Read Genesis 17:1-14
When Abram was 99 years old the Lord appeared to Him and said - I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless.
Imagine this happening to you. Imagine coming face to face and God says who He is and what He expects of you. Just imagine. How would that impact your life? How would you live after this face to face with Almighty God?
God then confirms His covenant with Abraham with the promise we spoke of a few weeks ago. God says I am confirming my covenant with you and you will be the father of many nations. At 99 Abram's hearing this news and if you're anything like me, you're thinking - are you serious? I'm 99, how is that going to happen.
Listen, when God makes a promise, He delivers!
Read Genesis 17:1-14 and just pray about how God makes and keeps His promises. And ask God to help you live blameless just as Abram was called to live in light of who God is and what He expects.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
When Trouble Comes
Read Genesis 12:10-20
After Abraham received God's promise v. 4 tells us he left from Haran and set out for the promised land of Canaan. His response was obedience and yet when we continue reading the story in v. 10 and following we find there's trouble after the promise.
Trouble follows us wherever we go and even after this promise from God it follows Abraham. I don't know to many people who look forward to trouble; most of us want to avoid it and when it comes we wonder where is God in this. So the timing of this trouble for Abraham must have had him wondering what God was up to.
We learn from Abraham's story that he didn't exactly respond the way we'd expect a godly man to respond. But throughout his life he always came back, always realized and remembered the covenant promise God made with him.
No matter what trouble comes our way, what trouble we face, God wants us learning from stories like Abraham's and others in the Old and New Testaments that God is always faithful. Trust in Him, follow Him, believe in Him, rely on Him, listen to Him and love Him all the time because in good times and bad - God always keeps His promises, especially His covenant promises.
After Abraham received God's promise v. 4 tells us he left from Haran and set out for the promised land of Canaan. His response was obedience and yet when we continue reading the story in v. 10 and following we find there's trouble after the promise.
Trouble follows us wherever we go and even after this promise from God it follows Abraham. I don't know to many people who look forward to trouble; most of us want to avoid it and when it comes we wonder where is God in this. So the timing of this trouble for Abraham must have had him wondering what God was up to.
We learn from Abraham's story that he didn't exactly respond the way we'd expect a godly man to respond. But throughout his life he always came back, always realized and remembered the covenant promise God made with him.
No matter what trouble comes our way, what trouble we face, God wants us learning from stories like Abraham's and others in the Old and New Testaments that God is always faithful. Trust in Him, follow Him, believe in Him, rely on Him, listen to Him and love Him all the time because in good times and bad - God always keeps His promises, especially His covenant promises.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
God's Promise to Abraham
Read Genesis 12:1-9
Last week we began a series of devotions in helping us focus on God's revelation. We might think that we should just stay in Revelation - it's a good idea to go back and begin with understanding what God has revealed and ultimately promises.
All of us know what a promise is. We've made promises and promises have been made to us. Some are kept and some are not; that's the nature of earthly promises, they are flawed because we are flawed. However, when God makes a promise He keeps a promise. We see this over and over again in scripture.
Possibly one of the most important promises ever made was God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-9. Take some time and read God's promise to Abraham. His promise has come to be known as the Abrahamic Covenant. This promise is both eternal and unconditional. At it's core we find three basic provisions:
This covenant promise required nothing more from Abraham than faith and trust to follow God. God was offering Abraham blessings and we're told Abraham listened and left his country to a land God would show him. We're told later in scripture that Abraham was a man who believed God and his faith was credited to him as righteousness. God wants us to know His promises, and then believe and follow.
We'll continue unpacking God's revelation to His people as we walk through this Abrahamic and other covenant promises of God. For now, read again the passages in Genesis 12 and cross-references (Gen. 13:14-17; 15:1-21; 17:1-27; 18:17-19; 22:15-18) to get the bigger picture of God's promise to Abraham.
Last week we began a series of devotions in helping us focus on God's revelation. We might think that we should just stay in Revelation - it's a good idea to go back and begin with understanding what God has revealed and ultimately promises.
All of us know what a promise is. We've made promises and promises have been made to us. Some are kept and some are not; that's the nature of earthly promises, they are flawed because we are flawed. However, when God makes a promise He keeps a promise. We see this over and over again in scripture.
Possibly one of the most important promises ever made was God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-9. Take some time and read God's promise to Abraham. His promise has come to be known as the Abrahamic Covenant. This promise is both eternal and unconditional. At it's core we find three basic provisions:
- First, there were personal blessings for Abraham
- There were blessings for Abraham's descendants, or national blessings
- There was a universal blessing, which would include all people
This covenant promise required nothing more from Abraham than faith and trust to follow God. God was offering Abraham blessings and we're told Abraham listened and left his country to a land God would show him. We're told later in scripture that Abraham was a man who believed God and his faith was credited to him as righteousness. God wants us to know His promises, and then believe and follow.
We'll continue unpacking God's revelation to His people as we walk through this Abrahamic and other covenant promises of God. For now, read again the passages in Genesis 12 and cross-references (Gen. 13:14-17; 15:1-21; 17:1-27; 18:17-19; 22:15-18) to get the bigger picture of God's promise to Abraham.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
He's Given a Revelation...
Read Revelation 1:1-3
End times prophecy is probably one of those Biblical subjects many would like to know more about but are not quite sure how to go about learning. Well we're going to engage in a few devotions to help walk through some of the key elements of Revelation. For this week - take a quick look at Revelation 1:1-3.
We're told this revelation comes from Jesus and God gave it to show his servants what events are going to happen in the end times. He presented this revelation to his servant John through an angel and John faithfully reported everything he saw. Now this is just my guess but I'm not so sure John understood everything he saw but he reported everything he saw faithfully.
Verse 3 tells us whoever reads the words of this prophecy to the church will be blessed if they listen and obey the message. So as we approach this message we should pray God will help us to hear clearly and obey what we're told to obey.
Understanding end times prophecy reminds us that:
End times prophecy is probably one of those Biblical subjects many would like to know more about but are not quite sure how to go about learning. Well we're going to engage in a few devotions to help walk through some of the key elements of Revelation. For this week - take a quick look at Revelation 1:1-3.
We're told this revelation comes from Jesus and God gave it to show his servants what events are going to happen in the end times. He presented this revelation to his servant John through an angel and John faithfully reported everything he saw. Now this is just my guess but I'm not so sure John understood everything he saw but he reported everything he saw faithfully.
Verse 3 tells us whoever reads the words of this prophecy to the church will be blessed if they listen and obey the message. So as we approach this message we should pray God will help us to hear clearly and obey what we're told to obey.
Understanding end times prophecy reminds us that:
- God is sovereign
- God is good
- Motivates us to holy living
- Helps us establish proper priorities
- Gives us hope
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Living God's Way
Read Proverbs 3:5-6
We have so many options in life; so many ways we can go with our decisions, our relationships, spending our money and dealing with our health issues. You name it, we have all sorts of ways we can respond to what's happening in our lives. However, God is perfectly clear in how He wants us living. He wants us living God's way not our way.
Often it's easier for us to think of others living one way vs. living God's way. Because we have a different perspective when we're not in the middle of something so we can see things more clearly when it's not us but someone else we're seeing living their way instead of God's. But what about us? Isn't our relationship with God about us and God, and not about others and God? Sure we're supposed to live in relationship with others and encourage Godly living, the Bible is filled with wisdom for all of us to love others in ways that inspire Godly living. But what about us?
It's much more difficult for us to check the way we're living and really see if we're living God's way or our own way. And while it's difficult, it's not impossible. Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of my favorite passages in all of Scripture because in order for us to live God's way, we must follow what this Proverb says.
It all begins with trust. Trusting God in all things with all our heart and not trusting in our way. Proverbs says we're not to lean on our own understanding. You see God's way is filled with wisdom, Godly wisdom that is so much more than just knowledge. It's applied knowledge because it reveals God knows best.
Next, in all our ways we are to acknowledge Him. This shows us that in everything and every area of our lives we're to say to God, "what do you say about this Lord." You see again God knows best; He knows better than you and me because well He's God and we are not.
This proverb ends with a promise that if and when we submit our will to His, God will set our paths straight. Listen our lives won't be perfect but they will be right before Him whom we exist to serve with our lives.
Living God's way is all about trusting and submitting to Him. This isn't about us trying harder or doing more. It's simply about listening and following Him. And the coolest thing about all this is God gives us the power and ability to do this by giving us the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity to come along side us and empower us to listen and follow. So in the end, at the end of the day living God's way is possible because He makes it possible!
We have so many options in life; so many ways we can go with our decisions, our relationships, spending our money and dealing with our health issues. You name it, we have all sorts of ways we can respond to what's happening in our lives. However, God is perfectly clear in how He wants us living. He wants us living God's way not our way.
Often it's easier for us to think of others living one way vs. living God's way. Because we have a different perspective when we're not in the middle of something so we can see things more clearly when it's not us but someone else we're seeing living their way instead of God's. But what about us? Isn't our relationship with God about us and God, and not about others and God? Sure we're supposed to live in relationship with others and encourage Godly living, the Bible is filled with wisdom for all of us to love others in ways that inspire Godly living. But what about us?
It's much more difficult for us to check the way we're living and really see if we're living God's way or our own way. And while it's difficult, it's not impossible. Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of my favorite passages in all of Scripture because in order for us to live God's way, we must follow what this Proverb says.
It all begins with trust. Trusting God in all things with all our heart and not trusting in our way. Proverbs says we're not to lean on our own understanding. You see God's way is filled with wisdom, Godly wisdom that is so much more than just knowledge. It's applied knowledge because it reveals God knows best.
Next, in all our ways we are to acknowledge Him. This shows us that in everything and every area of our lives we're to say to God, "what do you say about this Lord." You see again God knows best; He knows better than you and me because well He's God and we are not.
This proverb ends with a promise that if and when we submit our will to His, God will set our paths straight. Listen our lives won't be perfect but they will be right before Him whom we exist to serve with our lives.
Living God's way is all about trusting and submitting to Him. This isn't about us trying harder or doing more. It's simply about listening and following Him. And the coolest thing about all this is God gives us the power and ability to do this by giving us the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity to come along side us and empower us to listen and follow. So in the end, at the end of the day living God's way is possible because He makes it possible!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Equal...
Read Romans 3:1-20
When we consider society, any society, at it's core people want to know and believe there is equal opportunity that all people are created and valued equally. Yet there's often this question among let's just call them groups of people where there's this competition. Who's better? It happens in sports, in the arts when you think of the Grammy's and Emmy's and it happens among people of different backgrounds - gender, age, interests - you name it there's this question about who is better.
And it's this question that comes when we read Romans 3. Where Paul is writing to the Jewish people and asking them if there's any advantage to being Jewish. And while his initial answer seems to indicate the Jews are better because he answers saying "yes" to the question is there any advantage, we soon find out all are equal in the eyes of God; no difference between the Jew or the Gentile. And here's why.
Paul tells these Jewish believers in Rome that they have this advantage because they have the word of God and He came to them with His word. However, they are asked another question in v. 9 - Are we any better? Paul emphatically answers Not at all! Instead he says ALL are guilty of sin.
His whole point is no one is right before God based on his or her own merit. It's God who makes us right with Himself by sending and giving us Jesus and His sacrifice. So on our own we all fall short of the glory of God - v. 23. But in Christ by faith and believing in who Jesus is and what He did for us - because no matter our background at the foot of the cross we are all equal and can be justified by faith.
When we consider society, any society, at it's core people want to know and believe there is equal opportunity that all people are created and valued equally. Yet there's often this question among let's just call them groups of people where there's this competition. Who's better? It happens in sports, in the arts when you think of the Grammy's and Emmy's and it happens among people of different backgrounds - gender, age, interests - you name it there's this question about who is better.
And it's this question that comes when we read Romans 3. Where Paul is writing to the Jewish people and asking them if there's any advantage to being Jewish. And while his initial answer seems to indicate the Jews are better because he answers saying "yes" to the question is there any advantage, we soon find out all are equal in the eyes of God; no difference between the Jew or the Gentile. And here's why.
Paul tells these Jewish believers in Rome that they have this advantage because they have the word of God and He came to them with His word. However, they are asked another question in v. 9 - Are we any better? Paul emphatically answers Not at all! Instead he says ALL are guilty of sin.
His whole point is no one is right before God based on his or her own merit. It's God who makes us right with Himself by sending and giving us Jesus and His sacrifice. So on our own we all fall short of the glory of God - v. 23. But in Christ by faith and believing in who Jesus is and what He did for us - because no matter our background at the foot of the cross we are all equal and can be justified by faith.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Blessed?
Read Romans 4:1-8
Do you consider yourself blessed? If so, why? What would you say was the basis of thinking and believing you are blessed? Would it be material things? Relationships? Fianancial blessings? Health? All of these?
Take a look at Romans 4:1-8 and see that Paul talks about a different kind of blessing. He's using the examples of Abraham and David and how by faith they were justified, made right with God and in relationship with Him not by anything they had done but by the forgiveness they had received by accepting the work that Jesus had done on the cross by paying for their sins.
Listen, verses 7 and 8 tell us that if your sins are forgiven and covered, if the Lord will never count your sins against you because you've accepted His work on the cross then you are BLESSED.
Blessed beyond comparison because there is nothing that compares with knowing everything we've done wrong, all our sins will never be counted against us because we have a saviour who justifies by faith. So whenever you think of whether or not you are blessed, always remember if you've placed your faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins you are indeed blessed. Praise God for this blessing!
Do you consider yourself blessed? If so, why? What would you say was the basis of thinking and believing you are blessed? Would it be material things? Relationships? Fianancial blessings? Health? All of these?
Take a look at Romans 4:1-8 and see that Paul talks about a different kind of blessing. He's using the examples of Abraham and David and how by faith they were justified, made right with God and in relationship with Him not by anything they had done but by the forgiveness they had received by accepting the work that Jesus had done on the cross by paying for their sins.
Listen, verses 7 and 8 tell us that if your sins are forgiven and covered, if the Lord will never count your sins against you because you've accepted His work on the cross then you are BLESSED.
Blessed beyond comparison because there is nothing that compares with knowing everything we've done wrong, all our sins will never be counted against us because we have a saviour who justifies by faith. So whenever you think of whether or not you are blessed, always remember if you've placed your faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins you are indeed blessed. Praise God for this blessing!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Give Me Jesus
Read John 10:10
Ever get winded? You know what I mean - winded, going up a flight of stairs, trying to catch the elevator, hurrying to get anywhere. Sometimes we're in such a hurry to get where we're going we get winded and realize we're not in the shape we want to be in and so we wonder what it's going to take to turn it around where we're no longer winded, out of breath and stressed because we're not in the shape we'd like to be in.
Transfer this thought to our faith - ever get winded? Tired of trying and doing and relying on what we've got inside us instead of Jesus. All I want is Jesus, Give Me Jesus and I'll be ok; in fact, more than ok I'll be energized with life, passion, energy, purpose, enthusiasm, and the abundant living that I was created to have.
Friends, we can all have this abundant life. The secret is this ask, simply ask for God to give us more Jesus. John 10:10 tells us we have an enemy that will make us winded, zap us of our strength, come against us to steal, kill and destroy what God is doing in our lives and how He's using us to live for Him. But that's not the end of the story. Jesus, the greatest communicator ever, says "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Let's be people who accept this, own this and then live this. Want to make a difference, change this generation, inspire the next? Then take hold of God's truths, this truth that we have Jesus and more Jesus means more life. Pray this prayer this week. Father God, give me Jesus, more Jesus in my life this day, this week, this month and this year. Then and only then will we have influence with this one life we've been given.
Ever get winded? You know what I mean - winded, going up a flight of stairs, trying to catch the elevator, hurrying to get anywhere. Sometimes we're in such a hurry to get where we're going we get winded and realize we're not in the shape we want to be in and so we wonder what it's going to take to turn it around where we're no longer winded, out of breath and stressed because we're not in the shape we'd like to be in.
Transfer this thought to our faith - ever get winded? Tired of trying and doing and relying on what we've got inside us instead of Jesus. All I want is Jesus, Give Me Jesus and I'll be ok; in fact, more than ok I'll be energized with life, passion, energy, purpose, enthusiasm, and the abundant living that I was created to have.
Friends, we can all have this abundant life. The secret is this ask, simply ask for God to give us more Jesus. John 10:10 tells us we have an enemy that will make us winded, zap us of our strength, come against us to steal, kill and destroy what God is doing in our lives and how He's using us to live for Him. But that's not the end of the story. Jesus, the greatest communicator ever, says "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Let's be people who accept this, own this and then live this. Want to make a difference, change this generation, inspire the next? Then take hold of God's truths, this truth that we have Jesus and more Jesus means more life. Pray this prayer this week. Father God, give me Jesus, more Jesus in my life this day, this week, this month and this year. Then and only then will we have influence with this one life we've been given.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Go Outside
Read Acts 2:47
We are so often associated with same - the same people, places and things. Yet as followers of Jesus we're called to go outside ourselves and into this world so that others will have the opportunity to hear and respond to the message of the cross where Jesus sacrificed His life.
The questions is why? Why are we to do this? The simple answer is we are in a battle with the spiritual forces of this world that do not want anyone, let alone any more people coming to faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross where His sacrifice paid once and for all time the penalty for our sins so that all who believe and place their faith and trust in Jesus' forgiveness and leadership in their lives might be now in a right relationship with God the Father.
So who are you in relationship with so that the family of God, that is the church of God may grow like we see in Acts 2:47? We are called to be intentional as we share the grace we have received with those who have yet to receive God's grace. Will people we talk with about faith always receive this good news? No but that's not the point. The point is what are we doing to go outside, even outside our own comfort zones to let this good news be heard among our family and friends.
Pray this week who you can be talking with about your faith so that they might be able to take one step closer to coming to faith in Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.
We are so often associated with same - the same people, places and things. Yet as followers of Jesus we're called to go outside ourselves and into this world so that others will have the opportunity to hear and respond to the message of the cross where Jesus sacrificed His life.
The questions is why? Why are we to do this? The simple answer is we are in a battle with the spiritual forces of this world that do not want anyone, let alone any more people coming to faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross where His sacrifice paid once and for all time the penalty for our sins so that all who believe and place their faith and trust in Jesus' forgiveness and leadership in their lives might be now in a right relationship with God the Father.
So who are you in relationship with so that the family of God, that is the church of God may grow like we see in Acts 2:47? We are called to be intentional as we share the grace we have received with those who have yet to receive God's grace. Will people we talk with about faith always receive this good news? No but that's not the point. The point is what are we doing to go outside, even outside our own comfort zones to let this good news be heard among our family and friends.
Pray this week who you can be talking with about your faith so that they might be able to take one step closer to coming to faith in Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Go on to maturity...
Read Hebrews 6:1-3
Hebrews 6 begins by telling us to leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity. Then God shares what's considered elementary teachings - repentance, faith in God, instruction about baptisms, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. When I look at this list I'd think this is not an elementary list. What do you think?
The interesting thing about chapter six is that it's connected with the end of Hebrews 5 where we're told solid food is needed and not milk. Milk is the food for infants while solid food is for the mature. The solid food being talked about is the teaching about righteousness and for the mature who are able to discern and have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Listen the word of God is so important we need both milk and solid food. But using this illustration milk is for babies while solid food is for maturing disciples of Christ. Imagine still eating baby food you can only grow so much until you need food that is right for physical growth. It's the same thing with spiritual growth - we need to chew on the word of God as our food that will assist us and guide us so that we can grow in our faith.
Let's go on to maturity by building on the foundation of our faith that was our first spiritual food and go on to meatier matters. Let's leave the elementary teachings as we relate with God and when we meet with one another in community, learning the importance of spiritual growth as we grow in our love and knowledge of God.
Hebrews 6 begins by telling us to leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity. Then God shares what's considered elementary teachings - repentance, faith in God, instruction about baptisms, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. When I look at this list I'd think this is not an elementary list. What do you think?
The interesting thing about chapter six is that it's connected with the end of Hebrews 5 where we're told solid food is needed and not milk. Milk is the food for infants while solid food is for the mature. The solid food being talked about is the teaching about righteousness and for the mature who are able to discern and have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Listen the word of God is so important we need both milk and solid food. But using this illustration milk is for babies while solid food is for maturing disciples of Christ. Imagine still eating baby food you can only grow so much until you need food that is right for physical growth. It's the same thing with spiritual growth - we need to chew on the word of God as our food that will assist us and guide us so that we can grow in our faith.
Let's go on to maturity by building on the foundation of our faith that was our first spiritual food and go on to meatier matters. Let's leave the elementary teachings as we relate with God and when we meet with one another in community, learning the importance of spiritual growth as we grow in our love and knowledge of God.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Tough Times...
Read 2 Timothy 3:1-17
Paul writes his second letter to Timothy and we see some very strong words written to this young pastor and what will be faced as the end times come. He writes there will be times, terrible times in the last days when people will put themselves first, love money, show pride and be abusive, ungrateful and unholy. He says they will be unforgiving, slanderous, not lovers of the good and having a form of godliness but in reality they will be denying its power. Then he says - have nothing to do with them.
How does this work? How can we tell when to say enough or to press on and continue trying to reach this lost world. I believe Paul wants Timothy to understand when facing such opposition to the truth you can tell when you're just wasting your time because there's this on-going denial of God and His truth.
Approach passages like this with caution - be sure we're studying it to make sure we're not operating on what we think is truth but instead on what God says is true. Read passages like this with prayer and ask God to reveal how He wants you to respond. Verse 17 says God wants us to be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Read, study, pray and live the words of God.
Hebrews 4:3 warns the message we hear may be of no value if we do not combine it with faith. Combine the word of God with the life God wants you to live by faith and tough times will be managed with the Holy Spirit's direction. Tough times are a part of life, but God's word will last so lean into His truth to deal with whatever you're facing today.
Paul writes his second letter to Timothy and we see some very strong words written to this young pastor and what will be faced as the end times come. He writes there will be times, terrible times in the last days when people will put themselves first, love money, show pride and be abusive, ungrateful and unholy. He says they will be unforgiving, slanderous, not lovers of the good and having a form of godliness but in reality they will be denying its power. Then he says - have nothing to do with them.
How does this work? How can we tell when to say enough or to press on and continue trying to reach this lost world. I believe Paul wants Timothy to understand when facing such opposition to the truth you can tell when you're just wasting your time because there's this on-going denial of God and His truth.
Approach passages like this with caution - be sure we're studying it to make sure we're not operating on what we think is truth but instead on what God says is true. Read passages like this with prayer and ask God to reveal how He wants you to respond. Verse 17 says God wants us to be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Read, study, pray and live the words of God.
Hebrews 4:3 warns the message we hear may be of no value if we do not combine it with faith. Combine the word of God with the life God wants you to live by faith and tough times will be managed with the Holy Spirit's direction. Tough times are a part of life, but God's word will last so lean into His truth to deal with whatever you're facing today.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
God is...Healer
Read Psalm 91
Ever face such a tough time that you were in real need of a pick me up? Sure we all have right. Well, what does it for you? Is it time spent with an encouraging friend, trip to the local Friendly's for some comfort dessert or is it time alone to reflect on what's going on? Whatever it is - all of us are faced with tough times, when things don't go as we would prefer. So it's in these times I believe God wants us coming to Him and receiving the assurance that He and He alone is all we need.
The other week while serving in ministry we worshiped God together in song and the song Healer was one of those songs that just gave that peace that surpasses all understanding. It hit my heart and reminded me it's all in God's hands. Ever need that kind of reminder?
If you find yourself recently, maybe even today in one of those places we're talking about here, listen to this song HEALER and see if God's peace can encourage and comfort you.
Ever face such a tough time that you were in real need of a pick me up? Sure we all have right. Well, what does it for you? Is it time spent with an encouraging friend, trip to the local Friendly's for some comfort dessert or is it time alone to reflect on what's going on? Whatever it is - all of us are faced with tough times, when things don't go as we would prefer. So it's in these times I believe God wants us coming to Him and receiving the assurance that He and He alone is all we need.
The other week while serving in ministry we worshiped God together in song and the song Healer was one of those songs that just gave that peace that surpasses all understanding. It hit my heart and reminded me it's all in God's hands. Ever need that kind of reminder?
If you find yourself recently, maybe even today in one of those places we're talking about here, listen to this song HEALER and see if God's peace can encourage and comfort you.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
God is...Higher
Read Isaiah 55
We don't like to admit it, but our way isn't always the best way. Some might say they know the way but when you follow their "short-cut", their directions you wind up lost and off-course for awhile. Some might say they have a better way to finish that home improvement project but you know someone who's tried it their way before and wound up running into more problems than anticipate. And some of us might say we have a better way to handle that relationship, our finances, even our life's purpose, but Isaiah tells us God's ways, His thoughts are higher, better than ours.
So we have this battle within us to fight our way versus God's way. And what gets in my way is my way. Think about that for a moment; we are called as Christians to be Christ followers. But so often we think, feel and act as if it's God who should be the one following.
Let's remember Isaiah's words that as far as the heavens are above the earth so are God's ways higher than our ways.
We don't like to admit it, but our way isn't always the best way. Some might say they know the way but when you follow their "short-cut", their directions you wind up lost and off-course for awhile. Some might say they have a better way to finish that home improvement project but you know someone who's tried it their way before and wound up running into more problems than anticipate. And some of us might say we have a better way to handle that relationship, our finances, even our life's purpose, but Isaiah tells us God's ways, His thoughts are higher, better than ours.
So we have this battle within us to fight our way versus God's way. And what gets in my way is my way. Think about that for a moment; we are called as Christians to be Christ followers. But so often we think, feel and act as if it's God who should be the one following.
Let's remember Isaiah's words that as far as the heavens are above the earth so are God's ways higher than our ways.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
God is...Holy
Read 1 Peter 1:13-14
This idea that God is Holy - how do you initiallly resond to this thought? Is it something easy to believe and accept, difficult or kind of a little bit of both?
Sometimes this thought of holiness is tough to take because when we come to understand God's standard we see that God is perfect in every way. And we realize that's impossible for us. Most of us, when we read this can feel defeated thinking the best we can do progress not perfection. But look at 1 Peter again. There's a strong contrast between verse 13 and 14. Peter's saying our cooperation, that's obedience, should no longer conform to the evil desires we had when we lived in ignorance, that is separated and not knowing God. But now that we have come into a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, now live holy lives using His example as our guide and allowing His Spirit to provide the power to live holy lives.
Be holy, because I m holy. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No. It's not impossible because God calls us to live holy lives and empowers us to live holy lives. God never asks what He doesn't provide us with the ability to accomplish. He is a good, loving, and holy God.
This idea that God is Holy - how do you initiallly resond to this thought? Is it something easy to believe and accept, difficult or kind of a little bit of both?
Sometimes this thought of holiness is tough to take because when we come to understand God's standard we see that God is perfect in every way. And we realize that's impossible for us. Most of us, when we read this can feel defeated thinking the best we can do progress not perfection. But look at 1 Peter again. There's a strong contrast between verse 13 and 14. Peter's saying our cooperation, that's obedience, should no longer conform to the evil desires we had when we lived in ignorance, that is separated and not knowing God. But now that we have come into a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, now live holy lives using His example as our guide and allowing His Spirit to provide the power to live holy lives.
Be holy, because I m holy. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No. It's not impossible because God calls us to live holy lives and empowers us to live holy lives. God never asks what He doesn't provide us with the ability to accomplish. He is a good, loving, and holy God.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Got Cush?
Read Psalm 7
While on vacation we visited Coastal Christian church in Ocean City, NJ. A great way to spend time on vacation is not vacationing from God but with God.
So the pastor preaches this message he titled Got Cush? It's based on David's reaction to Cush a Benjamite who was assaulting David's character and reputation. David talks with God about this bad relationship and it's a great first step. Take that Cush relationship in your life to God; trust God can walk you through it. But the interesting thing to consider is how David never said anything like this (that we know of) about the attacks that he experienced in his battle with Goliath.
Isn't that true? How we can take the physical battles but the verbal abuses really are the gut-wrenching, sleep-depriving, and anxiety-driven battles that eat our lunch?!
Read Psalm 7 and notice how David begins and ends this Psalm. He starts by saying the LORD his God is the One he takes refuge in and who saves and delivers him. He ends with giving thanks to the LORD because of His righteousness. So David will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. Friends, never forget this is why we are here to give praise, honor and glory to God. To Him be the glory, honor and praise in our lives as we live in relationship with Him and one another.
While on vacation we visited Coastal Christian church in Ocean City, NJ. A great way to spend time on vacation is not vacationing from God but with God.
So the pastor preaches this message he titled Got Cush? It's based on David's reaction to Cush a Benjamite who was assaulting David's character and reputation. David talks with God about this bad relationship and it's a great first step. Take that Cush relationship in your life to God; trust God can walk you through it. But the interesting thing to consider is how David never said anything like this (that we know of) about the attacks that he experienced in his battle with Goliath.
Isn't that true? How we can take the physical battles but the verbal abuses really are the gut-wrenching, sleep-depriving, and anxiety-driven battles that eat our lunch?!
Read Psalm 7 and notice how David begins and ends this Psalm. He starts by saying the LORD his God is the One he takes refuge in and who saves and delivers him. He ends with giving thanks to the LORD because of His righteousness. So David will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. Friends, never forget this is why we are here to give praise, honor and glory to God. To Him be the glory, honor and praise in our lives as we live in relationship with Him and one another.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Grace Like Rain
Read James 4:1-6
Fights and quarrels - nobody wants them but they often come anyway. James 4 speaks about what causes these fights - it's what's inside us, the natural wants and desires, what we covet but can't have. So we wrestle. We wrestle because what we want, we don't always get. And James tells us it's because of our wrong motives.
What God wants is for us to be humble, not insistent on our way, our wants. Because when we are humble we realize His grace. James 4:6 tells us "he gives us more grace." When we realize the value of grace we recognize something new pouring over us that begins to change us from the inside out because what used to be our ways and our wants changes. It changes to God's ways and God's wants.
What James says next should cause us to pause and take notice. Anytime the Bible says God opposes something we should take notice. He says "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humbe." When God's grace like rain pours over us we realize what a gift it is to receive God's grace. Humbled we respond to begin living with His good and Godly motives and not wrong motives; humbed we respond by investing in our friendship with God instead of friendship with this world. Humbled we respond to His gift of more grace. Allow God's grace to pour over you this week like rain - remembering who we are and who He is so that we might not be among the fights and quarrels, but intead be among the peace makers as ambassadors for Jesus.
Fights and quarrels - nobody wants them but they often come anyway. James 4 speaks about what causes these fights - it's what's inside us, the natural wants and desires, what we covet but can't have. So we wrestle. We wrestle because what we want, we don't always get. And James tells us it's because of our wrong motives.
What God wants is for us to be humble, not insistent on our way, our wants. Because when we are humble we realize His grace. James 4:6 tells us "he gives us more grace." When we realize the value of grace we recognize something new pouring over us that begins to change us from the inside out because what used to be our ways and our wants changes. It changes to God's ways and God's wants.
What James says next should cause us to pause and take notice. Anytime the Bible says God opposes something we should take notice. He says "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humbe." When God's grace like rain pours over us we realize what a gift it is to receive God's grace. Humbled we respond to begin living with His good and Godly motives and not wrong motives; humbed we respond by investing in our friendship with God instead of friendship with this world. Humbled we respond to His gift of more grace. Allow God's grace to pour over you this week like rain - remembering who we are and who He is so that we might not be among the fights and quarrels, but intead be among the peace makers as ambassadors for Jesus.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Any Less?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-26
Spiritual things, specifically spiritual gifts is what Paul's addressing as he writes the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 14. He's crystal clear - spiritual gifts are for the common good (meant to glorify God and build up, edify the body of believers). And he makes it abundantly clear no one in the body of Christ is any less important because of the gifts, ministry and service God has assigned every believer.
Does this inspire you? It's meant to. No matter who you are, what you do God has specifically called each and every believer into ministry service for Him and His people. Let that sink in for a moment. There's no believer we will ever lock eyes with who hasn't been assigned an important role in the family of God.
The key is to find out if you don't yet know your role and if you do know your role, with the power of the Holy Spirit, to use your spiritual gifts for the common good. For those who don't know their spiritual gifts, their passion for ministry and how they will be part of this great Christian calling please take Class 301 at Hope (or if you're not part of Hope, that's ok take the spiritual gifts class at the church you do attend). This is so important - don't waste another moment. Get in the game, now! God needs you and so does the church!
Spiritual things, specifically spiritual gifts is what Paul's addressing as he writes the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 14. He's crystal clear - spiritual gifts are for the common good (meant to glorify God and build up, edify the body of believers). And he makes it abundantly clear no one in the body of Christ is any less important because of the gifts, ministry and service God has assigned every believer.
Does this inspire you? It's meant to. No matter who you are, what you do God has specifically called each and every believer into ministry service for Him and His people. Let that sink in for a moment. There's no believer we will ever lock eyes with who hasn't been assigned an important role in the family of God.
The key is to find out if you don't yet know your role and if you do know your role, with the power of the Holy Spirit, to use your spiritual gifts for the common good. For those who don't know their spiritual gifts, their passion for ministry and how they will be part of this great Christian calling please take Class 301 at Hope (or if you're not part of Hope, that's ok take the spiritual gifts class at the church you do attend). This is so important - don't waste another moment. Get in the game, now! God needs you and so does the church!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
The Sovereign LORD says
Read Ezekiel 3:22-27
The title in the NIV Bible that begins Ezekiel 3 says "Ezekiel, God's watchman." That, in and of itself, comes across as a very lofty title for Ezekiel as God's messenger. With such a title you would think respect and admiration and listening and following would happen when Ezekiel spoke. But in fact, the end of the chapter tells us another story.
While the Spirit came into him and powered him, God told him what to say to Israel. Go and say, "This is what the Sovereign LORD says." Today, much like back in Ezekiel's day, we know all too well that some will listen and some will refuse. And the reason is the same, rebellion.
I know it sounds harsh, but it's what God tells us over and over again. The point isn't to preach the word of God and care less about what response we get. No, the point is when we preach the word, when we share God's truth we will get mixed responses. And when we do it should break our hearts because it breaks God's heart.
God wants everyone, everywhere to hear the truth because as Jesus said in John 8:32 - "the truth will set you free." Since this is what God wants let's want the same for those we know who are caught in something, anything that is in rebellion to God. And remember all people, believers and unbelievers, act in rebellion against God. Let it be our desire to hear what the Sovereign LORD says and be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2).
God's best for a great week following Him!
The title in the NIV Bible that begins Ezekiel 3 says "Ezekiel, God's watchman." That, in and of itself, comes across as a very lofty title for Ezekiel as God's messenger. With such a title you would think respect and admiration and listening and following would happen when Ezekiel spoke. But in fact, the end of the chapter tells us another story.
While the Spirit came into him and powered him, God told him what to say to Israel. Go and say, "This is what the Sovereign LORD says." Today, much like back in Ezekiel's day, we know all too well that some will listen and some will refuse. And the reason is the same, rebellion.
I know it sounds harsh, but it's what God tells us over and over again. The point isn't to preach the word of God and care less about what response we get. No, the point is when we preach the word, when we share God's truth we will get mixed responses. And when we do it should break our hearts because it breaks God's heart.
God wants everyone, everywhere to hear the truth because as Jesus said in John 8:32 - "the truth will set you free." Since this is what God wants let's want the same for those we know who are caught in something, anything that is in rebellion to God. And remember all people, believers and unbelievers, act in rebellion against God. Let it be our desire to hear what the Sovereign LORD says and be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2).
God's best for a great week following Him!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
A Day's Coming...
Read Isaiah 26:1-4
A day is coming when this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock eternal.
Do we wish for this day? There are many times I do. This is about the promise of God; His salvation offered to the nation made righteous by faith. And He will keep in perfect peace - I love that phrase because peace is one thing, but perfect peace is, well, perfect! The one whose mind is faithful and trusting in God. And I love how the song ends - the LORD is the Rock eternal.
Nothing can shake us outside of God's care and control; nothing can overcome us when we are in His powerful hands; and nothing can disturb us because a day is coming when perfect peace will be ours.
Longing for this day is our hope, it is our joy and it is our faith in Jesus and His finished work that will enable us to rest in this perfect peace. Regardless what we face today, a day's coming when His perfect peace will keep us. Trust today in the Rock eternal.
A day is coming when this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock eternal.
Do we wish for this day? There are many times I do. This is about the promise of God; His salvation offered to the nation made righteous by faith. And He will keep in perfect peace - I love that phrase because peace is one thing, but perfect peace is, well, perfect! The one whose mind is faithful and trusting in God. And I love how the song ends - the LORD is the Rock eternal.
Nothing can shake us outside of God's care and control; nothing can overcome us when we are in His powerful hands; and nothing can disturb us because a day is coming when perfect peace will be ours.
Longing for this day is our hope, it is our joy and it is our faith in Jesus and His finished work that will enable us to rest in this perfect peace. Regardless what we face today, a day's coming when His perfect peace will keep us. Trust today in the Rock eternal.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Walk in the Word
Read John 1:1-5
When we think about Jesus it's difficult not to think about this passage in John 1 because it tells us He was with God in the beginning, through Him all things were made and in Him was life.
That's true today - in Him there is life. When I talk with people about Jesus I'm often reminded that His life and His word are what we need. Very simply it's about looking at Jesus' life and following Him. But so often we take our eyes off Him, we take our eyes off the word and we begin looking at other things that distract us from following Jesus.
The word was given to us, the written word that is, to help us know the way we ought to walk in this life so that we are living for Him. Think about it - in every relationship, in every situation, in every thing we can imagine God wants us following the Word.
Take the time to allow the Word to be part of your daily walk with Jesus. Allow Him to speak to you as much as you speak to Him and see, just see if your walk becomes closer as you allow Him to come closer to you.
When we think about Jesus it's difficult not to think about this passage in John 1 because it tells us He was with God in the beginning, through Him all things were made and in Him was life.
That's true today - in Him there is life. When I talk with people about Jesus I'm often reminded that His life and His word are what we need. Very simply it's about looking at Jesus' life and following Him. But so often we take our eyes off Him, we take our eyes off the word and we begin looking at other things that distract us from following Jesus.
The word was given to us, the written word that is, to help us know the way we ought to walk in this life so that we are living for Him. Think about it - in every relationship, in every situation, in every thing we can imagine God wants us following the Word.
Take the time to allow the Word to be part of your daily walk with Jesus. Allow Him to speak to you as much as you speak to Him and see, just see if your walk becomes closer as you allow Him to come closer to you.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Understanding...
Read Luke 18:31-34
The question all of us ask throughout our lives is why. Why did this happen, why did that happen, why God why?
Understanding is so elusive. And it eluded Jesus' first disciples. As we read in Luke 18:31-34 we see the text tells us they were lost; confused with what Jesus was talking about. He was talking to the Twelve and telling them all that was about to happen; how when they would arrive in Jerusalem all that the prophets had written about Him would be fulfilled. He was going to be handed over to the Gentiles and they would humiliate Jesus with their insults, spits, flogging and eventually they would kill Him. And on the third day Jesus promised He would rise again.
To so many of us this is so clear; we see it through the eyes of history, understanding our faith and knowing that all that Jesus said here actually happened. But to many, these words are still unclear. If you're reading this and Jesus' words aren't fully in focus for you yet, please know what Jesus was talking about, what the Christian faith is all about is Jesus' life, death, burial and resurrection. His words then are still true now - when He went into Jerusalem and experienced the cross, He did it for you and He did it for me. He paid the price for sin, your sin and mine, the perfect sacrificial death so that we would not have to die and live eternally apart from God.
The disciples didn't understand and there are times when we don't understand what is happening in our lives. What's important, always important, is that we understand these truths about Jesus. He came into this world to take us out of this world and into a relationship with His Father. His life was sacrificial so that all who would believe and ask Jesus to be the forgiver of their sins and leader of their life would come into this eternal relationship. It's all God has ever really wanted - you. Reflect on this understanding this week and thank God for the life Jesus lived for us.
The question all of us ask throughout our lives is why. Why did this happen, why did that happen, why God why?
Understanding is so elusive. And it eluded Jesus' first disciples. As we read in Luke 18:31-34 we see the text tells us they were lost; confused with what Jesus was talking about. He was talking to the Twelve and telling them all that was about to happen; how when they would arrive in Jerusalem all that the prophets had written about Him would be fulfilled. He was going to be handed over to the Gentiles and they would humiliate Jesus with their insults, spits, flogging and eventually they would kill Him. And on the third day Jesus promised He would rise again.
To so many of us this is so clear; we see it through the eyes of history, understanding our faith and knowing that all that Jesus said here actually happened. But to many, these words are still unclear. If you're reading this and Jesus' words aren't fully in focus for you yet, please know what Jesus was talking about, what the Christian faith is all about is Jesus' life, death, burial and resurrection. His words then are still true now - when He went into Jerusalem and experienced the cross, He did it for you and He did it for me. He paid the price for sin, your sin and mine, the perfect sacrificial death so that we would not have to die and live eternally apart from God.
The disciples didn't understand and there are times when we don't understand what is happening in our lives. What's important, always important, is that we understand these truths about Jesus. He came into this world to take us out of this world and into a relationship with His Father. His life was sacrificial so that all who would believe and ask Jesus to be the forgiver of their sins and leader of their life would come into this eternal relationship. It's all God has ever really wanted - you. Reflect on this understanding this week and thank God for the life Jesus lived for us.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
The Gospel Truth
Read Colossians 1:1-8
I don't know about you but I love reading the New Testament epistles. I think it's because we know some things about Paul's life and we can relate really well with him. Paul was a man of accomplishment. A quick read of Acts tells us he was zealous man of faith, always putting forth 100% effort. However, we learn in Acts 9 that Paul's life takes a turn. He receives instructions from the Lord and from that moment on his life took a new focus; he received a message, the gospel truth and it was now his life purpose to go and tell the good news of Jesus. The work of Jesus and not the work of man.
So when we read the epistles like Colossians 1:1-8 it's important, always important, for all of us to remember the foundation of our faith - the gospel. In his letter to the Colossians Paul speaks impressively of the Colossians faith and how "all over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing" among this group of Christ followers.
Listen, the gospel is the message of Jesus, the message the Colossians first heard about and understood the grace of God in all its truth. And where did they learn it? They learned it from Epaphras, a dear fellow servant of Paul and Timothy. This is so important because just as the Colossian church needed to hear the gospel truth from Epaphras, people we know need to hear the gospel message from us.
Pray that God will afford you opportunity after opportunity to communicate the good news about Jesus. His life, death, burial and resurrection. And may the hope of His life give your life joy this week. Make every effort to share this good news - my suspicion is all of us who are believers in Jesus can think of someone with a name we recall who first shared their faith with us and helped us understand the grace of God. May the good news, the gospel truth, be shared by us to a world that so desperately needs to know the love of God that's only found in His Son, Jesus Christ.
I don't know about you but I love reading the New Testament epistles. I think it's because we know some things about Paul's life and we can relate really well with him. Paul was a man of accomplishment. A quick read of Acts tells us he was zealous man of faith, always putting forth 100% effort. However, we learn in Acts 9 that Paul's life takes a turn. He receives instructions from the Lord and from that moment on his life took a new focus; he received a message, the gospel truth and it was now his life purpose to go and tell the good news of Jesus. The work of Jesus and not the work of man.
So when we read the epistles like Colossians 1:1-8 it's important, always important, for all of us to remember the foundation of our faith - the gospel. In his letter to the Colossians Paul speaks impressively of the Colossians faith and how "all over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing" among this group of Christ followers.
Listen, the gospel is the message of Jesus, the message the Colossians first heard about and understood the grace of God in all its truth. And where did they learn it? They learned it from Epaphras, a dear fellow servant of Paul and Timothy. This is so important because just as the Colossian church needed to hear the gospel truth from Epaphras, people we know need to hear the gospel message from us.
Pray that God will afford you opportunity after opportunity to communicate the good news about Jesus. His life, death, burial and resurrection. And may the hope of His life give your life joy this week. Make every effort to share this good news - my suspicion is all of us who are believers in Jesus can think of someone with a name we recall who first shared their faith with us and helped us understand the grace of God. May the good news, the gospel truth, be shared by us to a world that so desperately needs to know the love of God that's only found in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Monday, April 30, 2012
The Tension is Good
Read John 1:14
A few years ago the staff at Hope went to a conference for church leaders and the theme was "The Tension is Good." Now maybe you're like us; when you read this you pause and think how is that true. After hearing the speakers and listening to their illustrations it became clear to all of us that the tension is in fact good.
Most of us would consider tension a bad thing but when we have the right tension on a suspension bridge for instance the structure is strong and secure. Well there's tension in the Bible over and over again. John 1:14 speaks of a tension that exists which is not only important but necessary. This tension is between grace and truth. You see when Jesus came into this world and took on human flesh and lived among us, He came from the Father full of grace and truth.
When we think of grace and truth we tend to lean toward one or the other. What we find is we desire truth for others and grace for ourselves, you know what I mean? Read about Jesus' life and I'm convinced you will find story after story, interaction after interaction where He found the perfect tension between grace and truth.
In your life and mine, I believe we're to strike this perfect balance, call it tension when it comes to grace and truth. Grace is extending God's riches at Christ's expense and truth is keeping it real according to the truth of God's word. We are going to continue to wrestle with this because we are imperfect. However, let's live like Jesus and learn the tension is good, especially when it comes to grace and truth. This week desire and seek God's direction in areas of your life where grace and truth are needed. And trust that God will equip us as followers of Jesus to be full of grace and truth.
A few years ago the staff at Hope went to a conference for church leaders and the theme was "The Tension is Good." Now maybe you're like us; when you read this you pause and think how is that true. After hearing the speakers and listening to their illustrations it became clear to all of us that the tension is in fact good.
Most of us would consider tension a bad thing but when we have the right tension on a suspension bridge for instance the structure is strong and secure. Well there's tension in the Bible over and over again. John 1:14 speaks of a tension that exists which is not only important but necessary. This tension is between grace and truth. You see when Jesus came into this world and took on human flesh and lived among us, He came from the Father full of grace and truth.
When we think of grace and truth we tend to lean toward one or the other. What we find is we desire truth for others and grace for ourselves, you know what I mean? Read about Jesus' life and I'm convinced you will find story after story, interaction after interaction where He found the perfect tension between grace and truth.
In your life and mine, I believe we're to strike this perfect balance, call it tension when it comes to grace and truth. Grace is extending God's riches at Christ's expense and truth is keeping it real according to the truth of God's word. We are going to continue to wrestle with this because we are imperfect. However, let's live like Jesus and learn the tension is good, especially when it comes to grace and truth. This week desire and seek God's direction in areas of your life where grace and truth are needed. And trust that God will equip us as followers of Jesus to be full of grace and truth.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
People of Praise
Read Luke 17:11-19
So often we are blessed in life - by God and by others. Yet so often our response is just like nine of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19. Just as Jesus asked - "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"
Listen, the one leper who returned realized several things. First, he noticed he was healed. He was suffering and after crying out to Jesus he was healed. He saw a change in his life. In response, the second thing he did was he made a move. He came back and found Jesus to do one thing - praise Him. His act of praise and thanksgiving is something we often miss in our relationship with God. Too often we go about our busy lives missing the blessings of God. Instead we go on and miss what really matters and that's giving thanks to Jesus for what He's done and what He continues to do in our lives each day.
How do you live? Are you like the nine or the one? Too often I'm like the nine and yet I want to be like the one. Giving praise to God is why we exist - so whether we are in the middle of a hurt, habit or hangup, or even if we're in the middle of a blessed time let's remember to be people of praise. Praise is what people of God are to be all about; praising God in good times and bad because we have a Father in Heaven who knows our name, a Father in Heaven who knows our pain, and a Father in Heaven who deserves the fame that is due His Name.
So often we are blessed in life - by God and by others. Yet so often our response is just like nine of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19. Just as Jesus asked - "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"
Listen, the one leper who returned realized several things. First, he noticed he was healed. He was suffering and after crying out to Jesus he was healed. He saw a change in his life. In response, the second thing he did was he made a move. He came back and found Jesus to do one thing - praise Him. His act of praise and thanksgiving is something we often miss in our relationship with God. Too often we go about our busy lives missing the blessings of God. Instead we go on and miss what really matters and that's giving thanks to Jesus for what He's done and what He continues to do in our lives each day.
How do you live? Are you like the nine or the one? Too often I'm like the nine and yet I want to be like the one. Giving praise to God is why we exist - so whether we are in the middle of a hurt, habit or hangup, or even if we're in the middle of a blessed time let's remember to be people of praise. Praise is what people of God are to be all about; praising God in good times and bad because we have a Father in Heaven who knows our name, a Father in Heaven who knows our pain, and a Father in Heaven who deserves the fame that is due His Name.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
When Down Is Up
Read Matthew 6:9-13
We've all been there; some of us know it too well and some of us know it right now. Life is filled with its ups and downs. All would agree, without question.
But the question we should consider is what's our response going to be when this happens? Some will wallow in it; some will deny it; and some will accept it and respond how I believe Jesus wants us to.
I believe Jesus' prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 teaches us to be people that when we're down we're to always look up. This prayer is about seeing God for who He is and where He is. He is our Father who reigns in Heaven. He reigns over all creation, His creation, and it's His desire that we look to Him at all times - when we're up and when we're down.
Listen, this doesn't mean it's easy when we're down. You know what I mean. We're not saying - hey you can handle this just give it to God it's that simple. That's not at all what we're saying. What we're saying is at all times God wants us turning to Him; in relationship, in trust, in hope and in the good times and bad. Is it going to change your circumstance? No. But it will change you, change me. See we are changed first when we recognize the character of God, see Him for who He is and it helps us learn to respond differently in all our circumstances.
Read the rest of this passage from Matthew 6 and just meditate on what this passage tells us about our relationship with God and how He desires we respond to Him. We sing a song at Hope called The Lord's Prayer - and it's just so powerful to sing this passage with celebration because that is how God wants us living in relationship with Him one day at a time.
We've all been there; some of us know it too well and some of us know it right now. Life is filled with its ups and downs. All would agree, without question.
But the question we should consider is what's our response going to be when this happens? Some will wallow in it; some will deny it; and some will accept it and respond how I believe Jesus wants us to.
I believe Jesus' prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 teaches us to be people that when we're down we're to always look up. This prayer is about seeing God for who He is and where He is. He is our Father who reigns in Heaven. He reigns over all creation, His creation, and it's His desire that we look to Him at all times - when we're up and when we're down.
Listen, this doesn't mean it's easy when we're down. You know what I mean. We're not saying - hey you can handle this just give it to God it's that simple. That's not at all what we're saying. What we're saying is at all times God wants us turning to Him; in relationship, in trust, in hope and in the good times and bad. Is it going to change your circumstance? No. But it will change you, change me. See we are changed first when we recognize the character of God, see Him for who He is and it helps us learn to respond differently in all our circumstances.
Read the rest of this passage from Matthew 6 and just meditate on what this passage tells us about our relationship with God and how He desires we respond to Him. We sing a song at Hope called The Lord's Prayer - and it's just so powerful to sing this passage with celebration because that is how God wants us living in relationship with Him one day at a time.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
God Will Strengthen
Read Ezekiel 2:1-10
Let's be honest - if you've read even a little bit from the Old Testament book of Ezekiel, it's not the easiest of books to understand. That's because it's a book of prophecy with symbols and visions. However, it's a great book because it helps us when we're wrestling with our faith, with life and with the realities we all face in this world.
Ezekiel 2 tells us about God's calling for Ezekiel. He's told he is being sent to speak to the Israelites who are a rebellious nation that has rebelled against God. God describes them to Ezekiel that they are "obstinate and stubborn." And He gives Ezekiel a warning that the Israelites may listen or fail to listen to the words God has given him to give to His people.
This is not exactly the pep talk any of us would like to hear as we listen for God's voice to give us direction to go into battle for Him, is it? Most of us want to hear - you can do it; you've got this; don't worry, you can handle whatever is coming your way; people will listen to you and follow you.
But that's not what God tells Ezekiel. God tells him the truth. The Israelites are a rebellious people, but as verse 7 says I believe God wants all of us speaking His words, whether people listen or not.
Friends God knows more than we know. He knows that some people will make decisions to follow Him and some people will make decisions not to follow Him. But the calling God gives Ezekiel, the calling He gives us isn't based on the reception we receive. It's based on His desire to be in relationship with His people.
So God wants us trusting Him and knowing that God will strenthen us every step of the way. So whatever you and I think of Ezekiel, let's remember His name literally means - God will strengthen. And knowing this about God's character, no matter what you and I are called to let's be focused on the cause for speaking the truth about Jesus.
Let's be honest - if you've read even a little bit from the Old Testament book of Ezekiel, it's not the easiest of books to understand. That's because it's a book of prophecy with symbols and visions. However, it's a great book because it helps us when we're wrestling with our faith, with life and with the realities we all face in this world.
Ezekiel 2 tells us about God's calling for Ezekiel. He's told he is being sent to speak to the Israelites who are a rebellious nation that has rebelled against God. God describes them to Ezekiel that they are "obstinate and stubborn." And He gives Ezekiel a warning that the Israelites may listen or fail to listen to the words God has given him to give to His people.
This is not exactly the pep talk any of us would like to hear as we listen for God's voice to give us direction to go into battle for Him, is it? Most of us want to hear - you can do it; you've got this; don't worry, you can handle whatever is coming your way; people will listen to you and follow you.
But that's not what God tells Ezekiel. God tells him the truth. The Israelites are a rebellious people, but as verse 7 says I believe God wants all of us speaking His words, whether people listen or not.
Friends God knows more than we know. He knows that some people will make decisions to follow Him and some people will make decisions not to follow Him. But the calling God gives Ezekiel, the calling He gives us isn't based on the reception we receive. It's based on His desire to be in relationship with His people.
So God wants us trusting Him and knowing that God will strenthen us every step of the way. So whatever you and I think of Ezekiel, let's remember His name literally means - God will strengthen. And knowing this about God's character, no matter what you and I are called to let's be focused on the cause for speaking the truth about Jesus.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Words of Jesus (3)
Read John 15:23-27
People have strong reactions when it comes to the name and person of Jesus. There is very little, if any fence sitting when it comes to how people react to Him. Jesus says exactly this in John 15. He says if people hated Him they will hate the Father; even if they see His miracles they despise both Jesus and His Father. Now today, we hear so many talk about their belief in God but at the same time don't respond in belief to Jesus. There's almost this disconnect between the two in our society today. Even more is when we talk about the Holy Spirit.
Jesus says at the end of John 15 that if you stand for Him people will not like you; they will persecute you just as they persecuted Jesus (v. 20). Now just because we're told the world will respond to us like this, it doesn't give us the right to encourage this animosity with the world. In fact, we are to shake salt and shine light. But as Jesus said when we are treated this way, remember we have the Holy Spirit within us giving us the power to testify about the truth of God, the truth of Jesus with the truth this world so desperately needs to hear.
Trust in the words of Jesus, He is the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
No matter what this worlds words are to us or about us, whatever comes at us let's focus on Jesus' words. He knows with the Holy Spirit's power we can face anything.
People have strong reactions when it comes to the name and person of Jesus. There is very little, if any fence sitting when it comes to how people react to Him. Jesus says exactly this in John 15. He says if people hated Him they will hate the Father; even if they see His miracles they despise both Jesus and His Father. Now today, we hear so many talk about their belief in God but at the same time don't respond in belief to Jesus. There's almost this disconnect between the two in our society today. Even more is when we talk about the Holy Spirit.
Jesus says at the end of John 15 that if you stand for Him people will not like you; they will persecute you just as they persecuted Jesus (v. 20). Now just because we're told the world will respond to us like this, it doesn't give us the right to encourage this animosity with the world. In fact, we are to shake salt and shine light. But as Jesus said when we are treated this way, remember we have the Holy Spirit within us giving us the power to testify about the truth of God, the truth of Jesus with the truth this world so desperately needs to hear.
Trust in the words of Jesus, He is the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
No matter what this worlds words are to us or about us, whatever comes at us let's focus on Jesus' words. He knows with the Holy Spirit's power we can face anything.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Words of Jesus (2)
Read John 14:27-31
Jesus speaks about leaving, leaving His disciples and says He's leaving one thing with them. What He's leaving He summed up in verse 31 - He's leaving His example. Verse 31 says - the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
When I read this a few days ago I was struck by the power of Jesus' example. What this world and everyone in this world needs to know Jesus says in verse 31. We all need to learn that His love for the Father and His listening to His Father, always doing exactly what the Father commanded Him is the example we are called to follow ourselves.
Whenever we question our actions and direction it is important to remember this passage because Jesus wants us following His example - listening to the Father and doing exactly what He's commanded us.
Next week we're going to look at how we can do this because we're going to check out Jesus' words in John 15 - so read ahead and find out the clue to how we can live out what God commands. Here's a hint - it's the Holy Spirit. Enjoy this week and follow Him!
Jesus speaks about leaving, leaving His disciples and says He's leaving one thing with them. What He's leaving He summed up in verse 31 - He's leaving His example. Verse 31 says - the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
When I read this a few days ago I was struck by the power of Jesus' example. What this world and everyone in this world needs to know Jesus says in verse 31. We all need to learn that His love for the Father and His listening to His Father, always doing exactly what the Father commanded Him is the example we are called to follow ourselves.
Whenever we question our actions and direction it is important to remember this passage because Jesus wants us following His example - listening to the Father and doing exactly what He's commanded us.
Next week we're going to look at how we can do this because we're going to check out Jesus' words in John 15 - so read ahead and find out the clue to how we can live out what God commands. Here's a hint - it's the Holy Spirit. Enjoy this week and follow Him!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Words of Jesus (1)
Read John 13:34-35
Over the next few weeks we're going to look at some of the words of Jesus from the gospel of John. His words are powerful and transformational. This week we're looking at this new command He gives His disciples in John 13.
This new command challenges us on several levels. First it's a challenge to love brothers and sisters in Christ. Second it's a challenge that when we do, this world will know by the way we love one another that we are disciples of Jesus. Now that's quite a challenge with an incredible outreach into this world. When we love one another, more than anything else we say or do, our world can't deny how we care for the family of believers.
I was struck recently by how Paul writes in Galatians 6:10 that we are to do good to all people and then he says especially to those who belong to the family of believers. It's so important that we take Jesus words - to Love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind and follow that with loving the family of God so that this world will know how Jesus loves us by how we love each other.
Followers of Christ listen to the words of Christ and with the power of the Holy Spirit demonstrate His love one relationship at a time. Love the family of God just as the Father of our family loves us.
Over the next few weeks we're going to look at some of the words of Jesus from the gospel of John. His words are powerful and transformational. This week we're looking at this new command He gives His disciples in John 13.
This new command challenges us on several levels. First it's a challenge to love brothers and sisters in Christ. Second it's a challenge that when we do, this world will know by the way we love one another that we are disciples of Jesus. Now that's quite a challenge with an incredible outreach into this world. When we love one another, more than anything else we say or do, our world can't deny how we care for the family of believers.
I was struck recently by how Paul writes in Galatians 6:10 that we are to do good to all people and then he says especially to those who belong to the family of believers. It's so important that we take Jesus words - to Love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind and follow that with loving the family of God so that this world will know how Jesus loves us by how we love each other.
Followers of Christ listen to the words of Christ and with the power of the Holy Spirit demonstrate His love one relationship at a time. Love the family of God just as the Father of our family loves us.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Prepared to Worship
Read Psalm 146:1-2
Every day we can make the decision to be prepared to worship. The Psalmist wrote these words - I will praise the LORD all my life: I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Ever wake up with enthusiasm because you had something special planned that day? You know what that feels like, right? It's exciting because something fun, something you've been anticipating is going to happen this day. Well this is what I believe the Psalmist has in mind when he says I will praise the LORD all my life. Our lives are to sing praise to God as long as we live. And this begins with a decision every day no matter what is happening in our lives.
But let's be honest, every day we are thrown curve balls. You know what I mean? We have an enemy that doesn't want us listening to God, walking with God so we face trials and tests to our faith. This is why it is so important to have godly friends. We encourage people to be in small groups, so we have people who know us and lift us up in prayer when we are not prepared to worship.
God never intended us to go it alone in this life. That's why we have been given the Spirit of God and the people of God to help us listen and walk with God for a lifetime. Don't go it alone - go with God, go with His people and you will always be prepared to worship.
Every day we can make the decision to be prepared to worship. The Psalmist wrote these words - I will praise the LORD all my life: I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Ever wake up with enthusiasm because you had something special planned that day? You know what that feels like, right? It's exciting because something fun, something you've been anticipating is going to happen this day. Well this is what I believe the Psalmist has in mind when he says I will praise the LORD all my life. Our lives are to sing praise to God as long as we live. And this begins with a decision every day no matter what is happening in our lives.
But let's be honest, every day we are thrown curve balls. You know what I mean? We have an enemy that doesn't want us listening to God, walking with God so we face trials and tests to our faith. This is why it is so important to have godly friends. We encourage people to be in small groups, so we have people who know us and lift us up in prayer when we are not prepared to worship.
God never intended us to go it alone in this life. That's why we have been given the Spirit of God and the people of God to help us listen and walk with God for a lifetime. Don't go it alone - go with God, go with His people and you will always be prepared to worship.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Faithul With Little
Read Luke 16:1-13
Jesus taught many parables. Each with significance about the Kingdom of God and each with significance for His followers to listen and learn. In this parable found in Luke 16 Jesus sums up everything with these last few verses saying whoever can be trusted with very little, can be trusted with much and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
The story goes there was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. This manager is called to account and realizing he's going to lose his job decides to be prudent and collect what is owed his manager by negotiating down the amounts his master's debtors owed while at the same time gaining favor for himself with these debtors. He's thinking when I lose my job these people will welcome me into their homes.
While we may think this is dishonest, the master we're told in v. 8 commends this manager for acting shrewdly. He commends him for knowing how to be wise, using what he can in this world to gain friends for his support. Now we see that Jesus goes on to say use worldly wealth to gain friends so that when it is gone you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
Jesus' closing point in this passage is that we can't serve two masters. We can't serve both God and Money. We will love one and hate the other. Jesus wants us to be faithful managers of what He's given us in this world for the benefit of our Master. Let's be people no matter if we have very little or if we have much who are always faithful, serving God with all we have.
Jesus taught many parables. Each with significance about the Kingdom of God and each with significance for His followers to listen and learn. In this parable found in Luke 16 Jesus sums up everything with these last few verses saying whoever can be trusted with very little, can be trusted with much and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
The story goes there was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. This manager is called to account and realizing he's going to lose his job decides to be prudent and collect what is owed his manager by negotiating down the amounts his master's debtors owed while at the same time gaining favor for himself with these debtors. He's thinking when I lose my job these people will welcome me into their homes.
While we may think this is dishonest, the master we're told in v. 8 commends this manager for acting shrewdly. He commends him for knowing how to be wise, using what he can in this world to gain friends for his support. Now we see that Jesus goes on to say use worldly wealth to gain friends so that when it is gone you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
Jesus' closing point in this passage is that we can't serve two masters. We can't serve both God and Money. We will love one and hate the other. Jesus wants us to be faithful managers of what He's given us in this world for the benefit of our Master. Let's be people no matter if we have very little or if we have much who are always faithful, serving God with all we have.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Rebuilding
Read Ezra 3
After Israel had been in captivity and they were returning to Jerusalem, there was a rebuilding project taking place. First the altar was set up, the ancient sacrifices were restored and the foundations of the Temple were laid. All this was met by the Israelites with mixed emotions. First we're told in verse 3 the people were afraid of the peoples around them. Later we read as the Temple foundations were laid (v. 12) many of the older priests and Levites and family heads who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundations of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy.
Mixed emotions often come when we're faced with rebuilding in our lives. The Israelites fear was real. Those around them weren't happy to see their enemies, the Israelites, rebuilding Jerusalem. So Israel was right to express fear. However, the people understood as Ezra writes in verse 11 the Lord is good and His love endures forever.
Whenever we're faced with times when we have something happening in our lives where rebuilding is necessary, remember who God is. Remember He is good and His love endures forever. Why is this important? Because when we're in broken times, all we got is God. You see, who He is really is all we got anyway. Isn't that true?
When we read Old Testament stories like Ezra and realize the emotions they faced are emotions we face, we can understand what really matters in life is who we know. When we know God we can face our fears. Listen, fears come when opposition exists; but no opposition can withstand the goodness and love of God. With God all things are possible.
So no matter what needs rebuilding in your life, trust what we learn in Ezra. Build on the foundation of God's goodness and love - who He is. And let's give whatever needs rebuilding in our lives to this good and loving God.
After Israel had been in captivity and they were returning to Jerusalem, there was a rebuilding project taking place. First the altar was set up, the ancient sacrifices were restored and the foundations of the Temple were laid. All this was met by the Israelites with mixed emotions. First we're told in verse 3 the people were afraid of the peoples around them. Later we read as the Temple foundations were laid (v. 12) many of the older priests and Levites and family heads who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundations of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy.
Mixed emotions often come when we're faced with rebuilding in our lives. The Israelites fear was real. Those around them weren't happy to see their enemies, the Israelites, rebuilding Jerusalem. So Israel was right to express fear. However, the people understood as Ezra writes in verse 11 the Lord is good and His love endures forever.
Whenever we're faced with times when we have something happening in our lives where rebuilding is necessary, remember who God is. Remember He is good and His love endures forever. Why is this important? Because when we're in broken times, all we got is God. You see, who He is really is all we got anyway. Isn't that true?
When we read Old Testament stories like Ezra and realize the emotions they faced are emotions we face, we can understand what really matters in life is who we know. When we know God we can face our fears. Listen, fears come when opposition exists; but no opposition can withstand the goodness and love of God. With God all things are possible.
So no matter what needs rebuilding in your life, trust what we learn in Ezra. Build on the foundation of God's goodness and love - who He is. And let's give whatever needs rebuilding in our lives to this good and loving God.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
A New Command
Read John 13:34-35
Recently I read an article by one of my favorite authors, Francis Chan. His article was all about how we treat one another. He asked the question - knowledge or love? And quoted 1 Corinthians 13:2 which says we can have the gift of prophecy, understand mysteries, have all sorts of knowledge and have faith that can move mountains but if we do not have love we are nothing. Chan summarizes, "you can be brilliant and worthless."
He goes on and raises the issue of how Christians treat one another. This made me think of Jesus' words in John 13. This world will know we are His disciples (followers) if we love one another. What happens in the family of God is often unfortunate. We take Jesus' love to the world and there's nothing unfortunate about that - in fact, God is pleased when we go to the world with His love. But what is unfortunate is when we fail to realize Jesus' command - Love one another - is given to His disciples; Jesus is saying believers love believers then this world will know you truly are my disciples.
Let's be different, let's love each other (men and women of Christ) so well that this world can't help but take notice that we are His!
Recently I read an article by one of my favorite authors, Francis Chan. His article was all about how we treat one another. He asked the question - knowledge or love? And quoted 1 Corinthians 13:2 which says we can have the gift of prophecy, understand mysteries, have all sorts of knowledge and have faith that can move mountains but if we do not have love we are nothing. Chan summarizes, "you can be brilliant and worthless."
He goes on and raises the issue of how Christians treat one another. This made me think of Jesus' words in John 13. This world will know we are His disciples (followers) if we love one another. What happens in the family of God is often unfortunate. We take Jesus' love to the world and there's nothing unfortunate about that - in fact, God is pleased when we go to the world with His love. But what is unfortunate is when we fail to realize Jesus' command - Love one another - is given to His disciples; Jesus is saying believers love believers then this world will know you truly are my disciples.
Let's be different, let's love each other (men and women of Christ) so well that this world can't help but take notice that we are His!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Moments in Time
Read John 10:1-21
There are certain moments in time we all remember because these moments are etched in our memories. These memories seem like they'll always be there but there are times when for one reason or another we tend to miss some of the specifics as we recall these amazing moments.
Unless that is we dwell on these moments. Do you know what I mean? My lovely wife and I went to the movies the other day (for Valentines Day) and saw the movie - The Vow. It was what's come to be known as a chick-flick - and you know what I'm ok with that. It was a great movie with a great message of how we all have moments in time and we think we'll always remember but what happens if/when we don't?
We tend to have faith moments in time. Times when we remember first understanding the story and life of Jesus; times when we remember hearing about His grace and mercy and kindness and goodness and truth and love; times when we realize His moment in time, when He went to the cross was about absolute and pure love for you and for me.
But we have good forgetters. We forget because we fail to reflect on these faith moments in time; times when Jesus stood for us because He knew we could never stand alone but only on His power, passion and purpose.
Remember this week the power of Jesus' words - "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full". May our moments in time always be made by remembering this most important moment in time.
There are certain moments in time we all remember because these moments are etched in our memories. These memories seem like they'll always be there but there are times when for one reason or another we tend to miss some of the specifics as we recall these amazing moments.
Unless that is we dwell on these moments. Do you know what I mean? My lovely wife and I went to the movies the other day (for Valentines Day) and saw the movie - The Vow. It was what's come to be known as a chick-flick - and you know what I'm ok with that. It was a great movie with a great message of how we all have moments in time and we think we'll always remember but what happens if/when we don't?
We tend to have faith moments in time. Times when we remember first understanding the story and life of Jesus; times when we remember hearing about His grace and mercy and kindness and goodness and truth and love; times when we realize His moment in time, when He went to the cross was about absolute and pure love for you and for me.
But we have good forgetters. We forget because we fail to reflect on these faith moments in time; times when Jesus stood for us because He knew we could never stand alone but only on His power, passion and purpose.
Remember this week the power of Jesus' words - "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full". May our moments in time always be made by remembering this most important moment in time.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
How can He say that?
Read Matthew 5:20
Take a moment and read Matthew 5:20. Do you now understand the question - how can Jesus say that? For centuries the standard was set and during that entire time Israel, people everywhere continually failed to meet the standard. Now Jesus is raising the bar, raising it to an even higher level saying "Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."
He could do this because He believed in His own life. The greatness of the demands in Matthew 5, 6 and 7 is only surpassed by the confidence Christ has in His life. And the life that is available within us is His life and that's enough to meet these demands because the resources He has given us. You see we have Christ and God does not command what He is unwilling or unable to perform. So what Jesus says and the life He lives changes the question from - How can He say that? to Why don't we live like we believe it?
Meditate on Jesus' words. God equips us to do what He's asked of us. Only when we lose sight of this and where our stregth and power come from are we unable to do God's work. Let's pray that His life, more than just His words, would live within us!
Take a moment and read Matthew 5:20. Do you now understand the question - how can Jesus say that? For centuries the standard was set and during that entire time Israel, people everywhere continually failed to meet the standard. Now Jesus is raising the bar, raising it to an even higher level saying "Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."
He could do this because He believed in His own life. The greatness of the demands in Matthew 5, 6 and 7 is only surpassed by the confidence Christ has in His life. And the life that is available within us is His life and that's enough to meet these demands because the resources He has given us. You see we have Christ and God does not command what He is unwilling or unable to perform. So what Jesus says and the life He lives changes the question from - How can He say that? to Why don't we live like we believe it?
Meditate on Jesus' words. God equips us to do what He's asked of us. Only when we lose sight of this and where our stregth and power come from are we unable to do God's work. Let's pray that His life, more than just His words, would live within us!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Justified Anger
Read Nehemiah 5:1-13
If we're honest, probably all of us at one time or another has had the experience where we've been angered by something or someone and we've felt that our anger was justified. Now truthfully while we may think our anger is more often than not justified - let's be honest, many times we are biased so we work hard at trying to justify our anger but the truth is our anger is wrong. But then there are times when we are absolutely right in our anger and it is justified. Nehemiah provides a fine example of justified anger.
He is helping lead the project to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem after years of disgrace as the walls and gates had been burned and were lying in rubble. Here in Nehemiah 5 we find the people in Juday facing opposition to this rebuilding project but at the same time they were being opposed by their own countrymen. Read Nehemiah 5:1-13 and you'll see what I'm talking about. Since there was a famine going on the people needed grain, but they couldn't afford it so they had to borrow money to pay the king's tax on their fields and vineyards. Verse 6 tells us Nehemiah was angered by this. So he calls them out saying "You are exacting usury from your own countrymen!"
Listen we are so accustomed in our culture to paying taxes and interest that many times we don't give it a second thought but here Nehemiah says this is wrong. In Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:36 Israel is told if you lend money to someone in need do not charge interest and not to take interest of any kind. Now this throws a monkey wrench into our culture today doesn't it? What do we, today, do with this?
Honestly I don't know. But it appears Nehemiah got through to his countrymen and they agreed to give back (v. 12) what they had taken. What seems to be the point is when we borrow money we are slave to the one who lends us the money. Now people are within their legal rights to charge interest. But that doesn't mean we have to borrow from them. While many of us would not own our homes, cars or be able to afford college without interst bearing loans there is a warning in scripture to be wise. And it appears what was originally by God's design was that assisting a brother or sister in need meant lending money with the intent that what they pay back was the amount they borrowed.
So where does this leave us? With this thought - Nehemiah shows anger against the nobles and officials who were taking advantage of their countrymen. Let's not do this. But at the same time, let's be wise with what we ourselves are willing to borrow because we too must pay back what we have taken. Justified anger is based on what God says so listen to His word and know that we are to walk with our brothers and sisters in life helping and holding and not harming each other.
If we're honest, probably all of us at one time or another has had the experience where we've been angered by something or someone and we've felt that our anger was justified. Now truthfully while we may think our anger is more often than not justified - let's be honest, many times we are biased so we work hard at trying to justify our anger but the truth is our anger is wrong. But then there are times when we are absolutely right in our anger and it is justified. Nehemiah provides a fine example of justified anger.
He is helping lead the project to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem after years of disgrace as the walls and gates had been burned and were lying in rubble. Here in Nehemiah 5 we find the people in Juday facing opposition to this rebuilding project but at the same time they were being opposed by their own countrymen. Read Nehemiah 5:1-13 and you'll see what I'm talking about. Since there was a famine going on the people needed grain, but they couldn't afford it so they had to borrow money to pay the king's tax on their fields and vineyards. Verse 6 tells us Nehemiah was angered by this. So he calls them out saying "You are exacting usury from your own countrymen!"
Listen we are so accustomed in our culture to paying taxes and interest that many times we don't give it a second thought but here Nehemiah says this is wrong. In Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:36 Israel is told if you lend money to someone in need do not charge interest and not to take interest of any kind. Now this throws a monkey wrench into our culture today doesn't it? What do we, today, do with this?
Honestly I don't know. But it appears Nehemiah got through to his countrymen and they agreed to give back (v. 12) what they had taken. What seems to be the point is when we borrow money we are slave to the one who lends us the money. Now people are within their legal rights to charge interest. But that doesn't mean we have to borrow from them. While many of us would not own our homes, cars or be able to afford college without interst bearing loans there is a warning in scripture to be wise. And it appears what was originally by God's design was that assisting a brother or sister in need meant lending money with the intent that what they pay back was the amount they borrowed.
So where does this leave us? With this thought - Nehemiah shows anger against the nobles and officials who were taking advantage of their countrymen. Let's not do this. But at the same time, let's be wise with what we ourselves are willing to borrow because we too must pay back what we have taken. Justified anger is based on what God says so listen to His word and know that we are to walk with our brothers and sisters in life helping and holding and not harming each other.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Let Faith Arise
Read Lamentations 3:22-24
If we spent any time thinking about it, Jeremiah isn't the type of guy most of us would want to be around. He was a man whose responsibility as a prophet was to share God's word and more often than not people disliked him because his words brought conviction in their hearts. Not only was Jeremiah as a prophet often a downer to people but he wrote the book of Lamentations. This book is filled with laments. Now a lament is a song, poem, or piece of music that expresses grief, regret or mourning. So reading Lamentations isn't likely to pick up your spirits. Unless you realize within this work of literature includes Jermiah's faith and trust in God alone. When all else fails, just like Jeremiah says - Let Faith Arise.
We all know what it's like to know something but feel something totally opposite. When it comes to our faith - let's consider just because we know what is true, doesn't make it any easier when our hearts are heavy. And our hearts can be heavy for a lot of reasons. Personal pain is present in everyone's life. May we all be reminded the connection between head and heart comes when we refuse to lose God's perspective. Listen to this song we sang at Hope this past Sunday and may God strengthen and encourage you to Let Faith Arise one moment, one day at a time no matter what your personal pain may be.
If we spent any time thinking about it, Jeremiah isn't the type of guy most of us would want to be around. He was a man whose responsibility as a prophet was to share God's word and more often than not people disliked him because his words brought conviction in their hearts. Not only was Jeremiah as a prophet often a downer to people but he wrote the book of Lamentations. This book is filled with laments. Now a lament is a song, poem, or piece of music that expresses grief, regret or mourning. So reading Lamentations isn't likely to pick up your spirits. Unless you realize within this work of literature includes Jermiah's faith and trust in God alone. When all else fails, just like Jeremiah says - Let Faith Arise.
We all know what it's like to know something but feel something totally opposite. When it comes to our faith - let's consider just because we know what is true, doesn't make it any easier when our hearts are heavy. And our hearts can be heavy for a lot of reasons. Personal pain is present in everyone's life. May we all be reminded the connection between head and heart comes when we refuse to lose God's perspective. Listen to this song we sang at Hope this past Sunday and may God strengthen and encourage you to Let Faith Arise one moment, one day at a time no matter what your personal pain may be.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Turning Distress Over
Read Nehemiah 1
What an amazing example we have in the book of Nehemiah. This exiled prophet turns the distress of Israel over to God. Eleven times in this book it's recorded that Nehemiah prayed. What should we do when distress comes our way? Turn it over to God just like Nehemiah.
Nehemiah 1 begins the story. The Jewish remnant, those who had survived the exile, were back in Jerusalem but not all Israel was regathered at this time. Nehemiah was in the citadel of Susa, away from his home when some brothers came from Judah. So he questions them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile and asked about Jerusalem. The report was not good. He learned the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and its gates were burned with fire. And the people were in great trouble and were disgraced.
Now when Nehemiah heard these things he was deeply moved. His heart ached for his brothers and his homeland as he sat down and wept. Then he turned it over to God. After days of mourning, fasting and praying he prays to God. Reminds God of His covenant with His people. How God had promised that if His people would love and obey Him how blessed they would be. But if they turned away from Him and followed another way how they would be scattered. Nehemiah is encouraged by this covenant because He knew God also said if you return to me and obey my commands, then I will gather my people back to Myself.
Listen, many of us have been disobedient like these Israelites and we've faced some of the consequences of our choices. Yet God promises to accept us once we return to Him. Now what does it mean to return to God? Simply that we agree with God. Agree with Him that we have gone our own way instead of His way and ask Him to receive us. Remember God is loving and forgiving - all He wants is people whose hearts are turned over to Him.
What an amazing example we have in the book of Nehemiah. This exiled prophet turns the distress of Israel over to God. Eleven times in this book it's recorded that Nehemiah prayed. What should we do when distress comes our way? Turn it over to God just like Nehemiah.
Nehemiah 1 begins the story. The Jewish remnant, those who had survived the exile, were back in Jerusalem but not all Israel was regathered at this time. Nehemiah was in the citadel of Susa, away from his home when some brothers came from Judah. So he questions them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile and asked about Jerusalem. The report was not good. He learned the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and its gates were burned with fire. And the people were in great trouble and were disgraced.
Now when Nehemiah heard these things he was deeply moved. His heart ached for his brothers and his homeland as he sat down and wept. Then he turned it over to God. After days of mourning, fasting and praying he prays to God. Reminds God of His covenant with His people. How God had promised that if His people would love and obey Him how blessed they would be. But if they turned away from Him and followed another way how they would be scattered. Nehemiah is encouraged by this covenant because He knew God also said if you return to me and obey my commands, then I will gather my people back to Myself.
Listen, many of us have been disobedient like these Israelites and we've faced some of the consequences of our choices. Yet God promises to accept us once we return to Him. Now what does it mean to return to God? Simply that we agree with God. Agree with Him that we have gone our own way instead of His way and ask Him to receive us. Remember God is loving and forgiving - all He wants is people whose hearts are turned over to Him.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Consequences
Read 1 Kings 2:13-34
Their names were Adonijah, Joab and Abiathar and they are best known in scripture for their choices that led to terrible consequences. First Kings 1:5-7 tells us they conspired together to follow Adonijah in his quest to become king. Joab and Abiathar gave Adonijah their full support - bad move guys, bad move!
We find in 1 Kings 2:13-34 what happens when we go outside the will and plan of God: consequences. I'm fascinated with what happens in this passage because we see a side of God that many today are unwilling to admit is part of His character. God will not be mocked and when we decide to go our own way and choose to follow our own way terrible consequences are quite likely to occur.
Friends, God is a loving and kind and gracious and merciful God. But He is also a God of wrath, justice and holiness. When the people of God choose to go against the will of God, bad things happen. It's important for us to recognize the error of our way when we choose to follow what God has not ordained.
Yet let's not get all glib with this tough passage on consequences. God is a God who rewards faithful servants. And God is a God that equips us with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to receive good and godly consequences. Live in a way that honors God and receive His just consequences.
Their names were Adonijah, Joab and Abiathar and they are best known in scripture for their choices that led to terrible consequences. First Kings 1:5-7 tells us they conspired together to follow Adonijah in his quest to become king. Joab and Abiathar gave Adonijah their full support - bad move guys, bad move!
We find in 1 Kings 2:13-34 what happens when we go outside the will and plan of God: consequences. I'm fascinated with what happens in this passage because we see a side of God that many today are unwilling to admit is part of His character. God will not be mocked and when we decide to go our own way and choose to follow our own way terrible consequences are quite likely to occur.
Friends, God is a loving and kind and gracious and merciful God. But He is also a God of wrath, justice and holiness. When the people of God choose to go against the will of God, bad things happen. It's important for us to recognize the error of our way when we choose to follow what God has not ordained.
Yet let's not get all glib with this tough passage on consequences. God is a God who rewards faithful servants. And God is a God that equips us with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to receive good and godly consequences. Live in a way that honors God and receive His just consequences.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A New Year
Read Revelation 21:1–8
It's a new year, so what's going to make 2012 any different for you than 2011? Maybe 2011 was a great year for you and you were in an amazing place, in your relationship with God, with other believers and with those in the community where you live. And that's fantastic! But it's a new year, so how are we going to make 2012 better than last year?
I believe it comes with vision, with passion and with submission to Jesus. When I think of another new year I think of new opportunities, of promises God's given us in His word that inspire me and hopefully inspire you. One of these promises is found in Revelation 21:1-8.
Take a few minutes, read the passage and then meditate on these thoughts. God has promised that He is in the business of making all things new. There's a day coming when He will once again make His dwelling among us. And friends this is going to be forever, eternity! Jesus' first coming was amazing; imagine what this second coming is going to be like!!
When I think of another new year and all the new possibilities and the promises of God that are yet to come, it inspires me to one moment and one day at a time be encouraged that better is on its way; better because Jesus is on His way. And when that day comes, all things will be made new. Until that day comes, let's be people of God, living out the purposes and plans of God.
It's a new year, so what's going to make 2012 any different for you than 2011? Maybe 2011 was a great year for you and you were in an amazing place, in your relationship with God, with other believers and with those in the community where you live. And that's fantastic! But it's a new year, so how are we going to make 2012 better than last year?
I believe it comes with vision, with passion and with submission to Jesus. When I think of another new year I think of new opportunities, of promises God's given us in His word that inspire me and hopefully inspire you. One of these promises is found in Revelation 21:1-8.
Take a few minutes, read the passage and then meditate on these thoughts. God has promised that He is in the business of making all things new. There's a day coming when He will once again make His dwelling among us. And friends this is going to be forever, eternity! Jesus' first coming was amazing; imagine what this second coming is going to be like!!
When I think of another new year and all the new possibilities and the promises of God that are yet to come, it inspires me to one moment and one day at a time be encouraged that better is on its way; better because Jesus is on His way. And when that day comes, all things will be made new. Until that day comes, let's be people of God, living out the purposes and plans of God.
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