The Ten Demandments

12.31.2010

Revelation 19:1-2 “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”

If the Bride is the Church then who possibly could be the great prostitute? I used to think the prostitute was false religion or totalitarian government or education or such. I’m now of the mind that the great prostitute is our world culture that is opposite to and vehemently opposed to God on every level of life. If the Church is God’s purpose then the world is counter-purpose. The great prostitute is that world system and way of thinking that is bitterly opposed to whatever is good and righteous, and true.

The 10 Demand-ments of the world:

1. Thou shalt determine to love thyself above all else.

2. Thou shalt surround thyself with images of thyself and thy wants.

3. Thou shalt revere thine own name above thy neighbors – after all thou lovest only and always thyself.

4. Thou shalt become a machine and shall work ceaselessly to build thy kingdom and thy throne; and thou shalt find no rest in thy pursuits, not even thine own.

5. Thou shalt blame thy father and mother for thy present faults and failures.

6. Thou shalt kill time, conversations, and relationships.

7. Thou shalt scheme and plan to vaunt thine own sexual desires to the foremost of thy mind; seeking only thy pleasures and treating all others as sexual objects.

8. Thou shalt lay claim to anything that is not red hot or nailed down – after all if they didn’t want thee to have it, they would have kept it more securely.

9. Thou shalt lie, and gossip, and spread malicious untruths whenever possible to take adverse attention off of thee, and put it on thy fellows.

10. Thou shalt keep up with the Joneses and spend resources thou hast not on substance thou wantest not to impress people thou lovest not – and thou shalt do this ceaselessly.

The great prostitute is the system that causes this to propagate and flourish. My friends, may 2011 find us more and more free from this false system…

Father God,

Thank You for freeing me (if yet only in stages) from this self-centered, self-absorbed and selfish system; and bringing me into Your Kingdom of truth and light. Amen. 

The Measure of Greatness

12.30.2010

Revelation 18:23 23 …and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery. ESV

Years ago, I read a commentary by someone who made a big deal out of the merchants mentioned in chapter 18. In his commentary, the author seemed to vilify those who were involved in retail as if, somehow, they were co-conspirators in a vast and grand scheme to overthrow the earth and capture the souls of men. A good guess perhaps; but wrong. The merchants of this earth are the power-brokers; the ones who buy and sell power; and who use and abuse their power because they always seem to know how to get more. The merchants of the earth are not the CEO’s and shareholders of Macy’s, Target, and K-Mart.

The great ones of the earth are the least in heaven if they somehow manage to even get there. The great ones of the earth are of the culture of the earth and that culture is godless. The great ones of the earth are the ones who think they can control it and position themselves in the place of God so that they’ll be admired by men. Talk about selling oneself short…

If I’m to seek anything it’s greatness in heaven where the minimum threshold is humility; and for an arrogant old fart like me, humility comes hard. But I’m teachable – I think. The last thing I want to be is a great one of the earth because earth ain’t where it’s at. Heaven is…

Father in Heaven,
Yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory for ever, not mine. Thank You that my place reserved in heaven, and thank You that You measure greatness by such things as humility, service, and faithfulness. May these things be mine more and more through Jesus Christ – amen.

Jerusalem

12.29.2010

Revelation 11:8 8 … their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. ESV

One day, Jesus stood on the Mount of Olives across the Kidron Valley from the city and wept, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Mt 23:37-39)

The two witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11 will execute their ministry and be hated for it in the city of Jerusalem. They will also meet their demise in Jerusalem – and to the horror of all they will resurrect and ascend to Heaven in Jerusalem. Talk about irony...

It ain’t rocket science – John is speaking of Jerusalem; where their Lord (our Lord, the Lord) was crucified. In the Bible there is only one Lord and there is only one crucifixion: His. I usually don’t think of J-town as Sodom and Egypt. I think of Jerusalem as the City of David. I think of Jerusalem as the City of the Great King. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem. But when John has his vision Jerusalem has become no more than Sodom, the epitome of apathy and evil; and Egypt, the epitome of the world opposed to God. Jerusalem started out so well and ended up the pinpoint of God’s wrath and anger because she would not.

I wonder what Jesus says about me and you. I wonder if He looks at the Father and says something like, “They started out so poorly, but look at them now; and hear their praise!” I think so…

Father in Heaven,
Tonight I pray for my Jewish brethren and ask for their salvation and for the peace of Jerusalem. I pray that Your will be accomplished among them and that the floodgates of blessing burst forth upon them as they realize that Jesus is their Messiah and has come to win them back. O God may it be! Amen.

Ransomed

12.28.2010

Revelation 5:9-10 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” ESV

A price had to be paid since the day the Two ate of the fruit of disobedience and in a volatile and vulnerable way became aware of good and evil; up until then, they only knew of innocence and good. I only say this as a fallen, broken, faulty, fickle, and frail person – we have no idea of the height or depth of God’s love for His creation, and the Pinnacle of that creation: mankind. A price had to be paid.

I could do without much of mankind with their cruelty, criticism, murders, lies and deceptions. I could do without the cheating and manipulation. I could do without the underhanded dealings and the out and out corruption – but then I’d have to do without me – I’d have to go. But God in His mercy and kindness and unfathomable and incomprehensible love ransomed people for Himself through Christ. To be ransomed means that we were (or had been) kidnapped and were being held for ransom. To one we were only a pawn; to the Other a prize. Man! How God loves us!

Today, as a fallen, broken, faulty, fickly, frail person, I am eternally glad that God ransomed me from my fate and my choices. I am thrilled that He looked past all of my issues to what I could become in Him – oh how happy I am! Things could be a lot worse…

Father God,
For all You’ve done I am thankful that You didn’t see me for what I was but for what I could become in Him – thank You for Him and by His blood He ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and He has made us a kingdom and priests to You, our God, and we shall reign on the earth because of it – hallelujah, amen!

The God of Right Now

12.27.2010

Revelation 1:8 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” ESV

Might not mean much to you, but today I noticed what the Lord says about Himself: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” I thought, now wait a minute I thought He was and is and is to come – but no, He is, and was, and is to come. He says this, once in 1.8 and John said the same thing in 1.4. The angelic beings in chapter four say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” It’s a subtle thing but it caught my attention.

Who is the Lord? Well, for sure He is right now; for Him there isn’t an ago, or a ‘to come’ for He is, and always is. Who is God: God is. But God also was – there isn’t a time in our present when God wasn’t; He’s always been. And He also will be; forever, He will be. But I think in our present moments, it’s more important to have a God who is. To the angelic beings, eternal in their own way, they would tell us, He was, and is, and is to come – because He is the One who gives them eternity and they see Him differently than we do. For them, there is no need for a God Now because for them they know no different – to them it’s always now.

We however, need a God who is. In all of our timeliness or un-timeliness we need a God who identifies with us right now, not then (either past or future). I need a God right now – I need God right now. For me, He is first and foremost and that is the way I need to live my life; and the way I must approach my life. What’s done is done and what isn’t yet, is yet to come. My past is slipping away every moment; and my future is always just one moment away. I need God right now because right now is all I have.

As I look back on 2010 I think about all the real time I have wasted either regretting my past, or worrying about my future. Through every one of those futile moments God has gently and lovingly been nudging me toward right now – Paul, the past is done and the future is yet to come – I am the God of your right now – live with Me right now.

Father in Heaven,
You are the God of right now and I pray to live in the right now. I thank You that You are first and foremost Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come. Amen.

The Truth Implied

12.26.2010

Psalm 119:89-90 89 Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. ESV

So I guess I don’t have to worry – God seems to have it all under control and I don’t have to worry about cataclysmic events, or meteors or asteroids or comets hitting the planet. And even if they do, I don’t have to worry about God changing His mind about anything He’s said because His word is firmly fixed in the heavens and everything He’s said about me will hold to the end. Whew! Or maybe I should say, whoo-hoo!

If I had to worry about anything, I guess I could worry about the cunning and craftiness of men who seem hell-bent on power and control. But even that lusting and craving can’t dislodge the promises of God’s word firmly fixed forever in the heavens; a place where the cunning and the crafty don’t seem to have access. So I guess I don’t have to worry about that either. Might be slightly uncomfortable; but then the cross was uncomfortable for Jesus… and He didn’t seem to mind…

I always start thinking about next year at this time of the year – probably like everyone else does. I need to remember Psalm 119.89-90 all throughout the year. I need to remember the truth implied here: “Don’t worry; I’ve got it all under control – even your discomfort. Just stay fixed on Me and hold to what I’ve said, and you’ll be fine…”

Lord God,
Another year is rapidly coming to a close and I thank You for all that has happened in this one and I look forward to the next one. Thank You that You are firmly fixed and not one atom is allowed to go rogue without Your noticing or approval. My heart is filled with joy and expectation for all You’re going to do on our behalf down the road through Your Son, my Savior – amen.

Our and Your

12.25.2010

1 John 1:4 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

You know, sometimes it’s hard to shake the preconceived notions that have taken root in our lives and to remember that our perception, as good as it may be at times, is only as good as it may be. In my Bible, the word, “our” in the above has a notation that says in some manuscripts of the Scripture, our is actually your; that your joy may be complete… like it really matters whether our joy is complete or your joy is complete. What really matters is that somebody's joy is complete.

On this Christmas day I think it’s important to mention that joy (as described in Scripture) is not selfish, self-centered, or self-absorbed – joy is a totally selfless thing and a precious gift from God. I’ve heard that the definition of joy is: knowing that what one does, thinks, or says is totally pleasing to God – therefore joy is the knowledge that my life is pleasing to God; and He derives some sort of benefit thereof. Wow – that God would have joy in my finding His joy… go figure!

I can see now why John would say that he wrote so that his joy would be complete – what could be more fulfilling, thrilling and joyful than sharing really good news with others that their joy would be complete!? I can see now why scribes along the way have wavered back and forth between our and your – they understood that either way somebody gets the selfless gift of Joy knowing our God is totally pleased and satisfied with all that He’s for us done through Jesus Christ. Yeah!

Today my thought is to encourage my loved ones with the selfless gift of joy by encouraging them about the birth of our Savior Who (John says) appeared to take away sins (see 1 John 3.5) in order to open up the way for us to get to know God – if that ain’t joyful news, I don’t know what is!

May your days be merry and bright because God shared with us His light!

Father God,
Thank You! Amen!

Killing Pragmatism

12.24.2010

John 20:25 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” ESV

We might call him pragmatic – Thomas of the twelve. Thomas had a problem that though he was with Jesus, I’m not sure he knew why – I think he was just along for the ride; he’d decided to go along just to see what would happen. Now, that isn't to say that he wasn’t a believer, he was; his problem seemed to be that was he just wasn't sure why he was a believer.Believing requires faith and Thomas appears to be in short supply.

Thomas is famous for a couple quotes that shed some light on his pragmatism and his loose belief. First he said, “Let us also go, that we may die with him…” when Jesus decided to go raise Lazarus from the dead. Then he said, when Jesus was having the last supper with His men, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” That dang pragmatism was entrenched in Thomas.

There’s a part of me that wants so desperately to know how – how did that happen? How can he do that? Sometimes faith just has to say to pragmatism, “Quit trying to figure out the impossible and just believe that it happened!” Thomas is famous for one more quote after he said what is recorded above in John 20; Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!” His pragmatism was assaulted one last time and I think Jesus finally got the upper hand…

For me, the way to kill pragmatism is to keep my eyes lovingly focused upon the Lord and trust Him. I cannot explain how He did what He did, but I can, by faith, accept it for what it was – the result of God taking upon Himself human form and coming to live among us so that we could learn to walk as He walked: in total unflinching dependence upon the Father.

Jesus,
You didn’t call me to be pragmatic but to trust You. Lord I trust You, amen.

Proving His Presence

12.23.2010

John 15:8 8  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ESV

Jesus said fruit bearing is only achieved by abiding in Him and remaining in Him. I think about this truth and every time I read it my whole being screams out, Okay, Lord, what can I do!? And every time the answer is simply: Abide in Me and remain in Me. There is nothing I can do but abide in Him.

My great big fat thought for the day recently was this: the only way to deny self is to remain totally focused upon God. It’s no wonder Brother Lawrence wrote “Practicing the Presence of God”; he wanted to learn how to deny self. Denying self isn’t natural and it isn’t easy but I believe it is accomplished by using all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength to keep the focus and direction of my life in and toward God. There cannot be any other way than by abiding in Him.

And that sheds light on all the other things I do – thought, speech, and action. Either my thoughts, words, and actions are an echo and reflection of God or they are simply mine. When they are an echo and reflection of Him, then they are as a result of keeping my mind trained toward and upon only Him. I believe that is abiding.

Today, I conversed with the Lord as I read John 15 through 18. Today, I asked that I bear more fruit, and to learn how to abide. This morning, I will go off to my work and will attempt to practice His presence and try to remember that all I do is to be a reflection of Him who is true – thus proving His presence. Fruit-bearing is proof that He's there...

Abiding One,
You abide with and in me – is it too much to ask that I return the favor? I pray Lord Jesus, that You help me to forsake all this trying to please You crap that I’ve been dragging around for years and simply practice Your presence in every conversation, thought, and deed this day. I want to bear fruit for You. Amen.

Your Glorious Gift

12.22.2010

John 12:40 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them.”

John quoted Isaiah 6.10 in pointing out that the Jews of Jesus’ time could not see Him for who He was or believe in Him for what He was trying to do. The blinding and hardening are not because God did it, but because man in his nature cannot stand God. This is the magnitude of the Fall. Man becomes blind and hard because his nature is violently opposed to God and that is his only natural response. This is also why we need a Savior because we need to be freed from our nature in order to accept God.

Throughout Scripture this blinding and hardening is noted over and over, but we cannot blame God for our own response, nor can we approach God in any other way than by what He has established: faith in Christ. I’ve always wanted to blame God for this but I see that it is not God, but how I view God, that is the problem. And the same goes for every other human on the planet.

So like the 12-Step method, part of my coming to Christ is being broken to the point of admitting that my Only Way Out is by Him. And even that is an act of God. All I need do is look back on my life history and think about those things that caused me to accept God, or to reject Him. Things have happened in our lives that caused us to accept God – maybe at least in principle. Other things have happened that caused us to hate Him – or blame Him. But when the heart is readied it will accept because it finally sees the Only Escape. Some in their hardness and blindness will view that a trap; others in their new-found freedom will exult in joy over being finally released.

The Bottom Line is that the hardening and blinding we experience is not because of God’s doing but more because of His Being. Yet He always reaches out to blind and hard hearts to help them see beyond the Fall to the Truth. That’s worthy of a ‘Thank You!’

Father in Heaven,
Thank You for freedom and for the gift of belief; a gift I am convinced You offer to all humanity every moment of every day. Thank You, for Your relentless pursuit of my heart throughout all of my life, and all of my circumstances; and thank You, for welcoming me into Your Kingdom. May I continue to serve You by telling others about Your glorious Gift – I pray in His Name, amen.

The Jesus Report

12.21.2010

John 11:53 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death. ESV

I’m not sure what all the daily responsibilities of the High Priest were; I’m sure however he did stuff each day that had to be done. The High Priest in those days was kind of like a CEO today – the mover, the shaker, the planner. I’m fairly certain that he had regular meetings with people under him to make sure the machine (not as he viewed it) was functioning properly. I’m fairly certain he had regular interaction with the Romans. High Priests were after all, just men doing their usual manly things – creating, controlling, commanding and: conniving.

And then because of circumstances beyond his control the High Priest had to deal with this Jesus. Whatever his previous To Do list was, he now had an additional item on it and John tells us that from that day on they (he and his helpers) made plans to put Him to death. I think they called it, The Jesus Report. And getting rid of this meddlesome nuisance overshadowed everything else they did.

What’s on our To Do list – cooperating with Jesus or getting rid of Him? Or how about just ignoring Him and hoping He’ll go away? If someone was to map out our plans from this day forward, how would they word our actions? Would they say something like. “From that day on he did (such and such) as part of his daily life.” What overshadows our lives these days – Christmas, work, sickness? What’s on our To Do list?

What’s interesting to me is that Jesus seemed to be totally unconcerned with their To Do list and the fact that He was Item Number 1. I’d like to live with that kind of freedom and purpose. That means however that I need to learn how to let go of the To Do list and walk in step with the Holy Spirit, like Jesus did. My Jesus Report ought to consist of me reporting in to Jesus and asking Him for guidance and direction today; and then trusting Him as He shows me what to do.

Lord Jesus,
All I want for Christmas is You leading me by the Spirit and the ability to hear what You say; and to do as You ask. Help me as I seek that, and help me as I live for You today. Amen.

Knowing God

12.20.2010

John 7:28 28 So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from? But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. ESV

I have to admit that I have read this verse many, many times and have never understood until tonight that Jesus actually asked a question: You know me, and you know where I come from? The Scripture thinly masks the incredulity of the Lord at the arrogance of these people.

Mankind is arrogant. Mankind, intelligent and gifted, creative and clever, is horribly arrogant. It’s almost as if a risky experiment went way wrong and the outcome is a race of self-centered, self-absorbed, selfish monsters running loose. God came to save these people and they said, no thanks, we’re fine; go save someone else – we’d don’t need You! They were no different then than we are now.

Probably one of the best books I’ve every read is J.I. Packer’s book, Knowing God*. Most people would admit they know about God; if mankind were to collectively write a book about God, it would probably be entitled, Knowing About God; and in it we would find out more about God than we care; we just wouldn’t find God. With man it’s all about knowing about God – all the do’s and don’ts; what’s in, what’ out. Man can tell you all about God but only as an expert who is trying to tell you why people get the common cold… all show and no blow…

Jesus’ question is one many will have to answer to someday. Jesus will ask, ‘You know Me and yet you did nothing with Me – what’s up with that!?’ To know Jesus is to accept Him for who He is; not what I think about Him. And Jesus shows Himself to the humble not to the arrogant…

Lord,
You’ve shown Yourself to me, and everyday You make it abundantly clear that without You, I’m toast. Jesus, cause Your personality to rub off on me that I may help others to know You, not just about You. I ask in Your Name, amen.

*Knowing God, J.I. Packer, Inter-varsity Press, 1993

Calling You Father

12.19.2010

John 5:18 18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. ESV

In modern America we don’t take each other that seriously nor do our words hold that much meaning. Most of us don’t know each other’s father. Most of us could care less what our ancestors were up to. We, as a society, tend to live for today without much thought about tomorrow and what impact our lives will have through our offspring. Not so in the east when Jesus walked on the earth.

In those days who your father was, was a big deal; what your father did and what worldview he espoused were very important. There are statements all throughout the Gospels that give up glimpses of the importance of parenting, heritage and family. And when one claimed his father, it was viewed as being an extension of that person’s life and his father before him and before him and so on…

There are two kids in this community who call me father (well ok, they call me, dad). I hope my life and conduct as they talk to others is a reflection of my calling God my Father. I hope my legacy wears off on them and someday they truly call God their Father. I hope it makes a difference in our world and in the lives of others, just like Jesus did when He walked this earth…

Father in Heaven,
You’ve placed me where I am and given me the kids I have. I pray that my calling You Father makes a difference in the lives of my kids and in the lives of others here in this little town – I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Only By You

12.18.2010

John 4:49 49 The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”

This sentence is found in John 4.46-54. A local official of some sort knows Jesus can heal and he sends for Him because his child is deathly ill. But Jesus seems to resist the man’s urging. Jesus, meek and mild, says, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” (v. 48) In other words, “You came here for a service and I'm asking for your heart!” The official [responds] to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus then responds to him: “Go; your son will live.” And the son does and the man believes.

Praying in faith is the heart of this miracle. Asking God to come to my house is not what I need; having faith He’ already here is what I need. It’s all a matter of perspective and persistence. Jesus responded to the man’s persistence, not to his insistence. Jesus is more inclined to help the desperate who come to Him by faith having no other place to turn.

Insisting from God that He do things my way is a hard lesson to learn; because He won’t.  Accepting Him at His word is more often a big pill to swallow; it’s swallowing my pride and in faith, taking the Lord at His word.

Lord Jesus,
You know my every need. You know all things about my life – my strengths, my weaknesses; my victories, my defeats. Today, I give them all over to You – again. I come to You in faith and accept that the resolution to all I think I need will be masterfully and wonderfully provided only by You. Amen.

A Thousand Year’s Worth

12.17.2010

2 Peter 3:8 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. ESV

There are days when I could stand a thousand year’s worth. There are other days when it seems to carry on for a thousand years. I like the thousand year’s worth; I’m not too keen on the other. Most of the time, I’m zipping through my ordinary day eagerly awaiting an evening at home; and then off to sleep awaiting a fresh cup of  hot coffee in the morning. Most of my days are sort of nondescript.

The challenge is looking for the thousand year’s worth and making the most of the days I have. And making the most doesn’t have to be huge; it’s mostly simple stuff like saying kind things to my loved ones, being energetic and efficient at work, having meaningful conversations, and starting my day by spending time in God’s word. Often the thousand year’s worth is found in an hour or so of simply filling my mind with what I read in the Bible and writing about it in hope that some will read it and find encouragement.

Peter summed it up for me very well when he said “… do not overlook this one fact, that with the Lord…” There you have it: with the Lord. Whether a day is a gracious reward or a grueling retooling, with the Lord is what it’s all about. Lately, I've taken to writing my daily want-list to the Lord on slips of paper and carrying them with me throughout the day; reading them when I have a brief moment or two. It helps remind me of Who is really in charge and that He’s with me in whatever I find myself doing. He is after all, the Keeper of my days – good or bad…

Father in Heaven,
You know what I need before I speak it. You’re completely aware of every need I’ve had, I have or will ever have. Whether or not a day is good or bad by my standards, may I remember that You are the Keeper of my days, and the Guardian of my soul. Help me to make the most of my days in the light of that truth I pray, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Everyone

12.16.2010

1 Peter 4:5-6 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. ESV

My dad always hated the Apostle’s Creed; he couldn’t accept the thought of the one line in the Creed that goes: He descended into hell.** Dad's understanding of hell was that anyone who went there went on purpose and deserved every bit of it. He then reasoned, how could God, holy and righteous, ever go to such a place!? It was unthinkable for him.

Peter, however, says, “For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead…” Granted, I might be reading a lot into my dad’s thoughts, the Creed’s thoughts, and Peter’s thoughts but the above sure sounds like there was some preaching done somewhere at some point for some who might have not heard it for some reason. True, the verse doesn’t say, hell. But it implies that there may have been a point after the death of Christ when He went to Sheol (the place of the dead) to give those there a chance to hear the truth and make up their dead minds once and for all.  Peter says, this is why.

Everyone deserves to hear the Gospel once. Everyone deserves to make up their own mind and decide if God is telling the truth. A young person I know sent my wife a card recently that says, “You’re like a mother to me.” As I read that card I thought, well if that is how she views my wife, then I’m to be like a father to her. And to anyone else who might need one. But as a father, I am called like the early fathers to preach the gospel in love, kindness, and mercy like my heavenly Father has done for me; and apparently did for some who were already dead and were where no man could reach them with words of truth.

Father God,
You reached out to me when I was dead in my trespasses and sins. You sent a person to tell me the truth. You even at one point through Jesus, preached to some who seemed to have missed the bus. Help me God, as a sent one to see the opportunities to share the truth and to grab them – everyone deserves at least that. In Christ, amen.

**For more on the Apostle’s Creed you might want to visit: http://www.reformed.org

What is My Life?

12.15.2010

James 4:14 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. ESV

As I read James epistle this morning it occurred to me that his missive is a series of questions and answers. In other words, as he writes it seems he seems to be asking over and over, don’t you know? (And by his asking implying, you should know; and, if you don’t know, why not?) There are at least 22 questions in the little book of James.

The one that got my attention is this one in 4.14: What is your life? It made me stop and think, what is my life? If I was to stop today and have to give an account of my life what would I say? What are the things I would take credit for; and what are the things I would make excuses for? What is my life? Much of my life is the things I would make excuses for; missed opportunities; relationships I’ve let coast to a stop because I’ve moved on for whatever reason.

When I turned 50 I decided I wanted the second half (what a laugh silly boy, 50 is way past half!) of my life to account for something. I still want to make something of my life but now I realize that the only way that’s going to happen is by following close to God, tripping over His feet, so to speak. What is my life?

My life is boiling down to this: I am an offering to God. Yes, I have made many missteps and mistakes, but these days it’s only about hearing Him and obeying Him that matters. The battles of life and self still rage but the peace of God that passes all understanding still remains – and seems to be growing.

So, I offer myself to God for whatever He wants and accept that everything that happens to me in the space in between is ordained by Him for my learning and my good. What is my life? My life is an offering to God that His will be accomplished in me for the good of His Kingdom and for the sake of others…

Father God,
Turn me upside down and shake me until all the stuff comes out that gets in the way of what's important to You. (Please…) May it be so, amen.

The Presence of Mind

12.14.2010

Jude 3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. ESV

It seems like most Sundays (when I’m in church) I’m reminded of my need to contend for my faith. I know most days I am assaulted for my faith from without and within. I see from Jude’s writing that contending for our faith is nothing new.

Coming to Christ is a one time deal but it is an all the time action; we’re to come to the Lord initially for relationship, but we’re to keep coming to Him for life, safety, knowledge, and the ability to continue to contend for our faith. If James felt the need to say it to believers then, it is still appropriate for believers today.

I hate to say it, but there is nothing in our world presently that isn’t tainted by sin, brokenness, and fallenness. Everything we come into contact with has something wrong with it – the only Remedy is Jesus and we must be with Him regularly and routinely to keep ourselves unspotted from all that is around us that is spoiled, infected and contagious.

Being with Jesus however is not on again off again. Being with Jesus is striving with all that is in us to keep our thoughts, words, and deeds open and accountable to His ever-present presence. In this day and age if that’s not contending, I don’t know what is…

Lord Jesus,
Today, may it be with the presence of mind to recognize and celebrate Your presence in all I do, think and say. Help me Lord by the Holy Spirit to contend for the faith and to start by keeping my focus fixed upon You – I pray in Your Name, amen.

They Had It

12.13.2010

Hebrews 10:34 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. ESV

Oh the pull and push of culture as we witness the utter perversion of Christmas each year. The music, the media, the mushiness, and the merchandise – it’s sickening. Happiness is not found in stuff because there is no substance in stuff.

These people, to whom the writer was addressing, had their property plundered by others who’d decided that they had the right to do so. These people, whose allegiance was to God, stood by and watched as those whose allegiance was to the government, ransacked their houses and property and took every precious thing. They couldn’t, however, take what they had hidden in their hearts: the truth. Everything on earth and of the earth is passing – only that which is hidden away in the heart by faith is enduring; and they had it.

Persecution like this is right around the corner for us. This calls me to a heavenly perspective and a faith that won’t settle for second-best. Nothing on this earth can bring me happiness – only God can and He’s the one who said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)

Father in Heaven,
When all around me is eroding and slipping away
You’ve given me the gift of faith by which I’ll stay
Close by You forever and with You I’ll be found;
For it is by faith I stand in You on holy ground. Amen.

Given and Guided

12.10.2010

2 Timothy 1:15 15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. ESV

It is indeed lonely at the top – there are few who truly understand the vision and capture the passion for the mission. It’s lonely at the top and even lonelier in prison awaiting execution. I tend to think that Paul might’ve had a question or two for the Lord regarding his circumstances. But I also tend to think that Paul practiced what he preached. I tend to think Paul’s relationship with the Lord was such that he truly entrusted his situation to God and looked forward to beheading as the last step before rounding the bend into the Lord’s presence forever.

All who were in Asia turned away from Paul including a couple of leaders (I assume because they are mentioned specifically). But Paul didn’t turn away from the Lord and the Lord didn’t turn away from Him. And true to his mission, Paul used every opportunity to encourage and edify as he awaited his death. His letters were all about being courageous and careful and none of it was poor pitiful me.

So I am encouraged today as I think about Paul’s response to walk as he did with trust that Jesus is completely in control of all that I do and am and wherever I find myself. Paul’s circumstances didn’t derail his love for God and for others, nor did they cause him to whine and complain. His circumstances fanned the flame of urgency and caused him to make the best use of his remaining days as he awaited departure into a future that all of us in Christ long for.

Father in Heaven,
I firmly believe that all of my days are given and guided by You. May I respond by using them to fulfill the mission You’ve given me and to live in ever-increasing passion for Your Kingdom as I await my departure from here and enter into there in Christ – in His Name, amen.

Why Bother?

12.9.2010

1 Timothy 5:9-10 9 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, 10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.

Last night at men’s group we talked about being a mature Christian. First, we all decided that we knew of very few people we would call mature; and second, we confessed none of us were mature. I think some of us looked at the quest for maturity as a lot of work and thought, why bother. The threshold is pretty high.

Paul set the threshold high when it came to widows in the church. If we’re to read the above and use it as a standard, then few women come to my mind. But if that is the goal (so to speak) then my question is, why not? Why not be a widow who meets the age and has been married only once; who has a good reputation for serving; who has brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, cared for the afflicted and devoted herself to every good work? Why not be a mature Christian, even if no one else seems to want to be?

Maturity is not a rank or really even a privilege; maturity is an indicator of the depth of devotion one has for the Savior. Maturity is an indicator of the level of influence of the culture upon us. Maturity is the result of life having kicked the crap out of us and we find ourselves crap-less, selfless, and humble. Maturity is not what you say you are but how you live in relationship to Jesus Christ.

Why bother? Because the world is dying in need for such people. Our families and churches; our cities and towns need such people. Our places of employment or study need such people. Maturity is obvious to others.

Father in Heaven,
May I mature before You, in You, and through You. May I not see maturity as an end in itself but may I prove useful to You more and more as You reach into the lives of people who are dying for a Savior. Help me to live side by side with You and to keep in step as You fulfill Your desires for me – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Best and Most Essential

12.8.2010

1 Timothy 4:7-8 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

I cannot number the times I have heard someone bemoan the fact that they are “out of shape” and they’re going to do something about it. I hear the hew and cry of those who bemoan (outwardly) the presence of Christmas goodies and their need to protect themselves from overindulgence so that the outcome of such indulgence won’t be evident in February once the goodies are long gone and the Visa bill is due.

I know others who live by silly myths believing that somehow by holding to the knowledge of a rabbit’s foot, a dream catcher, or some other idiotic notion that they’re preparing their way for whatever their understanding is of God and heaven. Superstition is a powerful deceptive force – strong enough to guide people away from the reasonableness of truth. Paul warned Timothy (and by his words to Timothy, us as well) to stay away from such nonsense. Paul maintained that godliness is of value in every way as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 

Thoughtful, intentional, regular exposure to God’s word is some of the best and most essential training in godliness we can get. Our Bibles ought to be well-worn. Our minds should be filled with God’s truth and the histories presented in Scripture… or they will be simply full of something else.

I like the, ‘promise for the present life and also for the life to come’ part. I need help everyday in the present life; and I so look forward to the one to come when life will take on a whole new dimension.

Jesus,
Be with me Lord Jesus I ask You to stay close by me forever and help me I pray. I’m glad I reside safely in Your tender care as You prepare me for heaven to live with You there. Amen.

Still Reading

12.7.2010

Colossians 4:18 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. ESV

Just the other day, I read Paul’s personal greetings to the Church in Rome (chapter 15-16). In chapter 15 he speaks of visiting them on his way to Spain. He then tells them that he was on his way to Jerusalem to bring needed aid to the saints there – and on that trip everything changed; I’m pretty sure from that point on all Paul spent the rest of his life in prison.

What do we do when our plans get interrupted? What do we do when things suddenly change? How do we handle it when life deals us a hand that seems to hamper our freedom and threaten our effectiveness? One thing’s for sure; Paul didn’t quit thinking about his people and did his best from jail to stay connected. And Paul’s effectiveness and leadership morphed into a prison ministry the likes of which were rarely repeated.

What are the things that are hampering our ministry today? How are those hindrances helping vitalize our vision and cultivate our creativity? Think about this: no one told Paul he couldn’t write letters. Surely somebody could have, but apparently some of the letters got out – amen? Apparently what some overlooked as a pathetic prisoner pitifully penning prose, God saw as a means to keep His message going; and some two thousand years later, we’re still reading Paul’s letters.

God’s plans for our influence and how He uses it are totally under His control and command. My job is to adapt to the situations I find myself in and bloom for Him wherever that may be. We are still reading Paul’s letters…

Father in Heaven,
Your word is not bound by chains or prisons or death or demons or anything else. And Your word goes out from Your heart through Your people wherever they find themselves. I pray for the ability to adapt more and more. I pray to be creative and useful. I pray that rather than kick at my ‘chains’ that I would praise You for Your limitless power to help me share Your truth wherever I am – amen.

And Let it Begin with Me

12.6.2010

Philippians 4:22 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. ESV

There is a vast difference in Paul’s tone between this epistle and say the Epistle to the Galatians or the one to the Corinthians. This seems to be a kinder, gentler letter with the intent to be gently redemptive as well as gently corrective. Maybe the issues weren’t as dramatic in Philippi or maybe prison life helped Paul find a different way to address the issues one finds in local churches. Wherever there are groups of people meeting together as churches, there are going to be personality issues until God by His Spirit through the leadership of the church brings about maturity.

Euodia and Syntyche, both believers, apparently effective helpers, apparently had an inability to get along. Paul gently addressed the issue and solicited the local leader of the church to assist him in helping these two women put aside their differences and work together for the good of the church and for the gospel. Sometimes there has to be someone who comes alongside to make peace between believers even in the church.

So, there are two things here on which I must focus: One is my own ability to get along with those in the church who rub me wrong, and the other is to gently help bring about peace, love, and cooperation when I am aware of issues among others. Divisiveness has no place in the church and can be extremely destructive unless it’s addressed and quenched. I must make sure it has no root in me and must gently, kindly deal with it when I see it in others.

Father in Heaven,
Let there be peace on earth and in our local churches and let it begin with me. I know I judge others needlessly and I pray for the gift of grace to help and not criticize. Thank You for this word today, I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

I Believe in You

12.5.2010

Psalm 119:66 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. ESV

One could read Psalm 119 and see it as all about keeping the Law, or one could read Psalm 119 and see it as all about faith; one way is performance, the other is relationship.

The writer of this Psalm I believe, was looking beyond the Law. The commandment, precepts, statutes and rules were not written down in some document but were written upon his heart for he said, I believe in Your commandments; he put his faith not in the Law but in Him who was behind the Law, and immeasurably linked to every part of human existence.

The confusing part is when we get hung up on the rules. Paul gives a number of commands in Ephesians 5 and 6 that could look like commands but Paul would be the first one to tell us that relationship with God has nothing to do with keeping the rules and everything to do with loving relationship with God who, like a spouse or a relative, or a good friend, has earned the right to speak into our lives. Our obedience to their words isn’t performance based but out of respect for their love and knowing that what they say is probably for our best.

Yes, we want to please God, but not because we can go to Him and boast of all our rule-keeping. We please God because we trust Him and love Him out of respect for the fact that His intentions for us (and His presence in our lives) are for our infinite good. So, to say no to what is unhealthy for us is not done out of tip-toeing around the Tyrant, but loving our Creator to the point of accepting that all He does in us, for us, and through us is totally good and for our greatest benefit. So, that’s why we can pray like the psalmist, “Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments… because I believe in You!”

Father in Heaven,
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. Help me to walk in the paths of Your commands because I seek them, trust them, and love You. Amen.

Dreaming of Spain

12.3.2010

Romans 15:23-24 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.

I don’t, but I want to; I want to live as Paul lived and accept the mission as Paul accepted it: living each and every day to preach Christ in ever widening circles of influence and when those places of influence get filled up, to share Him in more and more places where He is not named. Paul dreamed of Spain.

I need to see my life as Paul saw his: preaching Jesus and witnessing to others as a  normal, everyday, godly lifestyle. Paul loved what he lived and lived what he loved. Paul understood the answer to man’s dilemma and used each of his days to tell others about the Lord. Paul’s mission field was wherever he was that day. His dream was always the next mission field tomorrow (whenever and wherever that would be.)

My current mission field is a small community in northeastern Oregon. Yes, I’d like to travel to Uganda to see B & V; yes, I’d like to accompany PC out of the Philippines; but today’s mission is right here where I live and hopefully not interfering with all the others who look at Baker City the same way. I think there’s plenty of room…

Father in Heaven,
You’ve planted me here, and here may I bloom and grow for You. I dream about other places but I like having influence for Your Kingdom right here in my town – amen…

Progression

12.1.2010

Romans 5:3-5 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. ESV

Last night I read the blog of a dear friend whose husband is suffering from some, as yet, unexplainable malady. They just don’t quite know what’s wrong with him. It would be an understatement to say they’re concerned over the current set of circumstances. Now if given the choice to have this taken away, I believe they’d do so, but in the midst of their trial of affliction and the unknown, there is a spark of hope brightly shining. And they recognize Jesus is with them no matter what.

It’s not my intent to define what Paul calls suffering in this passage because I know unbelievers suffer just like believers. I don’t want to say that suffering is just spiritual either, because whatever happens to us in life is spiritual in the sense that we have a spirit and are spirit beings.

So, suffering in whatever sense, is a part of a progression that ought to lead us to holiness, godliness and love. The reason the saint can rejoice in suffering is because he sees God in it and knows that God lovingly uses it to effect holiness and righteousness in His children. And Paul doesn’t say it can; he says, it does.

Today, wherever we are and whatever our suffering, we must cling to the truth of the Lord’s reign in our hearts. He’s in control and that ought to make us immensely happy – joyful to the point of crying out. Suffering is a normal part of the progression; and in the saint leads to a life worth living here as we wait for life worth living there…

Father in Heaven,
May suffering have it’s share of the progression of my life; may it produce endurance, character, and hope. May I not fear but only trust that You love me and that all things work together for good for those who love You – amen.

Strong Faith

11.30.2010

Romans 4:20 20 No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God… ESV

This verse doesn’t say that Abraham didn’t have mistrust; it is obvious from his story in Genesis he did. What it does say is that any mistrust Abraham had didn’t make him waver in his faith in God’s promise, and over time his faith in God only grew stronger; and every time it did God got all the glory. That is the life of Abraham, the father of the faith, and the example for everyone who follows in his footsteps.

Whatever is going on in our lives (past, present, or future) is there to help us grow in our faith because with strong faith comes rich reward. And with rich reward the ability to walk through life the way Jesus Himself did, by the Spirit and in complete trust in God. And God is all about strong faith because there are things that God wants to do through each of us that will take strong faith to accomplish because without strong faith is the weakness of unbelief.

I think strong faith ultimately withstands the whining, wearying, wasting effect of worry. When we worry we are primed to give in to the notion that God is somehow limited when it comes to our circumstances. He might take care of everyone else but when it comes to us, somehow He’s limited. When worry shows up is when we need to remember that life was intended to be lived out on the balls of our feet in action, not on our heels in reaction. Strong faith will even kill worry.

The lesson for me today is to not waver and give God the glory. I am to pray, praise and thank Him for what He’s doing in me, for me and especially – in this world of doubt, mistrust and worry – through me.

Father in Heaven,
Every day is a brand new gift from You to walk as Abraham did, strong in faith. My prayer today is thanksgiving that You are with me and I am in You. My petition is, help me this day to live on my toes in faithful action rather than on my heels in worry – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Behavior and Belief

11.29.2010

1 Thessalonians 4:1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. ESV

There are two separate principles at work here; the first is how they walked according to how they were taught; and the second is their pleasing God by trusting in Him and all He’s done on their behalf.

Often we get the two confused and turned around. We think we can please God by how we act and so we attempt to act properly. But when we came to Christ did anyone ask us to behave or were we asked to believe? You can always spot religion because it’s all about behavior. Salvation is based upon belief in the finished work of God through Jesus Christ.

Marriage is all about belief, not behavior – at least it’s supposed to be. My relationship with my wife is built upon a promise given to faithfully be her lawfully wedded husband for better or worse, in sickness and health, in wealth and poverty, loving only her until death. Marriage is a relationship built on a promise, not how often I take out the garbage. My behavior may set the tone of our ability to get along, but it isn’t the foundation of marriage – belief is.

My relationship with God is not based upon my behavior (thank You Lord!); my relationship with Him is based upon a belief that He is who He is and He loves me for who I am. Behavior is based upon belief not the other way around. We walk as we ought because we believe in Whom we believe.

Father in Heaven,
You are interested in my holiness but that is only through faith in Your finished work and my accepting it; trusting in all You’ve done. Help me to walk today in belief and because I do may my behavior lend credence to what I believe – in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Stuff and Circumstances

11.28.2010

1 Thessalonians 2:18 18 ...because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. ESV

Hmmm, whatever do you suppose Paul could’ve meant: Satan hindered us? There’s a lot of theology at stake here; I mean if God is large and in charge and Paul wanted to visit them again and again, what could it possibly mean that Satan hindered [them]?

To me, there are two possibilities that are shared in this passage: one is Paul in fear and worry wanted to visit them (v. 2.18); and the other, “Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you...” (1 Th 3:11).

Sometimes timing is everything. Sometimes the car has a dead battery; sometimes the kids get sick – sometime stuff happens. I think Paul had to stand back at times and declare that despite his best efforts, Satan hindered him. I tend to think Paul was a little impatient in this situation or a little anxious when he shouldn’t have been and as a result God allowed stuff and circumstances to get in Paul’s way, in order to show Paul His sufficiency, and Paul’s own motives.

I lean toward this way of thinking because Paul made the statement: “Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you...” Maybe Paul realized he wasn’t going anywhere until God did the directing – and anxiety and impatience were not going to be the mediums to get the job done but patience and trust were.

For over two years now we have tried to sell our house and tried to change our living situation and have been hindered by circumstances beyond our control. I think I’m finally getting to that place of saying, Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, meet all of our needs according to Their majestic will and purpose; and may we be amazed at how They do so… Trusting is so much better than worrying…

Father in Heaven,
You are never hindered. Maybe You were dealing with Paul – probably one of the greatest saints ever – who possibly was struggling with doubt, worry, fear, and self. Maybe he was hindered until he redirected his focus and his faith back to You. May I do the same; and thank You that You are always Large and in Charge – amen.

When Our Hearts Go South

11.27.2010

Matthew 26:14 14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests... ESV

Judas had developed a nasty habit of criticizing Jesus. Jesus was not acting the way he wanted Him to act and so Judas began to keep score. Perhaps Judas thought Jesus was a hypocrite, saying one thing and doing another. Perhaps Judas just got tired and irritated every time Jesus came up with one more of His answers. Maybe Judas was jealous. Maybe Judas tried with all his might to catch on to the Messiah but just couldn’t accept Jesus’ personality. I think it was a combination of all this, and the fact that Judas was a thief (see John 12.1-8).

What happens when our hearts go south against a leader? What happens when we just grow tired of the boss or the teacher or the pastor – or the mentor? It happens. What happens when our heart leaves and the guilt over its leaving stays? Sometimes the ego cannot bear admitting defeat and will hang on when it’s apparent to everyone else it should’ve left as well. I think that was Judas. I think he got caught up in something that he couldn’t control but initially thought he could. And when his Leader started saying things about crucifixion, he bailed in his heart…

I’ve never betrayed anyone like Judas did, but I have bailed in my heart… numerous times. I have been guilt ridden over my heart leaving but my stubbornness remaining. (Nobody really wants to hang around a cantankerous mule). There’s usually a tipping point, and for everyone’s sake, including my own, I need to pay attention to it. But when I do I need to remember that like two people who remain miserably married until the kids are gone, then divorce, the sham will at some point be obvious to everyone.

I think communication is vital. I think grace is essential. I think our hearts – mine and yours – are desperately fickle and often very misleading. I think a godly community of saints is the only place to deal with the tipping point and where we can deal with it when our hearts go south.

Father in Heaven,
You are good and merciful, and You are compassionate and loving. You know I struggle sometimes. Help me to be honest with how I feel and Help me to give all of my heart to You when it feels like it wants to leave. I’d rather have a tiny portion of Your grace now than a whole bunch of remorse later. Amen.

Risk

11.26.2010

Matthew 25:35-36 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. ESV

If the Gospel of Jesus Christ is counterintuitive then the Kingdom of God is a place of great risk. Imagine, in this day of mistrust and suspicion, inviting a stranger into your home with your wife and children and giving him a place to stay. Imagine in this day of poor economy and recession taking out of your own and giving food to the local hungry and thirsty. Imagine in this day of morbid fear over germs and flu approaching a dirty, filthy naked person, offering them a bath and some of your clothes clothes to wear. Imagine going into a room with someone in the last stages of AIDS, and sharing the remaining few hours of their life as their body tries to void itself of the disease through their bowels. Imagine going to a jail or a prison and visiting someone who is guilty and convicted and remaining friends with them. The Kingdom of God is a place of great risk to reputation, health, safety, and resources.

The late John Lennon (truly a beetle, not a Beatle) sang selfishly of imagining a world of no religion – he couldn’t risk religion and its demands on his time, talents, and treasures. Imagine ministering to the homeless, sick, imprisoned, and impoverished and never once receiving a thank you; but eagerly, joyfully awaiting a day of hearing these words: ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’ (Mt 25:34 ESV)

I must risk in order to hear these words; words that will mean more to me than any prize earth could ever offer. I must risk...

Jesus,
Lord, You have called me to risk it all for Your sake and the Kingdom. Help me to see my life the way You do and to live as Your Gospel demands and Your love commands – Amen.

About the Future

11.25.2010

Matthew 20:18-19 18 “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death 19 and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” ESV

Sometimes in our efforts to control our destinies we want to know the future – what’s gonna happen to me? – as if we could do anything about it. The problem for us is we are powerless to do anything about the future and foreknowledge only confuses the issue.

When Jesus told His men about the future it didn’t make things easy on them. The Zebedee boy’s mother went into immediate action: “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” (Matthew 20:21) She wanted to make sure that when it all went south her boys were well taken care of…

There is another way to accept news about the future: in faith – by faith; trusting God is in control of not only the future but our destinies as well. This was a totally new concept for these disciples because their religion assured them of only part of the story. Now was the time for them to believe and accept the rest of the story only by trusting God who shared with them other than what they thought was going to happen…

A danger of knowing the future is attempting to live in the future, forgetting about now. Jesus let them in on the right kind of future news – news that was good and beneficial to them as they lived out their present. It was future news with hope and expectation.

Father in Heaven,
Today, I am thankful to You not only for my past, but also my future – orchestrated by Your love and held firmly in Your hand. I am thankful to You for the gift of faith and for Your promises of tomorrow, which in Jesus Christ are always, yes, and amen. Amen!

More Than Enough

11.24.2010

Matthew 19:25 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” ESV

The above is a statement made by Jesus’ disciples when He debunked the fastly (almost universally) held belief that money could buy one everything – including favor with God. Then as now, they placed great value on great wealth. Truly, money is a medium but it is not the answer to life, as some suppose. Often, money is more of a problem than a relief. Often, those who suddenly come into great amounts of wealth within a short period of time wind up paupers. Money cannot buy salvation.

The Gospel is counterintuitive. If everyone else is saying, “Do it!” The gospel is usually saying, “Don’t do it!” or the other way around. Jesus’ command to the rich (young) man (in the story in which the above verse is found) was simply, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Generosity was one part, submission to Christ is the other; all around it was counterintuitive to what people thought or believed.

I have often wished I had great sums of money. I have often dreamed of having enough money to escape to the south when the cold comes in from the north. But money is not the solution to my need – only Jesus is. And Jesus is way more than a solution – He’s my friend. My passion in life is to recognize Him as such and then live accordingly. Although I don’t necessarily like it, I’m learning the twin sister of the blessing of two million dollars is two million problems. Counter-intuitively, with treasure in Heaven, there is hope one day of eternally enjoying every bit of it, with everlasting peace and joy.

Father in Heaven,

All of You is more than enough for
All of me for every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough*

That is my song (with thanks to Chris Tomlin) and my prayer today, through Jesus Christ, amen.

*Enough, Chris Tomlin, Not to Us, September 2002, Six Steps Records

Way More Than Bread

11.23.2010

Matthew 16:8 “O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread?" ESV

The problem with big government is its system of valuation. God intended government to keep law and order, to settle disputes, and to protect the national borders – apart from that there’s not much else the government needs to do. I know that is an explosive viewpoint to some, but the fact is, men ought to rule themselves and settle their own disputes based upon a central truth and if there’s a need for a mediator, that ought to be God Himself – the Author of truth. The problem with big government is that it cannot get past the idea of not enough bread or too much – government is limited.

The disciples were discussing what they didn’t have and had completely lost sight of What they did have: Himself; infinitely beyond what they could ask or imagine…

I don’t get the mentality of I don’t have but will readily admit the duplicity of my living with it every day; my system of valuation is all wrong. These days a morphing (hopefully) is taking place in me and the battle rages – I am trying to learn to trust God and be content with what I have (or don’t have). Jesus’ words imply to me that when I feel like I don’t have, I need to remember that in Him, I have way more than bread (or whatever else it is I think I need.)

Lord Jesus,
You are my Supply and my Sufficiency. I recognize I am caught up in my system of valuation and I cry out to you to be freed. Renew my mind and help me to truly see You as my All in All – I pray in Your Name, amen.

The Folks in Nazareth

11.22.2010

Matthew 13:58 58 And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief. ESV

It’s not that Jesus wasn't able to do the miracles, it was because He wasn't sought out for miracles; not many in Nazareth believed He could do ‘mighty works’. It says He didn’t do many – nowadays we want Him to do just one. It’s not that He can’t or won’t; it’s that we don’t (or won’t) seek Him for miracles.

I’m astounded at how pharmacology has made strides in helping people with afflictions they don’t even know they have. I will tell you, as one who suffers from hypertension (high blood pressure), I’m glad for my little daily pill that provides what I need for stabilized blood pressure and a normalized heart-rate. I wish I didn’t have to take it but wishing for something has solved very few of my issues in life… I take it because I’m miserable without it. That doesn’t mean I don’t have faith although there are some who think that’s my issue.

The folks in Nazareth didn’t believe in Jesus – they couldn’t understand why a home-town, home-grown kid could talk the way He did and garner such attention with His mighty works in other places; to them, after all, He was just Jesus. Jesus wasn’t respected where He grew up. He didn’t do mighty works there because not many would humble themselves and approach Him to get one.

These days, the mighty works I need, have more to do with my character, my family, and the economy; stuff like that. I‘d like to grow spiritually. I would like to see my children grow spiritually as well. I’d like to sell a nice house in a very bad market. Or I’d like Jesus to help me find the income to pay for the house I have. But I don’t want to be like the folks in Nazareth who didn’t even come to see Him because they couldn’t accept Him – that’s a very sad place to be.

Father in Heaven,
It’s not that You won’t; it’s mostly because I don’t that’s the issue. It’s not about lack of stuff, it’s mostly because I scheme and dream and little do I scream out to heaven – HELP!!! Father I come to You because I need mighty works in my life and You are the Only One who can help. Help me today I pray – amen.

Something Worth Seeking

11.21.2010

Matthew 10:38 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ESV

It is noteworthy that Jesus’ words recorded here reflect something other than what we normally would like to hear from Him: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword..."(Mt 10:34) But this is the kind of teaching we need to hear from God who says in essence, all our systems are faulty. Worthiness is something worth seeking.

The Jews were convinced that Judaism was what would make them worthy to God; it made sense to them that they should measure up to God by behaving properly – but it was a complex and cumbersome system of do’s and don’ts. And so in the midst of this ineffectiveness (keeping the Jewish Law) Jesus shows up and says, whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.

Knowing Jesus, is trusting Him. When the Lord says do this, or do that, He isn’t giving us a list of do’s and don’ts; He is showing us His heart and leading us in what is best for us. The choice is up to us and the cross carrying part is whether or not we trust Him. Cross-carrying is not natural to us and smacks against our desire to go it on our own. Cross-carrying goes against our fallen free-will and our natural propensity to decide what is best for us. So worthiness with Jesus is based upon our trusting Him and denying ourselves. But even self-denial is not some trump card we get to play; it’s the heart of self-denial that matters.

The heart of self denial is my willingly giving over the rulership of my life to Jesus and following Him with my cross on my shoulder. It is keeping my focus fixed upon Him and trusting Him to call all the shots. Cross-carrying is healthy and desirable if I want to make progress in my relationship with God…

Father in Heaven,
Yours is the Kingdom and mine is to live in it and keep it – I can only do so by trusting You completely with my cross laying across my soul. Help me God – I pray in Your Name, amen.

Apples Worth Eating

11.20.2010

Matthew 7:17 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. ESV

In Luke, Jesus makes the comparison of good trees and bad trees. Here in Matthew, He compares healthy and diseased. A good tree is a tree is one we would go to find fruit worth eating (or for some beneficial use). We would normally shy away from the bad trees for the reasons of bad (or unbeneficial) fruit or no fruit at all. We won’t look for apples on a tree that doesn’t bear them.

A diseased tree though is a tree with another story – good trees may become diseased. Diseased trees may (through diligence and effort) become healthy. Bad trees are bad and there’s no changing them. Diseased trees may be healed. I think most of us, if we are anything at all, are diseased; or healthy. I’ve not known too many bad trees, but I sure have been around a lot of unhealthy ones.

All trees, good or bad may become diseased; what happens after that depends on the caretaker of the trees. If we can infer from Jesus’ analogy that people are like trees, then every one of us is born with the propensity for disease and only through a wise and capable Caretaker may we go from disease to health. If good trees are the godly, then even the godly may become unhealthy from time to time and need of restoration. All I know to do is to seek God and seek His capable care in order for me to remain healthy. My health will be proven by the fruit I bear, and through the love and presence of my Maker, I ought to bear apples worth eating.

Father in Heaven,
No tree cares for itself – only You care for trees. People are sort of the same way and without You there is no cure for our disease. Yesterday is gone but with lessons learned and tomorrow isn’t here yet – so today I pray for Your care to keep me healthy that I may bear good fruit for You – amen.

The Hottest Flame for Chaff

11.19.2010

Matthew 3:12 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” ESV

About once a year when the weather conditions are just right (the wind isn’t blowing too hard), I burn weeds in my back yard. I put the weeds in a pile, get the burn permit, make sure I have a hose (fully charged) nearby, light the fire; and the weeds burn unbelievably hot. That’s my idea of the heat of unquenchable: the right combination of flimsy fuel, heat, and oxygen make for some nearly explosive flames. I imagine that’s how chaff burns as well.

Chaff seems to be the unimportant stuff of life that we spend so much time dwelling on; yes and allowing to consume our lives, our thoughts and our focus. We seem to pour a lot of precious resource into chaff. Chaff is one of the things Jesus came to eradicate and the hottest flame for chaff is always the truth. You wanna burn a hot fire, just start throwing around some truth – things’ll heat up in a hurry.

There are times of the year – along about late August and into September that the last thing I want in my yard is fire – tinder dry grass would be a great descriptor. But if I go after the weeds early then I don’t have to go after them late. Paul said, “Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw — each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.” (1 Corinthians 3:12-13) Bottom line, the chaff won’t make it through the fire – not mine, not yours, not anyone’s.

Father in Heaven,
I am exposed to the unquenchable fire of Your truth and it does its work in my life. I pray not to withstand the fire but be purified by it that what is of Your truth may stand and I may be found saved – I pray in Your Name, amen.

Relax! Rejoice!

11.18.2010

2 Corinthians 13:11 11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. ESV

Can you remember a day when you rejoiced in the Lord? Can you remember an occasion or a season when you were just bursting with immovable pleasure, happiness, contentment, and joy over what the Lord had done or was doing in your life (or maybe in the life of someone close to you)? Joy is an interesting thing.

Paul urged the Corinthians to rejoice. He urged the Philippians to rejoice always. He urged the Thessalonians to rejoice. Thirty-four times in his epistles he mentions the word, rejoice. I think he was trying to say, “Relax folks, everything is going according to plan – God’s plan!” That didn’t mean he didn’t have tough words or strong discipline, it meant he would rather slap someone upside the head in love, than to allow them to become prey to the flesh or the devil.

Rejoicing is a mind-set. Rejoicing is accepting that everything no matter the difficulty is going just as planned and that our eternal future is secure. It means we joyfully know and accept that God is with us in the midst of the storms.

Psalm 124.1-8:
1 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side — let Israel now say — 2 if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, 3 then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; 4 then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; 5 then over us would have gone the raging waters. 6 Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! 7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! 8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (ESV)

Rejoice!

Breaking Point

11.17.2010

2 Corinthians 7:12 12 So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. ESV

I cannot speak for you, because I don’t know, so I’ll just have to speak for me – for many years, times of testing were lost on me because my focus was in other places rather than on what God was teaching me. It seems even now I go through some of the same things over and over that bug the crap out of me and I wonder, does this ever go away!? I can admit however, I am getting smarter – after all these years, I am seeing things a bit differently.

Paul saw something in this church that he wouldn’t let go of: the presence of God among them. Paul saw something else we might not see a lot of these days: a confidence in himself and in his message that could only be the presence of God. We see many pretenders, but there aren’t many ‘Pauls’ walking among us.

When Paul wrote, “…that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you…” he was utterly convinced that a spiritual transaction had taken place in Corinth, that that they were in fact God’s children; he knew they just needed to see it. He knew that the proof of it would be in the display of their earnestness for [him] and their accepting it. Might sound arrogant, but not from Paul.

Often in spiritual matters our hearts (which are deceitful above all things, and desperately sick (Je 17:9 ESV)) need convinced. The catalyst for that, is times of heartbreakingly painful circumstances; the heart must be broken in order to receive the truth. There are truths that God desires for each of us to see and embrace that will only come by comparing our current miserable or apathetic experience to the gloriousness of His promises; and when our earnestness for Him is revealed to us.

So who knows but that the seasons of humiliation and disappointment we’re living through now, aren't but to open our eyes to the glorious acceptance and love of God for us at some point in the future, when the reality of His presence within us is revealed through our earnestness for Him? 1+1=2

Father in Heaven,
You never let go! You love us with such a magnificent love and You never let go. Help me to see Your love in new ways today as the process of breaking my heart continues. And help me to see my earnestness for You revealed as my flesh is crucified by my pain – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Wow

11.16.2010

2 Corinthians 5:21 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. ESV

Tonight I get the privilege of sharing (albeit briefly) the doctrine of sin with a bunch of 7th and & 8th graders. I’d rather share about God making Jesus to be sin (who knew no sin) on our behalf so that we could and would become righteous in His sight. I’d rather share about the cure than the sickness. But the truth for tonight is simply this: for all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.

God offers us friendship. God offers us eternal life. God offers us a quality of life that will never spoil fade or perish. Our problem is we have to wait for these things and endure what we have in the meantime. But our endurance of human life on earth is lighter and brighter because in the midst of it God offers us His fellowship and presence so that nothing on earth may prevent us from reaching our goal of eternal togetherness with Him. So God even made a way for our disease to be removed simply by trusting that what Jesus Christ did for us, He did that we may enjoy Him forever. God allowed His Son to take upon Himself the curse of sin for all mankind so that all mankind could become right before Him. Wow!

So, between now and tonight, and along with every moment that passes between then and the day I die, Jesus Christ is my Righteousness; for my sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him I might become the righteousness of God. And so, because of that I know I am accepted by God – not because of what I’ve done – but because Jesus is my Righteousness and took my sin issue away forever. Yeah!

Father in Heaven,
You made a way for my disease to be eternally cured by placing my faith in an event that happened 2000+ years ago. When I was born I didn’t know that but throughout my life You made it known and now today I celebrate what You did for me that I could come to know You in all of Your goodness and majesty. Help me share the good word tonight that some of these kids might understand – in Your Name, amen.

Make Sure He Knows

11.15.2010

2 Corinthians 2:5-8 6 For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, 7 so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. ESV

What a picture Paul paints for us on how to treat one among us who falls. If what I am told is correct, Paul is referring to the Corinthian brother in chapter 5 of 1 Corinthians who has fallen morally. Paul said we are to exclude a member of the family who sins and (I’m assuming) denies his actions. Apparently some knew about it because Paul was told and commanded them to correct the situation. So they did what he told them to do but now (again assuming) several months have passed and Paul now tells them to forgive and comfort the sinning one and bring him back into fellowship lest he be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. Some sorrow is necessary. More sorrow is redemptive. Excessive sorrow is damaging. Grace covers all.

I had to stop and reflect about this one – I’m not sure what I’d do and I’m not sure how to think about the one who sins – I think our society is mostly too afraid to confront the situation and do what is right. Somehow we seem to think it’s no one’s business what another does or how one acts even though that one may call himself a brother in the Lord.

Tonight I’m thinking about two prisoners – one guilty of murder and one guilty of sex with minors; both known to me and both claiming son-ship in the Lord. I pray that both will be spared the pain and loss of excessive sorrow and that both will remain strong in their faith regardless of their crimes… I’m also thinking about how I think of them – they are truly my Kingdom relatives who’ve been caught up in their actions and are suffering the consequences for their sin. They need my love, my pity, and my prayers. My hope is they remain strong in their faith…

Father in Heaven,
Your word says You are the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Co 1:3-4) Tonight I pray for my friends and family members who are sitting out their sentences and await the day when society says they have paid for their crimes. I pray that You strengthen them in their faith and teach them to trust You with all of what they’ve done and where they are as a result. I pray that we have courage in the church to get to know one another deeply and to confront one another lovingly but firmly when necessary so that by doing so we could hopefully avoid possible prison sentences by hopefully avoiding possible criminal activity. Fill us with the Holy Spirit to love one another and lay done our lives for each other; keep us safe in holy peace. Big prayer – Big God; amen.

Change I Can Live With

11.14.2010

1 Corinthians 15:51 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed... ESV

That’s what I’m hoping for – change. I find myself desiring change almost everyday. I want to change my personality; I want to change my location. I want to change my vocation. All these desires come upon me in waves. And so as I read Paul’s letter to his beloved church in Corinth I hear the words I so want to hear, we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed…. Yes! Be patient little one, your redemption draws near.

In Christ I will be changed in order to live in eternity; in Him, I’ll be changed in order to live and thrive in Heaven. I’ll no longer feel the friction of the physical but will experience eternally the exquisite, well-oiled freedom of the spiritual. That’s change I’m hoping for.

When the burdens of this life become too much and the oft insanity of living in western society comes in full-force like a tsunami, I remember my hope and what lies ahead for me and all who hope in Jesus – change I can live with!

Jesus,
You have prepared a life for me way beyond the blue; and one day, I’ll be changed forever, for eternity. And if this life has promise and purpose then so does the eternal, only infinitely more. May I rest today in Your promise and in humility walk in Your purpose that I may be prepared for that day when death will die and life will sweep in like a flood forever and ever. In Your Name I hope… and pray – amen.

A Place and a Purpose

11.11.2010

Psalm 122:3-4 3 Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together, 4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. ESV

Jerusalem, a place with a purpose. Jerusalem was for centuries the center of worship for Israel. It was the place where the tribes were to come for their religious festivals; it was the place of the Temple, the centerpiece of worship for the people of God. Jerusalem was and it to this day, a special place for many – almost magical.

But Jerusalem was also a place of weakness and war. Jerusalem to this day is a place of controversy and sometimes chaos. Jerusalem, the purposed place was the destination of death on a hill outside the gates where Jesus bore, upon Himself, our sins in His death upon the cross. Jerusalem – decreed for Israel to be a place to give thanks to the Name of the Lord.

Today, the decreed place for God is in our heart; our spirit. Today, the Lord meets with us because to His own, He is in us. The purpose hasn’t changed; there is still a meeting place – and one day Jerusalem will regain her majesty as the City of the Great King. But for now, the sanctuary of God is in the heart of the humble; the space of the seeker.

I give thanks to the Lord when I realize it is only because of Him that I am where I am; have what I have; and have experienced what I’ve experienced. Thanking God is not for me just an expression but also the recognition of His presence and mercy in my life, and upon those who call on His Name. There is still a place and a purpose…

Father in Heaven,
Thank You for all You’ve done, do and are doing for me and my family in Christ. Thank You that Your ultimate purpose will be accomplished exactly as You’ve planned from before the beginning of time. Thank You that one day I will worship You in the New Jerusalem where the true temple will be Your tangible presence with me, in me; and with all who give thanks to the name of the Lord. Amen.

Whatever Whenever

11.10.2010

1 Corinthians 7:24 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God. ESV

How often I would change my circumstances – I would have more time, more money, more charm, more whatever… The changes I would have are pretty well summed up in the grass is greener syndrome. Sunny days always seem sunnier and more appealing when I have to work – I’d rather not be working when it’s sunny. But when the bills come due and the car needs gas and the groceries need purchased, I’m glad I worked on those sunny days.

One phrase of the Serenity Prayer is, “Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time…” The wisdom of this is learning to accept whatever whenever, and in the midst of it all, to find God. Paul seemed to be saying to the Corinthians, “in whatever condition [you] were called, find God; He’s there.” And He is. The safety-valve to the desire to manage our circumstances, be it the job, relationships, leisure, affliction, is this: find God whenever, wherever and focus solely upon Him. There is great relief when we do.

Whatever my condition today, my reminder is to focus wholly and solely upon God. That isn’t a free-pass to be irresponsible or lazy, but to remember wherever I am and whatever I’m doing to be ‘in the presence’ of the Lord because wherever I am, whatever I’m doing, He is with me.

Father in Heaven,
You know Your child has a restless heart and wishes things would be different and could be under his control, but that isn’t Your heart and You and I both know I would soon screw things up. Help me today to focus on Your presence and to enjoy Your company as I go about my day – I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.

In the Reality of Its Truth

11.9.2010

1 Co 6:3 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! ESV

What if we really believed what the Bible said about us? What if we lived out our lives in the reality of its truth?

This morning Paul’s question to the Corinthians hit me like a bucket of cold water. I admit it; I don’t often think about questions like, “Do you not know that we are to judge angels?” To which I would respond, ‘Really!?’ It seems like questions like this and the others he asks of the Corinthians point to another kind of life that I don’t often (rarely, almost never) consider. I’m not sure what judging angels is, or what it entails; but it appears that it needs to happen and God is raising up a nation of judges to do such a work. Wow!

What if I really believed the Bible and what it says about me? What if I lived out my days on earth in the reality of its truth? What if I began to live now in such a way so that God could teach me about what it is I’m to do in the next life? What if I were to live today with the mindset of, “Oh yeah, the Bible does say that!”

This morning, I’m looking at life a little differently. This morning, the magnitude of my sin and failure isn’t quite so impressive. This morning, I see that God indeed has big plans for me (and everyone else) and I need to be aware of them, and desperately need His help to fulfill them, (or better yet) to cooperate with Him as He fulfills them in me…

Father in Heaven,
Lord, help me to get it that there is way more to this life than I usually see. Help me to see that Your plans for me and my brothers and sisters goes way beyond what we can hope for or imagine. Help me to live in the reality of what You say about me in Your word – it sounds like I have a big job to fulfill later. Amen.

Expert or Shoddy

11.8.2010

Let each one take care how he builds upon it. I Corinthians 3.10b

What a difference a few months can make. I last spent time in 1 Corinthians back in March of this year. My perspective has changed so much is such a short period of time.

Let each one take care how he builds upon it – upon the foundation of Christ and the teachings of the New Testament and how he tells the story. Paul wasn’t being arrogant; he was showing the importance of telling the story and living the life effectively. We believers are to be about the business of imparting the glory, goodness, greatness, and grace of God. That’s what we do. Paul likened that to building upon a foundation. We can do a good job of it… or we can do shoddy work. The bottom line is that each one’s work will be shown for what it is: expert or slap-together.

Let each one take care how he builds upon it – today is a wake up call to inspect and detect what and how I’m building. We all need grace. We all need God’s guidance. We all need discipline. In one way or another we all need God’s help. But I’m thinking about how I use God’s help and what I’ll do with it as I get it – expert or shoddy. And I’m thinking about what it will be like to present it back to God: enduring or ashes.

Father in Heaven,
You are helping me to see that I can in fact do all things through Christ in my quest of presenting my life back to You having accomplished something with it for Your pleasure and glory. May I trust You this day and may I find strength through Your Spirit as I impart the good things You’ve given me and as I build my life and ministry upon the foundation of Jesus Christ – in His Name, amen.