1 Timothy 5: 1-2 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
Paul is advising Timothy as to how to deal with various people within the church.
The message of this passage was almost lost on me. It is such a straight forward admonishment to "be nice" that I almost didn't see how far it draws us out of ourselves and into the Kingdom of God. In each of his examples Paul tells Timothy to treat these people as if they were his family members; his father, mother, brother or sister. He is urging him to treat the people around him as if they are people who he loves and is deeply concerned with. That is far different from the way we tend to relate to the general population. Far to often we approach people with the attitude of "What can they do for me?" We use others to build up our self esteem, status or to advance our agenda. Sometimes we foster friendships with people because they are the right kind of people to know or because of their influence. Oh, and by the way, when I say we, I mean me. Most of the people around me serve some sort of purpose and when they aren't serving their purpose, my attitude towards then changes. Paul was pointing to a different way of doing things though, one he had been taught by the Holy Spirit. In the truth that Jesus draws us into, we trust in the Father and don't have a need to manipulate people to get what we need. We trust Him for our needs. The grace and love that we are given can't be contained within us and flows out in a new attitude toward those around us. Free from the fear of not having enough or not being enough we are free to share what He has given us with others. We are free to love and care for others even if there is nothing in it for us. Acting in the best interest of our neighbor becomes our best option. It really is a rebirth and amounts to a whole new life. We have to be willing to let go of the things of the old life to take hold of the new however. It's all a matter of trust.
Father God, Lead me to let go of my control and to trust You. Amen.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
All You Need is Love
1 Corinthians 13: 1-3 And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophesy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I posses to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Paul is stating that love must be the foundation of all our actions. His words refocus our attention to the teachings of our Lord in Matthew 5: 43-48, 22:37-40 and John 15: 9-17. It was and is a radical message that draws us completely out of ourselves.
It's hard to love someone when they aren't doing what I want. Often in this situation, my actions are much more about putting them in their place or letting them know how much trouble they are being than about loving them. Sometimes the glorification of Hugh takes precedent over love. People need to know what an impressive guy I am, right? There are also times when others have chosen a path that is destructive to themselves and others and they have no intention of changing what they are doing. I can't just do nothing, but is my action based in love of God and the people involved? Some problems can just be ignored. Is that love? Christ called me to love...period. Love God and love my neighbor. Every thought and response I have should be born of this love. Wow, I am so not there! I so want to be though. Life would be an entirely different experience if I loved enough to trust in the provision God has made for me and spend my efforts looking out for the welfare of others. I would be God's provision for them! He would give me whatever I asked in Christ name, not because I wanted it but because love required it. Until I have that trust and love, my actions are going to be tainted to some degree by self interest. That leaves my self interest competing with everyone else's and that's pretty much the world we live in now. Am I willing to do the hard work of trust in God and self forgetting? Will I call on Christ to get me through the pain of strangling out my old self to make way for a new creation? Am I willing to walk through fear and into the Kingdom of God? The task is colossal, nothing short of a death struggle really. The reward is untold joy. This is Christ's call to each of us.
Father God, Grant that I might love and trust You enough to truly love my neighbor. Lead me through the death of my will that stands in the way of Your Kingdom. Amen.
Paul is stating that love must be the foundation of all our actions. His words refocus our attention to the teachings of our Lord in Matthew 5: 43-48, 22:37-40 and John 15: 9-17. It was and is a radical message that draws us completely out of ourselves.
It's hard to love someone when they aren't doing what I want. Often in this situation, my actions are much more about putting them in their place or letting them know how much trouble they are being than about loving them. Sometimes the glorification of Hugh takes precedent over love. People need to know what an impressive guy I am, right? There are also times when others have chosen a path that is destructive to themselves and others and they have no intention of changing what they are doing. I can't just do nothing, but is my action based in love of God and the people involved? Some problems can just be ignored. Is that love? Christ called me to love...period. Love God and love my neighbor. Every thought and response I have should be born of this love. Wow, I am so not there! I so want to be though. Life would be an entirely different experience if I loved enough to trust in the provision God has made for me and spend my efforts looking out for the welfare of others. I would be God's provision for them! He would give me whatever I asked in Christ name, not because I wanted it but because love required it. Until I have that trust and love, my actions are going to be tainted to some degree by self interest. That leaves my self interest competing with everyone else's and that's pretty much the world we live in now. Am I willing to do the hard work of trust in God and self forgetting? Will I call on Christ to get me through the pain of strangling out my old self to make way for a new creation? Am I willing to walk through fear and into the Kingdom of God? The task is colossal, nothing short of a death struggle really. The reward is untold joy. This is Christ's call to each of us.
Father God, Grant that I might love and trust You enough to truly love my neighbor. Lead me through the death of my will that stands in the way of Your Kingdom. Amen.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Who's Big?
Job 38: 12-13 Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn it's place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it?
The Lord is addressing Job and asking him if he can do the things that God can do.
To catch a glimpse of God's greatness causes a crushing realization of our own meager existence. This sounds like a horrible, depressing thing but it isn't. It is our existence viewed in proper perspective. The point isn't that we are unworthy worms, it is that God is unthinkably, unspeakably, unfathomably great. He is all love, all power, all beauty, all justice, all things. It also clears up who is and isn't God, who knows best and who knows little. When confronted with the glory of the Lord, Job had no argument left in him. His question instantly became, "Who am I to question God?" To defend his situation no longer seemed applicable, the only thing to do was to humbly trust the Lord. It is always the only thing to do. Many of us have had experiences with His glory. My life was changed forever when He chose to reveal Himself to me. I haven't had a similar experience since but He does maintain contact through His gift of the Holy Spirit. It is up to me to follow His leading and continuously seek Him if I am to maintain conscious contact with my Lord. That makes it sound like maintaining our relationship is all up to me now, but it really isn't. He revealed Himself to me because He loves me and wants me to be part of the family. In reality I'm probably something like a toddler now; getting around on my own but never out of my loving mothers sight; trying to be a big boy but needing a lot of guidance from bigger hands. That's alright though. In a reality where the only applicable thing to do is to humbly walk with our Lord, it's good to know who's big and who's little.
Father God, grant that I might always remember how great You are, how dependant I am, and how very much love You have shown me. Amen.
The Lord is addressing Job and asking him if he can do the things that God can do.
To catch a glimpse of God's greatness causes a crushing realization of our own meager existence. This sounds like a horrible, depressing thing but it isn't. It is our existence viewed in proper perspective. The point isn't that we are unworthy worms, it is that God is unthinkably, unspeakably, unfathomably great. He is all love, all power, all beauty, all justice, all things. It also clears up who is and isn't God, who knows best and who knows little. When confronted with the glory of the Lord, Job had no argument left in him. His question instantly became, "Who am I to question God?" To defend his situation no longer seemed applicable, the only thing to do was to humbly trust the Lord. It is always the only thing to do. Many of us have had experiences with His glory. My life was changed forever when He chose to reveal Himself to me. I haven't had a similar experience since but He does maintain contact through His gift of the Holy Spirit. It is up to me to follow His leading and continuously seek Him if I am to maintain conscious contact with my Lord. That makes it sound like maintaining our relationship is all up to me now, but it really isn't. He revealed Himself to me because He loves me and wants me to be part of the family. In reality I'm probably something like a toddler now; getting around on my own but never out of my loving mothers sight; trying to be a big boy but needing a lot of guidance from bigger hands. That's alright though. In a reality where the only applicable thing to do is to humbly walk with our Lord, it's good to know who's big and who's little.
Father God, grant that I might always remember how great You are, how dependant I am, and how very much love You have shown me. Amen.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Ascetic Inclinations
1 Corinthians 9:25-27, 10:12-13 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified from the prize... So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
In this scripture, Paul speaks of rigorous self denial and self discipline. He indicates that these free us from slavery to our own appetites and urges and allow us to hold a righteous line under the strongest of temptations.
Those who lead an ascetic lifestyle have always intrigued me. I remember reading that Gen. Stonewall Jackson once ate bread with butter on it. He liked it so well that he never had it again. A very deeply religious man, he didn't want to take too much pleasure from things of this world. This is something of a lost sentiment among Christians in this generation. I am wondering if I am being pulled in this direction though. My appetite for pleasure, comfort and ego fulfillment have dominated most of my adult life. (probably my childhood too) The call to break free of these false gods has whispered in my ear for a while now. The discipline of fasting has interested me. I have done it, with some success, but to say that I understand it would be a lie. Recently I said to Kristy that I might like to try to make fasting part of my routine. It seems likely that if I give up something (food) in a search for God, He will place something before me. Jesus fasted. It's probably a good idea. There are those characters too, like John of Antioch, who made sheer misery a way of life. He ruined his health by years of constant standing and fasting. He also castrated himself. While this seems pretty extreme, he didn't do it because there was no reward in his discipline. It got results. John was among the most powerful preachers of the early church. His devotion intrigues me. The call to follow Christ has led scores of Christians to reject material society and the norm through the years. Maybe I am simply being called to be more self disciplined but it feels like there might be more. Does my answering Gods call in my life mean that my values should be visibly different from those of my past and society's in general? Is that where He is leading me? Perhaps....
Father God, please develop in me the faith to follow your call. Shape me into a vessel that is pleasing to you. Crush all my false gods. By all means, use me to reach those who need you. Amen
In this scripture, Paul speaks of rigorous self denial and self discipline. He indicates that these free us from slavery to our own appetites and urges and allow us to hold a righteous line under the strongest of temptations.
Those who lead an ascetic lifestyle have always intrigued me. I remember reading that Gen. Stonewall Jackson once ate bread with butter on it. He liked it so well that he never had it again. A very deeply religious man, he didn't want to take too much pleasure from things of this world. This is something of a lost sentiment among Christians in this generation. I am wondering if I am being pulled in this direction though. My appetite for pleasure, comfort and ego fulfillment have dominated most of my adult life. (probably my childhood too) The call to break free of these false gods has whispered in my ear for a while now. The discipline of fasting has interested me. I have done it, with some success, but to say that I understand it would be a lie. Recently I said to Kristy that I might like to try to make fasting part of my routine. It seems likely that if I give up something (food) in a search for God, He will place something before me. Jesus fasted. It's probably a good idea. There are those characters too, like John of Antioch, who made sheer misery a way of life. He ruined his health by years of constant standing and fasting. He also castrated himself. While this seems pretty extreme, he didn't do it because there was no reward in his discipline. It got results. John was among the most powerful preachers of the early church. His devotion intrigues me. The call to follow Christ has led scores of Christians to reject material society and the norm through the years. Maybe I am simply being called to be more self disciplined but it feels like there might be more. Does my answering Gods call in my life mean that my values should be visibly different from those of my past and society's in general? Is that where He is leading me? Perhaps....
Father God, please develop in me the faith to follow your call. Shape me into a vessel that is pleasing to you. Crush all my false gods. By all means, use me to reach those who need you. Amen
Monday, November 9, 2009
What Are We In It For?
Job 34: 11-12 He repays a man for what he has done; he brings upon him what his conduct deserves. It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.
Elihu and his companions felt that Job had brought his troubles upon himself. In this scripture he states his belief that God simply would not let bad things happen to righteous people. He see God as unswerving justice.
The book of Job is pretty darn interesting. There is no indication that Job was ever anything but the most righteous of men, but God did allow calamity to befall him. His friends simply weren't able to believe that Job was not responsible for his lot, despite his argument. But there were things going on in a higher plane that none of them knew anything about. God reserves the right to use each of us as He will for His purpose. It might not appear to be just in our limited comprehension so if justice is our aim, we might be in for a nasty shock. Romans 9 states that God has plans that override our actions and sense of justice. If we are to give ourselves to God and His plan we must simply trust. It's not that I think God is unjust, it's just that He sees things on such a broader scope than we can. Our view of justice hinges on the here and now, His extends into eternity. To trust Him in harsh times is a test but there are clear examples in scripture that righteous people, being obedient to Him, sometimes have brutal experiences. All of Christ's disciples, save John, died at the hands of men, just as their Lord had. It doesn't mean God forsake them, only that their deaths served His perfect plan. Are we willing to give ourselves to God even if it means that things might not get better? Will we follow Him if it makes us appear to others that we are the losers? If it means we stay poor or single? If we are to take up our cross, we must only trust and follow. Where is not guaranteed.
Lord God, Please nurture my faith so that I may trust You enough to follow where You would have me go. Amen.
Elihu and his companions felt that Job had brought his troubles upon himself. In this scripture he states his belief that God simply would not let bad things happen to righteous people. He see God as unswerving justice.
The book of Job is pretty darn interesting. There is no indication that Job was ever anything but the most righteous of men, but God did allow calamity to befall him. His friends simply weren't able to believe that Job was not responsible for his lot, despite his argument. But there were things going on in a higher plane that none of them knew anything about. God reserves the right to use each of us as He will for His purpose. It might not appear to be just in our limited comprehension so if justice is our aim, we might be in for a nasty shock. Romans 9 states that God has plans that override our actions and sense of justice. If we are to give ourselves to God and His plan we must simply trust. It's not that I think God is unjust, it's just that He sees things on such a broader scope than we can. Our view of justice hinges on the here and now, His extends into eternity. To trust Him in harsh times is a test but there are clear examples in scripture that righteous people, being obedient to Him, sometimes have brutal experiences. All of Christ's disciples, save John, died at the hands of men, just as their Lord had. It doesn't mean God forsake them, only that their deaths served His perfect plan. Are we willing to give ourselves to God even if it means that things might not get better? Will we follow Him if it makes us appear to others that we are the losers? If it means we stay poor or single? If we are to take up our cross, we must only trust and follow. Where is not guaranteed.
Lord God, Please nurture my faith so that I may trust You enough to follow where You would have me go. Amen.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Slavery by Deception
Galatians 4: 8-9 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods. Now, however, that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly elemental spirits? How can you want to be enslaved to them again?
Paul was arguing against false teachings that were urging a return to adherence to Jewish laws and customs as the way to attain righteousness.
This scripture has always spoken to the alcoholic in me. In recovery it is common to see people fall back into their addiction after enjoying a period of sobriety. I spent 12 years struggling with sobriety and falling back into the arms of the god of my choosing, alcohol. For a person who recognizes the great gift of freedom that Christ has given us, to watch someone choose anything else is baffling. Unfortunately it is not uncommon in the world outside of recovery either. There are all kinds of pitfalls that are covered over with false promises of freedom, ease, pleasure, success and control. These lies lure us into a lives of confusion, competition and fear. If we are to win the prize it must come at the expense of others, or even ourselves. We settle into meaningless lives that range from mediocre to tragic. This is all done by design by the same force that initially lured us out of trust and freedom and into slavery. The serpent has bait other than a shiny apple these days, so if anything leads us away from the trust and love of faith in Jesus Christ, it has a hook in it.
Father God, please lead me to trust in You no matter what. Amen.
Paul was arguing against false teachings that were urging a return to adherence to Jewish laws and customs as the way to attain righteousness.
This scripture has always spoken to the alcoholic in me. In recovery it is common to see people fall back into their addiction after enjoying a period of sobriety. I spent 12 years struggling with sobriety and falling back into the arms of the god of my choosing, alcohol. For a person who recognizes the great gift of freedom that Christ has given us, to watch someone choose anything else is baffling. Unfortunately it is not uncommon in the world outside of recovery either. There are all kinds of pitfalls that are covered over with false promises of freedom, ease, pleasure, success and control. These lies lure us into a lives of confusion, competition and fear. If we are to win the prize it must come at the expense of others, or even ourselves. We settle into meaningless lives that range from mediocre to tragic. This is all done by design by the same force that initially lured us out of trust and freedom and into slavery. The serpent has bait other than a shiny apple these days, so if anything leads us away from the trust and love of faith in Jesus Christ, it has a hook in it.
Father God, please lead me to trust in You no matter what. Amen.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Fourteen Years?
Galatians 2:1 Then after fourteen years I went again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me.
Paul is recounting his second trip to Jerusalem.
My mind plays a lot of tricks on me and I am beginning to suspect that I'm not very smart. For whatever reason, my mind condenses down the time it took for the events in the bible to take place. The book of Acts tells of events that took place over at least a thirty year span of time. In my mind however, it took about a year. No one told me that, that's just the way I want to see it. The result is that I see the Church growing like wildfire and Paul rushing about the Mediterranean like Elijah in 1 Kings 18: 46, which is a really funny picture to me. And this is the standard I hold myself and all of you to as well. We must do a lifetime of work in a few days. Simply put, I'm impatient. I can't understand why The Bridge isn't a mega-church after meeting a couple of years. After preaching a hand full of times over a couple of years, it seems to me that I should have started a global revival. Things should be happening faster! To see Paul reference fourteen years brings me back into reality a little. Even though I don't like to give them time, things take time. God is eternal and infinite, He is not in as big a rush as Hugh is. There is probably an ego issue working here as well. I want to hurry up and get done so people can see what a good job I did. Anyway, there is certainly a lesson for me in this. I grew up watching TV and in those shows things always work out in 30 minutes or an hour. It's not that way in the real world. If I am to humbly walk with my Lord, I must travel at His pace and have no agenda of my own. In my experience, when I have done this He never wastes time, I just don't always understand what He is doing.
Lord God, please grant that I might learn to follow You, doing the next right thing over and over, in no hurry to be anywhere other than in Your grace. Amen.
Paul is recounting his second trip to Jerusalem.
My mind plays a lot of tricks on me and I am beginning to suspect that I'm not very smart. For whatever reason, my mind condenses down the time it took for the events in the bible to take place. The book of Acts tells of events that took place over at least a thirty year span of time. In my mind however, it took about a year. No one told me that, that's just the way I want to see it. The result is that I see the Church growing like wildfire and Paul rushing about the Mediterranean like Elijah in 1 Kings 18: 46, which is a really funny picture to me. And this is the standard I hold myself and all of you to as well. We must do a lifetime of work in a few days. Simply put, I'm impatient. I can't understand why The Bridge isn't a mega-church after meeting a couple of years. After preaching a hand full of times over a couple of years, it seems to me that I should have started a global revival. Things should be happening faster! To see Paul reference fourteen years brings me back into reality a little. Even though I don't like to give them time, things take time. God is eternal and infinite, He is not in as big a rush as Hugh is. There is probably an ego issue working here as well. I want to hurry up and get done so people can see what a good job I did. Anyway, there is certainly a lesson for me in this. I grew up watching TV and in those shows things always work out in 30 minutes or an hour. It's not that way in the real world. If I am to humbly walk with my Lord, I must travel at His pace and have no agenda of my own. In my experience, when I have done this He never wastes time, I just don't always understand what He is doing.
Lord God, please grant that I might learn to follow You, doing the next right thing over and over, in no hurry to be anywhere other than in Your grace. Amen.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Righteous Indignation!!!>:-(
Mark 11: 15-16 Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves; and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple.
This is our only glimpse of Jesus being physically violent. He is taking the strongest of action against a corrupt enterprise that was allowed to exist within the temple.
I've heard this scripture preached on a number of times but have never really made peace with it. The fact that Jesus reacted this way indicates that there is a time and place for this kind of behavior even though I have never found it. Not that I haven't thrown several nasty temper tantrums in my time! Oh, I have. They were never constructive or righteous though and I always wished I could have a re-do when it was all said and done. In the last couple of years I have felt a desire to rage against mediocrity and the status quo within the church but have decided to put that on hold for awhile. It was something that Shane Claibourne said in his book, The Irresistible Revolution: Life as an Ordinary Radical, that changed my thinking. I can't quote him exactly since I can't find my copy right now but the gist of his comment was that as Christians we can't just rage against things. Our rage and actions have to be based in the love of God and our fellows.(See Mark 12: 28-31) That's pretty heavy stuff. It more or less takes rage off of my plate. I have been told that justifiable anger and righteous indignation are better left to other people and, in my case, I agree. There are lots of situations where I am not happy with the way other people are behaving but I'm not sure that whacking the tar out of some silly sinner has ever been the best way for me to let the love of Christ shine through. Maybe someday, but for now I am struggling with freshman level love and service classes. I really don't mean to make light of this story from the life of Jesus Christ. I do however, feel that after considering all of His teachings, we should weigh any inclination to rage against Christ's commandment to love one another.
Almighty Lord God, please lead me to love You by loving my neighbor, even when that is a terribly difficult thing to do. Amen.
This is our only glimpse of Jesus being physically violent. He is taking the strongest of action against a corrupt enterprise that was allowed to exist within the temple.
I've heard this scripture preached on a number of times but have never really made peace with it. The fact that Jesus reacted this way indicates that there is a time and place for this kind of behavior even though I have never found it. Not that I haven't thrown several nasty temper tantrums in my time! Oh, I have. They were never constructive or righteous though and I always wished I could have a re-do when it was all said and done. In the last couple of years I have felt a desire to rage against mediocrity and the status quo within the church but have decided to put that on hold for awhile. It was something that Shane Claibourne said in his book, The Irresistible Revolution: Life as an Ordinary Radical, that changed my thinking. I can't quote him exactly since I can't find my copy right now but the gist of his comment was that as Christians we can't just rage against things. Our rage and actions have to be based in the love of God and our fellows.(See Mark 12: 28-31) That's pretty heavy stuff. It more or less takes rage off of my plate. I have been told that justifiable anger and righteous indignation are better left to other people and, in my case, I agree. There are lots of situations where I am not happy with the way other people are behaving but I'm not sure that whacking the tar out of some silly sinner has ever been the best way for me to let the love of Christ shine through. Maybe someday, but for now I am struggling with freshman level love and service classes. I really don't mean to make light of this story from the life of Jesus Christ. I do however, feel that after considering all of His teachings, we should weigh any inclination to rage against Christ's commandment to love one another.
Almighty Lord God, please lead me to love You by loving my neighbor, even when that is a terribly difficult thing to do. Amen.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Rescued From a Life Among the Tombs
Mark 5: 18-20 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. But Jesus refused , and said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you." And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.
After having been freed from a legion of demons, the Gerasene man wanted to follow his savior. Jesus however instructed him to stay behind and tell his story to the people where he lived.
I identify with this Gerasene demoniac perhaps more closely than with any other character in scripture. We don't know his name or his whole story but what we do know is that demons had totally taken control of his being. He was harmful to himself, frightening and dangerous to others and could not function in society. All that was left for him was to ride out his days living among the dead. I've been there. And here's what: Jesus freed me too! Like this pig guy, (that's my nickname for him and myself) Christ's power to free us from the powers that enslave brought me back from a life that was very close to death. It made me want to follow and serve the Savior as well. We both were shown too much truth not to proclaim His name! We know that many people were amazed by his story and that's the last we hear from the pig guy. What about me? What will I do with the truth that has been given me? Most people manage their lives much better than I have. At least it would appear so from what I can see on the surface. Because of my demons, I believe I was taught some lessons about powerlessness and our dependence upon Jesus Christ that maybe most people don't have the opportunity to experience. I pray that I will be able to express my experience with living death, undeserved grace and liberating love that will pass on the truth that I have been shown.
Gracious Heavenly Father, Please give me the words and the love of You and my fellows that will make my story a testament to Your love, grace and healing power. Amen.
After having been freed from a legion of demons, the Gerasene man wanted to follow his savior. Jesus however instructed him to stay behind and tell his story to the people where he lived.
I identify with this Gerasene demoniac perhaps more closely than with any other character in scripture. We don't know his name or his whole story but what we do know is that demons had totally taken control of his being. He was harmful to himself, frightening and dangerous to others and could not function in society. All that was left for him was to ride out his days living among the dead. I've been there. And here's what: Jesus freed me too! Like this pig guy, (that's my nickname for him and myself) Christ's power to free us from the powers that enslave brought me back from a life that was very close to death. It made me want to follow and serve the Savior as well. We both were shown too much truth not to proclaim His name! We know that many people were amazed by his story and that's the last we hear from the pig guy. What about me? What will I do with the truth that has been given me? Most people manage their lives much better than I have. At least it would appear so from what I can see on the surface. Because of my demons, I believe I was taught some lessons about powerlessness and our dependence upon Jesus Christ that maybe most people don't have the opportunity to experience. I pray that I will be able to express my experience with living death, undeserved grace and liberating love that will pass on the truth that I have been shown.
Gracious Heavenly Father, Please give me the words and the love of You and my fellows that will make my story a testament to Your love, grace and healing power. Amen.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
What Demons Know
Mark 3: 11 Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, "You are the Son of God!"
Demons, members of the spirit world, recognized Jesus clearly.
That demons so clearly recognized Jesus and instantly conceded His authority has always intrigued me. I suppose since they are spiritual beings and know the reality of spiritual matters that they knew that Jesus is the Spirit of absolute power. That vision is not so clear to us. Paul said, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror..." It won't always be that way. Because God has graciously and lovingly given us a glimpse of truth, we have the opportunity to live our lives in recognition of His authority, which will eventually be clear to all. The society that we live in has become so adept at manipulating the physical world around us that I feel people are less and less inclined to seek spiritual solutions to life problems. It is our lot to follow Him and to let Him shine through this facade however He will in our lives. It still seems odd to me though. The world He came to save didn't recognize Him, but the demons he came to free us from fell down before Him. How crazy is that?
Father God, please lead me and teach me to live in the sunlight of Your Spirit so that You shine out and are perceptible to those around me. Amen.
Demons, members of the spirit world, recognized Jesus clearly.
That demons so clearly recognized Jesus and instantly conceded His authority has always intrigued me. I suppose since they are spiritual beings and know the reality of spiritual matters that they knew that Jesus is the Spirit of absolute power. That vision is not so clear to us. Paul said, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror..." It won't always be that way. Because God has graciously and lovingly given us a glimpse of truth, we have the opportunity to live our lives in recognition of His authority, which will eventually be clear to all. The society that we live in has become so adept at manipulating the physical world around us that I feel people are less and less inclined to seek spiritual solutions to life problems. It is our lot to follow Him and to let Him shine through this facade however He will in our lives. It still seems odd to me though. The world He came to save didn't recognize Him, but the demons he came to free us from fell down before Him. How crazy is that?
Father God, please lead me and teach me to live in the sunlight of Your Spirit so that You shine out and are perceptible to those around me. Amen.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
An Old Cloak
Mark 2: 21-22 "No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins."
Jesus was explaining to the people why his disciples were not fasting like the disciples of John and the Pharisees. Fasting would not be appropriate behavior in the presence of their Lord and master. Their time to fast would come, but it had not yet arrived.
Appropriate behavior. This is pretty consistently an issue for me. I am a Christian and have recently become a pastor but I'm also a guy who works in warehouses with other guys. I've worked in these warehouses with these guys for a lot longer than I've been a committed follower of Christ. God Almighty is not the only god I have bowed to in my time either. The point that I'm trying to make here is that I've learned a lot of bad behavior over the years, and Jesus didn't drive these behaviors out when He came to reign in my heart. When the pressure is on and tempers flare at work my behavior is often not what I would consider appropriate. It has become pretty clear to me that it is my responsibility to have the appropriate attitude and words to reflect the Lord that now dwells within me. Weather or not I will sacrifice my pride, my anger, my sense of justice and my desire to get a good laugh, regardless of the cost, is the question that I am faced with countless times every day. If I am willing to put aside my whatever, His grace replaces my bad habits and behaviors. This is the sacrifice that I am called to make for Him, for my co-workers and really, for myself. It hurts me more and more every time that I make the wrong choice and realize that an opportunity has been lost. That I am still willing to crucify Christ hurts me and those around me.
Father God, please lead me to sacrifice my sense of self importance and lay it at Your feet. May I faithfully put aside myself and bear this cross daily. Amen.
Jesus was explaining to the people why his disciples were not fasting like the disciples of John and the Pharisees. Fasting would not be appropriate behavior in the presence of their Lord and master. Their time to fast would come, but it had not yet arrived.
Appropriate behavior. This is pretty consistently an issue for me. I am a Christian and have recently become a pastor but I'm also a guy who works in warehouses with other guys. I've worked in these warehouses with these guys for a lot longer than I've been a committed follower of Christ. God Almighty is not the only god I have bowed to in my time either. The point that I'm trying to make here is that I've learned a lot of bad behavior over the years, and Jesus didn't drive these behaviors out when He came to reign in my heart. When the pressure is on and tempers flare at work my behavior is often not what I would consider appropriate. It has become pretty clear to me that it is my responsibility to have the appropriate attitude and words to reflect the Lord that now dwells within me. Weather or not I will sacrifice my pride, my anger, my sense of justice and my desire to get a good laugh, regardless of the cost, is the question that I am faced with countless times every day. If I am willing to put aside my whatever, His grace replaces my bad habits and behaviors. This is the sacrifice that I am called to make for Him, for my co-workers and really, for myself. It hurts me more and more every time that I make the wrong choice and realize that an opportunity has been lost. That I am still willing to crucify Christ hurts me and those around me.
Father God, please lead me to sacrifice my sense of self importance and lay it at Your feet. May I faithfully put aside myself and bear this cross daily. Amen.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
"...But be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Minds,..."
Acts 28 : 25-28 So they disagreed with each other; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah, 'Go to this people and say, You will indeed listen, but never understand,and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their hearts and turn- and I would heal them.' Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen."
Paul was quoting the prophet Isaiah to make his point that the hearts of the Jews to whom he was speaking, were not open to the truth that was before them and that God's salvation would go to those who would hear the message and believe.
I kinda feel for the Jews at the time of Jesus. They were part of a 2000 year plus religious tradition that pointed to but did not make totally obvious that Jesus was the Messiah. Some of them were looking for something quite different. He taught a radical new message of love. I think that some of the Jewish leadership was just not willing to give up the laws, rules and ceremonies that they had practiced all of their lives. They were also not willing to give up the power that they had. There are many different reasons people of all ages refuse to look at the truth. It often hurts and might require uncomfortable changes in our lives. Sometimes it means that the way we always did it just won't cut it anymore or that we will have to accept things that aren't familiar to us. Who hasn't heard spirited discussion about contemporary versus traditional worship, what hour to hold worship or what is appropriate to wear to church? I believe that our transformation due to the renewing of our minds that is spoken of in Romans 12: 2 is a continuous, life-long process. Surely if we seek His truth and are absolutely open to responding to what He shows us, we will be able to recognize what is good and acceptable and perfect, and true.
Father God, please lead me in the way of love and of truth. Transform and renew my heart and mind that I might love what you love. Amen.
Paul was quoting the prophet Isaiah to make his point that the hearts of the Jews to whom he was speaking, were not open to the truth that was before them and that God's salvation would go to those who would hear the message and believe.
I kinda feel for the Jews at the time of Jesus. They were part of a 2000 year plus religious tradition that pointed to but did not make totally obvious that Jesus was the Messiah. Some of them were looking for something quite different. He taught a radical new message of love. I think that some of the Jewish leadership was just not willing to give up the laws, rules and ceremonies that they had practiced all of their lives. They were also not willing to give up the power that they had. There are many different reasons people of all ages refuse to look at the truth. It often hurts and might require uncomfortable changes in our lives. Sometimes it means that the way we always did it just won't cut it anymore or that we will have to accept things that aren't familiar to us. Who hasn't heard spirited discussion about contemporary versus traditional worship, what hour to hold worship or what is appropriate to wear to church? I believe that our transformation due to the renewing of our minds that is spoken of in Romans 12: 2 is a continuous, life-long process. Surely if we seek His truth and are absolutely open to responding to what He shows us, we will be able to recognize what is good and acceptable and perfect, and true.
Father God, please lead me in the way of love and of truth. Transform and renew my heart and mind that I might love what you love. Amen.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Where Are You?
Job 13: 23-24 How many are my iniquities and my sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin. Why do you hide your face, and count me as your enemy?
Job is no longer answering his friends but praying to God to show him what he has done wrong. He is praying for an end to God's silence.
Have you ever felt like God has checked out, like He just isn't there? I have. Looking back it usually winds up that I was unwilling to here Him or had built some barrier to our communication. But not always. Sometimes He is just mysteriously silent. I was surprised to hear that Mother Teresa struggled with feeling close to God. Except for a short period in her famed career, she felt that God was silent and hidden from her. That makes her life all the more remarkable to me. I have the feeling that this happens to the best and most faithful of people and that God does it purposefully. Perhaps He is checking our resolve to walk the path upon which He has put us. It's not nearly such a walk in the pink clouds when we can't feel the presence of the Creator smiling upon us. Regardless, it's important to realize that this is one of the ways that He refines us and to have the confidence to do the next right thing even when we can't feel His warmth on our faces.
Almighty Father God, please make me mature in faith so that I will be able to discern Your will even when I cannot detect Your presence. Amen.
Job is no longer answering his friends but praying to God to show him what he has done wrong. He is praying for an end to God's silence.
Have you ever felt like God has checked out, like He just isn't there? I have. Looking back it usually winds up that I was unwilling to here Him or had built some barrier to our communication. But not always. Sometimes He is just mysteriously silent. I was surprised to hear that Mother Teresa struggled with feeling close to God. Except for a short period in her famed career, she felt that God was silent and hidden from her. That makes her life all the more remarkable to me. I have the feeling that this happens to the best and most faithful of people and that God does it purposefully. Perhaps He is checking our resolve to walk the path upon which He has put us. It's not nearly such a walk in the pink clouds when we can't feel the presence of the Creator smiling upon us. Regardless, it's important to realize that this is one of the ways that He refines us and to have the confidence to do the next right thing even when we can't feel His warmth on our faces.
Almighty Father God, please make me mature in faith so that I will be able to discern Your will even when I cannot detect Your presence. Amen.
Friday, October 16, 2009
All Thy Works Shall Praise Thy Name
Psalm 148: 7-10 Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!
Romans 1: 19-20 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. So they are without excuse.
God's fingerprint is all over creation. His majesty and glory are reflected in all He has created for all to see.
Nature often calls me to ponder our creator. I noticed bodies of water doing this first. When I am at the coast I inevitably spend time watching and listening to the ocean. Its unimaginable volume and depth, the infinite force behind its waves and the secrets of its depths make me wonder at the nature of its creator. The never ending flow of a river makes me marvel at our God who was before the beginning and will continue beyond the end. Mountains majestically towering over the land hint at Gods timeless power and glory. Forests with their countless intricacies serve as a deep, lush, mysterious home for wildlife and point to our infinite, unfathomable Lord. Fish, birds and animals of all kinds quietly scream at us to take notice of the master artist who gave life to each of them. That He would make a home for us and include us among His glorious works speaks of the love He has for us. Our God is both unimaginably huge and tiny, towering and deep, brilliant and dark. He is hidden all around us calling us closer.
Gracious Creator of all that is seen and unseen, thank you. Amen.
Romans 1: 19-20 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. So they are without excuse.
God's fingerprint is all over creation. His majesty and glory are reflected in all He has created for all to see.
Nature often calls me to ponder our creator. I noticed bodies of water doing this first. When I am at the coast I inevitably spend time watching and listening to the ocean. Its unimaginable volume and depth, the infinite force behind its waves and the secrets of its depths make me wonder at the nature of its creator. The never ending flow of a river makes me marvel at our God who was before the beginning and will continue beyond the end. Mountains majestically towering over the land hint at Gods timeless power and glory. Forests with their countless intricacies serve as a deep, lush, mysterious home for wildlife and point to our infinite, unfathomable Lord. Fish, birds and animals of all kinds quietly scream at us to take notice of the master artist who gave life to each of them. That He would make a home for us and include us among His glorious works speaks of the love He has for us. Our God is both unimaginably huge and tiny, towering and deep, brilliant and dark. He is hidden all around us calling us closer.
Gracious Creator of all that is seen and unseen, thank you. Amen.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Purity
Nehemiah 12: 3 When the people heard the law, they separated from Israel all those of foreign descent.
In this scripture the people of Israel were trying to repair their mistakes and purify their culture from foreign influence.
The things that we choose to coexist with have a great influence on our being. When God led His chosen people into the promised land He commanded them not to intermingle with the people who already inhabited the land. They repeatedly ignored this command and over the years paid a great price for the corroding influence these people had on their society and religious practices. While we no longer separate ourselves from groups and races of people, as children of God we are still called to remain pure. That's what this is really about, purity. There are many things that are present in the world around us that we are called to have nothing to do with. Greed, vengeance, sexual immorality, hatred and drunkenness are a few of the attitudes and actions that we are called to avoid. God has known and told us from the beginning that His love will not coexist with these things. Either they go or He goes. We must decide which we will nourish within ourselves. No doubt some of these things are very attractive and our choices often are very difficult ones. I guess in the end though the rules are the same for everyone; we make our own decisions and we reap the rewards or consequences of our choices. What will it be?
Father God, teach me to remember that no matter how great the temptation, it is never worth it to take a step away from You. Amen.
In this scripture the people of Israel were trying to repair their mistakes and purify their culture from foreign influence.
The things that we choose to coexist with have a great influence on our being. When God led His chosen people into the promised land He commanded them not to intermingle with the people who already inhabited the land. They repeatedly ignored this command and over the years paid a great price for the corroding influence these people had on their society and religious practices. While we no longer separate ourselves from groups and races of people, as children of God we are still called to remain pure. That's what this is really about, purity. There are many things that are present in the world around us that we are called to have nothing to do with. Greed, vengeance, sexual immorality, hatred and drunkenness are a few of the attitudes and actions that we are called to avoid. God has known and told us from the beginning that His love will not coexist with these things. Either they go or He goes. We must decide which we will nourish within ourselves. No doubt some of these things are very attractive and our choices often are very difficult ones. I guess in the end though the rules are the same for everyone; we make our own decisions and we reap the rewards or consequences of our choices. What will it be?
Father God, teach me to remember that no matter how great the temptation, it is never worth it to take a step away from You. Amen.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
As though by our own power...
Acts 3: 12 When Peter saw it, he addressed the people, "You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk?"
Peter was speaking to a crowd who were witnessing the aftermath of a miracle and denying that he or John had performed this healing of their own power. He went on to point out that the man had been healed by faith in the name of Jesus.
Pride is an ever present shadow that follows ole Hugh. When I read this scripture I wondered how it must have been for Peter and John when the life-long cripple stood, walked and jumped after Peter said, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." If it had been me and one of my buddies, I'm sure we would have been like, "Dang! Look at us!" It really is amazing to me how quickly my focus can shift off of the message that I carry and the power behind it and rest on me and my success or failure. I suppose that is a struggle that we all have to deal with. I am also amazed at what happens in my life and the lives around me when, to the best of my ability, I do act and speak on His behalf without regard for how it will affect me. Perhaps most of what God wants of me is to keep Hugh out of the way and allow Him to work through my being. Abandoning myself to Christ is to realize that my comfort, success, self image and satisfaction are far less important than His perfect will. To lay those things down before Him is a decision that I will have to make several times today, tomorrow and each of the rest of my days.
Holy, Sovereign God, thank you for offering to me the place of a child and an heir. Develop in me a heart that will joyfully respond to Your call and trust in Your direction and leading. Show me when I am saving for myself that which is rightfully Yours. I pray this prayer in the holy name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Peter was speaking to a crowd who were witnessing the aftermath of a miracle and denying that he or John had performed this healing of their own power. He went on to point out that the man had been healed by faith in the name of Jesus.
Pride is an ever present shadow that follows ole Hugh. When I read this scripture I wondered how it must have been for Peter and John when the life-long cripple stood, walked and jumped after Peter said, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." If it had been me and one of my buddies, I'm sure we would have been like, "Dang! Look at us!" It really is amazing to me how quickly my focus can shift off of the message that I carry and the power behind it and rest on me and my success or failure. I suppose that is a struggle that we all have to deal with. I am also amazed at what happens in my life and the lives around me when, to the best of my ability, I do act and speak on His behalf without regard for how it will affect me. Perhaps most of what God wants of me is to keep Hugh out of the way and allow Him to work through my being. Abandoning myself to Christ is to realize that my comfort, success, self image and satisfaction are far less important than His perfect will. To lay those things down before Him is a decision that I will have to make several times today, tomorrow and each of the rest of my days.
Holy, Sovereign God, thank you for offering to me the place of a child and an heir. Develop in me a heart that will joyfully respond to Your call and trust in Your direction and leading. Show me when I am saving for myself that which is rightfully Yours. I pray this prayer in the holy name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Radical Message of Love
Esther 9: 5-6 So the Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, slaughtering, and destroying them, and did as they pleased to those who hated them. In the citadel of Su'sa the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred people.
Luke 6: 27-29 "But I say to you who listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt."
This passage in Esther tells of a time when the exiled Jews were given sanction by the government of King Ahasuerus to strike out at and destroy their enemies who had been plotting to destroy them. They took full advantage of this opportunity to settle the score and take vengeance on their ancestral foes. Jesus message in Luke directs a much different response.
Vengeance, justice, retribution, settling the score... Call it what you will, the idea of giving as good as we got and not letting harm go unpunished is a strong motivating force for us human beings. What a radical message it was that Jesus preached to his followers. He would have us meet violence and abuse with love and kindness. It is a message that is radical and very uncommon two thousand years later, but it is none the less a signature message of our Lord. Our society and our natural instincts don't call us to let people do with us as they will, but Jesus tells us that getting even does not lead to the life eternal. My inclination to trade rude remarks and nasty attitudes with those determined to share them with me is as strong as any ones. He is showing me over time that this will only lead to more anger and frustration and doesn't invite Him into these tense situations.
Father God, please give me the grace and peace to take a moment to consider my response before I lash out at an already angry, frustrated person. Amen.
Luke 6: 27-29 "But I say to you who listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt."
This passage in Esther tells of a time when the exiled Jews were given sanction by the government of King Ahasuerus to strike out at and destroy their enemies who had been plotting to destroy them. They took full advantage of this opportunity to settle the score and take vengeance on their ancestral foes. Jesus message in Luke directs a much different response.
Vengeance, justice, retribution, settling the score... Call it what you will, the idea of giving as good as we got and not letting harm go unpunished is a strong motivating force for us human beings. What a radical message it was that Jesus preached to his followers. He would have us meet violence and abuse with love and kindness. It is a message that is radical and very uncommon two thousand years later, but it is none the less a signature message of our Lord. Our society and our natural instincts don't call us to let people do with us as they will, but Jesus tells us that getting even does not lead to the life eternal. My inclination to trade rude remarks and nasty attitudes with those determined to share them with me is as strong as any ones. He is showing me over time that this will only lead to more anger and frustration and doesn't invite Him into these tense situations.
Father God, please give me the grace and peace to take a moment to consider my response before I lash out at an already angry, frustrated person. Amen.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wandering Like Sheep
Zechariah 10: 2 For the teraphim utter nonsense, and the diviners see lies; the dreamers tell false dreams, and give empty consolation. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they suffer from lack of a shepherd.
In this scripture, Zechariah likens the people of Israel and Judah to wandering sheep. They lack direction because they are looking to the wrong things.
I'm a believer. I've given my life to the Lord and step by step He seems to be more and more in charge of what I do. Like the people of Israel and Judah however, I am prone to loose focus and find myself wandering aimlessly. I usually don't see it coming either. For some reason or the other, to follow the Lord requires constant attention and adjustment. I like to use sailing as an analogy for the Spirit-lead life. To stay on course requires constant changes to the sails and tiller to compensate for the changes in the wind, waves and current. To relax and let it ride will shortly lead to disaster or to being blown to and fro by the wind. I like to relax, particularly when things are going well. Because of this, I seem to spend too much time trying to regain lost momentum. It can be very dangerous too. I have been given The Good Shepherd to lead me through this life and into eternity. The joy of being included in His flock is certainly worth my attention and efforts to follow where He leads.
Father God, please develop in me a heart that is attentive to You. Let me always remember the dangers that You have saved me from and call my spirit to remain close to You. Amen.
In this scripture, Zechariah likens the people of Israel and Judah to wandering sheep. They lack direction because they are looking to the wrong things.
I'm a believer. I've given my life to the Lord and step by step He seems to be more and more in charge of what I do. Like the people of Israel and Judah however, I am prone to loose focus and find myself wandering aimlessly. I usually don't see it coming either. For some reason or the other, to follow the Lord requires constant attention and adjustment. I like to use sailing as an analogy for the Spirit-lead life. To stay on course requires constant changes to the sails and tiller to compensate for the changes in the wind, waves and current. To relax and let it ride will shortly lead to disaster or to being blown to and fro by the wind. I like to relax, particularly when things are going well. Because of this, I seem to spend too much time trying to regain lost momentum. It can be very dangerous too. I have been given The Good Shepherd to lead me through this life and into eternity. The joy of being included in His flock is certainly worth my attention and efforts to follow where He leads.
Father God, please develop in me a heart that is attentive to You. Let me always remember the dangers that You have saved me from and call my spirit to remain close to You. Amen.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Misplaced Priorities
Haggai 1: 5-6 Now therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider how you have fared. You have sown much, and harvested little; you eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill; you cloth yourselves, but no one is warm; and you that earn wages earn wages to put them into a bag with holes.
Luke 10: 41-42 But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need for only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."
In the scripture from Haggai, the Lord is pointing out the lack of satisfaction in the lives of those who are neglecting Him. In the passage from Luke, Jesus is pointing out to Martha that she is distracted by trivialities. If we place our priorities on the wrong things, they cannot provide us with what we are looking for.
The Lord said, "For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.", but easier softer ways seem to turn up everywhere. Shiny trinkets that offer instant gratification beckon to me constantly. These temptations do not lead to life however. By the time I realize my mistake I might be very far off the mark. In the passage from Haggai, the Lord was addressing people who new that something was wrong. They were going hard and getting nowhere. The fruit of their labor was hollow and unsatisfying. Their priorities had gone wrong and they eventually found themselves on a tedious dead end road. They had stopped looking to God to provide their direction and had struck out on their own. I've tried that as well. It seems easy enough; to navigate successfully through life by our own means. Is it though? I've come to believe it to be an illusion. We compare our insides to other peoples outsides. The people around us seem happy, successful and like they have it all together. To this we compare the hollowness that fills our soul. We compare what they want us to see with what we can't ignore about ourselves. They are trapped in the same illusion. We share the feeling that something isn't quite right with us but try to hide this fear from others. Martha was striving to keep up the front that she was the "hostess with the mostest". It is what she did and she felt that it was important. It angered her when Mary left her to do all the work alone. Jesus told her that it was Mary who was attending to the important thing though. The only thing. Him. God. Truth. Life. If we, like Mary, put aside our distractions and listen intently to God as He speaks to us, the rest falls into place. It is so easy to become distracted and to lose my way. It serves me well to look at what provides my direction. I cannot get where I want to be if I am not heading in the right direction.
Father God, I pray that I might keep my focus on You and my heart tuned to You for You are the truth and the light and the way. Amen.
Luke 10: 41-42 But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need for only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."
In the scripture from Haggai, the Lord is pointing out the lack of satisfaction in the lives of those who are neglecting Him. In the passage from Luke, Jesus is pointing out to Martha that she is distracted by trivialities. If we place our priorities on the wrong things, they cannot provide us with what we are looking for.
The Lord said, "For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.", but easier softer ways seem to turn up everywhere. Shiny trinkets that offer instant gratification beckon to me constantly. These temptations do not lead to life however. By the time I realize my mistake I might be very far off the mark. In the passage from Haggai, the Lord was addressing people who new that something was wrong. They were going hard and getting nowhere. The fruit of their labor was hollow and unsatisfying. Their priorities had gone wrong and they eventually found themselves on a tedious dead end road. They had stopped looking to God to provide their direction and had struck out on their own. I've tried that as well. It seems easy enough; to navigate successfully through life by our own means. Is it though? I've come to believe it to be an illusion. We compare our insides to other peoples outsides. The people around us seem happy, successful and like they have it all together. To this we compare the hollowness that fills our soul. We compare what they want us to see with what we can't ignore about ourselves. They are trapped in the same illusion. We share the feeling that something isn't quite right with us but try to hide this fear from others. Martha was striving to keep up the front that she was the "hostess with the mostest". It is what she did and she felt that it was important. It angered her when Mary left her to do all the work alone. Jesus told her that it was Mary who was attending to the important thing though. The only thing. Him. God. Truth. Life. If we, like Mary, put aside our distractions and listen intently to God as He speaks to us, the rest falls into place. It is so easy to become distracted and to lose my way. It serves me well to look at what provides my direction. I cannot get where I want to be if I am not heading in the right direction.
Father God, I pray that I might keep my focus on You and my heart tuned to You for You are the truth and the light and the way. Amen.
Free Falling
Psalm 127:1-2 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved.
Luke 9:3 He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money - not even an extra tunic."
Luke 9:62 Jesus said to him, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."
If we are not doing that which is blessed by God for us, we are wasting our effort. His way often, actually always, pulls us away from that with which we are comfortable. We must chose which path we are to take.
My life has changed a lot over the last few years. I have accepted a call to pastoral ministry, studied for and received my license and gotten married. These changes are putting an ever increasing pressure on me to let go of the life I had prior. I suppose that I am a little afraid to move in that direction. I'm proud of what I had built. I returned to respectability and self sufficiency in that time. I returned to life. That is the problem I suppose. Pride and fear. I'm afraid to give up a big source of respect, pride and security that I have come to rely on. It's frightening to move away from the known (even if it obviously has problems) into the unknown. That however is clearly the path to which I am being called. But to let go and free fall into nothing with only faith to rely on... Wow. Leave behind pride, leave behind respect, leave behind security. Christ calls us out of the world of our making into the kingdom of God. I have to let go of one to embrace the other. The choice is mine. The choice is yours.
Father God, I pray that I might have the courage to live by faith. Please strengthen me and enable me to go where I hear you calling. You have never let me down. Let me remember that when I am afraid. Amen.
Luke 9:3 He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money - not even an extra tunic."
Luke 9:62 Jesus said to him, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."
If we are not doing that which is blessed by God for us, we are wasting our effort. His way often, actually always, pulls us away from that with which we are comfortable. We must chose which path we are to take.
My life has changed a lot over the last few years. I have accepted a call to pastoral ministry, studied for and received my license and gotten married. These changes are putting an ever increasing pressure on me to let go of the life I had prior. I suppose that I am a little afraid to move in that direction. I'm proud of what I had built. I returned to respectability and self sufficiency in that time. I returned to life. That is the problem I suppose. Pride and fear. I'm afraid to give up a big source of respect, pride and security that I have come to rely on. It's frightening to move away from the known (even if it obviously has problems) into the unknown. That however is clearly the path to which I am being called. But to let go and free fall into nothing with only faith to rely on... Wow. Leave behind pride, leave behind respect, leave behind security. Christ calls us out of the world of our making into the kingdom of God. I have to let go of one to embrace the other. The choice is mine. The choice is yours.
Father God, I pray that I might have the courage to live by faith. Please strengthen me and enable me to go where I hear you calling. You have never let me down. Let me remember that when I am afraid. Amen.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Please Help Me
Ezra 3:3 They set up the altar on it's foundation, because they were in dread of the neighboring peoples, and they offered burnt offerings upon it to the Lord, morning and evening.
When the exiles returned to Judah they returned weak and vulnerable. They made a point of rebuilding the altar of God and sacrificing to Him constantly. They were appealing to God to provide them with protection that they could not provide for themselves.
On September 16, 2001 church attendance was at a record level all across the United States. The previous Tuesday, the 11th, had been a crushing, terrifying day. On Monday we were a superpower, by Wednesday we were victims. We didn't feel safe in the world and were no longer sure of our ability to protect ourselves. All across America people went to church to find peace and hope. This is a tendency that is displayed countless times every day all over the world. When the situation is too big to manage, when we know that we are way out of our league, then it's time to get right with God. In recovery we call them 911 prayers: "If You let me live through this I'll never drink again.", "Please God, don't let them pull me over.", "I just can't get fired again Lord!" When we are unprepared at school or work, when the money isn't there but the bills are, when the marriage is crumbling, when the stick turns blue, when the cat is out of the bag, when they say they never really love you, when we can't make it even one more day... We know where to turn when we know we aren't enough. In 21st century America, just as in Jerusalem in 536 BC, we know where hope can be found when we have none of our own. That says alot about what is buried deep inside each of us.
Father God, I pray that I might follow your ways always. You have saved me when I couldn't save myself. You call me to the way that leads to life and peace and not back into hopelessness. May I never forget that you are the way to true freedom. Amen.
When the exiles returned to Judah they returned weak and vulnerable. They made a point of rebuilding the altar of God and sacrificing to Him constantly. They were appealing to God to provide them with protection that they could not provide for themselves.
On September 16, 2001 church attendance was at a record level all across the United States. The previous Tuesday, the 11th, had been a crushing, terrifying day. On Monday we were a superpower, by Wednesday we were victims. We didn't feel safe in the world and were no longer sure of our ability to protect ourselves. All across America people went to church to find peace and hope. This is a tendency that is displayed countless times every day all over the world. When the situation is too big to manage, when we know that we are way out of our league, then it's time to get right with God. In recovery we call them 911 prayers: "If You let me live through this I'll never drink again.", "Please God, don't let them pull me over.", "I just can't get fired again Lord!" When we are unprepared at school or work, when the money isn't there but the bills are, when the marriage is crumbling, when the stick turns blue, when the cat is out of the bag, when they say they never really love you, when we can't make it even one more day... We know where to turn when we know we aren't enough. In 21st century America, just as in Jerusalem in 536 BC, we know where hope can be found when we have none of our own. That says alot about what is buried deep inside each of us.
Father God, I pray that I might follow your ways always. You have saved me when I couldn't save myself. You call me to the way that leads to life and peace and not back into hopelessness. May I never forget that you are the way to true freedom. Amen.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
A Hard Lesson
Psalm 85:5 Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
This is the call of the guilty crying for Gods mercy and a return to His favor.
There was a time in the past when I felt that God was smiling on me and I felt great benefits from our good relationship. For one reason or the other, I made a series of decision that were clearly outside of His will and I was met with a deafening silence in my spirit. My God was no longer there smiling on me. He was nowhere to be found. I definitely felt that our relationship had been lost. Eventually I decided that He was punishing me for my actions and that I would have to earn His love and favor this time. After several very bad years filled with humiliation and crushing failure, I felt that I had arrived at the end of my rope. Hugh had no more tricks up his sleeve, no one to help, no plan and no faith in my ability to pick up the pieces. It was here, at the bottom of the barrel, that I finally found my God. His was the only hand reaching down to me offering a way out. I took it and He lead me to my life today. Along the way, I discovered that God had never left me at all. He was always right where I had left Him. I was the one who had turned my back and I learned a hard lesson; He doesn't negotiate terms with us. This was a lesson of great value and like most things of great value, it didn't come cheap. I can't decide when and where I will be obedient to Him. Each time I chose my will over His, I put a stone in the wall I was building between us. Eventually the wall became tall enough that I lost sight of my God, and I just kept building until I had made a prison for myself. This has all taught me to look to my own actions and not to God's wrath when things aren't right between us. What am I not willing to do? What is too precious to give up? What am I unwilling to consider? It's always been me. The damage can't always be fixed immediately but He has always helped me dismantle these little walls when I decide I am willing to ask for His help and do what He says.
Father God, you are the Lord of truth and of love. Please lead me to faith in and obedience to you. Thank you for the lessons from my past that have become the tools of my present. Amen.
This is the call of the guilty crying for Gods mercy and a return to His favor.
There was a time in the past when I felt that God was smiling on me and I felt great benefits from our good relationship. For one reason or the other, I made a series of decision that were clearly outside of His will and I was met with a deafening silence in my spirit. My God was no longer there smiling on me. He was nowhere to be found. I definitely felt that our relationship had been lost. Eventually I decided that He was punishing me for my actions and that I would have to earn His love and favor this time. After several very bad years filled with humiliation and crushing failure, I felt that I had arrived at the end of my rope. Hugh had no more tricks up his sleeve, no one to help, no plan and no faith in my ability to pick up the pieces. It was here, at the bottom of the barrel, that I finally found my God. His was the only hand reaching down to me offering a way out. I took it and He lead me to my life today. Along the way, I discovered that God had never left me at all. He was always right where I had left Him. I was the one who had turned my back and I learned a hard lesson; He doesn't negotiate terms with us. This was a lesson of great value and like most things of great value, it didn't come cheap. I can't decide when and where I will be obedient to Him. Each time I chose my will over His, I put a stone in the wall I was building between us. Eventually the wall became tall enough that I lost sight of my God, and I just kept building until I had made a prison for myself. This has all taught me to look to my own actions and not to God's wrath when things aren't right between us. What am I not willing to do? What is too precious to give up? What am I unwilling to consider? It's always been me. The damage can't always be fixed immediately but He has always helped me dismantle these little walls when I decide I am willing to ask for His help and do what He says.
Father God, you are the Lord of truth and of love. Please lead me to faith in and obedience to you. Thank you for the lessons from my past that have become the tools of my present. Amen.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
It is His Pleasure
Daniel 9:18 Incline your ear, O my God, and hear. Open your eyes and look at our desolation and the city that bears your name. We do not present our supplication before you on the ground of our righteousness, but on ground of your great mercies.
We can never approach God on on the strength of our goodness or worthiness, but He welcomes us because of His great love and grace.
In his prayer, Daniel was calling on God to end the suffering and humiliation of his people. The 123 Psalm is a cry for mercy. Both of these are examples of prayers for undeserved and otherwise unattainable grace. They were appealing to His demonstrated willingness to act in the best interest of His people, even though they realized that they had not been willing to act in their own self interest. In the fifth chapter of Luke we are told of Jesus inviting four men to accompany him. Each of them, Simon Peter, James, John and Levi knew they had no right to stand in the presence of this holy man, yet they followed. Christ is still calling us to accept his grace and follow in the path that leads to life eternal. Some people who I talk with seem crushed by the feeling of unworthiness that Christ leaves them with. They realize that they can never be able to live up to his example. They are right. The point I feel that they are missing is the great sacrifice that he made to pay for our sinful nature. He wants to know us and to be our God and was willing to sacrifice himself to make that possible. It is not a matter of our goodness or even of justice but of His love for us and His desire to give life to all who will take it.
Father God, please help me let go of my pride and desire to justify myself. May I embrace my smallness and accept Your gift of grace and offer of peace and life. Amen.
We can never approach God on on the strength of our goodness or worthiness, but He welcomes us because of His great love and grace.
In his prayer, Daniel was calling on God to end the suffering and humiliation of his people. The 123 Psalm is a cry for mercy. Both of these are examples of prayers for undeserved and otherwise unattainable grace. They were appealing to His demonstrated willingness to act in the best interest of His people, even though they realized that they had not been willing to act in their own self interest. In the fifth chapter of Luke we are told of Jesus inviting four men to accompany him. Each of them, Simon Peter, James, John and Levi knew they had no right to stand in the presence of this holy man, yet they followed. Christ is still calling us to accept his grace and follow in the path that leads to life eternal. Some people who I talk with seem crushed by the feeling of unworthiness that Christ leaves them with. They realize that they can never be able to live up to his example. They are right. The point I feel that they are missing is the great sacrifice that he made to pay for our sinful nature. He wants to know us and to be our God and was willing to sacrifice himself to make that possible. It is not a matter of our goodness or even of justice but of His love for us and His desire to give life to all who will take it.
Father God, please help me let go of my pride and desire to justify myself. May I embrace my smallness and accept Your gift of grace and offer of peace and life. Amen.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Are You Sure?
Luke 1:18 Zechariah said to the angel, "How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years."
It is a mistake to question when we are clearly confronted by what we know to be His will.
As Christians we seek to know our Lord and to live in His ways. We are looking for he truth and His light. We are on a never ending quest for Him. Often though, when He reveals Himself to us we falter and question what we see. The angel Gabriel's announcement of God's will for Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth seemed too great, too much to believe. Zechariah asked, "How will I know that this is so?" He already knew it was true. Zechariah had no doubt that he was speaking with an angel in the sanctuary of the Lord. He was terrified! He and his wife had long since resigned themselves to the fact that she was barren and would never bear him children. Now, all of the sudden this was all changing. Not only were they to have a child, but a son! He was to be a great prophet and turn many people to their God! Wow! It was just too much to believe and Zechariah had a hard time accepting this blessing that was more than everything he had ceased to even dream of. The implications were too great. As a result of his crisis of faith the angel struck Zechariah mute. God's will didn't change. None of the things foretold changed or were prevented from happening. Only Zechariah's witness suffered. If we are to seek the Almighty God we are liable to come across extraordinary events and even be invited into some them. Are we sure enough of God to follow where He leads even though we know we aren't up to it. Go ahead and make up your mind now. It will happen.
Lord God, give me the heart and faith to say, "So be it." when You reveal your will for me. Amen.
It is a mistake to question when we are clearly confronted by what we know to be His will.
As Christians we seek to know our Lord and to live in His ways. We are looking for he truth and His light. We are on a never ending quest for Him. Often though, when He reveals Himself to us we falter and question what we see. The angel Gabriel's announcement of God's will for Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth seemed too great, too much to believe. Zechariah asked, "How will I know that this is so?" He already knew it was true. Zechariah had no doubt that he was speaking with an angel in the sanctuary of the Lord. He was terrified! He and his wife had long since resigned themselves to the fact that she was barren and would never bear him children. Now, all of the sudden this was all changing. Not only were they to have a child, but a son! He was to be a great prophet and turn many people to their God! Wow! It was just too much to believe and Zechariah had a hard time accepting this blessing that was more than everything he had ceased to even dream of. The implications were too great. As a result of his crisis of faith the angel struck Zechariah mute. God's will didn't change. None of the things foretold changed or were prevented from happening. Only Zechariah's witness suffered. If we are to seek the Almighty God we are liable to come across extraordinary events and even be invited into some them. Are we sure enough of God to follow where He leads even though we know we aren't up to it. Go ahead and make up your mind now. It will happen.
Lord God, give me the heart and faith to say, "So be it." when You reveal your will for me. Amen.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Holy and the Common
Revelation 22:14-15 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
Ezekiel 42:8 When they placed their threshold beside my threshold and their doorposts beside my doorposts, with only a wall between me and them, they were defiling my holy name by their abominations that they committed; therefore I have consumed them in my anger.
Ezekiel 44:23 They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.
There is a separation between God and sin, between God and those who sin. We who are saved by faith through grace are well served to remember this and to maintain a reverent fear of the Lord God. We must know, recognize and respect the difference between the common (us) and the holy (Him).
The relationship between God and his human creation has been a rocky one. My relationship with the Lord has also been like that. I have either been so successful that I didn't need Him(Thanks, but I've got it God) or so guilty and humiliated that I dared not approach Him (Please don't look at me). On more than one occasion, when I was sufficiently humbled, He has approached me and offered me grace that I could never have worked up the nerve to ask for. He wants to be my God. He wants to lead me through eternity. He wants to be known by me. He is willing to sacrifice Himself and justice so that I can hold my head high and follow in his ways. That doesn't make us buddies though. The above scripture from Ezekiel 43 tells of one occasion when His people became too comfortable with the Holy God Almighty and began to treat His temple as there home. The line was blurred and the holy became common. They forgot who and what they were dealing with. We can't afford to make this same mistake in our walk with Him. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Creator of all that is seen and unseen, God of gods and King of kings. His love for us doesn't make any of that less true. There must always be a tension between our love for and our reverent fear of Him. As with all things, He will guide us in this relationship if we ask Him with humility. He is our God, we are His people. So be it.
Ezekiel 42:8 When they placed their threshold beside my threshold and their doorposts beside my doorposts, with only a wall between me and them, they were defiling my holy name by their abominations that they committed; therefore I have consumed them in my anger.
Ezekiel 44:23 They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.
There is a separation between God and sin, between God and those who sin. We who are saved by faith through grace are well served to remember this and to maintain a reverent fear of the Lord God. We must know, recognize and respect the difference between the common (us) and the holy (Him).
The relationship between God and his human creation has been a rocky one. My relationship with the Lord has also been like that. I have either been so successful that I didn't need Him(Thanks, but I've got it God) or so guilty and humiliated that I dared not approach Him (Please don't look at me). On more than one occasion, when I was sufficiently humbled, He has approached me and offered me grace that I could never have worked up the nerve to ask for. He wants to be my God. He wants to lead me through eternity. He wants to be known by me. He is willing to sacrifice Himself and justice so that I can hold my head high and follow in his ways. That doesn't make us buddies though. The above scripture from Ezekiel 43 tells of one occasion when His people became too comfortable with the Holy God Almighty and began to treat His temple as there home. The line was blurred and the holy became common. They forgot who and what they were dealing with. We can't afford to make this same mistake in our walk with Him. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Creator of all that is seen and unseen, God of gods and King of kings. His love for us doesn't make any of that less true. There must always be a tension between our love for and our reverent fear of Him. As with all things, He will guide us in this relationship if we ask Him with humility. He is our God, we are His people. So be it.
Dear Lord, please help me to remember who and what I am; a fallen and sinful man. Thank you for the grace and love you have shown me. You have lifted me up and made me an heir to the life everlasting. May my love for you ever grow and my awe of you never diminish. Amen.
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