to not waste too much time with liars, cheats and deceivers, but on the other hand, maybe I give up too soon?  Maybe I walk away too quickly?  Who in my life have I given up on, or walked away from?  Who deserves a second chance in my life?  How can I reconcile with them today?

Noah Gets It

Genesis 8:20 "Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and there he sacrificed as burnt offerings the animals and birds that had been approved for that purpose."

There are times in my life when I am faced with a challenge and I pray real hard to God.  Maybe I am having car difficulty or an issue at work, so I pray really hard and ask God to "please please bless me and answer my prayer." And of course the issue gets resolved, things work out the way they are supposed to, and I forget all about God answering my prayer.  As soon as things are OK, I go back to my normal every day routine.  But Noah did something different.  Upon emerging from the ark, he built an altar and gave a sacrifice to the Lord.  He responded immediately and gave thanks! I need to be more grateful and thankful to God.  I need to do a better job of showing my appreciation in good times and in bad.  What can I be thankful for today?  How can I show my love and appreciation now?

Noah Alone

Gen 7:1 "Finally, the day came when the LORD said to Noah, 'Go into the boat with all your family, for among all the people of the earth, I consider you alone to be righteous.'"

We spend so much of our life trying to fit in.  We want to be a part of the crowd, be like everyone else, and be one of the cool kids.  Noah didn't care too much for that.  Noah chose to stand alone and stand apart from the crowd.  While everyone else did what they wanted and ignored God, Noah followed him and obeyed him.  He stood out.  And he alone was righteous.  Can the same be said for me?  Do I stand apart?  Am I different?  Or do I blend in? 

        

Noah and the Flood

1 Peter 3:21 "And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience.  It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

The flood was a great story of faith and perseverance by Noah and his family.  It also was a foreshadowing of the saving work of Jesus.  Just as God rescued and saved Noah's family, Jesus has saved all those who trust in him.  And to symbolize this, we are dunked in water and raised in new life.  The baptism itself does nothing, it is rather the power of Christ behind it that saves us.  At the end of the day, Noah and his family were given a new life, new opportunity and a new day.  Jesus offers us the same.  Today I am grateful for new beginnings, fresh starts and a new life because of Christ!

Noah

Genesis 6:8 "But Noah found favor with the Lord."

In a world full of wickedness, Noah found favor in God's eyes.  He was the only good man left.  The only man obedient enough for God to spare.  If I were alive then, would God have found favor in me?  Does he now?  How can I make sure in a world filled with sin and disobedience, I am swimming upstream? 

A Nicer Car than Me!

Haggai 1:4 "Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?"

Earlier this week an Oklahoma man confronted a female panhandler he had been giving his lunch money to the past few days.  He noticed she was getting into a very nice car all by herself moments after she took his donation.  "You've got a nicer car than me!" he shouted at her.  In his mind, she clearly did not need the money he had been so graciously giving her day after day.  Now there may be more to this story, but the point is this is how God felt with his people.  Why were they living in luxury while his house went unattended?  More to the point, why were his people being so selfish and not caring for him first?  The same can be asked of me.  Why do I concentrate and focus on me, myself and I, before I ever give a rip about others or God?  How can I put him first in my life today?  How can I make sure his needs and his house are in order and exalted before mine are? 

Re-Gifter

Malachi 1:14 "Cursed is the cheat who promises to give a fine ram from his flock but then sacrifices a defective one to the Lord."

I have a confession, I've re-gifted things before at Christmas time.  It's usually just a gift card to a restaurant I know I'll never visit or a box of candy I pass on to the kids' teachers.  In fact if I ever give you a Subway or Bath and Body gift card as a gift, you can be sure I've re-gifted.  The point is, I don't always give my best.  Like the subjects in Malachi I don't always give my best to God.  And he doesn't refer to me just as a "re-gifter" or a "cheapskate."  He calls me a "cheat."  When I don't give God my best, I'm cheating him.  How can I be sure to give God my best today?  How can I make sure I am not just going through the motions, but rather giving God my whole heart? 

Reaction Time

Gen 4: 7 "You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it."

Chuck Swindoll once said "Life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it."  Life can be tough.  Life sometimes throws curveballs at us and sometimes we find ourselves in a mess we've created all on our own.  No matter the circumstances, the quality and value of our life is found in our reactions.  When a driver on the road cuts in front of me, I am 100% responsible for how I react.  When my child disobeys me or my coworker disrespects me, I am 100% responsible for how I react.  I may not have had much control over their actions, but I am fully responsible for mine.  My reactions and responses are mine.  They affect the quality of my life and they say a lot about who I am.  So how have my reactions been this week?  Do I calmly and humbly respond to the circumstances around and make wise, rational decisions, or do I fly off the handle, act rashly, and run over everyone in my path?  Or am I somewhere in the middle and if so, how do I become more Christ-like? 

Choices

Romans 1:28 "Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done."

My children are not robots.  They have free wills and free spirits-trust me!  They are free to make choices and decisions.  Most of the time, they make healthy and wise decisions because they are one half Erin's!  Every now and then, the Kerschner side of them takes over and they make a foolish decision that we are not too thrilled with.  As they grow older I find I have less and less control over what they do and the choices they make.  Our relationship with God is similar.  As his kids, we have been given free will.  We are allowed to make wise choices or foolish ones.  And when we make a bad choice, God allows it.  He may even let us wander from him, as in the case in Romans 1.  But like a good dad, God is always right there next to us, always pursuing us, and always calling us back to him.  Am I listening to his leading?  Am I consulting him daily on the choices I make? 

Pass the Buck

Genesis 3:12-13 "The man replied 'It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit and I ate it.'  Then the Lord God asked the woman, 'What have you done?' 'The serpent deceived me,' she replied. 'That's why I ate it.'"

Back in the early days of poker, gamblers would keep track of who's turn it was to deal by using a knife with a buckhorn handle as a marker.  If you didn't want to deal you could refuse and "pass the buck"- that is, the buckhorn knife.  This expression evolved over time and is now used when someone wants to evade responsibility.  Adam and Eve "pass the buck" big time in Genesis 3!  God wants to know who ate the fruit and why they did it.  Adam blames Eve and even throws God himself under the bus in the process.  He tells God it was "the woman you gave me" who was to blame.  Adam acts like it's both God and Eve's fault!  Come on! And of course, Eve passes the buck and blames the snake.  No wonder they felt shame.  But human nature hasn't changed much has it?  It's sad but true.  I've passed the buck, dodged the blame, and thrown others under the bus myself.  Today I am reminded that I am responsible for my own actions.  I can't blame my wife, the snake in the garden, or God.  My garbage is my garbage and I need to clean it up.  The buck stops here!

Want

Ezekiel 16:15 "But you thought you could get along without me, so you trusted instead in your fame and beauty. You gave yourself as a prostitute to every man who came along. Your beauty was theirs for the asking!"

Over and over again, God's people turned away from God and worshipped false idols and false gods.  We do the same today.  We think we can get by on our own, with our own ideas, philosophies and beliefs so we worship created things and not the creator.  We worship money, sex, power, and our own selves.  And we do this because we think we can "get along" without God as Ezekiel says.   And we just may get along without God-for a day, or a month, or even a lifetime.  But if we don't worship God because we don't think we need him, we're missing the point.   God didn't create us just so we would need him, he created us so we would want him.  He designed us to be in a loving, honest and trusting relationship with him.  Do I want him?  Do I want more than anything else to be with God?  Or do I want and worship other things more?  How has my "wanting" been this week?    

Rest

Hebrews 4:3 "For only we who believe can enter his rest."

The author of Hebrews talks about entering a period of "rest" in chapter four.  "Only those who believe" can take advantage of this rest.  I don't think he is just talking about a day off, a nap, or literal rest.  I believe this "rest" refers to the kingdom of God and heaven-our ultimate place of rest.  Only those who believe in Jesus can enter that rest.  Others who don't believe, well, they don't get to rest, let's just say that.  I like to rest.  I think most people do.  After a long day at work, or a long week, it's nice to take a day off and kick back.  That isn't necessarily what heaven will be like, but it will be, as the author of Hebrews says, a time of rest.  I want others to enjoy that too.  How can I share the good news of Jesus today with someone so they can be assured of this rest?  What conversations do I need to have this week so my friends and family enjoy this rest? 

Social Animals

Genesis 2:18 "And the LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him.'"

Some animals prefer to be alone.  They are solitary and like to keep to themselves.  Tigers, giant pandas and Tasmanian devils are all apparently solitary creatures.  Humans are not.  We were not designed to be alone.  When we spend too much time alone we end up with crazy long beards, and make friends with volleyballs!  No, God created us to be social beings.  We are to live, work, eat, and play with others.  It's by design.  How have I been a good companion lately?  Am I doing life with others well?  Do I enjoy being with other people and do they enjoy being with me?  Today I will flex my social muscles and hang out and play with my small group! 

More than Words

Psalm 19: 3,4 "They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.  Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world."

David is describing the wonder and beauty of the sky and heavens.  He says they display the craftsmanship and beauty of God.  And even though the sky and heavens cannot speak, they communicate a message to the whole world.  Words can only communicate so much.  In fact words often miss their mark and can fall short.  So God not only gives us his words in scripture, but he also gives us tangible proof of his power and majesty in his creation.  His creation speaks louder than words at times.  I am able to look to the heavens, hike through the forest, and walk alongside the ocean and feel and experience his majesty.  They truly speak louder than words. Today I thank God for his creation and for the beauty around me.  They are daily reminders of his strength and power. 

A Tiny Speck

Psalm 8:4 "What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?"

David is reflecting on the beauty and wonder of the heavens and is overwhelmed.  He sees the majesty of the moon and the expanse of stars at night and asks, "Why does God even think of us or care for us?"  I have asked the same question while getting lost in a sea of stars on a beautiful summer night.  It's an honest question while lying underneath all those stars.  The milky way has a way of making you feel small and insignificant, like a tiny little speck, lost in the vastness of space.  Compared to the heavens, we are nothing.  Yet God's answer to this question is overwhelming.  God does care for us and think of us.  In fact he loves us so much he came and died for us!  As beautiful as God's creation is, he cares for and thinks most of us!  we are his prize, his grand creation, his masterpiece!  That is worth celebrating and worshiping him all the more for. 

Old School Wisdom

Proverbs 8:22 "The Lord formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else."

In Proverbs 8, Wisdom is personified.  According to the text she was created before anything else, and was present as God created the world. This reaffirms to me that there was great intention, design and yes, wisdom involved in the creation of our universe.  We are not just molecules randomly thrown together with no purpose.  What we are, and what we see around us, has order, intelligence, and purpose.  We were created for a reason and for someone!   The only response to this has to be praise!  It has to be adoration! It has to be all out worship to a loving, and wise creator who wanted to make us!  How can I praise God today?  How can I worship him and thank him? 

Good

Gen. 1:31 "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."

 What's the point of Genesis 1?  The point is God created life and he called it good.  I skim past the "good" part too often.  Originally God created everything and it was very good.  Paradise had been established.  Clearly paradise was lost-more on that in chapter 3. For now, how can I reclaim a little bit more of paradise?  How can I make now, a little more like then? 

He Pulled a Houdini

1 Cor. 15: 20, 21 "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man." 

Death.  It has everyone's number. It comes for us all.  The billionaire and the beggar both die. There is no escaping it.  But Paul reminds us that just as Christ conquered death, so shall we!  That is not just good news, it's great news!  Jesus pulled a Houdini on death and conquered it.  And because of that fact, I get to live forever.  Thank you Jesus! 

Jake the Gong

1 Cor. 13:1 "If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol."

I'm pretty sure I sound like a gong or a clanging symbol to my kids this week.  I have been short tempered with them and haven't been the nicest guy to be around.  I have no reason why nor do I have any excuses.  I need to work better at this.  I can't have my kids see me be all friendly to people at church or people I run into at the grocery store, but be short and impatient at home.  I need to show them the kind of love they deserve and truly display the kind of love I have for them. As Paul says later, "Love never fails."  I can't have it fail my kids. 

Prime Time

1 Cor. 12:4 "Now there are different kinds of spiritual gifts,  but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all."

Neon Deion Sanders was the guest on Running Wild with Bear Grylls last night.  Both men are believers and at one point while traversing a cliff,  Deion begins to pray in tongues.  I don't fully understand this gift,  but I trust it comes from the same Spirit that gives me my gifts. God is the source of them all, and he uses them all for His glory His glory. Last night thousands and thousands saw the faith of two men on prime time TV! God got the glory last night!

Patience

Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry."

I hate waiting. Whether it's in line at the grocery store, stuck in traffic, or waiting for my house to sell (last summer), waiting stinks.  I am not a patient person.  And the last thing an impatient Christian wants to do is pray for patience because of course God answers that prayer and sends you some stuff to teach you patience-lines at the grocery store, traffic on the roads, and a house that takes months to sell!  So I don't want to pray for that. But I need that.  Today I pray that God gives me the patience I need to learn to wait patiently. 

Common Ground

1 Corinthians 9: 22 "Yes I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ."

Common ground.  It's more than a cheesy name for a Christian coffee shop. It's a bridge to meet people, and share Jesus.  Like Paul, I need to find common ground with others to share my faith.  I need to have my eyes open to see how I can talk with others and find commonality.  This isn't just to manipulate them, convert them, or put another notch in my evangelism belt.  It's truly because life is better with others and life is better with Jesus!

Love Builds Up

1 Corinthians 8:1-2 "...Knowledge puffs up, love builds up.  The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know."

My friends Jessa and Erik adopted Nosipho from South Africa this year.  When they got her home, they realized the love they had for her, was not entirely mutual.  Nosipho was in a new place with a new family.  That's a lot to get used to.  Nosipho's affection for her parents wasn't developing as fast as they'd hoped for.  The first few days and weeks were a challenge.  As they were studying adoption books and attachment issues to overcome the challenges they faced with Nosipho, Erik suggested they put the books down and simply love her.  Forget the experts, and the strategies and simply love her.  It took time, but it worked.  Love works.  Love wins.  Love builds up.  Some days you need to put down the books, the to do lists and the calendar, and pick up the silly string and the squirt gun.  Love builds up!

Paul or Apollos are not Important

1 Corinthians 3: 7 "The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow."

The Corinthian Christians were arguing over the various leaders and preachers in their day.  Some boasted of Paul, others of Apollos.  Some things never change right!?  But Paul says this is all foolishness.  It is God who makes it all happen!  We shouldn't argue over men and we shouldn't swear our allegiance to a man, but to Christ alone.  God is the one who makes the seed grow.  He is the important one. 

Submit to Nero? Really?

Romans 13:1 "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established."

If Rage Against the Machine read the Bible, they would hate this passage!  It's truly a  difficult yet timely topic for today.  To be honest, I've always struggled with this passage.  I can name dozens upon dozens of apparently "ungodly" authority figures throughout history and in present day. Are people really supposed to submit to the likes of Hitler, Pol Pot, Stalin, slave owners and other supposed "authorities?" Is that what God intends?  Did he intend for the first Christians in Rome to truly obey wackos like Nero and Domitian?  Are we to obey evil leaders?  And how do we discern the difference between the good ones and the bad ones?  And how does this passage fit into modern day politics?  And without opening a can, what does this passage mean for Ferguson today?  Could it help the tensions there? 

Don't Conform?

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Paul instructs us to not conform to the pattern of this world.  What exactly does this mean?  Am I conforming to this world if I own a car, ride a bike, listen to music, order a pizza, vote, wave a flag, or watch TV?  Where exactly is the line between living as a Christian in this world and just plain living in this world?  It's something every Christian must wrestle with.  But I don't think this looks the same for every Christian.  As it says in Hebrews, some peoples faith allows them to eat anything, for others, their faith restricts them.  I think wherever we draw the lines, we must do so thoughtfully and with confidence.  And we must be careful to not judge others unless it is blatantly sinful. This is a good topic and I could babble on for hours about it.  Another time... 

Free Gift

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death,  but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. "

Top ten verse easy! We had been earning wages and then boom, received an awesome free gift. That's why we worship. 

While We Were Still Sinners

Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Maybe one of the greatest verses in the Bible!  Jesus died on the cross before I ever did anything for him.  So why do I sometimes still operate under this "God will love me more if I do _____?"  He loves me just as I am.  He loved me just as I was.  He loved me enough to send his son to die in my place-while I was still a sinner-truthfully before I was ever born!  This verse makes me want to please him all the more, not to gain his love or favor, but to thank him and worship him!  While I was still a sinner...unbelievable! 

Jesus Alone

Romans 4:25 "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification."

Paul has just argued that true "membership" in the kingdom of God comes from  Jesus and not through works or following the law.  Jesus has done it all, and there is nothing we can do to add to this free gift or take away from it.  It was all Jesus.  All him.  This is a foundational belief to our Christian faith and something we talk about a lot.  Yet I never grow tired of thinking about it or reading about-particularly when Paul speaks so eloquently on it.  Jesus has done it all, paid every price, and forgiven every sin.  God, thank you for your Son... and thank you for Paul!^"

Paul

Acts 28: 30, 31 "For the next two years, Paul lived in his own rented house.  He welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the Kingdom of God with all boldness and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ.  And no one tried to stop him."

These are the final words of Acts.  They tell us that Paul spent his final days in Rome under house arrest preaching the gospel.  Tradition tells us eventually Paul was martyred in Rome for his faith in Jesus.  How will the final words to my story sound?  What will be said?  How will I live out my final days?  Will I settle for a comfortable retirement in Florida?  Will I move to the Congo and run an orphanage?  Something in between?  What will my ending be like?  I pray and hope that my life ends like Paul's.  A life well lived. 

Exclamation Point

Acts 19:21 "I must go on to Rome!"

Paul is in Ephesus on his third missionary journey and he realizes he wants to go to Rome at some point.  Now thus far, a lot of bad stuff has happened to the early followers of the Way and to Paul as they spread the message of Jesus.  In fact right after this proclamation by Paul, we read there was a giant two hour riot in Ephesus concerning the Christians.  This new movement of Christ followers were not well liked.  And now Paul says he must go to Rome.  Rome was the capitol of course of the Roman Empire.  This was the empire that crucified Jesus, wiped out all enemies, and basically dominated the western world.  I sense danger.  Paul doesn't have to go there.  He's got plenty to do elsewhere.  His companions continually urge him to avoid trouble as in the case of the riot in Ephesus.  Yet, Paul has to go to Rome.  "I must go to Rome!"  Notice the exclamation point.  Now I like to do things for God when it's convenient and exciting.  But when it's dangerous, or includes hard work or long hours-well, count me out.  I certainly don't get excited about it or add exclamation points to my intentions.  But what does Jesus want from me?  What did he do for me?  Do I serve him begrudgingly or joyfully?  Paul was excited to go to Rome.  He had to go there.  There was adventure and excitement for him there.  Where is God calling me?  Am I excited to go?  Do I have an exclamation point in my life? 

Boldness Part Three

Acts 16: 37 "But Paul said to the officers: 'They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into a prison.  And now do they want to get rid of us quietly?  No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.'"

Paul and Silas had been beaten, flogged and thrown into prison in Philippi without a trial.  After a series of events including a giant earthquake, the local magistrates send orders to the jailers to let the men go.  But Paul doesn't want to go quietly.  He demands that the leaders come and release them themselves.  Paul is a bold man.  He boldly proclaims the gospel, but also speaks up on other matters.  Paul and Silas had been mistreated and Paul does not intend to go quietly.  What areas in my life do I need to speak up on?  In what ways can I be more bold?

Boldness Part Two

Acts 14:3 "So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders."

Paul and Barnabas are out on  a missionary journey and Luke tells us that they spoke boldly for the Lord.  I am sensing a theme to this week.  Clearly God is trying to teach me to speak more boldly for him.  In what way can I do that today? 

Boldness

Acts 4:29 "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." 

The early church including the apostles have experienced a great deal of persecution from the local Jewish leaders.  After an encounter with the Sanhedrin, Peter and John pray a prayer including this request for boldness.  I need more boldness in my life.  I need more boldness in my walk with Christ.  I need more boldness on the stage in front of the crowd, and more boldness in  my day to day interactions with people.  I pray for boldness today. 

Four Fun Things to do with Friends

Acts 2:42 "They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer."

A description of the very first church in Jerusalem as recounted by Luke in Acts.  Learning, fellowship, eating and prayer-four pretty sweet things to do with friends.  How can I participate in these four activities more often with others? 

All Things Are Possible

Luke 1:37 "For nothing is impossible with God."

The angel Gabriel has just told Mary she will give birth to Jesus.  He tells her that Elizabeth, in her old age is also pregnant, and then he states that "nothing is impossible with God."  Nothing is possible on my own, but anything is possible with God.  So why do I stress and worry and fret and strain and struggle to do things when I can ask God to step in and do the impossible.  I still must do what I can and work hard but I should never stress or worry or doubt for a moment.  If it is God's will, it will happen.  Our God is powerful and nothing is impossible for him!

Golgotha

Mark 15: 22 "They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull)."

After being flogged and beaten, Jesus is brought to a place called Golgotha to be crucified.  Golgotha or Calvary was known as "the place of the skulls" or "skull hill."  The hill was located just outside of Jerusalem and some believe it was called skull hill because the hill itself resembled a skull.  Others think this was a common place for executions resulting in many skulls on the ground-hence the nickname.  Ultimately, it was the place Jesus died for my sins.  It was here, the soldiers hammered nails through his hands and his feet.  It was at Golgotha he hung on a cross while passersby mocked him.  It was at Golgotha where Jesus breathed his last breath.  It is the place my savior died for me.  Today I am truly thankful for this. 

No Better Than Peter

Mark 14:31 "But Peter insisted emphatically, 'Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.' And all the others said the same."

The disciples were so sure of themselves.  They thought they were strong and had faith.  They were willing to follow Jesus to the end, even if it meant death.  Yet a few hours later, they all had deserted him.  If the disciples, who walked and talked with Jesus, deserted him, how sure am I that I wouldn't do the same?  This is a sober reminder that I need to continually ask God for more and more faith.  I am not as strong as I think I am.  If Peter turned, why wouldn't I?  I need faith today! 

He Knew What He Was Up To

Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Jesus had a very clear vision.  He knew exactly what he was up to and why he had come.  Earlier in Mark 10, Jesus describes with detail what was going to happen to him.  He had come to die.  He had come to save us from our sins.  He had come to be a "ransom for many."  I am so glad that he did.  In the same manner I have been put here to serve and use my life for others.  I need to remind myself of that often and today I will look for people to talk with, love on and serve. 

Persecution in Sudan

Mark 8:35 "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it."

Today a woman in Sudan was convicted of apostasy and was sentenced to flogging and execution.  It's hard to believe in 2014 this kind of thing still happens.  But it does.  And we should not be surprised.  Jesus warned us that that we will be persecuted if we follow him.  And today that warning is all too real for Meriam Yahia Ibrahim.  Given the consequences, she chose not to recant her faith in Jesus.  She may die someday in Sudan, but she has truly found life!  Is my faith this strong?  Would I pass the same test?  Today I pray for Meriam and her family.

Clean from Within

Mark 7: 20 "What comes out of a man is what makes him unclean."

Jesus is clear that what goes into a man-like food-does not make him unclean or unholy.   It is what comes out of a man that makes him unclean.  What has been coming from me lately?  What kinds of things have I been saying?  What kinds of things have I been doing?  This is what I will be known for and judged by. 

Piggyback Time

Mark 2:4 "Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on."

Jesus is teaching in a home and the place is packed.  A paralyzed man wants to get in and see Jesus and be healed but there is no room.  Four of his buddies take him up to the roof and drop him through so he can see Jesus!  What an amazing moment-"Hey Bill, don't worry, we have an idea!"  Do I care enough about others to carry them up to a roof and lower them down to see Jesus?  Do I care enough to carry them to the house?  Do I care enough to even ask them if they want to come meet him?  Today I pray that I can slow down, see others, and truly meet their needs and bring them to see Jesus.

Why the Desert?

Mark 1:6 "John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey."

John the Baptist came before Jesus and preached in the desert.  We often marvel at his attire and diet, but it probably made perfect sense since he ministered in the desert.  But here's my question, why the desert?  Shouldn't John have gone to the city where there were more people? Wouldn't he have been more effective?  I'll look into this a bit, but maybe the point for me now, is that God has a plan for us, right now, where we are, with what we have.  John was in the desert and that's where God used him.  I am in Cottage Grove and need to allow God to use me. Hopefully, I can skip the locusts.

My Job

Matt. 28: 19, 20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Jesus' final instructions to his followers were to make disciples of all nations.  What have I been doing to "reach the nations?" How can I do more?  How can I do this aside from my job?  The truth is, this is my real no matter what my earthly job ever is. 

Get to Know 'Em

Matthew 22:39 "And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Jesus tells his followers the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind. The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself.  How am I actively doing that in my life?  I don't think very well.  I haven't even met my all my new neighbors yet!  How sad.  This weekend I need to make a point to get out and meet all my neighbors.  I can't love them until I know them.

Carry your Cross

Matthew 16:24 "...If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

Following Jesus can be easy and difficult at the same time.  His yoke is light, but carrying our cross is heavy.  He paid for our sin, but we still struggle with sin.  He said "it is finished" but we still have work to do.  The kingdom is here, but not yet.  These are "tensions" we must live with and manage.  I need to understand that the kingdom is available to all, but to become Christ-like and truly live a kingdom kind of life-well that takes faith and commitment.  How well do I manage this?  Am I carrying my cross daily? 

A Snake and a Dove

Matthew 10:16 "Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."

Jesus is sending out his disciples on a mission like no other.  He instructs them to be both shrewd and innocent.  As I continue to develop as a leader I need to take Jesus' advice to heart.  I need to continually work hard to be smarter, faster and better yet all the while, remember who I am and be humble, innocent and kind.  The danger is to become all snake or all dove. Both extremes drive people away.  I need to be both.   

Worry

Matthew 6:27 "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

I didn't have to read any further today.  I had to remind myself of this verse several times this morning and I didn't even realize I would read it this afternoon!  I am working hard to let go of the worry and anxiety in my life.  My life is God's and what will be will be.  I will do my best to follow him and be who he has called me to be.  I'm breaking free from worry. It doesn't add one single hour, but has the power to take many hours away.  I'm done with it.  

Shine

Matthew 5: 15 "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."

I am to be a light in this dark world.  And to be perfectly honest, oftentimes I am not much of a light.  I often let the stress, worry and fear in this world snuff out my light.  I don't smile enough, I don't laugh enough, and I don't play enough.  As I've gotten older, it's gotten worse.  I need to "return to my first love" and just be.  Be full of  light.  Be full of joy.  Be full of love.  I clearly can't do it on my own.  I need Jesus to shine through me.  I think that was his point, not that we shine, but that he shines through us. Today I need to let my hair down (ha!) let go of a few things, loosen my grip a bit and play.  Play, laugh, love and shine.  Today Jesus, shine brightly! 

Everything New

Revelation 21:5 "He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!'"

God is like a great recycler.  He takes things that are old, worn out, dirty, and broken, and recycles them into something new.  He takes us, with our sin, shame, guilt, mistakes and filth and turns us into a new creation.  We become sons and daughters of God and get to enter his kingdom.  Our sins are forgiven and we are washed whiter than snow.  We are given a new birth and a new life with Christ.  This is why we celebrate Easter!  This is why we sing!  Oh baby!!

Rider on a White Horse

Revelation 19:11 "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.  With justice he judges and makes war."

Among all of the horses, angels, demons, beasts and dragons mentioned in Revelation, there emerges a great rider on a white horse.  The rider is faithful and true, he is dressed in a robe dipped with blood and his name is the Word of God.  John tells us that "in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God and the word was God."  This rider in Revelation 19 is the word and is Jesus.  On his robe and thigh another name is written- "King of Kings and Lord of Lords." The book of Revelation depicts a twisted nightmarish conclusion to the world, but in the end, the hero, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords prevails.  The story that began at the cross, concludes with a strong rider on a white horse.  He is our hero, he is our defender, and he is our Lord!  In response to this I will sing my guts out on Sunday!  And why wait?  Crank the Crowder now!  Amen!

Overcame

Revelation 12:11 "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony."

Revelation has been fun.  Kind of.  Amidst the earthquakes, meteors and general horror, we find some hope.  Here in chapter 12, we see the saints who have overcome the dragon.  They have overcome by the "blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony."  Essentially, they overcome because Jesus overcame.  As we celebrate Easter this weekend, I can find hope because just as Jesus overcame the grave, I will too.  As Mandisa sings, "I'm an overcome!"  Happy Easter.

Knock Knock

Revelation 3:20 "Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

I read the first few chapters of Revelation today while sitting in my car at Ft. Snelling waiting for a funeral.  The words of Revelation take on a new urgency for me while sitting among thousands and thousands of white tombstones.  The message is clear here, even though God is disappointed with the lukewarm Laodiceans, the invitation for relationship and eternal life is still given.  How awesome!  God never ever gives up on us!  All one needs to do is open the door!  How appropriate this also fits our theme for Easter in 9 days.  God stands at everyone's door and knocks.  Do they hear him?  Will they open the door?  How can I help make sure they hear his knocks and open their door?  He is waiting. 

Imitation

3 John 11 "Dear friends, do not imitate what is evil but what is good."

Seems like a simple directive.  Imitate good, don't imitate evil.  I don't think I ever imitate evil on purpose or with intention.  What worries me is my sin and the evil I do without thinking about it.  I don't have to think about being greedy.  I don't have to make a decision to be selfish.  I don't actively think about being lazy, or prideful.  These things just happen and I have to intentionally think about NOT doing them.  But maybe if I am so focused on imitating good, the evil never creeps in.  Today I will imitate good. 

Action with Integrity

1 John 3:18 "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth."

True love is something that we do.  True love requires action.  And the action, what we do, needs to be done in truth.  It needs to be done for the right reasons.  It needs to be done with the correct motives.  What this means, is if I want to love someone, I need to be willing to serve them, for their benefit and not mine.  When love is self seeking or prideful in any way, it ceases to be love. I still may complete a good action, it may even be helpful, but it's not loving unless it's done in truth and with integrity. I pray my love today may be marked by action and done with integrity.

A Patient God

2 Peter 3:9 "...he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

Peter describes God as a patient God, who will wait patiently until everyone has the opportunity to repent.  God indeed is patient with us-probably too patient!  Am I taking advantage of his patience and using this time to lead others to repentance?  It's as if we have been given overtime or extra innings to share Christ with others.  What a waste if I am not using it!  I need to step it up the next two weeks and invite others to Easter!

Cast Away

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 

I could seriously highlight all of 1 Peter!  Such a good book.  But this verse is the verse for me today.  God cares for me and I can cast all my anxiety on him today.  Peter gives me permission to "cast" my anxiety on him.  I am not to sheepishly ask God to take my anxiety, or just shyly hand it to him, I am to cast it at him!  Just as I might launch a Strike King Rattlin' Midnight Special spinner bait (gotta get me one) into the lake as far as I can, I am to cast my cares, anxieties and worries on God.  He's big enough to handle them.  I clearly am not.  So today, I cast away!  And once it's gone, it's gone.  I have to believe that and trust him.  When it's gone, it's gone. 

1 Peter 3:8

1 Peter 3:8 "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble."

Christians are sometimes the worst. We have a tendency to turn on each other and shoot our wounded. If we disagree with someone, we attach.  If others say something we don't like, we pounce on them.  Peter shows us another way.  Peter tells us to live in harmony and love each other as brothers.  We are to be compassionate and humble.  There is no attacking, slandering, gossiping or malice in Peter's words.  Now I can't control what any of my Christian brothers and sisters say and do, but I can set an example and model this kind of spirit.  I can be sympathetic, I can be compassionate, and I can be humble. As a leader, it is up to me to be 1 Peter 3:8 to those around me. 

Maturity

James 1:4 "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Perseverance leads to maturity.  As I am figuring out my role and voice as campus pastor, I need to persevere.  Some days will be tough and I am sure to make mistakes, but I must stick with it.  I have an incredible team around me.  Today I must persevere. 

One Thing

Hebrews 12: 2 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..."

In City Slickers, Curly tells the wanna be cowboys that the secret to life is "one thing. Just one thing.  You stick to that and rest don't mean @!?!."  A little vulgar but it applies here.  The author of Hebrews tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus-focus on him.  The rest just doesn't matter as much.  If I fix my eyes on him, the rest will take care of itself.  One thing.

Faith

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Faith makes no sense. It's not logical.  Believing something you can't see?  Trusting something you can't prove?  It's not wise.  It's not rational.  It's not popular.  But here's the deal, we all place our faith in something.  I've chosen to place my faith in Christ. It's not popular, trendy or sexy, but nothing really worth anything is anyway. 

Double Edged Sword

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

This is a wonderful and accurate description of the word of God.  When I read it, I find God uses it to examine my heart and my actions.  Through it, God speaks to me and reminds me of who I am and who he has called me to be. 

Titus

Titus 3:5 "...he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.."

Paul shares a few common themes throughout his writings.  The concept that we are saved and made right before God because of the grace and mercy of Jesus is one of them.  Again and again Paul beats this drum.  Yet I continually try to win God's approval and have my goods outweigh my bads.  Today I need to rest in the fact that Jesus has done it all.  As he said, it is finished. 

God Breathed

2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is God-breathed..."

The entire Bible is inspired by God.  Although written by normal men, the Bible was inspired by God to help me live the kind of life God intended for me.  This weekend we'll be hearing Dan's life story at church.  Years ago, Dan began waking up early to read the Bible and journal before he did anything else for the day.  He continues that practice to this day.  Can I do the same?  Bible reading is a normal thing for me of course, but it's never at the same consistent time each day.  Can I make it more than a hobby?  Can it become a strict discipline in my life? 

Paul's Prayer

Philippians 1:9-11 "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness, that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God."

Pauls' hope and prayer for Christians is this.  That our love will lead to knowledge which will lead to discernment and righteousness.  I pray for this today!  I need more love, more knowledge, more discernment and more righteousness in my life.

By Grace

Ephesians 2:8 "For it is by grace you have been saved..."

Memorized as a boy, this verse still means so much and today brings tears to my eyes.  I am saved and made right before God, not due to anything I said, did or thought.  It is a completely free gift from God.  It is grace.  In no way can I earn it or achieve it.  This is the good news.  It is overwhelming and wonderful.  Jesus is overwhelming and wonderful!

Faith and Love

Galatians 5:6 "...the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."

Religious calisthenics do not amount to much.  Spiritual to do lists don't cut it. Paul says faith is what matters.  Love is what counts.  I get preoccupied too often with the "thou shalt's" and "thou shalt not's."  Jesus is concerned with my heart.  Today I need to express my obedience by my faith, not my religious accomplishments.  I need to express my devotion by my love, not my spiritual gamesmanship.  Faith and love.  That's the good stuff. 

When I am Weak

2 Corinthians 12:10 "That is why , for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong."

In chapter 11, verse 6 Paul admits he is not a trained speaker.  He may not have been an eloquent speaker, but he wrote some of the most beautiful words ever.  These are some of my favorite!  Paul says he delights in his weaknesses because it is in those moments of weakness, he is actually strong.  And it is not his own strength that powers him, but God's power.  When I am struggling and suffering, I must remember that it is then Christ is strong.  He will give me the strength I need to overcome.  When I am weak, he is strong! When I am weak, he is strong!  When I am weak he is strong!

The Unseen

2 Cor. 4: 18 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Earlier this week Bill Nye joined Ken Ham in a debate regarding evolution and creation.  The debate was interesting and both men made good points.  As I've been wrestling with some of the info and arguments made that night, I am settling on this verse today.  I am going to fix my eyes on the unseen.  That is what matters and that is what is eternal.   This doesn't mean I turn a blind eye to the seen, but rather I focus on the unseen as I interpret the seen.  My hope is in the unseen.  My hope is in Jesus.

Comfort

2 Cor. 1: 3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

It is taking my wife, along with thousands of other commuters this morning, hours to get to work.  As I type this, Erin is still driving! I'm sure she could use some comfort right now!  It is awesome to know that we have a God who will comfort us in our times of stress, need, and suffering.  He doesn't always alleviate the problem right away, but he does bring comfort.  He is there with us in the thick of it...even when it's the thick snow that ails us!

Temptation

1 Cor. 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

In life we will be tempted.  Death, taxes, and temptation are sure bets in life. Jesus himself was tempted.  But in the middle of every temptation, God offers us an escape plan, or a way out.  So when I am tempted, I ought to stop and look for that way out.  It will be there every time. 

Whether Hybels or Driscoll or Olsteen

1 Cor. 3:21-23 "So then, no more boasting about men!  All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future-all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God."

Paul is addressing the growing factions and splinters within the church. Some follow Paul, others Apollos and others Cephas.  Paul claims that they are all built on the one foundation of Christ.  Therefore, all these leaders and teachers belong to us all.  We should not be segregated but rather united under Christ. 

I'd like to think that his means for me today that where there is truth, claim it.  Where there is beauty, claim it.  Where there is grace and hope and love, take it and celebrate it.  If something praiseworthy and true happens under someones elses banner or flag, it is mine just as it is theirs.  If the Pope says something true, if the Buddhist's do something loving, if the Mormons create something beautiful and if the atheists do something noble, all are to be celebrated and all are mine.  This doesn't mean everything everyone does or says is true or right or theologically correct, but what is true and right should be acknowledged.  All truth is God's truth.  All beauty is God's beauty.  All of creation is his.  And as his children it is ours. 

Weak and Strong

Romans 14:23 "...and everything that doe snot come from faith is sin."

Paul explains that there are those with weak faith and those with strong faith.  Those with weaker faith may choose to abstain from certain things and those with strong faith participate.  Either way, Paul says everything must be done according to faith.  God doesn't give us all the answers.  Right now we see things poorly.  We don't understand all of the mysteries of God.  This is where faith comes in.  Sometimes I am not sure of the exact right thing to do, so I must have faith and trust that God will honor my decision.  If everything were black and white there would be no need for faith. 

Conquerors

Romans 8:37 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Nothing else can overcome us.  Nothing else wins.  God wins.  Every time. 

Pre-Snip

Romans 4:11 "And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised..."

Abraham was credited righteousness before he was circumcised.  He was declared right in God's eyes before he had followed one letter of the law, obeyed one commandment, or lifted a tiny finger for God!  God credited righteousness to him because of his faith, not due to his good works, deeds or accomplishments!  My righteousness and salvation is a complete gift from God.  I can't earn it or add to it.  That is awesome!