Monday :: October 22 :: John 6
Had the great priviledge to read this chapter with my wife ... thanks Tammy!
This is also one of my favorite chapters of my favorite Gospels.
Outside of healings and such, Jesus really takes the depth of His diety to a new level. Feeding 5,000+ with barely enough food for one small boy was amazing. Walking on the surface of the water - crazy cool. Now Jesus is the "new rage" and the paparazzi are after Him. He's followed across the lake and people are pressing him about leaving ... His response? He says, "you only care about this because of the cool miracles ... not because of the meaning behind them." Is that a great response. Fame isn't something men handle well. It builds our ego too quickly or something. The fame didn't even phase Christ - He understood its magnitude and its deception. "Search for eternal life," he said instead of getting wrapped up in these miraculous things.
60 Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?”
How true is this ... many people fall away from very sound teaching today because it's tough.
> It intrudes on their personal wants and desires
> It means that they can't have all the pleasures of the world
> It means that they have to serve and not be served
> It means that they have to put others before themselves
> It means that they have love their enemies instead of seek revenge upon them
> It means they see things from a different perspective than the rest of the world
> and this list could be really long!
Let's answer the question these followers asked of themselves this day ... "only by the grace of God are we able to understand any of this!" And I for one, need lots more of it!!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Friday :: October 19 :: John 5
I was caught by Jesus' approach to the man he healed in this chapter. What came to mind mind was that Jesus was most of the time approached by people who wanted him to do something. Like all the time - he is being asked to heal this person, touch that one ... give, give, give. But on this day, he looks at a man and asks, "Are you interested in getting better or do you like it begging here." (TB's paraphrase free of charge). I like seeing a proactive Lord who is willing to drag us out of our circumstances ... if we are wanting to get out of them.
[NLT] "38 and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me—the one he sent to you. 39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life."
I'm struck by the boldness again of Jesus to speak directly to the issues at hand. Here's a question to ponder ... is God in our heart in our "pre-conversion" condition or is His message placed there after our faith is placed in Him? Jesus tells these religious leaders: "because God's message isn't in your heart, you don't believe in me, His Son."
I was caught by Jesus' approach to the man he healed in this chapter. What came to mind mind was that Jesus was most of the time approached by people who wanted him to do something. Like all the time - he is being asked to heal this person, touch that one ... give, give, give. But on this day, he looks at a man and asks, "Are you interested in getting better or do you like it begging here." (TB's paraphrase free of charge). I like seeing a proactive Lord who is willing to drag us out of our circumstances ... if we are wanting to get out of them.
[NLT] "38 and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me—the one he sent to you. 39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life."
I'm struck by the boldness again of Jesus to speak directly to the issues at hand. Here's a question to ponder ... is God in our heart in our "pre-conversion" condition or is His message placed there after our faith is placed in Him? Jesus tells these religious leaders: "because God's message isn't in your heart, you don't believe in me, His Son."
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Thursday :: October 18 :: John 4
Here's one of my favorite moments in Jesus' ministry. I preached about it last Sunday. Why am I attracted to this story? I'm not sure. I think it's because I see Jesus love a sinner in such a way that they are drawn to Him. Do I do that? Can someone who is away from Christ be with me and since my love, my passion for them to be restored into God's Kingdom? Jesus has this great ability to speak the truth (which can hurt) but He pours on so much love and compassion that people are drawn to His words and are excited to be freed from their bondage!
A couple of observations:
1) this was a woman who had a limited understanding of God. She speaks about the Messiah and the proper way to worship - she knew right from wrong but was allowing sin to waste her life away. She was hungry for more than she currently understood. She was OPEN to God's love.
2) She was well connected with others like her. In v.28 she leaves her water and goes to town to tell her friends about Jesus. In v.39 we see that many believe in Jesus because of her testimony. She didn't keep this truth to herself - she wanted others to know it too. She loved others enough to tell them.
3) Her ministry was appreciated. You know, these people didn't trample over her anymore. They told her (v.42) that they were intrigued by what she said, but now believe because of what they have seen with their own eyes. Her integrity was restored - she was a member of society again!
Something I just noticed in the story of Jesus healing the "official's" son is that Jesus tells the official to leave because the healing has taken place but the father doesn't know the outcome for another day. 52: "When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour." Then the father realized that this was the exact time ast which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." We are so hungry for INSTANT gratification that we miss what the opportunity for what God is already at work doing. The father left (taking Jesus at his word) but didn't know until he inquired about the timing.
One last thing about this miracle. I've often thought that healing is a direct result of our faith. In other words, if we have enough faith - we can see the healing. Well in the story, the faith of the official comes AFTER the miracle. In v.53, it says "So he and his household believed." Did the miracle occur to give the man faith? Likely. But that flies in the face of my traditional understanding of God's healing touch. His miracles all have purpose - but it's likely not the purpose that we have in mind when we pray for them. Does that make sense? Something to ponder ....
Here's one of my favorite moments in Jesus' ministry. I preached about it last Sunday. Why am I attracted to this story? I'm not sure. I think it's because I see Jesus love a sinner in such a way that they are drawn to Him. Do I do that? Can someone who is away from Christ be with me and since my love, my passion for them to be restored into God's Kingdom? Jesus has this great ability to speak the truth (which can hurt) but He pours on so much love and compassion that people are drawn to His words and are excited to be freed from their bondage!
A couple of observations:
1) this was a woman who had a limited understanding of God. She speaks about the Messiah and the proper way to worship - she knew right from wrong but was allowing sin to waste her life away. She was hungry for more than she currently understood. She was OPEN to God's love.
2) She was well connected with others like her. In v.28 she leaves her water and goes to town to tell her friends about Jesus. In v.39 we see that many believe in Jesus because of her testimony. She didn't keep this truth to herself - she wanted others to know it too. She loved others enough to tell them.
3) Her ministry was appreciated. You know, these people didn't trample over her anymore. They told her (v.42) that they were intrigued by what she said, but now believe because of what they have seen with their own eyes. Her integrity was restored - she was a member of society again!
Something I just noticed in the story of Jesus healing the "official's" son is that Jesus tells the official to leave because the healing has taken place but the father doesn't know the outcome for another day. 52: "When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour." Then the father realized that this was the exact time ast which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." We are so hungry for INSTANT gratification that we miss what the opportunity for what God is already at work doing. The father left (taking Jesus at his word) but didn't know until he inquired about the timing.
One last thing about this miracle. I've often thought that healing is a direct result of our faith. In other words, if we have enough faith - we can see the healing. Well in the story, the faith of the official comes AFTER the miracle. In v.53, it says "So he and his household believed." Did the miracle occur to give the man faith? Likely. But that flies in the face of my traditional understanding of God's healing touch. His miracles all have purpose - but it's likely not the purpose that we have in mind when we pray for them. Does that make sense? Something to ponder ....
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Wednesday :: October 17 :: John 3
Happy Birthday to my pappy! 68 years old!
Jesus uses such great word analogies. Here he is telling Nicodemus about being "born again." This is a picture that we can all understand. We've all be born into this world ... now Jesus is speaking in those common ground terms regarding being born into the spiritual.
Nicodemus gets nailed with the "you are a leader but you don't understand what I'm saying" comment by Jesus. That had to hurt but I also think it challenged him to step up to the plate a little. Too often, I think we are afraid to speak truth to people because we are afraid of hurting their feelings. Jesus cuts right to the chase with his comments to people all the time. He does it with love and with concern for who they are - but he doesn't attempt to be PC at all! And what's coolest is that out of Nicodemus's question, comes one of our most beloved verses within the entire Bible in John 3:16.
Consider these different translations of the John 3:16-17:
NLT: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him."
MESSAGE: "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again."
AMPLIFIED: For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([a]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
17For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.
CONTEMP. ENGLISH VER: "God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. 17God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!"
Tuesday :: October 16 :: John 2
I think if Corbin ever looks at Tammy and says, "Dear woman," she'd come uncorked! haha The last time we saw Mary, she was a timid but faithful teen aged mother-to-be. Now, 30 years later, she's a "know what she wants" confident mid-40 year old women. Don't mess with her!
Interesting observation: After his first miracle, the scriptures record that Jesus' disciples but their faith in him. (11). Isn't it funny that we have to see to believe. It appears to be the way that God made us.
I love to see Christ's anger in the temple. But his anger isn't about stuff that I get upset about. It's about his love for the Temple and God's Holy place. Tells me a couple of things ... God loves the church and he demands integrity (right motives).
Monday :: October 15 :: John 1
I read a little bit about the purpose that the Apostle John wrote this Gospel account. It appears that from his language, he was appealing to both greeks and jews (in other words, to build up believers and to reach out to non-believers). This is great thinking for our churches as well. In what we do and in how we do it, we should be thinking about ways to build up AND reach out!
John had a great understanding of the privileges of walking with God. He understood the blessing of being called a "child of God." He saw the pain of our Lord first-hand as the only disciple present at the time of Jesus' crucifixion. He has seen the greatest example of holiness first hand - and he has seen what the world thinks of holiness first hand as well.
vv 26: John is questioned about why he baptizes if he admits that he is not the Christ, Elijah nor a prophet. His answer is a classic non-answer. He really never answers the question in my opinion. He is clear about his position in this process - he is nothing compared to the One and Only (18).
When John first sees Jesus, he speaks as if he doesn't know him at all. That's interesting from the standpoint that they are first cousins. It's not impossible but it's an interesting observation. There is also a glimpse into John's "pre-baptism ministry" when he says "the one who sent me to baptize ..." Was he mentored by someone? Did an angel visit him? Did God the Father tell him? Makes me wonder.
John the Baptist loses two disciples the next day. One of them is Andrew but the other isn't identified (from what I can tell). Andrew tells his brother Simon (called Peter after meeting Jesus) and then Jesus calls Philip who then gets his brother named Nathanael. All four of these guys are from one town - Bethsaida. Seeing how Jesus calls these members of the same family makes me think about how somethings operate in our world - you know in getting a job or anything - it's not in what you know but it's in WHO you know. Seems that Jesus even understood this principle and used it.
LONG chapter!
Happy Birthday to my pappy! 68 years old!
Jesus uses such great word analogies. Here he is telling Nicodemus about being "born again." This is a picture that we can all understand. We've all be born into this world ... now Jesus is speaking in those common ground terms regarding being born into the spiritual.
Nicodemus gets nailed with the "you are a leader but you don't understand what I'm saying" comment by Jesus. That had to hurt but I also think it challenged him to step up to the plate a little. Too often, I think we are afraid to speak truth to people because we are afraid of hurting their feelings. Jesus cuts right to the chase with his comments to people all the time. He does it with love and with concern for who they are - but he doesn't attempt to be PC at all! And what's coolest is that out of Nicodemus's question, comes one of our most beloved verses within the entire Bible in John 3:16.
Consider these different translations of the John 3:16-17:
NLT: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him."
MESSAGE: "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again."
AMPLIFIED: For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([a]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
17For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.
CONTEMP. ENGLISH VER: "God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. 17God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!"
Tuesday :: October 16 :: John 2
I think if Corbin ever looks at Tammy and says, "Dear woman," she'd come uncorked! haha The last time we saw Mary, she was a timid but faithful teen aged mother-to-be. Now, 30 years later, she's a "know what she wants" confident mid-40 year old women. Don't mess with her!
Interesting observation: After his first miracle, the scriptures record that Jesus' disciples but their faith in him. (11). Isn't it funny that we have to see to believe. It appears to be the way that God made us.
I love to see Christ's anger in the temple. But his anger isn't about stuff that I get upset about. It's about his love for the Temple and God's Holy place. Tells me a couple of things ... God loves the church and he demands integrity (right motives).
Monday :: October 15 :: John 1
I read a little bit about the purpose that the Apostle John wrote this Gospel account. It appears that from his language, he was appealing to both greeks and jews (in other words, to build up believers and to reach out to non-believers). This is great thinking for our churches as well. In what we do and in how we do it, we should be thinking about ways to build up AND reach out!
John had a great understanding of the privileges of walking with God. He understood the blessing of being called a "child of God." He saw the pain of our Lord first-hand as the only disciple present at the time of Jesus' crucifixion. He has seen the greatest example of holiness first hand - and he has seen what the world thinks of holiness first hand as well.
vv 26: John is questioned about why he baptizes if he admits that he is not the Christ, Elijah nor a prophet. His answer is a classic non-answer. He really never answers the question in my opinion. He is clear about his position in this process - he is nothing compared to the One and Only (18).
When John first sees Jesus, he speaks as if he doesn't know him at all. That's interesting from the standpoint that they are first cousins. It's not impossible but it's an interesting observation. There is also a glimpse into John's "pre-baptism ministry" when he says "the one who sent me to baptize ..." Was he mentored by someone? Did an angel visit him? Did God the Father tell him? Makes me wonder.
John the Baptist loses two disciples the next day. One of them is Andrew but the other isn't identified (from what I can tell). Andrew tells his brother Simon (called Peter after meeting Jesus) and then Jesus calls Philip who then gets his brother named Nathanael. All four of these guys are from one town - Bethsaida. Seeing how Jesus calls these members of the same family makes me think about how somethings operate in our world - you know in getting a job or anything - it's not in what you know but it's in WHO you know. Seems that Jesus even understood this principle and used it.
LONG chapter!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Friday :: October 12 :: 1 Peter 5
I'm praying for my friend Jeff who has an important court hearing today. Lord, may your will be done.
vv1-4 are great for us pastors: "be shepherds of the GOD's flock (not mine), serve because you are willing, not lording over them - but be examples before them." Great job description for me!
vv6-11 are great for everyone and worthy of memorization: "be humble, give God your anxious thoughts, be self-controlled, stand firm - resist the noise of the devil, God will restore you and make you strong."
I love the imagery of the devil being a lion. Do you know how lions hunt? The male flanks their prey by going out and roaring ... this obviously scares the prey and causes them to flee from the area. But what they don't know is the female lions are crouched nearby so the prey will run right into them. The male lion literally scares the prey right into the hands of the female lion. She does the killing (and food prep).
In light of this, consider Peter's words about the devil. He is the male lion roaring - hoping that us (his prey) will run from him right into the unsuspecting traps that await for us. We are called by Peter (and by God) to stand firm in the face of the roar! Resist the temptations - stand firm in your faith - He will make you strong!
I'm praying for my friend Jeff who has an important court hearing today. Lord, may your will be done.
vv1-4 are great for us pastors: "be shepherds of the GOD's flock (not mine), serve because you are willing, not lording over them - but be examples before them." Great job description for me!
vv6-11 are great for everyone and worthy of memorization: "be humble, give God your anxious thoughts, be self-controlled, stand firm - resist the noise of the devil, God will restore you and make you strong."
I love the imagery of the devil being a lion. Do you know how lions hunt? The male flanks their prey by going out and roaring ... this obviously scares the prey and causes them to flee from the area. But what they don't know is the female lions are crouched nearby so the prey will run right into them. The male lion literally scares the prey right into the hands of the female lion. She does the killing (and food prep).
In light of this, consider Peter's words about the devil. He is the male lion roaring - hoping that us (his prey) will run from him right into the unsuspecting traps that await for us. We are called by Peter (and by God) to stand firm in the face of the roar! Resist the temptations - stand firm in your faith - He will make you strong!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Thursday :: October 11 :: 1 Peter 4
My mind is on suffering today. Christ suffered a lot during his life - besides the obvious death on a cross issue - - He traveled around with no home (no place of security), his earthly family was a little bit of a mess (no dad and a mother who had a clear favorite no doubt brought some interesting dynamics), he was rejected by his very own creation too often, and he had the power of all the universe at his disposal but couldn't use it.
Peter reminds us today that having "it all" on earth really is an empty hope. Christ demonstrated that by having nothing spectacular while on Earth. He was clearly not bent on getting anywhere here ... he was focused on living for His Father's Kingdom and doing His Will. Are we that focused on the big picture? Or do we get frustrated with our current sufferings and cry foul?
Wierd Verse Alert: Remember that really wierd verse yesterday about Jesus preaching to the dead in Noah's day? (3:19-20) Look at v6 > "For this reason the gospel was preached eve to those who are now dead,k so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit." At first glance, I'm thinking Peter is really caught up in this idea of getting another chance after death ... but a little research helps me on this one. There was a strong belief that Christ was coming back (which He is) before the Believers would face death. That first century church was really convinced that His return was going to be days, not years and definitely not centuries. So, when there were Believers dying they started facing persecution about that. Peter is saying "even those who are now dead, were preached to and will be receiving their judgement. It's okay to die a Believer in Christ - He will still receive you." This was said to help those who were afraid to die without seeing Christ in the flesh. Make sense? Interesting for our day and age.
"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God." (11)
Do your words represent what you think God would say? Are you ashamed of your words?
"If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength that God provides." (11)
Are you weary of serving in your own strength? Are you relying on God to renew you?
What do you do when you suffer? "To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." (11)
My mind is on suffering today. Christ suffered a lot during his life - besides the obvious death on a cross issue - - He traveled around with no home (no place of security), his earthly family was a little bit of a mess (no dad and a mother who had a clear favorite no doubt brought some interesting dynamics), he was rejected by his very own creation too often, and he had the power of all the universe at his disposal but couldn't use it.
Peter reminds us today that having "it all" on earth really is an empty hope. Christ demonstrated that by having nothing spectacular while on Earth. He was clearly not bent on getting anywhere here ... he was focused on living for His Father's Kingdom and doing His Will. Are we that focused on the big picture? Or do we get frustrated with our current sufferings and cry foul?
Wierd Verse Alert: Remember that really wierd verse yesterday about Jesus preaching to the dead in Noah's day? (3:19-20) Look at v6 > "For this reason the gospel was preached eve to those who are now dead,k so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit." At first glance, I'm thinking Peter is really caught up in this idea of getting another chance after death ... but a little research helps me on this one. There was a strong belief that Christ was coming back (which He is) before the Believers would face death. That first century church was really convinced that His return was going to be days, not years and definitely not centuries. So, when there were Believers dying they started facing persecution about that. Peter is saying "even those who are now dead, were preached to and will be receiving their judgement. It's okay to die a Believer in Christ - He will still receive you." This was said to help those who were afraid to die without seeing Christ in the flesh. Make sense? Interesting for our day and age.
"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God." (11)
Do your words represent what you think God would say? Are you ashamed of your words?
"If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength that God provides." (11)
Are you weary of serving in your own strength? Are you relying on God to renew you?
What do you do when you suffer? "To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." (11)
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Wednesday :: October 10 :: 1 Peter 3
I had the great priviledge of reading our text today with our staff. I'll enjoy hearing the "hairy chins" take on the "weaker partner" comment.
The first major section of chapter 3 seems to fly in the face of modern thinking behind the roles of women - specifically wives. But culturally speaking, this is great news for women (back in the day). Women were seen (and today are still the same) as mere objects - possessions. But Peter is saying they have worth and value that comes not from their appearance or the outside but from much deeper - they have a soul! At the time of this writing, women were not treated like equally with men and many believed they were not worthy of the Kingdom of God. Peter is saying you are worth it! You have value! Stand tall and allow your inner beauty to shine! I think this is a great message for our young women today ... for my 6 year old daughter ... to cultivate a spirit within them that they are confident in who they are and not what they look like as much.
There is some great content in chapter 3 but then I get to this: "He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the art was being built." (19-20) Huh? You can image I pulled out the smart people book to help me understand this one and ... it didn't help much. Some things have come to mind over this scripture:
1) Peter, the author of this letter, was with Christ for some extended time after his resurrection. This would lead me to believe that Jesus spoke about many more things but very few of these have been recorded. Is it possible that Jesus shared with Peter about what he did after his death (in the spirit) and before His resurrection took place? Did Jesus visit a "holding sell" for those who did not repent during Noah's day and preach about their need for salvation? Did he offer them a second chance in this moment?
2) Peter was the disciple who always got into trouble for talking ... I have always identified with that. Could it be that Peter is talking symbolically or just rambling on? If that were true, then we'd question the "holiness of scriptures" that feature authors who are not completely inspired by God to write these words ... and I don't want that debate!
I had the great priviledge of reading our text today with our staff. I'll enjoy hearing the "hairy chins" take on the "weaker partner" comment.
The first major section of chapter 3 seems to fly in the face of modern thinking behind the roles of women - specifically wives. But culturally speaking, this is great news for women (back in the day). Women were seen (and today are still the same) as mere objects - possessions. But Peter is saying they have worth and value that comes not from their appearance or the outside but from much deeper - they have a soul! At the time of this writing, women were not treated like equally with men and many believed they were not worthy of the Kingdom of God. Peter is saying you are worth it! You have value! Stand tall and allow your inner beauty to shine! I think this is a great message for our young women today ... for my 6 year old daughter ... to cultivate a spirit within them that they are confident in who they are and not what they look like as much.
There is some great content in chapter 3 but then I get to this: "He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the art was being built." (19-20) Huh? You can image I pulled out the smart people book to help me understand this one and ... it didn't help much. Some things have come to mind over this scripture:
1) Peter, the author of this letter, was with Christ for some extended time after his resurrection. This would lead me to believe that Jesus spoke about many more things but very few of these have been recorded. Is it possible that Jesus shared with Peter about what he did after his death (in the spirit) and before His resurrection took place? Did Jesus visit a "holding sell" for those who did not repent during Noah's day and preach about their need for salvation? Did he offer them a second chance in this moment?
2) Peter was the disciple who always got into trouble for talking ... I have always identified with that. Could it be that Peter is talking symbolically or just rambling on? If that were true, then we'd question the "holiness of scriptures" that feature authors who are not completely inspired by God to write these words ... and I don't want that debate!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Tuesday, October 8 :: 1 Peter 2
Happy Hoff? haha
Pet Peeve: Adults who walk around with bottles in their hands. Have you seen them? They bring their bottles with adult sized nipples into restaurants, food courts and offices. They don't eat anything - everything they want is in that bottle ... of course they've never tried anything else before to know the difference! Can you tell that I'm being silly now? I hope so. But that's what Peter is talking about in spiritual terms at the beginning of this chapter. "You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. Cry out for this nourishment as a baby cries for milk, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness." (2-3) Is everything you want found in Christ? Or do you still desire the fruit of this world? I'm wanting to CRY OUT TO GOD TO GIVE ME PURE MILK! I'M HUNGRY FOR IT!
Is Jesus your cornerstone or your stumbling block? He will either hold you up, or trip you up. "They stumble because they do not listen to the God's Word or obey it." (8)
"Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors." (12) or co-workers, or family members or friends. I'm really challenged by this lately. I know that our neighbors can bug the snot out of us ... mine mows to close to my trees ... this one let's his dog gain relief in my yard ... another hunts on my land ... this one parks his junk right by my back yard ... you know, there are some royal pains out there (Hoff - down boy) but the bottom line is "who are we?" Lord, grant me the patience required to obey Your Word and turn the other cheek and love those whom I find it hard to love!
This is great: "He personally carried away our sins in his own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds!" (24)
Happy Hoff? haha
Pet Peeve: Adults who walk around with bottles in their hands. Have you seen them? They bring their bottles with adult sized nipples into restaurants, food courts and offices. They don't eat anything - everything they want is in that bottle ... of course they've never tried anything else before to know the difference! Can you tell that I'm being silly now? I hope so. But that's what Peter is talking about in spiritual terms at the beginning of this chapter. "You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. Cry out for this nourishment as a baby cries for milk, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness." (2-3) Is everything you want found in Christ? Or do you still desire the fruit of this world? I'm wanting to CRY OUT TO GOD TO GIVE ME PURE MILK! I'M HUNGRY FOR IT!
Is Jesus your cornerstone or your stumbling block? He will either hold you up, or trip you up. "They stumble because they do not listen to the God's Word or obey it." (8)
"Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors." (12) or co-workers, or family members or friends. I'm really challenged by this lately. I know that our neighbors can bug the snot out of us ... mine mows to close to my trees ... this one let's his dog gain relief in my yard ... another hunts on my land ... this one parks his junk right by my back yard ... you know, there are some royal pains out there (Hoff - down boy) but the bottom line is "who are we?" Lord, grant me the patience required to obey Your Word and turn the other cheek and love those whom I find it hard to love!
This is great: "He personally carried away our sins in his own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds!" (24)
Monday, October 8, 2007
To get Hoff of my back ... I've decided to break my posting silence.
I'll even start where I left off ... but you'll need to read this post from the bottom up ...
October 8 1 Peter 1
The roles of the Trinity are seen here: "God the Father chose you long ago, and the Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed Jesus Christ and are cleansed by his blood." (2) The Father is the team owner (calling the shots and organizing his team), the Son is manager (who is cleaning up our stink and serving our every need by sacrificing himself and being the perfect offering for us) and the Spirit is the coach (making us ready for great plays in the big games - making us HOLY). Sorry ... I'm watching Sportscenter and Monday Night Football.
vv7-8 speak of trials ... the purpose is found in this "So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." How does my faith respond to trials?
The call is clear in this chapter ... we are to be HOLY PEOPLE. It's not an option! It's the desire and hope of God that His children look and act like Him ... we are to resemble our Heavenly Father and be HOLY PEOPLE.
October 5 3 John
"I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children live in the truth." (4) I ECHO JOHN'S THOUGHTS ABOUT MY OWN KIDS!
"I sent a brief letter to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, does not acknowledge our authority." (9) Do you hear John's tone in that italics I placed here? That hit me between the eyes. I love to be the leader, too. I should really keep that in better perspective. Who has the final "authority" in my life? Am I living in a way that demonstrates that authority?
October 4 2 John
I get the picture in this letter that the church is established and has entered into another generation. The command to love is no longer new ... it's what we've had from the beginning. Once again we hear that loving God = obeying his commands.
I hear in this letter, too, that we can lose fellowship with God. John speaks of "wandering away" from this teaching. Wandering conjures pictures of not taking good care of the Truth, of not being diligent and consistent in the faith, etc. Can we wander away? Yes.
October 3 1 John 5
"For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory." (4) My mind wonders: victory over what? Evil? Life? Big picture or little picture?
Confused? "And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God." (20)
October 2 1 John 4
(1) false prophets are everywhere in our world today. I was listening to Joel Olsteen (sp) on TV Sunday night and just thinking ... is this guy for real? Now I think he is being used by God but I also think (in hearing a very limited amount of his sermons) that he is another example of leading people into this thinking that a life in God is going to lead in worldly good. Friends, that can't be further from the real truth. A life in Christ will be the best thing ever - but not necessarily in this world and definitely not by this world's standards.
How will the world know we are legit and the Spirit lives in us? "But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us." (12)
October 1 1 John 3
"See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are!" (1) Remember our heaven discuss above? "... and we can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is." (2) This tells me there are questions even in John's mind about what entering Heaven will involve and what it will be like. Those questions will be blown away in an instant when our eyes will see the Truth in the flesh. That gets me excited!
John speaks often of "not sinning." "So if we continue to live in him, we won't sin either. But those who keep on sinning have never known Him or understood who he is." How do we stop sinning? There's a great debate about whether or not this is possible.
Dr. John Seaman spoke on Sunday (10-7) and clarified some of this for us at High Pointe: sin enters into our life when we willfully tell God "no." His example was great when he allowed his actions to get out of hand and treat someone else very poorly. Once the Lord showed him that those actions were not becoming a disciple, he promptly went and made that right - by apologizing and seeking forgiveness to everyone involved - the one he wronged and to those he wronged in front of. Now the point was this: his actions were not sin (regrettable and wrong no doubt) but because he responded to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they were not sin. They would have become sin in his life had the Holy Spirit revealed that to him and he did nothing about it. I'm not doing the illustration justice. Bottom line: are you obeying the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life - by making things right between you and another; by seeking forgiveness; by being aware of your actions and filtering them through the lens of righteousness??? That is how the CHILDREN OF GOD will live!
MEMORIZE THIS: "Dear Children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions." (18)
Sept 28 1 John 2
Remember that confidence issue earlier? "And how do we be sure that we belong to him? By obeying his commandments." (3) My good friend Mike is compiling a list of all the commandments that Jesus spoke of during his ministry as recorded in the Gospels ... that would be a great list to contemplate ... can't wait to see it.
Key words for me in this line of thinking ... grace, surrender, obedience, love, confidence, power
For those who think they worship the same God as me and who want to deny the DIETY of Christ ... "Anyone who denies the Son doesn't have the Father either. But anyone who confesses the Son has the Father also." (23)
Sept 27 1 John 1
In college, I had to translate this book from greek to english. I was terrible at it ... I still don't enjoy greek ... not one part of it ... other than I appreciate how perfectly deep and powerful it is ...
"We are writing these things so that our joy will be complete." (4) This makes me wonder, what gives me joy? What would make my joy complete? I can see John's desire to do something that would help someone else GROW closer to the Lord.
"If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong." (8-9) Great verses to commit to memory. He is faithful! Praise His name for His forgiving power.
Sept 26 Titus 3
Praise God for all He has done for us! I praise You with words that can't even begin to do justice to how much I appreciate SALVATION.
Sept 25 Titus 2
"And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching." (7) I'm drawn to that word "integrity." I'm amazed how that line of integrity can be so easily blurred today. Here's what makes integrity clear: live in self-control, with right conduct, and devotion to God. (12)
How would you grade yourself in those 3 areas?
Sept 24 Titus 1
Confidence. We can all have confidence in various things - most of are confident in what we do for work, or how we guide our family or how we play a sport. But very few Believers walk around beaming with confidence in our relationship with God. Consider this:
A confident Believer:
- thrives in sharing their faith journey with others (in love - not in bragging manipulation)
- understands the major concepts of God's plan for all of mankind
- is growing in their faith out of love for Christ - not out of shame or duty
- lives with a clear conscience and a positive approach to life
A non-confident Believer:
- shrinks for opportunities to share their faith or their personal story of God
- lacks much understanding of how God is at work in the world and in their life
- isn't growing in their faith because they aren't practicing spiritual disciplines
- lives with a miserable outlook on life and the church
Sept 21 2 Timothy 4
Do you ever wonder how you will leave this world and enter the next? I do. A lot! As a kid, I would get so focused on that kind of stuff I'd make myself sick. I still can if I'm not careful. Just think, we have ideas of the Heaven; we have people who have claimed to have died, hung out there for a while and then came back but was that real or just their mind snapping a few more dreams into their memory; seriously - that's what I wonder about.
So Paul is in bad shape. He's in prison and life is being squeezed from him. He concludes this leader like a man on borrowed time: "this jerk left me, this one stayed faithful, please come see me and bring so and so." He's wanting to be close to his disciples - those he loves and who love him in return. Pretty sweet image.
Sept 20 2 Timothy 3
WARNING! WARNING! "They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly." (5) Boy, it's not hard to find or imagine examples of this verse. Honestly, I've lived that verse more than I'd care to admit. How often do we all reject the power that is made available to us? Rejecting the Lord is a sure recipe for despair -
Did you know that the Jannes and Jambres spoken of in v8 are the names of the Egyptian magicians who challenged Moses by reproducing his miracles before Pharaoh? "Their minds were depraved, and their faith is counterfeit." (8) The power of the world - magicians, cult leaders, etc - it all seems real enough, but it is 100% counterfeit to the REAL THING!
Sept 19 2 Timothy 2
"Follow the Lord's rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize. Hardworking farmers are the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will give you understanding in all these things." (5-7) First of all, v5 is amazing with the recent admission of Marion Jones doping in the Olympics ... no prize for you ... at least on earth ... but confession and living justly is now a worthy goal for her. I like, too, that Paul says, "think about this ... you'll get what I'm saying because the Lord will help you ... He will make it obvious." That to me puts an import emphasis on a couple of things:
1) study of God's Word is vitally important - you probably won't get it the first time through.
2) the Lord will reveal His Truth - it doesn't come from human logic but from divine inspiration
Sept 18 2 Timothy 1
"It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began - to show his love and kindness through Christ Jesus." (9) This is worthy of memorization. So simple. So easy to get. Yet so profound!
I'll even start where I left off ... but you'll need to read this post from the bottom up ...
October 8 1 Peter 1
The roles of the Trinity are seen here: "God the Father chose you long ago, and the Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed Jesus Christ and are cleansed by his blood." (2) The Father is the team owner (calling the shots and organizing his team), the Son is manager (who is cleaning up our stink and serving our every need by sacrificing himself and being the perfect offering for us) and the Spirit is the coach (making us ready for great plays in the big games - making us HOLY). Sorry ... I'm watching Sportscenter and Monday Night Football.
vv7-8 speak of trials ... the purpose is found in this "So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." How does my faith respond to trials?
The call is clear in this chapter ... we are to be HOLY PEOPLE. It's not an option! It's the desire and hope of God that His children look and act like Him ... we are to resemble our Heavenly Father and be HOLY PEOPLE.
October 5 3 John
"I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children live in the truth." (4) I ECHO JOHN'S THOUGHTS ABOUT MY OWN KIDS!
"I sent a brief letter to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, does not acknowledge our authority." (9) Do you hear John's tone in that italics I placed here? That hit me between the eyes. I love to be the leader, too. I should really keep that in better perspective. Who has the final "authority" in my life? Am I living in a way that demonstrates that authority?
October 4 2 John
I get the picture in this letter that the church is established and has entered into another generation. The command to love is no longer new ... it's what we've had from the beginning. Once again we hear that loving God = obeying his commands.
I hear in this letter, too, that we can lose fellowship with God. John speaks of "wandering away" from this teaching. Wandering conjures pictures of not taking good care of the Truth, of not being diligent and consistent in the faith, etc. Can we wander away? Yes.
October 3 1 John 5
"For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory." (4) My mind wonders: victory over what? Evil? Life? Big picture or little picture?
Confused? "And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God." (20)
October 2 1 John 4
(1) false prophets are everywhere in our world today. I was listening to Joel Olsteen (sp) on TV Sunday night and just thinking ... is this guy for real? Now I think he is being used by God but I also think (in hearing a very limited amount of his sermons) that he is another example of leading people into this thinking that a life in God is going to lead in worldly good. Friends, that can't be further from the real truth. A life in Christ will be the best thing ever - but not necessarily in this world and definitely not by this world's standards.
How will the world know we are legit and the Spirit lives in us? "But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us." (12)
October 1 1 John 3
"See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are!" (1) Remember our heaven discuss above? "... and we can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is." (2) This tells me there are questions even in John's mind about what entering Heaven will involve and what it will be like. Those questions will be blown away in an instant when our eyes will see the Truth in the flesh. That gets me excited!
John speaks often of "not sinning." "So if we continue to live in him, we won't sin either. But those who keep on sinning have never known Him or understood who he is." How do we stop sinning? There's a great debate about whether or not this is possible.
Dr. John Seaman spoke on Sunday (10-7) and clarified some of this for us at High Pointe: sin enters into our life when we willfully tell God "no." His example was great when he allowed his actions to get out of hand and treat someone else very poorly. Once the Lord showed him that those actions were not becoming a disciple, he promptly went and made that right - by apologizing and seeking forgiveness to everyone involved - the one he wronged and to those he wronged in front of. Now the point was this: his actions were not sin (regrettable and wrong no doubt) but because he responded to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they were not sin. They would have become sin in his life had the Holy Spirit revealed that to him and he did nothing about it. I'm not doing the illustration justice. Bottom line: are you obeying the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life - by making things right between you and another; by seeking forgiveness; by being aware of your actions and filtering them through the lens of righteousness??? That is how the CHILDREN OF GOD will live!
MEMORIZE THIS: "Dear Children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions." (18)
Sept 28 1 John 2
Remember that confidence issue earlier? "And how do we be sure that we belong to him? By obeying his commandments." (3) My good friend Mike is compiling a list of all the commandments that Jesus spoke of during his ministry as recorded in the Gospels ... that would be a great list to contemplate ... can't wait to see it.
Key words for me in this line of thinking ... grace, surrender, obedience, love, confidence, power
For those who think they worship the same God as me and who want to deny the DIETY of Christ ... "Anyone who denies the Son doesn't have the Father either. But anyone who confesses the Son has the Father also." (23)
Sept 27 1 John 1
In college, I had to translate this book from greek to english. I was terrible at it ... I still don't enjoy greek ... not one part of it ... other than I appreciate how perfectly deep and powerful it is ...
"We are writing these things so that our joy will be complete." (4) This makes me wonder, what gives me joy? What would make my joy complete? I can see John's desire to do something that would help someone else GROW closer to the Lord.
"If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong." (8-9) Great verses to commit to memory. He is faithful! Praise His name for His forgiving power.
Sept 26 Titus 3
Praise God for all He has done for us! I praise You with words that can't even begin to do justice to how much I appreciate SALVATION.
Sept 25 Titus 2
"And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching." (7) I'm drawn to that word "integrity." I'm amazed how that line of integrity can be so easily blurred today. Here's what makes integrity clear: live in self-control, with right conduct, and devotion to God. (12)
How would you grade yourself in those 3 areas?
Sept 24 Titus 1
Confidence. We can all have confidence in various things - most of are confident in what we do for work, or how we guide our family or how we play a sport. But very few Believers walk around beaming with confidence in our relationship with God. Consider this:
A confident Believer:
- thrives in sharing their faith journey with others (in love - not in bragging manipulation)
- understands the major concepts of God's plan for all of mankind
- is growing in their faith out of love for Christ - not out of shame or duty
- lives with a clear conscience and a positive approach to life
A non-confident Believer:
- shrinks for opportunities to share their faith or their personal story of God
- lacks much understanding of how God is at work in the world and in their life
- isn't growing in their faith because they aren't practicing spiritual disciplines
- lives with a miserable outlook on life and the church
Sept 21 2 Timothy 4
Do you ever wonder how you will leave this world and enter the next? I do. A lot! As a kid, I would get so focused on that kind of stuff I'd make myself sick. I still can if I'm not careful. Just think, we have ideas of the Heaven; we have people who have claimed to have died, hung out there for a while and then came back but was that real or just their mind snapping a few more dreams into their memory; seriously - that's what I wonder about.
So Paul is in bad shape. He's in prison and life is being squeezed from him. He concludes this leader like a man on borrowed time: "this jerk left me, this one stayed faithful, please come see me and bring so and so." He's wanting to be close to his disciples - those he loves and who love him in return. Pretty sweet image.
Sept 20 2 Timothy 3
WARNING! WARNING! "They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly." (5) Boy, it's not hard to find or imagine examples of this verse. Honestly, I've lived that verse more than I'd care to admit. How often do we all reject the power that is made available to us? Rejecting the Lord is a sure recipe for despair -
Did you know that the Jannes and Jambres spoken of in v8 are the names of the Egyptian magicians who challenged Moses by reproducing his miracles before Pharaoh? "Their minds were depraved, and their faith is counterfeit." (8) The power of the world - magicians, cult leaders, etc - it all seems real enough, but it is 100% counterfeit to the REAL THING!
Sept 19 2 Timothy 2
"Follow the Lord's rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize. Hardworking farmers are the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will give you understanding in all these things." (5-7) First of all, v5 is amazing with the recent admission of Marion Jones doping in the Olympics ... no prize for you ... at least on earth ... but confession and living justly is now a worthy goal for her. I like, too, that Paul says, "think about this ... you'll get what I'm saying because the Lord will help you ... He will make it obvious." That to me puts an import emphasis on a couple of things:
1) study of God's Word is vitally important - you probably won't get it the first time through.
2) the Lord will reveal His Truth - it doesn't come from human logic but from divine inspiration
Sept 18 2 Timothy 1
"It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began - to show his love and kindness through Christ Jesus." (9) This is worthy of memorization. So simple. So easy to get. Yet so profound!
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