Theophilus? Who's Theophilus? Good question. No one knows for sure. But the name means, "friend of God" or "lover of God." Who is a friend or lover of God? I suppose anyone who seeks to put God first in their life, who pursues a relationship with God. A "Theophilus" us more than just a person who wants to know about God, the curious. A "Theophilus" wants to know God personally, intimately, thoroughly.
The only way to know God is through Jesus. Luke penned twenty-four chapters about the life of Jesus. In them he declared Jesus as God's one and only son who lived a perfect life, taught, healed, performed miracles, revealed the true nature of God, died a sacrificial death on a cross for the sins of all mankind for all time, and rose again on the third day.
Is Jesus for real? Did He really raise from the dead? Luke verifies it through numerous witnesses and notes Jesus remained on the earth for forty days before He ascended into heaven.
But becoming intimate with God is more than just knowing Jesus or believing Jesus is God's living son or accepting Jesus' substitutionary death as payment for my sin and making Him Lord of my life. God provided the means for truly knowing Him through the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit which He freely gives to every believer. You can know God through nature but limitedly. You can know God's standards through the Law of the 10 Commandments, but limitedly know God. You can catch a glimpse of God studying the life of Jesus. But you can only truly experience God, become intimate with God through the Holy Spirit. God, thank you for Your Holy Spirit living in me so that I can know you, experience you, understand your truths, sense your prodding and direction and correction and power.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
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.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Daily Reflections on 1 Cor. 13:1; Heb. 11:1
Love and faith have to go together if a relationship is going to work. Without that sense of trust, there is a constant strain, or should I say drain, that empties the relationship. If I can't trust you, it makes it hard for me to love you. Many a marriage, partnership, and friendship have been lost due to violated trust. Usually it comes down to a "You hurt me" scenario.
At the same time, love can't prevail without faith. When I believe in you, it strengthens our bond. Many relationships struggle because one partner doesn't sense the other believes in them or one is constantly belittleling or nagging or berating the other. Paul says that love always protects, trusts, hopes and perserveres. You believe in your spouse, child, friend, partner. You inspire confidence. You help them evolve and bloom into the full person they can be.
Protection isn't necessarily prevention. Protection involves equipping so that they can handle whatever situation they face. It also doesn't necessarily mean defending. Sometimes you have to allow a person to face reality or consequences of their actions. But when all is said and done, you stand with them and help them back to their feet or back on the right path acknowledging lessons learned.
Since none of us are perfect, all of us need someone in our life to help us along, redirect us, stand by us, encourage us, believe in us, ride it through with us, love us. A critical spirit depresses us. A loving spirit motivates us. God help me have loving spirit to those around me.
At the same time, love can't prevail without faith. When I believe in you, it strengthens our bond. Many relationships struggle because one partner doesn't sense the other believes in them or one is constantly belittleling or nagging or berating the other. Paul says that love always protects, trusts, hopes and perserveres. You believe in your spouse, child, friend, partner. You inspire confidence. You help them evolve and bloom into the full person they can be.
Protection isn't necessarily prevention. Protection involves equipping so that they can handle whatever situation they face. It also doesn't necessarily mean defending. Sometimes you have to allow a person to face reality or consequences of their actions. But when all is said and done, you stand with them and help them back to their feet or back on the right path acknowledging lessons learned.
Since none of us are perfect, all of us need someone in our life to help us along, redirect us, stand by us, encourage us, believe in us, ride it through with us, love us. A critical spirit depresses us. A loving spirit motivates us. God help me have loving spirit to those around me.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Daily Reflections on Mt. 22:34-40
"War, Good God, What is it good for? Absolutely nothing. Say it again...." These opening lyrics to Edwin Star's protest song of the early '70's has a point. I know some could talk about principles, stemming the tide of facism or evil or oppression. I know the "fight for freedom" and democracy speeches. And I suppose I concur with those arguments.
But as I read today's passage, I wonder if in the long run, following God's law of loving Him and loving others ultimately wins out. How much tension and turmoil could be eliminated if we would abide by these 2 simple commands. Jesus said all the other laws of God and the prophets could be fullulled if we would just love God and love others with our total being.
Today on Memorial Day, I'm thinking of the countless young men and women who have given their lives for the cause of freedom. Thousands of white crosses and marble marrkers stretch out over the countryside. My mind wonders how many mass graves around the world are filled with enemy combatants and innocent lives. My heart breaks for those families, mothers, fathers, young wives, sons and daughters on both sides who lost their loved ones defending their cause.
If we could only learn to love God and love others. I mean really love. Suppose with all our energy we demonstrated love to the people around us, whether enemies or friends. What if we really did what Jesus called us to do? Would there be any tension? Would there be selfishness? Would there be terse words or arguments? Would there be divorce or rampant crime or people going hungry? Would there be war? What if ...? I may not be able to change the world, but I can make a difference in the world around me. God, I really want to love you and love others.
But as I read today's passage, I wonder if in the long run, following God's law of loving Him and loving others ultimately wins out. How much tension and turmoil could be eliminated if we would abide by these 2 simple commands. Jesus said all the other laws of God and the prophets could be fullulled if we would just love God and love others with our total being.
Today on Memorial Day, I'm thinking of the countless young men and women who have given their lives for the cause of freedom. Thousands of white crosses and marble marrkers stretch out over the countryside. My mind wonders how many mass graves around the world are filled with enemy combatants and innocent lives. My heart breaks for those families, mothers, fathers, young wives, sons and daughters on both sides who lost their loved ones defending their cause.
If we could only learn to love God and love others. I mean really love. Suppose with all our energy we demonstrated love to the people around us, whether enemies or friends. What if we really did what Jesus called us to do? Would there be any tension? Would there be selfishness? Would there be terse words or arguments? Would there be divorce or rampant crime or people going hungry? Would there be war? What if ...? I may not be able to change the world, but I can make a difference in the world around me. God, I really want to love you and love others.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Daily Reflections of 1 Cor. 1:18-30
Foolishness or Wisdom? It always humors me to hear scholars, philosophers, scientists, experts of our day try to explain the universe, the world around us, or even the complexities of the human body and/or mind. They talk about the latest discoveries or insights that will revolutionize current thinking. I get tickled at psychologist and social workers and politicians who debate the human psyche and social ills or potential norms. I'm not down playing their intelligence or years of study and research. I muse not at their pursuit of understanding, but at their lack of awareness of God's understanding and stated truths. I confess, I find some of the latest discoveries and philosophies interesting, but I find the truths of God more captivating. I wonder if God chuckles to Himself or cynically remarks, "Wow, I never knew that. Thanks for the enlightenment."
The simple truth of God's Word, the Bible, seems foolish to many people today. Maybe because we've tried to spruce it up or tried to make it sound current or modern or we've even corrupted it to become appealing to today's generation. But the simple straightforward truth of God's Word is that we are all sinners in need of God's transforming grace. God provided that transforming grace through Jesus, God's one and only son, by His death on the cross. The blood shed at the cross covers our sin and cleanses us from all unrighteousness if we simply believe and accept Christ's lordship over our lives.
Truth is, we're all going to die, whether at 20 or 40 or 120 years and after that be judged by our creator. The world around us is going to continue to function just as God intends until He decides it's over. Oh the foolishness of God's simple truth. Yet, in them is the life-giving, life-changing power of God's Good News. In the end, we're all in the same boat, imperfect, carnal, finite, fallible beings, totally powerless as we stand before God, our universe or even in the mirror. Thanks God for His wisdom, love and sacrifice who reaches out to us in mercy.
The simple truth of God's Word, the Bible, seems foolish to many people today. Maybe because we've tried to spruce it up or tried to make it sound current or modern or we've even corrupted it to become appealing to today's generation. But the simple straightforward truth of God's Word is that we are all sinners in need of God's transforming grace. God provided that transforming grace through Jesus, God's one and only son, by His death on the cross. The blood shed at the cross covers our sin and cleanses us from all unrighteousness if we simply believe and accept Christ's lordship over our lives.
Truth is, we're all going to die, whether at 20 or 40 or 120 years and after that be judged by our creator. The world around us is going to continue to function just as God intends until He decides it's over. Oh the foolishness of God's simple truth. Yet, in them is the life-giving, life-changing power of God's Good News. In the end, we're all in the same boat, imperfect, carnal, finite, fallible beings, totally powerless as we stand before God, our universe or even in the mirror. Thanks God for His wisdom, love and sacrifice who reaches out to us in mercy.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Daily Reflections of 1 Cor. 1:10-17
Has Christ got to be disappointed when He looks at the Church today! What a shame. If the Apostle Paul were alive today I'm sure he'd have some scathing criticism for God's people. There are more denominations and Christian sects than, as my grandparents used to say, "Carter has liver pills." What has happened to the modern church?
Just drive through any town in America and you can see and hear the same quarrels, "I am of Calvin. I am of Luther. I am of Wesley. I am of the Pope. I am of Campbell. I am of Knox." No you don't hear or see those names in particular but you do hear and see, Baptist Church, Assemblies of God, Lutheran, Catholic, Presbyterian, Disciples of Christ, Christian, Church of Christ, Church of God, Methodist, Episcopal, etc., etc.
No wonder the image of the Christ on the cross has lost its power in today's world. It's just another religion. Not any different in the minds of many people from Buddhism, Islam, B'hai, Hinduism, Scientology, Mormonism, Judaism, etc.
Isn't it time we heeded Paul's advice and focus on harmony in Christ through His Spirit? Isn't it time we put Christ back at the head of our lives and churches? Isn't time we stop selling and promoting OUR church and started promoting the simple, but powerful message of the cross of Christ? Isn't time we stopped the quarrels over who's right or who has the better message or presentation? Isn't time we stop glorifying the messengers and simply hold to and up the message of Christ?
Churches, programs, pastors, denominations don't save me or change me. Only the blood of Jesus and the grace of God can do that. God, forgive me for my divisive and sectarian spirit. Not MY will but YOURS will be done.
Just drive through any town in America and you can see and hear the same quarrels, "I am of Calvin. I am of Luther. I am of Wesley. I am of the Pope. I am of Campbell. I am of Knox." No you don't hear or see those names in particular but you do hear and see, Baptist Church, Assemblies of God, Lutheran, Catholic, Presbyterian, Disciples of Christ, Christian, Church of Christ, Church of God, Methodist, Episcopal, etc., etc.
No wonder the image of the Christ on the cross has lost its power in today's world. It's just another religion. Not any different in the minds of many people from Buddhism, Islam, B'hai, Hinduism, Scientology, Mormonism, Judaism, etc.
Isn't it time we heeded Paul's advice and focus on harmony in Christ through His Spirit? Isn't it time we put Christ back at the head of our lives and churches? Isn't time we stop selling and promoting OUR church and started promoting the simple, but powerful message of the cross of Christ? Isn't time we stopped the quarrels over who's right or who has the better message or presentation? Isn't time we stop glorifying the messengers and simply hold to and up the message of Christ?
Churches, programs, pastors, denominations don't save me or change me. Only the blood of Jesus and the grace of God can do that. God, forgive me for my divisive and sectarian spirit. Not MY will but YOURS will be done.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Daily Reflections of 1 Cor. 1:7-9
Sometimes I feel so confident I could conquer the world. Yet other days I feel so weak, almost depressed, that it's hard to get anything accomplished. My guess is that I'm not alone. It's part of our human psyche, our make up. Most of us are inconsistent from time to time or should I say day to day.
Good News! God is always faithful. He's never inconsistent. When God called us to a holy and blameless life (Eph. 1:4), He also promised to empower us to be what He called us to be. In this passage today, God says that He has given us everything we need to be strong to the end so that He can present us blameless.
That means the Holy Spirit that God has placed inside every one of His followers/believers gives us the super natural ability to rise above our humanness and live to God's glory throughout our life. God is empowering us through His Spirit to live a holy and blameless life. God is faithful. He doesn't withdraw His Spirit or limit His Spirit at any time. No matter what we face both God and His Spirit remain steadfast with us and in us.
But according to Rom. 8 we have a choice to walk by the Spirit or by the flesh. Spiritual growth and maturity is about learning to walk by the Spirit of God living in us. God gives us everything necessary, but if you don't use it it's worthless. And if you have never accepted God's free gift of Jesus as your Lord and Savior, unfortunately you don't have the power of God's Holy Spirit working in you. Lord, help me today to keep my eyes on you and my ears, mind and heart focused on your Spirit that lives in me.
Good News! God is always faithful. He's never inconsistent. When God called us to a holy and blameless life (Eph. 1:4), He also promised to empower us to be what He called us to be. In this passage today, God says that He has given us everything we need to be strong to the end so that He can present us blameless.
That means the Holy Spirit that God has placed inside every one of His followers/believers gives us the super natural ability to rise above our humanness and live to God's glory throughout our life. God is empowering us through His Spirit to live a holy and blameless life. God is faithful. He doesn't withdraw His Spirit or limit His Spirit at any time. No matter what we face both God and His Spirit remain steadfast with us and in us.
But according to Rom. 8 we have a choice to walk by the Spirit or by the flesh. Spiritual growth and maturity is about learning to walk by the Spirit of God living in us. God gives us everything necessary, but if you don't use it it's worthless. And if you have never accepted God's free gift of Jesus as your Lord and Savior, unfortunately you don't have the power of God's Holy Spirit working in you. Lord, help me today to keep my eyes on you and my ears, mind and heart focused on your Spirit that lives in me.
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