Wednesday's Reading: Romans 12
This might be one of the best chapters of challenge in the New Testament (maybe even the entire Bible). I can't take the time to comment on all this challenged me with today.
I want to be transformed by YOU today!
I don't want to think too much of myself!
I want to be patient and allow love to prevail in every area of my life!
Use me! I'm yours! Everything I've got - everything I'm not! (that's a song)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Tuesday's Reading: Romans 11
Does this sound like the church in America today?
“Let their bountiful table become a snare, a trap that makes them think all is well. Let their blessings cause them to stumble, and let them get what they deserve. Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see, and let their backs be bent forever.”
I couldn't help but read this and wonder if Paul was inspired to think about our church. Our culture. I believe in our comfort, our need for God is completely lost. Our blessings are also our stumbling blocks. Our green grass is more like our doom. We need the Lord more than we need air to breathe and water to drink!! All we want is the fast-food version of Him instead of the gourmet perfection.
"How impossible it is for us to understand hi decisions and his methods!" (v33)
Does this sound like the church in America today?
“Let their bountiful table become a snare, a trap that makes them think all is well. Let their blessings cause them to stumble, and let them get what they deserve. Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see, and let their backs be bent forever.”
I couldn't help but read this and wonder if Paul was inspired to think about our church. Our culture. I believe in our comfort, our need for God is completely lost. Our blessings are also our stumbling blocks. Our green grass is more like our doom. We need the Lord more than we need air to breathe and water to drink!! All we want is the fast-food version of Him instead of the gourmet perfection.
"How impossible it is for us to understand hi decisions and his methods!" (v33)
Monday, May 28, 2007
Monday's Reading: Romans 10
A place where scripture is tough to understand: comparing ...
Ro10.13 "For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Mat7.21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
Ro10.14 >> Sent. Go. Hear. Believe. Salvation. I reflected today with a great friend that when I left Ohio to move to Michigan, I felt like my FCN church sent me. The way that our teens embraced the call to go to Michigan was more like "Terry has is being sent to a new place." It was such a blessing to be sent. I wasn't leaving. I wasn't running. I wasn't looking for something better - I had it pretty good. I was being sent. That's where it all starts.
A place where scripture is tough to understand: comparing ...
Ro10.13 "For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Mat7.21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
Ro10.14 >> Sent. Go. Hear. Believe. Salvation. I reflected today with a great friend that when I left Ohio to move to Michigan, I felt like my FCN church sent me. The way that our teens embraced the call to go to Michigan was more like "Terry has is being sent to a new place." It was such a blessing to be sent. I wasn't leaving. I wasn't running. I wasn't looking for something better - I had it pretty good. I was being sent. That's where it all starts.
Friday's Reading: Romans 9
With the holiday weekend, I've fallen a couple of readings short. I'm catching up tonight. This chapter is a little unsettling for me. I've struggled with understanding how God can choose some for good (which implies that he chooses other for bad). I see it all over scripture ... Judas is a key example, Esau another, and so on. I guess I can see it in our world ... I'm a product of living in a "christian" (I hate that word still) society ... and their are plenty of 35 year old Muslims who are products of their particular religious society (of which I would consider "lost" to the true faith that leads to salvation). What does this all mean?
Our philosophers reason that this means that EVERYONE is right ... instead of deducing that one person or group is right. This leads us to the theology that there are many paths to God (christian, muslim, budhists, jewish, etc). Eventually, they will lead us all to the same God.
I think God's Word leads us to a different conclusion. Esau and Jacob come from the same family - but they begin movements that are going two different directions.
With the holiday weekend, I've fallen a couple of readings short. I'm catching up tonight. This chapter is a little unsettling for me. I've struggled with understanding how God can choose some for good (which implies that he chooses other for bad). I see it all over scripture ... Judas is a key example, Esau another, and so on. I guess I can see it in our world ... I'm a product of living in a "christian" (I hate that word still) society ... and their are plenty of 35 year old Muslims who are products of their particular religious society (of which I would consider "lost" to the true faith that leads to salvation). What does this all mean?
Our philosophers reason that this means that EVERYONE is right ... instead of deducing that one person or group is right. This leads us to the theology that there are many paths to God (christian, muslim, budhists, jewish, etc). Eventually, they will lead us all to the same God.
I think God's Word leads us to a different conclusion. Esau and Jacob come from the same family - but they begin movements that are going two different directions.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Thursday's Reading: Romans 8
I have a new pet-peeve. It used to be couples who wear matching shirts ... okay it still is. But I have a new one. People who call themselves Christians but who aren't. This term "christian" has been watered down so much in our culture that it tastes like skim milk or diluted lemonade. Have you ever added too much water to your lemonade or kool-aid? The whole batch is ruined. The drink that was meant to satisfy now just annoys you and there's nothing that can be done about it. That's what people have done with the label "christian." It's watered down, useless and non-descript.
Paul says in this chapter: "You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all.)" (9)
We can't just give ourselves a label. We must have the Spirit of that label CONTROLLING us - leading us to LIFE and PEACE (6)
My new friend Brian, I wish I had this verse to give you today "So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the Holy Spirit you turn from it and it's evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God." (12-14) PRAY FOR BRIAN!
What an amazing chapter of God's Word! Read it!!! Again, and again, and again!
I have a new pet-peeve. It used to be couples who wear matching shirts ... okay it still is. But I have a new one. People who call themselves Christians but who aren't. This term "christian" has been watered down so much in our culture that it tastes like skim milk or diluted lemonade. Have you ever added too much water to your lemonade or kool-aid? The whole batch is ruined. The drink that was meant to satisfy now just annoys you and there's nothing that can be done about it. That's what people have done with the label "christian." It's watered down, useless and non-descript.
Paul says in this chapter: "You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all.)" (9)
We can't just give ourselves a label. We must have the Spirit of that label CONTROLLING us - leading us to LIFE and PEACE (6)
My new friend Brian, I wish I had this verse to give you today "So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the Holy Spirit you turn from it and it's evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God." (12-14) PRAY FOR BRIAN!
What an amazing chapter of God's Word! Read it!!! Again, and again, and again!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Wednesday's Reading: Romans 7
I had the privilege of reading today's chapter twice: once with my prayer group and once with our church staff (welcome aboard Mark). This morning we wrestled with this topic of the law. Earl mentioned an illustration that really helped me understand the law in context with Christ. He said the law is like a bulls eye (like used in target practice). If we shoot our arrows just anywhere we want, we'll never come close to the target. But if we have something to aim for (the big white board with a middle red dot - the target) we have direction. That big white board - the target - is like the law. With it, we have a direction to live our life. Missing the mark (the red dot) is sin (which hitting that dot seems really impossible, doesn't it. Praise God for his Grace that makes righteousness possible. I'm not sure this makes sense to you, but I was blessed by Earl sharing it with me this morning. Iron, sharpening iron!
On a lighter note: don't you love the "do-do" paragraph?
Keep practicing for that target and don't be satisfied missing it!
I had the privilege of reading today's chapter twice: once with my prayer group and once with our church staff (welcome aboard Mark). This morning we wrestled with this topic of the law. Earl mentioned an illustration that really helped me understand the law in context with Christ. He said the law is like a bulls eye (like used in target practice). If we shoot our arrows just anywhere we want, we'll never come close to the target. But if we have something to aim for (the big white board with a middle red dot - the target) we have direction. That big white board - the target - is like the law. With it, we have a direction to live our life. Missing the mark (the red dot) is sin (which hitting that dot seems really impossible, doesn't it. Praise God for his Grace that makes righteousness possible. I'm not sure this makes sense to you, but I was blessed by Earl sharing it with me this morning. Iron, sharpening iron!
On a lighter note: don't you love the "do-do" paragraph?
Keep practicing for that target and don't be satisfied missing it!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Tuesday's Reading: Romans 6
Our earthly bodies are so messed up. I'm reading this chapter thinking, "this is so simple - stop sinning - make right decisions - follow God everyday." But unfortunately for me, it doesn't work that way all the time. I try. But sometimes I fail. I try to measure up the words "you are no longer a slave to sin" by looking at my life. Have you ever noticed that we humans like to consider "sin" equal to "fun". I think when we hear you can't sin anymore - we really hear "you can't have fun anymore". That's far, far from the truth. Consider these words ... "you are free by God's grace."
I read today Greg Laurie's devotional on this idea that the church is trying to free itself from doctrine and "just love Jesus." Greg's point is that would be dangerous ground - I agree. Here's why: yes we are free from the law but we need elements of the law to keep us from wandering back into sin. Paul clearly says, we can no longer continue sinning! We must obey our new master - Jesus Christ!
"Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."
Our earthly bodies are so messed up. I'm reading this chapter thinking, "this is so simple - stop sinning - make right decisions - follow God everyday." But unfortunately for me, it doesn't work that way all the time. I try. But sometimes I fail. I try to measure up the words "you are no longer a slave to sin" by looking at my life. Have you ever noticed that we humans like to consider "sin" equal to "fun". I think when we hear you can't sin anymore - we really hear "you can't have fun anymore". That's far, far from the truth. Consider these words ... "you are free by God's grace."
I read today Greg Laurie's devotional on this idea that the church is trying to free itself from doctrine and "just love Jesus." Greg's point is that would be dangerous ground - I agree. Here's why: yes we are free from the law but we need elements of the law to keep us from wandering back into sin. Paul clearly says, we can no longer continue sinning! We must obey our new master - Jesus Christ!
"Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."
Monday, May 21, 2007
Monday's Reading: Romans 5
"hope does not disappoint" - Okay, this is sad, but I just finished watching the Bachelor. I haven't watched much of it all season. Tammy and I used to be hooked on that program but it went way over the top in the past so we had moved on. Watching this show and then reading this phrase has caused me to think about my perspective of 'hope'. I'm the kind of guy who is always preparing to be disappointed. What I tell people is that "I hope for the best but prepare for the worst." So, this verse early in Romans 5 caused me to wonder ... do I really understand what hope means? Tonight, Bevin's hope was vanquished in a moments notice and Tess's hope was met with unexplainable joy (I'm back on the Bachelor analogy now). Can't hope disappoint us? A deeper look at at the verse reveals that the hope Paul is speaking of is the hope of glory with Jesus. No one can take that away. With faith in Christ, there's no reason to prepare for the worst. With true confidence in Christ, we won't be disappointed when we breathe our final breath on earth and allow our faith to become sight - our hope of glory revealed!
"But where sin increased, grace increased all the more." Isn't it really sweet to see that the circle of Grace increases more rapidly than the circle of our sin. In other words, we can't sin too much where God's grace isn't ready to be made available to us. We can't be bad enough - because He is too loving and too forgiving and covers our sin through His grace. Grace surrounds us. Grace reigns through righteous living and dependence on the Lord!
"hope does not disappoint" - Okay, this is sad, but I just finished watching the Bachelor. I haven't watched much of it all season. Tammy and I used to be hooked on that program but it went way over the top in the past so we had moved on. Watching this show and then reading this phrase has caused me to think about my perspective of 'hope'. I'm the kind of guy who is always preparing to be disappointed. What I tell people is that "I hope for the best but prepare for the worst." So, this verse early in Romans 5 caused me to wonder ... do I really understand what hope means? Tonight, Bevin's hope was vanquished in a moments notice and Tess's hope was met with unexplainable joy (I'm back on the Bachelor analogy now). Can't hope disappoint us? A deeper look at at the verse reveals that the hope Paul is speaking of is the hope of glory with Jesus. No one can take that away. With faith in Christ, there's no reason to prepare for the worst. With true confidence in Christ, we won't be disappointed when we breathe our final breath on earth and allow our faith to become sight - our hope of glory revealed!
"But where sin increased, grace increased all the more." Isn't it really sweet to see that the circle of Grace increases more rapidly than the circle of our sin. In other words, we can't sin too much where God's grace isn't ready to be made available to us. We can't be bad enough - because He is too loving and too forgiving and covers our sin through His grace. Grace surrounds us. Grace reigns through righteous living and dependence on the Lord!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Friday's Reading: Romans 4
Believe. Such a powerful word. Paul uses it here to talk about the launching pad to righteousness. "For the scriptures tell us, "Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous." (v3) "This happened because Abraham believed in God." (v17) "When God promised ... Abraham believed him." (v 18) "Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise." (v 20) Now this is for us today ... "God will also declare us to be righteous if we believe in God, who brought Jesus our Lord back from the dead." (v24)
I remember my freshmen year in college was filled with deep thinking (it went downhill from there). My friend, Brad, was dating a girl back home who was convinced that all she had to do was "believe" in God. She didn't have to follow his ways, or live a life that was according to his "rules" or "guidance." All she had to do was "believe." I remember many of Brad's friends looking over scripture to prove to her that she was off-base in her line of thinking. We weren't trying to be legalistic about it all but we knew there had to be more than just a simple act of belief involved. That relationship eventually crumbled.
Believe. "accept as true, have faith in the existence of, have confidence in, have rust in the advisability of, pretend" (Oxford Dictionary). I think that Abraham was declared righteous because of all of these understandings of the word except the last one ... "pretend". I think this was Brad's girlfriend's issue ... she wanted her own life but also wanted to pretend about her belief in God. We can't do that. It's better off to have no faith in Him than to pretend you do!
Our belief in God will do many things in our life:
- Cause us to stand alone; rather than be in the crowd
- Cause us to do what is right; rather than was is popular or easy
- Cause us to love what others find unlovable
- Cause us to accept what others find unacceptable
Paul says that Abraham never wavered in his belief in the promise of God. He never saw this promise fulfilled in his lifetime - but he never stopped believing in God nor the promise of a righteous nation. In fact, Paul said in verse 20, his faith grew stronger.
Are you a pretender or a true believer? Is your faith growing stronger or is it wavering in the difficult times? Are you living your life as one who truly believes? These are tough words for me today. I'm with you in the struggle of trying to understand the power of believing.
Believe. Such a powerful word. Paul uses it here to talk about the launching pad to righteousness. "For the scriptures tell us, "Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous." (v3) "This happened because Abraham believed in God." (v17) "When God promised ... Abraham believed him." (v 18) "Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise." (v 20) Now this is for us today ... "God will also declare us to be righteous if we believe in God, who brought Jesus our Lord back from the dead." (v24)
I remember my freshmen year in college was filled with deep thinking (it went downhill from there). My friend, Brad, was dating a girl back home who was convinced that all she had to do was "believe" in God. She didn't have to follow his ways, or live a life that was according to his "rules" or "guidance." All she had to do was "believe." I remember many of Brad's friends looking over scripture to prove to her that she was off-base in her line of thinking. We weren't trying to be legalistic about it all but we knew there had to be more than just a simple act of belief involved. That relationship eventually crumbled.
Believe. "accept as true, have faith in the existence of, have confidence in, have rust in the advisability of, pretend" (Oxford Dictionary). I think that Abraham was declared righteous because of all of these understandings of the word except the last one ... "pretend". I think this was Brad's girlfriend's issue ... she wanted her own life but also wanted to pretend about her belief in God. We can't do that. It's better off to have no faith in Him than to pretend you do!
Our belief in God will do many things in our life:
- Cause us to stand alone; rather than be in the crowd
- Cause us to do what is right; rather than was is popular or easy
- Cause us to love what others find unlovable
- Cause us to accept what others find unacceptable
Paul says that Abraham never wavered in his belief in the promise of God. He never saw this promise fulfilled in his lifetime - but he never stopped believing in God nor the promise of a righteous nation. In fact, Paul said in verse 20, his faith grew stronger.
Are you a pretender or a true believer? Is your faith growing stronger or is it wavering in the difficult times? Are you living your life as one who truly believes? These are tough words for me today. I'm with you in the struggle of trying to understand the power of believing.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Thursday's Reading: Romans 3
So I had this conversation with my son this week. He was in trouble on the bus for speaking after he was asked to "be quiet." I had flash-backs to my childhood. He kept saying how he "hates rules" and they are "boring" (I'm not sure he even knows what boring is - try being raised without cable, Game cube, and toys sticking out of your tail). Anyway, in that moment, I was forced to justify why rules are important to us.
Paul is spending some time talking about the "law" in Romans - "it's purpose is to keep people from having excuses and to bring the entire world into judgement before God." We need the law to understand good from bad, righteous from evil. But Paul reasons that the more we get to know God, the more we realize the magnitude of our sin. It's good to have a Calvinist approach to theology when considering this ... we Wesleyan's use the term total depravity (hopeless sinners) but we don't really get it. As long as we are living on earth we are living in a sin "cesspool". Who can help us?
That's the beauty of the rest of the chapter ... Christ took our punishment! Praise the Lord! "We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done." (V22) Paul just says it so well in the latter part of this chapter.
Anyone interested in reaching out to friends and neighbors with the Good News, needs to spend some time here! "There is only one God, and there is only one way of being accepted by him."
So I had this conversation with my son this week. He was in trouble on the bus for speaking after he was asked to "be quiet." I had flash-backs to my childhood. He kept saying how he "hates rules" and they are "boring" (I'm not sure he even knows what boring is - try being raised without cable, Game cube, and toys sticking out of your tail). Anyway, in that moment, I was forced to justify why rules are important to us.
Paul is spending some time talking about the "law" in Romans - "it's purpose is to keep people from having excuses and to bring the entire world into judgement before God." We need the law to understand good from bad, righteous from evil. But Paul reasons that the more we get to know God, the more we realize the magnitude of our sin. It's good to have a Calvinist approach to theology when considering this ... we Wesleyan's use the term total depravity (hopeless sinners) but we don't really get it. As long as we are living on earth we are living in a sin "cesspool". Who can help us?
That's the beauty of the rest of the chapter ... Christ took our punishment! Praise the Lord! "We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done." (V22) Paul just says it so well in the latter part of this chapter.
Anyone interested in reaching out to friends and neighbors with the Good News, needs to spend some time here! "There is only one God, and there is only one way of being accepted by him."
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Wednesday's Reading: Romans 2
It was another wonderful blessing to read our passage today with my Wednesday morning prayer group. Chewing on and wrestling with God's Word is wonderful with other brothers in Christ!
Wonderful Thought: (4) "Can't you see how kind he has been in giving you time to turn from your sin?" This doesn't mean we should continue to take our time - praise God for the time He has given you and repent now!
Warning: (9) "There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on sinning"
Our Call: (19) "You are a guide for the blind and a beacon light for people who are lost in darkness without God"
Sweet: (29) "And true [christianity] is not a cutting of the body but a change of heart produced by God's Spirit" Key words here ... "change of heart" and the agent of change is "GOD'S SPIRIT" Living as a Christian is not done by our own effort ... it's a gift from God's Spirit that must be received by us. I want to bask in that gift today! Thank you Jesus for making it possible!
It was another wonderful blessing to read our passage today with my Wednesday morning prayer group. Chewing on and wrestling with God's Word is wonderful with other brothers in Christ!
Wonderful Thought: (4) "Can't you see how kind he has been in giving you time to turn from your sin?" This doesn't mean we should continue to take our time - praise God for the time He has given you and repent now!
Warning: (9) "There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on sinning"
Our Call: (19) "You are a guide for the blind and a beacon light for people who are lost in darkness without God"
Sweet: (29) "And true [christianity] is not a cutting of the body but a change of heart produced by God's Spirit" Key words here ... "change of heart" and the agent of change is "GOD'S SPIRIT" Living as a Christian is not done by our own effort ... it's a gift from God's Spirit that must be received by us. I want to bask in that gift today! Thank you Jesus for making it possible!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Tuesday's Reading: Romans 1
Encouragement - This is what the church is to be about. Paul says he wants to encourage the Romans and also be encouraged by them. Think about the last time you were at church ... did you feel encouraged as you left? Do you think that you encouraged any0ne else while you were there? The chapter ends with another thought about encouragement ... but this time it's not the good form of encouragement, but rather, the kind that leads to sin. Are you being encouraged in your faith or in your folly? Am I encouraging others to walk further in the "light" or am I ignoring or even encouraging "darkness". Lord help us all to put off things that get in the way of the intentional power of encouragment.
Good memory verse: 16 "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes"
This first chapter of Romans seems to signal a clear warning shot to any of us who know the Good News and do nothing with it. "Trading the truth for a lie" is a verse that stood out. Let's keep our eyes on the Author of Truth!
Encouragement - This is what the church is to be about. Paul says he wants to encourage the Romans and also be encouraged by them. Think about the last time you were at church ... did you feel encouraged as you left? Do you think that you encouraged any0ne else while you were there? The chapter ends with another thought about encouragement ... but this time it's not the good form of encouragement, but rather, the kind that leads to sin. Are you being encouraged in your faith or in your folly? Am I encouraging others to walk further in the "light" or am I ignoring or even encouraging "darkness". Lord help us all to put off things that get in the way of the intentional power of encouragment.
Good memory verse: 16 "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes"
This first chapter of Romans seems to signal a clear warning shot to any of us who know the Good News and do nothing with it. "Trading the truth for a lie" is a verse that stood out. Let's keep our eyes on the Author of Truth!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Monday's Reading: Matthew 28
This is what we've all been waiting for! Random question: was the earthquake caused by the rolling of the stone? Have you ever noticed that many angelic experiences involve fear? The cool thing is that the Angel always says, "Don't be afraid!" When I think about eternal things, sometimes I honestly get scared. Angels are not of this world but the next, so I'm not surprised today to see fear strike the faithful ladies as they are approached by this Angel. But, in the midst of this fear, we are reminded, "don't be afraid" God is to be feared but not be afraid of. Even Jesus' resurrected first words "Don't be afraid."
Are you afraid today? Listen to the Master's words: "Don't be afraid!"
This is what we've all been waiting for! Random question: was the earthquake caused by the rolling of the stone? Have you ever noticed that many angelic experiences involve fear? The cool thing is that the Angel always says, "Don't be afraid!" When I think about eternal things, sometimes I honestly get scared. Angels are not of this world but the next, so I'm not surprised today to see fear strike the faithful ladies as they are approached by this Angel. But, in the midst of this fear, we are reminded, "don't be afraid" God is to be feared but not be afraid of. Even Jesus' resurrected first words "Don't be afraid."
Are you afraid today? Listen to the Master's words: "Don't be afraid!"
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Friday's Reading: Matthew 27
Random Reactions:
> Amazing lack of compassion from 'religious leaders' (v4) :: "That's your problem"
> Wierd law (v6) :: "since it's against the to accept money paid for murder."
> Scriptural blindness (v9-10) :: to get to this place in ministry, these leaders would have the entire Old Testament memorized - so, how could they miss this prophesy ... they did exactly as was recorded.
> Wives are perceptive (v19) :: Pilate's wife was very perceptive to what was going on around her this morning. Reminds me of my home many days.
> Responsibility (v24) :: no one person killed Jesus. Not Pilate, not Caiaphus, not Judas ... it was in the hands of a nameless, faceless crowed who shouted, "Crucify him!" Who was that crowd ... it was you and I.
> What ya thinkin' now? (v45-53) :: I wonder what the religous leaders, mockers, bystanders, and soldiers were thinking at this point. We get a glimpse of the hardened soldiers "Truly, this was the Son of God."
> It is finished ... the earthly ministry of Christ has come to an end. A new ministry is about to begin.
Random Reactions:
> Amazing lack of compassion from 'religious leaders' (v4) :: "That's your problem"
> Wierd law (v6) :: "since it's against the to accept money paid for murder."
> Scriptural blindness (v9-10) :: to get to this place in ministry, these leaders would have the entire Old Testament memorized - so, how could they miss this prophesy ... they did exactly as was recorded.
> Wives are perceptive (v19) :: Pilate's wife was very perceptive to what was going on around her this morning. Reminds me of my home many days.
> Responsibility (v24) :: no one person killed Jesus. Not Pilate, not Caiaphus, not Judas ... it was in the hands of a nameless, faceless crowed who shouted, "Crucify him!" Who was that crowd ... it was you and I.
> What ya thinkin' now? (v45-53) :: I wonder what the religous leaders, mockers, bystanders, and soldiers were thinking at this point. We get a glimpse of the hardened soldiers "Truly, this was the Son of God."
> It is finished ... the earthly ministry of Christ has come to an end. A new ministry is about to begin.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Thursday's Reading: Matthew 26
What an amazing chapter! I'm looking at how Jesus endured his trial. In v.59 we see the trial begin with false testimony. What is so inspiring is Jesus' response - or lack of response. He stands in silence as false comments are being hurled against him.
I wish I could see in his mind - to understand his thoughts. Was he tempted to fight back? I doubt it. He completely understood what was going on and he chose when to words very carefully.
Now let's think about our own journey for a second ... have you ever had false statements said against you? Have you ever felt that urge to fight back, stand your ground, help everyone get the "facts straight." I think we have a lot to learn about Jesus' actions. My personality tends to fire up and state my case - Jesus calls us to stay calm, remain silent, allow time.
Here's the reality: when we look at what happens to Jesus, we think it was the greatest injustice the world has ever seen. And that's true. However, it also was the greatest thing that ever happened for you and I. Because Jesus gave up his life (it was NOT taken), we can reconnect with God in a personal way. His silence, that injustice, is the source of our hope.
Can we not fight back? Can we trust the Lord with the outcomes of life?
What an amazing chapter! I'm looking at how Jesus endured his trial. In v.59 we see the trial begin with false testimony. What is so inspiring is Jesus' response - or lack of response. He stands in silence as false comments are being hurled against him.
I wish I could see in his mind - to understand his thoughts. Was he tempted to fight back? I doubt it. He completely understood what was going on and he chose when to words very carefully.
Now let's think about our own journey for a second ... have you ever had false statements said against you? Have you ever felt that urge to fight back, stand your ground, help everyone get the "facts straight." I think we have a lot to learn about Jesus' actions. My personality tends to fire up and state my case - Jesus calls us to stay calm, remain silent, allow time.
Here's the reality: when we look at what happens to Jesus, we think it was the greatest injustice the world has ever seen. And that's true. However, it also was the greatest thing that ever happened for you and I. Because Jesus gave up his life (it was NOT taken), we can reconnect with God in a personal way. His silence, that injustice, is the source of our hope.
Can we not fight back? Can we trust the Lord with the outcomes of life?
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Wednesday's Reading: Matthew 25
I'm terrible with money. I get it - I want to spend it. This parable of the talents (where the servants invest the masters money and it doubles) always makes me wonder which servant I would be. Somedays, digging a hole and putting some cash down there doesn't seem like a bad idea - if I'm focused on me, that is. The reality I need to be reminded of is that money (or gifts/talents) are not mine to hold on to - they are HIS to be GIVEN AWAY.
Check this out: http://www.themasterstalents.org/mountain.shtml
What have I done to:
- Feed the hungry?
- Quench the thirsty?
- Clothe the naked?
- Care for the sick?
- Visit those in prison?
If this is my final exam, or my Heaven's School grade card, I may be in deep trouble.
I'm terrible with money. I get it - I want to spend it. This parable of the talents (where the servants invest the masters money and it doubles) always makes me wonder which servant I would be. Somedays, digging a hole and putting some cash down there doesn't seem like a bad idea - if I'm focused on me, that is. The reality I need to be reminded of is that money (or gifts/talents) are not mine to hold on to - they are HIS to be GIVEN AWAY.
Check this out: http://www.themasterstalents.org/mountain.shtml
What have I done to:
- Feed the hungry?
- Quench the thirsty?
- Clothe the naked?
- Care for the sick?
- Visit those in prison?
If this is my final exam, or my Heaven's School grade card, I may be in deep trouble.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Tuesday's Reading: Matthew 24
Do you ever wonder what the "end times" will be like? Will it happen in my lifetime? Will my children be able to weather the storms that will come because of it? This chapter is devoted to this topic. I think it weighed heavy on Jesus' heart for us all to understand that we must all be vigilant about waiting for His return. I don't know if there will be one moment that will signal "the end" or if it will happen much more gradually. I don't know if there will be one "anti-Christ" who will deceive the church or if there will be many "anti-Christs" who will accomplish this deception over a period of time.
I do know that this world is getting freaky! Terrorism isn't new to mankind - it has been going on as long as we have been breathing. What's new is that we can report about it within a matter of seconds all around the globe. That's hard for my simple mind to comprehend.
The more we get to know Jesus, the easier it will be for us to determine these days as they come. I'm not talking about getting to know the "Left Behind" series either - I'm talking about getting to know Jesus. If we put the same amount of time and energy into prayer and scripture memory as we put into those books, we'd be much better off. As a matter of opinion, I believe the end times won't look anything like those books - just because God loves to surprise us.
Be on the look out for Him. His Kingdom is at hand: in the life of the homeless, the widows, the orphans, and in your neighbors. Let "His Kingdom come" today through your life interacting with everyone around you! Then you will be ready - no matter how Jesus comes back!
Do you ever wonder what the "end times" will be like? Will it happen in my lifetime? Will my children be able to weather the storms that will come because of it? This chapter is devoted to this topic. I think it weighed heavy on Jesus' heart for us all to understand that we must all be vigilant about waiting for His return. I don't know if there will be one moment that will signal "the end" or if it will happen much more gradually. I don't know if there will be one "anti-Christ" who will deceive the church or if there will be many "anti-Christs" who will accomplish this deception over a period of time.
I do know that this world is getting freaky! Terrorism isn't new to mankind - it has been going on as long as we have been breathing. What's new is that we can report about it within a matter of seconds all around the globe. That's hard for my simple mind to comprehend.
The more we get to know Jesus, the easier it will be for us to determine these days as they come. I'm not talking about getting to know the "Left Behind" series either - I'm talking about getting to know Jesus. If we put the same amount of time and energy into prayer and scripture memory as we put into those books, we'd be much better off. As a matter of opinion, I believe the end times won't look anything like those books - just because God loves to surprise us.
Be on the look out for Him. His Kingdom is at hand: in the life of the homeless, the widows, the orphans, and in your neighbors. Let "His Kingdom come" today through your life interacting with everyone around you! Then you will be ready - no matter how Jesus comes back!
Monday's Reading: Matthew 23
I think Jesus' words in verses 25-28 sum up how I feel about the church many times. We try to be so strong and clean on the outside, but inside we are weak and full of self-indulgence. Don't you think the church should be made up of inperfect people who are struggling together on an amazing journey of understanding God? I think God want's us to be honest with each other. We shouldn't hide our imperfections - we should bring them into the light. That's the path of living righteous.l It's a tough path though. We like to judge others imperfections and cast them away. Jesus called that ignoring the 2X4 in our eye while we make fun of the spec of dust in our brother's eye. Hmmm ....
I think Jesus' words in verses 25-28 sum up how I feel about the church many times. We try to be so strong and clean on the outside, but inside we are weak and full of self-indulgence. Don't you think the church should be made up of inperfect people who are struggling together on an amazing journey of understanding God? I think God want's us to be honest with each other. We shouldn't hide our imperfections - we should bring them into the light. That's the path of living righteous.l It's a tough path though. We like to judge others imperfections and cast them away. Jesus called that ignoring the 2X4 in our eye while we make fun of the spec of dust in our brother's eye. Hmmm ....
Friday's Reading: Matthew 22
Reading this story of the wedding feast just doesn't make sense. Who would ignore such an invitation? Who would treat the messengers this way? But isn't that what we do with God's message every day? Aren't we good at ignoring God ourselves? Now I must admit this ending is very troubling ... if "everyone was now welcomed and brought in right off the street, why is one man singled out and thrown back out as one not "chosen"? I guess it means that even though everyone was "invited" to the feast, there were still "requirements" to get in. I hope this doesn't mean we have to dress a particular way at church ... I'm in big trouble! (right Mom? -haha)
We all have received the invitation to banquet with God. We are all made worthy by his grace alone. However, we should never treat that invitation causually - nor disregard the call on our lives to live for Him. Grace is free (thanks be to Jesus) but our salvation must be worked out through obedience, acts of love, and faith in His calling.
I love how this chapter ends. After countless attempts to get Jesus to trip up and say something wrong or even blasphimas, verse 46 says, "No one could answer him. And after that, no one dared ask him any more questions." CHECK MATE!
Reading this story of the wedding feast just doesn't make sense. Who would ignore such an invitation? Who would treat the messengers this way? But isn't that what we do with God's message every day? Aren't we good at ignoring God ourselves? Now I must admit this ending is very troubling ... if "everyone was now welcomed and brought in right off the street, why is one man singled out and thrown back out as one not "chosen"? I guess it means that even though everyone was "invited" to the feast, there were still "requirements" to get in. I hope this doesn't mean we have to dress a particular way at church ... I'm in big trouble! (right Mom? -haha)
We all have received the invitation to banquet with God. We are all made worthy by his grace alone. However, we should never treat that invitation causually - nor disregard the call on our lives to live for Him. Grace is free (thanks be to Jesus) but our salvation must be worked out through obedience, acts of love, and faith in His calling.
I love how this chapter ends. After countless attempts to get Jesus to trip up and say something wrong or even blasphimas, verse 46 says, "No one could answer him. And after that, no one dared ask him any more questions." CHECK MATE!
Thursday's Reading: Matthew 21
Jesus tells two of his disciples to go and find a donkey for him to ride into Jerusalem on. "If anyone asks what you are doing, just say 'The Lord needs them,' and he will immediately send them." One commentary I read recently on this stated that Jesus must have had a pre-established agreement with the colt's owner for this to happen. I want to disagree with that ... I believe it's more likely that the colt's owner was a God-fearing man who understood the scriptures that say "Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey - even on a donkey's colt." So when the disciples said, "The Lord needs it," I want to believe that this owner knew what was going on because he knew the scriptures and could discern for himself what was happening.
Here's my question: Have I been investigating the scriptures so that when the Lord asks something from me, I'll be ready to offer it to him? Our logic tells us that this man (the colt's owner) must have met Jesus before and knew about this need -- but our faith tells us that the truth about this event was revealed to him through the scriptures - from the prophets!
What can we offer him today? Better yet, what is he asking from us today?
Jesus tells two of his disciples to go and find a donkey for him to ride into Jerusalem on. "If anyone asks what you are doing, just say 'The Lord needs them,' and he will immediately send them." One commentary I read recently on this stated that Jesus must have had a pre-established agreement with the colt's owner for this to happen. I want to disagree with that ... I believe it's more likely that the colt's owner was a God-fearing man who understood the scriptures that say "Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey - even on a donkey's colt." So when the disciples said, "The Lord needs it," I want to believe that this owner knew what was going on because he knew the scriptures and could discern for himself what was happening.
Here's my question: Have I been investigating the scriptures so that when the Lord asks something from me, I'll be ready to offer it to him? Our logic tells us that this man (the colt's owner) must have met Jesus before and knew about this need -- but our faith tells us that the truth about this event was revealed to him through the scriptures - from the prophets!
What can we offer him today? Better yet, what is he asking from us today?
Wednesday's Reading: Matthew 20
Key Verse: "Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant." V26 NLT
What a powerful story at the beginning of the chapter on God's Kingdom. Unfortunately for me, I can see myself being that complaining worker who put in more time and demands more pay. Praise God he doesn't work that way. Let's spread the news!
On a side note, the NLT of the Bible says in verse 7 that the owner was told that the reason there were workers still available was because "no one hired us." I'm interpreting that line in context as "no one has shared the good news with us." People are ready to receive this message of hope, love, forgiveness, freedom ... are we ready to share?
Key Verse: "Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant." V26 NLT
What a powerful story at the beginning of the chapter on God's Kingdom. Unfortunately for me, I can see myself being that complaining worker who put in more time and demands more pay. Praise God he doesn't work that way. Let's spread the news!
On a side note, the NLT of the Bible says in verse 7 that the owner was told that the reason there were workers still available was because "no one hired us." I'm interpreting that line in context as "no one has shared the good news with us." People are ready to receive this message of hope, love, forgiveness, freedom ... are we ready to share?
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Tuesday's Reading: Matthew 19
Wow. Another chapter where Jesus had to confront our selfishness. We start off talking about divorce and remarriage. My family has not escaped the pain caused by divorce. It's rough - really rough. I can seriously count on one hand the number of people who are better off for divorcing - it's a tough, tough road. With that said, I'm looking at Jesus' words here and think, our marriages are worth saving at any cost! Lord help us!
Now the "rich ruler" comes along and askes Jesus about eternal life. Jesus responds with "obey the commandments." Then he prods further, "what else must I do?" This question makes me think this guy is spiritually thirsty and hungry for more. I love that! Sometimes I feel like we ask God for just "what little must I do" like living with Jesus is a burden, but this guy wants more! Right? Jesus responds to that question by saying, "if you want to be perfect, go and sell everything and give it away." Can you imagine selling all that you had and giving it away. Can you imagine the impact that would have on the generations that follow you. We put alot into our financial situations (especially in America) - I'm not saying that is right - but we can surely identify with the dilemna this guy is facing. To me, it boils down to this: whose kingdom are we living for? The words of Jesus echo in my mind about the lillies of the field and the birds of the air. There's such freedom in living that way.
Unfortunately, we live like the disciples when they said in verse 27: "What will get out of it?" Today we'd say, "what's in it for us?" Nothing. Nothing is to be gained on this Earth. But there is a day coming - the longest of days - a day that will never end in fact - when it will be worth it all!
Until then ...
Wow. Another chapter where Jesus had to confront our selfishness. We start off talking about divorce and remarriage. My family has not escaped the pain caused by divorce. It's rough - really rough. I can seriously count on one hand the number of people who are better off for divorcing - it's a tough, tough road. With that said, I'm looking at Jesus' words here and think, our marriages are worth saving at any cost! Lord help us!
Now the "rich ruler" comes along and askes Jesus about eternal life. Jesus responds with "obey the commandments." Then he prods further, "what else must I do?" This question makes me think this guy is spiritually thirsty and hungry for more. I love that! Sometimes I feel like we ask God for just "what little must I do" like living with Jesus is a burden, but this guy wants more! Right? Jesus responds to that question by saying, "if you want to be perfect, go and sell everything and give it away." Can you imagine selling all that you had and giving it away. Can you imagine the impact that would have on the generations that follow you. We put alot into our financial situations (especially in America) - I'm not saying that is right - but we can surely identify with the dilemna this guy is facing. To me, it boils down to this: whose kingdom are we living for? The words of Jesus echo in my mind about the lillies of the field and the birds of the air. There's such freedom in living that way.
Unfortunately, we live like the disciples when they said in verse 27: "What will get out of it?" Today we'd say, "what's in it for us?" Nothing. Nothing is to be gained on this Earth. But there is a day coming - the longest of days - a day that will never end in fact - when it will be worth it all!
Until then ...
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