We've often heard that love is blind, but what I've discovered is that so is pride. Pride and arrogance seem to be roommates that are almost inseparable. I not sure is pride leads to arrogance or arrogance leads to pride, but you can bet that where there is one, the other is hanging out pretty close.
Jesus talks about all the people who had the opportunity to witness, experience the presence of God in their midst yet blindly went on their own way. Jesus had performed miracles, healed the sick, raised the dead and it wasn't enough to turn their hearts to Him. Wow, the show was great but it did little to change them. It was back to the same ol' same ol'. What does it take to get some people's attention, to change hearts.
The psalmist says that a fool declares there is no God. A lot of people live that way. Oh they acknowledge God exists, but practically they live as if He doesn't. We just do life in total oblivion to God's presence, teaching, principles. God says that's dumb. That's why so often we crash and burn or have at least have a blow out. At minimum we'll probably stumble around and run into a few things.
Jesus says that if we really want to experience Him, live in His power, we've got to drop the arrogance, the pride. Coming to God humbly, seeking Him, His help, His power and that's when we get to live in His power. Our pride creates a blindness that doesn't allow us to see God.
God, I don't want to be blinded by my own self. Forgive me for doing life my way without acknowledging you. I need your power, your protection, your guidance.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Daily Reflections on Gen. 31:17-32:12 (Family Conflicts)
Family conflict has been around since there have been families. Sibling rivalry started when there were first siblings. Looking through the chapters of Genesis, you can't get very far in your reading before you encounter a family squabble of some sort. Jealousy, deception, manipulation, hatred, these early chapters of the Bible make some of the soap operas look tame.
Not all the of the family conflicts end positively. But many of them are resolved. I've noticed that those who are open to God's intervention or principles are able to find a way to dissolve the tension and find middle ground. Not always a lot of apologies, but somehow peace is attained and maintained.
Communication, boundaries and respect for God all seem to be components in resolving family conflicts. Concession and a desire for resolution also seems to play a big part. Even when family members don't trust each other, they are ways to settle disputes, draw lines and live by them. And interestingly enough, they did it without a family counselor. The only arbiter seemed to be their faith in God and their family heritage in Him.
Family conflict appears to be inevitable. Unresolved conflict appears to be dangerous and deadly. These family members here in the early to mid chapters of Genesis didn't want to lose favor with God and thus His promise. They found ways to work it out, get along, offer grace and support. I'm sure not everything was always smooth, after all they were still human. But peace remained between them because they made it work.
God, I'm not always the easiest person to get along with in daily life. I have a strong will. I'm selfish. I find myself in arguments with my family from time to time about all sorts of stuff, most of which isn't really all that significant. Help me look to you for wisdom, guidance, and resolution. Strengthen my relationships with your presence.
Not all the of the family conflicts end positively. But many of them are resolved. I've noticed that those who are open to God's intervention or principles are able to find a way to dissolve the tension and find middle ground. Not always a lot of apologies, but somehow peace is attained and maintained.
Communication, boundaries and respect for God all seem to be components in resolving family conflicts. Concession and a desire for resolution also seems to play a big part. Even when family members don't trust each other, they are ways to settle disputes, draw lines and live by them. And interestingly enough, they did it without a family counselor. The only arbiter seemed to be their faith in God and their family heritage in Him.
Family conflict appears to be inevitable. Unresolved conflict appears to be dangerous and deadly. These family members here in the early to mid chapters of Genesis didn't want to lose favor with God and thus His promise. They found ways to work it out, get along, offer grace and support. I'm sure not everything was always smooth, after all they were still human. But peace remained between them because they made it work.
God, I'm not always the easiest person to get along with in daily life. I have a strong will. I'm selfish. I find myself in arguments with my family from time to time about all sorts of stuff, most of which isn't really all that significant. Help me look to you for wisdom, guidance, and resolution. Strengthen my relationships with your presence.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Daily Reflections on Mt. 10:1-26 (Faith Can Be Scary)
It must have been a weird experience for the disciples. Jesus takes His 12, gives them incredible power and sends them out two by two. He tells them to take nothing with them and go from town to town preaching the Good News. Can't imagine the conversation between each set of two along the way. At this point they really hadn't had a lot of training. The only one apparently who had had much formal education was Judas. Yet Jesus sent them off.
What a faith building experience for the disciples. No cell phone. No internet. No GPS device. No credit or debit cards. Not a lot of cash. No car. No reservations. No contacts. I'm sure the first town they hit they must have felt a little awkward. I wonder if maybe they started with a little miracle first, you know just trying to get the hang of it. Maybe they tried out a few prayer combo's first. I wonder how long it took them before they tried the big miracle or casting out their first demon.
I'm sure that the greater success they had, the bolder their preaching and miracle performance got. My guess is the local cafe was buzzing a few days after they came to town. After a few miracles, they probably didn't have to worry about a place to stay or where they were going to get their next hot meal. Oh sure, I bet they had their detractors, after all Jesus warned them that they would. But I would also bet the local paper gave them plenty of positive press.
When Jesus sent the 12 out, it wasn't initially so much to get the word out as it was to prepare the 12 and build their faith. They needed to experience this. They needed to gain a little confidence. It wasn't long before their timidness gave way to boldness and excitement as they witnessed God's power at work through them. He taught them not to rely on their own power or plans, but to look to God's power, direction and teaching.
Throughout the Bible God calls for leaps of faith. He gives assignments of great importance and gives His messenger little resources in their hands. But it's always enough. Sometimes it's only a staff. Sometimes it's only a few stones and a sling. Sometimes it's a handful of men with trumpets and lanterns to defeat a vast army. Sometimes it's only the ability to interpret dreams. It's about faith.
Answering God's call with no resources is a scary place to be. We like everything figured out, planned out, resources in hand before we ever start. We have to see it on paper and have proof that it's gonna work before we start or we won't start. But that's not faith, that's sight. Living by faith means taking a risk. It's means placing ourselves in a vulnerable position, letting go of what we know and putting ourselves in God's hands.
God, I confess, the older I get, the more I want assurances. Taking risks gets harder and harder. Living by faith doesn't get any easier. I want to follow you. Show me your power. Grant me success as I exercise faith in following your lead for my life and ministry.
What a faith building experience for the disciples. No cell phone. No internet. No GPS device. No credit or debit cards. Not a lot of cash. No car. No reservations. No contacts. I'm sure the first town they hit they must have felt a little awkward. I wonder if maybe they started with a little miracle first, you know just trying to get the hang of it. Maybe they tried out a few prayer combo's first. I wonder how long it took them before they tried the big miracle or casting out their first demon.
I'm sure that the greater success they had, the bolder their preaching and miracle performance got. My guess is the local cafe was buzzing a few days after they came to town. After a few miracles, they probably didn't have to worry about a place to stay or where they were going to get their next hot meal. Oh sure, I bet they had their detractors, after all Jesus warned them that they would. But I would also bet the local paper gave them plenty of positive press.
When Jesus sent the 12 out, it wasn't initially so much to get the word out as it was to prepare the 12 and build their faith. They needed to experience this. They needed to gain a little confidence. It wasn't long before their timidness gave way to boldness and excitement as they witnessed God's power at work through them. He taught them not to rely on their own power or plans, but to look to God's power, direction and teaching.
Throughout the Bible God calls for leaps of faith. He gives assignments of great importance and gives His messenger little resources in their hands. But it's always enough. Sometimes it's only a staff. Sometimes it's only a few stones and a sling. Sometimes it's a handful of men with trumpets and lanterns to defeat a vast army. Sometimes it's only the ability to interpret dreams. It's about faith.
Answering God's call with no resources is a scary place to be. We like everything figured out, planned out, resources in hand before we ever start. We have to see it on paper and have proof that it's gonna work before we start or we won't start. But that's not faith, that's sight. Living by faith means taking a risk. It's means placing ourselves in a vulnerable position, letting go of what we know and putting ourselves in God's hands.
God, I confess, the older I get, the more I want assurances. Taking risks gets harder and harder. Living by faith doesn't get any easier. I want to follow you. Show me your power. Grant me success as I exercise faith in following your lead for my life and ministry.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Daily Reflections on Mt. 9:1-17(My Nights Bar Hopping)
It has always bugged that churches think they exist to simply serve themselves. It has also bugged me that Christians often isolate themselves from people who really need to hear the Good News of Christ. Instead of building bridge relationships, they seal themselves off from the pagans. It's one thing not to hang out with savory characters who influence you to participate in ungodly activities. It's another thing to build bridge relationships with people in order to tell them and show them how much God loves them.
A lot of people I've met in my life who have not yet accepted Christ, don't think they'd ever be accepted by "church" people. Many people I've met can't see themselves hanging out with those same church people. Yet, those are the very people to whom Jesus went.
A few years ago, one of my associates and I went to a small group/cell church seminar led by Ralph Niebuhr. At the end of the first day he challenged us with the idea that we had no idea on how to reach unchurched people because we didn't know unchurched people really. So he divided us up in pairs with people we didn't come with and assigned each us a bar to attend that evening. We were to go visit the assigned local bar and sit and talk with some of the people there in an attempt to get to know them. We weren't allowed back to the seminar if we didn't bring proof that we were there and met someone. I'd never been to a bar, so it was a little awkward for me, as it was for ninety-nine percent of the attendees of the seminar.
But to be honest, once I was there I didn't feel out of place. I discovered that people were people. In fact, it was really easy for me to talk with people. We didn't "save" anyone those couple nights, but it helped me reacquaint myself with the mission of Christ. I fell in love with people once again, especially those who were without Christ. I found myself drawn to share, care, invest in pagan people. And I understood Jesus' disdain with the religious (or should I say pious) of His day.
Lord, help me to extend myself more and more to those who need your doctoring. Don't allow me to get so focused on "church" people that I forget the people Your Son came to redeem.
A lot of people I've met in my life who have not yet accepted Christ, don't think they'd ever be accepted by "church" people. Many people I've met can't see themselves hanging out with those same church people. Yet, those are the very people to whom Jesus went.
A few years ago, one of my associates and I went to a small group/cell church seminar led by Ralph Niebuhr. At the end of the first day he challenged us with the idea that we had no idea on how to reach unchurched people because we didn't know unchurched people really. So he divided us up in pairs with people we didn't come with and assigned each us a bar to attend that evening. We were to go visit the assigned local bar and sit and talk with some of the people there in an attempt to get to know them. We weren't allowed back to the seminar if we didn't bring proof that we were there and met someone. I'd never been to a bar, so it was a little awkward for me, as it was for ninety-nine percent of the attendees of the seminar.
But to be honest, once I was there I didn't feel out of place. I discovered that people were people. In fact, it was really easy for me to talk with people. We didn't "save" anyone those couple nights, but it helped me reacquaint myself with the mission of Christ. I fell in love with people once again, especially those who were without Christ. I found myself drawn to share, care, invest in pagan people. And I understood Jesus' disdain with the religious (or should I say pious) of His day.
Lord, help me to extend myself more and more to those who need your doctoring. Don't allow me to get so focused on "church" people that I forget the people Your Son came to redeem.
Friday, January 11, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Daily Reflections on Gen. 24 (Choosing a Mate)
I was just doing the math. If Sarah gave birth to Isaac when she was ninety and she died when she one hundred twenty-seven, that would make Isaac at least thirty-seven when he married Rachel. And I thought I got married late at twenty-five. This was his first marriage. We don't know how many dates Isaac had or even if he had any girlfriends. We do know that Abraham wouldn't let his son marry a local girl.
The story of Isaac getting a wife is an interesting one. Abe sends his chief servant back to Abe's homeland to pick a wife for his son. He sends plenty of money and goodies as a dowry. Now the chief servant swore an oath that he'd get a quality girl from Abe's family background, from his father's family for Isaac. The chief servant wanted to take Isaac with him, but Abe wouldn't let him go. The chief servant goes to pick out a wife for Isaac and Isaac doesn't get a say so or even a look before it all goes down. At least on e-Harmony you can check out someone's profile. Not so in this case.
It's hard for us think about arranged marriages. It's not our custom these days. We date and romance and IM and chat and date some more, looking for our "Soul Mate." We spend tons of time and emotional energy searching for the right one. We put ourselves out there and then hope we won't get hurt. Maybe Abe and the chief servant had a better idea, let God choose.
The chief servant made the trip all the way back to Abe's homeland, which was the only criteria Abe set for his son's wife. When the chief servant got there he prayed a simple prayer, "God, I have no idea who to choose so help me out, please (Dave's paraphrase)." He laid out a simple identification plan and before he was done praying in his heart, God brought Rebekah to him. She met the qualifications, was outgoing and had an incredible servants heart.
The wild thing is that Rebekah said yes to marrying Isaac sight unseen. She'd never met Isaac or Abraham. She really didn't know what she was getting into. No dates. No IMing. No chats. No pictures. No romance. No nothing. The only thing she had was the assurance of God that this was the right thing to do.
Is it possible that we go about finding a life mate the wrong way? Instead of looking for someone on our own, wouldn't we do better to ask for God's assistance? Attraction to the opposite sex is a natural thing. God put it there. But, just like everything else in life, it seems to me that we have a tendency to pursue things without the consult of God's wisdom. Marriage was God's idea in the first place. Since He created us, it only makes sense that we should seek God's person for us in His timing.
God, thanks for the gift of marriage. Your wisdom is far beyond ours. You know our hearts, mind, make-up as well as the other person's. You know the plans you have for us and our potential spouse. Give us the patience and wisdom to seek your direction for us.
The story of Isaac getting a wife is an interesting one. Abe sends his chief servant back to Abe's homeland to pick a wife for his son. He sends plenty of money and goodies as a dowry. Now the chief servant swore an oath that he'd get a quality girl from Abe's family background, from his father's family for Isaac. The chief servant wanted to take Isaac with him, but Abe wouldn't let him go. The chief servant goes to pick out a wife for Isaac and Isaac doesn't get a say so or even a look before it all goes down. At least on e-Harmony you can check out someone's profile. Not so in this case.
It's hard for us think about arranged marriages. It's not our custom these days. We date and romance and IM and chat and date some more, looking for our "Soul Mate." We spend tons of time and emotional energy searching for the right one. We put ourselves out there and then hope we won't get hurt. Maybe Abe and the chief servant had a better idea, let God choose.
The chief servant made the trip all the way back to Abe's homeland, which was the only criteria Abe set for his son's wife. When the chief servant got there he prayed a simple prayer, "God, I have no idea who to choose so help me out, please (Dave's paraphrase)." He laid out a simple identification plan and before he was done praying in his heart, God brought Rebekah to him. She met the qualifications, was outgoing and had an incredible servants heart.
The wild thing is that Rebekah said yes to marrying Isaac sight unseen. She'd never met Isaac or Abraham. She really didn't know what she was getting into. No dates. No IMing. No chats. No pictures. No romance. No nothing. The only thing she had was the assurance of God that this was the right thing to do.
Is it possible that we go about finding a life mate the wrong way? Instead of looking for someone on our own, wouldn't we do better to ask for God's assistance? Attraction to the opposite sex is a natural thing. God put it there. But, just like everything else in life, it seems to me that we have a tendency to pursue things without the consult of God's wisdom. Marriage was God's idea in the first place. Since He created us, it only makes sense that we should seek God's person for us in His timing.
God, thanks for the gift of marriage. Your wisdom is far beyond ours. You know our hearts, mind, make-up as well as the other person's. You know the plans you have for us and our potential spouse. Give us the patience and wisdom to seek your direction for us.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Daily Reflections on Mt. 7:15-24; Prov. 2:16-22 (Chose Your Friends Wisely)
My dad taught me years ago to be careful about who I immediately embraced when moving to a new ministry. He counseled me that often the first persons who show up in your life and want to be your best friend, may not be the people you want to trust long term. I've found that advice to be pretty accurate. Often times the people that are eager to be your new found friend have their own agenda. And their agenda may not be to your best interest.
Jesus and Solomon both warn of seductive characters that could misdirect your path and get you into trouble. They are seductive in that they entice you by feeding your ego or gaining your initial trust through a supposed interest in you. They are often likable, charismatic or endearing. They draw you in before you know it. Jesus calls them wolves in sheep clothing. Solomon calls them seducers. Both warn to beware.
Let's face it. We're drawn to people who show interest in us. We all really want friendships and companionships, in fact we were created that way. However, choosing friends and companions can be a tricky thing. Our friends and companions have such sway over us. They influence our thinking and behavior. And because of the sense of comfort and intimacy, we will share and do things with those friends that we don't with other people. It's that familiarity that can lead us to trouble.
That's why Jesus says to beware. You really want to know what a person is like do a little research. Keep your eyes open. What do you know about past behavior. It should be a clue. Ladies, if a guy has been married two or three times and now is interested in you, the warning lights ought to be flashing. He's not misunderstood, he's got some real relationship issues. Guys, if she's got a shaky past and is real affectionate with you, HELLO, something's not right here.
You can always tell a person by the fruit they've borne in the past. Abusive guys will continue the pattern in the future. Shady characters will continue to deceive in the future. Although I know God has the power to change lives, you don't. Want to save yourself a lot of grief later, pay attention to fruit produced in the past.
God, give me wisdom to discern my friends, companions, models, mentors, and associates.
Jesus and Solomon both warn of seductive characters that could misdirect your path and get you into trouble. They are seductive in that they entice you by feeding your ego or gaining your initial trust through a supposed interest in you. They are often likable, charismatic or endearing. They draw you in before you know it. Jesus calls them wolves in sheep clothing. Solomon calls them seducers. Both warn to beware.
Let's face it. We're drawn to people who show interest in us. We all really want friendships and companionships, in fact we were created that way. However, choosing friends and companions can be a tricky thing. Our friends and companions have such sway over us. They influence our thinking and behavior. And because of the sense of comfort and intimacy, we will share and do things with those friends that we don't with other people. It's that familiarity that can lead us to trouble.
That's why Jesus says to beware. You really want to know what a person is like do a little research. Keep your eyes open. What do you know about past behavior. It should be a clue. Ladies, if a guy has been married two or three times and now is interested in you, the warning lights ought to be flashing. He's not misunderstood, he's got some real relationship issues. Guys, if she's got a shaky past and is real affectionate with you, HELLO, something's not right here.
You can always tell a person by the fruit they've borne in the past. Abusive guys will continue the pattern in the future. Shady characters will continue to deceive in the future. Although I know God has the power to change lives, you don't. Want to save yourself a lot of grief later, pay attention to fruit produced in the past.
God, give me wisdom to discern my friends, companions, models, mentors, and associates.
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