Making rash promises can come back to haunt you big time. In today's passage, Jephthah made one of the most rashest of promises to God. A lot of us have made those promises to God like, "God get me out of this mess and I'll never cuss again." Most of the time those desperate prayers are really meaningless and to be honest we really never intended to keep the rash promise we made to God. It's often been called "foxhole religion."
But Jephthah's promise to God was a little different. His prayer to God was that if God gave them victory over the Ammonites, he would sacrifice as a burnt offering the first thing that came out of the door of his house to greet him when he returned. First of all that is really a stupid vow. What in the world was Jephthah thinking? I know he was pumped about going out to fight against the Ammonites, but give me a break. Was he hoping his wife's cat would open the door upon his return and charge out to greet him. "But Honey, I have to sacrifice the cat, I made a vow to the Lord." Maybe he was hoping it would be one of his brothers who ran him off when he was younger because his mother was a prostitute.
The Lord gave Jephthah the victory alright. But the first thing that came out to greet him upon his return was his only child, his daughter. "What a moron!" Jephthah had to be thinking to himself, "Why did I make such a stupid vow?" Unlike a lot of us who make rash promises, Jephthah made good on his promise. His daughter willingly gave herself up for her father.
To be honest I don't understand why God didn't stop Jephthah from sacrificing his daughter. It was those very kind of practices by the people living in the land that God abhorred and why He had the Israelites totally destroy them. But He didn't and Jephthah made good on his vow.
Let's be honest, we make rash promises when we're desperate or in trouble or when we're not really thinking clearly. We make them not only to God but to others as well. At those moments we don't consider what the full aspects or consequences of our promises are. More often than not, we're forced to renege because we can't keep our promise. And when that happens either we're trying to rationalize why we couldn't keep our promise or we lose trust and respect from those around us or both. Jesus said to let our yeses be yes and our nos be no.
God, I've made some really stupid promises to you in the past that both of us knew I couldn't keep. I've never made any as rash as Jephthah, but I've made some nonetheless. Help me through your spirit maintain my integrity with you and with others. Help me trust you more, be more honest with myself and realistic about my dreams and life itself. Allow me to think clearly about my promises, especially those tied to my goals and aspirations.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Daily Reflections on Josh.23:9-16 (Keeping Promises)
I promise. You've said that a thousand times. You've heard it said even more. People make promises all the time. In this political year, we've already heard so many promises it's enough to make your head spin. Well maybe not spin, but at least shake. Promises are easy to make but not always easy to keep. Each election year we hear candidates proclaim promises that we know they never intend to keep or will be able to pull off.
But politicians aren't the only ones who make promises that don't intend to keep. It seems like it's common practice in the business world. We promise or are promised a certain price or certain ship date that we know isn't going to happen. Jobs are promised to be finished by a specific time, but as the deadline approaches excuses for extensions are sure to come.
But the broken promises that are the most wounding have to do with relationships. People promise each other things all the time, but often don't come through. Since trust is a key factor in any relationship, when promises are not kept, the that relationship takes a hit. We're hurt, disappointed and sometimes left with feelings of abandonment. We struggle with that person who didn't come through for us.
Most of us don't think of ourselves as promise breakers. And usually we want to give ourselves the benefit of the doubt. We can line up a myriad of excuses for why we were unable to fulfill our promise in an instant. We're quick to tab the label, "irresponsible," or even "liar" onto someone who breaks a promise to us. However, we rarely believe that about ourselves when we break our promises.
If we're all prone to making promises and then breaking our promises, whether intentional or not, who do you trust? At some point we are either going to let someone down or be let down. We're all imperfect. So trusting people can be hazardous.
In today's passage, Joshua is giving some final instructions to the Israelites before he goes on to be with the Lord. In these instructions, he exhorts Israel to remain faithful to God and His commandments. He also warns what will happen if they get careless with their covenant with Him and begin fraternizing with the pagan nations and their false gods. He urges them to keep their promise to God to remain faithful to Him.
Joshua points out that not one of God's promises to them had failed to come to fruition. Everyone had been fulfilled and would continue to be fulfilled as long as they kept their promise to serve God and Him only. That's what a covenant relationship is all about. When that covenant is broken, all bets are off. You break your marriage covenant to remain faithful to your spouse and your marriage is in big time trouble. The trust is gone and probably the relationship.
When we break our covenant with God to remain faithful only to Him and follow all His teachings and truths, we create a major rift in our relationship with Him. Many people want to live and do whatever they want to do and think that everything with God will be alright. They believe that they should receive all the blessings and benefits a committed follower of Christ are due. We broke the covenant with God, why should He keep His end of the bargain? He doesn't owe us anything. Why should God continue to bless our life if we're going ignore His truths and commands and teachings.
One thing for sure is that God will always keep His end of the deal. If He makes a promise, He'll fulfill it. But His promises are always conditional. The condition is based on us. We have a choice. If we break our promise to God, He's not obligated to keep His promise to us.
God, I'm so thankful for your grace. Thanks for all the second chances. Thanks for always keeping your promises. You're the only one any of us can truly trust. Help me keep my promise to you through your Holy Spirit.
But politicians aren't the only ones who make promises that don't intend to keep. It seems like it's common practice in the business world. We promise or are promised a certain price or certain ship date that we know isn't going to happen. Jobs are promised to be finished by a specific time, but as the deadline approaches excuses for extensions are sure to come.
But the broken promises that are the most wounding have to do with relationships. People promise each other things all the time, but often don't come through. Since trust is a key factor in any relationship, when promises are not kept, the that relationship takes a hit. We're hurt, disappointed and sometimes left with feelings of abandonment. We struggle with that person who didn't come through for us.
Most of us don't think of ourselves as promise breakers. And usually we want to give ourselves the benefit of the doubt. We can line up a myriad of excuses for why we were unable to fulfill our promise in an instant. We're quick to tab the label, "irresponsible," or even "liar" onto someone who breaks a promise to us. However, we rarely believe that about ourselves when we break our promises.
If we're all prone to making promises and then breaking our promises, whether intentional or not, who do you trust? At some point we are either going to let someone down or be let down. We're all imperfect. So trusting people can be hazardous.
In today's passage, Joshua is giving some final instructions to the Israelites before he goes on to be with the Lord. In these instructions, he exhorts Israel to remain faithful to God and His commandments. He also warns what will happen if they get careless with their covenant with Him and begin fraternizing with the pagan nations and their false gods. He urges them to keep their promise to God to remain faithful to Him.
Joshua points out that not one of God's promises to them had failed to come to fruition. Everyone had been fulfilled and would continue to be fulfilled as long as they kept their promise to serve God and Him only. That's what a covenant relationship is all about. When that covenant is broken, all bets are off. You break your marriage covenant to remain faithful to your spouse and your marriage is in big time trouble. The trust is gone and probably the relationship.
When we break our covenant with God to remain faithful only to Him and follow all His teachings and truths, we create a major rift in our relationship with Him. Many people want to live and do whatever they want to do and think that everything with God will be alright. They believe that they should receive all the blessings and benefits a committed follower of Christ are due. We broke the covenant with God, why should He keep His end of the bargain? He doesn't owe us anything. Why should God continue to bless our life if we're going ignore His truths and commands and teachings.
One thing for sure is that God will always keep His end of the deal. If He makes a promise, He'll fulfill it. But His promises are always conditional. The condition is based on us. We have a choice. If we break our promise to God, He's not obligated to keep His promise to us.
God, I'm so thankful for your grace. Thanks for all the second chances. Thanks for always keeping your promises. You're the only one any of us can truly trust. Help me keep my promise to you through your Holy Spirit.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Daily Reflections on Josh. 17:14-18 (Am I Just a Whiner?)
Giants. Walled cities. Iron chariots. It had to be somewhat intimidating to the Israelites as they moved in to redeem the land that God gave them. Most of us have a few hurdles in life that we have to clear. But these were downright barriers. It'd be like me trying to go one-on-one with Kobe Bryant. The only way I beat him is if he breaks both legs and has a heart attack as he steps onto the court. The odds aren't in my favor.
The first time the Israelites faced the challenge, they cowered and walked away. In fact they walked for another 38 years and never received their promise. This time was a different story. The Children of Israel had already seen how God took down several armies and how the walls of Jericho fell without them raising a sword. But as the allotment of the new land fell to each tribe, they were responsible for driving out the inhabitants.
The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (really the tribe of Joseph) needed more territory because of their numbers. Because of Joseph's faith, Ephraim and Manasseh were given more than one allotment of land. They were having a little trouble with their portion and were afraid of the Canaanites living in the plains because they had iron chariots. Horses, iron chariots, in other words Kobe Bryant. They didn't figure they had a chance of defeating the Canaanites. So they started whining and complaining to Joshua. "You give us land but then we have to deal the Canaanites who are really tough."
Conquering new territory even with God in our life can be daunting. You know God's promises and power, but getting in there and doing spiritual battle is a little intimidating. We claim to have faith and say we trust God, but then we look at our measly abilities and think, "There is just no way." A lot of people don't experience victory in their spiritual life or life period simply because they are looking too much at their own skill set. Either they try to handle things in their own pride or they give up because they recognize their incompetence or inadequacies.
Joshua told the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, "Yep, the Canaanites have iron chariots and are strong. But the land is yours, so go get it if you need more room." Faith is a funny thing. Seems to me we have it in doses. But the only way it really grows is when we act on it. If I truly believe that God can do anything, then I have to prove that for myself. The more I see the hand at God at work, the more I'm willing to tackle what seems impossible in my eyes.
Let's be honest, we have to face a lot of iron chariots in life. Finances, relationships, temptations, tasks, health issues sometimes seem overwhelming. Charging ahead without contemplation, prayer, and seeking God is not very bright. We're likely to get what I call the "Ai Effect." That's where we get our butts kicked. Ai was the city the Israelites attacked after Jericho, without consulting God. Not a good result. But sitting around moping, whining, complaining, walking away is just as devastating. We end up defeated and depressed and resigned to mediocrity because we're unwilling to believe God will give us the victory.
God, sometimes I have incredible faith and sometimes I have puny faith. I've seen you work in my life and the lives of others. I've seen you do great things. Why do I lose sight of your power sometimes and focus on iron chariots? Encourage me through your spirit to face those challenges with faith, to trust in you and not me. Lord, forgive me for my whining, complaining and woefully excuses. Give me the victory through your power so I can give you the glory.
The first time the Israelites faced the challenge, they cowered and walked away. In fact they walked for another 38 years and never received their promise. This time was a different story. The Children of Israel had already seen how God took down several armies and how the walls of Jericho fell without them raising a sword. But as the allotment of the new land fell to each tribe, they were responsible for driving out the inhabitants.
The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (really the tribe of Joseph) needed more territory because of their numbers. Because of Joseph's faith, Ephraim and Manasseh were given more than one allotment of land. They were having a little trouble with their portion and were afraid of the Canaanites living in the plains because they had iron chariots. Horses, iron chariots, in other words Kobe Bryant. They didn't figure they had a chance of defeating the Canaanites. So they started whining and complaining to Joshua. "You give us land but then we have to deal the Canaanites who are really tough."
Conquering new territory even with God in our life can be daunting. You know God's promises and power, but getting in there and doing spiritual battle is a little intimidating. We claim to have faith and say we trust God, but then we look at our measly abilities and think, "There is just no way." A lot of people don't experience victory in their spiritual life or life period simply because they are looking too much at their own skill set. Either they try to handle things in their own pride or they give up because they recognize their incompetence or inadequacies.
Joshua told the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, "Yep, the Canaanites have iron chariots and are strong. But the land is yours, so go get it if you need more room." Faith is a funny thing. Seems to me we have it in doses. But the only way it really grows is when we act on it. If I truly believe that God can do anything, then I have to prove that for myself. The more I see the hand at God at work, the more I'm willing to tackle what seems impossible in my eyes.
Let's be honest, we have to face a lot of iron chariots in life. Finances, relationships, temptations, tasks, health issues sometimes seem overwhelming. Charging ahead without contemplation, prayer, and seeking God is not very bright. We're likely to get what I call the "Ai Effect." That's where we get our butts kicked. Ai was the city the Israelites attacked after Jericho, without consulting God. Not a good result. But sitting around moping, whining, complaining, walking away is just as devastating. We end up defeated and depressed and resigned to mediocrity because we're unwilling to believe God will give us the victory.
God, sometimes I have incredible faith and sometimes I have puny faith. I've seen you work in my life and the lives of others. I've seen you do great things. Why do I lose sight of your power sometimes and focus on iron chariots? Encourage me through your spirit to face those challenges with faith, to trust in you and not me. Lord, forgive me for my whining, complaining and woefully excuses. Give me the victory through your power so I can give you the glory.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Daily Reflections on Lk. 18:35-43 (Now What Is He Going to Do?)
Now what is he going to do? He has no job skills. He has no work history. He can't read. The only thing he's ever known was sitting around collecting disability. He's learned to live off the system. Now what? Who's gonna hire this guy? Minutes before he was sitting along side of the road to Jericho is his familiar spot blind and begging. Now, he can miraculously see.
You have to hand it to him, he was good at begging. Even though he couldn't see, he knew how to get peoples attention. Nothing was wrong with his lungs. According to text he could be loud and irritating. He must have learned that persistence pays off. He got Jesus' attention with his technique.
Jesus is walking along the road with His normal posse as He heads to Jericho. The blind beggar starts into his routine. The entourage's crowd control team, couldn't shut the guy up. He just got louder and more obnoxious. Now Jesus is used to people pressing Him and shouting at Him. But this guy is so pushy that Jesus finally stops and asks the man, what he wants.
The request was simple by the blind beggar. I want to see. Had he really thought this through? If he gets his sight back, he can't sit along the road anymore and beg. He'll be thrust into the work force with no background in work. Had he considered that? If Jesus does give him his sight, things are really going to change.
And just as requested, Jesus gave the man sight instantly. "Your faith has healed you," Jesus said. Okay, his faith healed him. But will his faith get him a job, a place to live, put food on the table? He can't go back to the old way of life. He's made such a big deal about his healing that everyone knows he's not blind anymore. He's got to step up to the plate. No more sympathy. No more mooching.
It takes faith to be healed. But it takes even greater faith to go forward from the healing. People cry out to God for healing, to be saved, and sincerely believe God can do that for them. The problem comes with what do I do now that I'm saved, that I've been delivered. A lot of people want to grab the sunglasses and cup and go back to the roadside. Can't go there. Not if you truly want to be healed.
The point of healing is to make your life better. You have to move on into a world that you've never experienced. You get your sight, you're expected to go to work. If you weren't planning on going forward, why ask for healing? Healing demands a new direction and higher expectations. God loves us just as we are. But once He's touches our lives, He doesn't expect us to stay that way. He wants us to grow and develop and become productive in the Kingdom of God.
My guess is that the blind beggar with no job experience or skill set would have made a good used camel salesman. His persistence gained him his sight. His experience in begging along the road, probably gave him a good insight into people. He couldn't read parchments, but he could read people. And he especially knew the person of Jesus. That encounter changed his life forever.
God, following you isn't easy. As you bring deliverance to us, you create new opportunities and challenges for us. I need challenged to grow. I need you constantly moving me forward. I want my faith not only to make me well, but to help me grow as a person being formed into the image of your son.
You have to hand it to him, he was good at begging. Even though he couldn't see, he knew how to get peoples attention. Nothing was wrong with his lungs. According to text he could be loud and irritating. He must have learned that persistence pays off. He got Jesus' attention with his technique.
Jesus is walking along the road with His normal posse as He heads to Jericho. The blind beggar starts into his routine. The entourage's crowd control team, couldn't shut the guy up. He just got louder and more obnoxious. Now Jesus is used to people pressing Him and shouting at Him. But this guy is so pushy that Jesus finally stops and asks the man, what he wants.
The request was simple by the blind beggar. I want to see. Had he really thought this through? If he gets his sight back, he can't sit along the road anymore and beg. He'll be thrust into the work force with no background in work. Had he considered that? If Jesus does give him his sight, things are really going to change.
And just as requested, Jesus gave the man sight instantly. "Your faith has healed you," Jesus said. Okay, his faith healed him. But will his faith get him a job, a place to live, put food on the table? He can't go back to the old way of life. He's made such a big deal about his healing that everyone knows he's not blind anymore. He's got to step up to the plate. No more sympathy. No more mooching.
It takes faith to be healed. But it takes even greater faith to go forward from the healing. People cry out to God for healing, to be saved, and sincerely believe God can do that for them. The problem comes with what do I do now that I'm saved, that I've been delivered. A lot of people want to grab the sunglasses and cup and go back to the roadside. Can't go there. Not if you truly want to be healed.
The point of healing is to make your life better. You have to move on into a world that you've never experienced. You get your sight, you're expected to go to work. If you weren't planning on going forward, why ask for healing? Healing demands a new direction and higher expectations. God loves us just as we are. But once He's touches our lives, He doesn't expect us to stay that way. He wants us to grow and develop and become productive in the Kingdom of God.
My guess is that the blind beggar with no job experience or skill set would have made a good used camel salesman. His persistence gained him his sight. His experience in begging along the road, probably gave him a good insight into people. He couldn't read parchments, but he could read people. And he especially knew the person of Jesus. That encounter changed his life forever.
God, following you isn't easy. As you bring deliverance to us, you create new opportunities and challenges for us. I need challenged to grow. I need you constantly moving me forward. I want my faith not only to make me well, but to help me grow as a person being formed into the image of your son.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Daily Reflections on Josh. 3:9-17 (I'm in Hip Deep)
Talk about hip deep, that's what the priests were at least when they entered the Jordan carrying the Ark of the Covenant. Today's text says that the Jordan River was at flood stage when the Children of Israel were to cross. They didn't have boats or bridges to cross, so just like when they crossed the Red Sea, God separated the waters so they could all cross on dry land.
One little catch. The priests carrying the ark had to go stand in the river while they all crossed. Only problem was that the river was still flowing at flood stage when they entered. Now when they entered God said that He would stop the flow of the Jordan. He did. But He stopped the flow at Adam near Zarethan, not at Jericho where they were crossing. I'm not a topologist, but just looking at the map, I'd say Adam was about 14-20 miles upstream.
So if God stopped the water at Adam, that means that priests had to stand in the middle of the rapidly flowing river while 14 miles plus of river passed. That had to be a little unsettling. At the Red Sea, the winds blew all night to separate the sea and nobody was standing in the middle of it. Here, these priests had to stand firm against the current holding the Ark of the Covenant on their shoulders.
Talk about faith. I would have been a little concerned waiting for the first mile to pass. I'd have been thinking, "Okay, any minute now God. Do your thing. Dry up the river before we wash away." Those guys must have been unnerved a little. God told them to march in, but the apparently the dry land didn't immediately appear.
Waiting on God is difficult. Why God took so long to dry up the water is unclear. Maybe He wanted to give the greatest opportunity for people upstream to know He was doing something. Maybe He was testing the faith of Joshua or the priests. Maybe He needed a lot of ground to get all the Israelites across.
Whatever His reason, the priests had a little standing to do in the river.
I confess, I've done my fair share of standing in the river waiting for the water to pass. I've obeyed God on faith, but haven't seen instantaneous results of my faith. Sometimes I've had to stand there while waters continued to rage around me. I've thought I was going to washed away. I've got impatient with God, only to watch Him work things out in His time.
God, standing in our Jordans create a lot of trepidation. We stand on your promises, but it seems so hard when the waters seem to be rising instead of receding. I need your strength to continue to stand and not run out of the river. Help me be courageous as I stand on your promise.
One little catch. The priests carrying the ark had to go stand in the river while they all crossed. Only problem was that the river was still flowing at flood stage when they entered. Now when they entered God said that He would stop the flow of the Jordan. He did. But He stopped the flow at Adam near Zarethan, not at Jericho where they were crossing. I'm not a topologist, but just looking at the map, I'd say Adam was about 14-20 miles upstream.
So if God stopped the water at Adam, that means that priests had to stand in the middle of the rapidly flowing river while 14 miles plus of river passed. That had to be a little unsettling. At the Red Sea, the winds blew all night to separate the sea and nobody was standing in the middle of it. Here, these priests had to stand firm against the current holding the Ark of the Covenant on their shoulders.
Talk about faith. I would have been a little concerned waiting for the first mile to pass. I'd have been thinking, "Okay, any minute now God. Do your thing. Dry up the river before we wash away." Those guys must have been unnerved a little. God told them to march in, but the apparently the dry land didn't immediately appear.
Waiting on God is difficult. Why God took so long to dry up the water is unclear. Maybe He wanted to give the greatest opportunity for people upstream to know He was doing something. Maybe He was testing the faith of Joshua or the priests. Maybe He needed a lot of ground to get all the Israelites across.
Whatever His reason, the priests had a little standing to do in the river.
I confess, I've done my fair share of standing in the river waiting for the water to pass. I've obeyed God on faith, but haven't seen instantaneous results of my faith. Sometimes I've had to stand there while waters continued to rage around me. I've thought I was going to washed away. I've got impatient with God, only to watch Him work things out in His time.
God, standing in our Jordans create a lot of trepidation. We stand on your promises, but it seems so hard when the waters seem to be rising instead of receding. I need your strength to continue to stand and not run out of the river. Help me be courageous as I stand on your promise.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Daily Reflections on Lk. 13:22-30 (Is Christianity Too Narrow?)
A lot of people live life just following the crowd. We don't always know where it's going, but that doesn't seem to matter. If everyone else is going this direction it must be okay. Sometimes it is and sometimes it's not. Just because a crowd is going a certain direction, doesn't make it the right direction. Following the crowd can get you into trouble.
The question was asked of Jesus in Luke 13 if only a few would make into heaven. Jesus response may not be what we expected. His answer was, only those who enter by the narrow gate. He went on to say that a lot of people are going to be surprised. The master is going to close the gate and there will be a crowd that's standing on the outside perplexed. He'll tell them to get lost and they'll say, "Hang on a minute. We hung out with you in the past. We heard you teach. Let us in." But the master will be firm and tell them he doesn't know them so just go away.
If Jesus is really loving, isn't He going to save all people? Apparently not. That seems awfully narrow. Surely a loving God isn't going to let people perish? Are you telling me that there is only one way to get to heaven? That unless you do it the way Jesus says we can't get into heaven when we die? I'm not saying that. Jesus did.
Just hanging out at church, listening to the messages on a regular basis, doesn't get you into heaven. You have to become a true follower of Christ. True followers don't just show up on Sundays when they feel like it. They are consumed by Jesus. Followers pursue Christ daily in all aspects of their life. They are willing to live in total obedience to Him. Jesus is implying that many who just show up to do the church thing are going to be surprise. Many who think that since they walked the isle as a kid or went to Sunday School, that they're in, are in for a rude awakening when Christ returns.
The point is that we can't choose to live however we want and expect Jesus to usher us into the Kingdom of Heaven. Doesn't work that way. If you're not for Him all the way, you're against Him. Can't be halfway with Jesus.
God, keep me on your narrow path. I want to pursue you with all my life, heart, mind and strength. Teach me. Direct me. Guide me in all your truths. I long for your presence daily and for eternity.
The question was asked of Jesus in Luke 13 if only a few would make into heaven. Jesus response may not be what we expected. His answer was, only those who enter by the narrow gate. He went on to say that a lot of people are going to be surprised. The master is going to close the gate and there will be a crowd that's standing on the outside perplexed. He'll tell them to get lost and they'll say, "Hang on a minute. We hung out with you in the past. We heard you teach. Let us in." But the master will be firm and tell them he doesn't know them so just go away.
If Jesus is really loving, isn't He going to save all people? Apparently not. That seems awfully narrow. Surely a loving God isn't going to let people perish? Are you telling me that there is only one way to get to heaven? That unless you do it the way Jesus says we can't get into heaven when we die? I'm not saying that. Jesus did.
Just hanging out at church, listening to the messages on a regular basis, doesn't get you into heaven. You have to become a true follower of Christ. True followers don't just show up on Sundays when they feel like it. They are consumed by Jesus. Followers pursue Christ daily in all aspects of their life. They are willing to live in total obedience to Him. Jesus is implying that many who just show up to do the church thing are going to be surprise. Many who think that since they walked the isle as a kid or went to Sunday School, that they're in, are in for a rude awakening when Christ returns.
The point is that we can't choose to live however we want and expect Jesus to usher us into the Kingdom of Heaven. Doesn't work that way. If you're not for Him all the way, you're against Him. Can't be halfway with Jesus.
God, keep me on your narrow path. I want to pursue you with all my life, heart, mind and strength. Teach me. Direct me. Guide me in all your truths. I long for your presence daily and for eternity.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Daily Reflections on Lk. 13:18-21 (Leavening Our Communities)
My mother used to bake bread. She mixed everything from scratch. In would go the flour and eggs and salt, etc. But the most important ingredient to give the bread it's texture was yeast. Once the yeast was mixed in, it was time for the magic to begin. She would place the bowl of dough on a register and cover it with a dish towel. As the heat from the register activated the yeast, the dough would begin to rise, filling and sometimes overflowing the bowl. Magic.
I always wondered how such a small amount of yeast could make the dough rise so much. To be honest, it amazes me to this day. Yeast is a powerful agent. It doesn't just effect the small area immediately around it. It effects the whole batch.
However, if it's not activated or if it's bad, it does nothing. It just sits there among the rest of the ingredients and does nothing. Yeast is catalyst. Its purpose goes unfulfilled if never worked into the dough and activated.
Jesus said here in Luke 13 that Kingdom of God is like yeast that is worked into flour. Once it is worked in, the leavening process begins. It permeates all of society. Jesus used other analogies like the mustard seed that is planted and grows to be a tree in which the birds rest and nest. He talks about Kingdom being salt and light. The Kingdom is intended to be a positive influence in our neighborhoods and communities and countries and world.
But, in order for it to work as intended, it has to added and activated, planted and nurtured, lit and uncovered. God never intend for the yeast of the Kingdom of God to remain in its package. It is to be opened and mixed into the world. It was never intended to become like the world, but to influence the world.
Unfortunately, many believe serving God simply involves going to church, passing the plate, working in the kids department, singing in the choir or worship team, etc. Although those jobs, are helpful and necessary, they do little to influence our neighborhoods or communities.
To influence the part of world in which we live, we must get involved in the world around us. Faith was not intended to remain enclosed behind church doors. The Kingdom of was intended to be a blessing to the world. If never unleashed and mixed, it has no effect.
God, I want to have a leavening affect on my neighborhood. I want our church to leaven our community. Mix us into the flour of the this world.
I always wondered how such a small amount of yeast could make the dough rise so much. To be honest, it amazes me to this day. Yeast is a powerful agent. It doesn't just effect the small area immediately around it. It effects the whole batch.
However, if it's not activated or if it's bad, it does nothing. It just sits there among the rest of the ingredients and does nothing. Yeast is catalyst. Its purpose goes unfulfilled if never worked into the dough and activated.
Jesus said here in Luke 13 that Kingdom of God is like yeast that is worked into flour. Once it is worked in, the leavening process begins. It permeates all of society. Jesus used other analogies like the mustard seed that is planted and grows to be a tree in which the birds rest and nest. He talks about Kingdom being salt and light. The Kingdom is intended to be a positive influence in our neighborhoods and communities and countries and world.
But, in order for it to work as intended, it has to added and activated, planted and nurtured, lit and uncovered. God never intend for the yeast of the Kingdom of God to remain in its package. It is to be opened and mixed into the world. It was never intended to become like the world, but to influence the world.
Unfortunately, many believe serving God simply involves going to church, passing the plate, working in the kids department, singing in the choir or worship team, etc. Although those jobs, are helpful and necessary, they do little to influence our neighborhoods or communities.
To influence the part of world in which we live, we must get involved in the world around us. Faith was not intended to remain enclosed behind church doors. The Kingdom of was intended to be a blessing to the world. If never unleashed and mixed, it has no effect.
God, I want to have a leavening affect on my neighborhood. I want our church to leaven our community. Mix us into the flour of the this world.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Daily Reflections on Lk. 12:54-59 (The Signs of the Times)
Weather forecasters drive me crazy. Living in the Ozarks the weather can change drastically, even in the course of one day. Tornadoes, wind, rain, thunderstorms, snow, ice, frigid temperatures, heat waves with triple digit temperatures, drought, sweltering humidity, floods are all typical throughout the year. In fact they can all occur in the course of a week, maybe a couple days. Whenever the forecasters say flurries, I worry we might have heavy snow. And when they tells us we could get 14 inches of snow, I relax.
Our weather men and women get it right eighty percent of the time AFTER it happens. Before it happens, that's a different story. Occasionally you will see in gift shops in our area an Ozarks Weather Rock to help one determine the weather. It's a small stone suspended from a stick structure that looks almost like a hangman's noose. On the base the interpretations go something like this: 1. If the rock is still, it's calm. 2. If the rock is moving, it's windy. 3. If the rock is wet, it's raining. 4. If the rock is dry and casts a shadow, it's sunny. 5. If the rock is cold, it's cold. 6. If the rock is hot, it's hot. Some think that this weather rock is more accurate than our weather people.
Jesus talks about interpreting the weather in Luke 12. He says the average person is smart enough to figure it out as they see it approaching. The problem comes with reading the signs of the times. We seem to be blind. We're worse than the weather forecasters. Like they, we have all the modern equipment and insights available to us, but we can't seem to see what's coming.
Jesus seems to be saying to take a good look around you, pay attention to what's happening in your life. Most of us often take off on paths in life and without a thought as to where they might lead us. We go along with crowd. We jump into things just because we think it looks like fun. We're often blind to the environment we're getting into. Either we simply ignore the warning signs or we're totally oblivious to them.
Maybe we need an Ozarks Weather Rock to carry around. Not to determine the weather, but to determine the signs of the time. Many of us can't see when it's time to move on in a relationship or career or when it's time to get out of the environment that's dragging us down. We're either blind or we ignore the signs. Many of us crash and burn for that reason. All the warning lights and alarms were going off, but it didn't stop us. Then we wonder how we got into the mess we're in.
Like the robot from the old TV series, "Lost in Space," God placed the Holy Spirit inside of us to cry out, "Warning, Warning, Danger, Will Robinson." He's given us His Word, the Bible to give us instruction on the right and wrong paths to take in life. He displays the direction on screen and gives us turn by turn navigation. He's given us eyes to see, ears to hear, minds to conceive, but still we can't read the signs. We can't read the signs of the times, because we're not listening to the interpreter.
Take a good look around. Where are you in life? What's really going on? If you continue on your path, where is it going to lead you? What's happening in your relationship with your spouse, your kids, your parents, your boyfriend or girlfriend, your peers? What's your relationship with God right now? What's going on in your heart and mind? Where are you going to spend eternity?
God, sometimes I get so caught up in the activities of my life and environment, that I stop paying attention to the warning signs. I need your Spirit to remind me, direct me, awaken me, renew me. Remove the blinders from eyes.
Our weather men and women get it right eighty percent of the time AFTER it happens. Before it happens, that's a different story. Occasionally you will see in gift shops in our area an Ozarks Weather Rock to help one determine the weather. It's a small stone suspended from a stick structure that looks almost like a hangman's noose. On the base the interpretations go something like this: 1. If the rock is still, it's calm. 2. If the rock is moving, it's windy. 3. If the rock is wet, it's raining. 4. If the rock is dry and casts a shadow, it's sunny. 5. If the rock is cold, it's cold. 6. If the rock is hot, it's hot. Some think that this weather rock is more accurate than our weather people.
Jesus talks about interpreting the weather in Luke 12. He says the average person is smart enough to figure it out as they see it approaching. The problem comes with reading the signs of the times. We seem to be blind. We're worse than the weather forecasters. Like they, we have all the modern equipment and insights available to us, but we can't seem to see what's coming.
Jesus seems to be saying to take a good look around you, pay attention to what's happening in your life. Most of us often take off on paths in life and without a thought as to where they might lead us. We go along with crowd. We jump into things just because we think it looks like fun. We're often blind to the environment we're getting into. Either we simply ignore the warning signs or we're totally oblivious to them.
Maybe we need an Ozarks Weather Rock to carry around. Not to determine the weather, but to determine the signs of the time. Many of us can't see when it's time to move on in a relationship or career or when it's time to get out of the environment that's dragging us down. We're either blind or we ignore the signs. Many of us crash and burn for that reason. All the warning lights and alarms were going off, but it didn't stop us. Then we wonder how we got into the mess we're in.
Like the robot from the old TV series, "Lost in Space," God placed the Holy Spirit inside of us to cry out, "Warning, Warning, Danger, Will Robinson." He's given us His Word, the Bible to give us instruction on the right and wrong paths to take in life. He displays the direction on screen and gives us turn by turn navigation. He's given us eyes to see, ears to hear, minds to conceive, but still we can't read the signs. We can't read the signs of the times, because we're not listening to the interpreter.
Take a good look around. Where are you in life? What's really going on? If you continue on your path, where is it going to lead you? What's happening in your relationship with your spouse, your kids, your parents, your boyfriend or girlfriend, your peers? What's your relationship with God right now? What's going on in your heart and mind? Where are you going to spend eternity?
God, sometimes I get so caught up in the activities of my life and environment, that I stop paying attention to the warning signs. I need your Spirit to remind me, direct me, awaken me, renew me. Remove the blinders from eyes.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Daily Reflections on Dt. 31:16-19 (Playing Hide and Seek)
I played it. You played it. We've all played it. Hide and Seek is a fun kids game. I remember making sure that I had the best hiding place so that I would not be found. I couldn't wait for my seekers to give up. But because I didn't want them find my spot, I wouldn't reveal myself until they had moved away from where I was hiding. Of course when I was the seeker, I would never give up looking. I would search every crack and crevice until I would find them or they would give themselves up.
After several years in ministry, I've discovered that Hide and Seek isn't just a kids game after all. Adults play it all the time. And not just with kids. They play it at work, in their relationships with friends and family and often times with themselves. Of course it's not exactly like the game we played as kids, we have developed adult versions. We hide truth from our clients, our patrons, our customers, our friends, our spouses, ourselves. We disappear, make ourselves hard to find or get a hold of. We've become masters of avoidance or shifting blame or denial. We hide our true feelings. We're less honest.
We also play Hide and Seek with God. Somehow we've got in our mind that we can actually hide things, activities from God. The activities we do in secret, our thoughts, our lusts, our sly sins are okay in our minds as long as we don't reveal them to our church friends. I went to visit one of our elders at a church I once served. He was out on the lot of his business checking on his equipment. He didn't know I was coming. I surprised him as he came around the corner of a trailer. He had been smoking a cigarette and didn't want anyone to know that he smoked. In an attempt to hide his smoldering cigarette, he tried to cup it in his hand behind his back. As we talked the ashes were burning his hand and both the pain and guilt were evident on his face. But instead of coming clean with me, he endured the discomfort.
When will we learn that there is nothing we can hide from God. He sees all, knows all. What is more intriguing to me is that even though we know that what we are involved in is not only sin and harmful to us, we continue trying to hide our activity, disobedience. Instead of coming clean, we go right on doing the very thing that is causing us pain. Then we expect everything to be right in our lives and for God to keep blessing us.
In this passage in Deuteronomy, God tells Moses that after he's gone, the people will rebel against Him by getting involved in pagan worship practices of the people already living in the land God is giving them. And He goes on to tell Moses that when they do that, He will stop blessing them and they will have to live with the consequences of their behavior.
God doesn't play Hide and Seek. It's simple with Him. We choose to disobey Him, to walk away from His truths, to refuse to live by His truths, then we're on our own. We want God to bless our life, but we also want to do continue with our inappropriate behavior. Can't happen. Why would God bless our life when we willfully choose to cut Him out? We cut God out and He simply says, "Fine. You're on your own. Don't blame me when you crash and burn."
God doesn't have to bring punishment in our lives when we sin or rebel against Him by our actions. All He has to do is remove His hand and we will self destruct. You don't want God interfering in your life. He won't. But don't expect His blessings or protection or intervention either. You want to hide from God, go right ahead. God won't stop you, but hang on for the consequences of your own choices and behavior.
God, every time I choose to go off in my own direction, I pay the price. I need your Spirit's intervention in my thought process. I don't want to sever our relationship by my actions, lusts, thoughts, etc. I want to focus on you, experience you, receive your blessings.
After several years in ministry, I've discovered that Hide and Seek isn't just a kids game after all. Adults play it all the time. And not just with kids. They play it at work, in their relationships with friends and family and often times with themselves. Of course it's not exactly like the game we played as kids, we have developed adult versions. We hide truth from our clients, our patrons, our customers, our friends, our spouses, ourselves. We disappear, make ourselves hard to find or get a hold of. We've become masters of avoidance or shifting blame or denial. We hide our true feelings. We're less honest.
We also play Hide and Seek with God. Somehow we've got in our mind that we can actually hide things, activities from God. The activities we do in secret, our thoughts, our lusts, our sly sins are okay in our minds as long as we don't reveal them to our church friends. I went to visit one of our elders at a church I once served. He was out on the lot of his business checking on his equipment. He didn't know I was coming. I surprised him as he came around the corner of a trailer. He had been smoking a cigarette and didn't want anyone to know that he smoked. In an attempt to hide his smoldering cigarette, he tried to cup it in his hand behind his back. As we talked the ashes were burning his hand and both the pain and guilt were evident on his face. But instead of coming clean with me, he endured the discomfort.
When will we learn that there is nothing we can hide from God. He sees all, knows all. What is more intriguing to me is that even though we know that what we are involved in is not only sin and harmful to us, we continue trying to hide our activity, disobedience. Instead of coming clean, we go right on doing the very thing that is causing us pain. Then we expect everything to be right in our lives and for God to keep blessing us.
In this passage in Deuteronomy, God tells Moses that after he's gone, the people will rebel against Him by getting involved in pagan worship practices of the people already living in the land God is giving them. And He goes on to tell Moses that when they do that, He will stop blessing them and they will have to live with the consequences of their behavior.
God doesn't play Hide and Seek. It's simple with Him. We choose to disobey Him, to walk away from His truths, to refuse to live by His truths, then we're on our own. We want God to bless our life, but we also want to do continue with our inappropriate behavior. Can't happen. Why would God bless our life when we willfully choose to cut Him out? We cut God out and He simply says, "Fine. You're on your own. Don't blame me when you crash and burn."
God doesn't have to bring punishment in our lives when we sin or rebel against Him by our actions. All He has to do is remove His hand and we will self destruct. You don't want God interfering in your life. He won't. But don't expect His blessings or protection or intervention either. You want to hide from God, go right ahead. God won't stop you, but hang on for the consequences of your own choices and behavior.
God, every time I choose to go off in my own direction, I pay the price. I need your Spirit's intervention in my thought process. I don't want to sever our relationship by my actions, lusts, thoughts, etc. I want to focus on you, experience you, receive your blessings.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Daily Reflections on Lk. 9:57-62 (The High Cost of Living)
Can you believe the price of gas? It's driving me crazy. Something happens in the middle east and the price of gas jumps 20 cents a gallon. Of course when things settle down again, gas comes down a cent or two, maybe 10 over the next few weeks. Everything is getting more and more expensive these days. Costs are rising but income isn't keeping pace. I say we let them keep their oil and all start riding bicycles. Like that's a practical solutions, Dave. Well, it'd be a start and who knows, we might even solve the obesity problem in America at the same time. After all, look at Jared from those Subway commercials.
We live in a world where costs goes up as the stakes go up. We don't like it, but we go ahead in pay it because the alternative seems less attractive to us. We don't have to pay the high cost of gas if want to stay home all the time or choose to walk everywhere. To have anything, we have to pay the cost. It's true with most anything in life. There is always a price that has to be paid.
That includes the cost of following Christ. In Luke 9, three men come to Jesus and tell Him that they want to follow Him. Yet when Jesus told them the cost, they weren't ready to pay it. Oh they wanted to be with Jesus, but on their terms. They weren't really ready to give up their own wants, desires, agendas, etc. for Christ. Talk about having your cake and eating it too.
Unfortunately, today many have the same attitude about following Christ. Oh sure, they want Jesus in their life, but they aren't willing to pay the price of being a true follower of Jesus. Sacrifice, commitment, dedication aren't words in our vocabulary. They have been superseded by comfort, pleasure, gratification. Work has almost become a new four letter word.
It's no wonder that Jesus said that the road to eternal life is narrow and few will find it. The price is too high for most. They settle for less as ridicules as it seems. The cost of eternal life is surrendering your life, will, heart, agenda, goals, career, family to Him. For many, they will follow Christ as long as it doesn't interfere with their job, or down time, or weekend schedule, or family, or lifestyle, or habits, or personal agenda, or budget.
Looking at the excuses of these three Jesus encounters sounds eerily familiar. "Once I get my house all set up and everything is just right then I'll come follow you." "Once I get the family business up and running and I can live off that, then I'll give you some time, maybe travel and visit some missionaries. Just think Jesus, when I've made enough, you and I can go on a world evangelistic tour. I'll pay." "Well, once I get this party lifestyle out of my system I'll be ready to come hang out with you, Jeez. I'm still young. Let me get this out of my system first, you know sow a few wild oats. I'll be ready to settle down in a few years."
Are you willing to pay the price to become a true follower of Christ?
God, it's amazing how quick we are to resist following you as you desire. We'll follow you as long it doesn't make us feel uncomfortable or really cost us anything. How many times have you heard, "I'll serve you as long as I like the people I'm working with, as long as I have a say so, as long as I can get some recognition, as long as I do it on my schedule and my terms." Lord, I want to have your heart and attitude, to be willing to pay the cost even at the cost of my own life for others. Empower me to say "no" to myself and "yes" to you. I want to really live.
We live in a world where costs goes up as the stakes go up. We don't like it, but we go ahead in pay it because the alternative seems less attractive to us. We don't have to pay the high cost of gas if want to stay home all the time or choose to walk everywhere. To have anything, we have to pay the cost. It's true with most anything in life. There is always a price that has to be paid.
That includes the cost of following Christ. In Luke 9, three men come to Jesus and tell Him that they want to follow Him. Yet when Jesus told them the cost, they weren't ready to pay it. Oh they wanted to be with Jesus, but on their terms. They weren't really ready to give up their own wants, desires, agendas, etc. for Christ. Talk about having your cake and eating it too.
Unfortunately, today many have the same attitude about following Christ. Oh sure, they want Jesus in their life, but they aren't willing to pay the price of being a true follower of Jesus. Sacrifice, commitment, dedication aren't words in our vocabulary. They have been superseded by comfort, pleasure, gratification. Work has almost become a new four letter word.
It's no wonder that Jesus said that the road to eternal life is narrow and few will find it. The price is too high for most. They settle for less as ridicules as it seems. The cost of eternal life is surrendering your life, will, heart, agenda, goals, career, family to Him. For many, they will follow Christ as long as it doesn't interfere with their job, or down time, or weekend schedule, or family, or lifestyle, or habits, or personal agenda, or budget.
Looking at the excuses of these three Jesus encounters sounds eerily familiar. "Once I get my house all set up and everything is just right then I'll come follow you." "Once I get the family business up and running and I can live off that, then I'll give you some time, maybe travel and visit some missionaries. Just think Jesus, when I've made enough, you and I can go on a world evangelistic tour. I'll pay." "Well, once I get this party lifestyle out of my system I'll be ready to come hang out with you, Jeez. I'm still young. Let me get this out of my system first, you know sow a few wild oats. I'll be ready to settle down in a few years."
Are you willing to pay the price to become a true follower of Christ?
God, it's amazing how quick we are to resist following you as you desire. We'll follow you as long it doesn't make us feel uncomfortable or really cost us anything. How many times have you heard, "I'll serve you as long as I like the people I'm working with, as long as I have a say so, as long as I can get some recognition, as long as I do it on my schedule and my terms." Lord, I want to have your heart and attitude, to be willing to pay the cost even at the cost of my own life for others. Empower me to say "no" to myself and "yes" to you. I want to really live.
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