Shane Segars

Are you already off pace in reading through the Bible in a year?

2011-01-05T07:31:00.000-08:00

I'm reading through the Bible this year with my church. We are using the One Year Bible that you can buy at any book store or Amazon. You can also sign up for the reading plan on YouVersion here.

If you are reading through the Bible this year, you might want to check this out first- just for laughs.

This is a post by Jon Acuff- Already being behind on your read through the Bible in a year plan.

Enjoy

An Improbable baby and an Impossible Baby

2010-12-15T06:55:00.000-08:00

Today I am on the 15th day of the Rediscovering the Christmas Season reading plan by YouVersion (you can sign up for it here). Today's theme is about God doing the impossible. The reading was Luke 1 and Jeremiah 32:17, which says, "Oh, Lord God! You Yourself made the heavens and earth by Your great power and with Your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for you!"

Luke 1 tells the story of the arrival of an "improbable baby (John the Baptist)" and the announcement of "an impossible baby (Jesus)." These two acts set the stage for God to do the impossible- making sinful humanity right with a Holy God. The truth is- it is only impossible for us to achieve. We could never make ourselves right with God; however, this is more than possible for God- it is accomplished through the life and death of Jesus Christ.

Luke 1:17 caught my attention this morning. The angel, Gabriel, says that John the Baptist "will go before [Jesus] in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people."

I always pick up on the turning of disobedient people to the understanding of the righteous. I get that...isn't that what God wants to do? He wants to reach sinful people and make them righteous. However, I totally missed the other emphasis in this passage.

God's Spirit not only draws disobedient people to Himself, His Spirit also works in the heart of fathers [parents], I believe both physical and spiritual parents, to their children (again these can be both physical and spiritual).

What this means is that God's Spirit becomes active in the heart of spiritually mature people in order to raise up children, i.e. disciples. The passage says that these fathers "make ready for the Lord a prepared people."

God's Spirit not only goes after the those far from God to draw them back to Himself; He also stirs the heart of the spiritually mature to develop the spiritual children. The Spirit will not rest with just people coming to God. No His work is not finished until they become a prepared people for the Lord.

Jesus, please empower me to raise up for You a prepared people.

I Refuse

2010-12-13T07:58:00.000-08:00

On Sunday (Dec. 12), we sang a new song, I Refuse, in our worship service. It is a different kind of song for us to sing in a worship setting- it doesn't focus on the character or deeds of God, but it is a song to God. A song that expresses our desires to be more than what we are...to do more than what we have done. I think it is a true expression of worship because it says, "God, you are worth more than the easy path or my comfort."

Josh Wilson, the writer of I Refuse, tells why he wrote the song here. I love that he realizes that he can't do everything, but he refuses to do nothing. I want to live that way as well. You can listen to the whole song here. I included the lyrics below.

Sometimes I,
I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone’s alright
When I know they’re not.
This world needs God
But it’s easier to stand and watch.
I could pray a prayer and just move on
Like nothing’s wrong.

But I refuse.

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care.
I don’t want to say another empty prayer.
Oh, I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself.
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse.

I can hear the least of these
Crying out so desperately,
And I know we are the hands and feet
Of you, oh God.
So, if you say move,
Then it’s time for me to follow through,
And do what I was made to do.
Show them who you are.

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care.
I don’t want to say another empty prayer.
Oh, I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself.
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse.

To stand and watch
The weary and lost
Cry out for help.
I refuse
To turn my back
And try and act like all is well.
I refuse
To stay unchanged,
To wait another day,
To die to myself.
I refuse
To make one more excuse.

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care.
I don’t want to say another empty prayer.
Oh, I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself.
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse.

Jesus, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else to do what You have called me to do myself.

Gifts I have already received for Christmas

2010-12-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

Obviously the Christmas season is heating up. Trees are up and decorated, lights are turning neighborhoods into Clark Griswold wannabes, and shopping for gifts has gone into high gear.

I've been doing a lot of thinking about gifts lately. What do I get for my wife...my boys...my family? Then I've had to give ideas about what I want for Christmas to my family. It is hard to determine what exactly you need (or want) when there isn't a whole lot you really need. It sure makes gift giving more challenging when you are trying to find something special.

Anyway, 1 John 5:18-21 put a new perspective on gifts for me. As I was reading these verses, I was reminded of some incredible gifts that God has given me through Jesus. These are truly special gifts- gifts that I both need and want:

-He has given me freedom from the power of sin ("We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin")

-He has given me safety and security in my relationship with Christ ("the One (Christ) born of God keeps him (the believer) safe")

-He has given me protection from Satan ("and the evil one cannot harm him (the believer)")

-He has given me assurance and eternal security ("We know that we are children of God")

-He has delivered me from the control of the evil one ("and the whole world (which no longer defines a believer) is under the control of the evil one")

-He has given me understanding about Him and His will ("We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true")

-He has given us a relationship with God and eternal life ("And we are in Him who is true- in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life")

Those are some incredible gifts. I encourage you to share the gift of Jesus with others this year at Christmas. He gives the gifts that everyone needs.

Jesus, thank you for these gifts. Gifts that were beyond my ability to obtain on my own, but gifts that you freely give to all who believe.

A Bible Reading Plan for Christmas

2010-12-02T08:14:00.000-08:00

The other day I started a 25 day reading plan called Rediscovering The Christmas Season. It is available at YouVersion.com. It is 25 daily readings focused on keeping Jesus at the center of the Christmas season. It has a daily reading and some additional questions to encourage reflection.

I put the plan below but I really encourage you to go to youversion.com and sign up for a free account. It’s a wonderful tool I think you’ll love.

If you don't want to sign up for it on your mobile phone or device, I encourage you to read along with the plan anyway. Below are the 25 days and their reading. It is not too late to start.

Dec 1: Luke 2:21-40

Dec 2: Matthew 1

Dec 3: Luke 2:1-20

Dec 4: Mark 9:33-37

Dec 5: Matthew 4:12-17, Isaiah 9:1-3, Matt 5:14-16

Dec 6: Acts 20:35, 1 John 4:10

Dec 7: Exodus 25

Dec 8: Matthew 25:31-46

Dec 9: Isaiah 9:6-7, Revelation 19:1-16, 1 Timothy 6:11-16

Dec 10: Matthew 1:22-23, Isaiah 7:10-15, John 1:14

Dec 11: Genesis 1, Isaiah 1:18, Psalm 51:1-10

Dec 12: Revelation 2:1-5, 1 John 3:1-3

Dec 13: Psalm 150

Dec 14: Acts 15:22-31

Dec 15: Luke 1, Jeremiah 32:17

Dec 16: Matthew 2:1-12

Dec 17: Galatians 4:1-7

Dec 18:Isaiah 58, Matthew 6:16-18

Dec 19: Luke 11:1-13

Dec 20: John 1

Dec 21: John 21:25

Dec 22: Psalm 100

Dec 23: Matthew 25

Dec 24: John 3:16

Dec 25: Luke 1:26-56, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-40

What does God say about eternal life

2010-11-30T07:18:00.000-08:00

Today I was meditating on 1 John 5:6-12. It is one of those passages that seems confusing at first, but at second glance, it is pretty simple.

The main truth John is sharing is that God has given us eternal life, and that eternal life is only found in Jesus, His Son. (verses 11-12)

So many are trying to find real life...something beyond just the day to day existence that they are experiencing. People want life that is full, overflowing. A life that has purpose and meaning. However, John is clear that this type of life is found only in Jesus. It is not found in our jobs, our stuff, our conquests, or our relationships. Life is found only in Jesus. The One who is life.

John not only tells us where true life is found, he also gives a description of this life. He calls it eternal. Most people read eternal, but their minds substitute "everlasting." We miss the point of John's writing if we think quantity when John is writing about quality.

When John uses the word eternal, he takes the discussion about life to a new realm. Think about it? Who alone is eternal? God. Eternal can be used to describe no other but God. God alone has always existed. People were created. You and I have a definite beginning, but God has just always been. John is talking about you and I being able to experience a quality of life- the very life of God within us. The Eternal One gives us His Life through Jesus.

This was the type of life that was intended all along. This was the type of life Adam and Eve experienced before the Fall and the death that sin brought to all.

Not only is John saying that we have this life through Jesus, but he says it is the testimony of God. A testimony is a truthful statement. We give sworn testimonies in court, where we promise to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Human testimonies can sometimes lack honesty; however, God's never does. He can't lie. He always tells the truth. He is truth.

The confusing part is the beginning of this section. He talks about three that testify- the water, the blood, and the Spirit. What does John mean by the water, the blood, and the Spirit testifying?

I'll start first with the Spirit. John's point in his writings (his Gospel and letters) is that it is impossible for a person to acknowledge Jesus is God without the Spirit. Part of the Holy Spirit's responsibilities is to reveal, draw, and convict sinful people that Jesus is God. He says plainly that no one can claim Jesus is God apart from the Holy Spirit. That is what I believe the testimony of the Spirit is.

The water and the blood are a little more cryptic. In fact, Bible scholars and theologians have many opinions on what each phrase exactly means. In my humble opinion, John is referring to two events in Jesus' life that reveal He is the Son of God. The water, I believe, points to Jesus' baptism. In John's Gospel he writes that John the Baptist gave this testimony about Jesus' baptism:

Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”(John 1:32-34)

The blood points to Jesus' death. John writes about his own testimony concerning Jesus' death:

But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.” (John 19:33-37)

John's point in writing His Gospel is that we believe that Jesus is the Son of God and receive life through Him. John's point in writing 1 John is assurance. He wants you to know- not hope or guess- that you have eternal life.

It is pretty simple- if you have Jesus, you have life, but if you don't have Jesus, you don't have life. That is God's testimony...and it is the Truth!

A cycle of love, trust, and obedience

2010-11-22T08:15:00.000-08:00

I was just meditating on 1 John 5:1-5 this morning. I am always captivated by the interconnectedness that John develops. He has a way of showing that by doing one thing, you are simultaneously doing another as well. For instance, if I love Jesus then I am loving the Father as well. If I am loving God then I am loving others.

John even digs deeper into this interconnectedness by showing that it is not just the "whats" but the "hows" that are connected as well. For instance, the "what" is loving God and others. John has already shown that those two things are connected. He says over and over again that a person cannot love God and not love others; or the inverse, a person who loves God loves others. You can't have one without the other.

John now shows the "hows" of that connectedness. How do I love God? John says, "This is love for God: to obey His commands" (1 John 5:3). John also says, "This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commandments" (1 John 5:2). Do you see it? John shows how we love God and others- it is by obeying God's commandments.

I want to make it clear- obeying God's commands does not earn us anything. John shows that obedience is the clearest demonstration of our faith. It works itself out like this: God loves us, so we love him back. Love drives out all fear. Since I have no fear, I can trust him completely. Since I can (and do) trust Him completely, I can obey Him without question. I can obey Him without question because I know that He loves me unconditionally.

It is a cycle of love, trust, and obedience that builds upon itself. The more I know that God loves me, the more I love Him and trust Him. The more I trust Him, the more obedient I become. The more obedient I am, the more I realize that His commands are God's way to demonstrate His love for me (because His commands are always to provide and protect me).

Finally, John says that God's commands are not burdensome. In fact, they are God's directions in how we overcome the world (the broken system of how people relate to each other based upon their own selfish desires). In my opinion, John is saying that our only hope of overcoming the world is entering into the cycle of love, trust, and obedience to Jesus Christ.

What do you think?

Jesus, thank you for bringing me into this ever increasing cycle of love, trust, and obedience to You that leads me to overcome the world and my own selfishness.

In the words of Karl Barth...

2010-11-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

I was reading 1 John 4:7-21 this morning and thinking about John's words.

It is the simplicity of his message that continues to capture my attention. John keeps going back to what he has heard from the beginning- "Love one another."

It is like the story of the famous theologian, Karl Barth. Barth wrote volumes about complex ideas and theology, some of which were over the heads of his students. One student asked if he (Barth) could sum up his theology in a sentence. Barth responded with a line from a child's Sunday School song, "Yes. Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me so."

In my mind this is what John does for me. I know that he could have written words that are beyond my comprehension, but he doesn't. He writes words that I can understand. Words that challenge me to the core- not because I don't understand them, but because I do understand them.

He simply says- Love one another. Love like God loves you. We know what love is because God showed us love by dying for us. He loved us like this even when we didn't love Him. He did this because He is love. If we know God than we know His love. Now we must show this same kind of love to others- even if they don't deserve it. That is how we are made complete.

I can't say there is one thing in that paragraph that I don't understand. It truly is simple...meaning plain, easy to comprehend. However, it is not simple to do. I still struggle to love others not based on what they deserve. Thank God, He is still making me complete (perfect/mature) in love...and it all comes from His love for me. Not something I need to muster up in my own strength or resources. I am learning to be a channel that lets His love for me flow through me to others.

Jesus, Please keep reminding me of your love. Let your love continue to flow through me for your glory.

Parenting Teenagers

2010-11-16T05:33:00.000-08:00

How would you finish this statement:

Parenting teenagers is...

I'm sure the answers would cover a broad range to say the least. Some would be comical and some would be discouraging. I'm finding that parenting a teenager is extremely challenging- and we have a great one! Jenelle and I are constantly learning, talking, and trying to help each other on this journey.

One of the best ways we can learn is by learning from those who have gone before us. Reggie Joiner is someone I look to for wisdom, perspective, and encouragement.

I thought I would share one of his articles today.

Time flies fast from elementary to college age, so get ready to change your parenting habits. Every child seems to move in warp speed toward the teenage years.

I was caught by surprise when a new declaration of personal independence was automatically assumed the day my son got his driver’s license. It was as though I represented an oppressive and extremely unfair regime whenever I tried to enforce any rule. (Whenever I said no to one of my teenage daughters, she would go to her bedroom, close the door and play Britney Spears’ “Overprotected” over and over again for over an hour, loud enough for me and the whole house to hear.) I have to admit, it was difficult for me to transition from parenting children to parenting teenagers. I had worked with teenagers all of my life, but I had never actually had any living in my home. I am still a recovering parent of teens, but here are a few things I have recognized about this chapter of parenting:

You can go here to read the rest of his article.

I hope this helps you on your parenting journey.

How do you know if a person speaks for God?

2010-11-14T16:13:00.000-08:00

Today I read and thought about how 1 John 4:1-6 applies to my life. The big take away from the passage for me is "don't believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit," or in other words, everyone who claims to speak for and by God doesn't.

This is good counsel for me. I'm a pretty trusting person. I also am a discerning person, so if someone says something that doesn't sound right- I usually pick up on it. However, if someone says something or asks for something, my first response is to trust that they are genuine.

John says that church needs to be very discerning about those who claim to speak for God. His criteria is pretty simple- what does the person claim about Jesus? If they don't acknowledge the truth about Jesus, then that person is not from God.

I would also add that a person claiming to speak for God should not contradict what God has clearly said in the Bible. I have had many people say to me, "God said to do _______," but I know that God has clearly said, "Not to do ________" in the Bible. God does not say to do something that He has clearly forbidden somewhere else.

I think one of the great things about being a Christian is that God does speak to His children through the Bible and other Christians. I am glad God wants to reveal things to us. However, we must be willing to test the messengers. Jesus said that there would be many false teachers seeking to lead us astray, so be careful about who you listen to.

Do they acknowledge who Jesus is? Do they stay true to what God has already revealed in the Bible? Then listen to them. However, if they do not acknowledge the truth about Jesus and they contradict other parts of the Bible, then tell them to take a hike.

Jesus, thank you for speaking to us. Give us wisdom in discerning Your messengers and Your messages.

You can know for certain

2010-11-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

Today I read and reflected on 1 John 3:20-24.

John has a way of summing things up that are clear and simple. Maybe that is why I love John's writings...they are just so plain. You have to work at making his message complicated because it is not.

For example, John again summarizes Jesus' commandments in 1 John 3:23. This is important because John has already said, "And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments." (1 Jn.2:3)

So try to run this through the clarity test: We can be what? Sure. John is dealing with people's fundamental need to be certain or secure in their relationship with Christ. John says clearly that a person can know for sure if they know (are in a relationship) with Christ. I have spent many, many hours in my life helping people to nail that fact down- can they know that they know that they are truly in a secure relationship with Christ.

I have to admit many people start from a position of confusion on this issue, but John brings clarity right away. He says the proof is in the pudding so to speak- you can know for sure if you see the evidence in your life. What is the evidence? Obedience to Jesus. It is hard to follow someone that you are continually doing the opposite of what He does or says.

This leads people to ask the question, "What are Jesus' commands?" They want to be certain; they know that being sure is based upon obedience to His commands, so naturally, they want to know the commands.

John says this is simple as well. God's commands are "We must believe in Jesus and love one another." (1 Jn.3:23) Obeying God's commandments keep us in fellowship with Him. That means it keeps us together. So if you don't trust in Jesus for salvation and leadership of your life...and you don't love others- guess what? You are not with God. Why? Because is Jesus is God and God is love. So without Jesus and love, you can't be in fellowship with God.

That comes straight from John, one of Jesus' closest followers. I'm pretty sure he knows what it takes to follow God.

Then John says, "And we know that He lives in us because the Spirit He gave us lives in us." This is what truly makes all of this possible. Jesus lives inside of us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit changes us from the inside out. The commands of Jesus' are no longer burdensome rules and standards, but they become inner desires. The true Christian doesn't just have to trust Jesus and love others, the true Christian wants to trust Jesus and love others. The Holy Spirit gives us new desires that want nothing more than to express the life of Jesus through our own lives.

That is what Paul was saying when he wrote, "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him." (Philippians 2:13)

Jesus, thank you for making all of this possible. Thanking you for giving us Your Spirit, which allows us to live like you which gives us security.

25 Statements of Jesus that will change your life

2010-11-08T07:21:00.000-08:00

I've been reading and thinking about 1 John lately. Today, however, I want to pass on something I read from another pastor, Ron Edmondson. He is a great pastor and leader. Ron writes a great blog called Graced Again. You can check out Ron's blog at www.ronedmondson.com.

Last month he wrote about 25 statements of Jesus that will change your life. I thought I should share them with you. I hope you are encouraged and challenged by these statements as I was.

“Take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37)

“Go and learn what this means ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice’” (Matthew 9:13)

“Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven” (Matthew 9:2)

“Ask and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7)

“If the Son has set you free you are free indeed” (John 8:36)

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30)

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

“You are the light of the world” (Matthew 6:14)

“Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5)

“The greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)

“Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:31)

“I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:7)

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

“If you love me you will obey what I command” (John 14:15)

“Your give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37)

“A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit” (Matthew 7:18)

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8)

“This people honors me with their lips but their heart is far from me.” (Mark 7:6)

“You will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8)

“Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink…” (Matthew 6:25)

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do to them” (Matthew 7:12)

“I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

“This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” (John 6:29)

“It is finished.” (John 19:30)

Ron writes, "I realize some of these can be misunderstood if out of context, but the fact remains these are things Jesus said and He is Truth, so every word has life-changing value. I wonder, if we really understood the magnitude of these words of Jesus and believed them, would it change the way we lived our life?"

Which of these do you most need to apply to your life today?

There are many others…what would you add?

Love is not a word but an action

2010-11-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

Today I am reflecting on 1 John 3:11-19. There is so much in chapter 3.

Have you ever met someone who is just black and white about everything? That is how John comes across. The book is full of you're either in the light or in the darkness...you either accept the truth or you are a liar...you either are a "lover" or a "hater"...you are either a Christian or an antichrist...you either belong to God or to the devil.

John is trying to make clear there is no middle ground. However, most people struggle with such sharp distinctions. They wonder if there is any gray area...or they wrestle with the fact that life doesn't seem as cut and dried as John's descriptions.

Hasn't that been your experience? I know many people who would say, "I might not love that person, but I don't hate them," or "I might not be close to God, but I am not an antichrist and I don't see myself as belonging to the devil."

So John gives us a way to talk about these distinctions practically. He tells us this is how we know if we have passed from death to life...from darkness to the light...from lies to the truth...from the devil to God, he says we know we have crossed over when we love one another.

That's it. Love is the proof. John writes, "If we love our brothers, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead." (1 John 3:14)

Our words and desires don't prove that we are followers of Christ. It is our actions that prove we are followers of Christ. John warns us about letting our words be the only proof, he says, "let's not merely say we love each other..."

Instead, he wants us to show/prove our love through our actions, which are tangible. It is not easy to show love according to John. He says our example is Jesus, who gave up his life (by the way, He gave His life up for His enemies not just the people He liked or liked Him). John also goes right to the wallet/pocket book, he asks how the love of God can be in someone who has enough money to meet the needs of others but shows no compassion?

This is where love gets tricky. Love is not always convenient or easy. It is hard to sacrifice for the good of others. It is not easy to give away our precious time or our hard earned money (or some other expression of love). But John is not writing about what is easy. He is writing about what is or isn't. And he says you know that you are a child of God when you love (in action) others- all others.

Who are you loving today? How are you going to show your love?

Jesus, thank you for loving us. Help me to love like You.

How do we know if we are children of God?

2010-10-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

Today I was reflecting on 1 John 3:1-10. Here are some of the big ideas...

...The love of the Father,

...We are God's children,

...Keep themselves pure, just as He is pure,

...Jesus came to take away our sins,

...The Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.

These are some of the ideas and phrases that fill the first part of chapter 3. Each thought is so much to take in.

Do I really comprehend the love of the Father for me?

Do I understand that I am God's child? How does that influence the way I interact with God?

How pure and undefiled is God? How do I pursue purity in my life?

Do I take for granted that Jesus took away my sins?

How do I participate in destroying the works of the devil?

It is like John rolls out one mind-boggling truth after another. And then he gives this proof test. It is like he asks the question, "How do you know who is a child of God and who isn't?" He tells us this is an important question, one that we should not be deceived about. John says it is not an issue of words or how we label ourselves. You can call yourself many things, but if you want to be a child of God, it is not a matter of just saying you are one.

Listen to his words, "Those who have been born into God's family do not make it a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love his brother does not belong to God."

Pretty straightforward. How about the options? Not a lot of middle ground...actually, no middle ground- you are either a child of God or a child of the devil. That probably ruffles a lot of feathers.

So how do we know if a person is a child of God? John tells us they don't keep sinning but they live a righteous life. That is the fruit or proof of being a child of God. But that is not how you become a child of God.

John teaches us, "But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:12)

So, faith is what makes us children of God, and fruit is what proves that we have believed/received/accepted.

Jesus, thank you for giving me the right to be child of God. Change me so that I have a family resemblance.

"Remain in fellowship with Christ"

2010-10-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

This morning I'm reflecting on 1 John 2:18-29.

Today I encountered the antichrist distraction. It is hard to read this passage and not become focused on that term. It is loaded with so much theological meaning, emotional impact, and speculation that the term seems to jump off the page, screaming "Beware, beware- the Antichrist!"

Ok, maybe I'm overdoing it a little, but I would be lying if I didn't say that my first run through this portion left me focused on the antichrists that John refers to. However, the more I meditated on this passage, the more I saw John's main point is not to identify antichrists, but to encourage us to remain in fellowship with Christ.

In fact, I realized John sets up a contrast between those who left (denied, were deceived, or led astray) the faith -those John terms antichrists, and those who stayed (remain faithful, acknowledge, know the truth). John says in verese 26, "I am writing these things to warn you about those who want to lead you astray."

John's fear is that we will not remain in fellowship with Christ. That phrase, "remain in fellowship with Christ," is used three times in this short passage. The repetition is a means to draw our attention to what is really important- remaining.

John says, "remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning." I think this is so key. Sometimes we believe that we learn some introductory material about Christianity, and then we move on to the really heavy and deep things that produce real maturity. But that is not the case. John says remain faithful (hold onto and keep doing) to what you learned from the beginning. You don't move onto other things; instead, your whole life is geared around doing the things you learned from the beginning.

So I asked myself what are the things that would cause me to fall out of fellowship with Christ?
Based on 1 John, I would answer that question with three things: sin, lies, and refusing to love others.

John says in 3:6 (and many other places), "Anyone who continues to live in Him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know Him or understand who He is." Living in sin keeps us from remaining in fellowship with Christ...how can we be in fellowship with someone we don't know or understand?

Lies cause us believe something besides the truth. Lies are the Devil's favorite weapon to lead us astray from fellowship with Christ, so John writes much about lies, lying, and liars in this short book. He warns that us that we can lie to ourselves (1John1:6,8,10), or that we can be lied to by others (2:20-23 and 2:26-27).

In 2:9 John writes, "If anyone claims, 'I'm living in the light' but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness." Refusing to loves others is a proof that we are not in fellowship with Christ, who is love and teaches us how to love. John is clear- we can't be in fellowship with the One is love if we are not loving others. Listen to 1 John 3:14, "If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead." It is not possible to have fellowship with the One is life if you are still dead.

Cravings are never satisfied only intensified

2010-10-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

Reflecting on 1 John 2:15-17 this morning.

John writes, "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you." (1 John 2:15)

John helps me to see that there are two sources that I can draw from- God or the world (the disordered system that resulted from sin). It makes me think of Adam and Eve in the Garden. They had a decision- do they get their life from God or do they live without God. Unfortunately, they chose to live without God...they believed the lie that they could become like God by themselves...and the world was cursed. It became disordered. Things got turned upside down. Instead of God being at the center, we placed ourselves at the center.

I look at verse 16 and realize how shallow the offerings of the world are..."craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions."

These things make me feel like we settled for living like an animal...we are driven after what brings us pleasure, or what we can see at the expense of things that are truly important and eternal. Some how we have lost all self-control with these things. Our cravings don't become satisfied when we feed them. No, our cravings for these things only become intensified...to the point where we don't control our cravings but they control us.

Then there is the pride in our achievements and possessions. Can you believe we choose to live for our pathetic glory? We pour our whole life into what we can accomplish for ourselves and what we can possess, and yet, it results in nothing that really lasts. No one will remember our accomplishments after we die. Our possessions don't last. Sure we can give them to others, but the day will come when the things we invested our life in will find themselves on the junk pile- broken, wasted away, unwanted.

I feel the challenge to live for those things, and I have to admit, in the heat of the moment it is hard not to respond to those cravings. Yet sitting here with my Bible, seeking perspective, it seems so obvious. How foolish it is to pursue the things of this world. Those things will destroy me. It is not that God did not create pleasure, or give us a desire to accomplish great things. No those things came from God, but when we take God out the picture, those things become to much for us and destroy us.

It makes me think of a child who is being taught to drive or hunt or how develop relationships. All of these things are good, when enjoyed responsibly. However, each of these things can be destructive if not engaged in properly. Usually, a parent- or guardian of some type- will lead the child through the process of learning these things. Through the love and wisdom of the parent, the child can experience these things in a healthy way.

However, when we choose the love of the world, we are doing it without the love of the Father. We don't allow God to be there with us, guiding and teaching us. We do it alone. We rush headlong into the cravings, and they overpower us.

That is why I develop disciplines in my life like fasting, simplicity, and service. These are the exercises that help me to develop the "muscle" in my life to say no to my cravings and my pride.

How am I going to say no to cravings if I have not denied them through fasting? How am I going to deny the craving to acquire all the cool stuff I see unless I orient my life around the practice of just having what I need? How I am going to reduce pride in my life unless I submit myself to the needs of others?

Sitting here I can say God is enough. In fact, He is more than enough. John reminds me that "this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." (1 John 2:17)

See...He is more than enough. Living for our cravings is a life that fades away. Living in the love of the Father gives eternal life.

You don't move on from this...

2010-10-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

Today I am reflecting on 1 John 2:7-11.

"Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before." 1 John 2:7

I think John knows something that we forget. Christianity is not about learning deeper and deeper things. It is about loving in deeper and deeper ways.

I think about all the things John could have written about in this letter. John, the last of the original 12, survived at least 60 plus years after Jesus' death. In that time John gained experience, wisdom, and spiritual maturity that most of us can only dream about. I'm sure he had unique insight into some of the greatest mysteries we encounter in our lives.

But as I read this letter, I notice that John has a fierce determination to hold something front and center that most believers think is a starting place- loving one another. Many people start there, but as time goes on they want to understand Revelation or to systematize every area of their faith (or something deeper). I think it is good to gain more knowledge, but not as an end to itself.

John's letter helps me to remember Christianity is a life to be lived and not just a subject to be studied. John is saying to me...there is nothing more to move on to...this is it...this is what Jesus was all about...I'll never forget it...I won't let it get squeezed out of my life and faith... "love one another."

Jesus, may your love be brought to full expression in me.

"I am writing this to you so that you will not sin."

2010-10-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

Today I am reflecting on 1 John 2:1-6.

John says, "My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin." Pretty clear, huh? John, the "Beloved disciple" and a loving spiritual father to the members of Jesus' church, wants God's children to stop sinning.

It doesn't seem like a suggestion...or that John is soft selling it like, "You know believers, I was kind of thinking you might not want to play around with sin." He just says, "I don't want you sinning."

Why? Just from what John has written in 16 verses so far, here is what I see:
-You destroy your fellowship with Jesus and the Father. (1:5-6)
-You ruin your fellowship with other believers. (1:7)
-You disrupt the on-going "cleansing" process from sin that Jesus accomplishes in us through His blood. (1:7-9)
-It makes you question how sure your relationship with Christ is. (2:3)
-You deny your love for Christ. (2:5)

Considering those consequences, why would we hold on to our sin?

But, I also realize I need to shift my attention a little bit here. Sin is bad. It has horrible consequences, but are the negative reasons enough for me (and you) to stop sinning? Maybe-maybe not.

John helps us out here as well. Instead of making it just an issue of hating sin, he makes it an issue of loving God. Loving something more always helps me to choose what I love over something else. I love my wife so I choose her over others. I love steak, so I choose that over other options (when I get a choice). The list can go on and on.

John says obedience to God (the opposite of sinning) is a demonstration of our love for God. Do we choose Him and His ways or something else?

Jesus, help me to love you more.

Can't have both light and darkness

2010-10-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

Today I'm looking at 1 John 1:5-10.

I love the book of 1 John because it was written by someone who actually was a disciple of Jesus. John was with Jesus throughout His whole earthly ministry. He had a unique access to God. I also appreciate the fact that John lived a long life as a committed follower after the death of Jesus.

John introduces the concepts of light and darkness. He says, "God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all." He then says that if we are in the darkness there is no way that we can have fellowship with God. That would make us liars- to claim to walk with God (in the light) yet to be practicing sin (darkness).

This puts us in a pretty difficult spot, because John claims that within all of us is sin (darkness). So how do we fellowship with God if we have darkness or the potential for darkness within us?

He gives us two options:
1. He says that we can claim we have no sin or claim that we have not sinned. This is not a good option. In fact, he says this makes us a liar and causes us to accuse God of being a liar. So while many might claim option one- that they haven't sinned- they are wasting their time. So option one is not a good one.

2. John gives us a second option. He says in order for you to walk with God everyday (and with other believers) we need to confess our sins. That means we need bring our sins into the light. We can't hide them from God or try to hide them from others. We need to bring them into the open, call them sin, and turn away from them.

When we confess our sins, John says that God cleanses us from all wickedness. It is that cleansing that allows us to have fellowship with God and others. His blood removes the darkness and ushers in the light.

So what is keeping you in darkness? John says we all have it, but we can confess it. We can bring it out in the light so we can be forgiven and cleansed. Fellowship with God does not require lives of sinlessness, but it does require me (and you) to be completely honest with ourselves, others, and God. It does mean that we should not create facades or hide behind a mask of hypocrisy. We must bring our sins to God, confess that they are of the darkness, and turn away from them. Then and only then, will we be walking in the light (where there is no darkness at all).

Jesus, thank You for being so faithful and just to forgive my sins when I confess them to You.

After all these years, John still has it

2010-10-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

I began reading one of my favorite books today- I John. (I need to remind myself that I'm not trying to teach this book in my blog, I am trying to hear from God and see Jesus more clearly.)

Since 1 John is a short book, I'm going to read all five chapters everyday (since I believe the best way to read Scripture is in context and repetitively) but I will only record my response of smaller portions (i.e. not a chapter a day). I am asking God to help me read with clear eyes and an open heart...to let His Spirit impart these well-known words with renewed freshness.

As I read the first four verses, I was challenged by John's passion for his readers to know Jesus- not to just know facts about Him but to really know and engage the living Jesus. I have been a Christian for 30 years now (the last 20 really embracing Him as not just my Savior but my Lord and life as well), and there are times that my passion for others to know Christ is very high but it never quite gets to the level it was at when I was a college student. I just wanted people to know Jesus above all else. It is strange that sometimes full-time ministry can distract you from that passion. It is not that you don't want people to know Jesus, it's just these other "ministerial" priorities kind of distract you and syphon off that passion.

However, this letter from John is written at least 60 years after Jesus' death, and I can still hear John's passion. If anything, it seems his passion has grown over the years. After 60 years John is not talking about church policies, programs, or arguing about theological positions, he is proclaiming Jesus. For John, it is still all about having a relationship and enjoying the continual fellowship of Jesus. Jesus has not been displaced as the passion of his heart after all these years.

And if I knew Jesus like John did, I don't believe He would be displaced in my life either. How could anything compare with Jesus- especially stuff about Jesus but that is not Jesus- do you know what I mean?

John's passion to proclaim Jesus, the One who is Life...the One they saw and touched...the One who has always existed, can't be overshadowed by anything. Nothing but Jesus brought John joy, and he wants everyone to experience that joy. A joy that doesn't seem to have faded in the least bit over a lifetime. In fact, his joy seems to have grown more intense over a long time.

I find it strange how I can let anything ever eclipse the wonder of knowing Jesus. I think there have been many times I have let Christian things encroach upon the place that only Jesus should have. I have let the drive to accomplish things for God or a desire to build His church at times to squelch the joy of knowing (walking with, living in, etc) Him.

It is clear that the source of my joy can only be in my fellowship with Jesus- that is living life with Jesus. I love the fact that John uses the word "fully share," because I might be able to get a small glimpse or taste but still miss out on the fullness of enjoying Him. I think the only way to see my passion for Jesus grow, to the point that it will be greater 30 years from now, is to fully engage Jesus now. And to not let other things slowly crowd Him out. That is definitely the path to emptiness. Fullness of joy is eroded by not one big step but by years of allowing little things to displace Him until I or you are left empty.

Jesus, I want to fully share that joy of experiencing You each day more and more in my life.

So many illusions...

2010-10-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

I finished the book of Acts today. It makes me marvel at the sovereignty of God.

Yesterday I mentioned that Paul's life was so dramatic that reading about it is enough to make me have a nervous breakdown at times. I can't imagine all the ups and downs, twists and turns that his life took. It made me realize that I haven't let go of the illusion that I am some how in control of my life at times. I believe I have surrendered everything in my life (my family, my gifts, my resources, my time, etc), until something touches one of those areas. For example, I think I have surrendered my time until I realize how aggravated I can get when my planned schedule is interrupted.

Maybe I am not as surrendered as I thought? I read this last chapter of Acts...Paul and everyone on board miraculously survives a nightmarish storm and shipwreck. Paul then narrowly escapes death from the prison guards, who think it is better to kill the prisoners than have them escape, by the intervention of the Roman centurion.

Once everyone is on shore, the people of Malta, where they washed ashore, showed an "unusual kindness" to everyone. They built a fire to keep them warm; they brought them in from the rain, etc. Paul, always the servant, helps to build the fire- when wouldn't you know it- he gets bit by a venomous viper. I think hasn't Paul had enough?

The people believe God is getting His justice...surely the "wrongdoer" can't escape God's justice forever- he escaped the storm, he escaped the shipwreck, but God got him with the snake.

But, Paul was not a "wrongdoer." He was God's apostle to the Gentiles. He was the one Jesus personally sent to tell non-Jews about the mystery of the Messiah, the Hope of not just the Jews but the whole world.

Paul just shook off that snake. He never suffered one after effect. The people were amazed. The Bible says, "The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds..."

Paul was then given the opportunity to heal all the sick on the island, and don't you know he was preaching about the One who made all this possible- Jesus.

I think I know why Paul was able to trust God completely through his life...how he could rely upon the fact that God brings good out of every bad situation...that God's strength is seen most clearly in his weakness...because he lived it.

I ask myself, is there any difference between the Jesus I follow and the One that Paul followed? The answer is no. The only difference is that Paul knew Him better than I know Him now. Paul could trust Him more completely because He knew Him in a more complete way. I'm getting there. I haven't arrived, but like Paul, I keep pushing ahead to know Christ Jesus more and more.

I hope I will throw off all of those illusions that keep me from really knowing him better. Those illusion that make be believe that somehow I'm in control...or that I can handle this...or that I know better...or that I can make this happen...or that I can prevent this or that. There are so many illusions that I still wrestle with, but I have hope that I can turn from those very apparent mirages and see and trust Jesus, the One who is always there but difficult to see.

Jesus, free from illusions. Reveal Yourself to me.

This was not the cruise I expected

2010-10-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

As I read the book of Acts (Chapter 27 today), I am amazed at how dramatic Paul's life is. It seems when things are going well (miracles, revelations, etc), life can't get any better. But on the other hand, when things are going bad (beatings, imprisonment, death threats, etc), life can't get any worse. And then it does. Paul went through the ringer. I almost have a nervous breakdown for him...and I'm just reading about it.

Paul's life makes me realize how foreign the idea, "that my life will be blessed (go well and be easy) if I obey God," was to Paul. No wonder Paul talks so much about suffering in his letters to the church. He understood it because he lived it.

Now I can honestly understand suffering at the hands of others. I mean God gives people a free will, so sinful people have the freedom to do some pretty terrible things to others. It gets a little uncomfortable for me when I read about the storms Paul endures. I mean storms are from nature...and God can control nature, but He lets nature do some incredibly destructive things.

Chapter 27 is a perfect example of this. Paul is being taken to Rome by boat and their journey is waylaid by a huge "hurricane type" storm. For two weeks the ship is beaten to a pulp, they eat nothing, and live with a constant state of fear and impending doom. It gets so bad that even Paul and Luke "gave up all hope of being saved" (27:20).

Isn't that interesting? Even Paul could get to the end of his rope. Life could get so difficult and offer no apparent hope that even Paul could become hopeless. Until, God speaks again. God sent an angel to encourage Paul with a message of salvation and hope.

This message was encouraging but not without testing their faith. The angel told Paul that God would save all the people, but the boat would be destroyed and (it is implied from the rest of the story) that instead of getting off the doomed ship, they would need to remain on it as long as possible.

I have much to learn from Paul's example. First, I would tend to look at my circumstances and compare what I perceive with what God has said. Even though God has said everyone would be spared, I would still have a lot of fear- fear that it wouldn't happen that way. Why? I don't know, but fear is always a sign in my life that I am struggling in the trusting department. Second, Paul follows God's instructions to the end. He knows that salvation/deliverance/security/whatever is found in trusting God's Word completely, so even when the soldiers think now is the time to make a break for it on the lifeboat, Paul warns them otherwise. Think about it...that is what a lifeboat is for- to escape the sinking larger vessel. And yet God's message tells them to trust in Him instead of "common sense."

Finally, when the boat crashes- as God said it would. The soldiers decide to kill all the prisoners, which would include Paul and Luke. Can you imagine? You survive the storm. God's message happens as He said it would. You begin to see the end in sight- safety. And then out of nowhere, the guards decide to kill you. I would think, "God this wasn't a part of your message to me. You didn't prepare me for this. I can't keep riding this roller coaster of up-down-up-unexpected execution!"

But God is faithful. Paul and the prisoners are spared by a Roman Centurion. God again proves his faithfulness. He can use anyone to accomplish His purpose- even a pagan army official. Again proving that it is not wise to judge God's faithfulness based upon circumstances.

So maybe you are in a storm...or at the end of your rope...or experiencing and unexpected twist in your life, remember that God has not abandoned you. He is there in your midst. You can entrust yourself perfectly to Him.

Jesus, thank you for being completely trustworthy. When I am afraid or anxious, help me to see You and Your love for me more clearly.

Yeah, but he's the Apostle Paul...

2010-10-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 25 and 26 this morning. Luke continues the story on how Paul eventually ends up in Rome. Paul, again, faces his accusers before Festus, the new governor. Festus agrees to send Paul to Rome after Paul appeals to Caesar.

Before Paul is sent to Rome, Festus invites King Agrippa to listen to Paul's story so that he might have better insight in describing this case to Caesar.

Chapter 26 gives the most insight about Paul. In fact, Luke records Paul's own words- his actual testimony. It is not a new story. In fact it is just Paul's account of what happened to him in Acts 9. Paul was on his way to persecute followers of Jesus in Damascus. While on the road, Paul encounters the resurrected Christ, who alters the course of Paul's life forever.

In this vision, Jesus calls Paul to be His witness. He then tells Paul that He will send him to the Gentiles in order "to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me" (Acts 26:18).

I find Paul's words that follow this especially challenging. Paul says, "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds" (Acts 26:19-20).

So what? How does Paul's story relate to me?
First, if you consider yourself a Christian, you have been given the same call as Paul. It doesn't matter if the call comes from a blinding light, a vision of Jesus, an audible voice, or the pages of the Word of God. The Bible has the same authority as a blinding light. I have never had a blinding light and an audible voice tell me to be Jesus' witness, but I have heard Him send all believers through His Word. Here are only three of many:

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” (Jn. 20:21)

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:18-20)

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Second, Paul obeyed immediately. He stopped his persecution and preached about Jesus. He "was not disobedient to the vision from heaven." (Acts 26:19). No matter what the cost or the risk, Paul knew it was better to obey God than to be popular with people. He obeyed God fully and immediately.

Third, Paul's message was a challenge to people to place their faith (trust) in Christ. However, it was not an empty call to repentance and faith. Paul preached that your actions (your life) should prove that they have indeed turned to Christ. Paul was not after lip service. He was after true transformation. James might have wrote, "Faith without deeds is dead" (James 2:20), but Paul believed it and preached it.

Today's reading reminds me that my life (and every Christian) has the same call as Paul. Will I be his faithful witness? Will I obey immediately and fully? Will my own life show my faith by my actions?

How about you?

Jesus, thank you for calling me to be Your witness. May I be found faithful.

"When I find it convenient..."

2010-10-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 24 this morning. This chapter records Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea and his interactions with Felix, the governor.

I found Paul's relationship with Felix very interesting. Felix, who had the power to release Paul, kept him imprisoned because it gained him favor with the Jewish leaders. In fact, Felix seems to be only interested in what benefits him because we learn that he would have released Paul if a bribe was offered. It didn't matter to Felix if Paul was guilty or innocent. Felix only cared about what benefited Felix.

Felix, who "was well acquainted with the Way," would bring Paul in to speak with he and his wife about Jesus. Verses 24 and 25 say, "He [Felix] sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, 'That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.'"

I find these verses so enlightening. Notice what Paul included in his discussion about what it means to have faith in Jesus- righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. Those are probably not the first three things that come to mind when sharing about Jesus; however, those are the exact areas where Felix was struggling. Clearly Felix was deficient in righteousness (he didn't care if righteousness was carried out), self-control (Felix was controlled by his passions for power and wealth), and he lived as if there would be no judgment to come (which is why he lived solely for his own desires). Paul pressed him on each of these areas, yet to no avail.

It wasn't for a lack of conviction. I think Felix heard Paul clearly and the Holy Spirit was convicting him convincingly. The Scripture does say that Felix could only take so much- he would say, "That's enough!" It also reveals that Paul's message made him afraid. Felix knew he was not measuring up well if there was indeed a coming judgment.

Unfortunately, Felix's decision mirrors so many of our own day. Instead of responding in repentance- changing their current direction- Felix continues on his same direction. He also said, "When I find it convenient, I will send for you." I might be reading something into this, but that is how many people feel about Jesus- "I call for you when I find it convenient." The problem is that Jesus is not ever going to be convenient for people going their own way. He is the Way. We need to get in step with Jesus, which means we need to alter our course.

God's not piling on

2010-09-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 23 this morning. Luke tells of Paul's continuing ordeal in Jerusalem.

A couple of days ago, I wrote about Paul's apparent disobedience in going to Jerusalem. I say apparent because it seems that God did everything He could to convince Paul that going to Jerusalem was a bad idea. Twice God sent prophets to urge Paul not to go forward with his journey. (Acts 21:4,10-11)

Paul continues on his journey to Jerusalem...and surprise- it happens just the way the Spirit foretold. Paul is arrested, well first he is beaten by a mob, and then he is arrested and taken into Roman custody. He is imprisoned for his own safety- not necessarily a violation of any law.

Now this is where I began to think about how this story relates to modern day life. Paul didn't listen to the Spirit of God...and now he is in trouble, and I'm talking about real trouble. Life just didn't get hard or unfair, it got downright disastrous. Paul not only lost his freedom by being jailed; he is on the wrong end of a serious death threat. Forty people take a vow that they will not eat until they have killed Paul. These guys are serious about this; and honestly, I don't think they plan on missing too many meals until it happens.

Now the result of not following the voice of God is always bad, but many people feel they are being punished by God for disobeying. I believe God does discipline us when we disobey, but I don't believe God piles on punishment on top of punishment to get back at us. In fact, our punishment is usually facing the consequences of disobedience that God was trying to protect us from in the first place.

I talk to many people today who are tangled up in sin. When they begin to face the consequences of those sins, they feel God is mad at them and punishing them over and over again to show them how mad He is at their disobedience. I think they have it wrong.

I believe God is mad...but he is mad at sin. I believe God is grieved when we choose to disobey, but He never stops loving us. Many times we wrongly interpret the consequences of sin as God's wrath and anger toward us. I think God was trying to prevent us from experiencing those things all along. That is why He lovingly gave us commandments- to provide a better way and life and to protect us from the consequences from unwisely living outside of His will.

In fact, I don't believe Paul saw his imprisonment and life-threatening circumstances as God's anger. They were just the consequences of his decision.

However, I did find something really encouraging in this story. Even though Paul went on to Jerusalem and found himself in some awful consequences, God was working for His good in spite of all of the terrible currents surrounding Paul.

God rescued Paul from the angry mob. He used his imprisonment as a way to protect Paul's life. God used Paul's nephew to save him from a death plot hatched by an over-zealous religious group that sounds like a plot line from one of Dan Brown's novels.

The way I see it, God was doing everything He could to protect Paul from the consequences of living outside of His will- not punishing him unmercifully. Sometimes the options God has to protect us and deliver us from our sins seem like a god seeking revenge- but I assure you, that is not the case.

God loves you. I am reminded of something Paul wrote to the believers in Rome:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Paul did not say all things were good. I think he would tell you that the situation he faced was pretty bad, but God did bring good out of it. That includes even the times we step out of God's will. Our sin can not thwart God's ultimate purpose. And God still is powerful enough to bring good out of it.

God told Paul while in prison to be encouraged (Acts 23:11). I believe God is whispering that to us today as well. Be encouraged that God can turn the unpleasant consequences of your sin into something that can still be used to accomplish God's purposes. That you can still be used by God.

Jesus, I am reminded how good and powerful You truly are when I think about how You can bring good out of sin. Even the actions that were never in Your plans for us can be used by You to accomplish Your will- which is good, perfect, and pleasing.

Should we avoid sinful people or engage sinful people?

2010-09-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 22 this afternoon. It is a continuation of Paul's return to Jerusalem. Chapter 21 ends with Paul being dragged out of the Temple and being beaten by an angry mob (sounds like another day at the office for Paul). Paul is temporarily rescued by the Roman soldiers, who want this mob to disband. As the soldiers are carrying Paul to safety, he asks for permission to address the crowd/angry mob. The soldiers agree and Paul speaks to his fellow Jews.

Paul tells his story. In the church, people call your story a "testimony." It is a short account of your life that tells how you were before you met Christ, how you received Christ, and how Christ has changed your life. Every Christian has a testimony...and it can be a powerful way to share your faith journey with people.

In fact, this angry mob was willing to listen to Paul's story. It is hard for me to imagine that they went from violent gang to engaged listeners in the matter of minutes. Unfortunately, the mob was stirred once again by something Paul said.

I guess I wasn't surprised that an already angry mob would react to Paul's story, but I was surprised by what element of Paul's story enraged them once more.

I mean it wasn't the Jesus part of Paul's story that incited the crowd. In fact, they listened calmly as Paul told about his days as a persecutor of Jesus' followers, his blinding encounter with a resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus, and his life changing assignment from Jesus. No one objected to these parts of his story.

It is only when Paul mentioned that Jesus was sending him to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people) that the crowd reacted. I don't believe "Rid the earth of him! He's not fit to live!" is the reaction that Paul was hoping to generate.

So why was this so upsetting to the Jewish audience? I guess there are a lot of reasons, but I think it reveals a prejudice that still resides within people today. I find that people have a difficult time reaching out to or accepting people different from themselves. It is hard for people to engage others that they might have previously considered "outsiders," "evil," or "dangerous." That is one of the realities of religion- it does create categories of people- insiders versus outsiders, good versus evil, and safe versus dangerous.

However, Jesus came to make peace between God and all people- Jew and Gentile, religious and non-religious, "good" and "bad"...whatever. Unfortunately, some of those distinctions are hard for people to overcome. We like people to come to Jesus, but we like people who are like us to come to Jesus.

Sometimes Christians seek to isolate themselves from "outsiders" because we think they are dangerous. I guess that means we think they will have a greater negative influence on us than the positive influence we can have on them. There is wisdom in not "flirting" with temptation; however, Christians must not abandon our responsibility to be in the world- reaching out to those who are far away from Christ.

I am reminded that Jesus prayed for us, "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one...As You sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world" (John 17:15,18).

He prays that we will be protected, but it is not from the people we are called to reach. He prays that we will be protected from the evil one- our true enemy. People, whether they are "bad" or "outsiders," are not our enemy. No, those are the people we are to love...be moved with compassion for...to seek. Our enemy is the devil-not people, no matter what their spiritual condition is at the moment. Their condition will not change without Christ, and they will not know Christ unless we go to them.

Paul says it like this in his letter to the Colossians, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity" (Col.4:5). Paul views "outsiders" as people and an opportunity to embrace- not one to be avoided and isolated from.

How are you being wise in the way you act toward outsiders...how are you making the most of your opportunities to engage an "outsider"?

Jesus, thank you for giving us the ultimate example of One who was willing to engage true outsiders. Thank you for taking the initiative to enter our sinful world...to go after sinful people who weren't even looking for you...and offering the supreme sacrifice to bring all people (including me) back to God. Empower me to follow Your example.

What was Paul thinking?

2010-09-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 21 a couple of days ago, but I have yet to write about it. I encountered a situation in the life of Paul that makes me ask some questions, but I'm not sure of the answers. Not that these questions are critical to my faith- nothing faith shattering- I guess they are more of a curiosity for me.

Here is the situation: Paul is traveling back to Jerusalem and making several stops along the way. One of the stops is in the city of Tyre, where the "believers prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem" (21:4). However, Paul continues on his journey to Jerusalem in spite of the Holy Spirit's warning...or was it a prohibition?

Paul later encounters a prophet named Agabus. He goes over to Paul, takes Paul's belt, and binds Paul's hands and feet with it. Agabus then says, "The Holy Spirit declares, 'So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles'" (21:11). The rest of the believers beg Paul not to go to Jerusalem.

So my question is why did Paul go to Jerusalem? It seems the Holy Spirit, prophets, and all the other members of the church are telling Paul not to go. I can't understand why Paul ignored them. It would even be one thing if it was just the members of the church asking Paul not to go, but the Holy Spirit, God Himself, warned that Paul "should not go on to Jerusalem." And He didn't just do it once but twice!

So was Paul the Apostle disobeying God when he continued on his journey to Jerusalem? I know that God said that he would testify in Rome, but do you think God could have gotten him there another way besides imprisonment- especially since He (the Holy Spirit) warned him not to go on to Jerusalem?

I read Proverbs 22:3 the other day and it made me think about this situation with Paul.

"A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."

I am not saying that Paul is a simpleton...but I wonder why Paul didn't take more precautions considering the danger that everyone foresaw. Clearly Paul suffered the consequences.

What do you think?

Jesus, thank you for giving me Your Holy Spirit. Help me to be sensitive to Him as He guides and directs my life.

Saying what needs to be said

2010-09-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 20 today. In this chapter Luke details Paul's last visit with the leaders of the church he planted in the city of Ephesus.

Like every chapter in the Bible, I see so much worthy of comment; however, I like to focus on what God really draws my attention towards. Today, when I read these words, I knew this is what God wanted me to see.

"I never shrank back from telling what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. I have one message for Jews and Greeks alike- the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus." Acts 20:20-21

Sometimes it is hard to say what needs to be said- to your friends, kids, parents, co-workers...whoever. I think about what he said- "I never shrank back..." That means he always said what needed to be said. He did it publicly; and he did it privately in homes. Paul was consistent. He said what needed to be said.

Paul also told us how we should do this. In his letter to this same church in Ephesus, Paul wrote, "Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." (Eph.4:29)

Freedom from sin

2010-09-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

I am continuing to read through the book of Acts- finished Chapter 19 today. It is so overwhelming to see how God worked through Paul. Many people say their experience with Jesus looks nothing like the life Paul lived...the more I think about it, the more I realize our faith and obedience doesn't look anything like Paul's either. I believe God wants to work through all who are fully yielded to Christ. Maybe we don't experience life and ministry like Paul because we don't exercise our faith in the same way Paul did.

Just a thought, what do you think?

This chapter reveals that turning from sin...repenting from sin...asking for forgiveness, whatever you want to call it, is not enough to experience real life in Christ. Does that shock you?

In this chapter Paul encounters a group of disciples of John (the Baptist). They had been baptized, which symbolized their repentance (turning away) from sin, but they still had not received the Holy Spirit, the One who imparts the life of Christ within every believer.

Paul told this group that they needed something more than just repentance from sins. He tells them that they need to believe in Jesus as well. When they heard this, the Bible tells us that they were baptized in the name of Jesus- and only then did they receive the Holy Spirit.

I don't believe this story proves what some call a second blessing, that a person receives the Holy Spirit after someone prays for them to receive the Holy Spirit. I believe this passage teaches that the Holy Spirit is given to all who believe in Jesus Christ.

I think we encounter many people who are sorry about their sins (maybe more sorry that they got caught), but they really don't want to receive Christ. They want forgiveness, but they don't want to surrender their lives to Christ. They want all the benefits without any of the costs. But God's Word shows us that life through the Holy Spirit comes when we receive Christ and not just turn from sin.

The reality is that only by receiving Christ can anyone actually be free from sin in any measure. We might regret sin...we might want to stop sinning, but only through yielding to Christ can we begin to experience power over sin.

So being baptized in the name of Jesus means that we totally identify ourselves with Christ. We trust in Him alone. We give Him complete control over our lives and that is where we begin to experience victory over sin. When we follow him wholeheartedly. When we follow Him, we can't go our own way. And that is really what sin is. It is going our way, in thoughts, words, and deeds, instead of God's way.

I guess Galatians 5:16 says it best. To me this is what it truly means to be a follower of Christ- "So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves." I can be sorry about my sinful nature...but I won't stop my sinful nature. A person can't control or manage their sinful nature. They have to die to it. You need to become non-responsive to your sinful nature. The only way that I have found to do that is by becoming responsive to something else- or more specifically- Someone else.

What that means is that I become responsive (I respond) to how Christ wants me to live. I choose to follow Him in obedience- trusting that the Holy Spirit will give me all the strength I need to trust and do what He says. So if I'm listening to Jesus through the Holy Spirit, I can't be listening to my sinful nature. For example, if I'm listening to my radio on FM, I won't be listening to AM stations.

So the best way to overcome sin is to surrender and follow Jesus' leadership. He'll empower you through His Holy Spirit to experience real life and real freedom from the bondage of sin.

Jesus, thank you for paying the penalty for our sin, and thank you for breaking the power of sin as well. May we follow Your Holy Spirit so we won't do what the sinful nature craves.

God gives us what we need when we need it most

2010-09-15T06:48:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 18 this morning. Paul travels to Corinth (which later gives us some important letters) and meets and disciples some important new partners in spreading the Gospel (Priscilla and Aquila, Sosthenes, and Apollos).

One thing I have noticed in Paul's second missionary journey that I did not see in the first is that Paul is meeting people on his journey and bringing them along. For example, he meets Timothy in Lystra and brings him along...he meets Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth and brings them to Ephesus. On his first journey, it was just Paul and Barnabas (especially after John Mark deserted them).

Just a side note- how brave was Timothy to go with Paul? I already mentioned the circumcision issue in my last post; but the more I thought about it, Paul was stoned and left for dead the first time Paul arrived in Timothy's hometown. I might have asked myself, "Do I really want to tag along with this guy?"

It is interesting that Paul is starting to raise up future leaders from his current ministry. I think that is an important practice that we need to emulate. For example, this chapter introduces Priscilla and Aquila. Paul leads them to Christ, disciples them, and brings them along on the next leg of his journey to Ephesus. Once there, Paul leaves and entrusts the work to the Priscilla and Aquila, who meet and disciple another future leader in the church, Apollos.

I love the fact that Timothy, Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos are challenged to get involved in ministry around the same time they are coming to faith. It just reminds me that the church should always keep learning and doing together.

One last insight from Chapter 18- God gives Paul encouragement when he needs it. Remember Paul's track record, he has been run out of town by angry mobs in almost every city, stoned and left for dead outside the city of Lystra, beaten and imprisoned in Philippi, and had more death threats uttered against him than you and I can imagine.

His ministry in Corinth doesn't start any better. He has only preached in the synagogue, but he is already "opposed and insulted." He is at odds with the Jewish population and they seem to be a pretty rowdy bunch (as their courtroom brawl proves in 18:17). Paul is probably not in the greatest of spirits, but God knows this.

The Lord speaks to Paul in a vision, "Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me." I bet this was like water to a man dying of thirst. Paul has been faithful. Paul has endured a lot of junk. Paul is discouraged and tired of getting beat up- really beat up. He might even be ready to quit, and then God speaks what Paul needs to hear.

He tells Paul not to quit- keep speaking; don't be silent. It is like He says, "I know you are afraid and you have good reason to be afraid considering what you have been through, but I'm with you and no one will attack or harm you here. I know you have taken all you can take, but I have many people here who need to come to me so don't stop."

It just reminds me that God always knows what we are experiencing and how we are feeling. He also promises to never allow us to experience more temptation than we can handle (1 Cor. 10:13). I'll also admit that sometimes God seems to think we can handle more than we think we can, but I am pretty sure He knows best. I think I need to focus more on the truth that He is with me instead of focusing on what I don't think I can handle.

Jesus, thank you for always being there, knowing what is in my heart, and encouraging me to press on.

God has set a date...

2010-09-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today I read Acts 17. Paul , Silas, and Timothy continue their missionary journey to Thessalonica (where another riot breaks out), then to Berea (where more trouble is stirred up by people from Thessalonica), and then to Athens.

As I was reading Paul's words to the Athenians I was reminded of another well-known story, Noah and the Ark. Paul preaches, "God overlooked people's ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now He commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to Him. For He has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man He has appointed, and He proved to everyone who this is by raising Him from the dead."

Ok, first, let me just summarize this. Paul says God has been patient with sinful humanity. He commands people to repent and turn to Him for forgiveness because there is coming a day when it will be too late. Jesus, because He is the One who was raised from the dead, will judge the world according to justice...the time for mercy and grace will pass. Don't delay in repenting because- your opportunity will not last forever.

So how does this remind me of Noah and the Ark? God had been patient with sinful humanity, but He appointed a time for judgment- the flood that wiped out all of humanity (except for Noah and his family). God told Noah to build an ark, the means of salvation for those who would believe that judgment was coming. Noah preached and built the ark for 100 years or so, but the people refused to believe the message and enter the ark for their salvation.

The people probably thought Noah was crazy...talking about rain (something they had never seen before)...building the world's largest boat, no where near water (how is that thing going to float...how is he going to get it to water?).

Yet Noah wasn't crazy-he was wise. He listened to God's message and he obeyed...and he was saved. When the rain started, Noah, his family, and the animals were on board, but the doubters were left outside. The doors were shut and sealed. The people desperately wanted to get onto that ark when the judgment started, but it was too late for them. They were judged. They were found guilty. They were destroyed.

No one likes to talk about God's judgment. It is not pleasant, but that doesn't mean it is not real. God will judge the world again through Jesus. The story of Noah and the Ark illustrates it; Paul urges us to take it seriously. "God has set a day for judging the world..."

The Good News is that you can escape that judgment. You can be like Noah and his family, who entered the Ark. You can enter into a relationship with Jesus, our Ark- the only savior and rescuer from God's judgment. You must turn from your sins, those thoughts and actions that are against God's will, and receive Jesus by asking for forgiveness of your sins and surrendering control of your life to Him- that you will follow Him and not your own desires.

If you have never done this, I urge you to do it now. Don't wait. Don't doubt. The consequences are too great. God has set a date for judgment, but He has also made a way of rescue for those who will believe.

Jesus, thank you for being our rescuer...our Savior. Please create in me and your church a heart of mercy and compassion for those who are still outside of "the Ark." Give us the boldness and persistence we need to proclaim Your message of hope.

When God's plan is the opposite direction from yours

2010-09-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 16 today. Love the story about Paul and Silas in the Philippian prison. It never ceases to amaze me that Paul and Silas are praying and singing hymns to God instead of complaining and getting mad at Him.

I encourage you to read Acts 16...so, so much in that chapter.

Two things caught my attention:

One, Paul meets Timothy for the first time in Lystra. That is the beginning of an incredible relationship. Paul's mentoring of Timothy is the model that I want to emulate in my life. Their relationship gives the church such a powerful illustration of how older men should invest in younger men.

(However, if I was Timothy, I might have thought this relationship is starting off on the wrong foot...you can read 16:3 to see if you agree.)

Two, it was interesting to see what prevented Paul and Silas from preaching in the province of Asia. Normally, Satan, our adversary, would be the one pointed out as the opponent of the Gospel. It is true that he wages a spiritual war against the purposes of God. Jesus even teaches that Satan seeks to snatch the Word of God away from people before it can take root in their hearts. However, Acts 16:6 says, "the Holy Spirit prevented [Paul and Silas] from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time."

It makes me pause to read that...why would the Holy Spirit prevent the word from being preached there or anywhere? I would think that God would be willing to allow the word to be preached anywhere that someone was willing to proclaim it.

Obviously I don't have complete insight into God's understanding of the situation, but the rest of the story reveals that I can trust God to work out His plan. God knows what He is doing even if I don't completely understand everything that is happening.

Paul and Silas were probably confused at first, maybe a little frustrated as well. Their planned missionary journey to the region of Asia was being thwarted by the Holy Spirit of all people. Even when they tried to go another direction, the Holy Spirit blocked that as well. However, Paul and Silas didn't allow frustration or impatience to overcome them. Instead they kept moving forward, not really knowing where they might end up. It wasn't until they arrived at Troas, the exact opposite direction from Asia, that God sent them a vision of where He was sending them.

I think that is what God is after- trust. Paul and Silas kept moving forward in faith (trust) that God was directing them- even when they had no idea where that might be and even though it was the exact opposite of what they had originally planned and intended for their journey.

And once they arrived at Philippi, things didn't exactly go smooth for Paul and Silas- they were wrongfully beaten and imprisoned. Yet, they still trusted that God was directing them.

I think there are times I feel any difficulty I might encounter might mean that I'm not doing what God wants me to do. Like God uses difficulties as the "closed door" sign, but that is not always the case. Sometimes, God's plan for me takes me right into difficulties- just like Paul and Silas. This story helps me to see that sometimes it is God who prevents me from carrying out my plans (that are for Him btw) and that His plan for me might not be smooth sailing- which is another thing that Paul understands (check his sailing results in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27).

In the end God wants me to trust Him. He wants me to be willing to let go of my plans...ambitions...assumptions, and just to trust Him- especially when it gets difficult. God uses all of these things to accomplish His plan. Look at how God started the church in Phillipi.

Jesus, help me to remember this story when I see my plan begin to fail. Don't allow frustration to overwhelm me in those cases. Help me to keep moving forward in trust- confident that You are accomplishing something much better than my plans.

Conflict- resolve it, don't avoid it

2010-09-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 15 today. This chapter recounts two of the most significant conflicts that the early church faced.

Conflict is no fun. I don't know of many (sane) people who enjoy conflict. In fact, most people I know avoid conflict like the plague. While I am no fan of conflict, I have come to realize that conflict is often times unavoidable. I have also learned while conflict can be painful, avoiding conflict can be more painful in the long run.

Chapter 15 tells two stories of conflict- the first is the issue of having Gentile converts circumcised; the second is the rift between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark.

What I noticed is that there was disagreement, vehement arguing, the need for face to face meetings in order to resolve the issue, and long discussions (vs.2,6,7). I also noticed that they observed how God was perceptibly working and compared that to His revealed will from Scripture (vs.7-12, 16-18).

In the end, the first conflict was resolved with love, wisdom, and compromise. Compromise? Yes, the Jewish believers agreed not to make it difficult for Gentiles to turn to God by putting the Law and circumcision as barriers; the Gentiles agreed not to engage in behavior that was offensive to the Jews (vs.19-21).

The leaders of the church sent this resolution back to the Gentile believers in Antioch. Luke writes, "And there was great joy throughout the church that day as they read this encouraging message." (15:31) You think? I bet there was a lot of joy- they just found out they didn't have to get circumcised. That might be one of the biggest understatements in the Bible.

The second conflict was between Paul and Barnabas. They decided to go visit all the new believers in the places that ran them out of town. However, it wasn't the danger that they might face that caused a conflict, it was who they might take with them. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, who bailed on them during their first trip. Paul, on the other hand, didn't want to take John Mark since he deserted them.

Their conflict "was so sharp they separated." (15:39) The Bible doesn't say too much more about it. It just says they went their separate ways. What is amazing is that God doesn't disqualify one or the other because of the conflict. No, He uses this separation to do several things: He doubles the ministry (Paul goes one way and Barnabas the other), He restores a leader (John Mark is restored and later is even useful in Paul's ministry), and He raises up new leaders for the work (Paul develops Silas). This just helps me to see that God can even use conflict for His purposes.

Jesus, give wisdom when it comes to conflict. Let love, wisdom, Your Word, and a servant's heart guide me in resolving conflict. Thank you that I can trust You will even use conflict to accomplish your purposes.

So how was the trip?

2010-09-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 14 this morning. This chapter records the last part of Paul and Barnabas' first missionary journey.

So let's review the big events of Paul's first journey- left Antioch of Syria with Barnabas and John Mark...preached in Paphos, where they struck a false prophet blind (he was trying to keep the governor from believing)...sailed on to Perga, where John Mark decided it was the end of the road for him...preached in Antioch of Pisidia, where the whole town came to listen to their preaching- Jews rejected the message, Paul turned to the Gentiles, and then a mob ran them out of town...same thing in Iconium, a mob ran them out of town...traveled to Lystra, where they healed a lame man, the people decided that Paul and Barnabas were Greek gods and tried to offer sacrifices to them but quickly changed their minds and stoned Paul- leaving him for dead (Paul got up after the stoning and went back into the town)...left the next day for Derbe and made many disciples there...finally, they returned to every city (and every mob site) to strengthen the new disciples on their way back to Antioch of Syria.

Can you imagine the debriefing session following that mission trip? The high points: we preached the Gospel to many who have never heard, we performed many miracles proving our message, and we made many disciples. The low points: abandoned by one of our key assistants, we were ran out of almost every town we went to by a mob of angry people, and stoned and left for dead in one city.

Notice that this is Paul's first trip- meaning he went on more. Would you? John Mark thought it was so difficult he left before it even got really hard.

I can't get over the courage that is involved in really being God's witnesses. They faced severe opposition from so many and yet they traveled back to each of those cities that forced them to leave. Paul even went right back into the very city that stoned him. That takes real courage.

But I even find one more act of astonishing courage in this chapter- Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every church (these are people who could not have been disciples for more than a couple of weeks or months) and "turned the elders over to the care of the Lord." I think that takes real courage and faith to trust that God will lead the new elders, guide them, and protect them in places where there was a lot of opposition. I think Paul believed God was big enough to take care of His Church.

Jesus, give me and Your church boldness and courage. Give us a vision of how big and powerful You are. Give us a burden for those who don't know you, so that we will be willing to forsake comfort and ease to bring them to You.

The message never changes

2010-09-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

Today I read Acts 13. This chapter recounts the beginning of Paul's (and Barnabas') missionary journeys.

The saying is true- "Wherever Paul went one of two things was bound to occur- a riot or a revival." Sometimes both things happened, and this chapter is no exception. It is easy for me to get caught up in the exploits...the acts or the experiences Paul had on his journeys. His life was so full of adventure and powerful experiences of God working in and through him.

Today, I was reminded of his message and not just his experiences. Apart from this message (and the Holy Spirit's calling), Paul would have never gone "on mission" and would have never experienced the unbelievable events in his life.

The message is what is important. The message never changes. The messenger might be different today. The methods might be different today...BUT the message never changes, ever.

Listen again to Paul's message:

Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God-something the law of Moses could never do. (Acts 13:38-39)

Jesus, may I be as faithful with Your message as Paul was. Thank you for this Good News.

God, that doesn't seem fair...

2010-09-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 12 today. I think this is a chapter the church in America needs to read and meditate upon deeply. This chapter tells a story that I think most church goers in America really struggle with when they encounter these situations in their own lives.

Here's the synopsis- two Apostles, James (the brother of John) and Peter; and two very different outcomes. The chapter makes it easy to infer that James was arrested in a new wave of persecution in Jerusalem by King Herod Agrippa. I'm sure, even though it does not say so in the Bible, that the church began to pray for those being persecuted and imprisoned. The church had made a habit of praying for everything so far, so I think this would be no exception.

However, this imprisonment does not end with escape, like the previous arrests of the Apostles. This time it ends with the death of James (he was killed with a sword). As with Stephen's death, there was no miraculous intervention. An Apostle, a leader in the Church, the brother of John (the disciple who Jesus loved)...dead, and the crowds approved while the church mourned.

The approval of the crowd encouraged Herod Agrippa to further his attacks on the church by arresting Peter, with plans to kill him after the Passover. This time there are plenty of guards to ensure that Peter does not escape as he did in Acts 5. Verse five of chapter 12 says, "But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him."

The night before his trial, God rescues Peter from jail. Read Chapter 12 if you want to see the funny response the church had about Peter's escape. It really is comical.

While there is humor in that instance, the thrust of this chapter is not a laughing matter. For most, this chapter reveals a tension that causes many to lose their faith. Because on the one hand, you have an apostle who is killed; and on the other hand, you have an apostle who is miraculously freed. They struggle with the question, why? There are thoughts like "that this is not fair."

When we read a story like this maybe it doesn't hit us, but if we encounter this in our lives, it clobbers us over the head. For instance, two believers get cancer- one dies painfully and one is cured. Two believers lose their jobs- one finds another one and the other doesn't, losing everything. In those situations, the personal ones, we begin to accuse God and blame God for not intervening. We struggle.

I don't know if there is a satisfactory answer for those in these situations. I know...I lived through it with the loss of my father-in-law. It doesn't seem fair when others are healed and your prayers seem to be ignored.

I can only speculate about how the early church felt about this...the Bible doesn't say. But how do you think the Apostle John felt? His brother was killed; while his friend was saved.

One thing I am certain of, these events did not cause John to renounce Jesus or doubt His goodness. I'm sure there was grief. I'm sure there were even questions. But I read John's letters and his Gospel, both written many years after this incident, and I see a person who was more confident of God's love than anything else. He was so assured of God's love that he referred to himself as the "disciple who Jesus loved."

Are you that confident in his love? That even when difficulties strike and life seems unfair, do you realize that "nothing can separate you from His love?" Paul asks that question, "Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?" (Romans 8:35)

I hope you can rest assured in the answer- "No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is our through Christ, who loved us." He loves you...no matter what your circumstances are. You can't judge God's love and faithfulness based on your circumstances or your expectations, but you can know for sure that God loves you because "He showed his great love for us (you) by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."

Four Random thoughts from Acts 11

2010-09-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 11 this morning. There were four things that God really challenged me with this morning.

First, Peter had to defend himself and his actions to the church in Jerusalem after going to the Gentiles. Somethings never change. Even in the first church, people were having to defend their obedience to God when He called them to do something new and different. I understand the tension and I appreciate the caution behind many of the objections people might have when someone does something "new and different," like Peter preaching to the Gentiles. I know many of the "objectors" are just concerned that the new thing might not be what God desires. However, I believe we should be very careful about resisting what God is calling people to do. I am not saying that every thing a person desires to do is from God, but I noticed God gave the vision to Peter. It would have been nice if He would have sent out a mass vision to all the believers so they all could "be on board", but He didn't. He sent it to Peter, and Peter was faithful...and God transformed all the people in Cornelius' house.

Second, I saw that the Holy Spirit was given to the Jews and Gentiles the same way. Verses 15-17 say, "...the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as He fell on us at the beginning...and since God gave these Gentiles the same gift (the Holy Spirit) He gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ..." The Holy Spirit is given to everyone who believes in Jesus. That is God's promise to us. We don't have to have a second blessing. We don't have to earn a certain stage of spiritual maturity before we receive the Spirit. He is given to all of those who believe in Jesus, right from the beginning.

I have had many conversations with people confused about this. They have been told that if they don't have a certain gift or experience then they do not yet have the Holy Spirit. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12 that not every believer will speak in tongues or do miracles (1 Cor.12:27-31). There is no one gift that everyone must have to prove they have the Holy Spirit. However, the real proof of the Holy Spirit is a transformed life...conviction of sin...being led into righteousness...understanding of God's Word. These are a few proofs of God's Spirit being within believers.

Third, when God is at work there is plenty of work to be done and the more people we can involve the better. When God started reaching a large number of Gentiles in Antioch, the church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas. The people already serving in Antioch didn't start a turf war by saying, "We are doing fine here. You go somewhere else." They welcomed Barnabas and more people came to the Lord because of Barnabas' ministry with the believers in Antioch. Barnabas, in turn, went to find Saul/Paul in Tarsus and brought him to Antioch to help. Barnabas didn't get proud or arrogant about what God was doing through him. It wasn't about hogging glory...like "look at what God is doing through me." No, Barnabas understood the more laborers the better. We need to always look for ways to give away ministry...invite others into ministry...partner with others in ministry because it is for God's glory not our own.

Fourth, I noticed how the church responded to a prophecy about a famine in verses 27-30. A prophet named Agabus foretold a coming great famine over the Roman world. It then says, "So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could." It struck me that their response was immediate and sacrificial. This response was given to a prophecy about a famine. I know another prophecy of God that I wish our response to was as immediate and sacrificial. Jesus is coming again to judge the living and the dead. Apart from faith in Christ, everyone will be condemned. How much more severe is God's judgment than even a devastating famine. May the church rise up to respond to this prophecy as well because, just like that famine occurred, Jesus will return. May we sacrifice so many will be ready.

Jesus, thank You for your Word. May the truth of Your Word renew my mind, transform my life, and order my steps.

Can you repeat that God? I know You are speaking, I just don't know what you are saying.

2010-08-31T07:42:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 10 this morning, another great story about God reaching and transforming people.

Two things got me thinking this morning:

The first is God's use of a vision to speak to Peter. (You might want to read Acts 10 to hear the story). Peter is up on a roof praying and God gives him a vision about a sheet and all sorts of animals. These animals were considered unclean by the Old Testament Law, so when God tells Peter to "Get up...kill and eat them," you can imagine his confusion.

Peter replies that he has never eaten anything unclean. God responds with, "Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean." Then God repeats the same vision to Peter three times.

See, in hindsight, I know that this vision deals with Peter telling the Gentiles (unclean people) the Gospel. All of this vision sequence was God's way of communicating with Peter that he should go to the Gentiles with the Gospel. But why didn't He just say that?

Later on in the story, it says, "Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision..." Clearly Peter didn't understand the vision at first. I think God wanted Peter to understand the vision- He did show it to him three times. But why did He give a cryptic vision to Peter when a plain message would have been clearer? Why didn't God just say once, "I'm sending you to Cornelius' house. He is a gentile, but I am declaring the gentiles clean."

I don't know the answer to that question for sure, but I think it has to do with trust and dependency. By giving a vision that was puzzling, and giving it 3 times, I think Peter understood this is something important that God wants him to get. I believe that this puzzling vision actually made Peter more attentive to God. It made Peter ponder what God was saying. It made Peter ask God to help him understand what He was saying. It is like Peter heard God whispering, knew God was saying something important, but couldn't quite make it out. So Peter leaned a little closer to God, listened a little more attentive, and said, "what are you saying?" And God gave Peter understanding.

In my mind, that's why God gave a puzzling vision. At first it might seem like God doesn't want to clearly communicate, but in the end, I think those "messages" place us in a place where we are more likely to hear and understand.

The second thing was God's heart for those who have never heard. You know the argument- what about the people who have never heard about Jesus...will God send them to Hell? I think this story reveals God's heart and actions for people who have never heard.

First, it is important to remember God (as David Platt points out in his book Radical) does not condemn people to Hell for not knowing Jesus but for rejecting God first. Read Romans 1. People have no excuse for not knowing God...God makes Himself known to all through Creation, but all have rejected God and that is the cause of their condemnation. But God is a God of grace, love, and mercy. He doesn't want to condemn. He wants to save, so He sends Jesus. And then He sends His church to tell the world about Jesus, so that they can be saved.

The story of Cornelius is a perfect example. Cornelius didn't know about Jesus as Savior, but he knew about God. In fact, he was a God-fearer. He lived in a way to please God as best he knew how. So God sent Peter to Cornelius. In fact, God sent an angel to Cornelius first telling him to send for Peter. He sent Peter a vision, preparing Peter to be open and ready to go to Cornelius. And then Peter proclaimed the Good News about Jesus and they were saved.

This just caught my attention about what lengths God goes so people will be saved. If people are open to God, like Cornelius, it seems God does everything imaginable so that they can hear about Jesus. God knows how to get His message about Jesus to those who are open.

Jesus, thank you for speaking and for causing me to become a better listener. Keep me open to reaching those that You know are desperate for You.

"God, in case You didn't know..."

2010-08-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

Today I read about one of the most significant events in the history of Christianity- the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Saul was the chief enemy/persecutor of early Christians until his encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus. Saul went on to become the Apostle Paul, the greatest missionary who ever lived. This story is found in Acts 9.

For me this is one of the greatest stories in the Bible. It proves that God is in the transformation business because if He can change Saul/Paul- Jesus can change anyone. Not only can He change us, but He can give us a purpose that we would have not believed possible.

This story has many parts, but I want to focus on the part after Saul has had a blinding encounter with Jesus. Saul enters Damascus, prays to Jesus, and is given a vision of a man named Ananias, who will come and heal his blindness.

While Saul is praying and receiving this vision, God is doing a little multi-tasking. God is speaking to Ananias and sending him to Saul. This is where Ananias begins to do a little conversation with God...more like a "God, you might not be aware of this but..." discussion.

See, Ananias isn't sure if God knows who Saul is or what he has done. Ananias wants to clarify these things to the One who already knows everything. I think that is a little funny- until I realize I do that with God. In fact, I think I'm worse than Ananias because I try to educate God about my life and situations- situations that are no where as severe as meeting a possible murderer like Ananias was called to do.

For the most part, like Ananias, I come around to what God wants...I just wish my first reaction was always "yes" and not "But Lord..."

Ananias experiences the reality that "God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts." Ananias would never have picked Saul to be God's servant. I don't think Ananias even considered that Saul would be a part of God's team, let alone one of His MVPs.

Jesus told Ananias that Saul was His "chosen instrument." Maybe this whole experience is where Paul first grasped the truth he wrote about in his letter to the Corinthians. Paul wrote, "So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view...anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Cor.5:16-17)

I know that if we are going to make disciples of all nations, we will need to see people as God sees people. Actually, we will need to trust God about how He sees people. We will need to engage people who might seem unsafe and sinful, but God knows who they are and who they will become. Who knows...we might be reaching out to the next "chosen instrument" of Jesus.

Jesus, thank you for transforming lives...for showing us that no one is to far beyond Your grace. Help me to see like You see and to make my first response "Yes Lord" instead of "But Lord."

Get going and God will guide

2010-08-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

I continued reading Acts 8 this morning. While there is a lot in there, it is primarily the story of Philip. Philip was not one of the Apostles, but he was one of the Seven, with Stephen, who were chosen to solve the food distribution problem with the widows.

I love the story of Philip, a man who was well respected and full of the Spirit and wisdom. I don't know a lot about Philip's background, but once he came on the scene, God used this ordinary man in extraordinary ways.

In my opinion Philip is the perfect example of "being faithful in the little things and God will give you bigger things." Philip started with distributing food to widows, an important task (but one the Apostles felt that kept them from the more important things of preaching the Word and prayer), and ended with proclaiming God's Word himself.

Philip served faithfully in the seemingly small role of food distributor, only to have more opportunities than the Apostles to preach. Philip takes full advantage of the persecution and heads to Samaria. Once there he preaches and performs many miraculous signs. The result- "there was great joy in that city." I think that is amazing. The Apostles didn't go, so God used Philip, an ordinary believer who had already proven faithful in the little things.

Philip's story doesn't stop with him preaching in Samaria. Luke, the writer of Acts, gives us one more key insight into the life of Philip. I think Luke reveals why Philip was able to be faithful in the little things in Jerusalem and greater things in Samaria- he was attentive to God.

It is hard to be faithful (obedient) when you don't know what you are supposed to do. You can't know what you are supposed to do if you don't listen. Luke shows us that Philip was a man who listened intently for the voice of God.

After Philip preached in Samaria, Philip was directed to go south to Gaza. So guess what...Philip goes South toward Gaza. God (the Holy Spirit) then told Philip to walk by the carriage on the road, so Philip goes and walks by the carriage. Philip then makes the most of the opportunity that God placed him in.

Philip begins a conversation with a leader from Ethiopia, who was in the carriage. God didn't have to tell Philip to speak to the man. He just did. He initiated with the Ethiopian because he knew God put him in that situation.

The Ethiopian believed Philip's message and he was baptized. Right there on the spot. Then God "snatched Philip away," like Star Trek, to the town of Azotus. Philip began preaching there and all the other towns he came to. He didn't have to be told to preach in every city. I think Philip already heard that is what he, and all believers, are called to do. Once he realized God placed him there, he knew that is what he was supposed to do.

This is an important concept. Prove faithful and obedient to the things God clearly tells all believers, and He will guide you in more specific and personal ways. That's how it was with Philip. He obeyed the clear commands (be my witnesses), and God guided him in the more specific and personal ways (go down this road, go to that chariot, being miraculously placed in another city or situation, etc). Do you see that?

It reminds me of something I learned in college- I was told "it is easier for God to steer moving cars than parked cars." Meaning, get moving in what you clearly know God wants you to do, and He'll guide you in the areas that are less clear. Philip is a perfect example. If we want to be like Philip all we need to do is obey the clear commands of God and keep listening for His voice that will guide us in the "what's next."

Jesus, help me to keep faithful in what I already know, so that I will be able to hear Your voice guide me in the areas that seem less clear.

If only they would have left sooner...

2010-08-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

I began Acts 8 this morning. As I was reading I noticed something that I haven't really seen before. The first verse of Acts 8 says, "A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria."

What I noticed is that it says all the believers were scattered throughout the surrounding regions- except the apostles. The term apostle means "sent one," or a person sent out for a purpose or message. Knowing that, a person could read Acts 8:1 like this:

All the believers were sent out of Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria that day by a wave of persecution- except the "sent ones."

Sounds kind of strange doesn't it? Everyone left except for the ones who were sent. I am reminded that Jesus even told the Apostles that "they would be His witnesses, telling people about me everywhere- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Jesus sent His apostles out; He told them that they would go to Judea and Samaria. However, they didn't go. Everyone else went, but they stayed.

Why?

I don't know the answer because the Bible doesn't really say. But I still wonder. Some say that they were taking care of the church in Jerusalem, but didn't the verse say all the believers were scattered? Who was left for them to take care of?

Was it because the church seemed so successful in Jerusalem that they didn't want to leave? In fact, if it wasn't for the horrible persecution, the Gospel and the church would have never left Jerusalem. Maybe never is too strong, but it is true that God used the persecution to move the Gospel out of Jerusalem to the other parts of the world quicker than the pace they set for themselves.

Eventually the Apostles move out to other places, but it took a painful situation (like persecution) to ignite them. I've seen that in my life as well. I know there are things God calls me to do, but I'm slow in getting around to it. God, in His goodness, disciplines me by sending something to get my attention so I'll do what He says. Sometimes that "something" is a reminder in my Bible reading, an encouragement/challenge/rebuke from another person, or sometimes it is a difficult and painful situation that is necessary to get my attention.

Two things I take away from my reading today: one, do what God says. Just obey Him- it is always the best way. Two, don't delay in doing what God says. Immediate obedience always is better than being disciplined- in my humble opinion.

Jesus, show me where I have delayed in being obedient.

God didn't stop the stones

2010-08-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 6:8-7:60 today. It is Luke's account of Stephen being arrested and killed. It is one of those stories that gets you thinking about one of the biggest misconceptions people have about God- following God will keep me safe and make my life free from trouble.

Very few people say those words out loud, but most people hold firmly to that view beneath the surface. I encounter it quite frequently when people come to talk to me about situations they are facing. They are confused because their situations are not lining up with their expectations, so they ask where is God? Or why is He doing this to me? The exact questions vary, but the confusion behind them is the same- I'm trying to do what God expects of me, but He is not doing what I expect of Him.

Stephen's story of arrest helps me to see more clearly that trusting in Christ doesn't free our lives from trouble. Remember Stephen was one of the Seven who solved the food distribution issue. The Bible tells us that Stephen was not just a church attender, but a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Remember full/filled means to be controlled, empowered, and directed...so Stephen is a man that is controlled, empowered, directed by faith and the Holy Spirit. I think that might be one of the greatest descriptions anyone could ever have in life.

Stephen was listening and obeying what God wanted for him- not responding simply to his fears, desires, situations, or the opinions of people. He was open and responsive to God above all else and he was serving God- taking care of widows, performing miracles, and proclaiming God's Word with wisdom and power.

And still Stephen was hated, lied about, falsely imprisoned, and, eventually stoned. Stephen became the first martyr of the church. What is interesting is that in the midst of all this, Stephen is not asking where God is or why is God allowing this. No, in fact He sees God in the midst of this and his thoughts are about God's message being proclaimed, the forgiveness of his killers, and his entrance to Heaven. He's not accusing God of abandoning him or complaining about Him not being fair.

I think Stephen realized life was not about God making him comfortable, but about him being a part of God's purpose in reconciling the world back to Himself. I believe Stephen had a radically different outlook on life and faith than most people do today...and I for one want to see things the same way as Stephen.

Jesus, thank you for not abandoning us in the difficulties in life. I pray that I will be able to see You like Stephen did in the midst of frustrations, fears, disappointments, temptations, trials, and uncertainty. Please fill me with faith and your Holy Spirit.

How can my "no" be a "yes"?

2010-08-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

Started Acts 6 this morning. I was reminded today that I can't always say "yes" to things- even good and necessary things. There are times when my most effective response might be "no, but let's find someone else who can."

That was the situation the Apostles found themselves in the story I read this morning. With the incredible growth of the church, problems ("rumblings of discontent") began to develop. One challenge was the distribution of food to widows between the Greek-speaking believers and the Hebrew-speaking believers. The Greek-speakers felt they were not being treated equally.

Now, this is a real problem; it is a racial problem; and it is a spiritual problem. The situation does not need to be ignored, hoping that it will go away- because it won't. It needs to be addressed and it needs to be solved, but the Apostles did not feel it was their responsibility (and rightly so).

The Apostles first recognized the problem and gave it consideration. Second, they considered what were their primary responsibilities- leaders know that the enemy of the best is often the good. Third, they determined that competent people should be picked who could solve the situation. Fourth, they listened to the people to see if this was an acceptable solution. Fifth, they gave the responsibility away (and didn't micromanage the seven people selected to serve). Finally, they continued to engage in the areas of their primary responsibilities.

The results were impressive. The situation between the Greek-speakers and Hebrew-speakers was solved by the Seven, and "God's message continued to spread" by the Apostles. The number of believers greatly increased, which probably would not have been the case if "rumblings of discontent" grew into division. Even, Jewish priests came to faith after this.

Jesus, help me to demonstrate this type of wisdom in my life. Keep my priorities clear but keep me attentive to the needs of people.

We must obey God rather than...

2010-08-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Today I read Acts 5:12-42. It was such a challenging passage for me. The Apostles were doing many miracles, the church was growing, and the Religious Leaders were becoming more and more hostile to the Apostles.

The Apostles were once again arrested for preaching about Jesus. However, an angel released them in the middle of the night and told them to continue preaching "this message of life" in the Temple. The very next morning the Religious Leaders went to bring the Apostles from jail to stand before the High Council, but were surprised to find the Apostles, not in jail, but preaching in the Temple.

The Apostles were immediately arrested again and brought straight to the High Council. Needless to say the Religious Leaders were not to happy with the Apostles...ok, it says they were "furious and decided to kill them." Fortunately, a well respected Religious Leader advised the Council not to follow through with their desires because they might actually "find [themselves] fighting against God." So they once again beat the Apostles and told them to quit preaching about Jesus.

I don't think they expected the Apostles to leave rejoicing that they had been considered worthy of suffering for the name of Jesus. I'm sure the Religious Leaders thought this will teach them and make them stop, but the very opposite happened- "every day, in the Temple and from house to house, [the Apostles] continued to teach and preach the message: 'Jesus is the Messiah.'"

What gave them such boldness to continue preaching? I know the Holy Spirit empowered them and gave them boldness, but there was something else as well. In my opinion it was the conviction that "We must obey God rather than any human authority." No matter what council or government forbid them to preach, they were going to preach because God told them to keep proclaiming...keep teaching this message of life...keep being His witnesses. Nothing would stop them, because God told them to do it.

I think about this in my life. I haven't been threatened with jail, beaten, or faced real persecution. Of course, I know some people might not agree with me or even like me, but I have never really even been rejected or despised by people because of Jesus (at least that I know).

However, I do find myself struggling at times to maintain the same conviction level that the Apostles had about "obeying God rather than any human authority." What do I mean by that? Sometimes my obedience to God has been trumped, not by a human authority, but by my own fears and my own desires. Right now, my biggest obstacle in life is not others, it is myself.

Jesus, I confess I have allowed my fears to seem greater than You and Your promises. I, at times, have allowed my own desires to become more important than Your will. Thank You for forgiving me. I want to be able to share the same conviction as Your Apostles, "I must obey God rather than..."

Drop dead lying

2010-08-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

I don't think there has ever been a verse that summed up a story in the Bible better than Acts 5:11- "Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what happened."

Great fear gripped everyone who heard what happened. What could cause such fear? How about this- two people lied and then they died (sorry about the rhyme).

Ok, here is the story I read today in Acts 5:1-11. Remember the church was meeting all the needs within their community by selling their possessions, bringing the money to the Apostles, and then the Apostles giving the money to those in need. This was so effective that Acts 4 ends by saying that "there was no needy people among them" (Acts 4:34).

Well, a husband and wife, Ananias and Sapphira, sold some property and brought a portion of the sell to the Apostles. Unfortunately, they claimed their gift was the full amount. This led to both Ananias and Sapphira falling to the floor dead after they were revealed to have lied.

The story says everyone was terrified...you think? I don't know, this is a hard story. You hear something like this and you think, "Where is the grace?" I thought Christianity was about grace and forgiveness, but this couple died for lying...maybe a little pride and pretense involved as well. Seems like a severe consequence for lying. And let's face it- they were not lying about killing someone or some dreadful act. They were lying about how much money they gave to the poor. I mean, even though they lied, they were still making a sacrificial gift.

But the story says they lied, were called on it, and they both fell to the ground dead. I ask myself why- and why did it happen then and not now (not that I'm wanting people to drop dead for lying). I don't really have any answers to these questions.

Well, I mean I have heard the answers that God was keeping the Church pure and things like that. All of those answers may be true...at least I would feel comfortable giving some of those answers as my opinion if I was asked, but, honestly, it makes me terrified to know God's holiness is so pure that any sin results in death.

That should not make me mad at God for being so holy, but mad and frustrated at sin that it causes such destruction- even to the point of death. Maybe we read this story and are left feeling that it is so unfair. God is cruel. However, in the end I can't hold that opinion. God is just, but He is gracious and merciful as well. I can't figure always how it works out, but I choose not to question God.

The question is really with Ananias and Sapphira. Why did they lie? They didn't have too? The story even tells us they didn't have to sell the land or give any of the money. They could have kept it all or given any portion- they just needed to be truthful about it.

I find it frustrating that my thoughts immediately go to judging God based on this story instead of being saddened by the first instance of sin within the church. Sin is always a hideous thing with devastating consequences.

One last thing, Peter asked Ananias a profound question, "Why have you let Satan fill your heart?" He didn't just ask, "Why did you lie to God and us?" He asked, "Why have you let Satan fill your heart?" This helps me to realize that sin is not just bad deeds. It is much more dangerous than that. Sins are the result of not just bad decisions alone, they are the result of allowing Satan to have control of my life.

You might protest at that thought. However, whenever the word fill is used in Scripture about your life and heart, it means to empower, direct, control. For instance, if we let the Spirit fill our lives, we are letting Him empower, direct, and control our lives. In this case, Ananias allowed Satan to take that place of influence.

It is much more sobering to realize we don't just "sin," we might actually be allowing Satan to control and direct our lives instead. It seems like such a "no-brainer"- who do I want to control, direct, and empower my life- Satan or the Holy Spirit?

Holy Spirit, take control of my life. Lead me moment by moment, decision by decision so I might keep in step with You.

"What they owned was not their own..."

2010-08-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

Today I read Acts 4:32-37. Six verses. Easy to read. Extremely difficult to live.

Luke tells how the first church took care of each other...how they took care of each other so no one was in need. It is amazing that a group of thousands of people, newly converted to Christ, could be so effective in eliminating need among themselves.

I've been a part of large Christian communities that number in the thousands, filled with people who been committed to Christ for many decades, and yet have not been able to come close to eliminating the need within those communities. I wonder how in the world could the first church in Jerusalem be so effective in meeting the needs which existed within that particular community, while established, mature, and organized churches with incredible resources have not been able to eliminate the needs within our congregations today?

What made it possible for there to be "no needy people among them?" I think this passage reveals two essential elements for eliminating need within a church: one, the people were united...they were one in heart and mind, and two, "they felt what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had."

I have to confess I've fallen short in these two essentials. That doesn't mean I have not given money to help people. I have given. I've probably given what might be considered by people more than my "fair share" to help people with their needs; however, I don't think I've seen myself as one with the people I've given to.

When you are "one" with someone else there is no distinction between you and the other person. You enter into their need...you assume their need as your own. That is where I fell short. I entered into their need in a sense by giving, but I didn't assume their need as my own. I always looked at their need as their need- not really mine. That allowed me to contribute something to help, but it kept me from entering, or feeling, that their need was really mine. Does that make sense?

The other key essential is one of the most difficult verses in the whole Bible for me- "they felt what they owned was not their own." It is hard for us in America to hold this view of our possessions...that our possessions don't really belong to us. After all, we worked very hard to obtain what we have. We spent hard earned, valuable money on our stuff. How can we just freely give away our stuff? And maybe even to someone who has a need because they weren't as disciplined as we were?

The Bible doesn't say what caused the needs of the people. I'm sure there were many different reasons, but it does say that the believers sold land and houses. Those are pretty significant sacrifices. It is not like they are just selling little things. Those are big possessions (even if they might have been seconded houses or other plots of land).

I think I know why the early church caught the attention of everyone. Their actions were significant. They were sacrificial. They were selfless. If the church acted the same today- became one with each other and didn't regard what we own as our own and shared with everyone in need- we would impact our communities in the same way. The world would indeed take notice. Our love would again prove ourselves to be His disciples.

Jesus, may I be united with all believers...may I truly be one with them...and may I see that my stuff is really your stuff to be used as You want.

Boldness or Ease?

2010-08-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 4:23-31 this morning. Peter and John have just been released from prison for preaching about Jesus. The Religious Leaders did not know how to punish them without creating a riot, so they released Peter and John after ordering them not to preach about Jesus again.

Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what happened to them. All the believers began to pray. Their prayer is very different from the one I imagine I would pray. I think my prayer would go something like..."Lord, protect us from these threats and make them stop." I would ask for protection and peace. However, the disciples ask for boldness in face of the threats and difficulties.

Why is that? Why do I want comfort, protection, and peace and the early believers ask for boldness in the difficulties?

I read a quote yesterday that really got my attention. It said people are missing Jesus' true message and turning Christianity into something it was never intended to be. "Christianity is not a means to fulfill our selfish desires, but it is the means to end our selfish desires."

There are times I want Jesus to fulfill what I want and how I want it, but I am reminded that Christianity is about dying to myself and my desires and living for Him and His desires/will.

The prayer that the early church prayed for boldness is a picture of this. It would have been easy to pray for security, comfort, peace, etc., but they didn't pray for those things that the flesh (our nature) craves. Instead, they prayed for the boldness to do what God wanted. He wants them to be His witnesses in every situation- not just the easy ones.

I think they also understand the role of suffering much better than I do. Jesus told them that they would suffer. They just witnessed how much suffering He endured. They had a better understanding than I do. I haven't seen much suffering, but I think I would probably experience more if I really rejected the way the world works. The world has a tendency to disapprove and disown you when you don't do as they do.

I also notice that the room shook and they were all filled with boldness to preach. Many people ask me (and I even ask myself) why don't I experience such tangible answers to prayer. How come God doesn't still shake rooms?

I believe He does, but I don't believes He always continues to "shake rooms" or give such dramatic answers (not that He doesn't answer). In my own life, I experienced what I would say are "shaken room" answers- not that my room was shaken, but that the answer was undeniable. I think when I was younger in my faith, I needed bigger demonstrations from God to help me trust. However, the more mature I became the less I needed "shaken rooms" to trust God...I'm not saying I wouldn't like more "shaken room" experiences. I just don't need them to trust God. I think it is the way God helps us to develop and grow in our faith. In the beginning, He needs to reassure us more, but as we grow and experience His faithfulness all we need is His Word and not the experiences. That is when faith is fully developed...when we don't have to give God "fleeces" and tests, but we can respond in trust because we know this is His will no matter how I feel or what kind of sign I would like to have.

Jesus, I ask for boldness to live for you today. I don't need you to shake the room- I just need you to be present.

Filled or indwelt?

2010-08-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

I have been on vacation so I haven't been able to post my thoughts as I read through the book of Acts...but I'm back and ready to get in my routine.

This morning I read Acts 4...what a chapter. There is so much in it. Three of my favorite verses are in it:

"There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." (4:12)

"The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus." (4:13)

"We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard." (4:20)

Today, however, God drew my attention to something I normally read right over. See my favorite verses all really stem from this core concept: "Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit..."

Peter was filled with the Spirit. To be filled means to be directed and empowered...and it is different from being indwelt by the Holy Spirit. All believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit because He comes to live within every believer when they receive Christ. However, while all believers are indwelt by the Spirit not all believers are filled with the Holy Spirit... some have not surrendered their life to the moment by moment leading of the Spirit.

Being filled by the Spirit is not a second blessing or something only for the super spiritual- it is for all believers who will simply submit themselves to the will of God. The verse that best demonstrates being filled with the Spirit is Jesus' prayer, "Not my will but Your will be done." It is not asking for more of God- you already have all of God you need indwelling in you- it is allowing God to have more of you.

If Peter had not been filled with the Spirit, he would not have noticed the man in Chapter 3, he and John would not have had the power to heal him, and he would not have taken the opportunity to boldly proclaim Jesus to the crowd.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit also ensured that the words that Peter preached were not merely his own, but he was inspired and empowered to be a witness to Christ (which is a fulfillment of Acts 1:8).

I noticed this story reveals that you can't help but be a witness for Christ when you are filled with the Spirit. A person will have the same attitude as Peter and John when they were told to stop preaching about Jesus..."we cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard."

I also noticed (and have experienced) that you will focus on Jesus when you are filled with the Spirit. The Spirit came to "bring [Jesus] glory by telling you whatever He receives from me [Jesus]. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I [Jesus] said, 'The Spirit will tell you whatever He receives from me [Jesus].'" (John 16:14-15). That is why Peter can so clearly articulate that salvation is only through Jesus.

The third thing I noticed is that Religious Leaders recognized that Peter and John had been with Jesus. I love that verse because it gives such hope to ordinary people like me that that is how God works- ordinary people who have been with Jesus.

Yet today, it was like God was saying something more to me- it is ordinary people who have been with Jesus, but there is something more. A person needs more than just to have been with Jesus; a person needs to be filled with the Spirit.

It made me realize that there were plenty of people who were with Jesus who couldn't do these things. I'm not saying being with Jesus is not important, but I realize it is not enough. Jesus, through the Spirit, wants to fill me. Being with Him is a first step, but it is not the last step. He wants to fill me. See if it is just about being with Jesus, then as soon as my time with Him is over I can move on without Him. I was with Him...now I with someone else or doing something else. If He fills me, He is with me everywhere and all the time.

I know this what Jesus wants because we are commanded in Ephesians 5:18, "...be filled with the Holy Spirit."

Jesus, thank you for giving the gift of Your Spirit to ordinary people like me. Fill me...take control of my life...lead me moment by moment in my thoughts, words, and actions.

Blessed by turning

2010-07-31T05:33:00.000-07:00

This morning I read Acts 3:12-26. This passage is the continuation of Peter and John's healing of the lame beggar at the Temple. After the healing, an amazed crowd gathered around the two Apostles to find out what happened...

This is where the passage picks up and Peter recognizes his opportunity to proclaim Christ. Verse 12 states, "Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd." I love the fact that Peter took his opportunity. This reminds me that God is giving me opportunities everyday to be Christ's witness. I have to ask myself two question: Am I recognizing them? and Am I taking them?

I also love what Peter says in verses 19 and 20, "Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and He will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah." To me this is such a simple and profound truth- God is not found or experienced when I am seeking my own way. When I turn from pursuing my own will (sin) to pursuing God and His will, I will experience the presence of the Lord. I will also experience "times of refreshment." These times are a natural by-product of the presence of the Lord. I know that I will never experience times of refreshment a part from the presence of the Lord. In fact, most of my sin (going my own way) comes about because I am seeking some form of refreshment; however, when I go my own way, refreshment is never the final outcome. Only by seeking God do I also experience His benefits.

Peter ends his sermons saying, "When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways." Again, this can't be missed. People want God to bless them...to make it "good" for them. Generally, we think being blessed is equal to being given what we want. This reminds me that true blessing is found in turning from what I want and receiving what God wants. I need to grasp the fact that God's greatest blessing for my life is turning me from my sinful ways- from living for my own desires.

Jesus, thank you for forgiving my sins, but for also giving me your presence in my life. Continue to bless me by turning me from my sinful ways so I can truly experience your presence and refreshment in my life.

Just at the gate...or inside as well?

2010-07-30T05:22:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 3:1-11 this morning. Peter and John are going to the Temple to worship when they encounter a beggar at the gate. Peter and John tell the beggar they have no money, but they'll give him what they do have- and they heal him in the name of Jesus.

There is so much in this passage that is mentionable- the disciples doing the things Jesus did, the disciples acting in the name of Jesus, or the fact that the disciples didn't have any money; but what challenges me most is how the disciples deal with the lame man after he was healed.

I love to help people...but to be honest, I love to help people when it is convenient for me. I also like to help people- but to a certain point. When I read this story, I feel convicted about how far I am willing to go.

I like to help the person at the door, but I don't want to bring the person "into the temple" with me. And while I'm there, I know I wouldn't feel comfortable with the person "holding tightly" to me. I guess I am a little fearful about how much commitment I am opening myself up to when I try to help someone.

I know that is not the point of the story...but I definitely sense this is what God is saying to me. How far am I willing to go in helping people? Am I willing to meet a felt need- like with money? And am I willing to meet their real need- helping them to find wholeness in Christ? One is easy; the other takes a little more commitment.

Jesus, I want your wisdom and compassion. I want to be a willing vessel, like Peter and John, for you to work through. Please help me to see the ones you want to touch.

Are you a part of "all" and "every"?

2010-07-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

Today I read Acts 2:42-47. Luke describes what the early church looked like, what they did, and how God blessed them. This is a passage that gets referred to a lot when talking about the church.

One thing that jumped out at me was the use of words like "every," "everyone," and "all." When I read this passage it is easy for me to focus on what is being done and who was doing it. However, when I read words like "everyone" and "all," it is easy for me to focus on others...and not myself. I don't know why I'm like that I just am. I notice that (most of the time) it has to say "you" for me to really see that it applies to me and not someone else.

So as I was reading this familiar passage, I sensed God was saying what about you? Quit thinking about what the first church did and quit thinking about what others should do. Look at yourself. If I was included in the early church, could they say "all" and "everyone," or would they have to say "everyone but Shane" and "all but Shane?"

So I went back through the passage and asked myself these questions:
-Am I devoting myself to the Apostles' teaching (reading Scripture)?
-Am I investing myself in relationships by spending time with other believers and eating together?
-Am I spending time in prayer with others?
-Do I have a deep sense of awe and wonder about God and what He is doing?
-Do I share/give what I have to meet needs that are around me?
-Do I have a time of worship and praising God each day?
-Am I enjoying the goodwill of all people?
-Am I being used by God to bring people to faith?

Jesus, I want to be a part of the "all" and "every." Help me to seek you in each of these ways. Work through me to reveal Yourself.

All means all

2010-07-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 2:14-41 this morning. It is Peter's sermon to the crowd who gathered after hearing the loud noise that accompanied the arrival of the Holy Spirit.

I think that the Holy Spirit did exactly what he is supposed to do. Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit came they would receive power to be His witnesses. That is exactly what happened. The Holy Spirit definitely changed Peter. The last time he was asked about Jesus (by a lowly female slave), Peter denied Him. Now, Peter is in front of a large crowd and Peter boldly proclaims that Jesus is the Lord and Messiah...and by the way, YOU killed Him!

That is quite a change. In my mind this change can only be explained by two things: Peter encountered the resurrected Jesus (and realized death has been defeated so what more does he have to fear) and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

I love the fact that Peter proclaims that the promise of the Holy Spirit is for all who repent of their sins and turn to God through Jesus Christ. It is not just for the few, the elite, or for those who personally saw Jesus. Peter says the Spirit is for "all who have been called by the Lord our God."

I had a teacher in seminary who would say, "The Greek word for all means all." It was his way of emphasizing that it really means all...everyone. There are no varsity level Christians, those with the Holy Spirit, and Junior Varsity level Christians, those who believe but don't have the Holy Spirit.

When you receive Christ, you receive the Holy Spirit.

Jesus, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to all who believe.

Descriptive or Prescriptive?

2010-07-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up and read Acts 2:1-13. This is Luke's accounting of Pentecost. What is so big about Pentecost? That is the day the Holy Spirit was given to the church...and the world has not been the same sense.

Here is the bottom line of the story: Jesus tells the Apostles to wait in Jerusalem until the Father sends the Holy Spirit. The believers gather, wait, and pray. When they are all together, God sends the Holy Spirit, who arrives with a loud noise, some fire, and everyone able to speak in other languages. This noise was so loud that all the people of Jerusalem came to investigate. What they found were the disciples, speaking about "the wonderful things God has done" in their own language (btw- Pentecost was a feast that Jews from all over the world would come to Jerusalem to celebrate). This amazing miracle caused the crowd to have one of two reactions- wonder about what this might be or ridicule for the disciples ("they're just drunk, that's all!")

Now, I normally try to keep this blog as my own journal of thoughts. Today, however, I want to explain something that is very important to keep in mind when reading the book of Acts- the difference between descriptive and prescriptive. Descriptive is just what it sounds like, a description of the events. It is the telling of how God chose to work in those events. Prescriptive is a telling of how things are going to be, like a doctor prescribing a treatment-the doctor gives the steps you are to follow every time for treatment.

How does this relate to the book of Acts? This book is full of many stories that are descriptive, they are just a description of how God chose to work in those events. They are one time events and in no way ensure a continual mode of operation for God. The Bible does have a lot of prescriptive teachings as well, but Acts is primarily a descriptive account of how God chose to work in and through the early church. If it was prescriptive, we would all need to follow exactly the same patterns of the early church- which we don't.

This distinction between descriptive and prescriptive is very important. It helps us to understand why God works one way at one time and another way later on. It also explains why all Christians don't speak in foreign languages when they become believers. The gift of tongues is not prescriptive proof for the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. It was descriptive about what God did when the Holy Spirit first empowered the church to be His witnesses at Pentecost.

Back to the story...Luke's account of the coming of the Holy Spirit is a description of a one time event and not a prescription of how the Holy Spirit will manifest Himself every time. Why did things happen like they did? I think the events make perfect sense. The Holy Spirit came with such a demonstration for several reasons:
-first, it was a sign that the disciples finally received what was promised,
-second, the loud noise from heaven alerted the whole city of Jerusalem and drew a crowd (it says "When they (the people in Jerusalem) heard the loud noise, everyone came running...")
-third, the disciples were given the ability to speak in different languages in order to proclaim (be His witnesses to the whole world) what God has done. The people, who were in Jerusalem for the Feast, were from all over the world. There were at least 16 different people groups/languages present to hear the disciples.

FYI- The Feast that the Jews were celebrating in Jerusalem is the Festival of the harvest, which happens 50 days (which is what pentecost means) after Passover. Jesus died during Passover-He is our Passover lamb-now, the church is about to bring in a harvest of believers during Pentecost, the Festival of the Harvest.

Waiting and Praying (and searching the Scriptures)

2010-07-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

I read Acts 1:12-26 this morning. I am really excited about reading through this book and learning what God wants to do in my life. I do believe that I need to exhibit the same kind of faith and obedience that the early church did if I am to experience God working His "acts" through me.

Today there were three (2 legit and 1 funny) things that made me take notice:
-The obedience of the Apostles. Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit is sent from the Father. So that is exactly what the Apostles did. There was no doubting or second-guessing. They went to Jerusalem and they gathered the other followers (about 120 at this time) and they waited and prayed. I think I need to incorporate more praying in my waiting. There are times that I am waiting for God to work out something in my life, but I don't really keep on praying about it. I'm learning that prayer is what we are called to persist in...it is what we do without stopping (1 Thes. 5:17).

-The choosing of Judas' replacement. OK, this one strikes me as a little funny. Peter announces that they will be replacing Judas with one of two candidates, Justus and Matthias. Both of these men followed Jesus from the beginning of His ministry. Now that is completely normal, but what strikes me as funny is how they choose between these two. They cast lots. I have nothing against casting lots. I have just never seen that done before because we don't make decisions that way anymore. I know that is how the Bible describes people making decisions in that time, but it is just very different. If Peter had been a Youth Minister he would have made Justus and Matthias ROCK-PAPER-SCISSORS for it. But that would have gone bad...can you hear Justus saying,"No, let's do two out of three."? So I guess the lots worked out.

-The reliance upon Scripture. Peter does something that Jesus modeled for them often. He turns to the Scripture for guidance. While I kind of laughed at how they picked Matthias, I think there is nothing funny about Peter's wisdom in listening to God through His Word. I think it is so important that we add searching the Scripture to any period of waiting and praying.

Jesus, continue to open up the truth of your Word to me as I wait and pray for Your Will to be done.

Suggestions for reading your Bible daily

2010-07-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

I try to read the Bible every day and apply its truth to my life. I believe it is the most important way God changes me by changing my mind with the truth of the Bible. I was reading a list today by Alaine Pakkala that I thought might help everyone with daily Bible reading:

Resist the lie that time with God is optional.
Realize the resistance from Satan. He will do anything to keep you from the truth.
Remember God desires your fellowship.
Focus on the reasons for doing it: to worship God and to get food for your spiritual growth.
Make time- prepare and make choices to allow it to happen.
Resist the "rabbit's foot" mentality (don't become devoted to the habit but to the One you're meeting with).
Resist the lie that it gives you brownie points with God or that He will love you more if you spend time with Him (but you will love Him more as you understand what He is like and what He has done for you).
Take your time. Set an unhurried pace.
Have a plan. Don't use the unorganized "Bible roulette" style of reading whatever the Bible falls open to.
Don't do all the talking.
Avoid self-reliance. Without God's help, you can't maintain a vital time with Him each day. Ask God for His help and guidance.
Aim at quality, not quantity. Seven minutes is a good beginning place. Plan for success by setting reachable goals.
Be flexible. Avoid ruts.
Avoid the "academic checklist" approach in which you focus on just getting it done, not on trying to get anything out of it.
After reading, summarize what you've read. Ask yourself: "What does this show me about God?" or "What can I try to do differently today based on what I have just read?"
Persevere in capturing wandering thoughts.
If you're too busy, decide what you will need to leave out so that you can have time to meet with Christ every day.
Resist discouragement. Keep trying!

I hope this list encourages you in spending daily time with God in the Bible. If you have any questions or thoughts, don't hesitate to let me know. I pray your time with God will be rewarding and transforming.

Shane

What's next?

2010-07-22T06:20:00.000-07:00

I finished the Gospel of Luke yesterday, so I decided to continue on with Luke's second volume, the book of Acts. This is a natural follow-up to what was presented in Luke. I look at it like this- the Gospel of Luke presents everything Jesus did and taught (Acts 1:1), and the book of Acts records what His followers did in response to Jesus and His message.

By reading Acts I am challenged by the fact that Jesus' message is not just to be heard, but it is a message to be obeyed. It must be fully embraced by the follower of Christ, giving His purposes first priority in life. Acts reveals how the remaining disciples did just that.

This morning I read Acts 1:1-11. I couldn't help but be a little envious of the time Jesus' disciples had with Him after the resurrection. Acts 1:3 says, "During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God."

I would love to know what He said during those forty days. There is no book that just contains the teachings of Jesus before His ascension to Heaven. I think about the parts of the New Testament that give a slight glimpse into this time (the end of each Gospel and the beginning of Acts)...and what they reveal about what He said during that time.

Here are the similar themes or messages from Christ between His resurrection and ascension:
-Proof that He is alive (Mt. 28:10; Mk.16; Lk.24; Jn. 20&21; Acts 1:3)
-A command to make disciples by going into the world to tell all people about Jesus and His Kingdom (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk.16:15; Lk.24:47-48; Jn.20:21; Acts 1:8)
-A promise of His presence and power with them till the end (Mt.28:20; Mk.16:20; Lk.24:49; Jn.21:22; Acts 1:5,8)

It is amazing to me how the four writers of these five books emphasize the same things. To me, that means it was very clear what Jesus was talking about, and probably, what He talked about most.

John's Gospel ends with a very personal conversation between Jesus and Peter. This conversation is also very revealing in discovering what Jesus focused on in those 40 days. Of course, Jesus is intentionally and gently restoring Peter after his failure. Jesus gives Peter three opportunities to reaffirm his love and devotion to Himself, but Jesus also gives Peter three personal challenges/invitations/encouragements to be involved in Jesus' Kingdom agenda.

Jesus tells Peter, "Ok, you love me... then take care of my business by feeding and taking care of my people." In my mind Jesus is saying, "So you failed. Get up. I love you. You love me. Go find and bring people to me and help them learn to live in my love as well."

In all of these last interactions, Jesus seems to be focused on ensuring that the disciples realize they no longer live for themselves, but that they live to be faithful witnesses/messengers of who Jesus is and what He taught.

It doesn't get any clearer than Acts 1:8 when Jesus says:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Jesus, what an incredible privilege to be Your messenger. Help me to see every opportunity to tell others about You and what You have done. I'm not here to fix people. I'm here to point people to You. I'll let You change them.

Struggling with the resurrection?

2010-07-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

I finished Luke this morning. I read the end of Luke 23, which talks about Jesus' burial, and Luke 24, which recounts Jesus' resurrection.

I find it intriguing to see how difficult it was for the disciples to believe that Jesus rose from the dead. Luke does not gloss over the fact that every one of the disciples first reaction to the news that Jesus rose from the dead was skepticism and doubt.

The women had to be told by angels because they fully intended to anoint a dead body. When they understood that Jesus arose, they ran to tell the apostles. And how did those 11 men who spent so much time with Jesus react? Verse 11 says, "But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn't believe it."

Only Peter (and John) ran to the tomb. However, even encountering the empty tomb did not produce belief for Peter. Luke says that Peter "went home again, wondering what happened." Peter tried to figure out what might be the possible explanation for Jesus' missing body.

When Jesus finally appeared to all of the disciples, their thoughts were, "we are seeing a ghost." Even when He showed them His hands and feet, Luke records that "still they stood there in disbelief." (24:41)

It is not like the disciples had not heard, or even, experienced resurrection. They heard Jesus talk about Himself being killed and rising on the third day. They were there when Jesus brought the widow's son back to life...they were there when Jesus brought Jarius' daughter from the dead...and they were there when Jesus told Lazarus to come out of the tomb- even after he started decomposing. The disciples were aware of the reality of resurrection. Yet, for some reason, it was hard for them to accept that Jesus rose from the dead.

One thing that stands out from this passage is Jesus' own belief that Scripture is essential for people to believe the resurrection. Jesus always referred to the prophecies of Scripture when talking about His death and resurrection. He told them that He would be rejected, beaten, killed, and raise from the dead according to the Scriptures. When he dealt with His disciples after His resurrection, He took them through the Scriptures so that they could understand. Twice (Luke 24:25-27 and 44-46) Jesus used the Scriptures to help His followers comprehend the resurrection.

If Jesus used the Scriptures to help people receive the resurrection, it is a good place for us to start as well. Paul picked up on this idea. Listen to his words from 1 Corinthians 15:3-4:

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.

If you are struggling with believing the resurrection, my advice is read the Bible (and I'm not trying to give you the "Church answer.") You will be surprised by how much they can nurture your faith. Don't believe me? Try and see.

Challenging Last Words

2010-07-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

I read the story of Jesus' crucifixion and death in Luke 23:26-49. As I reflect on what happened to Jesus (and what He willingly sacrificed), I realize how inadequate my words/thoughts are about what Jesus did.

It is just so overwhelming. I feel like a person trying to take in the size of the universe...it can't really be done because it is so mind-blowing. That person is left with words like big...unexplainable...beyond comprehension. It is simply impossible to wrap your mind around the vastness of the universe.

I feel the same way about Jesus' death on the cross. I can use words like sacrifice...love...grace, but I still feel like those words fall so short of being able to really explain it.

So while I am a tongue-tied observer of the magnificence of Jesus' sacrificial death, I was struck by the significance of some of Jesus' last words that Luke records. I think these words give a unique insight into Jesus.

Luke first records some words to a group of grief-stricken women, who are following Jesus as He is led to His crucifixion. At this point Jesus has already suffered a brutal beating and is heading to an unjust death sentence, but these words show me He is still concerned with the people of Jerusalem- the very ones who cry for His death.

Jesus says, "Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are coming when they will say, ‘Fortunate indeed are the women who are childless, the wombs that have not borne a child and the breasts that have never nursed.’ People will beg the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and plead with the hills, ‘Bury us.’ For if these things are done when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

These words reveal that Jesus still dreads the coming judgment of Jerusalem. It could be easy to focus on the injustice He is suffering, but He still feels compassion and sadness for the coming hardships He knows Jerusalem will undergo. (He had prophesied about the destruction of Jerusalem before and He was very open about His grief that Jerusalem would not receive Him). He asks the question, "...if these (his suffering and crucifixion) happen when the tree is green (when there is life in the tree that deserves to be nurtured), what will happen when it is dry (when the tree is dead and deserving to be cut down and burned)?

I know that I would have been focused on the injustice done to me. If people were crying for me, I would probably encourage them...reminding them why it is such a travesty. Not Jesus. He knows the hearts of people. He knows the future. He still feels compassion for people in the midst of His own intense suffering.

The second saying Luke records is, "Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” I think these words speak for themselves. He is still forgiving and merciful to those who are killing Him. He acts as their advocate. Defending them to the Father instead of prosecuting them.

Jesus' third utterance recorded by Luke is to one of the others being crucified. Jesus says, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise." One of the criminals asks Jesus to remember him when Jesus enters His Kingdom. To me that is one of the greatest statements of faith in the Bible because the criminal is asking completely in faith.

The Bible says that faith is contrasted with seeing. If the thief was asking based upon what he could see, we would say he was crazy. Jesus, beaten and battered, condemned, hanging naked on a cross, looked nothing like a triumphant King. In fact, Jesus looked like the exact opposite, but the thief "saw" with the eyes of faith. He trusted that Jesus was indeed the King. Even in the extreme agony of the moment, Jesus responded to this man's faith. It just reminds me that God always responds to faith and without faith it is impossible to please God.

The last words Luke gives are, "Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!" To me, these are incredibly profound words that reveal a depth of knowledge and trust in His Father. Jesus knows the penalty of sin...death, judgment, and separation. Three things that Jesus never experienced before, and now He would experience them for the whole world. What anguish Jesus went through. We know that He agonized over "this cup" of wrath in the Garden. Yet, He chose to take it. When He says, "I entrust my spirit into your hands"- Jesus is saying, "I trust You will judge the sin, but You will also resurrect me. I will bear the burden, but I trust You will not abandon me forever."

This makes Jesus the model of faith for me- trusting God enough to enter difficult and unwanted situations, yet confident enough that God would bring Him through.

Jesus, even in death you show what real life looks like. Lord help me to be selfless, forgiving, and trusting.

It makes me wonder...

2010-07-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

I read Luke's account of Jesus' trial before Pilate in Luke 23:1-25 this morning. There were several things that caught my attention, so I thought I would just list them this morning.

-Jesus never attempted to defend himself through this whole ordeal. He gave no defense to Pilate, no acknowledgment of any sort to Herod, and no resistance to the religious leaders and crowd demanding His crucifixion- even though Pilate declared Him not guilty three times. It reminds me of 1 Peter 2:22-23, "He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God,who always judges fairly."

It makes me wonder do I entrust myself to God or do I try to defend myself against every insult or false accusation?

-Pilate declared Jesus not guilty three times, yet he still punished Jesus with scourging and crucifixion. Why? As a governor he is supposed to enforce the law and protect the people...to do what is right and not what is expedient. How easy it was for Pilate to make compromises in order to pacify the mob.

It makes me wonder if I would have done anything different? I sometimes make compromises to pacify myself and/or others...compromises that I later regret.

-The religious leaders resisted every declaration of innocence about Jesus. Verse 5 says, "Then they became insistent. 'But he is causing riots by his teaching wherever he goes- all over Judea, from Galilee to Jerusalem!'" That is not what I see in the Gospels. Jesus did not provoke riots. He might have driven the money changers out of the Temple, but there are no recordings of riots. It might have seemed like riots to the religious leaders, because the people were being set free from their control. Jesus was teaching and demonstrating true freedom and many were following. I'm sure this felt much like a riot- a loss of control- for the religious leaders, who tried to control people through their rules and traditions.

It makes me wonder about what areas in my life am I trying to control? Am I willing to let Jesus' teachings cause a "riot" in my life? Am I willing to let Him redirect my life and free me by giving Him control of every situation?

-Herod was delighted about the whole situation because He would finally get to see Jesus. He had wanted to meet with Jesus for a long time. However, Herod didn't want to meet Jesus...Herod wanted to see Jesus perform. He wanted Jesus to answer questions and do some tricks (miracles). He was bitterly disappointed. Jesus doesn't do command performances. Maybe that is why so many are frustrated with God? They want the same things Herod wanted. Jesus answer me this...Jesus give me this...Jesus do this... Jesus refused. He refused these things for Herod and He refuses these same things to those who only want Him to perform for their pleasure. Since Herod didn't get what he wanted, he "began mocking and ridiculing Jesus."

It makes me wonder if there are times that I only want Jesus to perform?

-The crowd was so easily led astray. The crowd or mob displayed no common sense. It seemed no one could stand out from or up to the crowd. They blindly followed misguided and wrong leaders. Their lack of clarity is startling when you look at their choices- Jesus or Barabbas. Yet they called for Barabbas, a murderer and insurrectionist, instead of Jesus, the true Messiah. Could it be that Barabbas' resume seemed more appropriate for their version of the Messiah? Maybe the people thought at least Barabbas is willing to kill and overthrow the Romans? Jesus just didn't meet the eventual expectations of the crowd...and so they discarded Him. They told Pilate in a sense, "Kill Him- He is of no use to us!"

It makes me wonder if I will be strong enough to go against the crowd and stand for my own convictions? Will I be able to discern the correctness of my leaders or will I follow on with the blind leading the blind?

Jesus, may I entrust myself fully to your plan and your care. Keep me from stupid compromises. Take control of every area of my life no matter how much chaos it might bring. Help me to remember I exist for You and not the other way around. Give me the courage and conviction to follow you completely.

Jesus' Confession

2010-07-15T06:52:00.000-07:00

I read Luke 22:66-71 today. This is a brief snapshot of Jesus' "trial" before the Sanhedrin, the council of leading priests and teachers of religious law. Other accounts reveal how the council arranged false witnesses to lie about Jesus, but Luke reveals that they had one question the elders were desperate to have answered- was Jesus the Messiah?

Jesus' answer might seem a little evasive at first glance. In fact, there are those who claim that Jesus never confessed to being the Son of God or the Messiah because His answer seems to avoid a forthright declaration. However, most of those critics miss the fact that Jesus does indeed make a strong affirmation of being the Messiah. It was strong enough that the members of the Sanhedrin understood His answer and took Jesus to the Roman Governor to be crucified. They even began their case before Pilate against Jesus with these words, "This man has been leading our people astray by telling them not to pay their taxes to the Roman Government and by claiming he is the Messiah, a king." (Luke 23:2)

I will admit Jesus' first two statements seem to dodge the question, but it has more to do with Jesus' understanding of the Council's predisposition. He knows they are not truly open to what He might or might not say. His first response is, "If I tell you, you won't believe me." Jesus knew that this court was not called to determine if He was or was not the Messiah, they were assembled to convict Him. His defense was meaningless. His fate was already sealed.

His second statement is another statement of futility about this process and not a side-step to the question of whether He is the Messiah. He says, "And if I ask you a question, you won't answer." This had been proven over and over in Jesus' ministry by the religious leaders. They refused to answer Jesus' questions. Jesus used questions as a means to self-discovered learning. He would ask questions that would cause a person to truly reveal their thoughts, intentions, and motives. Questions that would confirm not only the truth Jesus' proclaimed, but at the same time would question the faulty perspective of the one being asked the question. Jesus did this time and time again in the Gospels, and by the end, the religious leaders would no longer attempt to answer His questions, knowing they would be undone by their own answers.

The third part of Jesus' answer is the real clincher to their question. Jesus makes a striking statement that no religious leader would or could miss. It is a statement of fact- regardless of the council's willingness to accept it.

Jesus says, "But from now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God's right hand." This statement is a powerful declaration of both His faith in His Father and His identity as the Messiah. In one breath Jesus says, "I am the Messiah and I entrust myself completely to My Father and His will for me."

How do I get that from Jesus' answer? Jesus sends what appears to be a cryptic message to our ears, but to the elders of the council it was an undeniable admission of His messiahship. They heard and understood Jesus' allusion to what we refer to as Psalm 110, a messianic psalm. Read these words and hear His answer to the elders' question- Are you the Messiah?

Jesus answers, " The Lord said to my Lord, 'Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.' The Lord will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem; you will rule over your enemies. When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly. You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew. The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord stands at your right hand to protect you. He will strike down many kings when his anger erupts. He will punish the nations and fill their lands with corpses; he will shatter heads over the whole earth. But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way. He will be victorious."

Jesus is saying this Psalm is about Him. He is undeniably saying, "I am the Messiah. I will sit at God's right hand. He will extend my kingdom. I will rule over all. I am holy. I am the eternal priest. God will avenge me. I will be victorious."

The elders understood His answer. Do you?

Trying, failing, but continuing on

2010-07-13T07:02:00.000-07:00

I read Luke 22:54-65 this morning, which is the account of Peter's denial of Jesus. Peter does indeed deny Jesus three times as Jesus predicted he would. When Jesus told Peter earlier that he would deny Him, Peter refused to believe it- saying that he was "ready to go to prison...and even to die with you."

Unfortunately, Peter's good intentions didn't materialize. He did deny Jesus and was left with that bitter empty feeling when Jesus looked at him afterward.

I can identify with Peter. I have had good intentions of doing things for Jesus that didn't turn out the way I intended. I also have experienced that "bitter" feeling when I realize that I failed.

It is easy for people to look at Peter and shake their heads at his denials, but I see a man who at least tried. He might have failed and denied Jesus...but he was trying.

How was he trying? He was there. Everybody else ran away and hid. At least Peter followed.

I can feel Peter's tension in the story. Jesus is arrested by a mob. Dreams and hopes are shattered. Disciples are deserting Him and running away (the sense of danger must have been very real- at least one follower of Jesus runs away naked when the mob grabbed him by his clothes). Peter, struggling with his desires to flee for safety and self-preservation, follows the mob taking Jesus to the home of the high priest, but he does so at a safe distance.

Do you feel it? He wants to be there but at the same time he doesn't. He wants that zone of safety but he doesn't want to abandon Jesus either. There is that tension. It pulls at Peter and it pulls at me.

I want to follow Jesus no matter what the cost, but some times that pull for my safety, security and comfort makes it difficult. While I hate the tension in my life, I'm glad I feel it. It proves that I'm still fighting my flesh, my natural tendency to satisfy my desires. It is a tough battle. One that will last my entire life. It reminds my why Paul called following and trusting Jesus "a fight" (2 Tim. 4:7).

I know that I will lose some of these fights...I don't want to and don't intend to, but the reality is that I will. My goal is to continue fighting and not worry about failing. However, when I do fail I will not let the bitterness overwhelm me. I will go to Jesus, confess my sin, and start the fight all over again.

That is what Peter showed me. He tried. He failed. He was overcome with grief, but he didn't give up. He allowed Jesus to restore him and went on to an incredible life of faithfulness.

But I thought that is what you wanted...

2010-07-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

I read Luke 22:47-53 this morning. This is the betrayal and arrest of Jesus in the garden. Luke gives a pretty straight forward telling of those events.

Judas leads the Pharisee posse to arrest Jesus in the garden at night. Judas identifies Jesus for his captors by giving Him a kiss- which is the height of irony. Peter, a man of action, jumps into the scene with his sword, cutting off one of the servant's ears.

You got to hand it to Peter. The last time I read, the disciples had only two swords. Peter was going to take on that whole posse, who I assume was armed as well, with two swords. Of course, he attacked one of the slaves, which I bet was not one of the armed members of the group. I don't think they made it a habit of giving weapons to their slaves.

Forget about his fighting strategy, or lack there of, for a minute. What I see in Peter is real courage at that moment. Humanly speaking, the odds were not in their favor. Peter, however, was not viewing the situation from a natural perspective. I believe he was viewing the situation from a faith perspective. He believed Jesus was the Messiah. He believed the power and the plan of God were with him so he jumped into the action.

Yet it didn't turn out like he probably thought it would. Instead of being Jesus' defender and the "lead warrior" in the first battle to establish Jesus' kingdom, Peter gets shut down in a sense. It is not a direct rebuke, but it is close enough. Jesus says, "No more of this." It is almost like He says, "Stop that Peter. That's enough nonsense."

He then picks up the ear Peter cut off and puts it back on the slave. It is almost as if Jesus erases everything Peter tried to do for Him.

When I read this, it is easy for me to believe that Peter is set up for a crisis of faith and eventual denials. I bet he is a little gun shy and uncertain. He thought or assumed that he knew what God was going to do, but it didn't happen that way. And even when he tried to do something, he did the wrong thing.

Have you ever been there? I have. It is frustrating...discouraging...and unsettling to say the least. You become so disoriented you don't know how to respond or what to do. It is as if you know, at that moment, whatever you do will probably be wrong. This causes you to become paralyzed. Not knowing what to do, you do nothing.

It is at these times I (and you) need to draw close to God. The temptation is to get mad at God because He didn't do it your way. Or we get mad at God because we looked foolish attempting something for Him that didn't work out.

That anger and frustration towards God will cause a lot of problems down the road if it is not dealt with as soon as possible. How do we deal with it?
-First, confess your frustration, anger, or disappointment with God. He already knows how you feel, so quit trying to hide it or act like it is not there.
-Second, remember that God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. The problem was not with God, it was with our assumptions about God and His will. Ask God to give you wisdom about the situation (see James 1:5).
-Third, don't allow your frustration with God to isolate you from other believers. Find people who can encourage and speak truth to you about God and the situation. They might be the very way God answers your prayer for wisdom.
-Fourth, continue to obey what God has made clear to you. Don't allow the uncertainty in one area to cloud the clarity from God in another area of your life. It is easier to be led by God into the truth we don't know when we follow the truth He has already shown us.
-Fifth, give thanks to God anyway. We worship God because He is God...not just because things are going our way. This is the best way to take our eyes off of ourselves, our situation, and our disappointments and to place them on God. It helps us to remember to matter what we our currently going through, He will cause all things to work together for the good (Rom. 8:28). That is not surprising because we know His Will will happen and His will is always good and pleasing and perfect.

Just be patient.

Jesus, thank you for being patient with me when I try and do things for you that might not be what you wanted. Help me to endure through my struggles and disappointments so that I can learn what you really want for me.

God's will is a no-brainer

2010-07-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

I read Luke 22:39-46 today. Luke records the events that happened right before His betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Many are familiar with the account of Jesus' anguish before His crucifixion, how he prayed that God would take "this cup" away and how his intense agony caused Him to sweat drops of blood.

For me, one of the most important verses in all of the Bible occurs in this passage. It is Jesus' prayer that ends with these words, "Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine." I think that sums up the Christian life in a nutshell. Living the Christian life is about doing the will of God- not mine. That is why Jesus says we must follow Him (doing His will) and deny ourselves (not doing ours).

It is a struggle to live this way because my will is very strong. And even though I made a decision at one time in my life to become a Christ follower, living life as a Christ follower is not a one time action. It is a moment by moment, decision by decision lifestyle. It seems my life comes back to this prayer many times a day, where I pray and choose to do His will over mine.

There are times I fail...too often I follow my desires instead of His. However, I always go back; confessing I did it my way; thanking Him for His forgiveness; and re-surrendering my life back to Him. I have found following His will- no matter how difficult- is always better than mine.

It reminds me of the verse from Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." When I sin, choosing my will over God's, it is not because I think I'm going to mess things up. I choose my will because I think I'm right...or at least my choices will have the right outcome (the outcome I want). I never intentionally make choices thinking, "Oh, this decision is really going to mess up my life." Never. I have the uncanny ability to believe all of my decisions are right- that they will indeed make my life better.

Unfortunately, I find the second part of the verse is always right as well. All of my decisions that are outside of God's will end up wrong ("in the end it leads to death"). They seemed right, but they were not. And because they were wrong, all the hopes, desires, or outcomes that I envisioned never happened. I made decisions, that I knew went against God's will, and I have experienced the death of peace...joy...love...patience...trust.

It seems like all of my decisions should be "no-brainers," a decision you don't have too think much about it. If God's will is always right, or as Romans 12:2 says, "God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect," then why do I choose to go against it? Again, when I choose my way over God's, it ends in destruction or death- not what is good and pleasing and perfect. Think about it- what would you want, what results in death or a good, pleasing and perfect result?

That is when I discovered a very simple and profound truth- sin is not only wrong, it is stupid.

Jesus, thank you for showing me how to live...choosing Your will over mine. Thank you for modeling what it looks like to choose God's way even when it is not easy and causes much agony, because the truth is Your will is always good and pleasing and perfect.

Denials and Swords

2010-07-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

Began this morning with Luke 22:31-38. I'll have to admit this passage gave me plenty of things to think about...why would He let his disciples be "sifted like wheat" and why are they told to buy swords?

I can break up this passage into two sections- Peter is informed that he will deny Jesus and then a rather unclear portion about buying swords.

The first section is chilling. Jesus looks at the disciples and says, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat" (v.31). I never noticed that Satan asked to sift each of the disciples. I pretty much thought it was just Simon Peter that Satan desired to mess with. Even though Satan asks for permission to go after all the disciples, Jesus seems particularly concerned for Peter.

A couple of thoughts before I go on: First, I have no idea what being sifted like wheat looks like since I have not been around any farming/agriculture in my life. I do know that it doesn't sound good and that it is something I would like to avoid at all cost. Second, Jesus says that Satan asked if he could sift them like wheat. To which my next words would be, "You told him 'NO,' right?" That is what I want to hear. Satan asked to sift me and you said "NO."

Jesus, however, did not deny the request. He did say something positive to the disciples and, especially, Simon Peter. Jesus said, "I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail."

Two things that all people who call themselves Christians should know is that we will face trials that test and purify our faith (read James 1:2-3 and 1 Peter 1:5-7), and that Jesus prays for us (Hebrews 7:24-25).

While it might sound better for Jesus to have told the disciples I refused to allow Satan to sift you like wheat, it is truly better that we undergo trials, which strengthen our faith, and to have Jesus interceding for us...after all, whose prayers are more effective than Jesus'?

The next time you are going through a tough situation...a difficult circumstance...a painful trial- whatever you want to call it- remember that God is at work in you and Christ is at work (praying) for you.

The second section of this passage deals with buying swords. I looked this part up in some commentaries, which I don't normally use. I found myself thinking they are making this really confusing. One commentary said that the sword is a spiritual reference to the sword of the Spirit, since Jesus could not advocate violence by the use of a sword. Another said the sword represented government. One said the sword was a literal sword, but that he was sure it could only be used for defense. Another said that the sword was for defense against wild animals only.

I couldn't help but laugh at all of the mental gymnastics that these commentators were going through so that it didn't appear that Jesus was condoning violence. After reading the passage it seems more clear to me that Jesus simply had them buy swords because that is what "rebels" would possess. To me that seems to be the emphasis here...follow the logic with me:
-If you don't have a sword, buy one (v.36)
-the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: "He was counted among rebels"
-Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true.

In my opinion, Jesus was saying there is a prophecy about me being with rebels...rebels have swords...go get some swords. I think that is all He is saying here.

Jesus, thank you for pleading for me in prayer that my faith will not fail.

You'll be betrayed, but I'm the greatest..?

2010-07-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

I read Luke 22:7-30 this morning. It is so interesting to read these passages and see the reactions (or lack of reaction) of the disciples.

One of the reasons I love the Bible is that it doesn't try to "dress up" the people involved, you know what I mean? The Bible just puts peoples' stories out there- the good and the bad. It doesn't try and make apologies for people or cover up their sins. Look at any person from the Bible and you will find them getting it wrong just as many times they get it right- Abraham, Jacob, David, Joseph, etc.

The disciples are treated the same way. Thomas doubts Jesus rose from the dead. Peter walks on water- but sinks...and oh yeah, he denied Jesus three times. James and John want to call fire down from Heaven to destroy their enemies. I could go on and on, but I feel hypocritical because I haven't recorded my failures for people to read.

What's my point? I read this passage about the Last Supper and I am amazed at what gets the attention of the disciples and what doesn't...and what gets their attention is really unflattering of them (in my opinion). In one paragraph the disciples move from Jesus telling them that He will be betrayed and killed to them arguing about who is the greatest among them?

So what gets their attention? Themselves. It seems to be all they can think about. Jesus tells them this is the last time He will eat this meal and no one questions Him about that. Jesus introduces new meaning to the bread and the wine and no one asks Him about it.

However, when Jesus says He will be betrayed by one of the disciples sitting at the table- it launches a lively discussion. By the way, even when Jesus says He will be betrayed and must die, the group gives more discussion to who would or wouldn't betray Jesus (themselves) than to the fact that Jesus will die. Here their Master has told them that He will die and all they can think about is themselves, whether they could or couldn't betray Him. I just don't get it.

Look at their discussion in verses 23 and 24. It starts by them asking who could do such a thing as betray Jesus. Then they begin to argue about who is the greatest among them. Don't you see it? It is like they begin the discussion gently, "Which one of us could do such a thing?" And then tt turns heated when, I guess, someone throws out a possibility.

I can hear it in my head now. John asks, "Who could do that?" Simon (the Zealot) answers, "Not me...but why don't we think about someone who has shown to be a turncoat in the past like Matthew. I wouldn't put it past him. He has betrayed in the past...turning on his own people to collect taxes for the Romans. I say once a betrayer, always a betrayer!"

Matthew would respond, "Not me. Did you see how much I gave up to follow Jesus? I left all that money and security to follow Jesus. I wouldn't turn my back on Him now. Peter, however, he is so impetuous."

In my mind I can hear the discussion shift from questioning who could do that, to accusations, and then to strong denials. It says in verse 24, "Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them." That is the strongest denial a person could make. I couldn't deny Jesus, I'm the most important one in the group.

I know that some of this is speculation on my part, but it amazes me that the disciples seem to miss the important issues (like His leaving them, His death, and the changes He made to the sacred Passover meal) and focus on themselves.

This challenges me because I know that there are many important things that God reveals to me and yet my focus is still on myself. I would be embarrassed if my attempts to follow Jesus were written down in a book that recorded my failures as well as when I get it right. I wonder if that book were written, would the readers just shake their heads saying, "How could Shane miss that? Didn't he hears what Jesus was saying? Why was he so focused on himself?"

I hope and pray that I'll have clarity about the things Jesus reveals to me.

Don't name your kid that...

2010-07-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

I began reading Luke 22 this morning. The chapter begins with Judas' agreement to betray Jesus.

There is not really a whole lot I can say about it. I think everyone has some kind of opinion already about Judas. He's not a Bible hero.

You know how you can tell who Bible heroes are? Look at names people give their children. David, killed Goliath- hero. Stephen, first martyr of the church- hero. Daniel, came out of the Lion's Den- hero. All heroes and all names we use today.

You especially see this with twins. Joshua, led the people into the Promise Land- hero, and Caleb, one of the spies who believed God and fought the tough battles- hero. Jonathan, loyal friend to David- hero, and David, aforementioned hero. It is like a rule you have to pair the heroes up for twins. You can't have one child with a hero name and the other not be a hero. That is just not fair. It clearly sets one child on a different path than the other.

I am joking but there is some truth to this. No one names their child Judas anymore. It appears to be a popular name in Jesus' time, two of His twelve disciples were named that. Not anymore. Judas' betrayal shut down a whole name for boys...just like Jezebel shut down the girl's market. If you ever meet a family with a set of twins (fraternal of course) named Judas and Jezebel, I think you get a whole lot of insight into that family right away.

Ok...so I get a little sidetracked from time to time, but there is one thing I picked up on in my reading today. Luke writes that "Satan entered into Judas..." I really don't know what that means completely. (John also writes that Satan enters into Judas when he leaves the Last Supper to betray Him in John 13:2 and 13:27).

I know that I probably have no idea what Judas was going through. I, unfortunately, seem to be able to "betray Jesus" on my own when I sin. Sometimes I come up with the lamest excuses. I justify an angry outburst with "I'm really tired." Like, if I weren't so tired then I wouldn't be so irritable. Stuff like that- do you know what I mean?

I'm not trying to make light of sin at all here. It is just very striking to have the Biblical writers clearly draw attention to Satan entering Judas so that he betrays Jesus. None of us could withstand Satan entering us.

Judas is a tragic figure. He was once a trusted and close friend of Jesus but now He is known as the Betrayer.

I know these are just random thoughts, but my last thought ran toward this- one action can mark a person for the rest of their life. But I know that for most of us, our lives will not be defined by one action but by many actions that reveal our true character. What will my actions reveal today?

Jesus, I pray that my actions don't betray You but that they glorify You.

Don't let your hearts be dulled...

2010-06-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

I read Luke 22:5-38 yesterday but I didn't get around to writing about it. I had a lot going on yesterday, but I think that is an excuse for not wanting to write about it. The passage was one of Jesus' longest teachings about the...(drum roll please) End Times.

I guess that is why I put writing about it off. I don't like to talk about the End Times. Not because I have a problem with the world coming to an end or anything like that, I just don't like all the speculation those discussions usually produce. Face it- we don't really know a lot about the End Times. We know Jesus will come back, but we don't know when. We know there will be an Anti-Christ, but I'm tired of hearing about how every President, Pope, or Russian leader since I have been born is the Anti-Christ. I'm done with discussions about counting letters and assigning numerical values to them that add up to 666. I even saw someone apply a similar formula and discovered that Barney the Purple Dinosaur was the Anti-Christ. All I can say is enough already.

The challenge is to focus on what is clear. The passage starts off with Jesus' disciples marveling over the "majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls." It says they were talking about it among themselves. I wonder what they were saying about it...my guess it was pretty over the top because Jesus looks at them and says, 'The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another."

It kind of reminds me when a little kid thinks something is the most awesome thing in the world, and then the big brother lets the little kid know why it is really not that great. (At least that is the way it works among my four boys.) I don't think Jesus was doing this maliciously, like the older brothers can do, but I do think He was giving His disciples a healthy dose of reality. He was letting them know as wonderful as this is, it will not last.

Of course this made the disciples curious. They began to ask Jesus, "When will all this happen?" You can read the passage to find out what Jesus said. It is a prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem, which happened in 70 A.D.

You might be asking yourself, "I thought you said this was a teaching about the End Times? How can this passage be about what happens in 70 A.D. and we are still here?"

Good question...in verse 24 Jesus says, "And Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the period of the Gentiles comes to an end." He then goes on to say in verse 27, "Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory..."

So whenever the period of the Gentiles ends, Jesus will come back. This is a firm promise. Jesus backs it with, "Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear" (Luke 21:33).

So what's the point if I'm not going to speculate on the period of Gentiles...why am I writing about this at all? Because of what Jesus says next:

Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.

I think Jesus' words are pretty straight forward. I have to admit I'm pretty uncomfortable about the part that says pray so we might be strong enough to escape the coming horrors. That is definitely not my favorite part.

However, I do need to hear the warning about letting my heart become dulled. And even though Jesus talks about carousing (which literally means to drain the cup) and drunkenness (which is probably the result of draining the cup), I think it is too narrow to say that Jesus is just preaching against alcohol. Surely alcohol can lead to being dulled and drunkenness, but aren't there other things that cause us to become dull and drunk (under the influence of something else)?

What are the things that we drink deeply that cause us to become dull to Christ and His influence over our lives? We can drain the cup of financial security, pleasure, unhealthy relationships, and other pursuits that give us an inferior sense of identity. All of these things and more can, and will, put us under their control.

Jesus demands that we keep alert. Don't allow those things and the worries of this life to distract us from Him. Only then, no matter what the day, will we be ready for His coming.

Jesus, help me to see clearly the things that cause my heart to become dull so that I might rid my life of those distractions.

It is the amount of the sacrifice that counts

2010-06-28T06:18:00.000-07:00

I started reading Luke 21 this morning. The chapter begins with a very familiar story about a poor widow bringing her offering to the Temple.

This story just reminds me how different God’s perspective can be from mine, which isn’t that hard to imagine since He is all-knowing.

The story begins with Jesus in the Temple, watching “rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box.” Jesus wasn’t “stalking” these guys- in fact they wanted people to see them give their gifts. That is one of the ways the Religious Leaders tried to display “their righteousness” in front of the people.

Then a poor widow “came by and dropped in two small coins.” The original language of the New Testament calls the coins leptas, which were the smallest of the Jewish coins. In our currency, the woman would have given a whopping two pennies.

From a natural perspective, a person would think any gift from a rich person would be far greater than two cents. Jesus gives another perspective. In His usual way of declaring the unexpected, Jesus says the poor widow gave more than any of the rich people gave that day.

How can that be? Surely the rich people didn’t give just one lepta…one penny. How could rich people receive any credit or praise from the people by giving so little? That would have been an embarrassment for them instead of a show of pride like they wanted.

I know that they really gave far more than one penny, but it just goes to show how I can still view certain situations from a very natural perspective. I mean the story says rich people gave their offerings and a poor woman gave her offering. Naturally, a person would assume that the rich gave more than the poor woman, but that is not how Jesus sees it at all.

Jesus views the gift not by the amount given, but by the amount of sacrifice. In the case of this story, the gifts of the rich people were probably very significant, but the gifts required very little sacrifice. However, the gift of the widow was very small, but the amount of the sacrifice was total- “she [had] given everything she [had].”

I pray that I will be like the widow. I want to give sacrificially. To follow not only the pattern of the widow, but of Jesus as well, who gave all He had to purchase my salvation.

What kind of leaders are we?

2010-06-24T06:38:00.002-07:00

Read Luke 20:20-47 this morning. This passage was all about different factions of the Religious Leaders attempting to trap Jesus with their little "unanswerable" questions.

It reminds me a lot of pompous college Philosophy professors posing their questions to incoming Freshmen students. Students are no match for the "wisdom" of their philosophy instructors. These new students are quickly dazzled by arguments that they have never encountered by a professor who has dealt with these thoughts for decades. However, in this situation these "philosophers" don't encounter a naive freshman...they are dealing with the very wisdom of God.

Instead of leaving Jesus stumped and defeated before the crowds of people, these Religious Leaders are left speechless, unable to match His wisdom. Jesus then reverses the roles by giving them a question they are unable to answer, leaving them exposed in the eyes of the crowd.

Here is how the passage ends:

Then, with the crowds listening, he turned to his disciples and said, “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be severely punished.”

I think there is a saying, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." Jesus' judgment of Religious Leaders still rings true today, doesn't it? It seems that all the scandals in churches over the last decades have revealed a deep level of hypocrisy in Religious Leaders. Whether the scandal revolves around money, sex, or power, positions of leadership have been abused so that the leaders can focus on what they get instead of what they give.

Leadership in the cause of Christ is not a means to gain wealth and titles. Instead, Jesus reveals that leadership is about giving and serving for the good of others. Our titles are minister, which is another word for servant, or pastor, which is another word for shepherd or caretaker. In my mind these roles are not reserved for the "professionals" only, but they are for all of Christ's followers.

Jesus told us to beware of hypocritical leaders, but we should beware of becoming leaders like that as well. There should be no hint of hypocrisy among us or service that focuses more on receiving rather than giving.

Peter wrote, "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light."

Jesus, make us pure and holy, people of integrity. Keep us far from hypocrisy.

Pleasing People or God?

2010-06-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

Luke 20:9-19. Jesus turns to the people after another confrontation with the Religious Leaders. This seems to be the pattern Jesus follows- challenge by Religious leaders, Jesus rebukes the Religious Leaders, and then Jesus tells the crowd why the Religious Leaders are misguided (I struggled to find a word that didn't sound to harsh...because Jesus did more than just tell the crowds that the Religious Leaders were morons.)

It is no wonder the Religious Leaders always were plotting to kill Jesus after their confrontations. The thing that appears to be most important to them is the approval of the crowds. The Religious Leaders were people-pleasers more than God-pleasers, so every time Jesus revealed their true colors to the crowds it drove them crazy.

Today's reading is another example of this. Jesus tells a story that is a thinly veiled illustration of the Religious Leaders rejecting God's plan, refusing God's messengers and message to change, and finally killing God's Son. It is a story of ultimate rejection.

The crowds are appalled by the story. His listeners respond by saying, "How terrible that such a thing should ever happen."

The Religious Leaders want to arrest Jesus because they know He is telling this story against them. They got the message loud and clear, but I think they were more upset that the crowd was getting the message. In fact, the Religious Leaders were completely driven by the crowds because the only reason they didn't arrest Jesus was that they were "afraid of the people's reaction."

For me, today's reading forces me to deal with the issue of who am I living to please. By nature I'm a people-pleaser. I don't like to make people upset. I don't like to let people down. And if I'm honest with myself, I probably worry too much about what people think about me.

Living for the approval of the crowd/people makes living for the approval of God impossible. Why?
-It takes your focus off of God and puts it on people, because you are more interested in them and their thoughts, feelings, words, actions, agenda, etc. than God's.
-It makes it difficult to speak truth to people, because you're concerned whether they will like you or not after you say something that they might not want to hear.
-It makes it difficult to obey God when you know that following what God wants might be the exact opposite of what others might want you to do.
-Not living to please people always creates tension and confrontations- and you (and most everyone else) like to avoid confrontations if at all possible.
-Living for the approval of people wastes your time and energy (and life). Instead of doing what God wants...what really matters, you spend countless hours doing what others want and then spend more time worrying what they think about how you did it.

I'll admit I struggle with this from time to time. Then someone told me something very wise, "Quit worrying about what others are thinking about you. They aren't thinking about you. They are thinking about themselves and what people are thinking about them." I try to remember that. I also try to remember what Paul said in Galatians 1:10:

Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant.

Jesus, help me to remember I want your approval, Your "well done," and not people's.

Authority and Wisdom

2010-06-22T06:11:00.000-07:00

I started reading Luke 20 today. Luke records another confrontation between Jesus and the Religious Leaders of His day. The Religious Leaders came to Jesus while He was teaching in the Temple and began to question His authority.

The Leaders demand to know who gave Jesus the right to teach. They were not just questioning His right to teach in the Temple, but they were also questioning His teaching. In Jesus' day rabbis (or teachers) taught by building on the teachings of other rabbis. They would refer to Rabbi so and so said this... or Rabbi so and so says that... The Religious Leaders would use the teachings of other rabbis to be their source of authority. In essence they were saying, "My teaching is based upon the teachings of this or that rabbi, so don't question me unless you are going to question all they have taught as well."

Jesus never referred to other rabbis. His authority didn't come from other teachers or tradition. His authority came from God because His message came from God.

So the Religious Leaders came to Jesus demanding to know who is He basing His teaching on, but Jesus would not answer them. Instead, He asks them a question about John the Baptist. The religious leaders are afraid to answer the question because they know their answer will either put them at odds with God, because they refused John's baptism, or it will put them in jeopardy with the people, because they believed John was a prophet. So the religious leaders "plead the fifth," and refuse to answer the question. Jesus looks at them and says, "Then I won't tell you by what authority I do these things."

While there are many things worthy of contemplation in this passage, I was most amazed by Jesus' wisdom. I have to admit my first thought was how cool would it be to have such wisdom that I could totally disarm my enemies with a single question. Then I realized I was looking at Jesus' wisdom as a way to win and have dominance over people instead of a way to live. I don't know if that makes any sense or not to anyone reading this, but wisdom is for living well- not just being right and proving people wrong. Wisdom is right and will be proven right, but I don't want to go through life just trying to always prove I'm right. I want to go through life loving God and people, enjoying God and people, and getting the most out of life. I want to avoid foolishness (the opposite of wisdom) that destroys all those things.

The most promising thing for me out of this passage is not necessarily Jesus' authority, which is limitless; but that I have the wisdom of Jesus. This same wisdom that Jesus used to live and overcome every obstacle, test, or trap is available to me because I have Christ in me.

I was reminded of 1 Corinthians 1:30, "God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; He made us pure and holy, and He freed us from sin." Do you see the benefit of wisdom? Wisdom is indeed a person (Christ), and when we follow Him look at the results- right with God, pure and holy lives, and freed from sin. What can be wiser than that?

Jesus, thank you for giving me your wisdom so freely. Deliver me from the foolishness of relying upon myself, because only you can make me right with Your Father, pure and holy, and freed from the destructiveness of sin.

There is more to this than an angry man

2010-06-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

I read Luke 19:45-48 this morning. Jesus enters Jerusalem and heads to the Temple. When He arrives He finds the Temple filled with people selling animals for sacrifice at inflated prices. This angers Jesus and, for the second time in His ministry, He cleanses the Temple by driving them out. Jesus says, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves."

The story is about so much more than Jesus being angry or the people selling animals for sacrifices for profit. Those seem to be the obvious things that catch my attention, but there are three things that really made me think. These three things revolve around things that happen in the Temple: prayer, sacrifice, and teaching.

First, Jesus says that the Temple is a house of prayer. Prayer is more than just talking to God- although that is a major part of prayer. Prayer is about seeking God's will...asking for His will- not ours- to be done. He says the Temple is a house...a place you live in. To me Jesus is saying prayer is about living in God's will...constantly remaining in the "place" where I am seeking His will.

Second, Jesus deals with sacrifice. Sacrifices were a huge part of the Temple services. To me sacrifices are on the other end of the spectrum from prayer. Let me explain. The difference for me is in this- prayer is about seeking/wanting God's will to be done; on the other hand, sacrifices are offered for the breaking of God's will...when we pursue our will in sin instead of obeying His.

I guess what I'm saying is that the sacrificial system was set up by God...but sacrifices weren't what He was really after. God really wanted us to do His will- to live lives of prayer- instead of breaking His will. A sacrifice was a remedy for breaking His will, but if God had a choice He would want a life lived in prayer/obedience over a correctly offered sacrifice any day. You might say that is obvious but we don't live that way at times. Many times we choose to sin relying upon some kind of confession or sacrifice to make it right with God. The Jews in Bible times lived that way...Scripture was given to remind them that this was wrong:

"Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."

"I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings."

"The people of Israel love their rituals of sacrifice,but to me their sacrifices are all meaningless.I will hold my people accountable for their sins,and I will punish them."

Many people still do this today. Again, I'm not against confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness- we should do that- but we should strive for obedience first.

Third, the story says Jesus taught daily in the Temple...and "all the people hung on every word He said." I still believe Jesus teaches daily. He speaks to anyone who will listen. His teachings are available everyday in the Bible. His words are as true today as when He first said them. I hope and pray that I too will hang on every word.

Jesus wept...again

2010-06-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

Luke 19:41-44. Jesus is approaching Jerusalem. He sees the city and Luke says that He begins to weep.

Weep. That made me realize I still have a long way to go in my journey in becoming more like Jesus. Not that I think there is any thing wrong with weeping.

When I read the story my thoughts immediately went to how Jesus felt. The real kicker is that Jesus knows what is ahead for Him in Jerusalem. He has been telling the disciples that he will be betrayed, falsely accused, beaten, and killed. He knows that He is about to face ultimate rejection...from the people, but He also knows that He will take on the sin of the world causing a pain we could never understand- separation from His Father.

And yet He still weeps for the people.

I tried to place myself in that situation. How would I feel if I were in Jesus' place? I began to think about a lot of things- mostly about the pain that would lay before me. It just showed me how self-centered I still can be. Jesus wept for others...He wept for Jerusalem...I think I would have wept for myself.

I want the heart and compassion of Jesus to be mine. I want to look on "my Jerusalem," wherever that might be, and be moved by compassion for those people.

Jesus said, "How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace." Do I feel that strongly about it? What am I willing to do today so that people might understand the way to peace?

Jesus knew what laid ahead of Him, but He also knew what laid ahead of Jerusalem. He knew there would be no peace for them. He knew they would be surrounded by enemies on every side. He knew that they, along with their children, would be crushed to the ground. He knew the consequences of missing their opportunity for salvation.

I know what lies ahead for people who try to live without Christ- in this life and the life to come. I know that living in this world with Christ is difficult, but that is nothing to the desperation I see in the lives of those who try to live in this world without Christ. I also know what the Bible says about those who miss their opportunity for salvation. There is no second chance. There is no purgatory...no limbo...no reincarnation. There is only eternal separation from God...in Hell.

Do I weep? Will I act?

Jesus, cause me to feel for people like you do and burden me to share the "way to peace" today with those who do not know you.

That's not stealing, is it?

2010-06-15T06:14:00.000-07:00

Read Luke 19:28-40 this morning. This portion is known as Jesus' Triumphant Entry. Churches celebrate this occasion on Palm Sunday.

If a person has spent any time around church, then they probably are aware of what happened- Jesus enters riding a donkey, the crowds wave palm branches and spread their garments on the road, and shout praises to God as they enter Jerusalem. Some wanted the crowds to stop chanting, but Jesus replied, "If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!" (Luke 19:40).

Today my attention was caught by what went on before Jesus entered Jerusalem. The story says that Jesus called two of his disciples over and sent them to a nearby town to "borrow" a colt (or donkey). He tells them if anyone asks why you're taking the colt just say the Lord needs it.

The "colt expedition" goes down just like Jesus said it would. The disciples go to town, find the colt, start to untie it, the owner comes out and questions them, and they tell him the Lord needs it and off they go.

Luke records the events so simply. I bet if I was there it would have been a lot more complicated. At least I would have made it a lot more complicated. I would have needed more information from Jesus if I was sent on operation Colt Retrieval. I would have wanted to make sure I knew if I was getting the exact colt. I would have probably asked for more of a detailed description...you never know, maybe there would be more than one colt. I would have wanted to know the owners name so I could talk to him and ask him before I took it. I would have probably mentioned to Jesus that this feels a lot like stealing if I take the colt before I ask for permission. On second thought, I probably would have asked why can't the colt come to us. I don't know...can't the little guy wander on up here or can't the owner just bring him here?

Do you see how my mind works? I just tend to complicate things at times. I guess that is why I noticed the non-complicated response of the disciples. They just do it...with no questions or suggestions. They find it just like Jesus said they would and it happens just like Jesus said it would.

These two disciples walked in simple faith and obedience. They trusted Jesus and He worked out the results. Verse 32 says, "So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus said." I want that to be true of me. When I hear Jesus tell me to do something, I just need to do it. I am sure that I will also find things to be just as Jesus said.

Playing it safe gets you in trouble

2010-06-14T06:01:00.000-07:00

I read Luke 19:11-28 this morning. This is one of the stories of Jesus that most people have heard.

Here is the overview:
A noble man is called to a distant land to be crowned king. Before he leaves, he calls 10 of his servants together and gives them some money. He tells the servants to invest the money for him while he is gone. When the noble man returns after being crowned king, he calls the 10 servants together again to give an account of their investments. Bottom line- some do better than others. The new king is pleased with the servants who increase what was given them and is displeased with those...who do nothing with it. The king takes the money from those who created no return and gives it to the ones who made the large returns. This story teaches, "...to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away."

Here are a couple of things I notice from the story:
-Jesus tells the story because He wants to correct the impression that He is going to set up the Kingdom right away (when He enters Jerusalem...see Luke 19:11). That is one of the major pieces of the story- the noble man went away to be crowned king, but He was going to return as King.

-Don't confuse the servants with the people who hated the noble man and didn't want Him to be king. The servants were committed to the king, even if some were lazy, fearful, or just not very smart. I think the servants represent the disciples while the people who don't want Him to be king represent the Jewish religious leaders.

-I think it is interesting that the new King's anger is not stoked by the fact that a servant lost what was given to him, but by the fact that the servant didn't do anything with the money. He simply hid the money in order to "keep it safe." Playing it safe got the servant in trouble.

-I don't think Jesus is interested in us playing it safe. I think, check that, I know that He wants us to multiply what He gives us. He is not interested in us not losing what we have or giving back to Him what He already gave us. He wants us to take risks and invest the things He has given us in other people so that they might multiply. He expects us to give Him more than what He has entrusted to us. Think about that last sentence.

-Jesus will just take things away from unfaithful servants, but His enemies have a much worse punishment. Verse 27 says, "And as for these enemies of mine who didn't want me to be their king- bring them in and execute them right here in front of me."

Verse 28 says, "After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples." I don't know if there is any significance to this verse or not, but I'm not surprised the disciples were behind Him. I imagine they were hanging back talking about that story. It is easy to hear a story where the King might me angered at someone else, but it is a little bit harder when His anger might be directed at you.

I think they were back there trying to figure it out...who might get a good return, who might not, is it possible that we might not be faithful, etc. I bet that is what I would have been doing. I would have called Thaddaeus and Bartholomew over and tried to work this thing out with those guys.

Jesus, I want to be faithful. I want a return on Your investment. Help me to overcome any barrier that might be keeping me from bringing You a large return.

Disinfecting vs. Discipling

2010-06-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

Started Luke 19 this morning. The chapter begins with one of the first Bible stories a child will learn, Jesus and Zacchaeus. I still remember singing, "Zacchaeus was a wee little man and wee little man was he...he climbed up in the sycamore tree to see what he could see...(yada, yada, yada)...Jesus says, "Zacchaeus, you come down for I'm going to your house today...for I'm going to your house today." Ok, so I'm a little fuzzy on the middle but I remember how it ends.

I love this story more today than I ever did as a kid. I really didn't understand all the stuff about Zacchaeus back then. I knew he was a tax collector, but when they told the story in Sunday School that seemed less important than the fact that he was really short and that he climbed trees, which were two things a kid could identify with.

Reading it this morning made me appreciate a lot of things. First, Zacchaeus, a "notorious sinner," was intrigued by Jesus. I still think that is true. While a lot of people are down on church, everyone seems to like or be interested in Jesus.

Second, Jesus initiated with Zacchaeus. He called Zacchaeus out of the tree. It sounds like Jesus was excited to spend the day with Zacchaeus. It doesn't appear to be a scolding (like some of the times my mom would call me to come out of the trees), but like a friend who hasn't been in town for a while wanting to catch up.

Third, I like the fact that Luke records Zacchaeus' excitement level. It says he "quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy." It wasn't like Zacchaeus was being called into the principal's office. He was going to hang out with Jesus.

Luke also points out that the crowd was not too happy that Jesus was going to Zacchaeus' house. The crowd even says that he was a "notorious sinner." It kind of makes him sound like he was on Israel's Top Ten Wanted list doesn't it? Notorious...everyone knows that this guy is bad news.

I guess that is why I like this story so much. The whole point of the story is for Jesus to demonstrate that He goes after sinners and notorious people. He didn't avoid them; on the contrary, he engaged them. He loved them. He changed them.

Zacchaeus was changed. He told Jesus he was changing his ways. He would make things right with those he cheated. That would have never happened if Jesus would have left him in the tree and not gone over to his house.

I think of all the people who would love to have things right between God and them, but we avoid them instead of seeking them out. Like if we have any contact with them we will be contaminated.

It reminds me of somethings I'm reading in a book called Radical by David Platt. Platt writes, "our plan ends up disinfecting Christians from the world more than discipling Christians in the world...that involves isolating followers of Christ in a spiritual safe-deposit box called the church building and teaching them to be good... being good is defined by what we avoid in the world...we have little impact on the world..."

Platt continues, "discipling is much different. Where as disinfecting Christian involves isolating them (from the world) and teaching them to be good, discipling Christians invovles propelling Christians into the world to risk their lives for the sake of others."

I think that is what the story of Zacchaeus is about. Jesus models what it looks like to be propelled into the world for the sake of others. He went to seek and save the lost- and so should we.

Jesus, move us from the ineffective place of be "disinfecting" to the risky and rewarding place of "discipling." May we seek and save with the same urgency you demonstrated.

...and he followed Jesus...

2010-06-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

I finished Luke 18 today. Luke tells the story of Jesus and his encounter with a blind beggar on the side of the road.

It seems to be a pretty familiar plot line...Jesus healing someone. I get the sense from the story that Bartimaeus, that is the blind man's name in the other Gospels, is one of the people interviewed by Luke. Luke writes in Chapter 1 that he is investigating "eyewitness reports" for his Gospel.

In my mind I can hear this interview session. The back and forth banter between Luke and Bart. I tried to write it down, but after reading it...I felt it was a little cheesy so I decided not to include it. It is probably the first time that I let the fear of being cheesy stop me.

Back to the story, when I read it I can sense the things Bartimaeus points out- the growing crowd noise and the interaction between Bartimaeus and the crowd (he asked the crowd what was happening and they told him "Jesus the Nazarene was going by).

I get a feeling of growing desperation from Bartimaeus that only he could give insight about. How he began to cry out and the crowd tried to make him be quiet. However, the story says it made him shout all the more. I think Bartimaeus told Luke I couldn't and wouldn't miss my only opportunity.

Luke records the conversation between Jesus and Bartimaeus. I'm sure those are words that Bartimaeus would never forget. These are insights that have to come from one involved in the miracle. An outside observer would do good just to record all the miracles, let alone be able to get all the private interaction between Jesus and the person.

I don't know for sure but it just seems to have that feeling, you know? Kind of like- "You know what he said to me... and then I said..."

I love the ending, after Jesus heals him because of his faith, it says, "he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too."

I want that said about me. I have been healed by Jesus. He has cleansed me from my sins. He is setting me from the things that can mess me up. I want to follow Him- forever. And I want to praise God for it. I also want people to see that. I don't want them just to see me. I want others to see what God has done so they can praise Him as well.

Jesus, thank you for healing us so that we can follow you and praise you with our whole lives.

Learning to Serve

2010-06-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

Reading and thinking about Luke 18:15-17 today. I love the fact that no matter how many times I read something in the Bible or how well I know a particular story, God always speaks to me when I take the time to stop, listen, and seek Him. He never disappoints.

As I was reading today, I kind of had the feeling that I was doing my "exercise." It would soon be over then I could do some other things "on my list." I mean I know this passage so well...I almost found myself reading it by glancing at it. I don't know if that makes any sense to you or if that is something you ever experience. At times it can be a real challenge for me to keep focus and be attentive.

As soon as I started reading that some parents brought their little children to Jesus, my mind started to think about all the things I know about children, faith, and how the Kingdom belongs to those who are like children. Those are many of the truths I have learned in the past from this and similar passages.

However, today something caught my attention in a new way. Verse 13 says, "...when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him." I'm use to children being scolded- not parents. This episode made me think of many of my experiences in working in churches.

I'll admit I have had a bad attitude at times when it comes to people. I'm human. I have even joked that ministry would be great if it weren't for the people. Then God has had to remind me that ministry is all about people. Ministry is God meeting the needs of people through people. Ministry cannot happen without people.

Then I started to think about the people in this story. First, there is Jesus. Jesus again shows me ministry is about people. He is available to the people and willing to bless them. He removes the obstacles so people can come to Him. He tells the disciples to let the children come...there are too many times I have wanted others to shield me from people and their needs.

Second, there are the disciples. The disciples were rough individuals. They were also very "immature" when it comes to faith. And even though they were closely associated with Jesus, they didn't have the benefit of having the presence of the Holy Spirit indwelling them and changing them from the inside out until after Jesus rose from the dead. I'm sure the disciples didn't come across to these parents as the most loving and caring people in the world. I think the disciples were trying to do what they thought was right, but they just didn't know any better at that time.

There were so many times I can think of people who were new in their faith that were trying their best to serve God, but they just were doing it wrong. They either did the wrong thing or they did the right thing the wrong way. Have you ever encountered someone like that in church?

Jesus teaches me that you do ministry with the people you have. If we have to wait till every one is perfect then we will never do any ministry. Jesus didn't wait till the disciples had everything together before He allowed them to serve. Guess what- they made mistakes...and it wasn't the end of the world. He allowed even their failures in ministry to become teachable moments. He was always teaching and training them how to be better in ministry.

Third, there were the parents. They wanted their children to come to Jesus. They were taking the initiative to get Jesus' blessing on their lives. I have four sons and I hope to display that same drive when it comes to my boys. I want them to know Christ. I want Him to touch their lives. I want Him to bless them.

On a side note, I wonder how those parents responded to a not so pleasant experience "at church?" I know this wasn't church, but I think you get my drift. We have all experienced things like this at church and we walk away blasting the helpers or even God. We say, "How dare they treat me this way!"..."I'm never going back there again!" All because of an experience or two with people who are still learning how to do ministry the right way. (I have worked at churches for a long time and I know the last thing you want to do is tell a parent "no" when it comes to their children.)

I hope we remember that if ministry is being done for people by people there will always be room for improvement and grace. Ministry is all about giving grace. We all need grace from God and sometimes we will even need to extend a little grace to the ones who are still learning how to minister effectively.

Jesus, thank you for your grace in my life and please keep teaching me how to serve people.

Religion or Relationship?

2010-06-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

I read Luke 18:9-14 today. Jesus tells a story about a Pharisee and a tax collector. That sounds like the start of a joke- "One day a Pharisee and a tax collector go to the Temple..." However, this story is far from a joke and one of the greatest insights we can ever gain into the nature and character of God.

Jesus tells this story to some people who "had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else." That is what religion does to people- it causes people to become confident in their own righteousness and then it causes people to look down on everyone else who doesn't measure up.

This is not just something that happened during Jesus' day, it still happens today. People, both inside and outside of the church, set certain standards. The standards might even be noble and good. The problem is that religion causes a person to rely upon their own abilities to reach that standard. If a person is knowledgeable enough, disciplined enough, and good enough then they might be able to obtain that standard.

This causes pride in the person who obtains it, "look at me and what I have accomplished." It also puts the person in a position to judge or look down on those who don't obtain that same standard.

The problem is that people are unable to meet God's standards. There is no amount of religion or good works that we can accomplish that can cause us to be made right with God. No matter how hard we work, we can't fix our separation from God on our own.

This leaves us with two options:
-we can fool ourselves, like the Pharisee, and believe our actions "settle the score" with God, or
-we can become like the tax collector and rely upon God's mercy and grace to make us right with God.

That is the difference between religion and a relationship with Christ. Religion focuses on what we do to be made right with God; while a relationship focuses on what Jesus has done for us to make us right with Himself.

This story reminds me of another Pharisee who eventually got it right. He could no longer rely upon all his good accomplishments...he saw that he needed to become like the tax collector. Hear the difference in his words:

We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!

I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! Philippians 3:3-11

In the end Jesus pronounces that it is the tax collector who went home justified before God and not the "sin free" Pharisee. Jesus proclaims, "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

I find it so interesting that the Pharisee got it right in his own words- "I'm certainly not like that tax collector!" The Pharisee meant those words according to his own judgment, but unfortunately for him, those words also reflected God's judgment. This time they were not alike in how God viewed them- the tax collector was justified and the Pharisee was not.

Jesus, thank you for making us right with you through your mercy and grace and not our worthless efforts.

I didn't see that coming...

2010-05-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

Mark Twain once said, "It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand." There is a lot in the Bible that can be hard to understand, but I have found there are many more things which are very clear and easy to understand.

Today I read Luke 18:1-8. I can say with total confidence that this is one of those passages that I can understand with 100% certainty. While I would love to say it is because of my years of experience or "advanced" education in Biblical studies, the real reason is much more simple- the Bible says what the passage is about.

"One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up," Luke records in 18:1. There it is. Full disclosure right at the beginning...Jesus told the story SO that they (and you and I as well) would know to "always pray and never give up."

The story is very memorable. Jesus often uses the unexpected to capture people's attention for the purpose of retention (I promise I didn't see that rhyme coming...but it is so cheesy it has to stay). Jesus' story has a widow who is in a dispute with an adversary of some type. She attempts to gain justice from the city judge.

What is so unexpected about that? Pretend you don't know the story and you are among Jesus' original audience. When you hear "widow", compassion and concern should leap to the front of your mind. When you hear "judge", images of righteousness and, even, God would be among your first thoughts.

I can quickly play out the story in my mind: Widow is treated unfairly and taken advantage of by her enemy...she goes to the Judge to gain justice for her cause...the Judge quickly intercedes and displays the righteousness of God bringing justice for the widow...and everyone lives happily ever after.

Wrong. The widow goes to the Judge, but instead of reflecting the character and justice of God, he ignores the woman. My mind rebels at this story here. I want to tell Jesus the flaw in His little story, but honestly, it makes me think that this is more true to life than the fairy tale story I concocted.

Jesus goes on to finish the story by declaring that the woman was eventually given justice. However, it wasn't because the judge saw the offense or was so devoted to dispatching justice. No, Jesus says the judge intervened because "the woman is driving [him] crazy...she is wearing [him] out with her constant requests!"

There is the switch...the unexpected. I thought the woman would get justice because she went to the judge. After all he is the one who gives justice. The unexpected was teaching about a quality we should possess- perseverance- and not a quality the judge should possess- justice.

I tend to do that. At times I read the Bible to find the way others should act. However, the Bible is a book that teaches me how I should act. This is a story that teaches me to persevere not to complain about the ineptitude of the judge.

Jesus even says, "Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night." (Luke 18:6-7).

Now that I understand what the Bible says here, am I a little like Mark Twain? Does what I know bother me? Yeah...a little. This story says I can't rely upon myself (I like to do that at times), but that I need to pray. I need to be dependent upon God. It also tells me that I have to be persistent. I can't just have a "one and done" conversation with God about it. I need to keep "crying out to him day and night."

Instead of being persistent in prayer, I can kind of get frustrated with God. Did He not hear me and my need? What is taking Him so long? Where is my answer? I need to focus on being persistent in my requests more than focusing on God's apparent lack of response.

What really troubles me about that is that I know what kind of situations bring out that kind of desperation in me. I know that it takes something really burdensome to bring out that kind of "day and night" persistence in me. I don't like being in those kinds of situations.

I could give you plenty of examples of things in which I have truly persisted in prayer. The one that goes to the top of the list is one for my son. One of my sons was born with a heart condition. I pray every night that he will be healed. Every year he goes for his check up and it is still there, but I will keep on praying.

While I wish he was healed miraculously, I have learned much about God and His wonderful ways through this situation. I have seen so much of God's goodness and provision. I have learned that while I have not gotten the answer I want...I have never been ignored by God. So I will keep on praying, and I will keep on learning more about my wonderful God who will grant me what I need.

Jesus ends this passage with a question, "But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?" I think that He is asking how many will keep trusting me...how many will keep depending upon me...how many will keep persevering in prayer even if they feel ignored by God? I hope and pray that I'll never become so overcome with despair that I give up and stop praying- not just for my son but in all things. God is too faithful for that.

Jesus, thank you for being so faithful. Give me persistence in prayer.

Did I just use eschatology in a sentence?

2010-05-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

Read Luke 17:20-37 today. Jesus is answering a question about the Kingdom of God and its coming. For everyone who loves learning and talking about the End Times, this is one of your passages.

I don't really like to talk about the End Times all that much because I feel all we can really do is speculate about it. Unfortunately, most of the conversations I have witnessed about the End Times end on a sour note...someone speaks a little more authoritatively about something than they should and then everyone has to define and defend their eschatology, which is a fancy word for the doctrine of End Times.

People start speaking loudly, with red faces, about premillennial, postmillennial, amillennial...pre-trib, mid-trib, post-trib...666, the Beast, Abomination of Desolation, etc. You are probably wondering what kind of people do I hang out with, well, that is what happens late night at seminary. Sounds fun, doesn't it?

I think these things, in proper context, are important, but I always want to focus on what is clearly revealed and most important. What I do know for certain is that Jesus is coming back and I should be busy telling others about the Gospel and Kingdom of God while I can. As far as when will He return- I don't know. I do know that we are closer now to that time than we have ever been before.

My thoughts don't normally drift towards Left Behind type material. However, since Jesus talks about the End Times here, I'll point out what I see.

-v. 21 says, "the Kingdom of God is within you." I believe there will one day be a physical Kingdom, but Jesus says that the Kingdom is already a reality in those who submit their lives to the rule and reign of God.

-vs. 22-25, Jesus told his disciples that He would not set up the Kingdom (the kind the disciples first expected) in their life time and not before He would suffer and be rejected. Jesus' first coming was to die for the sins of the world.

-vs.26-30, The last days would be like the days of Noah and Lot. These are two of the most evil and wicked periods in human history. Both of these eras ended in destruction due to their wickedness, so society will be full of wickedness.

Most people in those periods didn't realize how wicked their societies had become. These verses say they carried on with parties and business, life as usual, up until the end. The end came as a surprise to all but the godly, Noah and Lot and their families.

Another thing I get from this is an observation of mine- not necessarily a verse, but God knows how to rescue the godly even while judging the wicked. You can read 2 Peter 2:9 if you want that in a verse.

-vs.31-33, when He does return- there is no use trying to hold on to this world and its stuff. It will all be destroyed, so don't become to attached to it now. If you become overly attached, you will become like Lot's wife, who wanted the things of the world more than God. God gave her what she wanted, and she ended up like all the others attached to the wickedness.

-vs.34-35, not everyone will be saved. Some "will be taken" and some "will be left." We don't know who those are, but we are told to spread the Gospel to all. Those who receive this message in faith will be saved.

I don't know when or where the End will come, but it will. I just hope I'll be found doing what He has commanded us instead of living like everything is normal with the world.

Jesus, clear are minds from speculation and guessing about when and where the end will take place. Keep us focused on the task at hand. May we be found faithful in your purpose for us when you return.

Dependence and not desperation

2010-05-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Luke 17:11-19 records another miracle of Jesus. Still traveling to Jerusalem, Jesus reaches a village on the border between Samaria and Galilee where He encounters 10 lepers.

The lepers cry out and beg for Jesus to have mercy on them. The Bible simply says, "He looked at them and said, 'Go show yourselves to the priests." He didn't touch them or do anything to them, He simply told them to go to the priests.

That is very significant. The Old Testament teaches that a priest must confirm that a leper has been healed/cleansed from leprosy before the person can be allowed back into the community. Usually, the leper is cleansed before she would go to the priests; but in this case, the 10 lepers are still covered with leprosy as they leave.

It is on the walk to the priests that something amazing happens- they are healed. What an act of faith! So many times we want proof or a certain outcome before we do what God says. I'm sure these 10 might have thought a little about the fact that they were not yet clean when Jesus told them to go to the priests, but they went anyway.

I wonder if it was just desperation that caused them to do it? Had the 10 exhausted every other option? I'm like that at times. I'll try everything in the world to get a certain outcome- and when nothing seems to work- I'll turn to God. I have gotten so much better at trusting God first, but there are times, especially in the "impossible" categories, that I try to exhaust every option first. I guess that is what it takes for me to realize that it is impossible on my own...I don't know.

What still amazes me is that God meets me in those times. I just wish it didn't take a certain level of desperation on my part to drive me to dependence upon Him. Life goes so much better when I start at that place- not desperation but dependence. If Jesus said, "He can do nothing by himself," why would I ever think I can?

Whether the lepers arrived at this moment in dependence or desperation, they responded in faith. That is the key. They walked to priests according to what Jesus said and not based upon what they saw. If they depended upon sight, they would have remained right where they were. They would have never showed themselves to the priests because they could still see the leprosy on their bodies. They took the steps in faith and they were healed on the way.

I think that is how God still works today. If you and I keep following what He says, even before we see the outcome, we will receive what God has for us.

Now there is one more lesson in the story. Only one of the ten returned to offer thanks and praise to God for being healed. What is more amazing is that the only one to return was a Samaritan, the unclean of the unclean according to the Jews of Jesus' day.

Jesus asks, "Where are the others and why is it only the foreigner who has returned to give thanks?" I think that is human nature. I see it in others and in myself at times. We ask God to give us what we are desperate for...and when we get it, we carry on with our lives like we deserved it. Gratitude goes out the window when people think they deserve things. That is one of the reasons I fear for our generation, there is so little thanks and such a great sense of entitlement.

Jesus, thank you for healing me and making me clean from my sin. I want to walk in dependence and not just desperation.

Did Jesus just should on me?

2010-05-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Read Luke 17:1-10 today. This passage is one of those "stop me in my tracks" sort of passages.

The episode starts out with Jesus talking to his disciples about temptation and sin. Here is your happy Bible promise for the day from Jesus- "There will always be temptations to sin." Ok, it is not a happy promise. This verse is not making the Precious Bible Promises Calendar...you know the ones for sale in the Christian Bookstores filled with Jeremiah 29:11 type verses while leaving out 2 Timothy 3:12 type verses.

It is a strong reminder that I need to always be alert and on guard against temptation. It does not go away...and when I think I am free of it- that is when I need to be most careful. That is when I am most vulnerable because I think I am the safest.

This passage also makes me think about sin. I so often view sin as the disobedient act...whatever that act might be lying, stealing, gossip, etc; but sin is really unbelief. All of those disobedient actions flow out of my not believing or not trusting God and His ways above my own ways.

Jesus says it is a terrible thing to be the person who causes someone to not trust in God and His ways. Listen to what Jesus says about the ones who lead people into temptation:

It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin.

I don't know about you but I have had bad dreams about drowning...probably because my brother would hold me under water when we would wrestle in the pool. That is a terrifying experience. Jesus says it would be better for you to be drowned with a heavy rock pulling you to the bottom of the sea than to cause someone to sin. That is a pretty horrible punishment. If the punishment should meet the "crime," it is clear that leading someone into temptation is a terrible offense.

Jesus cries out, "So watch yourselves!" I think that is a twofold warning. Watch out that I am not caught off guard by temptation; and watch out that I don't lead anyone into temptation.

He then talks about my favorite subject in the whole world- confrontation. Excuse me, I think I'm going to throw up just thinking about it. I hate confrontation. I don't know anyone who enjoys it- who are emotionally healthy anyway. But Jesus says if I see a believer sin, it is my responsibility to rebuke that person. That means I must go to that person and talk to them about that sin...NOT that I go to someone else and talk to them about that other person's sin. BIG difference. One is difficult, frightening, and painful; the other is easy and, unfortunately, sometimes satisfying.

Jesus says I also must forgive that person if there is repentance. Forgiveness is hard- especially when the sin is committed against you. But it matters not because Jesus says I must forgive and keep on forgiving. Even if the person keeps sinning against me, there must not be a limit to my forgiveness. That makes sense because I must forgive like Jesus and his forgiveness has no limit.

Then the disciples say what I think. That's hard. I don't know if I can do that. I'm gonna need a whole lot more faith. Show me how to build my faith...my trust in You.

Then Jesus gives the mustard seed faith response. You know if you had faith the size of a mustard seed, which is one of the smallest seeds, you could uproot a tree (or move mountains in other passages) with just your words. Then Jesus goes into this speech about a servant is supposed to do what the master wants him to do...and the servant shouldn't expect thanks for doing it.

That kind of catches me off guard. I often think of Jesus as being super nice. Anytime I do something He commands, He is waiting for me to walk over so He can thank me for doing it. Just giving me encouragement and gratitude all the time. Does that seem odd? It should because that is not the way that it happens.

Jesus says, "Does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, 'We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.'"

Sometimes I rebel against duty. Duty is a should word. I don't always like "I do this because I should." I like to talk about proper motivation. Is my heart right? Am I doing the right thing the for the wrong reason? Sometimes I confuse myself. What a mess I can be in the name of being spiritual.

Jesus challenges me with two things in this:
-First, what is faith? Faith is trusting/believing/obeying Him. I should quit thinking about the amount of faith like he told the disciples. It is not about the amount. It is whether I possess it or not. Faith is like the most powerful force in the world...a drop will do. I don't need a certain amount of it because if I possess any, I have all I need, and I can trust God and do what He says.

If there is something I am struggling with about faith or trusting God, it is because there is something I don't know about God. My challenge to myself about faith is not believe more, but to always ask what is it about God that I don't know about Him or His love for me that is causing me to not trust Him in this area?

-Second, should is not always a bad word. I once almost made a t-shirt that said, "Don't should on yourself." I still don't think it is the most healthy way to deal with people all the time, but this passage shows me that sometimes and in some cases should was enough for Jesus.

I realize I don't like "should" so much because I always want to know why..."I know that I should but why I am I doing this?" type of thing. One thing I figured out is that God doesn't always tell me why. Faith occurs when I do things that God tells me even when I don't know why...or what will happen even.

Faith often is a response to should. I should do "such and such" even though I don't want to do "such and such". I should do "such and such" even though that person doesn't deserve "such and such". I should do "such and such" even though God hasn't told me why I should do "such and such." (I don't think I have ever said "such and such" so much- maybe I should have just used _______ and ______.)

Jesus, deliver me from temptation. Help me to keep on guard. Reveal more of Yourself and Your love so that I will trust you completely in order to do what I should.

Now he is comforted and you are in anguish

2010-05-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

Read the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus this morning in Luke 16:19-31. Not the easiest message to take first thing in the morning for me.

In this story Jesus tells of two men:
-one "was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury."

-the other was Lazarus, "a poor man...covered with sores...begging for scraps from the rich man's table...the dogs would come and lick his open sores."

Quite a contrast, don't you think? Jesus continues the story by telling that they both died. Lazarus went to be with Abraham, and the rich man went to the "place of the dead," where his soul was in torment.

The rich man could see across a great chasm and see Lazarus being comforted while he was in anguish. Luke 16:25 says, "But Abraham said to him, 'Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish.'"

The story ends with the rich man begging Abraham to send someone from the dead to warn his brothers so that they would not end up in this place of torment. Abraham refuses and says that God has already sent His prophets and Word to the world as a warning. Abraham contends that if people won't listen to these, they will not listen to even one raised from the dead.

I see so many things in this story:
-Abraham called the rich man "Son." He was a Jew, but that didn't ensure that he would enter paradise after his death. Many count on labels and other associations to assure them of their place in the afterlife. But we don't enter our comfort because we call ourselves Christian or because we are related to sincere, godly believers. We enter because of our faith in Christ and what He accomplished for us. However, faith is not a get out of hell free ticket alone. It is a belief that changes us from the inside out, who we are and how we live.

-The rich man lived in luxury. He had an abundance of things necessary for life, but he hoarded them and used them only for himself. Lazarus, on the other hand, had nothing. Clearly Lazarus was sick (covered with sores) and unable to work, but the rich man did nothing to help Lazarus. The rich man can't claim ignorance about the situation. Lazarus was laying outside the gates to his home- he would pass him everyday in his comings and goings.

What about me? I live in luxury compared to over 90% of the world. They may not be right outside my door, but I know they are there...and there are many more right around our doors than we care to admit. What am I going to do about meeting their needs? Who are the people covered in sores being licked by dogs? Powerful picture that Jesus uses, isn't it?

-The rich man didn't want anyone to suffer the torment of hell. It was so bad that he begged for someone to warn his brothers. I hope to feel the same sense of urgency that he has...but to feel it while there is something we can still do about it. When this life is over, it is too late to begin thinking about eternity, for ourselves or others. We need to live this life in such a way that it impacts eternity for both ourselves and others.

Jesus, teach me to live with mercy and compassion. Help me to make a difference while I still can.

Making the most of what I have

2010-05-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

I read Luke 16:1-18 today. Jesus tells a story about a bad business manager. It's a story that has always been a little confusing for most because Jesus turns the "bad guy" into someone to emulate.

Basically, you have an inept account manager running a business into the ground. The owner/rich man learns that the manager is mishandling his affairs, so he calls the manager into his office and does his best Donald Trump impression..."You're fired." The bad manager has the rest of the day to get his final report ready and turned in, and then he is done.

The manager has no idea what he'll do next. How will he live? He can't do anything else and he is too proud to beg, so he comes up with an idea- he will figure out how to turn his clients into friends so that they will help him out when he loses his job.

He does this by inviting each client to discuss their financial debt to the owner. He asks each client, "How much do you owe him (the owner)?" In my opinion, this is what proves that this guy is a bad account manager...he doesn't even know how much the client owes the owner. No wonder he is going to be fired.

The clients give their answer to the account manager and he quickly gives them a deal they can't refuse. If they owe 800, he makes it 400. If they owe 1,000, he makes it 800.

I can hear the clients saying, "I can't thank you enough. If there is ever a way I can help you, you just let me know." To which the manager answers, "Oh, I'll let you know alright"...("probably around 6:00pm tonight," he mumbles under his breath).

Now here is the rub. The owner finds out what the bad account manager has done. The account manager has cheated the owner out of considerable funds in order to find favor when he doesn't have a job.

It is at this point you think Jesus is going to drop the bomb on the bad manager in the story. Maybe the owner will throw the manager in jail for being such an unfaithful employee? Instead, the owner "[admires] the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd" (Lk. 16:8).

Jesus takes this dishonest manager and makes him an example of shrewdness for us. Obviously, we should not follow his example in his business practices. But what is the lesson...how do we emulate him?

Jesus says, "Here's the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home" (Lk.16:9). Just like the manager, we need to take what little time and resources we have now to impact life later on. That means we should invest our earthly resources (time and money) into helping people enter into an eternal relationship with God, so that when we enter Heaven, we will have "friends" waiting for us. That is the message.

It is no coincidence that this story follows the stories of the lost sheep, coin, and son. Finding "lost things" requires us to invest our earthly resources in those pursuits. If we truly understood the value of people and the terrible consequences of being lost, we would be quick to invest all we have in the little time we have to "find" them.

Jesus teaches,"And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light" (Lk.16:8). Jesus is saying a business man, who values money, knows how to make the most of the opportunity to make more money; but Christians, who value people, don't always know how to make the most of the opportunities to find lost people.

Jesus, help me to make the most of my little time and resources. I want to be shrewd and make the most of my opportunities to find lost people with all that I am and all that I have.

Search and Rescue

2010-05-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

Read Luke 15 today. Luke records 3 stories told by Jesus. Each of these stories revolves around something that was lost (a sheep, a coin, and a son), but when found, gave great joy and cause for celebration.

Jesus tells these stories because the religious elite were complaining that Jesus was hanging around with tax collectors and other "notorious sinners." They were flabbergasted that Jesus would associate and eat with such sinful people.

One thing that is clear from the Scriptures is that sinful people were drawn to Jesus. They loved to hear Him teach and they loved to be with Him. Jesus gravitated toward sinful people, but He avoided the self-righteous. Religious people are self-righteous; on the other hand, sinners often realize their need for grace and a righteousness that is beyond them. Jesus welcomed those sinners with open arms.

I wish the church possessed more of that characteristic of Jesus. I think it would be awesome if "notorious sinners" would seek out the church and Christians today. What if they came to listen to our teaching and longed to associate and eat with us? I wonder if we would open our arms as wide as Jesus?

The Pharisees avoided sinful people because they felt the sinful people would contaminate them. That some how the sin of others could defile them. I think Jesus showed that was impossible. If being in the presence of sin defiles someone, then Jesus could have never entered our sinful, fallen world and remained holy. Yet He did...until He identified Himself completely with our sin by willingly taking it upon Himself on the cross. But when He did so, it was to destroy sin and its power.

Many people in the church struggle with the same mentality of the Pharisees. I understand why. We have been told to avoid sin and all those who could lead us astray. That is why sinful people are seen as dangerous.

We think they are dangerous because we still don't understand the nature of sin. Many still believe that sin is a forbidden fruit of pleasure...and so sinners are dangerous because we are tempted to enter their sin due to its overwhelming allure.

Sin, while enjoyable for a season, is actually deadly and destructive. It is not something to envy in others but something to pity. It is something that people need to be rescued from. Sin always ends in destruction and death.

That is why Jesus came. He came to rescue me, you, and,even, the whole world from the grip of sin. He sought out the sinners. That is why He tells these three stories. The sheep, the coin, and the son are "lost," but in each story someone looks and finds them.

That someone is God. He looks for the sinner. And when He finds the sinner, there is great rejoicing in Heaven. To be found means that the sinner "repents from sin and returns to God" (Lk.15:7).

Again, I hope that the church develops this characteristic of Jesus. May we seek out sinners, like we were if not for the grace of God, and welcome them with open arms so that they may repent and return to God.

Jesus, help us to realize what joy it brings to find those who are lost...those who are far from God and need to return to You. Give us a burden to seek them out. Deliver us from our fears about being around sinners so that we might be used by You to find them.

"When Christ calls a man He bids him come and die."

2010-05-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

Read Luke 14:25-35 today. This is a pretty well known passage about the cost of being a disciple (follower) of Jesus.

Jesus said some pretty tough stuff when it came to being His disciple. Often the church appears to teach that becoming a follower of Jesus is as simple as reciting a prayer. Nothing could be further from the truth.

A famous Christian/Pastor/Author/Martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, wrote about this very subject in his classic book, The Cost of Discipleship. In it Bonhoeffer wrote, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." That is the cost of following Jesus. It is the cost of your old life. The "old you" must die so that the "new you," your new life in Christ, can be brought to life.

That is a high cost. It is difficult to lay down your old life- your ambitions, behaviors, dreams, and desires. It is in the laying down of those things that we can demonstrate our new ambitions, behaviors, dreams, and desires that find their root in Jesus and not our own selfish interests.

That is one of the most difficult things we can ever do. In fact for most people it is next to impossible. Listen to what Jesus says, "“If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple." (Lk.14:26)

Jesus is not preaching hate. He is saying that your devotion to Him must be so much more than anything else that even your love for your family and yourself seems like hate. That is a high cost. I remember the first time I read this, I really struggled with it. I couldn't get past the word hate. But the more I think about it, the more I realize Jesus was right (big surprise, huh?).

I reject the things I hate. I distance myself from the things I hate. I try not to let any of the things I hate have influence over me. Jesus is saying that we must also not let anything or anyone have more influence over us than Himself. I must distance myself from the things or ones that would cause me to waiver in devotion to Him. I must reject all things and people that would lead me from His path.

That is an easy thought when we compare it to bad things- like sin. It is a much more challenging thought when we compare it to good things- like our family. Again, Jesus is not saying for me to hate my family, but to make sure that my devotion to Him outweighs even my devotion to my family. I must embrace that I live for Him above all else. My desire is to please Jesus and not just live to please my family. Thankfully, for me those things are not in conflict. But if they ever were to come in conflict, my cost of discipleship would be to please my Lord and Savior above my family.

Jesus knew that was a high cost. Even as I write this I realize I am struggling. I'm trying to soften Jesus' words...to lessen the offensiveness of His request. I want to figure out some way to say, "Well...I don't really think He meant to come across so severe."

But He did. It is severe. That is why He makes such a big deal about the cost. It is not easy to lay down our life or go against the things and people we love when they clash with the ways of Jesus. So He says, "But don't begin until you count the cost" (Lk.14:28).

It is like getting married. You say vows that are serious and extreme. For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer. In sickness and in health. You are counting the cost of marriage. No matter what the circumstance, this is the pledge of faith to be together till death you do part.

That is how we must count the cost of following Jesus. We must be willing "to give up everything" that impedes us from following Him. This is extreme. But it is no more extreme than the cost Jesus showed in following the will of His Father. Nothing was allowed to come between Him and the will of His Father. Remember even one of his closest friends, Peter, suggested that He should not die. Jesus called Peter Satan. Again, that is severe, but the cost of following God's will was high and difficult...and He wouldn't allow anyone or anything to dissuade Him from the Cross.

If we call ourselves Christ-followers or disciples, yet we don't truly follow Him, what good is that? It is nothing more than a worthless label. Jesus ends this teaching with a question:
"Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away." (Lk.14:34-35)

Did Jesus really call out the manure pile? I'll let you determine what He meant by that, but I'll say this- it is clear to Jesus that a follower who doesn't follow is worthless.

Consider the cost of following. Don't start and then cop out. Understand what you are committing to..."He bids you come and die."

Would I pass the test?

2010-05-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

I started Luke 14 today. You know you are in for some fireworks when a chapter starts with the Sabbath, Jesus, and dinner at a Pharisee's house. Somewhere along the line you have to think the Pharisee's are going to get the picture that Jesus and meals just don't mix...and especially on the Sabbath.

Anyway, Jesus accepts another invitation to eat with the Pharisees. It seems he never turned one down. This one does not end in the same way as the last dinner party (see Luke 11)...thankfully for the Pharisees.

However, I do think they are trying to test Jesus. It seems like all the pieces are there: Jesus invited to the house of a Pharisee for dinner, a man described as having "dropsy," and it is the Sabbath. Luke includes this piece of information as well, "the people were watching Him closely." They were watching to see if Jesus would heal this guy. It was kind of a test to see how Jesus would respond.

Jesus asks, "Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?" The Pharisees refuse to answer. Partly, I imagine, because every time Jesus asks them a question they end up getting trapped; and partly because the Law doesn't say anything about when healing can happen. So Jesus touches the man and he is healed.

Jesus follows with another question, "Which of you doesn't work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don't you rush to get him out?" Again, Jesus was met with silence. See, the Pharisees only looked at Jesus' miracles as work, yet they are truly acts of mercy and grace. Mercy and grace is shown when mercy and grace is needed...when the opportunity is encountered.

I think there are some rules or standards that people use to keep themselves "undefiled," or whatever you want to call it, that keep us from encountering opportunities to extend mercy and grace. We as believers are not dealing with healing on the Sabbath, but I do think we struggle with who and where people can be "healed." We think of certain "dens of iniquity" or certain "types of sinners" and our first response is to flee those places or shake our heads at those kinds of people; yet they are the places and ones most in need of grace and mercy.

I think of a new friend of mine who is going to start a church in San Francisco. There are people who shake their heads a little at that...isn't that one of the most liberal cities in America? Isn't that city filled with people who live an "abominable lifestyle?" Why would he go there?

I'm glad he is going there. That is a place mercy and grace is needed most. I'm sure it will turn into a test for him as well. My friend will be watched closely by not only the church but also the people of San Francisco. They will be watching to see if he is genuine and authentic. The church, hopefully, will be watching so we can pray and help- not so we can say, "He is doing it wrong" or "I can't believe he is doing that."

This reminds me of Titus 2:11-12:

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age..."

I love that. The grace and mercy that we bring to people doesn't give a license to sin or an approval of sin. No, when we bring the grace of God it changes people. Look at the verse. It says the grace "teaches us to say 'NO'" to what? Ungodliness...Worldly Passions. The grace of God teaches us to live how? Self-controlled...Upright...Godly lives.

We will face tests everyday and people will be watching us. How will we respond? Will we run from the needs because we fear they might affect us, or will we extend grace and mercy to the people in places who need it most?

Jesus, thank you for coming into my world...a place where mercy and grace was needed most. Help me to follow your example and enter into the dark to bring much needed light.

"...wouldn't let Me."

2010-05-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

Finished Luke 13 today. Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem. He knows what awaits Him there, but He continues on. This is another proof that Jesus willingly laid down His life for us...no one forced Him to go to Jerusalem but He purposefully continued on.

In fact, Jesus is warned to get away because Herod wants to kill Him. Jesus rebuffs the warning and carries on toward Jerusalem. I love the fact that not only does He go on to Jerusalem, but that He continues healing people as He travels there. (The same idea is in Luke 13:22- Jesus is set toward Jerusalem but it specifically mentions that "He taught as He went.") Jesus' purpose is to offer His life as a sacrifice for sin, but He also is our teacher and gentle healer.

Anyway, Jesus says that all of God's prophets are killed in Jerusalem. Jerusalem, the most important Jewish city, represents the people of God. The Jews are God's covenant people...they hold a special relationship with God and purpose in this world, yet they so often rejected the God committed to them and refused His word by killing His prophets. God made a covenant to bless them, but like so many, at times they would rather have had the blessings of God instead of God.

This deeply moves Jesus. He laments, "How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me." Jesus only wants what is best for His people...to protect us, to provides for us, to love us, yet how many times do we reject His message to us or run from His presence? I do this more than I care to admit. It is hard for me to see that it is me who won't let God fully bless me. Not that God does not want to bless me, but I refuse to let Him "gather" me.

At what cost, I ask? Jesus told the people, "you won't let me gather and protect you...you reject me and my word...and now you are a wreck" (my paraphrase). He really says, "And now, look, your house is abandoned."

Think about an abandoned house or anything abandoned for that matter. What do you see? Brokenness, loneliness, neglect...things are in shambles. That is what happens to our lives (me and you) when we refuse to be gathered and come under His love and protection.

Why did the Jews do that? They had such a rich and undeniable heritage and history, that constantly repeats the blessings of God towards them. They knew the causes of blessing and they were aware of the causes of cursing. Yet, they would stray from the covenant faithfulness of God. As the words from Judges remind me, "They did what was right in their own eyes." The result of that kind of living was always disastrous.

Why do I do that? I have more than just a heritage and a Bible. I have the Holy Spirit living within me; yet, at times I still do "what is right in my own eyes." And, yes, the results are disastrous.

I am so thankful that God's faithfulness to me is not based upon my faithfulness to Him. He still longs to gather us to Himself, even after we have run from Him or even "killed" His messages to us (like the prophets). We can return to Him. We can "let" Him gather us. Just as He longed to gather Jerusalem, He longs to gather us all to Himself. Will you let Him?

Jesus, thank you for your patience and persistence with me. Please continue to "gather" me to yourself.

A few or a lot?

2010-05-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

Read Luke 13:22-30 today. It starts with a question, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?"

Something about that question didn't sound right to me. I hear a lot of people ask, "What does it mean to be saved?" or "How do I become saved?" Why would someone ask, "will only a few people be saved?" Are they really concerned that only a few people will be saved, or is there something else there? Is there an attitude of elitism behind that question?

From reading the passage, I think there is an attitude of elitism- a belief that there is a certain group that deserves preferential treatment. Now the passage doesn't tell me who asked the question, just that "someone" asked the question. So why do I think it reflects an attitude of elitism?

I think Jesus understands what the guy is really asking..."Lord, aren't the Jews the only ones who will be saved?"

I think that's the real question because there is a lot in this passage about "where you come from" (vs.25,27). It is not about your nationality or the Messiah's nationality, i.e. "...we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets"- meaning that Jesus came as a Jew to the Jews. Jesus later says, "And people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south—to take their places in the Kingdom of God." This clearly shows that Jesus came to be an inclusive Savior, for the whole world, instead of an exclusive Savior, for the Jews only.

Now while salvation is inclusive for all people, it is exclusive on how it is obtained. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. There is only one way to be saved (exclusive), but everyone (inclusive) can be saved that same way.

Jesus, thank you for being the savior of the world.

Grow and Permeate

2010-05-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

Read two parables of Jesus' today in Luke 13:18-21. In these two parables Jesus is describing what the Kingdom of God is like.

Jesus illustrates the Kingdom of God as a mustard seed and yeast. Both of these things are very small; however, the mustard seed grows into a tree and yeast spreads and permeates every area of the dough.

Both of these simple illustrations make me ask some important questions:

The mustard seed causes me to ask how the Kingdom of God is growing.
-Is it growing in me?
-Is God's rule and reign (His will) having more control in my life in the areas I already know He is at work?
-Am I surrendering new/more areas of my life to His control?
-Am I seeing more things from His perspective?
-Do I want what God wants more than my own selfish desires?
-Is God's Kingdom growing in the world, Springfield, and the church?
-What am I doing to help God's Kingdom grow in the world?
-What am I doing to help God's Kingdom expand in Springfield?
-What am I doing to help God's Kingdom grow in the church?

The illustration of the yeast makes me ask how the Kingdom is permeating all things.
-Are there walls I'm putting up in my life that keep God out of certain areas?
-How is the Kingdom of God showing up in my family?
-How is the Kingdom of God impacting my work?
-How is the Kingdom of God influencing my leisure time?
-How is the Kingdom of God getting into my friendships?
-How is the Kingdom of God integrating into my boys' sports?
-How is the Kingdom of God affecting my money?
-How is the Kingdom of God shaping my time?

Maybe there is overlap in these questions, but I want God's Kingdom to grow in me and in the world. I want God's Kingdom to influence and impact all areas of my life. There should be no "off limits" for God in my life and in the world.

I need to ask myself these question. More importantly, I need to answer these questions truthfully. I am reminded how deceptive and wicked the heart is in Jeremiah 17:9. If it were not for the Holy Spirit, I could probably live with the deceptions. I am glad that the Holy Spirit leads me into all truth...that He convicts me not only concerning sin (what is wrong) but righteousness as well (what is good).

Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." I agree. So I will continue to examine my life and ask honest questions.

Jesus, Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life...so that Your Kingdom grows and permeates everything.

Don't miss this...

2010-05-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

I read Luke 13:10-17 today. It is a great story...but I almost missed the most meaningful part for me.

Here is the story in a nutshell:
Jesus is teaching in a synagogue. There is a woman there who has been crippled for 18 years. She is unable to stand up straight because of an evil spirit. Jesus heals her by a simple touch- immediately she can stand up straight.

The leader of the synagogue becomes outraged because Jesus healed the woman on the Sabbath. He totally misses the miracle and the blessing for the woman because he is consumed with the fact that Jesus didn't work according to his standards.

Jesus rebukes the leader of the synagogue and those who shared his same sentiments. Meanwhile, the other people rejoiced at all the wonderful things He did.

As I read this, I was immediately focused on the leader of the synagogue. I saw all kinds of hypocrisy in him. I had a list a mile long about things that were wrong with him, his methods, and his understanding of God. Unintentionally, I made the leader of the synagogue the main focus of the story...and that is why I almost missed the most meaningful part for me.

In a way I sort of became like the leader of the synagogue as I read the story. The leader was so focused on when Jesus did something, he missed what Jesus did. I became so focused on how the synagogue leader responded, I almost missed what Jesus did as well.

Honestly, it is kind of easy to get used to Jesus doing incredible miracles. I just expect that outcome...you never read a story wondering if Jesus will be able to do something- you just know He can. My mind almost goes on cruise control when I read about Jesus performing a miracle.

So I read the story over. This time I read with my attention on Jesus. And that is when I saw it...
I noticed that this whole miracle was initiated by Jesus. Jesus saw her. Jesus called her over. Jesus touched her. Jesus healed her. And she never asked for a thing. (Luke 13:10-13)

Most times Jesus heals in response to a person's request, but not this time. There was no request. Jesus simply saw a need in this woman's life, was moved by compassion, and He healed her.

This story reminds me of the truth that God sees and knows everything about me. It teaches me that Jesus is not distant, but He is near and attentive. It shows me that Jesus is proactive in my life and that He doesn't just sit back and react to me. It comforts me to know that Jesus loves and acts like that in my needs.

After Jesus rebukes the leader of synagogue, verse 17 says, "This shamed His enemies, but all the people rejoiced at the wonderful things He did." This verse kind of recaps my story as well. When you don't focus on Jesus, you miss out on all the wonderful things He does and are left with something else- shame or whatever. But when you focus on Jesus, He leaves you in wonder and joy.

Jesus, thank you for looking out for me and moving to meet my needs.

What does repentance have to do with figs?

2010-05-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

I have talked to a lot of people over the years about their view of God. A lot of people have a faulty image of who God is...for any number of reasons. Usually I hear one of two things somewhere in the conversation:
- God is angry at me and it feels like He is always seeking to punish me, or
- if God is so good, why do these bad things happen to me?

When I read Luke 13:1-9 today, I was reminded of many of those conversations. Jesus is informed that Pilate murdered some Galileans as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple (btw Jesus was from Galilee). Now, I don't know anything about these people. Maybe these Galileans were wanted criminals or maybe they weren't?

What I do see is that they were killed while "they were offering sacrifices at the Temple." They were doing something commanded by God. Again, I don't know much about them, but it appears they were trying to be obedient to God. So this is a classic "why does God allow bad things to happen to good people" situation. Good people or people doing good things (Galileans offering sacrifices to God in His Temple) suffer bad things (they are killed) and God let it happen (it was in His Temple while they were offering sacrifices...that is the one place God should have been to prevent it).

Jesus then asks the people who informed Him two questions, "Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee? Is that why they suffered?" Or in other words, was God angry at those people and just trying to get them?

Killing people in the Temple is a premeditated act by Pilate...so maybe God can be excused for this but what about times when there is no one else to blame? Jesus asks, "What about the 18 people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem?" These people were killed in an accident...no murderers. Why didn't God prevent that or was He out to get those 18?

Jesus answers all of these questions, "No." But He does say something that is very curious to me, "And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God." What does He mean by that? Is this another way of saying, "If you don't repent, God is indeed out to get you."

I think Jesus is saying, "We all will die some time in some way. Death is inevitable for a sinful world; however, if you turn from sin and turn to God, you will find life. You will not perish...or have eternal death- death that is not just certain in this world but the world to come."

Does this make sense? Death is twofold. It is physical and it is spiritual. We are born spiritually dead because we are born in sin. This results in physical death eventually. However, if we repent and turn to God, we are reborn spiritually alive. And while our physical bodies will die, our spirits will never die. One of the promises Christians have is that our spirits, which have been made alive, will receive new, resurrected bodies for eternity with God (1 Corinthians 15).

The key to crossing over from death to life is repentance. Repentance is not feeling sorry for sin. It is a change...a change of mind, heart, perspective concerning sin and our old way. Repentance can be seen through the changes it produces in us. That is why Jesus finishes this teaching with a parable about a barren fig tree. The tree is barren. It is no good. It is only a good fig tree if it produces figs.

Same thing with repentance. It is no good if it doesn't produce change. God is patient. He will provide everything we need for repentance, but if there is no change (repentance) it will be cut down (it will perish). However, if there is true repentance there will be change and there will be life. It reminds me of John the Baptist's words in Luke 3:8, "Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God."

Jesus, I pray that I continue to prove my repentance in the way that I live.

Decide for yourself...

2010-05-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

I finished Luke 12 today (vs.35-59). It seems to go all over the place, but the context really helps me to put it together. So this is how it all fits together for me:
-Jesus has a heated encounter with Pharisees (Luke 11:37-53)
-Jesus leaves the house and tells His followers what to expect- persecution for being associated with Him (12:1-12)
-Jesus seems to take a rabbit trail about wealth, possessions, and worry (12:13-34); however, it is really a conversation Jesus is having with someone in the crowd that night. The guy in the crowd is distracted by his concerns and is missing the magnitude of what Jesus is saying about the coming difficulties/persecution.

Verses 35-59 really are a continuation of what Jesus was saying before the guy in the crowd asked his bonehead question. So in light of the Pharisees bringing Jesus' followers "to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities," what does Jesus want His followers to do? More importantly, how am I supposed to live?

-Jesus says I should continue to do the things I know to do. Don't let fear or persecution stop you from doing what you know you should do. Jesus says, "Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast."
I think Jesus is saying a good servant continues with his/her duties no matter what the circumstances are.

-Peter asks Jesus, "Is that illustration just for us or for everyone?" I think the answer is that it was for everyone. However, He goes on to say, "A faithful sensible servant is one to whom the master can give responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them." That is directed to the Apostles, because while every follower should fulfill their duties, some (like the apostles) are given oversight responsibilities. I think Jesus is saying those that are leaders need to guide, encourage, and help (manage, feed) the other followers when they encounter these types of difficult circumstances.

-"And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn't prepared and doesn't carry out those instructions, will be severely punished." Most people read that and focus on the "severely punished" part. They think Jesus can't wait to punish them for not doing what he says. I don't think that is the main emphasis at all. Jesus is giving an illustration of what happens to servants in His day. Servants are expected to serve...the ones who don't are punished. I believe Jesus is emphasizing the servants are expected to serve part.

First He says, "a servant who knows what the master wants..."- Jesus is telling the crowd how He wants them to respond in the midst of difficulties and persecution, He says I want you to keep doing what you are supposed to do.

Second He says, "...isn't prepared and doesn't carry out the those instruction..."- that is the whole point of this discussion. It is to prepare them for the fact that difficulties are coming- and coming soon. He wants them to be prepared and not taken by surprise. He is telling them, "Be prepared for these hardships but continue on in spite of them."

-Jesus then asks a question, "Do you think I have come to bring peace? No, I have come to divide people against each other!" That is exactly what is going on. People are beginning to experience the division that Jesus causes. The Pharisees' reaction (and actions) prove that. I think this is an important question because it reveals the expectations of His followers. Most of Jesus' followers had a certain expectation of the Messiah. Jesus, while perfectly fulfilling the role of Messiah, didn't exactly do it the way that many of His followers expected.

They thought that Jesus would unite all the Jews and defeat all their enemies, leading them into a Kingdom of security and peace. Jesus has just told them the exact opposite- expect division within even your own family and be ready for turmoil and suffering. Jesus is telling them these things to correct unrealistic expectations so that they won't become overcome with frustration and quit. I need to hear that. It is easy for me to entertain thoughts about quitting when things don't work out the way I expect.

-He then turns back to the crowds and says, "You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don't know how to interpret the present times." Jesus is giving His followers a wake up call. These things are happening now. You will face charges in your synagogues from the Pharisees- soon. Look around you...can't you see what is happening? Maybe Jesus looked at the guy who asked about his inheritance when he said this.

-He then says, "Why can't you decide for yourselves what is right?" I think Jesus is putting the responsibility back on each individual about what they will do. Will some of His followers cave under the pressure of the Pharisees? Will some of His followers really let others decide for them and avoid all the accusations and difficulties? That is what happens when we let fear of others dictate what we believe. We let them decide for us.

Jesus, may I be faithful and ready no matter what my circumstances are. I need to decide for myself and not give that power to other because of fear.

Seek first the Kingdom of God

2010-05-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

Picked up with Luke 12:22-34 today. Jesus has just had a heated encounter with the Pharisees. He has warned His followers that the persecution is getting ready to be turned up and many will be brought to trial in their synagogues for associating with Him. Some guy yells out from the crowd for Jesus to settle a dispute between him and his brother about their inheritance (which seems a little out of place considering the situation).

Jesus tells the guy that He is not interested in "such things as that," but He does tell the man to guard "against every kind of greed." He also tells a story about a rich man who has filled barns (everything he needs). The man, not satisfied with his filled barns, says that he'll tear down his current barns and build bigger ones (reveals a heart that is never satisfied or contented). So the rich man tears down his barns and builds bigger ones, but before he can enjoy any of his accumulated wealth, he dies. He never received the satisfaction from his possessions that he expected. Jesus says the man should have invested in his relationship with God.

Jesus then turns to His disciples and says, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life..." Jesus is saying that desires, earthly needs, and riches can be distractions from God. The man from the crowd is a perfect example. In the midst of a situation where people are being tested by persecution and difficulties, when people need to look at God most, this guy is focused on his inheritance. That's why this question seems so out of place for the situation, but that is the reality of many peoples' lives. Instead of being focused on God, regardless of the situation, people are distracted by these other things.

Jesus goes on to say that a lot of these things that distract us are not bad- food, clothing, shelter, etc. Those are things that we all need. In verse 30 I see where these things cross the line from being a healthy need to an unhealthy distraction. Jesus says, "[these] things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers are over the world." When these things consume our thoughts, a line has been crossed and our thoughts are turned from the God of creation to the creation of God. And that is what Jesus says is more dangerous than even a bunch of out-of-whack Pharisees.

Notice Jesus says this is how people are all "over the world." This is a common symptom of our human condition. People accumulate and seek these things because they give us security- instead of God. When we don't have these things they cause fear and worry in us.

So Jesus helps his disciples with fear and worry by telling them, "If God takes care of birds and flowers so wonderfully, He certainly will take care of you" (my paraphrase). Jesus reminds us about the goodness and care of our Father in heaven. He tells us that our Father already knows our needs (Luke 12:30).

And then He tells them to shift their thinking. Stop thinking about the things that distract us or cause fear and worry, and start thinking about God. He says it like this, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom." (Luke 12:31-32)

I find if I am seeking God, if my thoughts are on Him, my emotions respond accordingly. I begin to feel secure...confident...loved, simply because my thoughts are filled with an all-knowing, all-powerful, all-loving God. A God for who nothing is impossible. In light of Him, fear and worry begin to melt away no matter what my circumstances might be.

Jesus, thank you for reminding me that you care for me. Help me to continue to shift my thoughts towards You and away from the things that cause fear and worry.

"Such things as that"

2010-05-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been in a serious conversation and someone says something totally random and unrelated? A comment that makes you think, "Where have you been? Were you listening to anything I was saying?"

That happened to Jesus in Luke 12:13-21. He has just left a heated encounter with the Pharisees and made an impassioned plea for his followers to remain strong in the face of fear and persecution. Jesus' last words are basically "don't worry when they bring you to trial to throw you in jail." Pretty heavy stuff...then from somewhere in the crowd, a guy yells out, "Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father's estate with me."

What?!? Are you serious? Jesus is talking about facing a "brute squad" and this guy's only concern is getting a bigger inheritance. If I was in Jesus' place, I would have a different answer for "my friend"...something probably along the lines of, "Did you just hear what I said? Your worried about your inheritance when I just told you 'not to be afraid of those who want to kill your body.' " (Luke 12:4)

Instead, Jesus says, "Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?" What Jesus is saying is "while that issue may seem big to you, it is not what I am about." I am not here to settle a quarrel between you and your brother over your inheritance, that is a surface issue. I'm here to deal with peoples' hearts, the internal problems. So Jesus answers, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed."

I know in Jesus' wisdom He could have given an answer that would have surpassed the wisdom of Solomon. I'm sure He could have convinced those brothers to come to a fair and loving solution, but He didn't. It makes me think of all the issues or causes that Christians sometimes take on. You know the ones that people take on and somehow make it the definitive issue of our faith, but they are nothing more than a matter of preference for that person. I believe many times Jesus would say, "Why are you making a fuss over such things as that?"

Jesus says two other statements that all serious followers of Jesus must wrestle with:

-"Life is not measured by how much you own." Obviously, Jesus did not live in the USA. So many in America use their possessions as a scale to measure their lives. We struggle with "keeping up with the Joneses." We pursue things in hopes that they will give us joy and peace; instead of pursuing the One who owns all things and in whose presence we find joy and peace.

-"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." It is never a good thing to be called a "fool" by God, yet that is what He would have to say to many of us. Do we put more of ourselves in living for temporal things instead of eternal? If we are...then that is foolish. It is stupid "to invest" ourselves with the only focus being the here and now. James tells us that our lives are like a vapor compared to eternity (James 4:14). Yet, we find ourselves living solely for the moment instead of our relationship with Christ, which has eternal value and consequences.

Again, Jesus goes to the heart of the matter- a rich relationship with God. That is what Jesus is concerned about and so should we.

Jesus, I hope I never miss what you are saying because I get so concerned about my own little "such things as that." Help me to always get to the heart of the matter in my life.

Acknowledging Jesus is not easy

2010-05-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

I started Luke 12 today. The first twelve verses cover what happened after Jesus' "dinner party" with the Pharisees.

Apparently, Jesus' invitation to eat/meet with the Pharisees was a big event...I think the people knew a showdown was going to happen. While Jesus was letting the Pharisees have it inside the house, Luke says, "the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other." That's a lot of people...anticipation was high.

Then, maybe sooner than expected, Jesus steps out of the house and holds what today would be labeled a "post fight" press conference. Clearly, the people were eager to hear what happened. Why? Because the Pharisees had real power. They could throw you out of the synagogue and, even, put you in jail for violating their interpretations of the Law. Some probably showed up fearing what might happen to Jesus, and others came out because they feared what was going to happen to them for following Jesus.

The first thing that happens is Jesus comes out and warns his disciples- beware of hypocrisy. As a disciple of Jesus, I need to make sure I get that. Out of all the things Jesus could do, his first action is to turn this into a teachable moment for his disciples. He tells them to have nothing to do with hypocrisy, because the day is coming when all the facades will be torn down and the truth will be exposed. Make sure integrity is of utmost importance.

The next thing Jesus does is turn to the crowds and tell them, "Dear friends, don't be afraid..." Why? Like I mentioned, the Pharisees had real power. Following Jesus was becoming a dangerous decision...it had real consequences. It reminds me of something from John 9:22, "they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who had announced that anyone saying Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue."

He follows this with four reasons why they should not be afraid of the Religious leaders:

-You should fear God, who is the real, ultimate authority...not people. The pharisees have power, yes, but it is not like God's, which is eternal.

-God cares for you...you are valued by Him. If He knows what happens to the birds, He knows what happens to you. He will not forget about you in the hardships caused by your faith in Him.

-A lot is at stake here...your eternal destiny. Acknowledging Jesus here might be a frightening thing to do because of the consequences, but it is more frightening and terrible to have Jesus not acknowledge you before His Father.

-Don't worry...God will not desert you when you need Him most. His Holy Spirit will be with you, comfort you, provide for you, and teach you what you need to say as you cling to your profession of Christ in the midst of opposition.

The last one is tough. Jesus didn't say, "I'll destroy all your opposition and take away all the difficult consequences of acknowledging me." In fact, He said, "And when you are brought to trial..." Notice it is not "If you are brought to trial..." He already knows that there will be difficult consequences.

Maybe Jesus' brother, James, was in the crowd that night and heard what Jesus said as He came out of the Pharisee's house. I hear the echo of Jesus in these words:

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:2-5

Jesus, thank you for preparing me for difficulties, but more importantly, remaining with me through the difficulties.

Party's Over

2010-05-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been at a party when something happened or someone said something and you thought to yourself, "Party's over."? Every time Jesus showed up at a Pharisees' house for dinner it seems to have ended this way. The Bible makes it clear that any meal that involves Jesus plus Pharisees is a recipe for disaster.

I am curious why these dinner parties kept happening. Why did the Pharisees keep inviting Him over? Why did Jesus keep going? I guess these events were like watching an episode of the TV show COPS. You knew exactly what was going to happen- police officers show up at the scene of a disturbance; a shirtless man who had been drinking starts mouthing off; and the cops have to wrestle him to the ground and cuff him. Nothing new...always the same. Same with these dinner parties- Jesus shows up; He says something offensive in response to their self-righteousness; and the Pharisees end the night sitting around thinking up ways to kill Him. Nothing new...always the same.

Luke 11:37-54 records one of these dinners. Jesus is teaching. A pharisee invites Him over for dinner. Jesus goes. He sits down at the table without doing the ceremonial washings. The Pharisee cannot hide his amazement that Jesus would do such a thing. And that is when James and John look at each other and say quietly, "Party's over." (OK, I made the last sentence up.)

Jesus then unleashes on the Pharisees. He calls them greedy, wicked fools. He takes a breath and then basically says they are ignorant about God, His justice and His love. He then finishes them off with a flurry of "you're a bunch of stinking, filthy, rotten mess." (This is my interpretation, but you can read the exchange for yourself. I'm not making this up.)

One of the dinner guests, labeled an expert in religious law, says, "Teacher, you have insulted us, too, in what you just said." To which, in my mind, I hear James and John say, "Here we go again."

I love Jesus' answer. "Yes." (I'll have to look it up but I think that is the Aramaic word for "Bingo.") He then proceeds to call them life-sucking, burden-creating prophet killers, who remove the true knowledge of God from the people, which results in them and the people being prevented from entering the Kingdom. That religious expert probably wishes he hadn't said anything, don't you think?

The last two verses (53-54) get me:
-They start out with, "As Jesus was leaving..." I don't think He got the meal after all.

-It then says, "the pharisees became hostile and tried to provoke [Jesus] with many questions." Really...it looks like they are a little late in trying to provoke Jesus.

-The passage ends with, "They wanted to trap him into saying something they could use against him." That is the most telling verse in the story to me. They couldn't refute what Jesus had already said to them. They couldn't even deny it. They just ignored everything Jesus said in an attempt to get him to say something else. Because what He already said was true and it couldn't be used against Him.

The pharisees were always trying "to trap" Jesus. I think that reveals a lot about them. Truthful people can't be trapped. Liars, people with no integrity, are the people you can trap. Eventually, all liars get trapped in their lies and deceptions because they can't keep their lies straight or their deceptions going. You know who knows this best? Liars and deceivers. Deep down the pharisees couldn't deny Jesus because they knew what was true about themselves. Their methods only confirm their condition.

Jesus, keep me from ever being more concerned about the outward appearance instead of the inward reality.

Do I have real light?

2010-05-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

I remember going to a college graduation and hearing the speaker talk about success. As I recall the point of his speech was that success was like climbing a ladder. The higher you go on the ladder, the more successful you will ultimately be. He challenged the graduates to make sure that the ladder they were going to climb was leaning against the right wall. He told them what a horrible discovery it would be to eventually realize that all their hard work was meaningless, no matter how high they climbed, if their ladder was against the wrong wall.

It certainly wasn't the most original speech I had ever heard, but it was effective. I still remember the students asking each other later that day, "What wall is your ladder going to be against?"

None of the students wanted to waste their life in foolish pursuits. None wanted to discover too late that they had valued the wrong things or believed wrongly about what was truly important in life.

I thought about that speech because of something I read in Luke 11:33-36 today. I am sure that graduation speaker would be thrilled to know that his speech reminded someone of Jesus...but that is not exactly my point.

Jesus is giving one of his many teachings about light. Stuff I am very familiar with because He talks about light so often. He talks about not hiding the light...that we should put it on display for all to see, etc.

He then says, "Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness." Light in this context is insight...wisdom...truth. It is the essence of being "enlightened." The light is what makes it possible for me to see and to understand God, myself, my surroundings, and why I make the decisions I do.

True light comes from God, who is light. However, there is another "light." It is not really light at all. In comparison to God's light it is darkness. This false "light" or darkness is the insight...wisdom..."truth" that comes from the world. James 3:13-18 describes the difference between wisdom/light that comes from God and the wisdom/darkness that is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.

Jesus challenges me to make sure the light I am living by is truly His light. Otherwise, I will eventually realize, like those students whose ladders were on the wrong walls, that I followed the wrong "light" with disastrous results.

The consequences for following the wrong "light" are so much greater than just climbing a ladder against the wrong wall. Climbing the wrong ladder leads to some disappointments and missed opportunities, but missing the true light leads to destruction.

It is sobering to realize that we can be so deceived that we actually believe darkness is light. That is what Jesus says...the light you think you have could actually be darkness.

So how do I know that I have true light and not light that is actually darkness? That is why I continue to read the Bible. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." God reveals His light (truth) in His word. Only by reading it will I be able to discern the true light from God and the "light" that comes from this world.

Jesus, thank you for being the Light of the world and giving me the true light to live in this dark world.