It's a rainy day and I'm not even in Georgia. But it sure feels like it's raining all over the world, at least in my life. This has been one tough stretch in my life. Church planting definitely isn't for cowards or the weak of heart. Weak yes, weak of heart, no. Right now, not only is it raining on the outside, it's raining on the inside of me. My tears are welling up in me and I long for God to wipe them from my eyes.
The news has not been good the last couple of weeks for me personally, actually for the last few years. Not that any one thing is so devastating, it's the culmination of things building. We're losing income, especially from outside support both as a church and me personally. We're losing personnel at church due to job changes and various personal reasons. Seems we're battling against a lot of stuff. I'm battling a lot of personal stuff. I'm really feeling more and more like Elijah all alone in the wilderness or Jehoshaphat facing the vast army of the Moabites and Ammonites or even Gideon up against the Midianites that were "as thick as locust" and their camels that "no more could be counted than the sand on the seashore."
On top of all the challenges upon us, upon me, I heard on the radio this morning a DJ talking about his experience with an elderly gentleman at the gym. He went on making excuses for the inappropriate social behavior and out of touch attire of this OLDER man. Then he revealed the that this aged person looked to be in his mid fifties. Hang on just a minute. Mid fifties is a long way from geezerhood.
With all of this stuff weighing on my heart, the Lord led me to Psalm 90 today. What a perfect passage for me. Not only does it reaffirm my mortality and my inadequacy, it celebrates the majesty and power of God. In this Psalm, noted as a prayer of Moses, the psalmist notes the brevity of our lives and the toll life takes on us through the years. He cries out to God to teach us to "number our days aright" so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Okay, my days are waning on this earth. If the psalmist is right, I've got about fifteen to twenty-five years left if I'm lucky. Every day from here on out can't be wasted doing ineffective things or piddling around. Every day has to count for Him.
Yet, the cry of the psalmist in verse 13 is the cry of my heart today. Relent, O Lord! How long will it be? Have some compassion on your servant. Satisfy me in the morning with your unfailing love, that I may sing for joy and be glad all my days. Make me glad for as many days as you have afflicted me, for as many years as I've seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servant, your splendor to my children. May the favor of the Lord, my God rest upon me; establish the work of my hands for me--yes, establish the work of my hands.
God, I don't how much more I can take. I need to see your hand moving. I need to experience your presence like never before. I give up. I'm crying, "Uncle." I'm broken and dishearten. God, I know the psalmist didn't say satisfy me with success. He said satisfy me with your unfailing love. I need that unfailing love. You promised, Lord that you would not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smoldering wick. I'm feeling pretty bruised today and I'm just smoldering. Renew my flame. Heal my spirit. Fill me with your joy. Give me the victories of Elijah and Jehoshaphat and Gideon. Not that I deserve it, but for your glory.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Daily Reflections on Jn. 6:60-69 (Choices, Choices, Choices)
It had to be a weird moment. One day the disciples are enjoying the adulation of the massive crowd as they strolled through their midst picking up the leftovers from the feeding of the 5,000 and the next day they were trying to slink into the background as Jesus confronted the hungry mob looking for seconds. I've always wondered what was going through the disciples mind as Jesus proclaimed that He wasn't giving the people anymore bread; that if they wanted bread or manna from heaven, they were going to have to eat His flesh and drink His blood.
I have kind of a wild imagination, but my guess is that the disciples were thinking to themselves or even talking among themselves something like, "Man, He's ruining the whole thing. Why can't He do that Sermon on the Mount thing. He really awed them then. He's even dissing their hero, Moses. Come on Jesus, you're killing us here. Lighten up. Eat my flesh and drink my blood, give me a break. Surely you can come up with something better than that."
This whole passage has caused me to do some thinking. What kind of bread are most people choosing today. If Jesus is the bread of life, what kind of bread do we reach for on a daily basis. Seems to me that many people reach for their own plain white bread. It's a staple at most households. But metaphorically speaking, I have a tendency to butter my own bread. I'm not reaching for Jesus. I'm perfectly capable of providing for myself. In fact, I'm going to prove to you Jesus that I belong with you. Everything is based on us, trying to prove our worth to ourselves, to others and to God. It's really about performance. But the problem is how much is a enough to please God or others or even myself.
Others seem to choose an alternative bread. They reach for the whole wheat variety. Now this is different. It's not mainstream. But it's ultimately still about buttering my own bread. I can try meditation, self help, organic, or whatever, still is about proving my worth through my efforts. That's still a form of performance in a different package.
Then there's the pumpernickel eaters. Now that's really unique. This is the "I just want my freedom" connoisseur. I don't want any rules. I'll just want to do things my way, how I feel. I want to approach people, God, everything based on my own feelings, desires and wants. Unfortunately, this isn't very unique and it certainly isn't free. It's really costly. You can choose to do whatever you want, you just can't choose your consequences. If everyone did whatever they wanted when they wanted it'd be total anarchy, total chaos. God isn't interested if fakes or shows. He's all about authenticity. But unless you do things His way, you're out of luck and you're hurting yourself and others too.
Next in the bread line are the rye takers. Not rye in the sense of humor, but rye in mindset. "If I could just get into a new environment, then things would be better." "If I could just get a new husband or wife, then things will be better. If I could just get a new job...If I could just get a new house, car, etc....If I just had different parents...If I was just in different circumstances...If only...If only...If only." And so the beat goes on. The problem with that thinking is that wherever you go, there you are. You haven't changed. You're still the same person, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. The only person who can give you a new life, make you a new person is Jesus.
My favorites in the bread section are Raisin Bread lovers. I say favorite, because I think this really is where many people are, especially those who claim to be followers of Christ. These are the individuals who decide that since God is love, that I can disobey Him in just this one area, that tastes so sweet, and get away with it. God's gonna forgive me for this. It's only one area and I'm not hurting anyone. Sin always affects others. It damages your reputation. It prevents you from ever knowing what God could or would do with you if you'd only surrendered to Him completely. You drive that little wedge in that keeps you from growing deeply with Him.
Jesus said that He was the bread of life. He is the manna or bread from Heaven. He said to eat His flesh and drink His blood. That may seem difficult in this world, but it is the only way to life now and life eternal. The crowd walked away. The disciples were thinking about walking away. And when Jesus asked them if they wanted to go too, Peter said, "Lord, where would we go? You alone have the words of eternal life. You are the Holy One, the promised one, the Messiah, the answer from God."
God, there is certainly a lot of bread to choose from in this world. But I choose the Bread of Life. I could choose another type of bread, but I know it wouldn't be satisfying. There's really only one choice that leads to you and life. I'd be back for you. And although following you is sometimes extremely difficult, I still choose you. I want to consume you. I'm hungry for you.
I have kind of a wild imagination, but my guess is that the disciples were thinking to themselves or even talking among themselves something like, "Man, He's ruining the whole thing. Why can't He do that Sermon on the Mount thing. He really awed them then. He's even dissing their hero, Moses. Come on Jesus, you're killing us here. Lighten up. Eat my flesh and drink my blood, give me a break. Surely you can come up with something better than that."
This whole passage has caused me to do some thinking. What kind of bread are most people choosing today. If Jesus is the bread of life, what kind of bread do we reach for on a daily basis. Seems to me that many people reach for their own plain white bread. It's a staple at most households. But metaphorically speaking, I have a tendency to butter my own bread. I'm not reaching for Jesus. I'm perfectly capable of providing for myself. In fact, I'm going to prove to you Jesus that I belong with you. Everything is based on us, trying to prove our worth to ourselves, to others and to God. It's really about performance. But the problem is how much is a enough to please God or others or even myself.
Others seem to choose an alternative bread. They reach for the whole wheat variety. Now this is different. It's not mainstream. But it's ultimately still about buttering my own bread. I can try meditation, self help, organic, or whatever, still is about proving my worth through my efforts. That's still a form of performance in a different package.
Then there's the pumpernickel eaters. Now that's really unique. This is the "I just want my freedom" connoisseur. I don't want any rules. I'll just want to do things my way, how I feel. I want to approach people, God, everything based on my own feelings, desires and wants. Unfortunately, this isn't very unique and it certainly isn't free. It's really costly. You can choose to do whatever you want, you just can't choose your consequences. If everyone did whatever they wanted when they wanted it'd be total anarchy, total chaos. God isn't interested if fakes or shows. He's all about authenticity. But unless you do things His way, you're out of luck and you're hurting yourself and others too.
Next in the bread line are the rye takers. Not rye in the sense of humor, but rye in mindset. "If I could just get into a new environment, then things would be better." "If I could just get a new husband or wife, then things will be better. If I could just get a new job...If I could just get a new house, car, etc....If I just had different parents...If I was just in different circumstances...If only...If only...If only." And so the beat goes on. The problem with that thinking is that wherever you go, there you are. You haven't changed. You're still the same person, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. The only person who can give you a new life, make you a new person is Jesus.
My favorites in the bread section are Raisin Bread lovers. I say favorite, because I think this really is where many people are, especially those who claim to be followers of Christ. These are the individuals who decide that since God is love, that I can disobey Him in just this one area, that tastes so sweet, and get away with it. God's gonna forgive me for this. It's only one area and I'm not hurting anyone. Sin always affects others. It damages your reputation. It prevents you from ever knowing what God could or would do with you if you'd only surrendered to Him completely. You drive that little wedge in that keeps you from growing deeply with Him.
Jesus said that He was the bread of life. He is the manna or bread from Heaven. He said to eat His flesh and drink His blood. That may seem difficult in this world, but it is the only way to life now and life eternal. The crowd walked away. The disciples were thinking about walking away. And when Jesus asked them if they wanted to go too, Peter said, "Lord, where would we go? You alone have the words of eternal life. You are the Holy One, the promised one, the Messiah, the answer from God."
God, there is certainly a lot of bread to choose from in this world. But I choose the Bread of Life. I could choose another type of bread, but I know it wouldn't be satisfying. There's really only one choice that leads to you and life. I'd be back for you. And although following you is sometimes extremely difficult, I still choose you. I want to consume you. I'm hungry for you.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Daily Reflections on Prov. 22:1 (I Don't Get No Respect)
Aretha Franklin sings about it. Rodney Dangerfield longed for it. Athletes crave it. Everybody wants it. RESPECT. Sometimes respect is an illusive thing. I was taught as a youngster to show respect for my elders, parents, teachers, government leaders, church leaders, authorities (including police officers) and others in general. But in our society today respect is something that seems to be disappearing. Irreverence, suspicion, cynicism seems to prevail.
It's hard to respect politicians today with all the scandals that seem to be revealed on a regular basis. Corruption is the word most associated political figures. The list is endless but most recently news of South Carolina Governor Sanford's affair with an Argentinian woman and Illinois Governor Blagojevich's attempt to sell President Obama's senate seat exemplify the pattern in American politics. In my own area, local clerks and public officials have absconded with hundreds of thousands of public funds.
The steroid and various cheating scandals rock the sports world. There are more stories about A Rod's off the field escapades than his on the field heroics. Michael Vick's arrest for dog fighting, Plaxico Burress' gun charges, Donte Stallworth's sentencing for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk, Adam "Pacman" Jones' various club scene incidents only reinforce that fact that sports don't necessarily build character.
How many high profile church leaders and pastors have fallen from grace over sinful and seductive behaviors in recent years. But the high profile preachers and spiritual advisers aren't the only ones who prove to have feet of clay. In my own community in recent years, several church pastors have been dismissed for affairs, homosexual liaisons, embezzlement, child abuse and more.
I don't have to start in on corporate and banking leaders do I? Or how about teachers having sex with underage students? With all this going on it's no wonder respect has gone out the window. It's no wonder cynicism is high. Whatever happened to integrity?
Obviously not all politicians, preachers, leaders, teachers, athletes, etc. are corrupt. But the pattern of many causes us to distrust those in positions of authority period. Respect has to be earned and earning that respect seems to be harder than ever. I've recently considered changing my title to Life Coach, simply because of the negative connotations of the word, "Pastor." Even Spiritual Adviser is somewhat suspect these days.
If we want to earn the respect of our peers and others, Solomon has some simple advice. Live a life worthy of respect of others. He says that a good name is more desirable than riches and to be esteemed is of more value than silver or gold. He's right. To be honest, I'd much rather be appreciated and respected for what I do than make millions or even thousands of dollars. It's not that I'm interested in performing for people, it's that I want people to recognize my heart and service in a positive way. I don't have to have a church of 20,000 or live in an extravagant house or drive luxury cars. Just give me a little respect, recognition and maybe some honor.
But in order for me to get that, I have to earn it. It starts with my character, my sincerity, my authenticity, my humility, my heart of genuine service. It's not about my eloquence or talents or abilities or good looks. It's about what's going on inside of me, my consistency of positive behavior, my acts of responsibility.
God, I want a good name and a good reputation. I don't want to disgrace you by my actions or words or behavior. I want to bring glory to you and your Kingdom. I know that sometimes I'm inconsistent. I need your Spirit to work within me. Fill me with your character. Pour out of me. Touch others through my life, Lord, for your Kingdom.
It's hard to respect politicians today with all the scandals that seem to be revealed on a regular basis. Corruption is the word most associated political figures. The list is endless but most recently news of South Carolina Governor Sanford's affair with an Argentinian woman and Illinois Governor Blagojevich's attempt to sell President Obama's senate seat exemplify the pattern in American politics. In my own area, local clerks and public officials have absconded with hundreds of thousands of public funds.
The steroid and various cheating scandals rock the sports world. There are more stories about A Rod's off the field escapades than his on the field heroics. Michael Vick's arrest for dog fighting, Plaxico Burress' gun charges, Donte Stallworth's sentencing for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk, Adam "Pacman" Jones' various club scene incidents only reinforce that fact that sports don't necessarily build character.
How many high profile church leaders and pastors have fallen from grace over sinful and seductive behaviors in recent years. But the high profile preachers and spiritual advisers aren't the only ones who prove to have feet of clay. In my own community in recent years, several church pastors have been dismissed for affairs, homosexual liaisons, embezzlement, child abuse and more.
I don't have to start in on corporate and banking leaders do I? Or how about teachers having sex with underage students? With all this going on it's no wonder respect has gone out the window. It's no wonder cynicism is high. Whatever happened to integrity?
Obviously not all politicians, preachers, leaders, teachers, athletes, etc. are corrupt. But the pattern of many causes us to distrust those in positions of authority period. Respect has to be earned and earning that respect seems to be harder than ever. I've recently considered changing my title to Life Coach, simply because of the negative connotations of the word, "Pastor." Even Spiritual Adviser is somewhat suspect these days.
If we want to earn the respect of our peers and others, Solomon has some simple advice. Live a life worthy of respect of others. He says that a good name is more desirable than riches and to be esteemed is of more value than silver or gold. He's right. To be honest, I'd much rather be appreciated and respected for what I do than make millions or even thousands of dollars. It's not that I'm interested in performing for people, it's that I want people to recognize my heart and service in a positive way. I don't have to have a church of 20,000 or live in an extravagant house or drive luxury cars. Just give me a little respect, recognition and maybe some honor.
But in order for me to get that, I have to earn it. It starts with my character, my sincerity, my authenticity, my humility, my heart of genuine service. It's not about my eloquence or talents or abilities or good looks. It's about what's going on inside of me, my consistency of positive behavior, my acts of responsibility.
God, I want a good name and a good reputation. I don't want to disgrace you by my actions or words or behavior. I want to bring glory to you and your Kingdom. I know that sometimes I'm inconsistent. I need your Spirit to work within me. Fill me with your character. Pour out of me. Touch others through my life, Lord, for your Kingdom.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Daily Reflections on Prov. 13:4 (I Need a Good Job)
These have got to be the worst of times economically that I've seen since the days of the Carter administration in the late 70's. We don't have the long gas lines or double digit interest rates and inflation, but unemployment is every bit as high or higher. Getting a job with no job skills was really tough back then. I can remember going to 13 places in one day looking for a job, and nobody was hiring. That was depressing to a young over achiever.
Everyone is affected when we face a deep economic downturn. With the challenges facing the US auto industry and their restructure, I expect that we're going to see a depressing ripple affect throughout the country of suppliers feeling the cutbacks and layoffs. Some will be forced to take drastic measures themselves. The downward spiral continues.
Whether the economic times are good or bad, Solomon has some practical advice for us. He says that the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. What he means is that a lot of people have big dreams or aspirations, but dreams and aspirations aren't enough. Just because you would like to do something or become something doesn't necessarily mean it's just going to happen. It takes effort and imagination and more effort and persistence.
I hear the voice of the sluggard in phrases begin, "If only...." It's always about circumstances and luck and the excuses never end. The responsibility is almost always passed to someone or something else. This person often times claims to be a giver when in fact they are really takers and manipulators and users. And as the word implies, they are just lazy. Now not everyone obviously fits into this category, but at best they tend not be self initiators or self motivated.
However, the diligent, Solomon says are fully satisfied. Notice that he doesn't say the super intelligent or the multi-talented or the creative or the really lucky are satisfied. He says the diligent, those who work hard, who hang in there, who stay with it, who do the tough stuff to get to where they need to go. Diligence is more than just working hard, putting your nose to the grindstone and never looking up. It's not about not taking time to enjoy life. Diligence involves working smarter, persistence and flexibility.
Satisfied doesn't necessarily mean filthy rich either. It means satisfied. There is something fulfilling about accomplishing something that you set out to do, even if it's not perfect. I don't have to be the highest paid person or the most successful person in my field to obtain satisfaction. I do have to be willing to work for something while trusting God to give wisdom. If I'm just sitting around whining or complaining or lamenting my circumstances, I'm not going to be satisfied with myself.
I finally found a job that summer. It wasn't glamorous. I bagged groceries part time. I also got another job, unloading and delivering furniture. It wasn't my dream job and I rode a bike to work when I couldn't get a ride, but I was satisfied. I knew it was only a means to an end. I still served God. I was able to share my faith at work. I was glad that God had provided the opportunities.
God, you know I'm not satisfied with everything in my life right now. You know I would love to see our church explode and make a huge impact on our community. I don't want to be a sluggard. I want to be diligent in my efforts and my time. Make my energies profitable for you. Use me to accomplish your will for me. More than anything, I want to be diligent in serving you.
Everyone is affected when we face a deep economic downturn. With the challenges facing the US auto industry and their restructure, I expect that we're going to see a depressing ripple affect throughout the country of suppliers feeling the cutbacks and layoffs. Some will be forced to take drastic measures themselves. The downward spiral continues.
Whether the economic times are good or bad, Solomon has some practical advice for us. He says that the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. What he means is that a lot of people have big dreams or aspirations, but dreams and aspirations aren't enough. Just because you would like to do something or become something doesn't necessarily mean it's just going to happen. It takes effort and imagination and more effort and persistence.
I hear the voice of the sluggard in phrases begin, "If only...." It's always about circumstances and luck and the excuses never end. The responsibility is almost always passed to someone or something else. This person often times claims to be a giver when in fact they are really takers and manipulators and users. And as the word implies, they are just lazy. Now not everyone obviously fits into this category, but at best they tend not be self initiators or self motivated.
However, the diligent, Solomon says are fully satisfied. Notice that he doesn't say the super intelligent or the multi-talented or the creative or the really lucky are satisfied. He says the diligent, those who work hard, who hang in there, who stay with it, who do the tough stuff to get to where they need to go. Diligence is more than just working hard, putting your nose to the grindstone and never looking up. It's not about not taking time to enjoy life. Diligence involves working smarter, persistence and flexibility.
Satisfied doesn't necessarily mean filthy rich either. It means satisfied. There is something fulfilling about accomplishing something that you set out to do, even if it's not perfect. I don't have to be the highest paid person or the most successful person in my field to obtain satisfaction. I do have to be willing to work for something while trusting God to give wisdom. If I'm just sitting around whining or complaining or lamenting my circumstances, I'm not going to be satisfied with myself.
I finally found a job that summer. It wasn't glamorous. I bagged groceries part time. I also got another job, unloading and delivering furniture. It wasn't my dream job and I rode a bike to work when I couldn't get a ride, but I was satisfied. I knew it was only a means to an end. I still served God. I was able to share my faith at work. I was glad that God had provided the opportunities.
God, you know I'm not satisfied with everything in my life right now. You know I would love to see our church explode and make a huge impact on our community. I don't want to be a sluggard. I want to be diligent in my efforts and my time. Make my energies profitable for you. Use me to accomplish your will for me. More than anything, I want to be diligent in serving you.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Daily Reflections on Jn. 6:25-59 (Having My Cake and Eating Too)
I was recently talking with a friend of mine, an elder of another church, about what was happening in his church. He was recounting the sad story of a fallen staff member and the troubles that the church and leadership had endured over the last year. After a series of probing questions about the nature, make up, identity of the church, I asked where he thought they were going as a church. They had seen some growth which was obviously stymied for the time being. He wanted to see the growth continued but wondered how it effected the differing contingents of members, new and old. He finally said to me, "I think our leadership would like to have their cake and eat it too."
Boy, wouldn't we all. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people tell me, things like, "I'd like to have a large active church with a small church dynamic or feel." "I'd like to see lots of people come to Christ and keep the intimacy of a small church, where we know everyone." "I'd like to reach out to young people and keep things exactly they way they are." "I'd like to have a contemporary service with old time gospel music."
Basically, I'd like to have my cake and eat it too. Many of us approach our faith that way. We'd like to see God's will happen in our lives or in our church, but we'd also really like to have it our way. God's I'm all for it, as long as I like it, as long as it please me or meets my approval. Let's compromise God. I'll be faithful to you as long as it's according my standard, likes or preferences.
In John 6, the people following Jesus wanted their cake their way. Actually they were looking for an endless supply of bread. After the feeding of the 5,000, the crowd hounded Jesus for more food. They proclaimed that Moses fed the people with manna from heaven, why couldn't Jesus do the same thing for them. Follow Jesus around, enjoy the fellowship and get a free meal every day. Not a bad gig. I'd be doing my spiritual thing, listening to Jesus teach, hanging out with Him all day, don't have to work, get filled up. Have cake and eat it too.
The parallels are so striking to us today, especially among the churches of the US. "Feed me, feed me," is the cry heard from the pew. "Dazzle me, entertain me, send me manna from heaven with your amazing communication skills." "Bless me, give me a moving experience." Cake and eat it too.
When the crowd pressed Jesus, he told them, "You want bread sent from heaven? You're looking at Him. I'm bread sent from heaven. I'm the bread of life." What? How can Jesus be the bread of life, the bread sent from heaven? That was their question. It's not exactly what they had in mind. In fact, they started grumbling. Hey, we came to watch God do His thing, get wowed by a miracle or two, grab lunch on you. How 'bout it Jesus?
Sorry, no cake and eat it too. Jesus went on to say that unless they eat His flesh and drink His blood they didn't have any life in them. Ultimately what happened was that since they weren't going get what came for they weren't having any part of it so they decided to go back to their old ways. Instead of jumping in full bore with Jesus and experiencing something greater than their ancestors did, they decided their plans, their ways were more comfortable. They walked away. Lifeless. Empty. Hungry. Thirsty.
If you want real life, everlasting life, if you want to connect with God and enjoy real fellowship with Him you got to give up your cake and take a slice of the bread of life. And once slice isn't really enough. You have to eat it everyday. Jesus has to become you're exclusive diet.
God, I'm guilty. Having my cake and eating it too sounds awfully good, but I know it isn't very satisfying. I like things they way I like them. I'm interested in my comfort and my pleasure. I can't help but wonder where I'd be in the crowd that day. Eating your flesh and drinking your blood is hard sometimes, yet just like the disciples, I know that you alone have the words of eternal life. There's really no place, no other diet I'd rather have than you. Give a slice of the bread from heaven today.
Boy, wouldn't we all. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people tell me, things like, "I'd like to have a large active church with a small church dynamic or feel." "I'd like to see lots of people come to Christ and keep the intimacy of a small church, where we know everyone." "I'd like to reach out to young people and keep things exactly they way they are." "I'd like to have a contemporary service with old time gospel music."
Basically, I'd like to have my cake and eat it too. Many of us approach our faith that way. We'd like to see God's will happen in our lives or in our church, but we'd also really like to have it our way. God's I'm all for it, as long as I like it, as long as it please me or meets my approval. Let's compromise God. I'll be faithful to you as long as it's according my standard, likes or preferences.
In John 6, the people following Jesus wanted their cake their way. Actually they were looking for an endless supply of bread. After the feeding of the 5,000, the crowd hounded Jesus for more food. They proclaimed that Moses fed the people with manna from heaven, why couldn't Jesus do the same thing for them. Follow Jesus around, enjoy the fellowship and get a free meal every day. Not a bad gig. I'd be doing my spiritual thing, listening to Jesus teach, hanging out with Him all day, don't have to work, get filled up. Have cake and eat it too.
The parallels are so striking to us today, especially among the churches of the US. "Feed me, feed me," is the cry heard from the pew. "Dazzle me, entertain me, send me manna from heaven with your amazing communication skills." "Bless me, give me a moving experience." Cake and eat it too.
When the crowd pressed Jesus, he told them, "You want bread sent from heaven? You're looking at Him. I'm bread sent from heaven. I'm the bread of life." What? How can Jesus be the bread of life, the bread sent from heaven? That was their question. It's not exactly what they had in mind. In fact, they started grumbling. Hey, we came to watch God do His thing, get wowed by a miracle or two, grab lunch on you. How 'bout it Jesus?
Sorry, no cake and eat it too. Jesus went on to say that unless they eat His flesh and drink His blood they didn't have any life in them. Ultimately what happened was that since they weren't going get what came for they weren't having any part of it so they decided to go back to their old ways. Instead of jumping in full bore with Jesus and experiencing something greater than their ancestors did, they decided their plans, their ways were more comfortable. They walked away. Lifeless. Empty. Hungry. Thirsty.
If you want real life, everlasting life, if you want to connect with God and enjoy real fellowship with Him you got to give up your cake and take a slice of the bread of life. And once slice isn't really enough. You have to eat it everyday. Jesus has to become you're exclusive diet.
God, I'm guilty. Having my cake and eating it too sounds awfully good, but I know it isn't very satisfying. I like things they way I like them. I'm interested in my comfort and my pleasure. I can't help but wonder where I'd be in the crowd that day. Eating your flesh and drinking your blood is hard sometimes, yet just like the disciples, I know that you alone have the words of eternal life. There's really no place, no other diet I'd rather have than you. Give a slice of the bread from heaven today.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Daily Reflections on Heb. 2:5-18 (The Arrogance of Some People)
I've never claimed to be a genius. But the more I look at the relationship between God and Jesus the more confusing it seems to get. John says that in the beginning the Jesus was with God and was God. Okay that seems easy enough. He goes on to say that Jesus became flesh, a human being. Got that too. I don't know how all that is, but I can get my little mind around that part.
But the part that starts stretching my mind is this father/son thing. If Jesus is God, and He says Himself, "whoever has seen me has seen the father," why the father/son designation? Seems a little odd in light of the fact that Paul talks about the fact that equality with God was something Jesus could easily grasp. Now tell me that doesn't confuse you just a little. To further add to my confusion, how can Jesus call me a brother if He is God and I'm, well, plain ol' human, flawed me?
Throughout Jesus ministry, from the time we find Him in the temple at 12 years of age, He talks about doing His father's business or will. He defers to the father regarding various teachings and miracles. He prays to the father. And here in Hebrews 2, He puts His trust in Him. Why would someone equal with God, the father, creator of the universe, put His trust in the father? Does this strike anyone else as a little perplexing?
Yet there is a great lesson here. If Jesus, God in the flesh, equal to God, creator of the universe puts His trust in God and defers to Him, what does that say about me? Why wouldn't I do the same thing. Instead, I often times rely on my on wisdom, ability, ingenuity, resources, etc. to do things. If Jesus, who had the right to go off on His own agenda, submitted His daily agenda to God, why shouldn't I? Why is it I think I have the audacity to live however I want and give God only partial input into my life? Why is it that I think I can take God when I want Him and ignore Him the rest of the time? Why do I think that my time, my money, my resources, my gifts, my life is actually mine? Who do I think I am? And who do I think God really is?
God, I'm pretty arrogant concerning my own life. It seems that I just go about doing whatever I want whenever I want with little to no regard for you. Instead of seeking you daily, hourly, minute by minute of my life, I have a tendency to check in with you whenever I feel like. It's almost like I show up to visit you on occasion or when I'm in dire straights. Forgive my arrogance. I recognize you as Lord of my life. Here I am. I put my trust in you.
But the part that starts stretching my mind is this father/son thing. If Jesus is God, and He says Himself, "whoever has seen me has seen the father," why the father/son designation? Seems a little odd in light of the fact that Paul talks about the fact that equality with God was something Jesus could easily grasp. Now tell me that doesn't confuse you just a little. To further add to my confusion, how can Jesus call me a brother if He is God and I'm, well, plain ol' human, flawed me?
Throughout Jesus ministry, from the time we find Him in the temple at 12 years of age, He talks about doing His father's business or will. He defers to the father regarding various teachings and miracles. He prays to the father. And here in Hebrews 2, He puts His trust in Him. Why would someone equal with God, the father, creator of the universe, put His trust in the father? Does this strike anyone else as a little perplexing?
Yet there is a great lesson here. If Jesus, God in the flesh, equal to God, creator of the universe puts His trust in God and defers to Him, what does that say about me? Why wouldn't I do the same thing. Instead, I often times rely on my on wisdom, ability, ingenuity, resources, etc. to do things. If Jesus, who had the right to go off on His own agenda, submitted His daily agenda to God, why shouldn't I? Why is it I think I have the audacity to live however I want and give God only partial input into my life? Why is it that I think I can take God when I want Him and ignore Him the rest of the time? Why do I think that my time, my money, my resources, my gifts, my life is actually mine? Who do I think I am? And who do I think God really is?
God, I'm pretty arrogant concerning my own life. It seems that I just go about doing whatever I want whenever I want with little to no regard for you. Instead of seeking you daily, hourly, minute by minute of my life, I have a tendency to check in with you whenever I feel like. It's almost like I show up to visit you on occasion or when I'm in dire straights. Forgive my arrogance. I recognize you as Lord of my life. Here I am. I put my trust in you.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Daily Reflections on Prov. 25:11-13 (It's All How You Say It)
It's really all how you say it. Recently we had a congregational meeting or as I prefer to call them, family meeting. We had some encouraging news to share and some challenges to lay out. Just like everything else in our economy, we're facing some tough economic times at our church. Several have lost jobs and on top of that, summer attendance and giving is down.
We could have gone into the meeting with a depressed attitude, sharing the doom and gloom over which we had no control. But instead we decided to focus on what God was doing in our midst. I thought our meeting would be relatively short, but in fact it lasted for about 45 minutes or so. Even when we got to the toughest stuff, we had to celebrate what God was doing, because even in a down economy our giving had nearly doubled this year over year to date last year.
The downside was that because of getting into a new, more permanent facility, our expenses had doubled too. And the challenge of what was ahead was no less daunting with outside support declining and rent going up. Our treasurer was phenomenal in praising our people for giving even though several had lost jobs. He was clear and concise on our battle ahead. And with all the other good news, we came away with a positive attitude about our future.
There have been plenty of times that I blurted out the wrong thing at the wrong time. I have this disease that if something is in my mind, unfortunately it's in my mouth or should I say coming out of my mouth before I've really had time to process it appropriately. Maybe it's just a male affliction. And since I live in a household of all girls, except the dog, I've received my fair share of disdainful looks and harsh reactions. It's a wonder they haven't attacked me wrapping my mouth in layers of duct tape.
How and when you say something makes all the difference in the world. I'm not saying you don't have to confront or be honest with others. But the manner in which you disclose the truth is really important if you honestly have the other person's best interest at heart. Sugar coating something doesn't always benefit the other person, but a gentle, honest tongue does. It's not just the words themselves, it's the attitude in which they are presented.
Nobody likes to be criticized. But I would be a fool not to listen to the observations of others and correct the error of my ways. It really boils down to the relationship we have with another person. The more I trust a person, the easier it is for me both to listen and receive news, good or bad, and to deliver information, both good and bad.
Solomon's advice is simple on this subject. How you say something will affect the response of the listener. It would be foolish not to listen to a friend, a wise counselor, or a person who has your best interest at heart.
God, help me to choose my words, my tone, my manner careful as I share with others. I don't want to come off as demanding, condescending, arrogant, aloof, cold, abusive or demeaning. Slow my tongue down. Mix truth with your grace in my words. Help me also to listen humbly and openly to others. Help me to be an encouragement to others.
We could have gone into the meeting with a depressed attitude, sharing the doom and gloom over which we had no control. But instead we decided to focus on what God was doing in our midst. I thought our meeting would be relatively short, but in fact it lasted for about 45 minutes or so. Even when we got to the toughest stuff, we had to celebrate what God was doing, because even in a down economy our giving had nearly doubled this year over year to date last year.
The downside was that because of getting into a new, more permanent facility, our expenses had doubled too. And the challenge of what was ahead was no less daunting with outside support declining and rent going up. Our treasurer was phenomenal in praising our people for giving even though several had lost jobs. He was clear and concise on our battle ahead. And with all the other good news, we came away with a positive attitude about our future.
There have been plenty of times that I blurted out the wrong thing at the wrong time. I have this disease that if something is in my mind, unfortunately it's in my mouth or should I say coming out of my mouth before I've really had time to process it appropriately. Maybe it's just a male affliction. And since I live in a household of all girls, except the dog, I've received my fair share of disdainful looks and harsh reactions. It's a wonder they haven't attacked me wrapping my mouth in layers of duct tape.
How and when you say something makes all the difference in the world. I'm not saying you don't have to confront or be honest with others. But the manner in which you disclose the truth is really important if you honestly have the other person's best interest at heart. Sugar coating something doesn't always benefit the other person, but a gentle, honest tongue does. It's not just the words themselves, it's the attitude in which they are presented.
Nobody likes to be criticized. But I would be a fool not to listen to the observations of others and correct the error of my ways. It really boils down to the relationship we have with another person. The more I trust a person, the easier it is for me both to listen and receive news, good or bad, and to deliver information, both good and bad.
Solomon's advice is simple on this subject. How you say something will affect the response of the listener. It would be foolish not to listen to a friend, a wise counselor, or a person who has your best interest at heart.
God, help me to choose my words, my tone, my manner careful as I share with others. I don't want to come off as demanding, condescending, arrogant, aloof, cold, abusive or demeaning. Slow my tongue down. Mix truth with your grace in my words. Help me also to listen humbly and openly to others. Help me to be an encouragement to others.
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