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.

Daily Reflections on Mt. 8:18-34 (It's Worth the Cost)

What it is that keeps people from following Jesus or really surrendering their life to Him? Probably some of the same things that Jesus encountered when He was on the earth. Just looking through today's passage several things immediately pop up. But it's clear that following Jesus costs us something.

Most of us want to live life with the least amount of hassle and interference. We want to fit in with everyone else and not be bothered. We're jealous of our "free" time and "family" time. We want life to fit neatly into our little box. We want what we want, when we want it, how we want it. In these verses people are concerned about economics, homes, inheritance, and concept of extremism in following Jesus. Faith is an issue.

What I've discovered is that often people want what Jesus offers on their terms. If it doesn't interfere with their desired lifestyle, Jesus is great. As long as it helps get what they want out of life, they'll take him. But to jump headlong into following Jesus with everything, that's a different story. For many following Jesus requires abandoning their dreams in their minds.

It's true that following Jesus requires a life change. It means giving your life to Jesus to use however He wishes. But it's worth the trade off. Jesus said whoever wants to find life must lose it. He means that life in Jesus is a ride and a half. Not everything is easy. In fact, it's a narrow road that few can find. But growing in God's grace and knowledge is worth it. The rewards on the other end far outweigh the pleasures on this side.

God, when the disciples left everything to follow you, they had no idea what they would witness and experience. Sometimes it was tough and sometimes it was totally amazing. But by throwing in with Jesus, You used them to change a world and impact hundreds, thousands, millions and even billions of lives. God, I don't know what You'll do with my life, but I want in. I want to make a difference. I'm all in.

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.