Luke 8:48 "Your faith has made you well."
A woman who had been bleeding for 12 years found Jesus in a crowd and reached out to him and touched him. Immediately she was healed and Jesus commends her for her faith.
Faith drives all that we do. I have faith that the chair I am sitting in will hold me. I have faith that my car will drive me to work. I have faith that my employer will pay me my paycheck. What we do is a result of our faith. Do I have faith like this woman in Luke 8? Do I have the kind of faith that will make me well?
Dear Jesus, as I am a bit tired and weary today, give me strength an give me faith so I can be well. Amen.
Monday, December 16, 2019
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Forgiven Much
Luke 7:47 "But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love."
A "sinful woman" has just approached Jesus and anointed his feet with oil. The Pharisees are repulsed by this. They don't think Jesus should be associating with a woman of this kind, and they are probably disgusted with her and dramatic display. Jesus tells them that those who have been forgiven much, love much, and those who are forgiven little, love little.
The truth is we all have been forgiven a ton! A ton. So we should love a ton. When I act ungrateful, spoiled or entitled, I am not loving. Every day I should show Jesus how grateful I am for all that he done for me. Do I have any right to complain about anything? I should be like this woman. She probably didn't have much, but all she had she gave to Jesus. She didn't care about her pride or dignity, she humbly threw herself at Jesus' feet in front of everyone and showed him how grateful she was. How can I be grateful today? How can I live my life with an attitude that reflect how thankful I am for Jesus' forgiveness?
Dear Jesus, help me be more grateful for how you have forgiven me. Amen.
A "sinful woman" has just approached Jesus and anointed his feet with oil. The Pharisees are repulsed by this. They don't think Jesus should be associating with a woman of this kind, and they are probably disgusted with her and dramatic display. Jesus tells them that those who have been forgiven much, love much, and those who are forgiven little, love little.
The truth is we all have been forgiven a ton! A ton. So we should love a ton. When I act ungrateful, spoiled or entitled, I am not loving. Every day I should show Jesus how grateful I am for all that he done for me. Do I have any right to complain about anything? I should be like this woman. She probably didn't have much, but all she had she gave to Jesus. She didn't care about her pride or dignity, she humbly threw herself at Jesus' feet in front of everyone and showed him how grateful she was. How can I be grateful today? How can I live my life with an attitude that reflect how thankful I am for Jesus' forgiveness?
Dear Jesus, help me be more grateful for how you have forgiven me. Amen.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
A Good Loan
Luke 6:34 "And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, what good is that? Even sinners will lend to their own kind for a full return."
Jesus is speaking to a large crowd (we now refer to this as the Sermon on the Mount) and he suggests lending to people even if they cannot repay. This sermon is full of revolutionary ideas and this may be one of the craziest. I'm all for loving my enemies and forgiving others, but the idea of lending to someone I know may not be able to repay me is tough. I'm happy to give (and do) but this verse is nuts!
Do we think this way? Do I think this way? I'd be happier to give someone the money and not even ask for it back. Is that what Jesus is getting at? Or is he suggesting a bank should loan people money and not worry about receiving payment back? If that is the case, there would be no banks within a few months! Or am I being too cynical? I guess I need to take Jesus at his word and be willing to lend or give generously.
Dear Jesus, help me be more open handed with time, energy and resources. Amen.
Jesus is speaking to a large crowd (we now refer to this as the Sermon on the Mount) and he suggests lending to people even if they cannot repay. This sermon is full of revolutionary ideas and this may be one of the craziest. I'm all for loving my enemies and forgiving others, but the idea of lending to someone I know may not be able to repay me is tough. I'm happy to give (and do) but this verse is nuts!
Do we think this way? Do I think this way? I'd be happier to give someone the money and not even ask for it back. Is that what Jesus is getting at? Or is he suggesting a bank should loan people money and not worry about receiving payment back? If that is the case, there would be no banks within a few months! Or am I being too cynical? I guess I need to take Jesus at his word and be willing to lend or give generously.
Dear Jesus, help me be more open handed with time, energy and resources. Amen.
Monday, December 09, 2019
Fishing is the One Thing
Luke 5:10 "...From now on you will be fishing for people."
Jesus has just filled a few of the early disciples boat with a boat load of fish. He tells them they no longer will be fishing for fish, but rather will now begin fishing for men.
Fishing for men. That is it. That is the one thing. In the movie City Slickers, Curly passes on the key to life. He says it's, "One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don't mean !&%$." You just have to discover what that one thing is, and that gives meaning and value to your life. Earlier today I read that you just have to pick a point on the horizon and start sailing straight for it. Fishing for men has been and needs to remain my one thing. I get so distracted so often with other endeavors and goals-grow a big church, have a healthy staff, retire in a cabin in the woods, etc. My goal, my one thing, and my point on the horizon needs to be fishing for men. Who am I fishing for today? Do I even have my line in the water?
Dear Jesus, help me fish for someone today. Amen.
Jesus has just filled a few of the early disciples boat with a boat load of fish. He tells them they no longer will be fishing for fish, but rather will now begin fishing for men.
Fishing for men. That is it. That is the one thing. In the movie City Slickers, Curly passes on the key to life. He says it's, "One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don't mean !&%$." You just have to discover what that one thing is, and that gives meaning and value to your life. Earlier today I read that you just have to pick a point on the horizon and start sailing straight for it. Fishing for men has been and needs to remain my one thing. I get so distracted so often with other endeavors and goals-grow a big church, have a healthy staff, retire in a cabin in the woods, etc. My goal, my one thing, and my point on the horizon needs to be fishing for men. Who am I fishing for today? Do I even have my line in the water?
Dear Jesus, help me fish for someone today. Amen.
Thursday, December 05, 2019
Mic Drop
Luke 4: 24 "Then he said, 'This Scripture has come true today before your very real eyes.'"
Jesus is in the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth. He is tasked to read the scriptures and he reads a section of Isaiah which was a prophecy about him. He reads it, then sits down, and everyone just stares at him. After a moment, he announces that the scripture was about him!
This is a first century mic drop moment if there ever was one! He reads a prophecy about himself and then promptly sits down. No one says anything, but just stares at him. Imagine the drama. It would have been cool to be in that room. This struck me today and I am not sure why. Sometimes I just really like Jesus' style. In this moment he had a confidence in who he was. How can I display confidence in who Jesus is today?
Jesus thank you for being awesome. Thank you for bringing love, joy, and truth to the world. Help me to do the same today. Amen.
Jesus is in the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth. He is tasked to read the scriptures and he reads a section of Isaiah which was a prophecy about him. He reads it, then sits down, and everyone just stares at him. After a moment, he announces that the scripture was about him!
This is a first century mic drop moment if there ever was one! He reads a prophecy about himself and then promptly sits down. No one says anything, but just stares at him. Imagine the drama. It would have been cool to be in that room. This struck me today and I am not sure why. Sometimes I just really like Jesus' style. In this moment he had a confidence in who he was. How can I display confidence in who Jesus is today?
Jesus thank you for being awesome. Thank you for bringing love, joy, and truth to the world. Help me to do the same today. Amen.
Monday, December 02, 2019
The Light is About to Break
Luke 1:78 "Because of God's tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace."
After John the Baptist is born, his father Zechariah prophesied this prophecy. Speaking of the coming messiah, he claims that the light is about to break and will shine for those who are currently in darkness. The light will also create a path to peace. This passage offers a very hopeful promise looking forward to the coming king.
During this first week of Advent, am I as hopeful? Am I as excited as Zechariah was? Where do I see the light about to break in my life? I think I need to do a better job of finding the hope and joy in all circumstances-particularly this time of year. What can I be joyful about today? What can I be happy about today? Where do I see light breaking? I am happy about...
After John the Baptist is born, his father Zechariah prophesied this prophecy. Speaking of the coming messiah, he claims that the light is about to break and will shine for those who are currently in darkness. The light will also create a path to peace. This passage offers a very hopeful promise looking forward to the coming king.
During this first week of Advent, am I as hopeful? Am I as excited as Zechariah was? Where do I see the light about to break in my life? I think I need to do a better job of finding the hope and joy in all circumstances-particularly this time of year. What can I be joyful about today? What can I be happy about today? Where do I see light breaking? I am happy about...
- Writing my final paper for school (kind of)
- Decorating the Christmas tree
- Tasting our latest Yum box
- Hanging out with friends Saturday night
- Christmas!
- Our Christmas light party
- San Diego in January
Dear Jesus, help me find joy and peace this week. Amen.
Thursday, September 05, 2019
Give Eagerly
2 Cor. 8:12 "Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly."
Paul is encouraging the Corinthian believers to complete the offering pledges they had committed to earlier. Paul wants them to finish what they started and do so eagerly and enthusiastically.
Do I give eagerly or grudgingly? Lately, it has been more fun to give. I enjoy increasing my offering year to year. I have been blessed and I desperately want to be a blessing to others via my church giving, and World Vision donations. But I still have a long way to go.
Dear Lord, help become even more generous so that I can be a blessing to others. Amen.
Paul is encouraging the Corinthian believers to complete the offering pledges they had committed to earlier. Paul wants them to finish what they started and do so eagerly and enthusiastically.
Do I give eagerly or grudgingly? Lately, it has been more fun to give. I enjoy increasing my offering year to year. I have been blessed and I desperately want to be a blessing to others via my church giving, and World Vision donations. But I still have a long way to go.
Dear Lord, help become even more generous so that I can be a blessing to others. Amen.
Wednesday, September 04, 2019
Truth Hurts
2 Cor. 7:9 "Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways."
In verse 8, Paul suggests he felt a little remorse upon sending an earlier letter to the Corinthians but ultimately he was glad he did as it led to change within the church.
The truth can sting. It can hurt. But the truth always leads to better things...better insight, better understanding, and better behavior. Who do I need to be more truthful with today?
Dear Lord, help me speak truth even when it hurts. Amen.
In verse 8, Paul suggests he felt a little remorse upon sending an earlier letter to the Corinthians but ultimately he was glad he did as it led to change within the church.
The truth can sting. It can hurt. But the truth always leads to better things...better insight, better understanding, and better behavior. Who do I need to be more truthful with today?
Dear Lord, help me speak truth even when it hurts. Amen.
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Perfume
2 Cor. 2: 16 "To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?"
I am certain in the first century there were many who loved to hear Paul's message, and there were an equal number, if not more who hated his message. Christianity was still just a fringe cult that had emerged from the Jewish culture. No doubt, there were many skeptics.
I wish everyone who heard the message of Jesus appreciated it like a sweet smelling perfume. Many do, but not everyone. I must not take someone's response to my faith, my message, and my profession personally. Some will appreciate it and some will not. As long as my message is consistent, truthful, and full of grace and love, I can rest easy, no matter what the response. The key thing is, I need to share it!
Dear Lord, help me share your good news with someone today. Amen.
I am certain in the first century there were many who loved to hear Paul's message, and there were an equal number, if not more who hated his message. Christianity was still just a fringe cult that had emerged from the Jewish culture. No doubt, there were many skeptics.
I wish everyone who heard the message of Jesus appreciated it like a sweet smelling perfume. Many do, but not everyone. I must not take someone's response to my faith, my message, and my profession personally. Some will appreciate it and some will not. As long as my message is consistent, truthful, and full of grace and love, I can rest easy, no matter what the response. The key thing is, I need to share it!
Dear Lord, help me share your good news with someone today. Amen.
Monday, August 19, 2019
Jew and Gentile
1 Cor. 12:13 "Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free..."
Paul is talking about gifts from the Holy Spirit and unity within the church (a very big issue for the first century church) and he compares the church to an actual physical body. He says each person has been given a certain gift from God and every gift is important. He compares the church to a human body and says just as every part of a body are important and essential to a human, so is every member of the church. Without one part, the whole part suffers. He states clearly, some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, some are free.
This contrast of Gentile and Jew, slave and free, hit me today. We think we have divisions in the church, but I can't imagine if we had Jews in our church (we don't) or slaves (thank goodness we don't). If the first century church can exist and find a way with these very different and opposing types of groups, we should be able to figure it out as well....whether we are Democrat or Republican, black or white, male or female, Baptist or Pentecostal. I need to do my part to promote unity within the church by praising all peoples and loving them all well. How can I do that today?
Dear Jesus, help me find common ground with other believers today. Amen.
Paul is talking about gifts from the Holy Spirit and unity within the church (a very big issue for the first century church) and he compares the church to an actual physical body. He says each person has been given a certain gift from God and every gift is important. He compares the church to a human body and says just as every part of a body are important and essential to a human, so is every member of the church. Without one part, the whole part suffers. He states clearly, some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, some are free.
This contrast of Gentile and Jew, slave and free, hit me today. We think we have divisions in the church, but I can't imagine if we had Jews in our church (we don't) or slaves (thank goodness we don't). If the first century church can exist and find a way with these very different and opposing types of groups, we should be able to figure it out as well....whether we are Democrat or Republican, black or white, male or female, Baptist or Pentecostal. I need to do my part to promote unity within the church by praising all peoples and loving them all well. How can I do that today?
Dear Jesus, help me find common ground with other believers today. Amen.
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Stand Strong
1 Corinthians 10:12 "If you thin you are standing strong, be careful not to fall."
Paul is sharing how he stands strong in the faith and cites some examples from history where people have fallen. He warns his readers to be careful to remain strong-even if they think they are standing strong.
I am so often tempted to think I am doing super well spiritually. I think if I was honest, there are many areas in my life I am not where I should be. Even in our current teaching series at church as we discuss envy, greed and lust, I must check my heart and check myself on these issues. Where is there envy? Where is there greed? Where is there lust? I must root out this sin and live a life fully devoted to Jesus.
Dear Jesus, help me to see clearly where I am not standing strong and help become all you have created me to be. Amen.
Paul is sharing how he stands strong in the faith and cites some examples from history where people have fallen. He warns his readers to be careful to remain strong-even if they think they are standing strong.
I am so often tempted to think I am doing super well spiritually. I think if I was honest, there are many areas in my life I am not where I should be. Even in our current teaching series at church as we discuss envy, greed and lust, I must check my heart and check myself on these issues. Where is there envy? Where is there greed? Where is there lust? I must root out this sin and live a life fully devoted to Jesus.
Dear Jesus, help me to see clearly where I am not standing strong and help become all you have created me to be. Amen.
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Motivation
Acts 9:1 "...Haven't I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes?"
Paul is defending his position as an apostle and spiritual leader in the early church. Paul was not one of the original disciples/apostles as he was converted at a later date. I think this is why Paul defends his apostleship and authority several times in his writings. He goes on to explain his motivation for what he does. He preaches the gospel not to support himself or build accolades, but he does it simply for the sake of the gospel. His intentions and motivations are pure.
I think this passage is a great reminder to ask myself why I do what I do? Is it for the paycheck? Is it for the prestige or respect? I should probably check my heart and check my motivations daily. My motivation needs to be solely about expanding the kingdom of God and reaching people for Jesus.
Dear Jesus, help me work today solely for you and your kingdom, and not mine. Amen.
Paul is defending his position as an apostle and spiritual leader in the early church. Paul was not one of the original disciples/apostles as he was converted at a later date. I think this is why Paul defends his apostleship and authority several times in his writings. He goes on to explain his motivation for what he does. He preaches the gospel not to support himself or build accolades, but he does it simply for the sake of the gospel. His intentions and motivations are pure.
I think this passage is a great reminder to ask myself why I do what I do? Is it for the paycheck? Is it for the prestige or respect? I should probably check my heart and check my motivations daily. My motivation needs to be solely about expanding the kingdom of God and reaching people for Jesus.
Dear Jesus, help me work today solely for you and your kingdom, and not mine. Amen.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Into the Weeds
Romans 14: 13 "So lets' stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall."
Paul is addressing some unity issues within the church. He encourages the believers to not argue about eating and drinking certain foods and drinks, and which days are holy and which are not. He says to leave some of these issues to each individual. They are matters between them and God and we should condemn less, and encourage and love more.
It's best not to get into the weeds too often. That's how I feel and how I live mostly. As a pastor it is important for me to teach and give instruction, but I think we all need to make some of these decisions on our own. We need to truly have faith and trust God in all things-and trust that we are making good decisions and God will honor them. We need to make the main things the main things and allow the minor things to settle themselves out. We fight too much as it is!
Dear Jesus, help me keep the main thing the main thing today. Amen.
Paul is addressing some unity issues within the church. He encourages the believers to not argue about eating and drinking certain foods and drinks, and which days are holy and which are not. He says to leave some of these issues to each individual. They are matters between them and God and we should condemn less, and encourage and love more.
It's best not to get into the weeds too often. That's how I feel and how I live mostly. As a pastor it is important for me to teach and give instruction, but I think we all need to make some of these decisions on our own. We need to truly have faith and trust God in all things-and trust that we are making good decisions and God will honor them. We need to make the main things the main things and allow the minor things to settle themselves out. We fight too much as it is!
Dear Jesus, help me keep the main thing the main thing today. Amen.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Obligation
Roman's 13: 8 "Owe nothing to anyone-except for your obligation to love one another."
Paul says to not owe anyone anything...don't be indebted to anyone or anything, except the debt...the obligation to love others.
Loving others isn't optional or extra credit in the kingdom of God. It is an obligation, a command, a duty. How can I better love others today? I know I need to be more present and slow down. I need to talk less, ask better questions and simply be better at being there for others.
Dear Jesus, help me love others well today. Amen.
Monday, July 29, 2019
Harmony
Romans 12:16 "Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all."
Paul is telling the Romans how to live peacefully together. He tells them to truly love one another, never take revenge, and to be patient with each other.
This kind of behavior and demeanor is what we are to be known for. We are to be humble. Too often the church is known for what we are against, what we hate, or for the personalities we follow and idolize. We prop ourselves up on our bully pulpits and point our fingers at one another. In so many ways the church is a mess. I need to return to these simple words from Paul. I need to find harmony today. I need to enjoy the company of all people and never think I know it all.
Dear Jesus, help me to be a humble example to all today. Amen.
Paul is telling the Romans how to live peacefully together. He tells them to truly love one another, never take revenge, and to be patient with each other.
This kind of behavior and demeanor is what we are to be known for. We are to be humble. Too often the church is known for what we are against, what we hate, or for the personalities we follow and idolize. We prop ourselves up on our bully pulpits and point our fingers at one another. In so many ways the church is a mess. I need to return to these simple words from Paul. I need to find harmony today. I need to enjoy the company of all people and never think I know it all.
Dear Jesus, help me to be a humble example to all today. Amen.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
God is God
Romans 9:16 "So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it."
Paul is explaining how God worked through the Israelite's-beginning with Abram and his family. He explains that God chose this particular family to bless the world with. And throughout history God has chosen to bless some and not others...he's chosen to have mercy on some and not others. To those who complain this isn't fair, Paul essentially says, who are we, the created things, to argue with the creator. Does not God have the right to do what he wants with his creation?
I gotta be honest, this is a difficult passage to read. I like things to be fair. I like to think everyone gets the same shots in life. This passage appears to indicate that may not always be the case. God shows favor to some, and not to others and sometimes that's just that. And as much as that troubles me, it also brings me back to put my trust in him alone. I can not earn his favor or work for it. It is completely dependent on him. He is God and I am not. So today, as I am reminded that he is in control and I am not.
Dear Jesus, help me trust you completely in all areas of my life. Show me the places where I do not trust you and give me the strength to hand those areas over to you. Amen.
Paul is explaining how God worked through the Israelite's-beginning with Abram and his family. He explains that God chose this particular family to bless the world with. And throughout history God has chosen to bless some and not others...he's chosen to have mercy on some and not others. To those who complain this isn't fair, Paul essentially says, who are we, the created things, to argue with the creator. Does not God have the right to do what he wants with his creation?
I gotta be honest, this is a difficult passage to read. I like things to be fair. I like to think everyone gets the same shots in life. This passage appears to indicate that may not always be the case. God shows favor to some, and not to others and sometimes that's just that. And as much as that troubles me, it also brings me back to put my trust in him alone. I can not earn his favor or work for it. It is completely dependent on him. He is God and I am not. So today, as I am reminded that he is in control and I am not.
Dear Jesus, help me trust you completely in all areas of my life. Show me the places where I do not trust you and give me the strength to hand those areas over to you. Amen.
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