Friday : November 24 : 2 Peter 1
"evil desires" - do we take the time to consider this?
"corruption" - do we see what happens to us when we allow evil desires to take root in our life?
Corruption is a word in our society that isn't well received. If we say someone is "corrupt" it's an obvious bad thing - going to prison kind of bad thing! In the faith, it begins by allowing evil desires into our life. "Desires" is word that our society embraces - like give into your desires. This is where the conflict comes in for Believers today. We are told by our culture to give into your desires and be you - but that will lead to sinful corruption. So what do we do with that? We COVER IT UP! Corruption is only known about when it's "uncovered" or "discovered" by an authority.
I'm not sure I'm making sense right now ... it's snowing so I'm all messed up ... and thankful I hung my outside lights in the rain vs. the snow!
Bottomline: I'm tired of Believers walking around covering up the fact that they are being continually corrupted by their sinful desires! I'm tired of joining of them! Stop the corruption!
How? By getting to know Christ and acting more like Him and less like us!
"5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love."
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thursday : November 22 : 2 Thessalonians 3
Paul's request:
- the message of Christ spread rapidly (we usually keep it to ourselves)
- delivered from evil/wicked people (we can't easily determine this anymore)
- continue to do the work of the Lord (like stand firm in last chapter)
- Let the Lord direct your heart (we usually direct our own heart with logic)
Busybodies:
It's the one thing I hear all the time - and say quite frequently too. We all talk about how busy we are ... life is so busy ... life is so full ... going here, heading there. Busy, busy, busy ... doing what? It's not uncommon that at the end of my busy day, I can't tell you 5 things I accomplished! What's up with that. I'm working (the job never feels done) but telling you the tasks I accomplished can be tough at times.
I want to be more effective for Him. What am I doing today that will impact the Kingdom? What does God need me to do for His people today? How can I serve Him?
Paul's request:
- the message of Christ spread rapidly (we usually keep it to ourselves)
- delivered from evil/wicked people (we can't easily determine this anymore)
- continue to do the work of the Lord (like stand firm in last chapter)
- Let the Lord direct your heart (we usually direct our own heart with logic)
Busybodies:
It's the one thing I hear all the time - and say quite frequently too. We all talk about how busy we are ... life is so busy ... life is so full ... going here, heading there. Busy, busy, busy ... doing what? It's not uncommon that at the end of my busy day, I can't tell you 5 things I accomplished! What's up with that. I'm working (the job never feels done) but telling you the tasks I accomplished can be tough at times.
I want to be more effective for Him. What am I doing today that will impact the Kingdom? What does God need me to do for His people today? How can I serve Him?
Wednesday : November 21 : 2 Thessalonians 2
Today's reading is a strange one. The last days stuff is really confusing to me but as I've mentioned before, I think we need to consider it more often and live with a more "eminent" coming of Christ - rather than some far off experience.
I love Paul's encouragement to "stand firm." I think that's a missing understanding in our faith journey. Hold on. Stick to it. Don't give up. Don't doubt. Trust.
Today's reading is a strange one. The last days stuff is really confusing to me but as I've mentioned before, I think we need to consider it more often and live with a more "eminent" coming of Christ - rather than some far off experience.
I love Paul's encouragement to "stand firm." I think that's a missing understanding in our faith journey. Hold on. Stick to it. Don't give up. Don't doubt. Trust.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Tuesday : November 20 : 2 Thessalonians 1
"... and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith." This verse challenges me to live for Him. I want HIS PURPOSE for my life to be fulfilled. That has been something that I've thought about some lately. Maybe it's that I'm blowing past 35 this March or something - but I'm thinking more about what "my purpose is" and what I'm doing for him.
"... and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith." This verse challenges me to live for Him. I want HIS PURPOSE for my life to be fulfilled. That has been something that I've thought about some lately. Maybe it's that I'm blowing past 35 this March or something - but I'm thinking more about what "my purpose is" and what I'm doing for him.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Monday : November 19 : 1 Thessalonians 5
The end times (I've said before) can freak me out fairly quickly. There's not a ton that we know for sure. Will Christ return with fanfare or will he return in a more subtle way? Will I know for sure it's Him or will I be confused or deceived? That's just the tip of the iceberg of questions about it all. Paul says, however, "you aren't in the dark about these things, and you won't be surprised." That's good news - I'm confused about most of my life right now ...
Throughout history, Christianity has been a religion of "don'ts"
Here's a great list of things to do:
1) encourage one another
2) build each other up
3) honor your leaders/pastors
4) live in peace with each other
5) warn the lazy ones*
6) take care of the weak*
7) Be patient with everyone*
8) No paybacks (evil for evil) but do good
9) be joyful*
10) keep on praying (assuming that you do already)
11) no matter what, always be thankful
12) listen to the Holy Spirit*
13) test everything
14) hold on to what is good*
15) keep away from every kind of evil
What on that list needs attention or improvement for you? Mine are *-ed.
The end times (I've said before) can freak me out fairly quickly. There's not a ton that we know for sure. Will Christ return with fanfare or will he return in a more subtle way? Will I know for sure it's Him or will I be confused or deceived? That's just the tip of the iceberg of questions about it all. Paul says, however, "you aren't in the dark about these things, and you won't be surprised." That's good news - I'm confused about most of my life right now ...
Throughout history, Christianity has been a religion of "don'ts"
Here's a great list of things to do:
1) encourage one another
2) build each other up
3) honor your leaders/pastors
4) live in peace with each other
5) warn the lazy ones*
6) take care of the weak*
7) Be patient with everyone*
8) No paybacks (evil for evil) but do good
9) be joyful*
10) keep on praying (assuming that you do already)
11) no matter what, always be thankful
12) listen to the Holy Spirit*
13) test everything
14) hold on to what is good*
15) keep away from every kind of evil
What on that list needs attention or improvement for you? Mine are *-ed.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Friday : November 16 : 1 Thessalonians 4
The title of this section of scripture screams at me ... "Living to Please God!" I hope the text lives up to my expectation! I want to please God!
Interesting note that "holiness" is tied to (in Paul's writings) to the avoidance of sexual immorality and keeping your body under control. Hmmm....
"human rules" ... Paul says that anyone who chooses to ignore this call of holiness (by avoiding sexual immorality) isn't disobeying a human standard - but one from God. Isn't that true today!?! Our standards in society are so wacked out right now - really, there is no standard. So the church must be careful - we can't measure ourself against the world ... but against the standard that God has given to us.
I need to give this to my kids for a memory verse: "This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business." (11) haha
It's going to seem really crazy when Jesus returns ... free jet-packs!
The title of this section of scripture screams at me ... "Living to Please God!" I hope the text lives up to my expectation! I want to please God!
Interesting note that "holiness" is tied to (in Paul's writings) to the avoidance of sexual immorality and keeping your body under control. Hmmm....
"human rules" ... Paul says that anyone who chooses to ignore this call of holiness (by avoiding sexual immorality) isn't disobeying a human standard - but one from God. Isn't that true today!?! Our standards in society are so wacked out right now - really, there is no standard. So the church must be careful - we can't measure ourself against the world ... but against the standard that God has given to us.
I need to give this to my kids for a memory verse: "This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business." (11) haha
It's going to seem really crazy when Jesus returns ... free jet-packs!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Thursday : November 15 : 1 Thessalonians 3
What encourages you? In what do you find strength? Paul says in this chapter that the fresh report of the church in Thessalonica has rejuvenated his spirit and given him a renewed sence of joy. I'm not sure I know what gives me joy most days ... I seem very day to day lately. Moment by moment at times. Is that wrong? I wonder. I think I need to fix my eyes on others and be more committed to partnering with them to see their faith floursish - which in turn, would cause mine to floursih, too.
v12 : "may the Lord make your love grow and overflow" then v13 : "as a result, Christ will make your hearts strong, blameless and holy." I want those things (strength, blamelessness, holiness) and they all have their root in LOVE! I noticed today the role of the Lord in this ... He will make our love grow and He will make me holy because of it. What do I have to do? Perceive it and embrace the free gift He is offering.
Lord, make my love grow some today. I know it may not be in leaps and bounds ... but make it grow in just the right amount and in just the right way! Help me forgive. Help me forget. Help me perceive. Help me embrace! Your son, TB
What encourages you? In what do you find strength? Paul says in this chapter that the fresh report of the church in Thessalonica has rejuvenated his spirit and given him a renewed sence of joy. I'm not sure I know what gives me joy most days ... I seem very day to day lately. Moment by moment at times. Is that wrong? I wonder. I think I need to fix my eyes on others and be more committed to partnering with them to see their faith floursish - which in turn, would cause mine to floursih, too.
v12 : "may the Lord make your love grow and overflow" then v13 : "as a result, Christ will make your hearts strong, blameless and holy." I want those things (strength, blamelessness, holiness) and they all have their root in LOVE! I noticed today the role of the Lord in this ... He will make our love grow and He will make me holy because of it. What do I have to do? Perceive it and embrace the free gift He is offering.
Lord, make my love grow some today. I know it may not be in leaps and bounds ... but make it grow in just the right amount and in just the right way! Help me forgive. Help me forget. Help me perceive. Help me embrace! Your son, TB
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Wednesday : November 15 : 1 Thessalonians 2
v. 4: "Our purpose is to please God, not people" -- this makes life challenging in the ministry at times. I've witnessed it from a distance more than personally (thank goodness) but I know my day is coming. This statement is a great foundation of life.
Heres a phrase that I was tripping up on in another letter that Paul wrote: "and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy." (12) Today, we like to say that no one is worthy (and there's truth to that, too) but Paul is making a case that we can live a live that God is proud of and, dare I say, drawn to. I want to be a spiritual giant. A man that others will come to with needs, worries and concerns. A person that people trust and admire because of my faith. I'm not sure this makes sense but I want to live a life that is considered worthy by God.
19-20 are true for most of us pastors. What give us joy (outside of our own families)? You - our congregations - those who have heard our words, and who are living them out. "You are our pride and joy!"
v. 4: "Our purpose is to please God, not people" -- this makes life challenging in the ministry at times. I've witnessed it from a distance more than personally (thank goodness) but I know my day is coming. This statement is a great foundation of life.
Heres a phrase that I was tripping up on in another letter that Paul wrote: "and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy." (12) Today, we like to say that no one is worthy (and there's truth to that, too) but Paul is making a case that we can live a live that God is proud of and, dare I say, drawn to. I want to be a spiritual giant. A man that others will come to with needs, worries and concerns. A person that people trust and admire because of my faith. I'm not sure this makes sense but I want to live a life that is considered worthy by God.
19-20 are true for most of us pastors. What give us joy (outside of our own families)? You - our congregations - those who have heard our words, and who are living them out. "You are our pride and joy!"
Tuesday : November 13 : 1 Thessalonians 1
Here's an all-star group of authors. Paul, Silas and Timothy are behind this letter! We had better listen up!
The people receiving this letter are the real deal. They embraced the Word quickly. They receive severe suffering because of it. The Holy Spirit was definitely on the scene with them. They are an example to others ... an inspiration, really.
Here's a key for this life they are now living: they are eager for the coming of Jesus. Did it happen? Nope. Not yet - even 2 thousand years later. But they lived as if it were going to happen any day. Here's my thinking> we've forgotten that it's possible. We talk about Jesus' return as something that will happen way after we are dead and gone. We don't live with:
1) a sense of urgency
2) a sense of anticipation
3) a fear of judgement
Here's an all-star group of authors. Paul, Silas and Timothy are behind this letter! We had better listen up!
The people receiving this letter are the real deal. They embraced the Word quickly. They receive severe suffering because of it. The Holy Spirit was definitely on the scene with them. They are an example to others ... an inspiration, really.
Here's a key for this life they are now living: they are eager for the coming of Jesus. Did it happen? Nope. Not yet - even 2 thousand years later. But they lived as if it were going to happen any day. Here's my thinking> we've forgotten that it's possible. We talk about Jesus' return as something that will happen way after we are dead and gone. We don't live with:
1) a sense of urgency
2) a sense of anticipation
3) a fear of judgement
Monday, November 12, 2007
Okay ... I'm back at it!!
Happy birthday to my bride!!
Monday : November 12 : John 21
What a great chapter to reflect on! Jesus is like so sweet after the resurrection ... walking through walls, appearing to his friends out of no where ... I love it!
Peter (my ADHD friend) has a thing about staying in boats! Yesterday at church, we heard another great message on the story when Peter walked on water - this time, when he jumped out of the boat he swam ... both examples of a guy who isn't content to "talk" about faith - he puts it into action!!
Jesus must have recognized Peter's leadership qualities as he "reinstates" him back to the role of "rock" that the church will be built upon. V.15-17 are a great story of Jesus loving on his friend and reminding him that even though Peter denied even knowing Jesus 3 times - Jesus vowed his love to Peter 3 times in return ... asking for his life to serve God's people.
"The disciple whom Jesus loved" - the common thought is that it is John (the humble author of the Gospel letter).
Friday : November 9 : John 20
What a wonderful day this is! The day that the human race was given hope again. The day we began to understand all the Jesus spent his ministry sharing with his disciples!
Question: why is it that the first to find Jesus are ladies? As a man, I often feel that ladies are the ones who lead our church in many ways. They lead in worship (not just on the stage - but in the crowd, and by testimonies, and praying at the altar). They lead in volunteering and serving as teachers. It's not much different from the very first day of this church ... 3 ladies are taking the lead in serving Jesus (even though they think He's dead). Why can't men step up to the plate and lead our churches in these ways too > in how we worship, in how we serve, in how we teach ... etc.
Another connection I have with Peter ... he runs slow - must be a big fat boy ... I like him more and more!
"... to my Father, and your Father, my God and your God." (v17). What I love about how Jesus identifies His Heavenly father is that we seem like equals. Hard to imagine isn't it? I see Jesus as so far above - and He is - but he speaks as if there is no difference between us. I love it!
V30 tells us that Jesus did some more really cool things - but we don't get to know what they were ... I wonder ... John says that he has recorded what you need to know in order to believe ... so they must not have been all that cool, right? But I still wonder...
Thursday : November 8 : John 19
I'm just amazed how much we take these few hours for granted in Jesus' life. It was really brutal. Jesus, thank you for taking this punishment on my behalf. You shouldn't have. You should have made us be punished for what we deserve. You deserved none of this - yet you willingly took it. I couldn't have handled one verse of this chapter in my own life. And here am I today - taking my grace for granted. Complaining about anything and everything. Keeping Your love to myself. Not passionate enough about sharing it with others. Forgive me again, Jesus. You are wonderful!
Wednesday : November 7 : John 18
I read this chapter with our staff at our weekly staff meeting. I was awestruck by the power of Jesus' name - at it, the men who were after him fell to the ground! That's power!
I was amazed too that Jesus was never rude or self-seeking. Even after being hit it v. 22 he simply replied with great truth and compassion toward the hitter and himself. He just took it all with the same kind of grace He is able to offer us today!
Tuesday : November 6 : John 17
Thanks, Earl, for giving some great insight on this chapter at Tool Time this past Saturday. Chapters 16 & 17 are some of the most profound words of Jesus. Earlier in his ministry he taught us to pray using very few words ... now known as the Lord's Prayer ... but these two chapters are really the way He desires we pray today. With passion, being specific, and filled with love. Too often, we focus on the "give us our daily bread" but this prayer is focused completely on OTHERS!
It's a true conversation with His Father. It doesn't sound like a prayer - it doesn't have that tone. It sounds like Jesus is sitting down at a table with his Father and sharing about his life ... THAT'S HOW WE ARE TO PRAY!!
Monday : November 5 : John 16
v. 5 - 15 speak of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
1) He is sent by Jesus (7)
2) He will convict of us sin (8)
3) He will convict of us righteousness (8)
4) He will convince us of eternity (8)
5) He will guide us toward deeper truth (13)
6) He will work with the Son and for the Father (13-15)
Friday : November 2 : John 15
Pruning - I was outside on Saturday, clipping and mowing and raking ... getting my flowers and plants ready for the winter. It's a lot of work and I hope I did it right. I believe that cutting these flowers and plants back will produce a much healthier plant for next spring. Do I hate my plants? No way! I want them to flourish - but that's why I cut them now. For future growth!! In our own lives, we have to endure the same cutting. But it's for our good!
Producing fruit - If I had a peach tree and it didn't produce any peaches, I wouldn't keep it. Unfortunately, there are too many Christian trees around that aren't producing an fruit ... what will be done with trees and branches like that? Burn baby Burn!
Not of this world - Too often, we are focused on what we can see. If you are like me, what I can see is this world. If our focus is on this world, then we are missing the point that Jesus is making with his disciples - we have to see the big picture of eternity.
Thursday : November 1 : John 14
Thomas - we've known him as the doubter but I think he was the panic stricken one too! Jesus says "you know where I'm going ..." and Thomas pipes in ... "no, no we don't! we don't have a clue where you are going!" I hear shear panic!
Satisfaction ... Philip tells Jesus "Show us the Father and we'll be satisfied." You've spent 3 years with Jesus and you are still not satisfied? Help me not judge him, Lord!! Here's the raw truth, I'm hard to satisfy! Am I satisfied with my Jesus - my relationship with him, my dependence upon him?
The prince of the world that Jesus speaks of in v30 is obviously the devil. I find it fascinating that Jesus let's the devil feel like he's got the upper hand but the whole time, Jesus isn't subject to what's going on around (the betrayal, the beatings, and death). He is only obeying the Lord. The devil plays right into their hands ... How often do we feel that the devil is gaining the upper hand in our life? Could it be that it's all happening to bring glory to God and put in the place where He needs us most? Most likely!!
Wednesday : October 31 : John 13
Serving - we talk about that a lot around High Pointe. We couldn't function as a church without people who are willing to serve. But what I find most fascinating about this scene is not the server - Jesus - but who He is serving - his bone-headed followers. By this point, I'd want to tell them to get back to their boats ... I mean seriously, Jesus is going to build his church with these guys? Wow! That's the power of God right there! They come into this room and they fight for position, and sitting close to Jesus and the whole time, there was an opportunity to say "Look Jesus, I get it - watch me serve my brothers." I would have missed the chance too, no doubt. But Jesus didn't take the opportunity to lecture or even teach with words ... he stripped down to the form of a true servant and washed those nasty dirty feet! And without much complaining! Does Christ grumble while he's doing it? NOPE! He says instead, "Boys, you should do this from now on ... okay?" I for one would be complaining in my head and not very happy. HELP ME LORD!! I want to live like this ... taking everyday and DOING Christlike things!
Tuesday : October 30 : John 12
During the last week of His life, Jesus is experiencing small moments of blessings. He has been the blesser to this point and Mary blesses him with the anointing of his feet (again - ladies leading in the area of worship ... hmmm). I can see Judas' point from a human logic stand point. He makes sense. Save the perfume and use it for the mission or for the poor. But Jesus could see through the logic and see the heart. His heart was far from understanding the WILL OF GOD.
What does God see when He sees my heart? Our KIDstuf virtue right now is Uniqueness - and our theme for the week has been to not look at outward appearances but to see what God sees - the heart. At dinner tonight, I tried to help my kids see that everyone has something special inside and that we have to look hard to find it sometimes.
The triumphal entry amazes me ... from the highest of heights to the lowest of lows. What fuels the celebration? The buzz about Jesus bringing Lazarus back from the dead. (remember 11:4)
Monday : October 29 : John 11
Since I'm writing this in reverse order ... I going to point back to something above ... Thomas the panic comes on the scene again. We don't see him often but here he is again, knowing the Jesus is putting his life on the line by going back to Judea. I hear sarcasm in his voice when he proclaims "Let's go, too - and die with Jesus!" Others might see a brave man ... I'm reading between the lines of what I already know of him and think he was full of fear and panic and this was said in shear sarcasm. Maybe I'm wrong.
Friday : October 26 : John 10
Jesus: "My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." I read this and think the enemy has done a great job of fooling us to believe that a life with Jesus is just the opposite - it's boring, full of rules, no fun, etc. There couldn't be a bigger lie. Jesus gives life it's true purpose and meaning. Life is worth living with faith toward Jesus Christ!
He's a good shepherd - attentive, caring, strong and disciplined.
I see in this chapter too that Jesus presents himself as the Messiah to the Jewish leaders of the day - but because their hearts were hard toward accepting this - they couldn't believe. This missed the best thing their religion has ever known. Today, we present Jesus in front of our people. Jesus shows up on the scene every day. People are still missing him. Sad isn't it?
Thursday : October 25 : John 9
I just love the Gospel of John. I love the stories - more so than other Gospels and I'm not sure why. This blind man is so cool. Jesus uses his spit to make mud ... I've never spit enough to accomplish that feet. Then once the man is healed, he becomes a fantastic disciple - testifying about the truth and nothing but the truth. The best testimony recorded in the Bible: "I don't know whether he is a sinner. But I know this: I was blind, and now I see!" Outcomes can change our points of view. You might not know what to think about Jesus. You may have your doubts. But consider what is going on around you ... consider the change that is occurring in lives of people who are following him.
Wednesday : October 24 : John 8
Judgement - Jesus is caught in a situation where he is asked to judge a lady according to the old law. Essentially, Jesus concludes, "if you want to judge her - then go ahead. But only those without sin can start" ... no one could be found to start the stoning. We judge so quickly in our world today. We must stop it! I must stop it! Help me!!
GO AND SIN NO MORE! I'm tired of people concluding that sin isn't something that can be stopped. Jesus tells this women who's lifestyle was being with men to stop (essentially - change your whole life to avoid sin). We can't stop sinning because we don't want to make the difficult changes in our life that are required to avoid sin. So, we keep tripping over the same un-level ground! WHEN WILL WE LEARN?! Help me!!
Tuesday : October 23 : John 7
Living water - makes me think of the 7 Pillars of Health class I'm currently taking ... living food, purified water ... etc. Only Jesus contains the perfected substance we need to live!
Jesus always seems to bring a divided response. Some believe him to the be the Messiah, some a great prophet, others get tripped up in the fact of where he comes from and say it's not possible. Even the guards proclaim that something is special about Him. They are moved by his words, his compassion and the fact that they allow their hearts to connect with his message.
Happy birthday to my bride!!
Monday : November 12 : John 21
What a great chapter to reflect on! Jesus is like so sweet after the resurrection ... walking through walls, appearing to his friends out of no where ... I love it!
Peter (my ADHD friend) has a thing about staying in boats! Yesterday at church, we heard another great message on the story when Peter walked on water - this time, when he jumped out of the boat he swam ... both examples of a guy who isn't content to "talk" about faith - he puts it into action!!
Jesus must have recognized Peter's leadership qualities as he "reinstates" him back to the role of "rock" that the church will be built upon. V.15-17 are a great story of Jesus loving on his friend and reminding him that even though Peter denied even knowing Jesus 3 times - Jesus vowed his love to Peter 3 times in return ... asking for his life to serve God's people.
"The disciple whom Jesus loved" - the common thought is that it is John (the humble author of the Gospel letter).
Friday : November 9 : John 20
What a wonderful day this is! The day that the human race was given hope again. The day we began to understand all the Jesus spent his ministry sharing with his disciples!
Question: why is it that the first to find Jesus are ladies? As a man, I often feel that ladies are the ones who lead our church in many ways. They lead in worship (not just on the stage - but in the crowd, and by testimonies, and praying at the altar). They lead in volunteering and serving as teachers. It's not much different from the very first day of this church ... 3 ladies are taking the lead in serving Jesus (even though they think He's dead). Why can't men step up to the plate and lead our churches in these ways too > in how we worship, in how we serve, in how we teach ... etc.
Another connection I have with Peter ... he runs slow - must be a big fat boy ... I like him more and more!
"... to my Father, and your Father, my God and your God." (v17). What I love about how Jesus identifies His Heavenly father is that we seem like equals. Hard to imagine isn't it? I see Jesus as so far above - and He is - but he speaks as if there is no difference between us. I love it!
V30 tells us that Jesus did some more really cool things - but we don't get to know what they were ... I wonder ... John says that he has recorded what you need to know in order to believe ... so they must not have been all that cool, right? But I still wonder...
Thursday : November 8 : John 19
I'm just amazed how much we take these few hours for granted in Jesus' life. It was really brutal. Jesus, thank you for taking this punishment on my behalf. You shouldn't have. You should have made us be punished for what we deserve. You deserved none of this - yet you willingly took it. I couldn't have handled one verse of this chapter in my own life. And here am I today - taking my grace for granted. Complaining about anything and everything. Keeping Your love to myself. Not passionate enough about sharing it with others. Forgive me again, Jesus. You are wonderful!
Wednesday : November 7 : John 18
I read this chapter with our staff at our weekly staff meeting. I was awestruck by the power of Jesus' name - at it, the men who were after him fell to the ground! That's power!
I was amazed too that Jesus was never rude or self-seeking. Even after being hit it v. 22 he simply replied with great truth and compassion toward the hitter and himself. He just took it all with the same kind of grace He is able to offer us today!
Tuesday : November 6 : John 17
Thanks, Earl, for giving some great insight on this chapter at Tool Time this past Saturday. Chapters 16 & 17 are some of the most profound words of Jesus. Earlier in his ministry he taught us to pray using very few words ... now known as the Lord's Prayer ... but these two chapters are really the way He desires we pray today. With passion, being specific, and filled with love. Too often, we focus on the "give us our daily bread" but this prayer is focused completely on OTHERS!
It's a true conversation with His Father. It doesn't sound like a prayer - it doesn't have that tone. It sounds like Jesus is sitting down at a table with his Father and sharing about his life ... THAT'S HOW WE ARE TO PRAY!!
Monday : November 5 : John 16
v. 5 - 15 speak of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
1) He is sent by Jesus (7)
2) He will convict of us sin (8)
3) He will convict of us righteousness (8)
4) He will convince us of eternity (8)
5) He will guide us toward deeper truth (13)
6) He will work with the Son and for the Father (13-15)
Friday : November 2 : John 15
Pruning - I was outside on Saturday, clipping and mowing and raking ... getting my flowers and plants ready for the winter. It's a lot of work and I hope I did it right. I believe that cutting these flowers and plants back will produce a much healthier plant for next spring. Do I hate my plants? No way! I want them to flourish - but that's why I cut them now. For future growth!! In our own lives, we have to endure the same cutting. But it's for our good!
Producing fruit - If I had a peach tree and it didn't produce any peaches, I wouldn't keep it. Unfortunately, there are too many Christian trees around that aren't producing an fruit ... what will be done with trees and branches like that? Burn baby Burn!
Not of this world - Too often, we are focused on what we can see. If you are like me, what I can see is this world. If our focus is on this world, then we are missing the point that Jesus is making with his disciples - we have to see the big picture of eternity.
Thursday : November 1 : John 14
Thomas - we've known him as the doubter but I think he was the panic stricken one too! Jesus says "you know where I'm going ..." and Thomas pipes in ... "no, no we don't! we don't have a clue where you are going!" I hear shear panic!
Satisfaction ... Philip tells Jesus "Show us the Father and we'll be satisfied." You've spent 3 years with Jesus and you are still not satisfied? Help me not judge him, Lord!! Here's the raw truth, I'm hard to satisfy! Am I satisfied with my Jesus - my relationship with him, my dependence upon him?
The prince of the world that Jesus speaks of in v30 is obviously the devil. I find it fascinating that Jesus let's the devil feel like he's got the upper hand but the whole time, Jesus isn't subject to what's going on around (the betrayal, the beatings, and death). He is only obeying the Lord. The devil plays right into their hands ... How often do we feel that the devil is gaining the upper hand in our life? Could it be that it's all happening to bring glory to God and put in the place where He needs us most? Most likely!!
Wednesday : October 31 : John 13
Serving - we talk about that a lot around High Pointe. We couldn't function as a church without people who are willing to serve. But what I find most fascinating about this scene is not the server - Jesus - but who He is serving - his bone-headed followers. By this point, I'd want to tell them to get back to their boats ... I mean seriously, Jesus is going to build his church with these guys? Wow! That's the power of God right there! They come into this room and they fight for position, and sitting close to Jesus and the whole time, there was an opportunity to say "Look Jesus, I get it - watch me serve my brothers." I would have missed the chance too, no doubt. But Jesus didn't take the opportunity to lecture or even teach with words ... he stripped down to the form of a true servant and washed those nasty dirty feet! And without much complaining! Does Christ grumble while he's doing it? NOPE! He says instead, "Boys, you should do this from now on ... okay?" I for one would be complaining in my head and not very happy. HELP ME LORD!! I want to live like this ... taking everyday and DOING Christlike things!
Tuesday : October 30 : John 12
During the last week of His life, Jesus is experiencing small moments of blessings. He has been the blesser to this point and Mary blesses him with the anointing of his feet (again - ladies leading in the area of worship ... hmmm). I can see Judas' point from a human logic stand point. He makes sense. Save the perfume and use it for the mission or for the poor. But Jesus could see through the logic and see the heart. His heart was far from understanding the WILL OF GOD.
What does God see when He sees my heart? Our KIDstuf virtue right now is Uniqueness - and our theme for the week has been to not look at outward appearances but to see what God sees - the heart. At dinner tonight, I tried to help my kids see that everyone has something special inside and that we have to look hard to find it sometimes.
The triumphal entry amazes me ... from the highest of heights to the lowest of lows. What fuels the celebration? The buzz about Jesus bringing Lazarus back from the dead. (remember 11:4)
Monday : October 29 : John 11
Since I'm writing this in reverse order ... I going to point back to something above ... Thomas the panic comes on the scene again. We don't see him often but here he is again, knowing the Jesus is putting his life on the line by going back to Judea. I hear sarcasm in his voice when he proclaims "Let's go, too - and die with Jesus!" Others might see a brave man ... I'm reading between the lines of what I already know of him and think he was full of fear and panic and this was said in shear sarcasm. Maybe I'm wrong.
Friday : October 26 : John 10
Jesus: "My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." I read this and think the enemy has done a great job of fooling us to believe that a life with Jesus is just the opposite - it's boring, full of rules, no fun, etc. There couldn't be a bigger lie. Jesus gives life it's true purpose and meaning. Life is worth living with faith toward Jesus Christ!
He's a good shepherd - attentive, caring, strong and disciplined.
I see in this chapter too that Jesus presents himself as the Messiah to the Jewish leaders of the day - but because their hearts were hard toward accepting this - they couldn't believe. This missed the best thing their religion has ever known. Today, we present Jesus in front of our people. Jesus shows up on the scene every day. People are still missing him. Sad isn't it?
Thursday : October 25 : John 9
I just love the Gospel of John. I love the stories - more so than other Gospels and I'm not sure why. This blind man is so cool. Jesus uses his spit to make mud ... I've never spit enough to accomplish that feet. Then once the man is healed, he becomes a fantastic disciple - testifying about the truth and nothing but the truth. The best testimony recorded in the Bible: "I don't know whether he is a sinner. But I know this: I was blind, and now I see!" Outcomes can change our points of view. You might not know what to think about Jesus. You may have your doubts. But consider what is going on around you ... consider the change that is occurring in lives of people who are following him.
Wednesday : October 24 : John 8
Judgement - Jesus is caught in a situation where he is asked to judge a lady according to the old law. Essentially, Jesus concludes, "if you want to judge her - then go ahead. But only those without sin can start" ... no one could be found to start the stoning. We judge so quickly in our world today. We must stop it! I must stop it! Help me!!
GO AND SIN NO MORE! I'm tired of people concluding that sin isn't something that can be stopped. Jesus tells this women who's lifestyle was being with men to stop (essentially - change your whole life to avoid sin). We can't stop sinning because we don't want to make the difficult changes in our life that are required to avoid sin. So, we keep tripping over the same un-level ground! WHEN WILL WE LEARN?! Help me!!
Tuesday : October 23 : John 7
Living water - makes me think of the 7 Pillars of Health class I'm currently taking ... living food, purified water ... etc. Only Jesus contains the perfected substance we need to live!
Jesus always seems to bring a divided response. Some believe him to the be the Messiah, some a great prophet, others get tripped up in the fact of where he comes from and say it's not possible. Even the guards proclaim that something is special about Him. They are moved by his words, his compassion and the fact that they allow their hearts to connect with his message.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
New computer is up and running ... nearly back to normal life for me! I'll be able to post thoughts from my Bible reading again real soon!
At Olivet Nazarene University for homecoming this weekend. Ran in the 5K they have (thanks family for deserting me - but I got to run with my friend Darrell Harvey instead ... he beat me ... old man!). Time: 27:19 (1:20 quicker than my last one). Yeah!
At Olivet Nazarene University for homecoming this weekend. Ran in the 5K they have (thanks family for deserting me - but I got to run with my friend Darrell Harvey instead ... he beat me ... old man!). Time: 27:19 (1:20 quicker than my last one). Yeah!
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