It's hard for me to watch my father's health decline. This once virulent man has been reduced to a frail and feeble state. His once contemplative mind is now filled with confusion. His curious and energetic spirit lays dormant within him. I often think about this passage when I reflect on his condition. The leader, pastor, thinker, innovator now has to be lead everywhere and instructed about virtually everything.
I pray for my mother frequently. She is his sole caregiver. He's become extremely dependent upon her. She guides him, directs him, encourages him, leads him throughout each day. He's very uncomfortable if she is not nearby. He trusts her implicitly. His only question, "Where are we going?" It's repeated many times in the course of even the smallest journey or outing.
That dependency has developed from nearly sixty years of marriage and ministry together. For Him, my mother is his life. Whatever, whenever, he follows her lead. If he needs something or feels uncomfortable he cries out for her. Their relationship empowers his confidence, security and well-being.
As sad as it is for me to watch this spectacle with overwhelming vulnerability, I've learned a little about faith and following Jesus. When you face incredibly difficult times, if you haven't developed an intimacy with God through Jesus Christ, you're totally lost. Learning to follow Jesus isn't always easy. But if we don't learn it, what is it going to be like in the real rough times?
For most of us, there will come a day when we'll cry out for someone to lead us. It's a frightening and confusing place to be. Knowing Jesus on a deep personal level will make a difference when we're there. That's why it's so important to develop the relationship, the trust, the dependence before we get there.
God, these past several months for me have been challenging. I've needed and still need you to take me by the arm and lead me step by step. I feel uneasy when I don't sense your presence or hear your voice. I'm placing trust completely in you. Lead me in your path. Take me the direction you want me to go. I'll gladly follow you.
Showing posts with label follow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label follow. Show all posts
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Daily Reflections on Lk. 5:1-11 (Amazed)
"I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wondered how He could love me, a sinner declared 'unclean.'" Peter could have penned those lines as he fell to his knees before Jesus in this passage. Amazed and astonished by the power and presence of Jesus.
I'm sure Peter's heart was already stirred by Jesus' teaching, otherwise he wouldn't have gone fishing after having been out all night doing it with nothing to show for his efforts. We don't really know what Jesus taught, but at the end of His teaching on the Sermon on the Mount the people's response was amazement and that He taught as one having authority.
Apparently Jesus didn't do any fancy mumbo jumbo. He simply said, "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch." They did and were overrun with no doubt the biggest catch of their lives. So big it almost sunk their boat. Now, that's a lot of fish. The sight, the experience, the presence of Jesus issued a humbled response from the rugged fisherman.
Without a hell, fire and brimstone message from Jesus, Peter came to a quick realization of his own character and nature. He confessed he was a sinner and not worthy to be in the presence of Jesus. But you don't see condemnation by Jesus. You see an invitation to be with Him. Not only just to hang around with Him, but actually be a part of a world changing team. No way! Way!
Peter, James, and John put their boats into shore, left their nets, their boats, their business, their fish, their homes, their families and followed Jesus on the spot. It doesn't say that they took their fish to market, washed up their nets, put their boats in dry dock and then followed Jesus. It doesn't even say that they packed an overnight bag. The text says they left everything and followed Jesus. They now had new careers and a new calling and a new life.
Have you ever really had an encounter with Jesus? I don't mean observed Him from a distance. I mean a personal, face to face experience with Jesus. If you did, you'd be singing the same tune. How marvelous! How wonderful is my savior's love for me.
God, you don't have to wow me with some miracle or fancy hocus pocus. You wow me simply by your presence. I'm overwhelmed by your love and grace and mercy and strength and nature alone. Your words stir my heart and mind and challenge my thoughts and actions. I'm drawn to you! I want to know you more.
I'm sure Peter's heart was already stirred by Jesus' teaching, otherwise he wouldn't have gone fishing after having been out all night doing it with nothing to show for his efforts. We don't really know what Jesus taught, but at the end of His teaching on the Sermon on the Mount the people's response was amazement and that He taught as one having authority.
Apparently Jesus didn't do any fancy mumbo jumbo. He simply said, "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch." They did and were overrun with no doubt the biggest catch of their lives. So big it almost sunk their boat. Now, that's a lot of fish. The sight, the experience, the presence of Jesus issued a humbled response from the rugged fisherman.
Without a hell, fire and brimstone message from Jesus, Peter came to a quick realization of his own character and nature. He confessed he was a sinner and not worthy to be in the presence of Jesus. But you don't see condemnation by Jesus. You see an invitation to be with Him. Not only just to hang around with Him, but actually be a part of a world changing team. No way! Way!
Peter, James, and John put their boats into shore, left their nets, their boats, their business, their fish, their homes, their families and followed Jesus on the spot. It doesn't say that they took their fish to market, washed up their nets, put their boats in dry dock and then followed Jesus. It doesn't even say that they packed an overnight bag. The text says they left everything and followed Jesus. They now had new careers and a new calling and a new life.
Have you ever really had an encounter with Jesus? I don't mean observed Him from a distance. I mean a personal, face to face experience with Jesus. If you did, you'd be singing the same tune. How marvelous! How wonderful is my savior's love for me.
God, you don't have to wow me with some miracle or fancy hocus pocus. You wow me simply by your presence. I'm overwhelmed by your love and grace and mercy and strength and nature alone. Your words stir my heart and mind and challenge my thoughts and actions. I'm drawn to you! I want to know you more.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Daily Reflections on Mt. 7:24-29 (Actions Speak Louder Than Words)
Actions speak louder than words! The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus' practical instruction on the basic elements of The Law. In His teachings, Jesus talks about what leads to true happiness or contentment, marriage, divorce, anger, relationships, personal finance, anxiety, spiritual growth, prayer, grace, social and community responsibilities, and the way to a solid relationship with God. When He was done, His hearers went, "Wow! This guy teaches as one who knows what He's talking about. It really makes sense."
As Jesus concludes this message, He gives the well known illustration of the wise man who built his house on the rock versus the foolish man who built his house on the sand. What a huge difference it makes with all of life's twists and turns, challenges and crises, storms and swells. Jesus says those who build their life on and around His teachings will be able to endure.
But the key words in this simple illustration are "everyone who hears these words and puts them into practice." Hears and puts them into practice. Two issues: first, you have to be willing to listen to the words and teachings of Jesus. Many people just close their eyes and ears to what Jesus has to say. It's not cool. They're afraid they're going to have to give up their life, so they don't listen.
The second issue is another story. Jesus says you have to put them into practice. And that's where a lot of "followers of Christ" fail. They know all about the truths. They may have parts of it memorized. They've logged countless hours listening to sermons and teachings, etc. But the transition from ears to the heart never happens. It's one thing to ignore God's teaching. It's another thing to spend the time listening and never putting the truths into practice. Many believers look just like the world because even though they go to church and Bible study every week, they never translate those teachings into the everyday aspects of their lives. It's going in one ear and out the other. James says that we have to be both hearers and doers of the Word. Sitting in church week after week doesn't make you a Christian any more than sitting in your garage makes you a car.
God, I don't want to be all talk and no action, all blow and no go. Help my deeds match my talk. I want to be wise. Help me put your truths into practice every day.
As Jesus concludes this message, He gives the well known illustration of the wise man who built his house on the rock versus the foolish man who built his house on the sand. What a huge difference it makes with all of life's twists and turns, challenges and crises, storms and swells. Jesus says those who build their life on and around His teachings will be able to endure.
But the key words in this simple illustration are "everyone who hears these words and puts them into practice." Hears and puts them into practice. Two issues: first, you have to be willing to listen to the words and teachings of Jesus. Many people just close their eyes and ears to what Jesus has to say. It's not cool. They're afraid they're going to have to give up their life, so they don't listen.
The second issue is another story. Jesus says you have to put them into practice. And that's where a lot of "followers of Christ" fail. They know all about the truths. They may have parts of it memorized. They've logged countless hours listening to sermons and teachings, etc. But the transition from ears to the heart never happens. It's one thing to ignore God's teaching. It's another thing to spend the time listening and never putting the truths into practice. Many believers look just like the world because even though they go to church and Bible study every week, they never translate those teachings into the everyday aspects of their lives. It's going in one ear and out the other. James says that we have to be both hearers and doers of the Word. Sitting in church week after week doesn't make you a Christian any more than sitting in your garage makes you a car.
God, I don't want to be all talk and no action, all blow and no go. Help my deeds match my talk. I want to be wise. Help me put your truths into practice every day.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Daily Reflections on Jn. 15:18-21; Rev. 2:8-11
Why is there such a dichotomy between the world which God created and the followers of Jesus whom God recreated in Christ? It seems that both were created in His image; both were created for an intimate relationship with Him; both long for redemption (according to Rom. 8). So why the enmity between the two worlds?
Ultimately the answer lies in the fact the world, mankind, that God created rejected Him to become their own God. That's the temptation Satan placed before Eve, "Eat of this fruit. Your eyes will be opened and you shall be as God." Since that time all of mankind has made the same choice. With that rejection comes separation, which leads to the enmity. The world now has a new ruler, Satan.
Followers of Jesus are called out of the world, to live by a different standard, a higher standard, a selfless standard. The Bible term is "holiness," which simply means, "set apart for God's purpose." Living to that end and purpose sometimes requires separating ourselves from the norm, taking a stand, refusing to participate in unethical business practices or to go along with the crowd/peers. Such actions often bring conflict, confrontation and conviction.
The hedonistic, self-pleasing, self-serving attitude of the world is in direct opposition to the self-sacrificing, giving, serving attitude to which God calls His followers. The world persecutes the standard of God to protect its own self interest.
The more I grow in Christ, the more I find myself in opposition to the world's pursuit. The more I'm open to the world's persuasion, the more self-serving I become. Nobody wants to be rejected. Nobody wants to be persecuted. Everyone wants to be accepted and loved and valued. So my dilemma is to cave to the world or live fully to Christ. God promises me acceptance, love, purpose, meaning, eternal life, a crown of life if I remain faithful to Him. Surely with God's help I can withstand the blows of persecution. I'm reminded that Jesus said, "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." God, I'm hanging onto that promise. Help me withstand the fiery darts of Satan, to live fully unto you. Help me to be the light in the darkness that shines with your love and good news.
Ultimately the answer lies in the fact the world, mankind, that God created rejected Him to become their own God. That's the temptation Satan placed before Eve, "Eat of this fruit. Your eyes will be opened and you shall be as God." Since that time all of mankind has made the same choice. With that rejection comes separation, which leads to the enmity. The world now has a new ruler, Satan.
Followers of Jesus are called out of the world, to live by a different standard, a higher standard, a selfless standard. The Bible term is "holiness," which simply means, "set apart for God's purpose." Living to that end and purpose sometimes requires separating ourselves from the norm, taking a stand, refusing to participate in unethical business practices or to go along with the crowd/peers. Such actions often bring conflict, confrontation and conviction.
The hedonistic, self-pleasing, self-serving attitude of the world is in direct opposition to the self-sacrificing, giving, serving attitude to which God calls His followers. The world persecutes the standard of God to protect its own self interest.
The more I grow in Christ, the more I find myself in opposition to the world's pursuit. The more I'm open to the world's persuasion, the more self-serving I become. Nobody wants to be rejected. Nobody wants to be persecuted. Everyone wants to be accepted and loved and valued. So my dilemma is to cave to the world or live fully to Christ. God promises me acceptance, love, purpose, meaning, eternal life, a crown of life if I remain faithful to Him. Surely with God's help I can withstand the blows of persecution. I'm reminded that Jesus said, "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." God, I'm hanging onto that promise. Help me withstand the fiery darts of Satan, to live fully unto you. Help me to be the light in the darkness that shines with your love and good news.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Daily Reflections on Mt. 16:24-28
Following Jesus is definitely not the Simple Life. It's not for wimps, cowards or for those who want an easy life. Jesus says to follow Him it starts by denying ourselves, taking up our cross and going wherever He leads. Wherever He leads isn't a stroll in the park.
Denying self is willing to give up our agendas, personal desires, goals to follow His. That's literally the meaning of repentance, to change your thinking to God's way of thinking. Everything about you is surrendered to Him to be use according to His will. That means gifts, talents, resources, abilities, everything. The truth is because God created us and understands our dreams, thoughts, aspirations, ambitions, goals, abilities, etc., He will use those to accomplish His purpose through you.
The kicker is you have to yield those to Him. It's not about asking God to bless your dreams or wants. It's about want what God wants, pursuing what He's blessing. Personal gain in the end will mean nothing unless it is surrendered for Kingdom use.
Recently, because of my dad's failing health, my parents went from a 2 story, 4 bedroom house with a 2 car garaged filled with stuff compiled over the years to a 2 bedroom condo with a one car garage. Tools, toys, keepsakes, stuff had to be disposed of because there was no place for it or use for it. No longer can my dad work in his shop or play a round of golf or even drive a car. At the end of his life he is frail and weak. In the same way he came into this world, he's going out. As a friend of mine once said, "All this stuff is just gonna burn in the end."
Following Jesus is about surrendering. Not always easy, but the payoff is eternal. Someone once said, "Only one life will soon be passed. Only what's done for God will last." God, help me to keep my priorities straight and focused on what really matters. I want to be your vessel. Use me today for your purpose.
Denying self is willing to give up our agendas, personal desires, goals to follow His. That's literally the meaning of repentance, to change your thinking to God's way of thinking. Everything about you is surrendered to Him to be use according to His will. That means gifts, talents, resources, abilities, everything. The truth is because God created us and understands our dreams, thoughts, aspirations, ambitions, goals, abilities, etc., He will use those to accomplish His purpose through you.
The kicker is you have to yield those to Him. It's not about asking God to bless your dreams or wants. It's about want what God wants, pursuing what He's blessing. Personal gain in the end will mean nothing unless it is surrendered for Kingdom use.
Recently, because of my dad's failing health, my parents went from a 2 story, 4 bedroom house with a 2 car garaged filled with stuff compiled over the years to a 2 bedroom condo with a one car garage. Tools, toys, keepsakes, stuff had to be disposed of because there was no place for it or use for it. No longer can my dad work in his shop or play a round of golf or even drive a car. At the end of his life he is frail and weak. In the same way he came into this world, he's going out. As a friend of mine once said, "All this stuff is just gonna burn in the end."
Following Jesus is about surrendering. Not always easy, but the payoff is eternal. Someone once said, "Only one life will soon be passed. Only what's done for God will last." God, help me to keep my priorities straight and focused on what really matters. I want to be your vessel. Use me today for your purpose.
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