Isaiah 53:4-6 (NLT)
4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. 6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.
Before the birth of Christ the prophet Isaiah spoke of Him. The prophet tells us that it was out weaknesses and sorrows that he carried. He goes on to say Christ took the punishment we should have endured for our sin. While we tend to want to follow our own paths, pursuing our own way; God in His mercy laid on Christ the sins of us all.
A principal at a parochial middle school asks, "How many times have you been to my office?" The boy says, "Not enough, I guess." "You've gotten the belt each time." "Yeah, and I can take whatever you dish out." The principal pauses for a moment to think and then quietly says, "Today you learn about grace."
The boy asks, "You gonna let me walk?" The principal replies, "Yes, I'm going to let you walk." The boy studies the face of the principal. "No punishment at all?" "Oh, there has to be punishment," says the principal. "What you did was wrong, and there are always consequences to our actions." "I knew it," says the boy as he holds out his hands. "Go ahead." The principal takes hold of a belt, folds it in two, and then hands it to the boy's teacher. He tells the boy, "I want you to count the blows." The principal then extends his own hands toward the teacher and says, "Ten strokes." The belt snaps across the outstretched hands of the principal. Shock registers on the boy's face. By the fourth stroke, tears well up in the boy's eyes. "Stop! That's enough!" the boy yells. But the belt continues to crack across the principal's hands. The boy counts out loud, "Five…six…seven…eight…nine…ten." The principal stands with sweat glistening on his forehead, his hands swollen and red. He reaches over, puts his swollen hand on the shoulder of the boy, and says just one word: "Grace."
The greatest consequence for sin was death, eternal separation from God. Yet God sent His son Jesus to take the punishment for our sin extending the greatest love He could offer, His own death to give us Life. Grace! It is a word we should all remember.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Pride
Genesis 40:1-4 (NLT)
1 Some time later, Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer and chief baker offended their royal master. 2 Pharaoh became angry with these two officials, 3 and he put them in the prison where Joseph was, in the palace of the captain of the guard. 4 They remained in prison for quite some time, and the captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, who looked after them.
In these verses we find the Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer and chief baker have offended the Pharaoh in some manner. We could speculate the offense was anything from trying to take the Pharaoh’s life to just allowing him to be served bad food and drink. Whatever the offense; they were assigned to Joseph for him to look after him. Interestingly it says they were assigned by the captain of the guard. The Bible says the captain of the guard was Potiphar who had Joseph wrongly thrown into prison.
Amazing how pride steps in the way of Potiphar’s life. Joseph was a trusted servant to Potiphar until Potiphar’s wife accused Joseph of wrong doing. Yet even in prison Potiphar still trusts Joseph enough to put people under his charge. Because of pride Potiphar could not let himself consider that he may be wrong about his wife’s accusations. Instead Joseph remained imprisoned, but as a trusted servant. We all should be careful not to let pride keep us from doing what is right. Pride destroys relationships and often the person themselves. Pray God would remove pride as an obstacle and allow you to clearly see your life for what it is.
1 Some time later, Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer and chief baker offended their royal master. 2 Pharaoh became angry with these two officials, 3 and he put them in the prison where Joseph was, in the palace of the captain of the guard. 4 They remained in prison for quite some time, and the captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, who looked after them.
In these verses we find the Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer and chief baker have offended the Pharaoh in some manner. We could speculate the offense was anything from trying to take the Pharaoh’s life to just allowing him to be served bad food and drink. Whatever the offense; they were assigned to Joseph for him to look after him. Interestingly it says they were assigned by the captain of the guard. The Bible says the captain of the guard was Potiphar who had Joseph wrongly thrown into prison.
Amazing how pride steps in the way of Potiphar’s life. Joseph was a trusted servant to Potiphar until Potiphar’s wife accused Joseph of wrong doing. Yet even in prison Potiphar still trusts Joseph enough to put people under his charge. Because of pride Potiphar could not let himself consider that he may be wrong about his wife’s accusations. Instead Joseph remained imprisoned, but as a trusted servant. We all should be careful not to let pride keep us from doing what is right. Pride destroys relationships and often the person themselves. Pray God would remove pride as an obstacle and allow you to clearly see your life for what it is.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Go to God not religion
Romans 2:17-24 (The Message)
17 -24 If you're brought up Jewish, don't assume that you can lean back in the arms of your religion and take it easy, feeling smug because you're an insider to God's revelation, a connoisseur of the best things of God, informed on the latest doctrines! I have a special word of caution for you who are sure that you have it all together yourselves and, because you know God's revealed Word inside and out, feel qualified to guide others through their blind alleys and dark nights and confused emotions to God. While you are guiding others, who is going to guide you? I'm quite serious. While preaching "Don't steal!" are you going to rob people blind? Who would suspect you? The same with adultery. The same with idolatry. You can get by with almost anything if you front it with eloquent talk about God and his law. The line from Scripture, "It's because of you Jews that the outsiders are down on God," shows it's an old problem that isn't going to go away.
The apostle writes that it is not religion that saves a person. For even though the law was preached to many those responsible for preaching the law did not uphold it themselves. The same people who said, don’t steal, don’t commit adultery, part of God’s commandments, did so anyway causing others to stumble on this religious hypocrisy.
John Ortberg , in the sermon The Way of Wisdom recalls, “My friend, Jimmy, and his son, Davey, were playing in the ocean down in Mexico, while his family—his wife, daughters, parents, and a cousin—were on the beach. Suddenly, a rogue riptide swept Davey out to the sea. Immediately Jimmy started to do whatever he could to help Davey get back to the shore, but he, too, was soon swept away in the tide. He knew that in a few minutes, both he and Davey would drown. He tried to scream, but his family couldn't hear him. Jimmy's a strong guy—an Olympic Decathlete—but he was powerless in this situation. As he was carried along by the water, he had a single, chilling thought: My wife and my daughters are going to have to have a double funeral. Meanwhile, his cousin, who understood something about the ocean, saw what was happening. He walked out into the water where he knew there was a sandbar. He had learned that if you try to fight a riptide, you will die. So, he walked to the sandbar, stood as close as he could get to Jimmy and Davey, and then he just lifted his hand up and said, "You come to me. You come to me."
If you try to go the way your gut tells you to go—the shortest distance into shore—you will die. If you think for yourself, you will die. God says, "If you come to me, you will live." That's it—death or life.
17 -24 If you're brought up Jewish, don't assume that you can lean back in the arms of your religion and take it easy, feeling smug because you're an insider to God's revelation, a connoisseur of the best things of God, informed on the latest doctrines! I have a special word of caution for you who are sure that you have it all together yourselves and, because you know God's revealed Word inside and out, feel qualified to guide others through their blind alleys and dark nights and confused emotions to God. While you are guiding others, who is going to guide you? I'm quite serious. While preaching "Don't steal!" are you going to rob people blind? Who would suspect you? The same with adultery. The same with idolatry. You can get by with almost anything if you front it with eloquent talk about God and his law. The line from Scripture, "It's because of you Jews that the outsiders are down on God," shows it's an old problem that isn't going to go away.
The apostle writes that it is not religion that saves a person. For even though the law was preached to many those responsible for preaching the law did not uphold it themselves. The same people who said, don’t steal, don’t commit adultery, part of God’s commandments, did so anyway causing others to stumble on this religious hypocrisy.
John Ortberg , in the sermon The Way of Wisdom recalls, “My friend, Jimmy, and his son, Davey, were playing in the ocean down in Mexico, while his family—his wife, daughters, parents, and a cousin—were on the beach. Suddenly, a rogue riptide swept Davey out to the sea. Immediately Jimmy started to do whatever he could to help Davey get back to the shore, but he, too, was soon swept away in the tide. He knew that in a few minutes, both he and Davey would drown. He tried to scream, but his family couldn't hear him. Jimmy's a strong guy—an Olympic Decathlete—but he was powerless in this situation. As he was carried along by the water, he had a single, chilling thought: My wife and my daughters are going to have to have a double funeral. Meanwhile, his cousin, who understood something about the ocean, saw what was happening. He walked out into the water where he knew there was a sandbar. He had learned that if you try to fight a riptide, you will die. So, he walked to the sandbar, stood as close as he could get to Jimmy and Davey, and then he just lifted his hand up and said, "You come to me. You come to me."
If you try to go the way your gut tells you to go—the shortest distance into shore—you will die. If you think for yourself, you will die. God says, "If you come to me, you will live." That's it—death or life.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
God said bang
Mark 14:66-71 (NLT)
66 Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by 67 and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.” 68 But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed. 69 When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” 70 But Peter denied it again. A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.” 71 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.
Jesus has already told Peter he would Deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed twice and Peter did exactly that. When questioned, Peter denied knowing Jesus or anything about him. Then he remembered the words of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
When we are in an uncomfortable setting it becomes so easy to deny the truth when others around us are not sure what the truth is. We become like Peter denying the truth or even lying about it to make things easier. Yet this was truth Peter should have been proud to share, but he was afraid for his own sake. The other night on TV a celebrity news reporter was with her fellow peers. One of them made a comment to her that she didn’t know what the Big Bang theory was. They teased her a bit but she knew enough to respond in a bold way. She said, “God said bang and the universe appeared.” Even though she was being teased and picked on she still held onto her faith and shared it with others. Man can conceive many theories and ideas how something happened, but for those who have faith they know however it happened it was a result of God.
66 Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by 67 and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.” 68 But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed. 69 When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” 70 But Peter denied it again. A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.” 71 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.
Jesus has already told Peter he would Deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed twice and Peter did exactly that. When questioned, Peter denied knowing Jesus or anything about him. Then he remembered the words of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
When we are in an uncomfortable setting it becomes so easy to deny the truth when others around us are not sure what the truth is. We become like Peter denying the truth or even lying about it to make things easier. Yet this was truth Peter should have been proud to share, but he was afraid for his own sake. The other night on TV a celebrity news reporter was with her fellow peers. One of them made a comment to her that she didn’t know what the Big Bang theory was. They teased her a bit but she knew enough to respond in a bold way. She said, “God said bang and the universe appeared.” Even though she was being teased and picked on she still held onto her faith and shared it with others. Man can conceive many theories and ideas how something happened, but for those who have faith they know however it happened it was a result of God.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Forgive faults and give love
Proverbs 17:9
9 Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.
The best way peace can be preserved is to make the best of everything. Let go of faults and not pass on the problem to others when it doesn’t involve their safety or wellbeing. And for the sake of yourself, let go of a fault. Repeating the problem to others over and over does not help, but instead causes people to distance themselves from the issues. So forgive and let love grow.
Amy Sutherland communicates some interesting ideas about husbands and wives in an article she wrote for the New York Times called, "What Shamu Taught Me About a Happy Marriage." Sutherland begins by explaining that, after 12 years of marriage, she became dismayed that her husband still exhibited several irritating habits. Her reaction to this realization is shared by many women today: These minor annoyances are not the stuff of separation and divorce, but in sum they began to dull my love for Scott. I wanted—needed—to nudge him a little closer to perfect, to make him into a mate who might annoy me a little less, who wouldn't keep me waiting at restaurants, a mate who would be easier to love.
So, like many wives before me, I ignored a library of advice books and set about improving him. By nagging, of course, which only made his behavior worse: he'd drive faster instead of slower; shave less frequently, not more; and leave his reeking bike garb on the bedroom floor longer than ever. A breakthrough came when Amy began traveling to a school for exotic animal trainers in California in order to research a book she wanted to write: I listened, rapt, as professional trainers explained how they taught dolphins to flip and elephants to paint. Eventually it hit me that the same techniques might work on that stubborn but loveable species, the American husband. The central lesson I learned from exotic animal trainers is that I should reward behavior I like and ignore behavior I don't. After all, you don't get a sea lion to balance a ball on the end of its nose by nagging. The same goes for the American husband. Back in Maine, I began thanking Scott if he threw one dirty shirt into the hamper. If he threw in two, I'd kiss him. Meanwhile, I would step over any soiled clothes on the floor without one sharp word, though I did sometimes kick them under the bed. But as he basked in my appreciation, the piles became smaller.
What are you focusing your attention on: the things that irritate you or the things you enjoy? Learn to forgive the faults, accept them and love the good things a person has to share.
9 Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.
The best way peace can be preserved is to make the best of everything. Let go of faults and not pass on the problem to others when it doesn’t involve their safety or wellbeing. And for the sake of yourself, let go of a fault. Repeating the problem to others over and over does not help, but instead causes people to distance themselves from the issues. So forgive and let love grow.
Amy Sutherland communicates some interesting ideas about husbands and wives in an article she wrote for the New York Times called, "What Shamu Taught Me About a Happy Marriage." Sutherland begins by explaining that, after 12 years of marriage, she became dismayed that her husband still exhibited several irritating habits. Her reaction to this realization is shared by many women today: These minor annoyances are not the stuff of separation and divorce, but in sum they began to dull my love for Scott. I wanted—needed—to nudge him a little closer to perfect, to make him into a mate who might annoy me a little less, who wouldn't keep me waiting at restaurants, a mate who would be easier to love.
So, like many wives before me, I ignored a library of advice books and set about improving him. By nagging, of course, which only made his behavior worse: he'd drive faster instead of slower; shave less frequently, not more; and leave his reeking bike garb on the bedroom floor longer than ever. A breakthrough came when Amy began traveling to a school for exotic animal trainers in California in order to research a book she wanted to write: I listened, rapt, as professional trainers explained how they taught dolphins to flip and elephants to paint. Eventually it hit me that the same techniques might work on that stubborn but loveable species, the American husband. The central lesson I learned from exotic animal trainers is that I should reward behavior I like and ignore behavior I don't. After all, you don't get a sea lion to balance a ball on the end of its nose by nagging. The same goes for the American husband. Back in Maine, I began thanking Scott if he threw one dirty shirt into the hamper. If he threw in two, I'd kiss him. Meanwhile, I would step over any soiled clothes on the floor without one sharp word, though I did sometimes kick them under the bed. But as he basked in my appreciation, the piles became smaller.
What are you focusing your attention on: the things that irritate you or the things you enjoy? Learn to forgive the faults, accept them and love the good things a person has to share.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Placing God First
Exodus 34:14 (NLT)
You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you.
God was establishing a covenant with Moses and his people. The covenants or Ten Commandments were chiseled onto stone for the people to read and adhere to. In verse 14 God stated the people must not worship any other form of god for the living God is jealous about his relationship with us.
From Paul Copan, Is God a Moral Monster? (Baker Books, 2011, pg 35) he says, “The Bible frequently describes God as a jealous lover. In his book titled Is God a Moral Monster? Paul Copan asks the question, "When can jealousy be a good thing?" Here's part of his answer: In God's case, it's when we're rummaging around the garbage piles of life and avoiding the source of satisfaction. It reminds me of a comic strip I once saw of a dog who had been drinking out of a toilet bowl. With water dripping from his snout, Fido looks up to tell us, "It doesn't get any better than this!" Instead of enjoying fresh spring water, we look for stagnant, crummy substitutes that inevitably fail us.”
Are you trying to fill a need in your life with something other than God and Christ? If you think the only way to achieve happiness is to have something specific you may just be doing that. For instance if you think you could not exist without your spouse, then you are saying no one else can meet my needs, not even God. Or maybe you think unless you have a wealthy job position you just could not be happy. In that case money has become your idol and God is no longer your reassurance and comfort. Examine your life and ask what is it I must have to be happy? Then really look to see how true that answer really is.
You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you.
God was establishing a covenant with Moses and his people. The covenants or Ten Commandments were chiseled onto stone for the people to read and adhere to. In verse 14 God stated the people must not worship any other form of god for the living God is jealous about his relationship with us.
From Paul Copan, Is God a Moral Monster? (Baker Books, 2011, pg 35) he says, “The Bible frequently describes God as a jealous lover. In his book titled Is God a Moral Monster? Paul Copan asks the question, "When can jealousy be a good thing?" Here's part of his answer: In God's case, it's when we're rummaging around the garbage piles of life and avoiding the source of satisfaction. It reminds me of a comic strip I once saw of a dog who had been drinking out of a toilet bowl. With water dripping from his snout, Fido looks up to tell us, "It doesn't get any better than this!" Instead of enjoying fresh spring water, we look for stagnant, crummy substitutes that inevitably fail us.”
Are you trying to fill a need in your life with something other than God and Christ? If you think the only way to achieve happiness is to have something specific you may just be doing that. For instance if you think you could not exist without your spouse, then you are saying no one else can meet my needs, not even God. Or maybe you think unless you have a wealthy job position you just could not be happy. In that case money has become your idol and God is no longer your reassurance and comfort. Examine your life and ask what is it I must have to be happy? Then really look to see how true that answer really is.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Letting God put us together to serve
Psalm 18:20-24 (The Message)
20 -24 God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start. Now I'm alert to God's ways; I don't take God for granted. Every day I review he ways he works; I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I'm watching my step. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.
In these verses David reflects upon his integrity God has restored in his life. David tells us his life was in pieces. He gave what he had to God so God could restore him and give him a fresh start. With a new beginning David longs to seek God and not miss anything God is trying to do in his life. He feels restored as if all the pieces of his life have been glued back into one piece. Yet David watches his step for he knows sin could cause him to fall and once again shatter his life. David acknowledges it was God who rewrote the text of his life and open his eyes and heart to his purpose.
In November 2010, a wedding party in Glenelg, Australia, was unexpectedly called into action right after the wedding ceremony. While they were posing for pictures on a scenic ledge, a woman unrelated to the wedding fell into the water and started drowning. Dressed in his tuxedo, the best man jumped in and brought the woman back toward shore. Then the bride, a trained nurse, waded into the water and started administering CPR. By the time the Surf Life Saving volunteers had arrived, the woman had regained consciousness. But according to one safety official, "[The victim] was very lucky that the bridal party was there and they acted quickly and got her to the shallows." After the daring rescue operation, the drenched but heroic best man and the bride happily rejoined the wedding reception and continued with the festivities.
In some ways, this unusual event serves as a great image for the calling of every local church: we're dressed up for a party (celebrating worship), but at the same time we're also prepared to dive into mission, even when it's inconvenient and dangerous. Worship and mission, loving God and loving others, praising and serving—these combinations aren't opposites; they form the dual nature of our calling as the church. [Best man jumps off Glenelg Jetty to save woman, News.com.au (11-29-10)]
God has called each of us for a purpose in life. Give the broken pieces of your life over to God and let Him put you back together as one who is ready to serve Him. May God bless and tough the depths of your soul and heal every wound.
20 -24 God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start. Now I'm alert to God's ways; I don't take God for granted. Every day I review he ways he works; I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I'm watching my step. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.
In these verses David reflects upon his integrity God has restored in his life. David tells us his life was in pieces. He gave what he had to God so God could restore him and give him a fresh start. With a new beginning David longs to seek God and not miss anything God is trying to do in his life. He feels restored as if all the pieces of his life have been glued back into one piece. Yet David watches his step for he knows sin could cause him to fall and once again shatter his life. David acknowledges it was God who rewrote the text of his life and open his eyes and heart to his purpose.
In November 2010, a wedding party in Glenelg, Australia, was unexpectedly called into action right after the wedding ceremony. While they were posing for pictures on a scenic ledge, a woman unrelated to the wedding fell into the water and started drowning. Dressed in his tuxedo, the best man jumped in and brought the woman back toward shore. Then the bride, a trained nurse, waded into the water and started administering CPR. By the time the Surf Life Saving volunteers had arrived, the woman had regained consciousness. But according to one safety official, "[The victim] was very lucky that the bridal party was there and they acted quickly and got her to the shallows." After the daring rescue operation, the drenched but heroic best man and the bride happily rejoined the wedding reception and continued with the festivities.
In some ways, this unusual event serves as a great image for the calling of every local church: we're dressed up for a party (celebrating worship), but at the same time we're also prepared to dive into mission, even when it's inconvenient and dangerous. Worship and mission, loving God and loving others, praising and serving—these combinations aren't opposites; they form the dual nature of our calling as the church. [Best man jumps off Glenelg Jetty to save woman, News.com.au (11-29-10)]
God has called each of us for a purpose in life. Give the broken pieces of your life over to God and let Him put you back together as one who is ready to serve Him. May God bless and tough the depths of your soul and heal every wound.
Monday, February 14, 2011
The right rebuke
Luke 9:51-55 (NLT)
51 As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. 53 But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. 54 When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 So they went on to another village.
Jesus had a clear foresight of his eminent death. So he set out with the disciples to travel towards Jerusalem. They were going to pass through a Samaritan village so they sent messengers ahead to let them know of Christ’s arrival. But the people did not welcome Jesus for He was on His way to Jerusalem with many followers including His disciples. Jews and Samaritans were at odds so it many have been the overwhelming amounts of Jews with Jesus was troublesome. James and John heard the reply and expressed their resentment. They were ready to exterminate the city such as Sodom and Gomorrah had been devastated. Jesus turned and rebuked John and James; for even in his confrontation with Pharisees and other Jesus never brought a threat of death to any of them. His was always a message of repentance and love.
In the book Mastering Monday: a guide to integrating faith and work, by John D. Beckett, Beckett talked about a day in a dentist chair when the dental assistant said, You are John Beckett, aren’t you?” The only thing he could do at the time was grunt a yes. “I want to thank you for firing my husband.” There he sat unable to move, unable to talk wondering what would come next. She said, “It happened ten years ago. He was hired then notified he failed a drug test and had to be terminated. You may not recall”, she continued, “but you called him into your office before he left. You said, ‘You realize I don’t have any choice but to terminate you. But I want to tell you something; you are at a crossroads. You can keep going the way you are, and the results will be very predictable. Or you can take this as a wakeup call…and decide you are going to turn your life around.’” With beads of sweat forming on his head the assistant then said, “I want you to know, my husband took your advice. Today he is a good father, a good husband, and has a good job. Thank you for firing my husband!” Lemon became lemon-aide, refreshing and quenching. It was a rebuke that had to be given, and it was given in love. Sometimes for the care of others we must do what is right even when it is difficult to do.
51 As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. 53 But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. 54 When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 So they went on to another village.
Jesus had a clear foresight of his eminent death. So he set out with the disciples to travel towards Jerusalem. They were going to pass through a Samaritan village so they sent messengers ahead to let them know of Christ’s arrival. But the people did not welcome Jesus for He was on His way to Jerusalem with many followers including His disciples. Jews and Samaritans were at odds so it many have been the overwhelming amounts of Jews with Jesus was troublesome. James and John heard the reply and expressed their resentment. They were ready to exterminate the city such as Sodom and Gomorrah had been devastated. Jesus turned and rebuked John and James; for even in his confrontation with Pharisees and other Jesus never brought a threat of death to any of them. His was always a message of repentance and love.
In the book Mastering Monday: a guide to integrating faith and work, by John D. Beckett, Beckett talked about a day in a dentist chair when the dental assistant said, You are John Beckett, aren’t you?” The only thing he could do at the time was grunt a yes. “I want to thank you for firing my husband.” There he sat unable to move, unable to talk wondering what would come next. She said, “It happened ten years ago. He was hired then notified he failed a drug test and had to be terminated. You may not recall”, she continued, “but you called him into your office before he left. You said, ‘You realize I don’t have any choice but to terminate you. But I want to tell you something; you are at a crossroads. You can keep going the way you are, and the results will be very predictable. Or you can take this as a wakeup call…and decide you are going to turn your life around.’” With beads of sweat forming on his head the assistant then said, “I want you to know, my husband took your advice. Today he is a good father, a good husband, and has a good job. Thank you for firing my husband!” Lemon became lemon-aide, refreshing and quenching. It was a rebuke that had to be given, and it was given in love. Sometimes for the care of others we must do what is right even when it is difficult to do.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Suffering
Philippians 1:29-30 (NLT)
29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.
The apostle encourages the church to keep consistent in their profession of Christ to others. He says there are privileges that come with knowing Christ, but there are also times of suffering. The apostle states they should have seen his past struggles and suffering; and even though Paul is still suffering he continues to write and encourage other believers about faith in Christ.
There are those who believe the Christian life is always a smooth road to follow; which is a false belief. Christians are subject to suffering and struggles just like anyone else. There are difficult times they may face. They may be tempted by sin and fall into its trap. They may be persecuted for their belief in Christ. They may be subject to ridicule for trying to live a good and faithful life. Paul reminds us we have a reward in Christ. And while we suffer in this life, we have an eternal life ahead that is will take away the suffering, pain and tears. We must always remember we are standing on a solid foundation when we believe in Christ. We can always turn to Christ, always trust, always share our needs and always know that Christ has what is best for us in store. Also know your fellow Christians stand with you in this suffering and many will reach out in love to help and support you. May God bless each of you and ease the burden of your suffering.
29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.
The apostle encourages the church to keep consistent in their profession of Christ to others. He says there are privileges that come with knowing Christ, but there are also times of suffering. The apostle states they should have seen his past struggles and suffering; and even though Paul is still suffering he continues to write and encourage other believers about faith in Christ.
There are those who believe the Christian life is always a smooth road to follow; which is a false belief. Christians are subject to suffering and struggles just like anyone else. There are difficult times they may face. They may be tempted by sin and fall into its trap. They may be persecuted for their belief in Christ. They may be subject to ridicule for trying to live a good and faithful life. Paul reminds us we have a reward in Christ. And while we suffer in this life, we have an eternal life ahead that is will take away the suffering, pain and tears. We must always remember we are standing on a solid foundation when we believe in Christ. We can always turn to Christ, always trust, always share our needs and always know that Christ has what is best for us in store. Also know your fellow Christians stand with you in this suffering and many will reach out in love to help and support you. May God bless each of you and ease the burden of your suffering.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The choice of the rich young man
Mark 10:17-22 (NLT)
17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
This is the story of the rich young man. The man was seeking the answer to eternal life from Jesus. The man in his heart was good and had worked to obey the commandments since a young age. It was in his goodness where his faith rested. Then out of love Jesus gave him an instruction which he was unwilling to follow.
In the verses above it says about the young rich man that “Jesus felt genuine love for him”. The young man Jesus was speaking with was not someone He was having a confrontation with; but instead Jesus was offering the young man a chance to find faith in God. The young man had a boundary he was unwilling to cross and that was to give up all his possessions. While it might not have seemed an unreasonable boundary to some the boundary was keeping him from faith in Jesus. We know Jesus loved the man and Jesus was willing to help him find what he was seeking, but Jesus also respected the young man’s boundary and did not try to coerce or push him into a decision. Jesus let the young man walk away sad. In life we need to learn to respect each other’s boundaries and realize and individual chooses to follow their own boundaries. The young man had a choice and his choice was to stick to what he had even though it cost him. And Jesus did not waver and say, wait, come back and let me give you another offer. No, Jesus held to His boundary as well.
17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
This is the story of the rich young man. The man was seeking the answer to eternal life from Jesus. The man in his heart was good and had worked to obey the commandments since a young age. It was in his goodness where his faith rested. Then out of love Jesus gave him an instruction which he was unwilling to follow.
In the verses above it says about the young rich man that “Jesus felt genuine love for him”. The young man Jesus was speaking with was not someone He was having a confrontation with; but instead Jesus was offering the young man a chance to find faith in God. The young man had a boundary he was unwilling to cross and that was to give up all his possessions. While it might not have seemed an unreasonable boundary to some the boundary was keeping him from faith in Jesus. We know Jesus loved the man and Jesus was willing to help him find what he was seeking, but Jesus also respected the young man’s boundary and did not try to coerce or push him into a decision. Jesus let the young man walk away sad. In life we need to learn to respect each other’s boundaries and realize and individual chooses to follow their own boundaries. The young man had a choice and his choice was to stick to what he had even though it cost him. And Jesus did not waver and say, wait, come back and let me give you another offer. No, Jesus held to His boundary as well.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Boundaries
Matthew 5:33-37 (NLT)
33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ 34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. 35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. 36 Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. 37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.
There are the words of Jesus as He preaches The Sermon on the Mount. The important lesson Christ is teaching here is not to make promises that might be kept or might be broken. Instead understand your own limitations and boundaries and either say, “Yes I will or No I won’t”.
Good personal boundaries serve a purpose in our life. In fact God had a boundary with Abraham when He was about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham kept pleading, “What if I find this number of righteous people?” When God said NO that was His final answer. Until then God allowed interaction with Abraham. So God wants us to interact with Him through prayer just as we are to interact with people in conversation on boundaries. It is a part of building a relationship with another person. The Bible tells us to give cheerfully from the heart, but if we are unsure when to say no, then it makes saying yes confusing and leads to resentment, bitterness and anger. Imagine saying YES to every request that comes along. Eventually you would be burned out from giving too much of yourself or broke from giving everything away. There should be a healthy balance where we can give cheerfully from the heart and say NO without confusion. Sometimes people will have differing boundaries, and each should respect the boundaries of the other and compromise when proper and suitable. But always make sure your Yes is a firm Yes and your No is a firm No when you reach a decision. Pray God will help you see healthy boundaries in your life.
33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ 34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. 35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. 36 Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. 37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.
There are the words of Jesus as He preaches The Sermon on the Mount. The important lesson Christ is teaching here is not to make promises that might be kept or might be broken. Instead understand your own limitations and boundaries and either say, “Yes I will or No I won’t”.
Good personal boundaries serve a purpose in our life. In fact God had a boundary with Abraham when He was about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham kept pleading, “What if I find this number of righteous people?” When God said NO that was His final answer. Until then God allowed interaction with Abraham. So God wants us to interact with Him through prayer just as we are to interact with people in conversation on boundaries. It is a part of building a relationship with another person. The Bible tells us to give cheerfully from the heart, but if we are unsure when to say no, then it makes saying yes confusing and leads to resentment, bitterness and anger. Imagine saying YES to every request that comes along. Eventually you would be burned out from giving too much of yourself or broke from giving everything away. There should be a healthy balance where we can give cheerfully from the heart and say NO without confusion. Sometimes people will have differing boundaries, and each should respect the boundaries of the other and compromise when proper and suitable. But always make sure your Yes is a firm Yes and your No is a firm No when you reach a decision. Pray God will help you see healthy boundaries in your life.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Dishonesty
Proverbs 11:3
Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people.
Honestly is most likely a virtue David passed on to his son Solomon. Often through Psalms David would speak of integrity and honesty of heart. David even said God’s desire was that we have honestly from our most inward parts. Here we see Solomon reflecting on honesty and that it guides the lives of good people, but dishonestly destroys those who use it.
We all know the story of the boy who cried wolf. It is an Aesop fable about a shepherd boy who became bored tending the sheep so he would cry out to the villagers that a wolf was attacking. The villagers would come to the rescue only to find the boy was lying in order to pull a dishonest prank on them. Finally confronted by a wolf the boy cried out as usual, but no one came to the rescue as the wolf ate the flock and in some versions of the story the boy also. The moral at the end of the story says, “Even when liars tell the truth, they are never believed. The liar will lie, once, twice, and then perish when he tells the truth”. People lie for many reasons. They want to cover something they are fearful of. They lie in order to increase their low self-esteem. They lie hoping to gain favor. They lie as it has become their nature because their moral fiber has withered and faded away. Dishonesty eventually destroys the confidence of others and even the person themself.
Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people.
Honestly is most likely a virtue David passed on to his son Solomon. Often through Psalms David would speak of integrity and honesty of heart. David even said God’s desire was that we have honestly from our most inward parts. Here we see Solomon reflecting on honesty and that it guides the lives of good people, but dishonestly destroys those who use it.
We all know the story of the boy who cried wolf. It is an Aesop fable about a shepherd boy who became bored tending the sheep so he would cry out to the villagers that a wolf was attacking. The villagers would come to the rescue only to find the boy was lying in order to pull a dishonest prank on them. Finally confronted by a wolf the boy cried out as usual, but no one came to the rescue as the wolf ate the flock and in some versions of the story the boy also. The moral at the end of the story says, “Even when liars tell the truth, they are never believed. The liar will lie, once, twice, and then perish when he tells the truth”. People lie for many reasons. They want to cover something they are fearful of. They lie in order to increase their low self-esteem. They lie hoping to gain favor. They lie as it has become their nature because their moral fiber has withered and faded away. Dishonesty eventually destroys the confidence of others and even the person themself.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Temptation and lack of common sense
Proverbs 7:21-23 (NLT)
21 So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. 22 He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, 23 awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.
King Solomon observed this young man while looking out the window of his House. He referred to him as a naïve young man and especially one who lacked common sense. This young man walked past an area he should not have gone and as he did a sly, seductive woman greeted him. She tempted him, physically, emotionally and spiritually by the words she used. She led the young man off unaware of the trap she had set for him.
Years ago, the story goes, a San Diego bank hired a private investigator to track down a bank robber and retrieve stolen funds. The search led to Mexico. The investigator crossed the border and then, realizing he would need a Spanish interpreter, opened up the telephone book and hired the first interpreter listed in the Yellow Pages. After many days, he finally captured the bandit and, through the interpreter, asked him, "Where did you hide the money?" In Spanish, the thief replied, "What money? I have no idea what you're talking about." With that, the investigator drew his pistol, pointed it at the suspect, and said to the interpreter, "Tell him that if he doesn't tell me where the money is, I will shoot him where he stands." Upon receiving this message, the bank robber said to the interpreter, "Señor, I have hidden the money in a coffee can, under the fourth floorboard, in the second-floor men's room of the Palacio Hotel on Via Del Rio in La Paz." "What did he say?" the investigator asked the interpreter. "Señor," said the interpreter as he thought for a moment, "he says he is prepared to die like a man!"
Temptation comes at us from many directions. Even when we have the best intentions; if we are naïve in our thoughts and not reasoning with common sense we can fall into the sin handed us by temptation. There is no one who is above temptation so we must always be informed and understand how the enemy attacks our lives wanting to destroy us, whether it’s physically, emotionally or spiritually. If the enemy can take us down they he also takes with us those we could have helped.
21 So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. 22 He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, 23 awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.
King Solomon observed this young man while looking out the window of his House. He referred to him as a naïve young man and especially one who lacked common sense. This young man walked past an area he should not have gone and as he did a sly, seductive woman greeted him. She tempted him, physically, emotionally and spiritually by the words she used. She led the young man off unaware of the trap she had set for him.
Years ago, the story goes, a San Diego bank hired a private investigator to track down a bank robber and retrieve stolen funds. The search led to Mexico. The investigator crossed the border and then, realizing he would need a Spanish interpreter, opened up the telephone book and hired the first interpreter listed in the Yellow Pages. After many days, he finally captured the bandit and, through the interpreter, asked him, "Where did you hide the money?" In Spanish, the thief replied, "What money? I have no idea what you're talking about." With that, the investigator drew his pistol, pointed it at the suspect, and said to the interpreter, "Tell him that if he doesn't tell me where the money is, I will shoot him where he stands." Upon receiving this message, the bank robber said to the interpreter, "Señor, I have hidden the money in a coffee can, under the fourth floorboard, in the second-floor men's room of the Palacio Hotel on Via Del Rio in La Paz." "What did he say?" the investigator asked the interpreter. "Señor," said the interpreter as he thought for a moment, "he says he is prepared to die like a man!"
Temptation comes at us from many directions. Even when we have the best intentions; if we are naïve in our thoughts and not reasoning with common sense we can fall into the sin handed us by temptation. There is no one who is above temptation so we must always be informed and understand how the enemy attacks our lives wanting to destroy us, whether it’s physically, emotionally or spiritually. If the enemy can take us down they he also takes with us those we could have helped.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Prayer and faith
Matthew 21:22 (NLT)
22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
The Disciples has just witnessed Jesus say to a fig tree, ““May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up. The Disciples were amazed and Jesus responded to their amazement by telling them anything was possible with faith.
In the movie Evan Almighty, Morgan Freeman’s character personifies God. There is a quote he uses in the movie that is valuable in teaching about prayer. Morgan Freeman said, “Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?” We pray sometimes thinking the results should be a certain way; yet God has His own plans for answering our prayers. We must have the faith and trust in God that He will answer our prayers appropriately. And it is through that faith that our prayers are answered.
22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
The Disciples has just witnessed Jesus say to a fig tree, ““May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up. The Disciples were amazed and Jesus responded to their amazement by telling them anything was possible with faith.
In the movie Evan Almighty, Morgan Freeman’s character personifies God. There is a quote he uses in the movie that is valuable in teaching about prayer. Morgan Freeman said, “Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?” We pray sometimes thinking the results should be a certain way; yet God has His own plans for answering our prayers. We must have the faith and trust in God that He will answer our prayers appropriately. And it is through that faith that our prayers are answered.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Acceptance in diversity
Romans 14:1-3 (NLT)
1 Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. 2 For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. 3 Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them.
In these verses the apostle gives his thoughts towards the differences of people. There are people who have different levels of faith. There are people who believe one thing is wrong while another believes something is right. The apostle gives an example that because of different beliefs some eat only vegetables, while others eat anything. Whatever the difference, as believers in Christ, we should not condemn another for doing what they believe is right. God has accepted them as they are and it is God who will motivate all men’s hearts in the right direction.
Paul said, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Paul was looking at a diverse group of people who had come together to form the church after Pentecost. The church had removed barriers of gender, race, and social class. Author Philip Yancey quoted a pastor in India, where they have a strong caste system: "Most of what happens in Christian churches, including even the miracles, can be duplicated in Hindu and Muslim congregations. But in my area only Christians strive, however ineptly, to mix men and women of different castes, races, and social groups. That's the real miracle." Christians for the most part graciously accept one another for who they are. Each person has a special ministry they can perform and it often takes variety of talents to accomplish the work of Christ. If God can accept us then we also need to learn to accept each other so that together we can serve the cause of Christ.
1 Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. 2 For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. 3 Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them.
In these verses the apostle gives his thoughts towards the differences of people. There are people who have different levels of faith. There are people who believe one thing is wrong while another believes something is right. The apostle gives an example that because of different beliefs some eat only vegetables, while others eat anything. Whatever the difference, as believers in Christ, we should not condemn another for doing what they believe is right. God has accepted them as they are and it is God who will motivate all men’s hearts in the right direction.
Paul said, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Paul was looking at a diverse group of people who had come together to form the church after Pentecost. The church had removed barriers of gender, race, and social class. Author Philip Yancey quoted a pastor in India, where they have a strong caste system: "Most of what happens in Christian churches, including even the miracles, can be duplicated in Hindu and Muslim congregations. But in my area only Christians strive, however ineptly, to mix men and women of different castes, races, and social groups. That's the real miracle." Christians for the most part graciously accept one another for who they are. Each person has a special ministry they can perform and it often takes variety of talents to accomplish the work of Christ. If God can accept us then we also need to learn to accept each other so that together we can serve the cause of Christ.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Favoritism
James 2:1-4 (NLT)
1 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? 2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?
The Apostle James, half-brother of Jesus, is speaking to Christians about favoritism. He tells them that just based on external appearance there are those who would give preference to someone who looks rich, while ignoring a person who looks poor. They do so in hopes of gaining good favor from the individual. His conclusion is favoritism is guided by evil and selfish motives of the heart.
When we see ourselves as "pretty good," we misunderstand the gravity of sin and our desperate need for grace. We place ourselves above others, become their judges, and give them the power to disappoint us. A physicist … uses this analogy: Each of us is like a light bulb. One shines with 50 watts of holiness, another has only 25 watts. Maybe the most stellar Christians are 200 watts. But these comparisons become trite in the presence of the sun. In the face of God, our different levels of piety are puny and meaningless. It makes no sense to compare ourselves with one another because we are all much more alike than we are different. ["Dr. Jekyll..." Men of Integrity, March/April 2005]
Do not place yourselves above others; for we are all sinners. We must not look at the external appearance of a person, but their internal relationship with God. We are reminded in Isaiah 64:6 “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags.” Fortunately God sees past our poor state of righteousness and bestows love, compassion, mercy and grace to us all. Aren’t you glad God doesn’t show favoritism?
1 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? 2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?
The Apostle James, half-brother of Jesus, is speaking to Christians about favoritism. He tells them that just based on external appearance there are those who would give preference to someone who looks rich, while ignoring a person who looks poor. They do so in hopes of gaining good favor from the individual. His conclusion is favoritism is guided by evil and selfish motives of the heart.
When we see ourselves as "pretty good," we misunderstand the gravity of sin and our desperate need for grace. We place ourselves above others, become their judges, and give them the power to disappoint us. A physicist … uses this analogy: Each of us is like a light bulb. One shines with 50 watts of holiness, another has only 25 watts. Maybe the most stellar Christians are 200 watts. But these comparisons become trite in the presence of the sun. In the face of God, our different levels of piety are puny and meaningless. It makes no sense to compare ourselves with one another because we are all much more alike than we are different. ["Dr. Jekyll..." Men of Integrity, March/April 2005]
Do not place yourselves above others; for we are all sinners. We must not look at the external appearance of a person, but their internal relationship with God. We are reminded in Isaiah 64:6 “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags.” Fortunately God sees past our poor state of righteousness and bestows love, compassion, mercy and grace to us all. Aren’t you glad God doesn’t show favoritism?
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Listen for wisdom
James 1:5 (NLT)
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
The Apostle James tells us if we have a need for wisdom we should ask God and He will generously provide that wisdom to us because He is listening. He does not rebuke, but instead hears us out and then offers us what we need. There is a condition that follows in verse 6 and that is we must place our total faith in God.
In Life Together, his classic book on Christian community, Dietrich Bonheoffer says that listening is the first service we owe one another in the Christian community: “The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them. Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is God's love for us that He not only gives us His Word but also lends us His ear. So it is His work that we do for our brother when we learn to listen to him. Christians, especially ministers, so often think they must always contribute something when they are in the company of others, that this is the one service they have to render. They forget that listening can be a greater service than speaking. Many people are looking for an ear that will listen. They do not find it among Christians, because these Christians are talking where they should be listening.”
We have relatives, friends and acquaintances that are facing overwhelming and heart breaking circumstances. Often we want to help, but we can’t even comprehend the depth of the problem or where to start to help. There are some things only God can accomplish. However, we can listen and we can ask God for wisdom. Instead of trying to hand out advice, stop, listen and have faith that God will answer.
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
The Apostle James tells us if we have a need for wisdom we should ask God and He will generously provide that wisdom to us because He is listening. He does not rebuke, but instead hears us out and then offers us what we need. There is a condition that follows in verse 6 and that is we must place our total faith in God.
In Life Together, his classic book on Christian community, Dietrich Bonheoffer says that listening is the first service we owe one another in the Christian community: “The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them. Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is God's love for us that He not only gives us His Word but also lends us His ear. So it is His work that we do for our brother when we learn to listen to him. Christians, especially ministers, so often think they must always contribute something when they are in the company of others, that this is the one service they have to render. They forget that listening can be a greater service than speaking. Many people are looking for an ear that will listen. They do not find it among Christians, because these Christians are talking where they should be listening.”
We have relatives, friends and acquaintances that are facing overwhelming and heart breaking circumstances. Often we want to help, but we can’t even comprehend the depth of the problem or where to start to help. There are some things only God can accomplish. However, we can listen and we can ask God for wisdom. Instead of trying to hand out advice, stop, listen and have faith that God will answer.
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