1 Samuel 18:10-13 (NLT)
10 The very next day a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave in his house like a madman. David was playing the harp, as he did each day. But Saul had a spear in his hand, 11 and he suddenly hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David escaped him twice. 12 Saul was then afraid of David, for the Lord was with David and had turned away from Saul. 13 Finally, Saul sent him away and appointed him commander over 1,000 men, and David faithfully led his troops into battle.
David, as a child, served King Saul by playing the harp for Saul whenever he was troubled. Growing jealous of David’s popularity rage suddenly filled Saul and he became like a madman. Saul threw the spear he held at David. In his rage Saul made another attempt to strike David, but David managed to escape Saul’s rage
As a young boy David was asked to live in Saul’s house so he might play harp music to calm Saul. In the verses above we see Saul would fly into fits of rage. On this one occasion Saul made an attempt to take David’s life. Imagine how confusing it must have been for David. One moment Saul was trying to take his life and the next moment he was appointing David as commander over an army of men. Even being the target of Saul’s anger David was determined to please Saul by faithfully leading the troops. Hopefully you recognize David lived a dysfunctional life. He was given up by his father to serve Saul. As a boy he was tasked to calm Saul whenever he was out of control. Even being the object of Saul’s anger David faithfully served. This life would drastically affect anyone; and later we see the dysfunction in David’s life was carried forward to his own family. There are many who have been affected by family dysfunction. Some may not even see it because it appears normal to them. David probably thought it was normal for someone to fly into rage. Yet when we look from the outside we know that not to be true. May God grant us the wisdom to see the dysfunctions in our life and make changes before we impact our own family.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Peacemakers
Philippians 4:2-3 (NLT)
2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.
The Apostle Paul writes to the Philippians about their Christian duties. In these verses Paul points out a specific disagreement between two women, Euodia and Syntyche. Paul asks them to settle their difference and makes an invitation for another to step in and assist in resolving the issue. The women are fellow Christians who have worked for the Lord and are now being distracted by their disagreement.
In the verses above Paul asks for a peacemaker to step in to resolve the argument between Euodia and Syntyche. A peacemaker steps into the middle of an argument, whereas a peacekeeper tries to head off an argument. A peacemaker faces the problem directly, whereas a peacekeeper tries to keep the problem from appearing. A peacemaker is concerned about people and bringing about sound character growth. The peacekeeper is concerned about issues getting out of control, not the people involved. It takes more effort to be a peacemaker than a peacekeeper. The peacemaker has to actively engage those who are in disagreement. The peacemaker works to resolve the issues while the peacekeeper works to keeps the issues from being presented. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” God wants to bring real peace to our lives and not hide the issues. When the issues are hidden they are just left to fester and appear again and again. Do you face issues head on or do you want to hide them? A real peacemaker wants the issues resolved and will do what it takes to make it happen.
2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.
The Apostle Paul writes to the Philippians about their Christian duties. In these verses Paul points out a specific disagreement between two women, Euodia and Syntyche. Paul asks them to settle their difference and makes an invitation for another to step in and assist in resolving the issue. The women are fellow Christians who have worked for the Lord and are now being distracted by their disagreement.
In the verses above Paul asks for a peacemaker to step in to resolve the argument between Euodia and Syntyche. A peacemaker steps into the middle of an argument, whereas a peacekeeper tries to head off an argument. A peacemaker faces the problem directly, whereas a peacekeeper tries to keep the problem from appearing. A peacemaker is concerned about people and bringing about sound character growth. The peacekeeper is concerned about issues getting out of control, not the people involved. It takes more effort to be a peacemaker than a peacekeeper. The peacemaker has to actively engage those who are in disagreement. The peacemaker works to resolve the issues while the peacekeeper works to keeps the issues from being presented. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” God wants to bring real peace to our lives and not hide the issues. When the issues are hidden they are just left to fester and appear again and again. Do you face issues head on or do you want to hide them? A real peacemaker wants the issues resolved and will do what it takes to make it happen.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
What defiles us from the inside
Mark 7:20-23 (NLT)
20 And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. 21 For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”
Jesus earlier had made the statement “It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.” The disciples were now trying to understand so they asked Jesus to explain. Jesus explained following rituals did not keep one pure. For sin emanates from the heart of man in many forms taking away that which is righteous.
The Lord Jesus Christ died for each and every sin listed in Mark 7:20-23 that we would have eternal life with Him in heaven. Speaking for God, Isaiah foretold the forgiveness of our sins, saying “I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.” The price for freedom came with a dear cost. The cost was the death of His son Jesus. We must remember God does forgive our sins; yet we may face consequences for our actions here on earth. A person who murders another may serve time in prison, but if they ask the Lord Jesus Christ into their heart even though they face the consequence of a long prison term they are forgiven by God. Because of pride some may think because the consequences of some sins are so small they do not need the Lord’s forgiveness. Yet there is no one I know that have not fallen a victim to their own pride, greed, deceit, envy, and foolish desires. It is why we need the Lord Jesus so that we might be forgiven and learn to understand the wickedness of our heart. Without the Lord we follow our own desires; but with the Lord present in our lives we find ourselves wanting to do that which is right even when we want to do what is wrong. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
20 And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. 21 For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”
Jesus earlier had made the statement “It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.” The disciples were now trying to understand so they asked Jesus to explain. Jesus explained following rituals did not keep one pure. For sin emanates from the heart of man in many forms taking away that which is righteous.
The Lord Jesus Christ died for each and every sin listed in Mark 7:20-23 that we would have eternal life with Him in heaven. Speaking for God, Isaiah foretold the forgiveness of our sins, saying “I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.” The price for freedom came with a dear cost. The cost was the death of His son Jesus. We must remember God does forgive our sins; yet we may face consequences for our actions here on earth. A person who murders another may serve time in prison, but if they ask the Lord Jesus Christ into their heart even though they face the consequence of a long prison term they are forgiven by God. Because of pride some may think because the consequences of some sins are so small they do not need the Lord’s forgiveness. Yet there is no one I know that have not fallen a victim to their own pride, greed, deceit, envy, and foolish desires. It is why we need the Lord Jesus so that we might be forgiven and learn to understand the wickedness of our heart. Without the Lord we follow our own desires; but with the Lord present in our lives we find ourselves wanting to do that which is right even when we want to do what is wrong. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Faith in God
Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
King Solomon tells us by faith we must trust the providence of God. We must learn to depend upon God even when our own reasoning does not seem secure. We must trust with all our heart and acknowledge God in faith and prayer that He is more that capable to lead us in the right direction.
For 45 years, Pat Summerall's voice and face spelled football. He anchored CBS and FOX's NFL telecasts (often alongside John Madden) and broadcast 16 Super Bowls (and served as a CBS Radio analyst or pregame reporter for 10 more). This is the part of Pat Summerall's story that most people know. In the Christian sports magazine Sports Spectrum, reporter Art Stricklin tells the rest of Pat's story:
Pat was an only child whose parents divorced before he was born, leaving him feeling empty and alone. He became an alcoholic, living from drink to drink as his body broke down. During the 1994 Masters tournament—[Summerall also did voiceover work for high-profile golf tournaments]—he faced up: "I'd been getting sick a lot, throwing up blood—and I got sick again at 4 a.m. I looked in the mirror, saw what a terrible sight I was, and said to myself, This isn't how I want to live."
Pat spent 33 days in the Betty Ford Center in Palm Springs, California. This helped alleviate his alcohol problems but didn't address his spiritual vacuum. Then he bumped into [Tom Landry, his old football coach from his days as a star kicker]. [Landry] explained about [Pat's] spiritual need and connected him with Dallas Cowboy's chaplain John Weber. Pat's life was transformed, and he was baptized at age 69.
Art Stricklin closes his article with a few words chaplain John Weber offered to sum up Summerall's journey: "[Pat] was once the life of every party with a drink in his hand. Now he gets his power from another source."
Art Stricklin, Sports Spectrum, as paraphrased in the October 27, 2009, entry of Men of Integrity (September/October, 2009)
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
King Solomon tells us by faith we must trust the providence of God. We must learn to depend upon God even when our own reasoning does not seem secure. We must trust with all our heart and acknowledge God in faith and prayer that He is more that capable to lead us in the right direction.
For 45 years, Pat Summerall's voice and face spelled football. He anchored CBS and FOX's NFL telecasts (often alongside John Madden) and broadcast 16 Super Bowls (and served as a CBS Radio analyst or pregame reporter for 10 more). This is the part of Pat Summerall's story that most people know. In the Christian sports magazine Sports Spectrum, reporter Art Stricklin tells the rest of Pat's story:
Pat was an only child whose parents divorced before he was born, leaving him feeling empty and alone. He became an alcoholic, living from drink to drink as his body broke down. During the 1994 Masters tournament—[Summerall also did voiceover work for high-profile golf tournaments]—he faced up: "I'd been getting sick a lot, throwing up blood—and I got sick again at 4 a.m. I looked in the mirror, saw what a terrible sight I was, and said to myself, This isn't how I want to live."
Pat spent 33 days in the Betty Ford Center in Palm Springs, California. This helped alleviate his alcohol problems but didn't address his spiritual vacuum. Then he bumped into [Tom Landry, his old football coach from his days as a star kicker]. [Landry] explained about [Pat's] spiritual need and connected him with Dallas Cowboy's chaplain John Weber. Pat's life was transformed, and he was baptized at age 69.
Art Stricklin closes his article with a few words chaplain John Weber offered to sum up Summerall's journey: "[Pat] was once the life of every party with a drink in his hand. Now he gets his power from another source."
Art Stricklin, Sports Spectrum, as paraphrased in the October 27, 2009, entry of Men of Integrity (September/October, 2009)
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Conviction of the Holy Spirit
John 16:5-11 (ESV)
5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
The disciples were distressed as Jesus foretold what was to happen in the near future. Jesus reassured them this was for the best. While the Jews had the law; the world did not understand sin. After the death of Jesus the Holy Spirit was to come upon the world as a helper to convict those who did not believe in Jesus, to show those who did believe what was right, and to once and for all judge Satan.
A school crossing guard had tried everything to get speeders to slow down. The law was posted, but that did not seem to have any affect. People still continued to speed through the school zone. The crossing guard then took a hair dryer and wrapped it in black electrical tape to mask its identity. As speeders approached the school zone he gave them a gentle reminder by pointing the hair dryer at their car. Instantly they would apply their brakes thinking a radar gun was staring at them. The world knows what sin is, but they often fail to identify their actions with sin. But when the Holy Spirit comes upon them they are shown where they fall short of God’s righteousness. The book of Hebrews says in chapter 101:5-16, “And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says, “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”
5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
The disciples were distressed as Jesus foretold what was to happen in the near future. Jesus reassured them this was for the best. While the Jews had the law; the world did not understand sin. After the death of Jesus the Holy Spirit was to come upon the world as a helper to convict those who did not believe in Jesus, to show those who did believe what was right, and to once and for all judge Satan.
A school crossing guard had tried everything to get speeders to slow down. The law was posted, but that did not seem to have any affect. People still continued to speed through the school zone. The crossing guard then took a hair dryer and wrapped it in black electrical tape to mask its identity. As speeders approached the school zone he gave them a gentle reminder by pointing the hair dryer at their car. Instantly they would apply their brakes thinking a radar gun was staring at them. The world knows what sin is, but they often fail to identify their actions with sin. But when the Holy Spirit comes upon them they are shown where they fall short of God’s righteousness. The book of Hebrews says in chapter 101:5-16, “And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says, “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Silence
Proverbs 21:23 (NLT)
23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
King Solomon shares this wisdom with us, not saying anything will keep one out of trouble, whereas saying the wrong thing can lead to arguments and other woes.
When a person is arrested they are told they can remain silent, but it may be wise to do so even before the arrest. There are several reasons for this. A person may give information which may connect them to a crime for which they had no direct knowledge. Giving false information, which is considered obstruction, leads to more charges. A person who is overly vocal about their anger will find it can lead to charges of disorderly conduct. Lawyers follow the wisdom of King Solomon by telling their clients “Keep your mouth shut!” We see how saying the wrong thing can have its consequences and this is true even in our private personal lives. Lying to a spouse will bring distrust. Trying to justify ourselves when another’s feelings are at issue only leads to further confrontations and debates. Therefore it is in our best interest we remain silent at times. Silence gives us an opportunity to listen and process our thoughts. Silence keeps us from speaking rashly out of emotion. There are times when we do need to speak up, but there are times when silence is our best option.
23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
King Solomon shares this wisdom with us, not saying anything will keep one out of trouble, whereas saying the wrong thing can lead to arguments and other woes.
When a person is arrested they are told they can remain silent, but it may be wise to do so even before the arrest. There are several reasons for this. A person may give information which may connect them to a crime for which they had no direct knowledge. Giving false information, which is considered obstruction, leads to more charges. A person who is overly vocal about their anger will find it can lead to charges of disorderly conduct. Lawyers follow the wisdom of King Solomon by telling their clients “Keep your mouth shut!” We see how saying the wrong thing can have its consequences and this is true even in our private personal lives. Lying to a spouse will bring distrust. Trying to justify ourselves when another’s feelings are at issue only leads to further confrontations and debates. Therefore it is in our best interest we remain silent at times. Silence gives us an opportunity to listen and process our thoughts. Silence keeps us from speaking rashly out of emotion. There are times when we do need to speak up, but there are times when silence is our best option.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The brave fireman
Luke 22:39-46 (NLT)
39 Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. 40 There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” 41 He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. 44 He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. 45 At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.”
Jesus prepares for His death by going to a place to pray. He asks the disciples to pray also that they may not give into temptation. Jesus is struggling against the flesh which wants to live, but He knows that He must face death in order that those who believe in Him will live an eternal life. Jesus prayed in great agony knowing what He was about to face. Upon returning to the disciples He finds them asleep and He asks why they are sleeping. Then He encourages them to get up and pray so they may not fall into temptation.
When you pass a fire house or a fire hydrant do you feel shame that you cannot put out a major fire by yourself? Do you look at firemen and think they are not needed and they serve no purpose? Most of us would say no to these questions. Most of us would say the fireman who risks his life to save people is important and needed. Yet there are some who struggle to believe in Jesus because they feel admitting their need for a savior makes them weak. They believe they can handle life on their own and there is no need for someone to step in and help. Yet every day we watch heroic firemen save the lives of others and we never once think the people they are saving are weak and incapable. We know the fire is greater than what they can handle and these brave men are there to assist. Jesus is always ready to step into our lives to help us avoid temptation. For He well understands the temptations of life and the great power it has. With the help of Jesus we are able to defeat the fires that pop up in our life. It is not a sign of weakness but an understanding that sin is a power greater than we can handle by ourselves.
39 Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. 40 There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” 41 He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. 44 He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. 45 At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.”
Jesus prepares for His death by going to a place to pray. He asks the disciples to pray also that they may not give into temptation. Jesus is struggling against the flesh which wants to live, but He knows that He must face death in order that those who believe in Him will live an eternal life. Jesus prayed in great agony knowing what He was about to face. Upon returning to the disciples He finds them asleep and He asks why they are sleeping. Then He encourages them to get up and pray so they may not fall into temptation.
When you pass a fire house or a fire hydrant do you feel shame that you cannot put out a major fire by yourself? Do you look at firemen and think they are not needed and they serve no purpose? Most of us would say no to these questions. Most of us would say the fireman who risks his life to save people is important and needed. Yet there are some who struggle to believe in Jesus because they feel admitting their need for a savior makes them weak. They believe they can handle life on their own and there is no need for someone to step in and help. Yet every day we watch heroic firemen save the lives of others and we never once think the people they are saving are weak and incapable. We know the fire is greater than what they can handle and these brave men are there to assist. Jesus is always ready to step into our lives to help us avoid temptation. For He well understands the temptations of life and the great power it has. With the help of Jesus we are able to defeat the fires that pop up in our life. It is not a sign of weakness but an understanding that sin is a power greater than we can handle by ourselves.
Monday, July 19, 2010
God completes us
Genesis 2:18 (NLT)
18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
In this verse God states it was not good for Adam to be alone. God had made man relational so man could fellowship with God. God knew it was a burden for man to be without another being like himself so God created woman. God could have created an entire world of men or women, but instead God chose to allow man the privilege of building family and societal relationships. God perfectly knows our desires and He is perfectly able to supply our needs.
In humor it is said God asked Adam to name Eve and upon seeing her for the first time Adam exclaimed, ‘WO MAN’ and hence she was named woman. God had placed man at the head of creation. Out of dust God made man, but out of man God created woman. She was the crowning glory to creation; doubly refined from the dust of the earth. Woman was to be a helper alongside man; not a slave, not a dependent, not in servitude towards, but an equal partner to experience fellowship with God. Many may know the line from the movie Jerry Maguire where Tom Cruise says, “You complete me.” While the statement is a very romantic idea, the truth is, God completes us. Where we fall short on our needs the Lord says He will fill those needs, just as He did in establishing men and women to be with one another. Philippians 4:19 says, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Sometimes we falsely believe a spouse will supply our needs. We have the misconception they complete us is some manner. Some will marry out of this idea that where they are lacking in their life they will suddenly be made whole. The truth is only God can fill the holes in our life. Our family, our friends, our spouses are there to assist us in life, but only God can truly complete us.
18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
In this verse God states it was not good for Adam to be alone. God had made man relational so man could fellowship with God. God knew it was a burden for man to be without another being like himself so God created woman. God could have created an entire world of men or women, but instead God chose to allow man the privilege of building family and societal relationships. God perfectly knows our desires and He is perfectly able to supply our needs.
In humor it is said God asked Adam to name Eve and upon seeing her for the first time Adam exclaimed, ‘WO MAN’ and hence she was named woman. God had placed man at the head of creation. Out of dust God made man, but out of man God created woman. She was the crowning glory to creation; doubly refined from the dust of the earth. Woman was to be a helper alongside man; not a slave, not a dependent, not in servitude towards, but an equal partner to experience fellowship with God. Many may know the line from the movie Jerry Maguire where Tom Cruise says, “You complete me.” While the statement is a very romantic idea, the truth is, God completes us. Where we fall short on our needs the Lord says He will fill those needs, just as He did in establishing men and women to be with one another. Philippians 4:19 says, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Sometimes we falsely believe a spouse will supply our needs. We have the misconception they complete us is some manner. Some will marry out of this idea that where they are lacking in their life they will suddenly be made whole. The truth is only God can fill the holes in our life. Our family, our friends, our spouses are there to assist us in life, but only God can truly complete us.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Doubt and unbelief
John 20:24-29 (NLT)
24 One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” 26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” 28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. 29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
We see in these verses the Apostle Thomas struggled to believe Jesus was raised from the dead. Thomas desired proof. He wanted to see the nail and spear wounds on Jesus and to be able to touch those wounds. Jesus knew the struggle Thomas was going through so when he appeared again to the disciples he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” With the proof Thomas required he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!”
Many have called the Apostle Thomas, “Doubting Thomas”, because he doubted the testimony of the other disciples. Thomas had neglected to gather previously with them and now he doubted these men who had been called to testify as witnesses for the Lord. At least Thomas was honest about his feelings. He had no problem stating he did not believe even at the insistence of all the others. In the book of Mark another man faces a moment of unbelief. Even though he went to Jesus for his son to be healed he said, “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Jesus then went on to heal the man’s son; not only to help the man believe, but also those who were watching. If you find yourself doubting or struggling with your faith know others have also doubted. Be honest with your feelings. If you find yourself doubting tell the Lord and ask Him to help you overcome your unbelief.
24 One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” 26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” 28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. 29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
We see in these verses the Apostle Thomas struggled to believe Jesus was raised from the dead. Thomas desired proof. He wanted to see the nail and spear wounds on Jesus and to be able to touch those wounds. Jesus knew the struggle Thomas was going through so when he appeared again to the disciples he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” With the proof Thomas required he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!”
Many have called the Apostle Thomas, “Doubting Thomas”, because he doubted the testimony of the other disciples. Thomas had neglected to gather previously with them and now he doubted these men who had been called to testify as witnesses for the Lord. At least Thomas was honest about his feelings. He had no problem stating he did not believe even at the insistence of all the others. In the book of Mark another man faces a moment of unbelief. Even though he went to Jesus for his son to be healed he said, “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Jesus then went on to heal the man’s son; not only to help the man believe, but also those who were watching. If you find yourself doubting or struggling with your faith know others have also doubted. Be honest with your feelings. If you find yourself doubting tell the Lord and ask Him to help you overcome your unbelief.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Gentle answers
Proverbs 15:1 (NLT)
1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
As King, Solomon’s charge was to keep peace among the people. In this proverb he shares one way to maintain peace. Give gentle answers and leave out harsh words that make tempers flare. Grievous and foul words do nothing more than to stir the embers within men’s hearts and bring their temper to a flare. Even words meant in jest when used harshly can stir up angers causing one to make an enemy even out of their friend.
The Apostle James said, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” These words agree with those of King Solomon. When we listen carefully to what is said we are less likely to react with a quick judgment. If we are not listening then our mind starts to plot a response even before we have heard the full statement being made. It is the quick leap to an opinion that can make us respond in a harsh manner. Sometimes we need to take a deep breath before we speak. Maybe we just heard something that triggers us emotionally. Suddenly overwhelmed by emotions we are more likely to speak out rashly than we are to speak logically. Taking a timeout from a conversation can even be healthy if we feel our response is going to be said in anger. It is best to pause, collect your thoughts and even ask if the matter can be discussed later when you have had time to process your thoughts. People usually respect someone who wants to say what is right, but they will quickly disapprove of those who speak without thought.
1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
As King, Solomon’s charge was to keep peace among the people. In this proverb he shares one way to maintain peace. Give gentle answers and leave out harsh words that make tempers flare. Grievous and foul words do nothing more than to stir the embers within men’s hearts and bring their temper to a flare. Even words meant in jest when used harshly can stir up angers causing one to make an enemy even out of their friend.
The Apostle James said, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” These words agree with those of King Solomon. When we listen carefully to what is said we are less likely to react with a quick judgment. If we are not listening then our mind starts to plot a response even before we have heard the full statement being made. It is the quick leap to an opinion that can make us respond in a harsh manner. Sometimes we need to take a deep breath before we speak. Maybe we just heard something that triggers us emotionally. Suddenly overwhelmed by emotions we are more likely to speak out rashly than we are to speak logically. Taking a timeout from a conversation can even be healthy if we feel our response is going to be said in anger. It is best to pause, collect your thoughts and even ask if the matter can be discussed later when you have had time to process your thoughts. People usually respect someone who wants to say what is right, but they will quickly disapprove of those who speak without thought.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Marriage and divorce
Mark 10:2-6 (NLT)
2 Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?” 3 Jesus answered them with a question: “What did Moses say in the law about divorce?” 4 “Well, he permitted it,” they replied. “He said a man can give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away.” 5 But Jesus responded, “He wrote this commandment only as a concession to your hard hearts. 6 But ‘God made them male and female’ from the beginning of creation. 7 ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, 8 and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, 9 let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
In these verses we find Jesus doing something He so often did. Instead of quickly responding to a question, Jesus would first ask the questioner to state what they felt. The Pharisees asked should a man be allowed to divorce his wife. Jesus then asked them for their understanding of the Mosaic Law showing Jesus respected what was taught in the law. Once they gave an answer Jesus then replied. Moses had mediated with God on the law and because Moses and God knew man’s heart could harden from sin. God conceded to Moses to allow divorce, however God’s intent for marriage was the permanent joining of a couple. Marriage is a beautiful picture of God’s grace to us through Jesus Christ. Marriage is not an invention of man, but instead a divine institution put in place by God.
Jesus continues this conversation with the disciples later in private when they brought it up. Jesus told them “Whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries someone else, she commits adultery.” In other words wisdom, grace, holiness and love abiding in the heart can resolve sinful issues and hopefully preserve a marriage. But for those whose minds are set on the sins of the world, their hearts harden, and marriage becomes a heavy yoke leading to divorce. Divorce is not a resolution to sin, but instead follows with more sin. Fortunately the Lord Jesus Christ never divorces us, but instead holds on to us with grace holiness, and love. Jesus never lets go and He always forgives the sin we ourselves might not be able to forgive.
To those couples who have faced the tough moments of life in their marriage and persevered, may the grace of God continue to be with you always.
2 Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?” 3 Jesus answered them with a question: “What did Moses say in the law about divorce?” 4 “Well, he permitted it,” they replied. “He said a man can give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away.” 5 But Jesus responded, “He wrote this commandment only as a concession to your hard hearts. 6 But ‘God made them male and female’ from the beginning of creation. 7 ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, 8 and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, 9 let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
In these verses we find Jesus doing something He so often did. Instead of quickly responding to a question, Jesus would first ask the questioner to state what they felt. The Pharisees asked should a man be allowed to divorce his wife. Jesus then asked them for their understanding of the Mosaic Law showing Jesus respected what was taught in the law. Once they gave an answer Jesus then replied. Moses had mediated with God on the law and because Moses and God knew man’s heart could harden from sin. God conceded to Moses to allow divorce, however God’s intent for marriage was the permanent joining of a couple. Marriage is a beautiful picture of God’s grace to us through Jesus Christ. Marriage is not an invention of man, but instead a divine institution put in place by God.
Jesus continues this conversation with the disciples later in private when they brought it up. Jesus told them “Whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries someone else, she commits adultery.” In other words wisdom, grace, holiness and love abiding in the heart can resolve sinful issues and hopefully preserve a marriage. But for those whose minds are set on the sins of the world, their hearts harden, and marriage becomes a heavy yoke leading to divorce. Divorce is not a resolution to sin, but instead follows with more sin. Fortunately the Lord Jesus Christ never divorces us, but instead holds on to us with grace holiness, and love. Jesus never lets go and He always forgives the sin we ourselves might not be able to forgive.
To those couples who have faced the tough moments of life in their marriage and persevered, may the grace of God continue to be with you always.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
We are in Christ
John 14:6-9 (NLT)
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.
As Jesus talks about God the Father, Philip asks Jesus to show them The Father. The response from Jesus was that the Father was present in Him just as He is present in God the Father. Therefore anyone who has seen Jesus has also seen the Father.
John 14:20-21 says, “When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” Just as Jesus told the disciples that The Father was in Him and He was in The Father, Jesus said He would be present in those who love Him and we would be present in Him. If we believe this then we need to be having fellowship with Jesus because He is right there with us. Take time to talk with Christ and get to know Him as a close an intimate friend. When you can’t count on anyone else you can always count on the one who is always with you and you are always with them…..Jesus.
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.
As Jesus talks about God the Father, Philip asks Jesus to show them The Father. The response from Jesus was that the Father was present in Him just as He is present in God the Father. Therefore anyone who has seen Jesus has also seen the Father.
John 14:20-21 says, “When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” Just as Jesus told the disciples that The Father was in Him and He was in The Father, Jesus said He would be present in those who love Him and we would be present in Him. If we believe this then we need to be having fellowship with Jesus because He is right there with us. Take time to talk with Christ and get to know Him as a close an intimate friend. When you can’t count on anyone else you can always count on the one who is always with you and you are always with them…..Jesus.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Confident and content
Hebrews 13:5-6 (ESV)
5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
In these verses the apostle states a commitment we should follow in our Christian lives: We are not to covet money or the possessions of others. This is sin that should have no place in our lives for it lurks in our heart and if not subdued will enter into our thoughts and even our actions. The grace we receive from God is so contrary to covetousness because we forget what has been given to us and the pleasing moments of the past. Instead we long for more forgetting God has been the provider of good things all along. Because the Lord is our helper we should not fear and therefore not long for what we cannot obtain.
Years ago I bought an outdoor grill with a lifetime warranty. All was good until several years later when some parts failed and I tried to use the lifetime warranty. It seems the company that manufactured the grill had gone bankrupt and the company name was sold to another manufacturer. The warranty was no longer valid and what I thought was a promise disappeared with the company. In a world where we can't always depend on guarantees, there is one promise we can trust. Throughout Scripture we find the Lord's pledge to be with His people. In Deuteronomy 31 we read Moses' assuring words to Joshua: "The Lord . . . will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed" Hebrews repeats this promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” In a world where we can’t depend upon guarantees there is one promise we can trust and that is the Lord will never walk away to leave us on our own. Man’s guarantees and promises fade over time. God however is eternal and His promises live forever. It is because of God’s faithfulness that we can live a confident and content life.
5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
In these verses the apostle states a commitment we should follow in our Christian lives: We are not to covet money or the possessions of others. This is sin that should have no place in our lives for it lurks in our heart and if not subdued will enter into our thoughts and even our actions. The grace we receive from God is so contrary to covetousness because we forget what has been given to us and the pleasing moments of the past. Instead we long for more forgetting God has been the provider of good things all along. Because the Lord is our helper we should not fear and therefore not long for what we cannot obtain.
Years ago I bought an outdoor grill with a lifetime warranty. All was good until several years later when some parts failed and I tried to use the lifetime warranty. It seems the company that manufactured the grill had gone bankrupt and the company name was sold to another manufacturer. The warranty was no longer valid and what I thought was a promise disappeared with the company. In a world where we can't always depend on guarantees, there is one promise we can trust. Throughout Scripture we find the Lord's pledge to be with His people. In Deuteronomy 31 we read Moses' assuring words to Joshua: "The Lord . . . will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed" Hebrews repeats this promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” In a world where we can’t depend upon guarantees there is one promise we can trust and that is the Lord will never walk away to leave us on our own. Man’s guarantees and promises fade over time. God however is eternal and His promises live forever. It is because of God’s faithfulness that we can live a confident and content life.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Don't let the giants in your life overtake you
Numbers 13:27-33 (NLT)
27 This was their report to Moses: “We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. 28 But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak! 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev, and the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country. The Canaanites live along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and along the Jordan Valley.” 30 But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!” 31 But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” 32 So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. 33 We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!”
Leaders of each of the tribes of Israel had been sent to spy out the land God had promised them. These leaders saw a land pleasing to live in and bountiful with food. Even with all God had done to care for and protect them they still feared those who lived in the land. Caleb tried to put their fears aside, but other leaders began to speak out about the giants in the land saying, “We felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!” These men were giving up before they even got started and their fear influenced those around them to give up as well.
Our world is full of violence, murder, theft, abuse, hatred and prejudice. Just turning on the news can begin to instill fear in anyone. Yet we must not let fear overtake us for our own sake and the sake of our children. We must place our faith and trust in God that He will protect us. Not that we should ignore prudence for God does not want us standing at the edge of a cliff temping Him to save us from a fall. Instead we must trust the Lord to lead us and give us wisdom in our daily lives. We find wisdom in prayer. We find strength in the Lord for God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Instill in yourself and your children to be watchful. While we live in this word, God tells us not to be of this world. Wisdom, courage, peace and love should guide. God is with us always so remember not to fall and not to give up. We fight with the armor of God and stand in His strength knowing we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Don’t let the giants in life intimidate you for you will pass that fear to your children. Instead pass on faith in the Lord remembering that during trials, troubles, and tribulations we can depend upon the strength of God.
27 This was their report to Moses: “We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. 28 But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak! 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev, and the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country. The Canaanites live along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and along the Jordan Valley.” 30 But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!” 31 But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” 32 So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. 33 We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!”
Leaders of each of the tribes of Israel had been sent to spy out the land God had promised them. These leaders saw a land pleasing to live in and bountiful with food. Even with all God had done to care for and protect them they still feared those who lived in the land. Caleb tried to put their fears aside, but other leaders began to speak out about the giants in the land saying, “We felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!” These men were giving up before they even got started and their fear influenced those around them to give up as well.
Our world is full of violence, murder, theft, abuse, hatred and prejudice. Just turning on the news can begin to instill fear in anyone. Yet we must not let fear overtake us for our own sake and the sake of our children. We must place our faith and trust in God that He will protect us. Not that we should ignore prudence for God does not want us standing at the edge of a cliff temping Him to save us from a fall. Instead we must trust the Lord to lead us and give us wisdom in our daily lives. We find wisdom in prayer. We find strength in the Lord for God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Instill in yourself and your children to be watchful. While we live in this word, God tells us not to be of this world. Wisdom, courage, peace and love should guide. God is with us always so remember not to fall and not to give up. We fight with the armor of God and stand in His strength knowing we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Don’t let the giants in life intimidate you for you will pass that fear to your children. Instead pass on faith in the Lord remembering that during trials, troubles, and tribulations we can depend upon the strength of God.
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