Morons! If Jesus didn't say it, I'm sure He was thinking it. How do I know? Just look at today's passage. It's right there. It started with the religious leaders of the day. Jesus had been going throughout the regions of Judea, Samaria and Galilee teaching and doing miracles and the Pharisees come to Him asking for a "sign from heaven" that He was from God. "Uh, boys, have you had your head in the sand? Healing sick people, feeding thousands isn't enough for you? Did you forget the Spirit as a dove descending on me and voice of God saying, 'This is my Son,' when I was baptized by John? Morons!"
The text doesn't exactly say that, it says that Jesus sighed deeply. I picture Him rolling his eyes and shaking His head as He walks away. My guess is they may have been Missouri Pharisees because they were always asking, "Show Me." But Jesus told them in no uncertain terms that He was not a show pony to satisfy their curiosity. He didn't need to prove anything to them.
Right after His encounter with the Pharisees, Jesus climbs in the boat with His twelve trusty companions. These are the guys that have been with Him night and day for a couple of years. If anyone should know who and what Jesus is, it's these guys. They are the future of the ministry. They will be charged with advancing the message of the Christ throughout the world after He is gone back to heaven.
In the boat, Jesus warns them about the mentality of the Pharisees, but they don't get it. They're more worried about their stomachs. They've only got one loaf of bread to feed them all. Jesus talks about the yeast of the Pharisees and they think He's upset with them because nobody remembered to get more food. Hello, are you listening.
There, He says it again, "Morons." Didn't you see it? Well, not in those words, but it's there. Once again, He rolls His eyes, shakes His head and begins to speak to in a very slow cadence. "Was I talking about having no bread? Weren't you listening to what I just said. Were you totally oblivious to what just happen with the Pharisees? Dudes, food isn't a problem. Remember the loaves and fishes scenes where I feed 20,000 and 16,000 with leftovers? Duh! Idiots."
Jesus had grown to accept the behavior from the religious leader that He encountered. After all, He knew that they had an agenda. They weren't too keen about giving up their positions of leadership and power. No doubt Jesus grew tired of their combative behavior and attitude and pretension. He knew to walk away from them. But then to get into the boat with His hand chosen TWELVE and experience their boneheadedness must have gotten to Jesus.
It's really impossible to know the personal exasperation and facial expressions of Jesus at this moment. We only get a sense of it. But as I look at this scene, I can't help it's one that Jesus experiences on a regular basis with people, even His closest followers. I can't imagine how many times, Jesus has smacked Himself in the forehead and muttered, "Moron," over me. Times when I've ignored Him and/or His truths or times when I've not been paying attention and missed the whole point.
God, what a moron I am sometimes. Thanks for being patient with me.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Daily Reflections on Lev. 18 (Straight Talk on Sex)
Sex. God's for it. In fact, God invented it. He created Eve especially equipped for Adam. One of God's first commands, after He kicked them out of the Garden of Eden, was to be fruitful and multiply. Of all God's commands, that has to be my favorite. I'll do my best God.
Sex is a natural part of the human experience. God gave it as gift. Just like any gift, used in its intended purpose will bring long lasting joy and satisfaction. But if you abuse a gift or misuse a gift and it will likely become an object of disappointment or can even harm you. Eventually, a gift, not used in proper fashion, can breakdown and become worthless to us.
God gives His people some straight talk on sex in Leviticus 18. He is adamant on how not to use this gift He gave. If you read through the list, God talks about incest, bestiality, adultery and homosexuality as not only inappropriate behavior, but as detestable, perverse, profane, wicked and dishonoring. God is clear on this subject. He even tells the Israelites to cut off those who practice these things from their midst. He tells them, that these were common practices both in Egypt and the land He was giving them, but they are not to observe them. He calls them evil and says that's why the land was "vomiting" them out. He goes on to say that if they accept these practices as common place, the land will vomit them out too.
Vomit is a strong word. And notice, as you read the text, that God says the LAND will vomit them out. In other words, the territory itself is sickened by this evil and can't stand it. That's pretty amazing. It reminds me of when Cain killed Abel in Genesis and the ground cried out. Or in Romans 8, when Paul says all of creation groans for redemption. Apparently, our inappropriate sexual behavior affects creation itself. Vileness leads to destruction.
If you have ever been in a work environment where there are a lot of unethical or negative practices transpire, you can almost sense it the moment you walk onto the property. It's like you can feel it in the air. You know that something is not right. A culture that practices sexual misconduct, creates a negative air.
If you think about God's instruction about sex, it really only makes sense. If you want a stable society and family atmosphere, following these teachings on sex will give you that. Jealously, rage, birth defects, venereal disease, divorce are minimized. Self-control, discipline, security, respect are highlighted. Without reciting a long list of virtues from such a society which follows God's teaching on sex, it seems to me that following God's practices leads to a much healthier environment.
God, most of the teachings here on inappropriate sexual behavior are easy for me to agree with you on. I can't imagine some of the practices you describe. Some of them, however, I see as common practices in our society. Keep me pure. Shield me from any sexual temptation. Guard my heart. Guard my family. Don't allow me to minimize the sexual sin and practices of the world around me.
Sex is a natural part of the human experience. God gave it as gift. Just like any gift, used in its intended purpose will bring long lasting joy and satisfaction. But if you abuse a gift or misuse a gift and it will likely become an object of disappointment or can even harm you. Eventually, a gift, not used in proper fashion, can breakdown and become worthless to us.
God gives His people some straight talk on sex in Leviticus 18. He is adamant on how not to use this gift He gave. If you read through the list, God talks about incest, bestiality, adultery and homosexuality as not only inappropriate behavior, but as detestable, perverse, profane, wicked and dishonoring. God is clear on this subject. He even tells the Israelites to cut off those who practice these things from their midst. He tells them, that these were common practices both in Egypt and the land He was giving them, but they are not to observe them. He calls them evil and says that's why the land was "vomiting" them out. He goes on to say that if they accept these practices as common place, the land will vomit them out too.
Vomit is a strong word. And notice, as you read the text, that God says the LAND will vomit them out. In other words, the territory itself is sickened by this evil and can't stand it. That's pretty amazing. It reminds me of when Cain killed Abel in Genesis and the ground cried out. Or in Romans 8, when Paul says all of creation groans for redemption. Apparently, our inappropriate sexual behavior affects creation itself. Vileness leads to destruction.
If you have ever been in a work environment where there are a lot of unethical or negative practices transpire, you can almost sense it the moment you walk onto the property. It's like you can feel it in the air. You know that something is not right. A culture that practices sexual misconduct, creates a negative air.
If you think about God's instruction about sex, it really only makes sense. If you want a stable society and family atmosphere, following these teachings on sex will give you that. Jealously, rage, birth defects, venereal disease, divorce are minimized. Self-control, discipline, security, respect are highlighted. Without reciting a long list of virtues from such a society which follows God's teaching on sex, it seems to me that following God's practices leads to a much healthier environment.
God, most of the teachings here on inappropriate sexual behavior are easy for me to agree with you on. I can't imagine some of the practices you describe. Some of them, however, I see as common practices in our society. Keep me pure. Shield me from any sexual temptation. Guard my heart. Guard my family. Don't allow me to minimize the sexual sin and practices of the world around me.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Daily Reflections on Ps. 39 (I Want My Life to Count for Something)
Time really flies. It seems like just yesterday my girls were little people running around, laughing and giggling and doing cute stuff. This week I took my youngest daughter to visit a college campus. She graduates this spring. Where did that time go? My wife wants them to still be little girls. That's long gone. Soon they'll be completely on their own. Scary thought.
Life is fleeting. Seconds tick by. Minutes evaporate. Hours slip into days. Days quickly become weeks. Weeks become months and before you know it years have gone by. People don't like to dwell on their own death. We live and act like life goes on forever. We go about day to day as if we have all the time in the world. Truth is, we don't.
David in this Psalm asks God to show him the number of his earthly days. He talks about the brevity of life. He zeros in on the vainness of things we hustle after and kill ourselves over. He notes the amount of energy and effort we spend on getting, attaining and achieving financial wherewithal. To what end? Someone else is going to get it when we die anyway.
If you look closely at what David has discovered, you will see that David wants his life to count for God. He's more interested in allowing God to use his life to make a lasting difference in Kingdom of God. David places his hope and life into the hands of God.
Every moment of life is a valuable gift from God. Every breath that flows in and out of our lungs is precious. There are no insignificant moments. Each one passes by and we don't get it back. John Maxwell has asserted that life isn't a dress rehearsal. We get one chance at each opportunity. We should make each moment count for something positive. To waste time is to waste your life. Rick Warren has said to kill time is to commit suicide.
If I'm going to make my fleeting life count, the best investment would be to place it into the hands of the one who knows me better than I know myself. Allowing God to control and guide my life only makes sense. Seeking His will and direction on a daily, moment by moment basis is the wisest thing we can do with our life.
God, I want to make my life count. I want to use my gifts and talents most effectively. I don't want to just throw away my life. I want to throw my life into the mix. I want to make a difference for you. Lord, take my life, my gifts and talents and use them to your liking. Show me each day where and how you want to use me. I placing my hope and life into your hands.
Life is fleeting. Seconds tick by. Minutes evaporate. Hours slip into days. Days quickly become weeks. Weeks become months and before you know it years have gone by. People don't like to dwell on their own death. We live and act like life goes on forever. We go about day to day as if we have all the time in the world. Truth is, we don't.
David in this Psalm asks God to show him the number of his earthly days. He talks about the brevity of life. He zeros in on the vainness of things we hustle after and kill ourselves over. He notes the amount of energy and effort we spend on getting, attaining and achieving financial wherewithal. To what end? Someone else is going to get it when we die anyway.
If you look closely at what David has discovered, you will see that David wants his life to count for God. He's more interested in allowing God to use his life to make a lasting difference in Kingdom of God. David places his hope and life into the hands of God.
Every moment of life is a valuable gift from God. Every breath that flows in and out of our lungs is precious. There are no insignificant moments. Each one passes by and we don't get it back. John Maxwell has asserted that life isn't a dress rehearsal. We get one chance at each opportunity. We should make each moment count for something positive. To waste time is to waste your life. Rick Warren has said to kill time is to commit suicide.
If I'm going to make my fleeting life count, the best investment would be to place it into the hands of the one who knows me better than I know myself. Allowing God to control and guide my life only makes sense. Seeking His will and direction on a daily, moment by moment basis is the wisest thing we can do with our life.
God, I want to make my life count. I want to use my gifts and talents most effectively. I don't want to just throw away my life. I want to throw my life into the mix. I want to make a difference for you. Lord, take my life, my gifts and talents and use them to your liking. Show me each day where and how you want to use me. I placing my hope and life into your hands.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Daily Reflections on Lev. 10:1-10 (What Makes God Mad?)
Whoosh! He's blazing. It's what happens when you tick off God. One minute they're standing there proud as peacocks. The next, they're shish kabobs without the skewer. Apparently God was dead serious about what the priests were to do and what they weren't. God gave implicit instructions how he wanted the sacrifices to be given and what was acceptable to Him. He warned them of the consequences. When Nadab and Abihu decided to freelance a little in their fancy new threads, God didn't take too kindly to their actions. You might say He was flaming mad.
If you read the text, you will see that Nadab and Abihu offered an unauthorized fire before the Lord contrary to God's command. Their arrogance cost them their lives. A fire came immediately out of the Tent of Meeting and consumed them. These two thought they were hot, but in an instant God made them hotter.
I've always wondered why God was so quick to act against these guys. It reminds me a lot of Ananias and Sapphira in the book of Acts who brought their offering to Peter, lied about it the total amount and dropped dead on the spot. No doubt the people who witnessed the events suddenly took God seriously.
As I look at both incidents, there are some similarities. It appears to me that both were trying to grab a little extra attention for themselves. Nadab and Abihu, no doubt, thought that they were privileged and my guess were showing off just a little bit. God doesn't share the stage with anyone. When He gives specific instructions, He expects them to be followed to the letter. These were crucial days for the Children of Israel. If the people were to understand and observe these new teachings, then they had to understand that God meant what He said. So God gave them an example of how serious He was about this new covenant He was establishing with them. He demonstrated that no one was immune to breaking the Law. No one would escape the consequences.
Some of us try to minimize God's truths and teachings today. However, God isn't about to alter His truths and teaching or the consequences just to satisfy our whims, desires, wants, or agendas. God allows us the choice of how we want to live, but He doesn't allow us to choose the consequences or eliminate them all together. God's truths and teachings are for our benefit, not just arbitrary rules He established to make us miserable.
God, thanks for your teaching and truths that guide my life. Countless times I've violated those truths only to discover you were right all along. I've created a lot of unnecessary pain in my own life and the lives of others because of my arrogance and free wheeling. Thanks for your forgiveness and grace, Lord, for righting my ship when I begin to list.
If you read the text, you will see that Nadab and Abihu offered an unauthorized fire before the Lord contrary to God's command. Their arrogance cost them their lives. A fire came immediately out of the Tent of Meeting and consumed them. These two thought they were hot, but in an instant God made them hotter.
I've always wondered why God was so quick to act against these guys. It reminds me a lot of Ananias and Sapphira in the book of Acts who brought their offering to Peter, lied about it the total amount and dropped dead on the spot. No doubt the people who witnessed the events suddenly took God seriously.
As I look at both incidents, there are some similarities. It appears to me that both were trying to grab a little extra attention for themselves. Nadab and Abihu, no doubt, thought that they were privileged and my guess were showing off just a little bit. God doesn't share the stage with anyone. When He gives specific instructions, He expects them to be followed to the letter. These were crucial days for the Children of Israel. If the people were to understand and observe these new teachings, then they had to understand that God meant what He said. So God gave them an example of how serious He was about this new covenant He was establishing with them. He demonstrated that no one was immune to breaking the Law. No one would escape the consequences.
Some of us try to minimize God's truths and teachings today. However, God isn't about to alter His truths and teaching or the consequences just to satisfy our whims, desires, wants, or agendas. God allows us the choice of how we want to live, but He doesn't allow us to choose the consequences or eliminate them all together. God's truths and teachings are for our benefit, not just arbitrary rules He established to make us miserable.
God, thanks for your teaching and truths that guide my life. Countless times I've violated those truths only to discover you were right all along. I've created a lot of unnecessary pain in my own life and the lives of others because of my arrogance and free wheeling. Thanks for your forgiveness and grace, Lord, for righting my ship when I begin to list.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Daily Reflection on Lev. 8 (What a Break)
What a lot of rigamorole! Did you read the stuff that Aaron had to go through just to stand before the Lord. Oh yeah, and my favorite part was that if he didn't do it right, he would die. Talk about pressure.
It had to be weird to have someone (someones) dress you. Everything from undergarments to the finishing touches. You gotta think that outfit got awfully warm, especially in the summer. I'm sure standing over the altar all day burning sacrifices wasn't any too cool. And smelly. Man, first of all, they sprinkled your get up in blood. It was hot and no doubt sweaty. Remember, no antiperspirant in those days. The did have incense, but can't imagine that covered everything. And what about that whole slaughtering animals gig. Pulling out the guts, tossing stuff here and there. Oh man, and no dry cleaners. Whew! And you get to put the same outfit on tomorrow.
And if that weren't enough, you have to stand there while someone smears blood all over you. Well, at least your ear lobe, thumb and big toe. Oh, and a little on your fancy threads.
All that just so that you can stand before the Lord and hear Him. Man, what an ordeal. Just think, that was so that you could stand and make a million plus sacrifices a day. If all the Israelites had to sacrifice and there were 600,000 men alone who left Egypt, how many women and children were there to make sacrifices. Seems like an awful lot of stuff to do just to talk with God.
I'm glad I don't have to go through all that ritual. To hear God all I have to do is open His Word, the Bible, pause in prayer, open my heart to Him. Anywhere, anytime, I can come before God and share with Him, seek His counsel, celebrate victories, cry out in distress or just sing to Him. It's great! And to know that God is actually living in me through His Spirit, wow! And the best part, I don't have to worry about dying, ever. Oh sure, I'll shed this earthly body, but I'm going to live forever.
So what did I have to do to get there? What ritual did I have to perform? NONE. All I had to do was believe in Jesus, name Him Lord and Savior of my life, surrender to Him in baptism. That's it. Now I'm in a trust relationship with Him. I'm a member of God's very own family. I get to eat as His table. Converse with Him whenever I want.
God, thanks for all your son went through so that I didn't. Thanks for offering your son a sacrifice for me. Thanks for the freedom to come to you and live in such a tight relationship with you.
It had to be weird to have someone (someones) dress you. Everything from undergarments to the finishing touches. You gotta think that outfit got awfully warm, especially in the summer. I'm sure standing over the altar all day burning sacrifices wasn't any too cool. And smelly. Man, first of all, they sprinkled your get up in blood. It was hot and no doubt sweaty. Remember, no antiperspirant in those days. The did have incense, but can't imagine that covered everything. And what about that whole slaughtering animals gig. Pulling out the guts, tossing stuff here and there. Oh man, and no dry cleaners. Whew! And you get to put the same outfit on tomorrow.
And if that weren't enough, you have to stand there while someone smears blood all over you. Well, at least your ear lobe, thumb and big toe. Oh, and a little on your fancy threads.
All that just so that you can stand before the Lord and hear Him. Man, what an ordeal. Just think, that was so that you could stand and make a million plus sacrifices a day. If all the Israelites had to sacrifice and there were 600,000 men alone who left Egypt, how many women and children were there to make sacrifices. Seems like an awful lot of stuff to do just to talk with God.
I'm glad I don't have to go through all that ritual. To hear God all I have to do is open His Word, the Bible, pause in prayer, open my heart to Him. Anywhere, anytime, I can come before God and share with Him, seek His counsel, celebrate victories, cry out in distress or just sing to Him. It's great! And to know that God is actually living in me through His Spirit, wow! And the best part, I don't have to worry about dying, ever. Oh sure, I'll shed this earthly body, but I'm going to live forever.
So what did I have to do to get there? What ritual did I have to perform? NONE. All I had to do was believe in Jesus, name Him Lord and Savior of my life, surrender to Him in baptism. That's it. Now I'm in a trust relationship with Him. I'm a member of God's very own family. I get to eat as His table. Converse with Him whenever I want.
God, thanks for all your son went through so that I didn't. Thanks for offering your son a sacrifice for me. Thanks for the freedom to come to you and live in such a tight relationship with you.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Daily Reflections on Ps. 35:17-28 (They're Out to Get Me)
She's out to get me! He's after my job! She's staring at me. Now what's he up to? My guess is that most of us have had those thoughts or even said those words to someone close to us. Is it paranoia, suspicion or reality? Could be a little of all three. Sometimes it's hard to determine the thoughts, motives and actions of others, especially if we have been burnt before. No matter the real intent, it causes us to feel insecure at best.
You would think that the greatest king of Israel would never have experienced such insecurity. But as you read through many of his psalms, you'll note that David experienced a great deal of mental anguish. His perception of potential or real enemies apparently caused him tremendous distress.
As you think of King David, it's hard to picture someone not liking him. A shepherd boy who plays the harp, slays giants and anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king. The young victorious warrior who defeats the enemy nations. The guy crowds hailed when he came to town, "Saul has slain his thousands, but David his tens of thousands." How could anyone have it in for David.
Let me point out a few things. Although the youngest of several brothers, David is the one picked to be king by Samuel. Not something his brothers took to kindly to. King Saul grew jealous of him over his popularity and tried to kill him several times. As he's running from Saul, David also has to watch out for the enemy nations, like the Philistines, who would like to see him dead. The first seven years of his reign, the northern 10 tribes out of 12 refused to acknowledge him has king over all Israel. His own wife ridiculed him over dancing before the Lord in nothing but an ephod when the ark of the covenant was brought back to Jerusalem. His kids were constantly fighting. His son, Absalom usurped his father's throne and causing David to flee. All this on top of the other nations constantly threatening his kingdom.
Did David has cause to be paranoid or at least suspicious? David hardly had a time when he wasn't dodging someone's attacks. No wonder he writes so many Psalms about being in duress. As you read those Psalms, a picture of David's heart and mind becomes clear. As successful as David was, not only did he have his detractors, he was at times overwhelmed in despair.
What David learned through all the eternal pressure and distress, was that the only one he could count on for strength, wisdom, protection, guidance, support, love was God. He realized his own weakness and inadequacy and rested in the only one who could sustain him, God.
God, I confess, I feel like David a lot. It seems like I'm facing some sort of attack every time I turn around. Just when things are looking positive, I get hit with something else. I need you, Lord, to be my strength, my refuge, my victory, my protector, my redeemer, my Savior and friend.
You would think that the greatest king of Israel would never have experienced such insecurity. But as you read through many of his psalms, you'll note that David experienced a great deal of mental anguish. His perception of potential or real enemies apparently caused him tremendous distress.
As you think of King David, it's hard to picture someone not liking him. A shepherd boy who plays the harp, slays giants and anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king. The young victorious warrior who defeats the enemy nations. The guy crowds hailed when he came to town, "Saul has slain his thousands, but David his tens of thousands." How could anyone have it in for David.
Let me point out a few things. Although the youngest of several brothers, David is the one picked to be king by Samuel. Not something his brothers took to kindly to. King Saul grew jealous of him over his popularity and tried to kill him several times. As he's running from Saul, David also has to watch out for the enemy nations, like the Philistines, who would like to see him dead. The first seven years of his reign, the northern 10 tribes out of 12 refused to acknowledge him has king over all Israel. His own wife ridiculed him over dancing before the Lord in nothing but an ephod when the ark of the covenant was brought back to Jerusalem. His kids were constantly fighting. His son, Absalom usurped his father's throne and causing David to flee. All this on top of the other nations constantly threatening his kingdom.
Did David has cause to be paranoid or at least suspicious? David hardly had a time when he wasn't dodging someone's attacks. No wonder he writes so many Psalms about being in duress. As you read those Psalms, a picture of David's heart and mind becomes clear. As successful as David was, not only did he have his detractors, he was at times overwhelmed in despair.
What David learned through all the eternal pressure and distress, was that the only one he could count on for strength, wisdom, protection, guidance, support, love was God. He realized his own weakness and inadequacy and rested in the only one who could sustain him, God.
God, I confess, I feel like David a lot. It seems like I'm facing some sort of attack every time I turn around. Just when things are looking positive, I get hit with something else. I need you, Lord, to be my strength, my refuge, my victory, my protector, my redeemer, my Savior and friend.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Daily Reflections on Ex. 40:34-38; Mk. 1:9-11 (Moving Day)
There is nothing like moving into a new place. You walk through the house or apartment scoping out each room. The place is barren and even echoes a little. There's a sense of excitement. You start imagining where everything goes. You can't wait any longer. The boxes start getting piled in the floor. The furniture starts coming and begins to find its place. The beds go up. Curtains get hung. Before long, it's home. You look around and you're feeling pretty good.
If you happen to have your new home built, it's even more fun to watch everything come together. The foundation is poured. The frame goes up. The roof goes on. The shingles cover. The wallboard is hung. Slowly the finishing touches are carefully completed. With the flooring finally down, it's time to move in. It's amazing. It's fantastic. It's home.
I'm sure that's how the Israelites must have felt. The Tabernacle finally finished and erected for the first time had to be a spectacular sight. The crowd is buzzing with excitement. Everything is dedicated. But nothing could have been more thrilling than to watch God move in. The cloud that had been directing them by day moved over the tent of meeting and settled upon it. The presence of God was so overwhelming, that Moses couldn't enter. And when darkness fell, the pillar of fire that guided them by night rested above the holy of holies. What a dramatic image!
The texts says that as long as the cloud remained on the Tabernacle, the people remained encamped. But when the cloud lifted they packed up and followed it's lead. Wouldn't it be nice to have that kind of direction in your life, to have sign from God on what your are to do next, to guide you step by step through life? The good news is that if you're a believer in Jesus, you have the same access to that kind of direction. The moment you became a believer in Christ, God placed his Holy Spirit in your being.
When Jesus was baptized by John, the presence of God's Spirit was visible in a way similar to the cloud descending on the Tabernacle. As Jesus came up out of the water, God's Spirit descended upon Him as a dove. No, a real dove didn't land on Jesus' head. It was the Spirit of God in a visible sense. I've never witnessed this phenomena when I've baptized people, nor have I ever heard a voice from heaven. But of the hundreds of people that I've baptized, I know that according to God's promise, everyone of them have received the Spirit of God.
If everyone who is a believer in Christ, who have been baptized into Christ as the Bible says, has the Spirit of God taking up residence in their life, why is that we are often so confused about which direction to go? The Holy Spirit will always direct you if you are careful to listen and focus on Him. That requires aligning your life, your will, your actions, your thoughts, your agenda, your values with His.
God, thanks for moving into my life, my being when I became yours. Forgive me when I quench your Spirit's activity. Guide me. Direct me. Flow through me. Enliven me. Allow others to sense your presence in me.
If you happen to have your new home built, it's even more fun to watch everything come together. The foundation is poured. The frame goes up. The roof goes on. The shingles cover. The wallboard is hung. Slowly the finishing touches are carefully completed. With the flooring finally down, it's time to move in. It's amazing. It's fantastic. It's home.
I'm sure that's how the Israelites must have felt. The Tabernacle finally finished and erected for the first time had to be a spectacular sight. The crowd is buzzing with excitement. Everything is dedicated. But nothing could have been more thrilling than to watch God move in. The cloud that had been directing them by day moved over the tent of meeting and settled upon it. The presence of God was so overwhelming, that Moses couldn't enter. And when darkness fell, the pillar of fire that guided them by night rested above the holy of holies. What a dramatic image!
The texts says that as long as the cloud remained on the Tabernacle, the people remained encamped. But when the cloud lifted they packed up and followed it's lead. Wouldn't it be nice to have that kind of direction in your life, to have sign from God on what your are to do next, to guide you step by step through life? The good news is that if you're a believer in Jesus, you have the same access to that kind of direction. The moment you became a believer in Christ, God placed his Holy Spirit in your being.
When Jesus was baptized by John, the presence of God's Spirit was visible in a way similar to the cloud descending on the Tabernacle. As Jesus came up out of the water, God's Spirit descended upon Him as a dove. No, a real dove didn't land on Jesus' head. It was the Spirit of God in a visible sense. I've never witnessed this phenomena when I've baptized people, nor have I ever heard a voice from heaven. But of the hundreds of people that I've baptized, I know that according to God's promise, everyone of them have received the Spirit of God.
If everyone who is a believer in Christ, who have been baptized into Christ as the Bible says, has the Spirit of God taking up residence in their life, why is that we are often so confused about which direction to go? The Holy Spirit will always direct you if you are careful to listen and focus on Him. That requires aligning your life, your will, your actions, your thoughts, your agenda, your values with His.
God, thanks for moving into my life, my being when I became yours. Forgive me when I quench your Spirit's activity. Guide me. Direct me. Flow through me. Enliven me. Allow others to sense your presence in me.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Daily Reflections on Mt. 28:1-15 (Cover Ups)
It's been sad to listen to the congressional inquiry of Roger Clemens. Sad, first of all, because of all of the thousands, maybe millions of tax payer dollars spent on investigating the use of HGH among professional baseball players. Seems like we have a great deal of needs in our country on which that money could have been better spent. Having got that out of my system, it's also sad to watch a vaulted sports hero stumble and stammer trying to protect his honor. Without going into detail, it appears to me that Mr. Clemens is doing his best to cover his tracks. Probably something we all try to do from time to time.
I thought it ironic, that congress is the one who was delving into the process of uncovering someone else's cover up attempts. Tell me, who has had more cover ups than anyone in recent history. Politicians are masters of cover ups. So maybe it does make sense that they get involved.
Cover ups are nothing new to politicians. In Matthew 28, when the soldiers come and tell the chief priests how Jesus miraculously raised from the dead, the chief priests came up with a cover up story to counter the disciples of Jesus' claims of His resurrection. They paid off the soldiers to lie. I wonder how that went over when Jesus showed up again. It's hard to keep things covered up forever.
What's funny is how often we try to cover up our inappropriate behavior. We pretend that God won't find out. It's almost like Adam and Eve in the garden trying to hide from God. Since God sees everything, it's impossible to pull the wool over God's eyes. Yet, that doesn't stop us from covering up our sins. We are so good at rationalizing. The more we tell the story, the more we believe it or rather want to believe it.
We can sometimes fool the people around us. We can make all the excuses we want. We can try minimize our actions, words, etc. We can mask our motives. But it doesn't take Judge Judy to expose the truth. Let's be honest with ourselves and with others. Let's be honest with God. Let's stop the cover ups. We're all imperfect. To acknowledge that is good news. It's good news because, when we're honest, we can start the healing process and allow God to renew us.
God, I can't count the cover ups I've tried in my life. It seems that I spend a lot of mental energy just trying to alleviate my own guilt. Confession is so hard. Saying I'm wrong, I screwed up is so hard. Thanks for your grace. Thanks for your forgiveness. Allow me to sense your love for me.
I thought it ironic, that congress is the one who was delving into the process of uncovering someone else's cover up attempts. Tell me, who has had more cover ups than anyone in recent history. Politicians are masters of cover ups. So maybe it does make sense that they get involved.
Cover ups are nothing new to politicians. In Matthew 28, when the soldiers come and tell the chief priests how Jesus miraculously raised from the dead, the chief priests came up with a cover up story to counter the disciples of Jesus' claims of His resurrection. They paid off the soldiers to lie. I wonder how that went over when Jesus showed up again. It's hard to keep things covered up forever.
What's funny is how often we try to cover up our inappropriate behavior. We pretend that God won't find out. It's almost like Adam and Eve in the garden trying to hide from God. Since God sees everything, it's impossible to pull the wool over God's eyes. Yet, that doesn't stop us from covering up our sins. We are so good at rationalizing. The more we tell the story, the more we believe it or rather want to believe it.
We can sometimes fool the people around us. We can make all the excuses we want. We can try minimize our actions, words, etc. We can mask our motives. But it doesn't take Judge Judy to expose the truth. Let's be honest with ourselves and with others. Let's be honest with God. Let's stop the cover ups. We're all imperfect. To acknowledge that is good news. It's good news because, when we're honest, we can start the healing process and allow God to renew us.
God, I can't count the cover ups I've tried in my life. It seems that I spend a lot of mental energy just trying to alleviate my own guilt. Confession is so hard. Saying I'm wrong, I screwed up is so hard. Thanks for your grace. Thanks for your forgiveness. Allow me to sense your love for me.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Daily Reflections on Mt. 27:45-54 (The Night of the Living Dead)
It had to be like one of those zombie movies. Graves burst open and suddenly the streets are filled with mummy figures. People are running and screaming. Tattered grave clothes hanging off the half decayed bodies. It's Passover time so there are tons of extra people in Jerusalem. Scores gather in the Temple courtyard looking for refuge. The Chief Priests are besides themselves. The Roman guard rush to control the panicking crowds. Other soldiers gather to protect the city from this foreign invasion. It's nothing like they've ever faced before.
My imagination runs wild as I picture the scene at Jesus' death. First the earthquake, then the tombs break open, and the dead begin emerging from their graves and hit the streets of Jerusalem. What a trip. No wonder the centurion at cross said that Jesus was the Son of God. He was probably shivering in his sandals. I confess I would be. It's not like you see that kind of thing everyday.
Most of the time I or other teachers have focused on the meaning of the curtain in the temple being torn from top to bottom at Jesus' death. The fact that God no longer confined His presence in the Holy of Holies cannot be minimized. However, there is another image here that can't go unnoticed. It's the night of the living dead. How symbolic of what Christ has just done. Christ's death allows us to live. Over and over again the New Testament tells us that we were dead in our sins and trespasses, but that we were made alive in Christ.
The imagery of the bodies of many "holy" people rising is a picture of what Christ did for us at that moment. He made it possible for us to have life. As I give my life to Christ, I become a dead man (woman) walking. My body will perish some day. But until that day comes, I'm simply a living corpse. I'm alive in Christ. I will never die.
When people ask me how I'm doing, I often respond, "I'm alive." They usually say something to me like, "Well, that's better than the alternative." I agree and then proceed to tell them that I'm going to live forever. Now that usually catches them off guard. They always look at me kind of strange. And then I ask them, "Aren't you going to live forever?" The responses always vary. But it gives me a chance to tell them why I'm going to live forever.
Without Jesus' death on the cross, my physical death would be permanent death. But because I'm in Christ, I have life eternal life. I'm truly alive. When Christ returns, I'll experience the fullness of life in Him. But until that time, I'm just a living dead man. I'm not a mindless zombie. I'm not a vengeful mummy. I'm dead to sin and alive in Christ.
God, thanks for life in you. Life in the here in and now. Life in eternity with you. Help me live each day with the hope and assurance and the appreciation of true life in you.
My imagination runs wild as I picture the scene at Jesus' death. First the earthquake, then the tombs break open, and the dead begin emerging from their graves and hit the streets of Jerusalem. What a trip. No wonder the centurion at cross said that Jesus was the Son of God. He was probably shivering in his sandals. I confess I would be. It's not like you see that kind of thing everyday.
Most of the time I or other teachers have focused on the meaning of the curtain in the temple being torn from top to bottom at Jesus' death. The fact that God no longer confined His presence in the Holy of Holies cannot be minimized. However, there is another image here that can't go unnoticed. It's the night of the living dead. How symbolic of what Christ has just done. Christ's death allows us to live. Over and over again the New Testament tells us that we were dead in our sins and trespasses, but that we were made alive in Christ.
The imagery of the bodies of many "holy" people rising is a picture of what Christ did for us at that moment. He made it possible for us to have life. As I give my life to Christ, I become a dead man (woman) walking. My body will perish some day. But until that day comes, I'm simply a living corpse. I'm alive in Christ. I will never die.
When people ask me how I'm doing, I often respond, "I'm alive." They usually say something to me like, "Well, that's better than the alternative." I agree and then proceed to tell them that I'm going to live forever. Now that usually catches them off guard. They always look at me kind of strange. And then I ask them, "Aren't you going to live forever?" The responses always vary. But it gives me a chance to tell them why I'm going to live forever.
Without Jesus' death on the cross, my physical death would be permanent death. But because I'm in Christ, I have life eternal life. I'm truly alive. When Christ returns, I'll experience the fullness of life in Him. But until that time, I'm just a living dead man. I'm not a mindless zombie. I'm not a vengeful mummy. I'm dead to sin and alive in Christ.
God, thanks for life in you. Life in the here in and now. Life in eternity with you. Help me live each day with the hope and assurance and the appreciation of true life in you.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Daily Reflections on Mt. 27:11-26 (Bowing to Political Pressure)
The actions of Pilate in today's reading are predictable. It's clear that he couldn't find anything that was deserving of crucifixion in Jesus. He really didn't want to have anything to do with Jesus' execution. Pilate's wife, didn't want her husband to have anything to do with Jesus. He tried to manipulate the crowd into releasing Jesus by offering the notorious criminal Barabbas to them. It backfired on Pilate. The crowd requested the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. So in the end, Pilate bowed to political pressure.
What choice did he have? He had a unruly mob that was about to riot. He certainly didn't want to deal with a rebellion. He could have used the Roman soldiers at his disposal to forcefully remove the crowd and put down a rebellion, but that would have placed him in precarious situation. Certainly there would have been more uprisings throughout the province after such a move. That would have gotten the attention of Rome which could mean possible scrutiny and removal from his post. It would have no doubt led to plenty of bloodshed. So what else could the governor do but give in to political pressure?
Pilate washes his hands of the whole matter. He's willing to sacrifice Jesus in order to maintain his position, power, control over the region. He even got the crowd to own responsibility for Jesus' death. Now that's a true politician in action.
Surrendering to political pressure isn't just a problem for politicians. It's a problem we all face. Throughout each day or at least each week we come up against falling to political pressure. In this day of political correctness, doing the right thing in every circumstance has become increasingly more difficult. It's downright tough to share the truth, live the truth without consequences. We face some of the same dilemmas that Pilate faced. So, too often, we sell Jesus out to keep the peace or to keep our place, position or even job.
Standing up for what's right and true often puts us at opposition to our peers, our employers, our community, our nation. Standing on the truth could even put us in opposition to our own church family or our immediate family. Now that's when it's really tough. But if we don't stand on God's truth, upon what do we find ourselves standing?
I know that going to the cross was God's plan for Jesus. I know that Pilate just played a role in that process, yet he still had a choice. He should have listened to his wife who told him in that famous Star Wars line, "I have a bad feeling about this." She was right. And now throughout history, Pilate will be forever known for giving up Jesus to be crucified. He will be forever known, not for his leadership, but for his surrender to political pressure.
God, standing up for truth seems to be getting harder these days. I need the boldness and wisdom to be able to speak your truth in love, to be like Jesus full of truth and grace.
What choice did he have? He had a unruly mob that was about to riot. He certainly didn't want to deal with a rebellion. He could have used the Roman soldiers at his disposal to forcefully remove the crowd and put down a rebellion, but that would have placed him in precarious situation. Certainly there would have been more uprisings throughout the province after such a move. That would have gotten the attention of Rome which could mean possible scrutiny and removal from his post. It would have no doubt led to plenty of bloodshed. So what else could the governor do but give in to political pressure?
Pilate washes his hands of the whole matter. He's willing to sacrifice Jesus in order to maintain his position, power, control over the region. He even got the crowd to own responsibility for Jesus' death. Now that's a true politician in action.
Surrendering to political pressure isn't just a problem for politicians. It's a problem we all face. Throughout each day or at least each week we come up against falling to political pressure. In this day of political correctness, doing the right thing in every circumstance has become increasingly more difficult. It's downright tough to share the truth, live the truth without consequences. We face some of the same dilemmas that Pilate faced. So, too often, we sell Jesus out to keep the peace or to keep our place, position or even job.
Standing up for what's right and true often puts us at opposition to our peers, our employers, our community, our nation. Standing on the truth could even put us in opposition to our own church family or our immediate family. Now that's when it's really tough. But if we don't stand on God's truth, upon what do we find ourselves standing?
I know that going to the cross was God's plan for Jesus. I know that Pilate just played a role in that process, yet he still had a choice. He should have listened to his wife who told him in that famous Star Wars line, "I have a bad feeling about this." She was right. And now throughout history, Pilate will be forever known for giving up Jesus to be crucified. He will be forever known, not for his leadership, but for his surrender to political pressure.
God, standing up for truth seems to be getting harder these days. I need the boldness and wisdom to be able to speak your truth in love, to be like Jesus full of truth and grace.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Daily Reflections on Ex. 32:1-24 (He's Acting Like a Preschooler)
He sounded just like a preschooler. "I didn't do it. Those people got upset 'cause you were gone so long. They thought you died or abandoned them or something. And since they're an evil people anyway they wanted me to make them gods to follow. So I had them bring me their gold earrings. I put them in the fire and out came a gold calf." How miraculous. He put the gold earrings in the fire and magically a gold calf appeared.
Do you think Moses really believed that story? I would have loved to have heard that discussion between Moses and Aaron. Aaron is the spokesperson for Moses. He's the guy that's supposed to be making all the sacrifices for the children of Israel. He's the one that's supposed to be making atonement for sin not leading people into sin. I'm sure Moe had a thing or two to say to his older brother Aaron.
It's amazing how easy Aaron gave in. He not only forged the gold calf, he made an altar for people to sacrifice to it. He led the ceremony. What caused Aaron to abandoned God, his principles and lead the children of Israel away from God? Was it the pressure of the people? Was it the desire to remain in power? Was it his own doubt?
Before we condemn Aaron for his behavior, we should take a quick review of our own lives. How often have we caved to the crowds pressure and walked away from God's principles? How often have we found ourselves in a compromising situation and given in to our human desires? How often have we questioned our faith? In Aaron's place, how would have we responded? God seemed so silent for a period of time and Aaron seemed all alone. We have to asked ourselves the question, why didn't God at least strip Aaron of his priestly position after his behavior? Why wasn't he severely punished or worse?
God, I know that sometimes I'm quick to give an excuse for my behavior. I can rationalize almost anything. Thanks for your forgiveness. Forgive my doubt. Allow me to know you, sense your presence even in times when you seem so far from me.
Do you think Moses really believed that story? I would have loved to have heard that discussion between Moses and Aaron. Aaron is the spokesperson for Moses. He's the guy that's supposed to be making all the sacrifices for the children of Israel. He's the one that's supposed to be making atonement for sin not leading people into sin. I'm sure Moe had a thing or two to say to his older brother Aaron.
It's amazing how easy Aaron gave in. He not only forged the gold calf, he made an altar for people to sacrifice to it. He led the ceremony. What caused Aaron to abandoned God, his principles and lead the children of Israel away from God? Was it the pressure of the people? Was it the desire to remain in power? Was it his own doubt?
Before we condemn Aaron for his behavior, we should take a quick review of our own lives. How often have we caved to the crowds pressure and walked away from God's principles? How often have we found ourselves in a compromising situation and given in to our human desires? How often have we questioned our faith? In Aaron's place, how would have we responded? God seemed so silent for a period of time and Aaron seemed all alone. We have to asked ourselves the question, why didn't God at least strip Aaron of his priestly position after his behavior? Why wasn't he severely punished or worse?
God, I know that sometimes I'm quick to give an excuse for my behavior. I can rationalize almost anything. Thanks for your forgiveness. Forgive my doubt. Allow me to know you, sense your presence even in times when you seem so far from me.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Daily Reflections on Mt. 26:36-46 (A Garden Experience)
Of all the places that I visited in the Holy Land, the Garden of Gethsemane was the most moving place for me. We stayed at a hotel in the Arab sector that overlooked the eastern gate of the city of Jerusalem. As I took my morning run, the call for morning prayers went out. Before I finished, the sun would be rising and it's glistening rays would reflect in a brilliant glow on the golden Dome of the Rock. The shadows of the Kidron Valley would slowly dissipate as the sun rose higher in the sky.
It was on one of those glorious sun shiny days that we made our way down the steep incline from our hotel on the Mount of Olives to Gethsemane. Our guide walked us through old spindly olive trees giving us insight into the garden, olive trees, and the olive business. He explained that Gethsemane meant "olive press." He noted it was appropriate for Jesus to pray there in the garden because it was where Jesus endured the greatest pressure of His life. For it was in the garden that Jesus made the ultimate decision to go to cross for us. He noted that His life was then poured out as both the healing and anointing oil on us, that allowed the Holy Spirit to come into our lives.
Our guide suggested some scriptures to read and then gave us some individual devotional time. As I plopped down against the base of one of the olive trees in the garden and opened my Bible and prayed, I was suddenly overcome with emotion. I couldn't choke back the tears that began to flow. It occurred to me that it was at that spot 2,000 years prior that Jesus prayed for me. He was going to the cross in a matter of hours and He was praying for me.
I was so overwhelmed that I couldn't write in my journal. I was never so humbled in my life. The imagery of that night consumed me. And just as the disciples had abandoned Jesus and fled into the darkness, I realized how many times I've done the same thing. I knew more than ever before how unworthy of His love and grace I really was. Yet, I was never more grateful.
God, every time I read these words I am drawn back to that place in the Garden where I encountered you. You touched my spirit. My emotions are evoked as I contemplate again the thought of your son praying for me. The reality of Jesus' personal sacrifice for me comes alive in my being and I'm deeply drawn to you.
It was on one of those glorious sun shiny days that we made our way down the steep incline from our hotel on the Mount of Olives to Gethsemane. Our guide walked us through old spindly olive trees giving us insight into the garden, olive trees, and the olive business. He explained that Gethsemane meant "olive press." He noted it was appropriate for Jesus to pray there in the garden because it was where Jesus endured the greatest pressure of His life. For it was in the garden that Jesus made the ultimate decision to go to cross for us. He noted that His life was then poured out as both the healing and anointing oil on us, that allowed the Holy Spirit to come into our lives.
Our guide suggested some scriptures to read and then gave us some individual devotional time. As I plopped down against the base of one of the olive trees in the garden and opened my Bible and prayed, I was suddenly overcome with emotion. I couldn't choke back the tears that began to flow. It occurred to me that it was at that spot 2,000 years prior that Jesus prayed for me. He was going to the cross in a matter of hours and He was praying for me.
I was so overwhelmed that I couldn't write in my journal. I was never so humbled in my life. The imagery of that night consumed me. And just as the disciples had abandoned Jesus and fled into the darkness, I realized how many times I've done the same thing. I knew more than ever before how unworthy of His love and grace I really was. Yet, I was never more grateful.
God, every time I read these words I am drawn back to that place in the Garden where I encountered you. You touched my spirit. My emotions are evoked as I contemplate again the thought of your son praying for me. The reality of Jesus' personal sacrifice for me comes alive in my being and I'm deeply drawn to you.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Daily Reflections on Mt. 25:31-46 (Choosing Sides)
When we were kids we always chose up sides for virtually any game we played. Kickball, baseball, wiffleball, war, football, basketball, capture the flag any game that required two teams the process would be the same. The group would first choose two captains. Then everyone else would line up. The captains would then pick who would be on their team. Depending on the game and whether we were playing with mixed company, often the teams would be separated as "shirts" and "skins." Shirts kept their shirts on. Skins took their shirts off. It was easy to identify your teammates that way.
Reading through this passage in Mt. 25, I always think of those childhood experiences. But instead of "shirts" and "skins," Jesus is separating those gathered into two camps as sheep and goats. In our athletic events or games, your abilities, as demonstrated by past performances, got you picked early. The better you were at a particular game, got you picked first. Jesus is kind of doing the same thing. He's choosing who gets to be on His team based on past performance.
The performance, however, Jesus is looking for doesn't have to do with abilities, talents, intelligence or athletic prowess. It has to do with heart. Have you demonstrated a servant's heart? Jesus has a distinct set of requirements to be on His team. Ironically, the criteria isn't how much you know about the Bible. It isn't how often you attended church. It isn't how many committees you served on or Sunday School classes you taught.
Jesus' criteria for being on His team is who and how have you served? The people on His team fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, sheltered the strangers/the homeless, clothed the needy, cared for the sick, assisted the imprisoned. Those who did these things are welcomed into His Kingdom. Those who didn't, don't get to go into heaven.
I've been to and a part of a lot of churches. If this is the criteria for getting into heaven, I know a lot of Christians who'll be playing on the goats team. There is very little focus on "the least of these" for many followers of Christ. I know many churches that are focused more on doctrine and programs that appease their constituents, than they are on the needs of "the least of these" in their communities. They are more passionate about the style of music or what they sit in on Sunday morning, than they are about "the least of these."
Instead of building massive structures to meet and play in, wouldn't it be better for God's people to be investing in community health clinics, food and clothing banks, homeless shelters, transitional housing, job training, home care or appropriate housing for the elderly and prison ministries. God's church had 3,000 converts on the first Sunday. They grew to tens of thousands in relatively short order. The amazing thing is that they didn't have a 200 acre campus with a gorgeous 3,500 seat worship center, state of the art educational wing, multipurpose center, interactive children's wing and full sports facility. They had nothing. They met in the existing temple courts and from house to house.
I can't really criticize. I have to ask myself the question, how much do I focus on "the least of these." If you took a good look at my history and my daily life, I'd be found lacking in this area. My heart is there, but my actions are questionable.
But the good news is that instead being chosen by the captain for this team, I can choose what team I'm going to be on. That's been the goal I've had for our new church; that we'd be a church concerned about "the least of these."
God, forgive my blindness to the needs that are around me. Forgive my stinginess, too. Help me lead my church to become the kind of church that has this type of servant's heart for people. Give us the vision and the resources to meet these needs. Allow people in need to see you through us.
Reading through this passage in Mt. 25, I always think of those childhood experiences. But instead of "shirts" and "skins," Jesus is separating those gathered into two camps as sheep and goats. In our athletic events or games, your abilities, as demonstrated by past performances, got you picked early. The better you were at a particular game, got you picked first. Jesus is kind of doing the same thing. He's choosing who gets to be on His team based on past performance.
The performance, however, Jesus is looking for doesn't have to do with abilities, talents, intelligence or athletic prowess. It has to do with heart. Have you demonstrated a servant's heart? Jesus has a distinct set of requirements to be on His team. Ironically, the criteria isn't how much you know about the Bible. It isn't how often you attended church. It isn't how many committees you served on or Sunday School classes you taught.
Jesus' criteria for being on His team is who and how have you served? The people on His team fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, sheltered the strangers/the homeless, clothed the needy, cared for the sick, assisted the imprisoned. Those who did these things are welcomed into His Kingdom. Those who didn't, don't get to go into heaven.
I've been to and a part of a lot of churches. If this is the criteria for getting into heaven, I know a lot of Christians who'll be playing on the goats team. There is very little focus on "the least of these" for many followers of Christ. I know many churches that are focused more on doctrine and programs that appease their constituents, than they are on the needs of "the least of these" in their communities. They are more passionate about the style of music or what they sit in on Sunday morning, than they are about "the least of these."
Instead of building massive structures to meet and play in, wouldn't it be better for God's people to be investing in community health clinics, food and clothing banks, homeless shelters, transitional housing, job training, home care or appropriate housing for the elderly and prison ministries. God's church had 3,000 converts on the first Sunday. They grew to tens of thousands in relatively short order. The amazing thing is that they didn't have a 200 acre campus with a gorgeous 3,500 seat worship center, state of the art educational wing, multipurpose center, interactive children's wing and full sports facility. They had nothing. They met in the existing temple courts and from house to house.
I can't really criticize. I have to ask myself the question, how much do I focus on "the least of these." If you took a good look at my history and my daily life, I'd be found lacking in this area. My heart is there, but my actions are questionable.
But the good news is that instead being chosen by the captain for this team, I can choose what team I'm going to be on. That's been the goal I've had for our new church; that we'd be a church concerned about "the least of these."
God, forgive my blindness to the needs that are around me. Forgive my stinginess, too. Help me lead my church to become the kind of church that has this type of servant's heart for people. Give us the vision and the resources to meet these needs. Allow people in need to see you through us.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Daily Reflection on Ps. 31 (I Need a New Set of Hands)
I've heard those words from Ps. 31:5 before, "Into your hands I commit my spirit." Oh yeah, Jesus prayed them from the cross right before He died. For years, it never occurred to me that Jesus was quoting scripture. If Jesus is quoting this verse, it has to bring light to Ps. 31. Jesus often quoted scripture in His teaching. He challenged conventional thinking, brought a deeper understanding, even warded off temptation through quoting it.
Since Jesus never took anything out of context, nor did He spiritualize texts they way preachers and teachers often do today, when He quoted this verse their must be application to His circumstance. "Into your hands, I commit my spirit." As you read through the rest of Ps. 31, you will recognize it is a cry for deliverance from God. David talks about the anguish of his soul, of his fear of being put to shame, of his desire for righteousness. He extols the praises of God for His strength and steadfastness. David proclaims God as his refuge and deliverer, his rock, his protection from his enemies.
As Jesus took on the sins of the world, suffering on the cross at the hands of man, His cry to God was for deliverance. Even though Christ died that day on the cross and was buried in the tomb, God answered His prayer. The shame of the cross became a symbol of victory. God raised Him to life again and with Him all who proclaim Him Lord and Savior. He delivered Christ from the hands of Satan and death and by doing that He delivered us who are in Christ. By committing His spirit into the hands of God on the cross, He was assuring Himself and us the fulfillment of David's ultimate cry in Ps. 31.
Virtually, that's the prayer all of us must pray. Into your hands I commit my spirit. Unfortunately, most of our prayers are "Into MY own hands I commit my spirit." Into my own intelligence, into my own resources, into my own abilities, into my own agenda I commit my spirit is our decry. That's why we struggle. We can't release it. We attack life all on our own. We need a rock, a deliverer, a refuge, an advocate, a rescuer. We need God.
God, too often I'm praying the wrong prayer. I'm praying the ability to do things myself. Forgive me. I'm changing my prayer. Into YOUR hands, I commit my spirit.
Since Jesus never took anything out of context, nor did He spiritualize texts they way preachers and teachers often do today, when He quoted this verse their must be application to His circumstance. "Into your hands, I commit my spirit." As you read through the rest of Ps. 31, you will recognize it is a cry for deliverance from God. David talks about the anguish of his soul, of his fear of being put to shame, of his desire for righteousness. He extols the praises of God for His strength and steadfastness. David proclaims God as his refuge and deliverer, his rock, his protection from his enemies.
As Jesus took on the sins of the world, suffering on the cross at the hands of man, His cry to God was for deliverance. Even though Christ died that day on the cross and was buried in the tomb, God answered His prayer. The shame of the cross became a symbol of victory. God raised Him to life again and with Him all who proclaim Him Lord and Savior. He delivered Christ from the hands of Satan and death and by doing that He delivered us who are in Christ. By committing His spirit into the hands of God on the cross, He was assuring Himself and us the fulfillment of David's ultimate cry in Ps. 31.
Virtually, that's the prayer all of us must pray. Into your hands I commit my spirit. Unfortunately, most of our prayers are "Into MY own hands I commit my spirit." Into my own intelligence, into my own resources, into my own abilities, into my own agenda I commit my spirit is our decry. That's why we struggle. We can't release it. We attack life all on our own. We need a rock, a deliverer, a refuge, an advocate, a rescuer. We need God.
God, too often I'm praying the wrong prayer. I'm praying the ability to do things myself. Forgive me. I'm changing my prayer. Into YOUR hands, I commit my spirit.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Daily Reflections on Ex. 23:20-33 (My Personal Angel)
Wouldn't it be great if you had an angel go before you clearing the way? You're on your way to work and all the lights would turn green right before you got there. All the other cars would just move over giving you a clear path. You pull up to the mall and a space would be waiting for you on the front row. Instead of standing in line at Wal-Mart or the grocery store, a path would open allowing you to go directly to a register without waiting.
Wouldn't it be great if all the angry people in your life would disappear forever? Your angel would rid you of all troublemakers and annoying people. Your enemies and your competition could be eliminated without you having to do a thing. Where can I get one of those angels?
In today's reading, God promises to send an angel like this ahead of the Israelites. He was a representative of God. The only catch was that they had to listen to him and do what he said. They also couldn't start worshiping the gods of the people that were already in the land. They were to destroy their idols and sacred places. They also weren't to make a peace covenant with the people living in the land.
God said if they did those things, then He would bless their food and water, take away any sickness from them, young women would have healthy children and they would live a long happy life. Sounds like a great promise to me. Where do I sign up?
I also noted one more promise that God gave them. He said He would drive out all the inhabitants of the land which He had promised to Abraham and his offspring. But He said He wouldn't do that all at once. He'd do it gradually so that the land wouldn't become desolate and dangerous. As the people grew in number, He would drive out the negative element as needed, until the Children of Israel could possess the entire land.
Wow. Seems like lots of lessons here. We're looking at the birth of a nation. God knew it would take a while to make the transition so He carefully planned their development. They weren't suddenly a nation. God knew the chaos that would ensue if He didn't take one step at a time. Nation building takes time, training, careful planning.
So does the birth of a Christian. God doesn't take out all the supports and leave us floundering. He allows us to grow slowly. His caution, however, is to listen only to Him in the developmental process. The negative influence of our lives have to be slowly and methodically removed. Trying to invite old habits and worldly influence into our lives leads only to disaster and ultimately destruction. The best of God's blessings and a healthy life requires listening to Him and obeying Him. We don't have an angel to prepare our way, but we do have the Holy Spirit living in us to direct us, protect us and empower us.
God, thanks for preparing my way each day through your Holy Spirit.
Wouldn't it be great if all the angry people in your life would disappear forever? Your angel would rid you of all troublemakers and annoying people. Your enemies and your competition could be eliminated without you having to do a thing. Where can I get one of those angels?
In today's reading, God promises to send an angel like this ahead of the Israelites. He was a representative of God. The only catch was that they had to listen to him and do what he said. They also couldn't start worshiping the gods of the people that were already in the land. They were to destroy their idols and sacred places. They also weren't to make a peace covenant with the people living in the land.
God said if they did those things, then He would bless their food and water, take away any sickness from them, young women would have healthy children and they would live a long happy life. Sounds like a great promise to me. Where do I sign up?
I also noted one more promise that God gave them. He said He would drive out all the inhabitants of the land which He had promised to Abraham and his offspring. But He said He wouldn't do that all at once. He'd do it gradually so that the land wouldn't become desolate and dangerous. As the people grew in number, He would drive out the negative element as needed, until the Children of Israel could possess the entire land.
Wow. Seems like lots of lessons here. We're looking at the birth of a nation. God knew it would take a while to make the transition so He carefully planned their development. They weren't suddenly a nation. God knew the chaos that would ensue if He didn't take one step at a time. Nation building takes time, training, careful planning.
So does the birth of a Christian. God doesn't take out all the supports and leave us floundering. He allows us to grow slowly. His caution, however, is to listen only to Him in the developmental process. The negative influence of our lives have to be slowly and methodically removed. Trying to invite old habits and worldly influence into our lives leads only to disaster and ultimately destruction. The best of God's blessings and a healthy life requires listening to Him and obeying Him. We don't have an angel to prepare our way, but we do have the Holy Spirit living in us to direct us, protect us and empower us.
God, thanks for preparing my way each day through your Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Daily Reflections on Mt. 24:3-25 (Is the End in Sight?)
From my teens I've always wondered what the end of the world as we know would be like. I was intrigued by Hal Lindsey's book, "The Late Great Planet Earth." We talked about the end times in our Sunday School class. I didn't so much like reading the book, but the movie was really interesting. I went with some friends to see it at a drive-in theater.
I'm not so sure I agree with Hal Lindsey about what the end times will be like, but at least it caused me to think about it. I've never been cracked about experiencing death personally. I'm not afraid of being dead. I'm afraid of getting dead. So I've always wanted to hang around to see the end times, no matter how turbulent they may be. I just figured I'd rather go on to heaven like Elijah, riding a flaming chariot, than the normal way, dying. The Bible does say that the dead in Christ will ride first and then those who are alive in Christ will be caught up with Him in air. I just decided that I didn't have to be first. I'd just as soon do the caught up thing in the air. That would be sooooo cool. Look Mom, I'm flying.
I honestly don't know how close we are to the last days, when the trumpet sounds and that's all she wrote. I do know that we are closer today than yesterday. As I look around it seems that there certainly are a lot of earthquakes and famines in various parts of the world. It seems nations are rising against nations. Many nations in Africa fit the description in today's passage.
I've also noted one thing that is of great concern to me. Jesus stated that as the end draws near many will turn away from the faith. He said to expect false prophets and false teachers. He said to expect an increased of love for wickedness and/or wicked things. He said that people's love for truth and righteousness will grow cold. I don't if anyone else has noticed, but it sure seems like that's happening. I read a stat not too long ago that stated that porn shops out number McDonald's three to one in the US. It also went to state that the porn industry is the number one industry on the internet.
In the middle of His discourse Jesus makes one incredible promise, "He who stands firm to the end will be saved." Wow! That's a victory statement. Standing firm on God's truth, standing firm on the hope of Jesus, sounds like the right and spiritual thing to do. But Jesus also warns that many will cave under the pressure and abandon their faith. Before you quickly announce, "Not Me!", I remind you of a guy in the upper room by the name of Peter. That "never deny you, Lord" statement became 3 denials within 24 hours.
Standing firm isn't easy. We cave in small ways all the time. We embrace much of the world's ways on a daily basis. We accept immorality in it's various forms as if it's nothing to be concerned about. People go without food. Woman and children abused. Widows sit alone behind drawn curtains. Sexual promiscuity doesn't even get a raised eyebrow. In fact, it's a major theme in most of our favorite TV shows.
As we lower our standards, our love and passion for God and His righteousness slowly dissipates. Our heart, our love is growing cooler. The hope, the light within us is fading. The saddest thing is that we don't even know it.
Jesus says run to the hills when you see it coming. He's not suggest we all wall ourselves off in a monastery. He's say to run from the world's ways. Perhaps that's why even though Jesus was divine, He still headed for the mountains to be alone with God on a regular basis. He needed to renew Himself with the Father. He needed to get away from the corruption for a while and find Himself enriched and enraptured by the holiness of God.
Father, I'm sick. The world is corrupting me. It's hard to live in the world and not to be a part of the world. My soul is bombarded daily with the germs of ungodliness. Refresh my spirit as I draw close to you. Purge the worldly elements from my being. Detox my soul. I want to stand firm in Christ, so empower me with your spirit.
I'm not so sure I agree with Hal Lindsey about what the end times will be like, but at least it caused me to think about it. I've never been cracked about experiencing death personally. I'm not afraid of being dead. I'm afraid of getting dead. So I've always wanted to hang around to see the end times, no matter how turbulent they may be. I just figured I'd rather go on to heaven like Elijah, riding a flaming chariot, than the normal way, dying. The Bible does say that the dead in Christ will ride first and then those who are alive in Christ will be caught up with Him in air. I just decided that I didn't have to be first. I'd just as soon do the caught up thing in the air. That would be sooooo cool. Look Mom, I'm flying.
I honestly don't know how close we are to the last days, when the trumpet sounds and that's all she wrote. I do know that we are closer today than yesterday. As I look around it seems that there certainly are a lot of earthquakes and famines in various parts of the world. It seems nations are rising against nations. Many nations in Africa fit the description in today's passage.
I've also noted one thing that is of great concern to me. Jesus stated that as the end draws near many will turn away from the faith. He said to expect false prophets and false teachers. He said to expect an increased of love for wickedness and/or wicked things. He said that people's love for truth and righteousness will grow cold. I don't if anyone else has noticed, but it sure seems like that's happening. I read a stat not too long ago that stated that porn shops out number McDonald's three to one in the US. It also went to state that the porn industry is the number one industry on the internet.
In the middle of His discourse Jesus makes one incredible promise, "He who stands firm to the end will be saved." Wow! That's a victory statement. Standing firm on God's truth, standing firm on the hope of Jesus, sounds like the right and spiritual thing to do. But Jesus also warns that many will cave under the pressure and abandon their faith. Before you quickly announce, "Not Me!", I remind you of a guy in the upper room by the name of Peter. That "never deny you, Lord" statement became 3 denials within 24 hours.
Standing firm isn't easy. We cave in small ways all the time. We embrace much of the world's ways on a daily basis. We accept immorality in it's various forms as if it's nothing to be concerned about. People go without food. Woman and children abused. Widows sit alone behind drawn curtains. Sexual promiscuity doesn't even get a raised eyebrow. In fact, it's a major theme in most of our favorite TV shows.
As we lower our standards, our love and passion for God and His righteousness slowly dissipates. Our heart, our love is growing cooler. The hope, the light within us is fading. The saddest thing is that we don't even know it.
Jesus says run to the hills when you see it coming. He's not suggest we all wall ourselves off in a monastery. He's say to run from the world's ways. Perhaps that's why even though Jesus was divine, He still headed for the mountains to be alone with God on a regular basis. He needed to renew Himself with the Father. He needed to get away from the corruption for a while and find Himself enriched and enraptured by the holiness of God.
Father, I'm sick. The world is corrupting me. It's hard to live in the world and not to be a part of the world. My soul is bombarded daily with the germs of ungodliness. Refresh my spirit as I draw close to you. Purge the worldly elements from my being. Detox my soul. I want to stand firm in Christ, so empower me with your spirit.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Daily Reflections on Ex. 20:1-20 (Do We Have to Keep All Ten Commandments?)
When our growing church needed to expand, we looked at several possibilities. We realized that our facility was limiting our growth and ultimately we had to relocate. Our seven weekend services were too much strain on everyone, including the facilities. Our elders finally decided to purchase several acres of land on the edge of town. Our goal was to build in phases so as to accommodate the needs of our growing congregation without over taxing our resources.
Wise thinking. But God had different plans for us. We had already started to plateau in growth. People would drive onto our lot, not be able to find a parking place and drive off never to return. We really couldn't wait on a ten year plan. It was then God gave us the unique opportunity to purchase an old Wal-Mart building. 60,000 square feet on 7 and a half acres, complete with concrete parking lot, right at the center of the statistical hub of our city. God even sliced the asking price in half for us. After the sale of our properties, the purchase of the Wal-Mart facility cost us only about $125,000.
It's amazing how God works. What seemed impossible odds were relatively nothing for God. As were going through the whole process of relocation, fund raising and transition, I kept coming back to these stories of God at work in Exodus. God did some amazing things for children of Israel when things looked hopeless or impossible. They even heard the voice of God speaking to them. Now that would get your attention.
God struck a covenant with the Children of Israel. He told them he would provide for them and protect them and choose them for His own people if they simply would honor Him and obey His instruction. So God gave them 10 basic commands by which to live. That's it 10. Shouldn't be too hard, right? Well, let's just say they couldn't make it a month.
The Ten Commandments still remain the basis of our relationship with God. It's true that those of us in Christ are under a new covenant that centers on God's grace through our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, Redeemer, Lord and friend. However, Jesus said that not one aspect of the law would diminish, that He came to fulfill the law not do away with it. He also said that the law is summed in two basic commands, love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.
An interesting thing happened after we purchased that old Wal-Mart building. People used to joke about us being the Wal-Mart Church. You can imagine some of the comments. Some wondered if all our greeters were going to wear blue smocks with yellow smiley face buttons. Some asked if we were going to adopt slogans like, "always low requirements." We got accused of being the "Lite Church." We thought about offering a discount tithe of 8%. We kicked around the idea having only 8 commandments, you get to choose your 8. But then we realized that people were already doing that and less.
Jesus abbreviated the 10 commandments to two simple commandments and yet what I've found is that people can't even keep those two let alone the ten. We have witnessed the incredible power of God's love and grace. We watch His hand continually go forth in our behalf and we can't do the simplest thing of obeying God. It blows my mind, because I'm just as guilty as the next person. I'm just thankful that God is a patient God and that His grace is bigger than my disgrace.
God, you truly are amazing. Words can't describe you. Your power and might are infinite. There is nothing impossible for you. Why do I doubt? Why do I whine? Why do I ignore you? Why do I disobey your truth and wisdom? Forgive me, Father. Fill me again with your wonderment.
Wise thinking. But God had different plans for us. We had already started to plateau in growth. People would drive onto our lot, not be able to find a parking place and drive off never to return. We really couldn't wait on a ten year plan. It was then God gave us the unique opportunity to purchase an old Wal-Mart building. 60,000 square feet on 7 and a half acres, complete with concrete parking lot, right at the center of the statistical hub of our city. God even sliced the asking price in half for us. After the sale of our properties, the purchase of the Wal-Mart facility cost us only about $125,000.
It's amazing how God works. What seemed impossible odds were relatively nothing for God. As were going through the whole process of relocation, fund raising and transition, I kept coming back to these stories of God at work in Exodus. God did some amazing things for children of Israel when things looked hopeless or impossible. They even heard the voice of God speaking to them. Now that would get your attention.
God struck a covenant with the Children of Israel. He told them he would provide for them and protect them and choose them for His own people if they simply would honor Him and obey His instruction. So God gave them 10 basic commands by which to live. That's it 10. Shouldn't be too hard, right? Well, let's just say they couldn't make it a month.
The Ten Commandments still remain the basis of our relationship with God. It's true that those of us in Christ are under a new covenant that centers on God's grace through our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, Redeemer, Lord and friend. However, Jesus said that not one aspect of the law would diminish, that He came to fulfill the law not do away with it. He also said that the law is summed in two basic commands, love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.
An interesting thing happened after we purchased that old Wal-Mart building. People used to joke about us being the Wal-Mart Church. You can imagine some of the comments. Some wondered if all our greeters were going to wear blue smocks with yellow smiley face buttons. Some asked if we were going to adopt slogans like, "always low requirements." We got accused of being the "Lite Church." We thought about offering a discount tithe of 8%. We kicked around the idea having only 8 commandments, you get to choose your 8. But then we realized that people were already doing that and less.
Jesus abbreviated the 10 commandments to two simple commandments and yet what I've found is that people can't even keep those two let alone the ten. We have witnessed the incredible power of God's love and grace. We watch His hand continually go forth in our behalf and we can't do the simplest thing of obeying God. It blows my mind, because I'm just as guilty as the next person. I'm just thankful that God is a patient God and that His grace is bigger than my disgrace.
God, you truly are amazing. Words can't describe you. Your power and might are infinite. There is nothing impossible for you. Why do I doubt? Why do I whine? Why do I ignore you? Why do I disobey your truth and wisdom? Forgive me, Father. Fill me again with your wonderment.
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