7.8.2011
Hebrews 5:8-9 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him... NIV
I can’t even pretend to know all of what the writer is saying here but I can say this: suffering always precedes perfection, and suffering always holds potential for perfection. There is no other way.
There is something mystical about suffering that escapes the notice of most. If Jesus Christ learned obedience from what He suffered then He always saw God in the midst of His suffering. Many seem to think they can become perfect by just being good and living a life of self-restraint; but something powerful happens to us when we encounter painful things that are beyond our control. When we are left with no other options and only God, something wonderful happens, perfection begins to bud.
It is often said, nobody’s perfect. I suppose that depends on your definition of perfect. I tend to disagree because of what I read in Hebrews 5. Jesus learned obedience and was made perfect. You and I are made perfectly by a perfect God and can achieve perfection in the calling of God on our lives. What is perfect anyway – when you need a pen, you really don’t care what color the ink is; you just need a pen. When you need a screwdriver, the name brand means little – you just need the tool. Suffering causes us to be different than we are/were and sets us up for the perfection of what God has called us to do. Wow!
My problem is how I continue to react to suffering. I mostly gripe and chafe under suffering because I don’t like it and take it personally. But I need to remember what it is doing to me and in me; that’s what’s important. And without suffering – well, you do the math.
Father in Heaven,
You are perfect in whatever You do and You call people like me to achieve perfection in accomplishing Your will. Help me God to learn obedience through suffering and to trust You no matter what. Because Jesus did, amen!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Mixed Messages
7.7.2011
Hebrews 4:2 2 For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.
I love sourdough pancakes – I’m not fond of the batter as far as taste goes, but the cooked pancakes? Bring ‘em on! The best sourdough pancakes are the ones that are properly mixed and fermented. Hebrews 4.2 makes me think of properly mixed messages – those truths mixed with faith. You could have mixed messages that are mixed with half-truths; I don’t like those; especially when I’ve been duped into believing them to be true. And then there are those messages that are mixed with half-lies; embellished a bit to make them less palpable.
The writer of Hebrews said that we have had the gospel preached to us but they (the ancient people of God) didn’t combine (or mix) the message with faith. They just heard what they wanted to hear and subsequently the message lacked value for them. The key ingredient when hearing from God is faith – faith that God really said it, means it and we can accept it as true. Many today lack the faith to mix the message properly and like improperly mixed sourdough dough, it tastes bad and cooks up poorly.
The point is, I think, that we must come to God in faith and believe Him that what He says is not only true but trustworthy. It takes faith to believe. And faith is what pleases God. What do you need God for today? I know many who desperately need God for healing. I know many who need Him for provision. I know many who are desperately seeking Him for direction and counsel – really needing Him to show the way. All it takes is faith; all it takes is the belief that what God says is true and that He never reneges on His promises.
A mixed message is not necessarily bad – our understanding may be but the message isn’t necessarily so. The mixing (or combining part) is how we accept it, and what we do with it; and whether or not there is faith involved. A message of true value is the unaltered and unadulterated truth mixed with honest faith: God I believe You… that’s where I want to be.
Father in Heaven,
You give me everything I need – I sometimes just don’t accept it with faith that You’ve really done it, You really mean it, and it is really for my best. Help me to mix Your word with faith so that it takes on new meaning and real value in the life I’m living where mixed messages are a dime a dozen. I trust You Lord! Amen.
Hebrews 4:2 2 For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.
I love sourdough pancakes – I’m not fond of the batter as far as taste goes, but the cooked pancakes? Bring ‘em on! The best sourdough pancakes are the ones that are properly mixed and fermented. Hebrews 4.2 makes me think of properly mixed messages – those truths mixed with faith. You could have mixed messages that are mixed with half-truths; I don’t like those; especially when I’ve been duped into believing them to be true. And then there are those messages that are mixed with half-lies; embellished a bit to make them less palpable.
The writer of Hebrews said that we have had the gospel preached to us but they (the ancient people of God) didn’t combine (or mix) the message with faith. They just heard what they wanted to hear and subsequently the message lacked value for them. The key ingredient when hearing from God is faith – faith that God really said it, means it and we can accept it as true. Many today lack the faith to mix the message properly and like improperly mixed sourdough dough, it tastes bad and cooks up poorly.
The point is, I think, that we must come to God in faith and believe Him that what He says is not only true but trustworthy. It takes faith to believe. And faith is what pleases God. What do you need God for today? I know many who desperately need God for healing. I know many who need Him for provision. I know many who are desperately seeking Him for direction and counsel – really needing Him to show the way. All it takes is faith; all it takes is the belief that what God says is true and that He never reneges on His promises.
A mixed message is not necessarily bad – our understanding may be but the message isn’t necessarily so. The mixing (or combining part) is how we accept it, and what we do with it; and whether or not there is faith involved. A message of true value is the unaltered and unadulterated truth mixed with honest faith: God I believe You… that’s where I want to be.
Father in Heaven,
You give me everything I need – I sometimes just don’t accept it with faith that You’ve really done it, You really mean it, and it is really for my best. Help me to mix Your word with faith so that it takes on new meaning and real value in the life I’m living where mixed messages are a dime a dozen. I trust You Lord! Amen.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Yesterday and Today
7.6.2011
Hebrews 3:18-19 18 And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? 19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief. NIV
Yesterday, we read that Jesus suffered: In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. (Hebrews 2:10 NIV) Who is the Author of our salvation if not Jesus? Who suffered like Him? Jesus suffered because as a man, He experienced the suffering of men; and as God He suffered the sinfulness of men. Jesus learned and was made perfect in that He set aside His godhood to live as a man and experience all of what men experience but He didn’t succumb to the excuses of men or the weaknesses of men – He remained true in every way and thought to God.
There is something to be said for the magnitude of the majesty of suffering and remaining true to God in spite of it; to believe that there’s a point to it all and a purpose to achieve.
And so today, we read there is a consequence to wimping out the human way; it’s called unbelief. Belief shows that following God faithfully and dying to self along the way causes perfection. Unbelief results in faithlessness, selfishness, and not entering the rest of God which provides for calm in the storms (Matthew 8.23ff) and protection from the fires (Daniel 3).
Yesterday, the saints of old were tried by fire and tribulation. Some believed some didn’t. Today, we’re asked to do the same things in different ways but with the same desired results: we can learn from our suffering and trust in God; or we can fail to enter God’s rest because of unbelief – the choice is ours. Here’s a thought: peaceful rest in the midst of suffering is a precious jewel and only those who believe will get it. Belief accepts suffering as necessary both as a true indicator that we’re on the right path, and as a divine agent of change in our living. If Jesus accepted it as part of the gig, shouldn’t we…
Father in Heaven,
Your ways are wholesome and true and include wonderful teachers that are devoted to our change, our maturing, and our perfection as true sons and daughters of the light. Thank You – amen!
Hebrews 3:18-19 18 And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? 19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief. NIV
Yesterday, we read that Jesus suffered: In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. (Hebrews 2:10 NIV) Who is the Author of our salvation if not Jesus? Who suffered like Him? Jesus suffered because as a man, He experienced the suffering of men; and as God He suffered the sinfulness of men. Jesus learned and was made perfect in that He set aside His godhood to live as a man and experience all of what men experience but He didn’t succumb to the excuses of men or the weaknesses of men – He remained true in every way and thought to God.
There is something to be said for the magnitude of the majesty of suffering and remaining true to God in spite of it; to believe that there’s a point to it all and a purpose to achieve.
And so today, we read there is a consequence to wimping out the human way; it’s called unbelief. Belief shows that following God faithfully and dying to self along the way causes perfection. Unbelief results in faithlessness, selfishness, and not entering the rest of God which provides for calm in the storms (Matthew 8.23ff) and protection from the fires (Daniel 3).
Yesterday, the saints of old were tried by fire and tribulation. Some believed some didn’t. Today, we’re asked to do the same things in different ways but with the same desired results: we can learn from our suffering and trust in God; or we can fail to enter God’s rest because of unbelief – the choice is ours. Here’s a thought: peaceful rest in the midst of suffering is a precious jewel and only those who believe will get it. Belief accepts suffering as necessary both as a true indicator that we’re on the right path, and as a divine agent of change in our living. If Jesus accepted it as part of the gig, shouldn’t we…
Father in Heaven,
Your ways are wholesome and true and include wonderful teachers that are devoted to our change, our maturing, and our perfection as true sons and daughters of the light. Thank You – amen!
Monday, July 4, 2011
A Big Statement Unheard
7.4.2011
Hebrews 1:2 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. NIV
This is a big statement that globally is largely ignored; not too many people give a rip that Jesus Christ is the Creator of the universe in all it’s vastness and diversity. Hebrews 1 tells us not only has He created the universe, but He’s also spoken to us – He still speaks to the listening heart today.
Today, is Independence Day in the US. We celebrate our independence from the tyranny of a king and his culture; however we’re still dependent on much of the world’s resources to feed our present lifestyle. We’re largely dependent on a government. We cannot love each other so we have developed a system called political correctness in order to force us to make life fair. We define freedom as the license to do anything as long as it brings us pleasure. Independence Day, what irony.
What’s really weird is that as bad and as decadent as we are, there are still millions of people who’d rather live in the US than in their own countries where it is logarithmically worse. And in the midst of all this, is the Church.
As I look around at our world I don’t get a sense of well-being. Yes, I do have much to be thankful for, yet I know it’s all short-lived. However, I do know this and in this I find hope: in these last days [God] has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through Whom He made the universe. Our “Independence Day” may be a sham, but Jesus Christ is not and He still speaks and He still saves and He will one day right all of the wrong and bring an end to all this current crap.
Regardless of how bad it is and how bad I think it is, I am to celebrate my dependence upon Christ and share Him with anyone who will listen to the fact that He speaks and He created the universe. It is He who gives me true independence from the tyranny of this present world with its version of freedom and political correctness…
Father in Heaven,
You still speak to the listening heart. You even speak to those who aren’t listening. I pray for the filling of the Holy Spirit this day to celebrate my true freedom and to share the truth of the Speaking Christ with others – in His creative Name I pray, amen.
Hebrews 1:2 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. NIV
This is a big statement that globally is largely ignored; not too many people give a rip that Jesus Christ is the Creator of the universe in all it’s vastness and diversity. Hebrews 1 tells us not only has He created the universe, but He’s also spoken to us – He still speaks to the listening heart today.
Today, is Independence Day in the US. We celebrate our independence from the tyranny of a king and his culture; however we’re still dependent on much of the world’s resources to feed our present lifestyle. We’re largely dependent on a government. We cannot love each other so we have developed a system called political correctness in order to force us to make life fair. We define freedom as the license to do anything as long as it brings us pleasure. Independence Day, what irony.
What’s really weird is that as bad and as decadent as we are, there are still millions of people who’d rather live in the US than in their own countries where it is logarithmically worse. And in the midst of all this, is the Church.
As I look around at our world I don’t get a sense of well-being. Yes, I do have much to be thankful for, yet I know it’s all short-lived. However, I do know this and in this I find hope: in these last days [God] has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through Whom He made the universe. Our “Independence Day” may be a sham, but Jesus Christ is not and He still speaks and He still saves and He will one day right all of the wrong and bring an end to all this current crap.
Regardless of how bad it is and how bad I think it is, I am to celebrate my dependence upon Christ and share Him with anyone who will listen to the fact that He speaks and He created the universe. It is He who gives me true independence from the tyranny of this present world with its version of freedom and political correctness…
Father in Heaven,
You still speak to the listening heart. You even speak to those who aren’t listening. I pray for the filling of the Holy Spirit this day to celebrate my true freedom and to share the truth of the Speaking Christ with others – in His creative Name I pray, amen.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Where to Stand
7.3.2011
Isaiah 7:9 9 '...The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah’s son. If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.’ NIV
What do you do when it all seems to go south? What do you do with the diagnosis, the summons, the warrant, the pink slip? I know I ask these kinds of questions all the time but I think they deserve our constant attention because stuff happens – and it happens all the time. The distance between current and past stuff varies but stuff happens.
Ahaz the King of Judah was facing an impending attack by his northern brethren (Israel) and the nation of Aram. Ahaz was given an opportunity to ask God for a sign of His provision and protection but rather than ask, Ahaz feigned humility and said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.” Who knows, he might’ve thought he was being set up by the prophet. What he got for his ‘humility’ however, was a stern rebuke; when God offers an opportunity it's best to take it.
The kings of Judah had two things going for them: the promise of God to David and the prophets of God to remind them of it. Despite this they had become very good at politics – politics and God don’t mix well at all. They seemed to want to look good and their rulership tended to be all about making a name for themselves. What a pity, what a waster of talent and position…
God told Ahaz, “If you don’t stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” In America we like to stand firm. In the church we like to stand firm. The kings of Judah liked to stand firm but they didn’t stand firm in their faith – they, like us, stood firm in their position, power, nationality and possessions. Sorry, those things don’t get the job done. What do we do when it all goes south? Who do we depend on when it all goes south? Where do we take our stand when it all goes south?
If I do not stand firm in my faith in Jesus Christ, I won’t stand at all. If I don’t stand firm in my faith everyday and remind myself of this every day then I’ll depend on something or someone else. That is utter foolishness and tantamount to spitting on the sacrifice of Christ and the promises of God – it’s that serious.
Father in Heaven,
O God, in these days may my heart be found true, as I take my stand in my faith built only upon You. May I cling to the cross as I take my stand, knowing everything else is but sinking sand. May I live my life opposed to the fall, knowing outside of Christ I won’t stand at all. Help me God – amen.
Isaiah 7:9 9 '...The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah’s son. If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.’ NIV
What do you do when it all seems to go south? What do you do with the diagnosis, the summons, the warrant, the pink slip? I know I ask these kinds of questions all the time but I think they deserve our constant attention because stuff happens – and it happens all the time. The distance between current and past stuff varies but stuff happens.
Ahaz the King of Judah was facing an impending attack by his northern brethren (Israel) and the nation of Aram. Ahaz was given an opportunity to ask God for a sign of His provision and protection but rather than ask, Ahaz feigned humility and said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.” Who knows, he might’ve thought he was being set up by the prophet. What he got for his ‘humility’ however, was a stern rebuke; when God offers an opportunity it's best to take it.
The kings of Judah had two things going for them: the promise of God to David and the prophets of God to remind them of it. Despite this they had become very good at politics – politics and God don’t mix well at all. They seemed to want to look good and their rulership tended to be all about making a name for themselves. What a pity, what a waster of talent and position…
God told Ahaz, “If you don’t stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” In America we like to stand firm. In the church we like to stand firm. The kings of Judah liked to stand firm but they didn’t stand firm in their faith – they, like us, stood firm in their position, power, nationality and possessions. Sorry, those things don’t get the job done. What do we do when it all goes south? Who do we depend on when it all goes south? Where do we take our stand when it all goes south?
If I do not stand firm in my faith in Jesus Christ, I won’t stand at all. If I don’t stand firm in my faith everyday and remind myself of this every day then I’ll depend on something or someone else. That is utter foolishness and tantamount to spitting on the sacrifice of Christ and the promises of God – it’s that serious.
Father in Heaven,
O God, in these days may my heart be found true, as I take my stand in my faith built only upon You. May I cling to the cross as I take my stand, knowing everything else is but sinking sand. May I live my life opposed to the fall, knowing outside of Christ I won’t stand at all. Help me God – amen.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Jude Viewed
7.2.2011
Jude 1-2 1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: 2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. NIV
In the quiet moments of life, how do you view yourself? I contend it’s important for us to have a healthy self-view, and to build that perspective on what the Bible says about us. Life is lived easier when we know what God thinks about us.
Jude didn’t call himself anything other than a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. I too am a servant of Jesus Christ – I must always keep that foremost in my mind and let that thought rule over all I think and am. When the last day arrives I must be what I am called and yes, I could be called many things on that day but let the first and foremost be: a servant of Jesus Christ.
Jude called himself a brother of James not only because he was actually related to James by birth, but also because he was related to James by new birth. John 5 tells us there was a time in Jude’s life when he didn’t think too highly of Jesus.
And Jude wrote to those he called, “…loved by God and kept by Jesus Christ”. What greater thought is there than that – to know today we who believe are loved by God and kept by Jesus Christ!? I fear the idiocy of my ways and the propensity I have toward just plain stupid – that is, until I read a verse like this and remember the God who loves me and the Christ who saves me. I wasn’t saved to then live any old way I want; no, I was saved to remain saved, and to be of use to God and to inherit Him in all His glory on the day I go home to meet Him face to face. What greater reality is there than that – to be loved by God and kept by Jesus Christ? God loves me and Jesus keeps me – wow!
I needed that today. I need that everyday but today is all I have and I needed to be reminded today that God loves me and Jesus Christ keeps me. When I go to work in an hour and fifteen, I’ll remember that the way Jude viewed himself is the way I am to view myself: loved by God and kept by Jesus Christ.
Father God,
Amen! Help me today to recognize the reality that You love me and Jesus Christ keeps me. I am so afraid of my one potential and so assured in my other. Chisel it, set it deep in my soul – I am loved by God and kept by Jesus. Amen.
Jude 1-2 1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: 2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. NIV
In the quiet moments of life, how do you view yourself? I contend it’s important for us to have a healthy self-view, and to build that perspective on what the Bible says about us. Life is lived easier when we know what God thinks about us.
Jude didn’t call himself anything other than a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. I too am a servant of Jesus Christ – I must always keep that foremost in my mind and let that thought rule over all I think and am. When the last day arrives I must be what I am called and yes, I could be called many things on that day but let the first and foremost be: a servant of Jesus Christ.
Jude called himself a brother of James not only because he was actually related to James by birth, but also because he was related to James by new birth. John 5 tells us there was a time in Jude’s life when he didn’t think too highly of Jesus.
And Jude wrote to those he called, “…loved by God and kept by Jesus Christ”. What greater thought is there than that – to know today we who believe are loved by God and kept by Jesus Christ!? I fear the idiocy of my ways and the propensity I have toward just plain stupid – that is, until I read a verse like this and remember the God who loves me and the Christ who saves me. I wasn’t saved to then live any old way I want; no, I was saved to remain saved, and to be of use to God and to inherit Him in all His glory on the day I go home to meet Him face to face. What greater reality is there than that – to be loved by God and kept by Jesus Christ? God loves me and Jesus keeps me – wow!
I needed that today. I need that everyday but today is all I have and I needed to be reminded today that God loves me and Jesus Christ keeps me. When I go to work in an hour and fifteen, I’ll remember that the way Jude viewed himself is the way I am to view myself: loved by God and kept by Jesus Christ.
Father God,
Amen! Help me today to recognize the reality that You love me and Jesus Christ keeps me. I am so afraid of my one potential and so assured in my other. Chisel it, set it deep in my soul – I am loved by God and kept by Jesus. Amen.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Life is Hard
7.1.2011
Isaiah 2:5 5 Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. NIV
A friend of mine posted this on Facebook last night: Reading blogs and emails from hurting people leads me to reduce my theology to: Life is hard. God is beautiful. It's all I know for sure. Maybe what we need right now is a good oversimplification.
It’s that time of the year for me to spend time in the prophetic portions of the Bible. Each year from the end of June to about the middle of October my reading takes me through the collapse of Israel (the ten northern tribes) and Judah (including Benjamin). Each year I am re-reminded of the chaos of choosing one’s own way apart from God. It is sad and it is true but like my friend’s post it isn’t without hope; through it all God is there for His people.
I also had this happen last night: I went to bed with this thought on my mind: look for the light. And then I read this verse in Isaiah 2: Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. Truth was, the house of Jacob was doing everything but walking in the light of the Lord. Truth was, life was hard because the 'kings thing' wasn’t working out, the nation had forsaken God for the most part, and they had adopted false gods.
Isaiah’s statement is both helpful and hopeful; let us walk in the light of the Lord is corrective: why walk in darkness when we can walk in the light of the Lord? Let us walk in the light of the Lord is also hopeful and encouraging – there’s a better way, a lasting way; a perfect way. Life is hard, but it’s hard for a reason and it’s not forever. The hardness of life will cause us to look for light – or at least it should. My friend’s comments are so true: life is hard… but. But, God is beautiful! Let’s never forget that. Israel! Life is hard but there is the hope of repentance if we but seek God and turn from our stupidity and self-inflicted blindness! And if ever there was an answer it is this: when times are hard and life is tough stay in the Light – and that is enough. Oversimplified? Perhaps. But it was good enough for Isaiah to tell his nation and it’s good enough for God to tell us…
Father in Heaven,
You are Light and You are Life. May I walk in the Light as You are in the Light that we may have fellowship together and the blood of Christ will purify me from complaining about my circumstances and cause me to trust in You! I’m walking in Sunshine! Amen.
Isaiah 2:5 5 Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. NIV
A friend of mine posted this on Facebook last night: Reading blogs and emails from hurting people leads me to reduce my theology to: Life is hard. God is beautiful. It's all I know for sure. Maybe what we need right now is a good oversimplification.
It’s that time of the year for me to spend time in the prophetic portions of the Bible. Each year from the end of June to about the middle of October my reading takes me through the collapse of Israel (the ten northern tribes) and Judah (including Benjamin). Each year I am re-reminded of the chaos of choosing one’s own way apart from God. It is sad and it is true but like my friend’s post it isn’t without hope; through it all God is there for His people.
I also had this happen last night: I went to bed with this thought on my mind: look for the light. And then I read this verse in Isaiah 2: Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. Truth was, the house of Jacob was doing everything but walking in the light of the Lord. Truth was, life was hard because the 'kings thing' wasn’t working out, the nation had forsaken God for the most part, and they had adopted false gods.
Isaiah’s statement is both helpful and hopeful; let us walk in the light of the Lord is corrective: why walk in darkness when we can walk in the light of the Lord? Let us walk in the light of the Lord is also hopeful and encouraging – there’s a better way, a lasting way; a perfect way. Life is hard, but it’s hard for a reason and it’s not forever. The hardness of life will cause us to look for light – or at least it should. My friend’s comments are so true: life is hard… but. But, God is beautiful! Let’s never forget that. Israel! Life is hard but there is the hope of repentance if we but seek God and turn from our stupidity and self-inflicted blindness! And if ever there was an answer it is this: when times are hard and life is tough stay in the Light – and that is enough. Oversimplified? Perhaps. But it was good enough for Isaiah to tell his nation and it’s good enough for God to tell us…
Father in Heaven,
You are Light and You are Life. May I walk in the Light as You are in the Light that we may have fellowship together and the blood of Christ will purify me from complaining about my circumstances and cause me to trust in You! I’m walking in Sunshine! Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)