Monday's Reading: Matthew 18
Greatness. When I grew up, I wanted to be great. A great baseball player. A great basketball player. I shouldn't even say this, but, I've even wanted to be a great pastor. Desiring to be great seems to be a human trait - something placed deep within us. The question is: Is that desire righteous or sinful?
I have a feeling that it is sinful. Look at Jesus' words today to his disciples. They are asking about greatness, their ranking in Heaven, their future glory. His response is one that really "in their face." Children (as I understand it) in their culture, were not considered much. They were a blessing to have them of course, but as a member of society, they were not given any attention. So when Jesus say, "you must become like a child" he is going against their cultural norm.
Here are some traits about children off of the top of my head:
- don't think ahead much (live for the moment)
- rely on others for their basic needs to be met
- don't hold back tears when they feel like crying
- don't hide any emotions (the good and the bad)
- they love to play
- they make friends quickly (go to McDonalds playplace and see what I mean)
- they stare at things they don't understand
- they tell you when your breath stinks
- they respond to hugs and affection
- they crave hugs and affection
- they don't like to disappoint others
- they love their birthdays
- their imagination seems realistic
- they crave justice and fairness (at least when they are the side of injustice or unfairness)
- they couldn't make it without their parent(s)
In most of these areas, we as adults are quite the opposite from children. This makes me think I have some work to do to become more like them. Hmmmm ....
Jesus has a way of tearing apart what we think we know and understand. He cuts to the bone of our existence. In many ways, we need to like fish - who are always swimming against the flow. What seems right to us might seem different when viewed under the microscope of Jesus' love.
Look in this chapter for more on: tempting others to sin, how God feels about the lost, how to handle those who *sin against you, forgiveness (both from God to us, and our forgiveness to others).
Most troubling verse: If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. (19)
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Friday's Reading: Matthew 17
Have you ever had a "moutaintop experience" with God (when you feel close to him and you are reading the scriptures regularly, praying furvantly, etc). It seems that whenever I have those moments, they are followed by times of frustration and disallusionment.
Jesus has this great experience with his father and the saints - and coming off the mountain, he is faced with faithless people and responds with "how much longer must I put up with you." I can identify with that range of emotions.
I love that Jesus is ALL man and ALL God. What a great advocate we have in Him!!
Have you ever had a "moutaintop experience" with God (when you feel close to him and you are reading the scriptures regularly, praying furvantly, etc). It seems that whenever I have those moments, they are followed by times of frustration and disallusionment.
Jesus has this great experience with his father and the saints - and coming off the mountain, he is faced with faithless people and responds with "how much longer must I put up with you." I can identify with that range of emotions.
I love that Jesus is ALL man and ALL God. What a great advocate we have in Him!!
Thursday's Reading: Matthew 16
I've never figured out why Jesus told people not to tell others that he was the Christ. This line seems to be contradictory to when he told us to "Go into all the world ..." I guess Jesus recognized that the Holy Spirit reveals the truth of Christ better than human persuasion. Why then do we put so much effort in trying to convince people about Jesus instead of praying for them. The Holy Spirit draws everyone to the amazing life with Christ as Lord.
Let's pray for someone today who does not yet know the love and forgiveness of Jesus!
I've never figured out why Jesus told people not to tell others that he was the Christ. This line seems to be contradictory to when he told us to "Go into all the world ..." I guess Jesus recognized that the Holy Spirit reveals the truth of Christ better than human persuasion. Why then do we put so much effort in trying to convince people about Jesus instead of praying for them. The Holy Spirit draws everyone to the amazing life with Christ as Lord.
Let's pray for someone today who does not yet know the love and forgiveness of Jesus!
Wednesday's Reading: Matthew 15
I say things I regret all the time. As long as I can remember, I've stuck my foot in my mouth. Jesus says in our reading today that what comes from our mouth originates from our heart. This makes me wonder about how well we take care of our heart - how well we guard our heart. If we are frustrated with our words (what comes out of our mouth) then maybe we should give our heart more attention.
I say things I regret all the time. As long as I can remember, I've stuck my foot in my mouth. Jesus says in our reading today that what comes from our mouth originates from our heart. This makes me wonder about how well we take care of our heart - how well we guard our heart. If we are frustrated with our words (what comes out of our mouth) then maybe we should give our heart more attention.
Tuesday's Reading: Matthew 14
Do you ever have trouble focusing? I do. There are times when I'm focused on the tasks at hand and so productive - then there are many more times that I get so distracted and "under-motivated" that I'm not working toward anything that is good.
Focus is vital in the Christian journey, too. Jesus is walking on the water and encourages his bold friend, Peter, to join him. Initially, Peter is so caught up in the moment and his Savior that he has no problem walking on the surface of the waves. But when troubles come (in the form of waves) Peter does what most of us do - he FREAKS OUT! Here's a general rule: Freaking leads to sinking!
During challenging times in life, we have a choice to make: Focus on Christ, or focus on the junk. Whether we sink or swim depends upon what we are focused on! Let's not take our eyes off of Jesus today!
Do you ever have trouble focusing? I do. There are times when I'm focused on the tasks at hand and so productive - then there are many more times that I get so distracted and "under-motivated" that I'm not working toward anything that is good.
Focus is vital in the Christian journey, too. Jesus is walking on the water and encourages his bold friend, Peter, to join him. Initially, Peter is so caught up in the moment and his Savior that he has no problem walking on the surface of the waves. But when troubles come (in the form of waves) Peter does what most of us do - he FREAKS OUT! Here's a general rule: Freaking leads to sinking!
During challenging times in life, we have a choice to make: Focus on Christ, or focus on the junk. Whether we sink or swim depends upon what we are focused on! Let's not take our eyes off of Jesus today!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Monday's Reading: Matthew 13
This is a great (and very long) chapter. My eyes were drawn to the words, "To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge" (v. 12 NLT). I like to learn - I like to listen to people who are smart talk about things that interest me. I'm not smart, nor interesting, but I like to learn from those who are.
Jesus promises that if we are open to Him, He will fill us with great knowledge about Him, His Kingdom and the last days (which much of chapter 13 deals with). In our world, I'm very intimidated about how things are going (from a faith stand point). In religious circles, Christ is being deluted to a tasteless treat. Even to Christians, what we hold to be absolute is under so much scrutany and fire.
We must stand on the foundations of God's Word and Christ. In Rob Bell's book, "Velvet Elvis", he mentions how things (theologicial things) should be more like springs on a trampoline than bricks on a wall. I agree that many things the church has cemented into our lives could go (because they have a weak Biblical argument) but without a foundation (or better put - something to anchor into) the springs on the tramp would be useless. That metal frame holding the tramp together is the foundation we must all agree on - the knowledge of the ONE WAY to God and His Kingdom.
Fill this dumb vessel with your knowledge today, Lord Jesus. Help me stand upon your Word!
This is a great (and very long) chapter. My eyes were drawn to the words, "To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge" (v. 12 NLT). I like to learn - I like to listen to people who are smart talk about things that interest me. I'm not smart, nor interesting, but I like to learn from those who are.
Jesus promises that if we are open to Him, He will fill us with great knowledge about Him, His Kingdom and the last days (which much of chapter 13 deals with). In our world, I'm very intimidated about how things are going (from a faith stand point). In religious circles, Christ is being deluted to a tasteless treat. Even to Christians, what we hold to be absolute is under so much scrutany and fire.
We must stand on the foundations of God's Word and Christ. In Rob Bell's book, "Velvet Elvis", he mentions how things (theologicial things) should be more like springs on a trampoline than bricks on a wall. I agree that many things the church has cemented into our lives could go (because they have a weak Biblical argument) but without a foundation (or better put - something to anchor into) the springs on the tramp would be useless. That metal frame holding the tramp together is the foundation we must all agree on - the knowledge of the ONE WAY to God and His Kingdom.
Fill this dumb vessel with your knowledge today, Lord Jesus. Help me stand upon your Word!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Friday's Reading: Matthew 12
Thank you, Lord, for doing away with the law! Now we must, as disciples of Christ, replace the law with mercy toward others.
“Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen.
He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not fight or shout
or raise his voice in public.
He will not crush the weakest reed
or put out a flickering candle.
Finally he will cause justice to be victorious.
And his name will be the hope
of all the world." (v. 19-21)
Thank you, Lord, for doing away with the law! Now we must, as disciples of Christ, replace the law with mercy toward others.
“Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen.
He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not fight or shout
or raise his voice in public.
He will not crush the weakest reed
or put out a flickering candle.
Finally he will cause justice to be victorious.
And his name will be the hope
of all the world." (v. 19-21)
Thursday's Reading: Matthew 11
Do you ever complain? I sure do. I complain to myself alot - mainly because I'm not sure anyone would want to listen to me anyway. Today's reading features a great man: John the Baptist. Jesus said he was the greatest of all men. He is barely 30 years old and in prison for speaking the truth about sin. I'm sure he's wondering, "what did I do to deserve this, God?" He believes that his cousin, Jesus, is the Messiah but why hasn't he come to set this wrong right?
As Jesus is talking about how great John is, he pauses to comment about everyone else. "How shall I describe this generation? These people are like a group of children playing a game in the public square. They complain ..." and he went on about how they complain that John was demon possessed since he didn't act like them and how He (Jesus) is a glutton since he drinks and feasts. Nobody is happy - everyone is finding fault - everyone is complaining.
Does this sound like our generation to you? It sounds like me many days to be honest.
It comes to a head in Jesus' prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike."
Lord, help me! Help us!
Do you ever complain? I sure do. I complain to myself alot - mainly because I'm not sure anyone would want to listen to me anyway. Today's reading features a great man: John the Baptist. Jesus said he was the greatest of all men. He is barely 30 years old and in prison for speaking the truth about sin. I'm sure he's wondering, "what did I do to deserve this, God?" He believes that his cousin, Jesus, is the Messiah but why hasn't he come to set this wrong right?
As Jesus is talking about how great John is, he pauses to comment about everyone else. "How shall I describe this generation? These people are like a group of children playing a game in the public square. They complain ..." and he went on about how they complain that John was demon possessed since he didn't act like them and how He (Jesus) is a glutton since he drinks and feasts. Nobody is happy - everyone is finding fault - everyone is complaining.
Does this sound like our generation to you? It sounds like me many days to be honest.
It comes to a head in Jesus' prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike."
Lord, help me! Help us!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Today's Reading: Matthew 10
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul." Fear has ripped our headlines the last couple of days. In many ways, we've become numb to it all - school shootings, threats, stange behavior. We'll all be super worried about it now (and in the coming weeks) then we will go back to our comfortable lifestyles. Life, for us, will return to normal.
Life for a disciple is not supposed to return to normal. We are to live our life on the edge for Christ. Living in such a way that persecution could come our way from those who don't receive the message of the Cross. Why don't we face persecution? Why is life so easy and comfortable? Is it because we aren't sharing the message of the Cross? Is it because we are doing our best to "blend in" instead of "transform?"
Why do I fear death? Persecution? Looking stupid?
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul." Fear has ripped our headlines the last couple of days. In many ways, we've become numb to it all - school shootings, threats, stange behavior. We'll all be super worried about it now (and in the coming weeks) then we will go back to our comfortable lifestyles. Life, for us, will return to normal.
Life for a disciple is not supposed to return to normal. We are to live our life on the edge for Christ. Living in such a way that persecution could come our way from those who don't receive the message of the Cross. Why don't we face persecution? Why is life so easy and comfortable? Is it because we aren't sharing the message of the Cross? Is it because we are doing our best to "blend in" instead of "transform?"
Why do I fear death? Persecution? Looking stupid?
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Today's Reading: Matthew 9
Another great crowd of nameless individuals received their sight, their healing and their life in today's reading. What struck me more than anything came near the end of the chapter as we see the motive of Jesus become clear. The New Living Translation says this (36) "He felt great pity for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn't know where to go for help. They were like sheep without a shepherd."
Do you ever find yourself looking the problems of others and say "they get what they deserve" or "this is too big of a problem to do anything about it"? I do. That's my cop-out quite honestly. The word "pity" has become a negative in our society but Jesus felt such great pity and compassion that he had to move into action on their behalf. Whether they deserved this pain or not - whether the problem was too big to handle or not. Jesus was moved into action
The whole scene ends with a plea from Christ: "Pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields." We are to be those workers! Sometimes, I want desperately to be that workers, then other times I'm not so sure I can sacrifice what I need to in order to accomplish the task. Know what I mean? Forgive me, Lord!
Are we praying:
1) to the Lord regarding our ministry to others?
2) "here I am Lord, send me"
Just pondering,
T
Another great crowd of nameless individuals received their sight, their healing and their life in today's reading. What struck me more than anything came near the end of the chapter as we see the motive of Jesus become clear. The New Living Translation says this (36) "He felt great pity for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn't know where to go for help. They were like sheep without a shepherd."
Do you ever find yourself looking the problems of others and say "they get what they deserve" or "this is too big of a problem to do anything about it"? I do. That's my cop-out quite honestly. The word "pity" has become a negative in our society but Jesus felt such great pity and compassion that he had to move into action on their behalf. Whether they deserved this pain or not - whether the problem was too big to handle or not. Jesus was moved into action
The whole scene ends with a plea from Christ: "Pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields." We are to be those workers! Sometimes, I want desperately to be that workers, then other times I'm not so sure I can sacrifice what I need to in order to accomplish the task. Know what I mean? Forgive me, Lord!
Are we praying:
1) to the Lord regarding our ministry to others?
2) "here I am Lord, send me"
Just pondering,
T
Monday, April 16, 2007
Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 8
I'm struck by the contrast of those who came to Jesus in this chapter. This is essentially very early in Jesus' ministry (immediately following the Sermon on the Mount) and we see that it didn't take long for Jesus to cause quite a stir!
The Leper: living a condemned life of loneliness gets his life back
The Centurion: realizes the magnitude of Jesus' authority
The nameless crowds: I'm amazed at the huge numbers of people who were never named yet had their lives completely restored by Jesus through these miracles.
The Gadarenes: this town sees two of their own restored, yet they don't receive Jesus - they beg him to leave them alone. Did they ever learn about what they missed out on?
Today, Jesus is making His rounds still. He still desires to give us more life, more joy, and more fullness. He still desires to heal us, restore us, and protect us.
Are we receiving Him? Or are we asking Him to leave us alone?
I'm struck by the contrast of those who came to Jesus in this chapter. This is essentially very early in Jesus' ministry (immediately following the Sermon on the Mount) and we see that it didn't take long for Jesus to cause quite a stir!
The Leper: living a condemned life of loneliness gets his life back
The Centurion: realizes the magnitude of Jesus' authority
The nameless crowds: I'm amazed at the huge numbers of people who were never named yet had their lives completely restored by Jesus through these miracles.
The Gadarenes: this town sees two of their own restored, yet they don't receive Jesus - they beg him to leave them alone. Did they ever learn about what they missed out on?
Today, Jesus is making His rounds still. He still desires to give us more life, more joy, and more fullness. He still desires to heal us, restore us, and protect us.
Are we receiving Him? Or are we asking Him to leave us alone?
Why Random Thoughts?
Hey there,
I'm trying to create new corner of the web where I can share some of my random thoughts and reflections from God's Word. I hope you join me in wrestling with the powerful truths found there. What a great journey it is in discovering more about the Lord!
PT
I'm trying to create new corner of the web where I can share some of my random thoughts and reflections from God's Word. I hope you join me in wrestling with the powerful truths found there. What a great journey it is in discovering more about the Lord!
PT
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