“Remain in me, and I will remain in you.”
I bought my watch. It has an hourly chime function on it. This means that every hour it will “chime” and I will then ask God, depending on the day and hour, if I’m where he wants me to be doing what he wants me to do, thinking the thoughts he makes available to me, speaking the words that would honor him.
This will be interesting. I feel like my main mode of praying is 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “pray without ceasing mode”, but the hourly chime will reveal whether or not my mind is actually on God as often as I think it is.
I so much want, more than at any other time of my life, to “know Christ”, not only the “power of his resurrection”, but also the “fellowship of his sufferings”.
Kathy pointed out to me this morning the September 28 devotion from her devotional “God Calling”. In essence it said that we are built not for ourselves but for God and for others and inevitably that will mean unrequited love and much pain. Love is unavoidably vulnerable to suffering. Yet in the midst of that suffering exists moments of joy, moments of rest, moments of reward that are only available to those who choose to abide in him, regardless of the cost.
I hope many of you will do this experiment and see it through to the end. Don’t quit.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
September 29, 2009
What else might I say to God at my daily, hourly, “60 60” reminder?
Thirty days after the journal entry posted on yesterday’s blog, Laubach wrote:
Am I where you want me to be, when you want me to be there,
doing what you want me to be doing,
why you want me to be doing it?
doing what you want me to be doing,
why you want me to be doing it?
Thirty days after the journal entry posted on yesterday’s blog, Laubach wrote:
“This sense of cooperation with God in ltttle things is what so astonishes me . I need something and I turn round and the thing is waiting for me. I work to be sure, but there is God working along with me. God takes care of all the rest. My part is to live this hour in continuous inner conversation with God and in perfect responsiveness to his will, to make this hour gloriously rich. This seems to be all I need to think about.”
It seems that Laubach was learning to “let go and let God”. It seemed that he was experiencing the trusting, loving relationship with God which led not to a striving, fitful, force fit, effortful attempt at trying to be a “good Christian”, rather he began to discover an easy desire to simply be “responsive to His will”, because God had become not only his Savior and Lord, but also because God was with him as lover and friend.
It seems that Laubach was learning to “let go and let God”. It seemed that he was experiencing the trusting, loving relationship with God which led not to a striving, fitful, force fit, effortful attempt at trying to be a “good Christian”, rather he began to discover an easy desire to simply be “responsive to His will”, because God had become not only his Savior and Lord, but also because God was with him as lover and friend.
Monday, September 28, 2009
September 28, 2009
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings.”
There are many ways to respond to the beep on your watch. Saying the above passage is one of them, but it’s a very good one. To “know” in the biblical languages is the same word used when a man and woman consummate their marriage. It’s deep and personal and free and unrestrained and empowering. And . . . . . it includes times of suffering.
Paul was very honest about what it means to follow Christ. We follow and know him in both the good times and the bad. There will be times when God appears to be absent, yet we must remember, trust, that he’s there and that whatever we face, we face not alone, and also that he will redeem even the worst.
Below is a journal entry from Frank Laubach who at 45 years old, reflected in his journal that the first part of his life was “average”. “ I no longer have the sense that life is all before me” “Part of it is behind and a miserable poor part it is” But then something changed.
In the last forty years of his life his influence spread worldwide. He was named man of the year in America. He developed the “Each one Teach one” literacy intiative teaching 60 million people to read in their own language. He wrote over fifty books and became an international presence in literacy, religious and governmental circles, having an influence on poverty, injustice, and literacy world wide. His influence spread not only throughout the underdeveloped part of the world but also to presidents.
What changed in 1930 at 45 years of age? Why did his life begin to “overflow” after 45?
In his own words he began to experiment with a reorienting, revolutionary kind of prayer.
Here’s a paragraph from his journal, now published under the title, Practicing His Presence:
“Two years ago a profound dissatisfaction led me to begin trying to line up my actions with the will of God about every fifteen minutes or every half hour. People said it was impossible. I judge from what I heard that few people are really trying even that. But this year I have started out living all my waking moments in the conscious listening to the inner voice asking without ceasing “what Father you desire this minute”. It is clear that this is exactly what Jesus was doing all day every day.”
More tomorrow . . . . .
There are many ways to respond to the beep on your watch. Saying the above passage is one of them, but it’s a very good one. To “know” in the biblical languages is the same word used when a man and woman consummate their marriage. It’s deep and personal and free and unrestrained and empowering. And . . . . . it includes times of suffering.
Paul was very honest about what it means to follow Christ. We follow and know him in both the good times and the bad. There will be times when God appears to be absent, yet we must remember, trust, that he’s there and that whatever we face, we face not alone, and also that he will redeem even the worst.
Below is a journal entry from Frank Laubach who at 45 years old, reflected in his journal that the first part of his life was “average”. “ I no longer have the sense that life is all before me” “Part of it is behind and a miserable poor part it is” But then something changed.
In the last forty years of his life his influence spread worldwide. He was named man of the year in America. He developed the “Each one Teach one” literacy intiative teaching 60 million people to read in their own language. He wrote over fifty books and became an international presence in literacy, religious and governmental circles, having an influence on poverty, injustice, and literacy world wide. His influence spread not only throughout the underdeveloped part of the world but also to presidents.
What changed in 1930 at 45 years of age? Why did his life begin to “overflow” after 45?
In his own words he began to experiment with a reorienting, revolutionary kind of prayer.
Here’s a paragraph from his journal, now published under the title, Practicing His Presence:
“Two years ago a profound dissatisfaction led me to begin trying to line up my actions with the will of God about every fifteen minutes or every half hour. People said it was impossible. I judge from what I heard that few people are really trying even that. But this year I have started out living all my waking moments in the conscious listening to the inner voice asking without ceasing “what Father you desire this minute”. It is clear that this is exactly what Jesus was doing all day every day.”
More tomorrow . . . . .
Sunday, September 27, 2009
September 27, 2009 - "60 60" Challenge
€ I accept the “60 60” challenge, to go through my days seeking a continuous conversation God, using every 60 minute beep of my watch (or something similar) as a reminder to reorient myself into a continuous conversation of willingness.
I suggest you do this. It will not be easy to do, but it’s all you have to do.
The point is not to “do one more thing” to “become a good Christian”. Not at all. Rather the point is to be reminded to be attentive to God once each waking hour and then let God do the rest. Jesus said simply, “follow me”. When your watch beeps, allow God to put whatever thought he wants into your mind, and then see what happens. Notice these words of Jesus
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
You may fail more than you succeed in this hourly experiment, but no successes come without failures along the way.
Simply practice the presence of God and then see what God does. I hope you’ll share your experiences with this "challenge" with the rest of us both on this blog and also on the message center at http://www.clcfamily.net/ .
I suggest you do this. It will not be easy to do, but it’s all you have to do.
The point is not to “do one more thing” to “become a good Christian”. Not at all. Rather the point is to be reminded to be attentive to God once each waking hour and then let God do the rest. Jesus said simply, “follow me”. When your watch beeps, allow God to put whatever thought he wants into your mind, and then see what happens. Notice these words of Jesus
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
You may fail more than you succeed in this hourly experiment, but no successes come without failures along the way.
Simply practice the presence of God and then see what God does. I hope you’ll share your experiences with this "challenge" with the rest of us both on this blog and also on the message center at http://www.clcfamily.net/ .
Saturday, September 26, 2009
September 26, 2009
Imagine living a life that is not only characterized by words . . . . .
“but also with power”
What does it mean to have the power of God at work in you?
I think we all know of people who are “all talk”. We instinctively know that substance is lacking. On the other hand we know of those whose words are full of integrity, meaning that the works and the character and the actions of the person are “integrated”, they are of a piece, that person is “whole”.
The power of God is the power by which Jesus was raised from the dead. Christ in you, means that very same power that raised Jesus from the grave is also resident in you. Believe this.
Imagine:
Imagine your life not just being words that talk about God’s love but being filled with power that comes from the actual first hand feeling and experience of knowing you are safe and loved by God.
This is what it means to be born again. For some it’s immediate and powerful, full of tears and joy. For others it’s a life long journey of being baptized and re-birthed into God’s love. But if you take the journey, IMAGINE . . .
Two years from now can you imagine yourself free from whatever plagues you now? Loneliness, fear,anxiety, anger, bitterness, insecurity, lust and keeping up with the Joneses.
Imagine yourself free of the need for praise or approval from others.
Imagine that worry and stress no longer overpower and push you down under their weight.
Imagine a life where joy errupted from your spirit at surprising times?
Imagine a life in which you can enjoy each moment thankful and content and relishing the gift of life with the people around you.
Imagine feeling so well off that you don’t need more money or stuff to feel content. You might even find yourself becoming more generous.
Who wouldn’t want to be the kind of person who is loving and more loving year after year and the kind that others are grateful for and grateful to have around because you’re making a lasting difference in their lives? Imagine being able to act lovingly toward the unloveable people in your life.
Is this possible?
Only if Jesus is telling the truth!
“If the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free”. John 8:36 (AMP)
Can you imagine a lifelong journey of being increasingly free of things that separate you from the abundance of life that God offers. The job will not be complete until we meet Jesus face to face, but . . . . . . . .
This freedom is what happened to Paul and it overflowed . . . . . . . .
This freedom is what happened to the Thessalonians and it overflowed . . . . . . . .
And it overflowed to others and still others, it just couldn’t be contained.
Christ lives in you and he has so much he wants to give you.
"What father among you, if his son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone; or if he asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good gifts [gifts that are to their advantage] to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!" Luke 11:11-13 (AMP)
“but also with power”
What does it mean to have the power of God at work in you?
I think we all know of people who are “all talk”. We instinctively know that substance is lacking. On the other hand we know of those whose words are full of integrity, meaning that the works and the character and the actions of the person are “integrated”, they are of a piece, that person is “whole”.
The power of God is the power by which Jesus was raised from the dead. Christ in you, means that very same power that raised Jesus from the grave is also resident in you. Believe this.
Imagine:
Imagine your life not just being words that talk about God’s love but being filled with power that comes from the actual first hand feeling and experience of knowing you are safe and loved by God.
This is what it means to be born again. For some it’s immediate and powerful, full of tears and joy. For others it’s a life long journey of being baptized and re-birthed into God’s love. But if you take the journey, IMAGINE . . .
Two years from now can you imagine yourself free from whatever plagues you now? Loneliness, fear,anxiety, anger, bitterness, insecurity, lust and keeping up with the Joneses.
Imagine yourself free of the need for praise or approval from others.
Imagine that worry and stress no longer overpower and push you down under their weight.
Imagine a life where joy errupted from your spirit at surprising times?
Imagine a life in which you can enjoy each moment thankful and content and relishing the gift of life with the people around you.
Imagine feeling so well off that you don’t need more money or stuff to feel content. You might even find yourself becoming more generous.
Who wouldn’t want to be the kind of person who is loving and more loving year after year and the kind that others are grateful for and grateful to have around because you’re making a lasting difference in their lives? Imagine being able to act lovingly toward the unloveable people in your life.
Is this possible?
Only if Jesus is telling the truth!
“If the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free”. John 8:36 (AMP)
Can you imagine a lifelong journey of being increasingly free of things that separate you from the abundance of life that God offers. The job will not be complete until we meet Jesus face to face, but . . . . . . . .
This freedom is what happened to Paul and it overflowed . . . . . . . .
This freedom is what happened to the Thessalonians and it overflowed . . . . . . . .
And it overflowed to others and still others, it just couldn’t be contained.
Christ lives in you and he has so much he wants to give you.
"What father among you, if his son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone; or if he asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good gifts [gifts that are to their advantage] to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!" Luke 11:11-13 (AMP)
Friday, September 25, 2009
September 25, 2009
“Something happened in you.”
Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is probably the apostle Paul’s first letter. In chapter one, verse one, he addresses the Thessalonians as being “in” Jesus Christ.
“In” is a huge word for Paul. If there is one single thing that Paul summarizes everything that Paul wrote and all that his life entailed it would be the phrase “in Christ”.
“In”.
Are you aware , as a believer, not a perfect, doubt free, sin free believer, but the normal messed up, sinful, imperfect kind, like me, that Jesus Christ actually lives in you? And that you are “in” Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ, the Creator and sustainer of the universe (see Colossians one if you don’t believe that) lives in you. He loves you, not in spite of your sin, but with it, just as you are, no strings attached. He’s working on you, for you, and nothing that happens in your world happens without his permission and without his working it all for good.
In fact, listen to this astonishing verse which I noticed for the first time ever just this week.
"The things which are done in secret are shameful even to speak of; but anything shown up by the light will be illuminated and anything illuminated is itself a light."
Ephesians 5:12-14 (NJB)
Paul writes that Christ turns even the worst and most shameful sins into light, they actually get transformed from evil to beauty. This is beyond comprehension, but it is also true! This is what the Christ in you is doing right now with your life.
Allow yourself to believe. Allow yourself to be amazed. Allow yourself to say “thank you” over and over and over again. Allow yourself to imagine being loved and cared for and to be covered by God your Father in this way.
Allow God to put into you the full impact of his love for you. God’s word to You? “I love you.” “I love you.” “I love you.”
Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is probably the apostle Paul’s first letter. In chapter one, verse one, he addresses the Thessalonians as being “in” Jesus Christ.
“In” is a huge word for Paul. If there is one single thing that Paul summarizes everything that Paul wrote and all that his life entailed it would be the phrase “in Christ”.
“In”.
Are you aware , as a believer, not a perfect, doubt free, sin free believer, but the normal messed up, sinful, imperfect kind, like me, that Jesus Christ actually lives in you? And that you are “in” Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ, the Creator and sustainer of the universe (see Colossians one if you don’t believe that) lives in you. He loves you, not in spite of your sin, but with it, just as you are, no strings attached. He’s working on you, for you, and nothing that happens in your world happens without his permission and without his working it all for good.
In fact, listen to this astonishing verse which I noticed for the first time ever just this week.
"The things which are done in secret are shameful even to speak of; but anything shown up by the light will be illuminated and anything illuminated is itself a light."
Ephesians 5:12-14 (NJB)
Paul writes that Christ turns even the worst and most shameful sins into light, they actually get transformed from evil to beauty. This is beyond comprehension, but it is also true! This is what the Christ in you is doing right now with your life.
Allow yourself to believe. Allow yourself to be amazed. Allow yourself to say “thank you” over and over and over again. Allow yourself to imagine being loved and cared for and to be covered by God your Father in this way.
Allow God to put into you the full impact of his love for you. God’s word to You? “I love you.” “I love you.” “I love you.”
Thursday, September 24, 2009
September 24, 2009
Welcome back to my Scripture Reflections! I’ve been away from my computer but not away from the Lord, quite the opposite.
“Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me.”
What Jesus said in todays passage is, I think, so profound. He speaks of “overflow”.
I just love waterfalls. I love getting under them and getting wet. I want to be refreshed, cleansed, renewed and invigorated. I can’t wait to tour the falls in Ricketts Glen and Yosemite. I love my annual climb to the Glen Onoko falls in Jim Thorpe.
Jesus says that people who get filled with the Spirit of Christ “brim over” and others are touched by the overflow. This is the foundation of all “evangelism”. It’s one thirsty soul finding drink that quenches and satisfies and then telling others where to go to have their thirst quenched.
Jesus says it starts simply with believing. Just believe. If you are full of doubts, don’t try to fight them, instead simply find that tiny “mustard seed” of belief and be amazed. Be amazed that God has given it to you, planted it in you, even that tiny amount, even if it’s only the remote possibility that God is actually with you and for you and loves you. Even if it’s only the faint hope that God exists. Thank God for the thought, for whatever measure of belief you do have and feed it. Ask God what is needed to nurture it and then do whatever thought God puts into your mind. If He’s put the seed there, he’ll also show you how to nurture it.
“Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me.”
What Jesus said in todays passage is, I think, so profound. He speaks of “overflow”.
I just love waterfalls. I love getting under them and getting wet. I want to be refreshed, cleansed, renewed and invigorated. I can’t wait to tour the falls in Ricketts Glen and Yosemite. I love my annual climb to the Glen Onoko falls in Jim Thorpe.
Jesus says that people who get filled with the Spirit of Christ “brim over” and others are touched by the overflow. This is the foundation of all “evangelism”. It’s one thirsty soul finding drink that quenches and satisfies and then telling others where to go to have their thirst quenched.
Jesus says it starts simply with believing. Just believe. If you are full of doubts, don’t try to fight them, instead simply find that tiny “mustard seed” of belief and be amazed. Be amazed that God has given it to you, planted it in you, even that tiny amount, even if it’s only the remote possibility that God is actually with you and for you and loves you. Even if it’s only the faint hope that God exists. Thank God for the thought, for whatever measure of belief you do have and feed it. Ask God what is needed to nurture it and then do whatever thought God puts into your mind. If He’s put the seed there, he’ll also show you how to nurture it.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
September 15, 2009 - 1 Thessalonians 1:1
If you were running a marathon, you’d need running partners to help keep you motivated, keep pace, and encourage you to keep going. In the same way, you need “Spiritual Running Partners” you trust who are going the way of Christ, willing to accompany you on your journey through life with Christ.
I have two and they have become crucial to my life. Paul had Silas and Timothy at the time of this letter. God never intended anyone to be a “lone ranger” Christian. Is that you? Do you have someone in your life, to whom you can tell the deep parts of your life and who will listen, care and pray for you?
If not, I strongly suggest that you ask God who that person might be for you. Then muster the courage to ask the person to whom God leads you. Ask him or her (your partner needs to be a person of the same sex) to meet with you weekly or bi weekly so that you can talk about your life and pray for one another. There are 51 “one anothers” in the New Testament. God wants each of us to experience this dynamic where two or three are gathered in His Name, there is Christ among them.
I have two and they have become crucial to my life. Paul had Silas and Timothy at the time of this letter. God never intended anyone to be a “lone ranger” Christian. Is that you? Do you have someone in your life, to whom you can tell the deep parts of your life and who will listen, care and pray for you?
If not, I strongly suggest that you ask God who that person might be for you. Then muster the courage to ask the person to whom God leads you. Ask him or her (your partner needs to be a person of the same sex) to meet with you weekly or bi weekly so that you can talk about your life and pray for one another. There are 51 “one anothers” in the New Testament. God wants each of us to experience this dynamic where two or three are gathered in His Name, there is Christ among them.
Monday, September 14, 2009
September 14, 2009 - Overflow - 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Although the early believers were obviously a lot different than we are culturally and in terms of the challenges they faced, nevertheless they struggled with sin and failure just like we do. Yet Paul sees in them what I am certain he would see in believers today who simply do their best to follow Christ even while they struggle mightily.
“Your wok produced by faith” I’m not exactly sure what Paul is referring to here, but his words cause me ask myself, “of all the work I do in my life, what aspect of that work is being done differently because of my faith in Christ from what I would be doing and how I would be doing it were I not a believer?”
“Your labor prompted by love” This is a constant theme of Paul. We must love people. How much of what I do is genuinely prompted by non-self serving, other centered, concern for the highest and best for others? Am I truly living “beyond myself”? Or is too much of my life still “all about me”?
“Your endurance inspired by hope” The primary theme of First and Second Thessalonians is Christ’s coming back to “set the world to rights”. Paul says that it is in this hope that we are saved . . . . .the hope that every failure, sin, broken part in the world will be healed and that we have a part in that eternal reparation project, not only as active fosterers of it, but also as recipients. Humpty Dumpty will be put back together and only Jesus Christ can do it.
“Your wok produced by faith” I’m not exactly sure what Paul is referring to here, but his words cause me ask myself, “of all the work I do in my life, what aspect of that work is being done differently because of my faith in Christ from what I would be doing and how I would be doing it were I not a believer?”
“Your labor prompted by love” This is a constant theme of Paul. We must love people. How much of what I do is genuinely prompted by non-self serving, other centered, concern for the highest and best for others? Am I truly living “beyond myself”? Or is too much of my life still “all about me”?
“Your endurance inspired by hope” The primary theme of First and Second Thessalonians is Christ’s coming back to “set the world to rights”. Paul says that it is in this hope that we are saved . . . . .the hope that every failure, sin, broken part in the world will be healed and that we have a part in that eternal reparation project, not only as active fosterers of it, but also as recipients. Humpty Dumpty will be put back together and only Jesus Christ can do it.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
September 13, 2009 - Overlowing - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2
I think God wants each of us to live a life of overflow . . . . . . a life that overflows with gratitude, joy, exuberance and the Life of God. It’s not a standard of behavior to attain to, rather a gift that the Father wants to give his child. Paul certainly had it. He just overflowed with his passion for God and for people.
“we always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers”. His words don’t read like an effortful striving to attain an attitude by effort. Rather his words just flow out of what is in his heart and his prayers simply follow. It’s as if he can’t not be grateful and as if he can’t not pray for those he loves so much.
Overflow. Sometimes I feel like a dry well. And no matter how hard I pump on that handle nothing comes out. That’s because overflow comes from the Life of God within and the Life of God within has to be given as a gift.
How do I get this Life of God? Whether you’ve never had it in the first place or have had it but have lost it, the way to get it is simply to ask. Ask the Lord to fill you with himself. And if you really want him he’ll come and His work within you will have begun.
“we always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers”. His words don’t read like an effortful striving to attain an attitude by effort. Rather his words just flow out of what is in his heart and his prayers simply follow. It’s as if he can’t not be grateful and as if he can’t not pray for those he loves so much.
Overflow. Sometimes I feel like a dry well. And no matter how hard I pump on that handle nothing comes out. That’s because overflow comes from the Life of God within and the Life of God within has to be given as a gift.
How do I get this Life of God? Whether you’ve never had it in the first place or have had it but have lost it, the way to get it is simply to ask. Ask the Lord to fill you with himself. And if you really want him he’ll come and His work within you will have begun.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
September 12, 2009 - Matthew 16:24-25
In her powerful and poignant book, Beyond Ourselves, Catherine Marshal writes of an extremely challenging time in her life when her focus was on herself. Many months into her painful ordeal she found herself praying, as she phrased it, “the prayer of relingquishment”. She prayed the highest and best prayer that anyone can pray, “Lord, not my will, but thy will be done”.
Upon relinquishing her request for herself, she gave herself over to God who gave her more than she could have hoped for. Jesus did not want to go to the cross, but resurrection followed.
What kind of prayers do you pray? Do you name your need and then believe God for the answer? Or do you give up what you want and gladly look forward to what God has for you, realizing that his answer may be light years from what you personally hope for?
Upon relinquishing her request for herself, she gave herself over to God who gave her more than she could have hoped for. Jesus did not want to go to the cross, but resurrection followed.
What kind of prayers do you pray? Do you name your need and then believe God for the answer? Or do you give up what you want and gladly look forward to what God has for you, realizing that his answer may be light years from what you personally hope for?
Friday, September 11, 2009
September 11, 2009 - Matthew 26:39
“I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Is there a better prayer to pray? When I reflect on this prayer all my other prayers pale in comparison. It is this prayer that cuts to the core of my selfishness and self-centeredness. It is this prayer that takes me out of the center of my galaxy where everything and everyone revolves around me and replaces me with the Son.
Do you fear such a prayer? Why? Is His eye not on the sparrow? Do you and I really think that the life we hold onto so tightly is so much better than the one God will offer?
I think comfort is way, way overrated.
Is there a better prayer to pray? When I reflect on this prayer all my other prayers pale in comparison. It is this prayer that cuts to the core of my selfishness and self-centeredness. It is this prayer that takes me out of the center of my galaxy where everything and everyone revolves around me and replaces me with the Son.
Do you fear such a prayer? Why? Is His eye not on the sparrow? Do you and I really think that the life we hold onto so tightly is so much better than the one God will offer?
I think comfort is way, way overrated.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
September 10, 2009 - John 7:17
“Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know”
I think this is the door that skeptics need to open. I suspect that many unbelievers aren’t so sure that they actually want to believe. It seems so ingrained in us to hang on and fight for beliefs that have grasped us through upbringing or friends or culture or education. Notice that most of what we believe did not come to us by honest, object inquiry, rather they have simply been placed in us. We take what’s put in us, feel intuitively that it’s right, then find logical arguments to support what we already believe.
Jesus gives us a way out of this mess. He asks, “are you really open to the possibility that there is a God and that doing God’s will is the best possible life?”. If not, you’ll probably never know. However, if you are genuinely open to the possibility that you’re a-priori assumptions about God could be wrong and consider the possibility of a new reality, then Jesus tells you how to pursue that possibility. Begin to follow and in doing so, do so with an openness to actually finding a new desire welling up from within, the possibility that not only your intellect can discover something currently off your radar, but also that your desires can be awakened.
I think this is the door that skeptics need to open. I suspect that many unbelievers aren’t so sure that they actually want to believe. It seems so ingrained in us to hang on and fight for beliefs that have grasped us through upbringing or friends or culture or education. Notice that most of what we believe did not come to us by honest, object inquiry, rather they have simply been placed in us. We take what’s put in us, feel intuitively that it’s right, then find logical arguments to support what we already believe.
Jesus gives us a way out of this mess. He asks, “are you really open to the possibility that there is a God and that doing God’s will is the best possible life?”. If not, you’ll probably never know. However, if you are genuinely open to the possibility that you’re a-priori assumptions about God could be wrong and consider the possibility of a new reality, then Jesus tells you how to pursue that possibility. Begin to follow and in doing so, do so with an openness to actually finding a new desire welling up from within, the possibility that not only your intellect can discover something currently off your radar, but also that your desires can be awakened.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
September 8, 2009
“Maranatha” , meaning “come Lord, come”, is a word in the Aramaic language, a dialect of Hebrew, the language that Jesus spoke. Although the New Testament was written in Greek, the language introduced to Europe and Asia Minor by Alexander the Great and then remained as the common language of the Roman Empire, it was still adaptable enough to incorporate “loan words” as needed.
In this conclusion to Paul’s letter he addresses what is probably incomprehensible to most modern people. He speaks a curse on some and extends love and grace to others.
What’s up with that?
We moderns have such a difficult time with the Holiness of God. Yet, God’s love and God’s judgment are two sides of the same coin. Just as it is the very same sun that melts butter and hardens clay, it is the very same God whose love is so blazingly strong that it drives each of us to a decision, either to reciprocate His Love or to reject it. Ultimately each of us makes a decision with our lives, we either love God back or we end up having rejected him.
Paul closes his letter with strong words for those who reject God’s Grace in Christ and, yes, for the apathetic.
There is simply too much at stake when each of us faces God at our death or at the return of Jesus. Better to be challenged to a decision now, than to face God unprepared. Not to make a decision means having made one already.
In this conclusion to Paul’s letter he addresses what is probably incomprehensible to most modern people. He speaks a curse on some and extends love and grace to others.
What’s up with that?
We moderns have such a difficult time with the Holiness of God. Yet, God’s love and God’s judgment are two sides of the same coin. Just as it is the very same sun that melts butter and hardens clay, it is the very same God whose love is so blazingly strong that it drives each of us to a decision, either to reciprocate His Love or to reject it. Ultimately each of us makes a decision with our lives, we either love God back or we end up having rejected him.
Paul closes his letter with strong words for those who reject God’s Grace in Christ and, yes, for the apathetic.
There is simply too much at stake when each of us faces God at our death or at the return of Jesus. Better to be challenged to a decision now, than to face God unprepared. Not to make a decision means having made one already.
Friday, September 4, 2009
September 4, 2009
“Keep your eyes open” . . . . . . never forget that God is at work where you are. Pay attention, look for his interventions, small though they may appear. Even if you cannot discern Him, forget not, He is at work.
“hold tight to your convictions” . . . . . . . .There will always, always, always be “guidance” coming your way which will seem expedient, wise, practical, and intelligent. But if it contradicts what you know from God’s Word, then you will need to focus on the truth you know and stand firm in it, probably doing so with the support of Godly friends. No believer was ever meant to stand alone.
“give it all you’ve got, be resolute” . . . . . . .. . . I have found that outside pressures, including those that would want to find me compromising my faith, tend to cause me to be more intentional and stronger in pursuing God’s purposes. Ask God for his strength to infuse you with resoluteness and strength, again, often through other believers (you really do need a “spiritual running partner”), so that you don’t waver and fall.
“love without stopping” . . . . . . . . . . This is how you know you’re following God and not your own stubborn resoluteness. The latter can be done out of stubbornness, bitterness and anger, but the former is done with humility, strength of character, love of God and love of others.
Praying these two verses is not a bad way to start your day.
“hold tight to your convictions” . . . . . . . .There will always, always, always be “guidance” coming your way which will seem expedient, wise, practical, and intelligent. But if it contradicts what you know from God’s Word, then you will need to focus on the truth you know and stand firm in it, probably doing so with the support of Godly friends. No believer was ever meant to stand alone.
“give it all you’ve got, be resolute” . . . . . . .. . . I have found that outside pressures, including those that would want to find me compromising my faith, tend to cause me to be more intentional and stronger in pursuing God’s purposes. Ask God for his strength to infuse you with resoluteness and strength, again, often through other believers (you really do need a “spiritual running partner”), so that you don’t waver and fall.
“love without stopping” . . . . . . . . . . This is how you know you’re following God and not your own stubborn resoluteness. The latter can be done out of stubbornness, bitterness and anger, but the former is done with humility, strength of character, love of God and love of others.
Praying these two verses is not a bad way to start your day.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
September 3, 2009
In Ecclessiastes 3, Solomon writes that there is a time for everything. In Acts 17:26 Paul preaches to the Athenians that it is God who determines the times and places of men’s lives. Throughout the entire Old Testament we see the Holy Spirit sovereignly coming upon people and just as sovereignly departing from them. In John 3, Jesus tells that the move of the Holy Spirit is like the wind, no one knows when or from where it comes, rather one must prepare to receive and when the Spirit does move.
The timing of our actions and decisions, therefore, requires attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Indeed that should be the first thing on our radar each day as we awaken. “Lord make me attentive. Make me aware of the gentle promptings of Your Spirit. I want to follow You. Lord, please prevent me from from ever, ever asking you to bless my plans. Help me live in the gift of your plans having becoming mine”.
Yes, timing matters. It’s a scary thing to contemplate the possibility of having “missed God”. It’s also a wonderful thing to grow in the ability to hear and follow God’s gentle whisper and then to be able to say, “wow, God really was in this!”.
How patient are you in waiting on God?
The timing of our actions and decisions, therefore, requires attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Indeed that should be the first thing on our radar each day as we awaken. “Lord make me attentive. Make me aware of the gentle promptings of Your Spirit. I want to follow You. Lord, please prevent me from from ever, ever asking you to bless my plans. Help me live in the gift of your plans having becoming mine”.
Yes, timing matters. It’s a scary thing to contemplate the possibility of having “missed God”. It’s also a wonderful thing to grow in the ability to hear and follow God’s gentle whisper and then to be able to say, “wow, God really was in this!”.
How patient are you in waiting on God?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
September 2, 2009
Jesus had left all believers with what is known as the Great Commission. The Great Commandment of Jesus was to Love God and love people (Matt 22:27-30), which sums up the entire Old Testament. The Great Commission, however, is to “Make Disciples (Matt. 28:19).
Making disciples is exactly what Paul did. He met Timothy in Lystra and the took him under his wing, meaning first and foremost that he simply spent time with him. He did the same with John, Mark, Silas, Aquila and Priscilla and others. Paul was doing what Jesus had told every believer to do in Jesus’ last words before his ascension. We are to make disciples.
This, I find, is one of the most difficult things for modern Christians to do. Many would rather share the salvation message, “get them saved”, and then move on. But Jesus told us to “disciple”. This requires time, and sharing one’s life with another. In a world that demands life lived at a frenetic pace, this is countercultural.
Can you imagine befriending someone who may be far from God and simply taking the time to share your life with them, not because they are your “project”, but because God has led you to love them?
Making disciples is exactly what Paul did. He met Timothy in Lystra and the took him under his wing, meaning first and foremost that he simply spent time with him. He did the same with John, Mark, Silas, Aquila and Priscilla and others. Paul was doing what Jesus had told every believer to do in Jesus’ last words before his ascension. We are to make disciples.
This, I find, is one of the most difficult things for modern Christians to do. Many would rather share the salvation message, “get them saved”, and then move on. But Jesus told us to “disciple”. This requires time, and sharing one’s life with another. In a world that demands life lived at a frenetic pace, this is countercultural.
Can you imagine befriending someone who may be far from God and simply taking the time to share your life with them, not because they are your “project”, but because God has led you to love them?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
September 1, 2009
In this final chapter of First Corinthians, Paul is speaking personally about his Spirit directed life. Paul makes his home and his life wherever God puts him.
Although it is true that you have the freedom to do whatever you want , it is also paradoxically true that God orchestrates times and events, and even does so in a personal way. This means that you are not where you are by accident. Your life does not begin tomorrow, when . . . . . . . . . Rather your life before God is lived now, today, where you are, not where you aren’t. There is no “when . . . . . then . . .” thinking for the Christ follower.
Paul saw that a window of opportunity had opened for him right where he was. However, please notice that for Paul to be able to see this he had to be seeing with his spiritual eyes, not his physical ones. Why? What his physical eyes could see was mushrooming opposition and impending persecution.
Are you able to see with spiritual eyes the “door of opportunity for good work” that God has for you right where you are?
Although it is true that you have the freedom to do whatever you want , it is also paradoxically true that God orchestrates times and events, and even does so in a personal way. This means that you are not where you are by accident. Your life does not begin tomorrow, when . . . . . . . . . Rather your life before God is lived now, today, where you are, not where you aren’t. There is no “when . . . . . then . . .” thinking for the Christ follower.
Paul saw that a window of opportunity had opened for him right where he was. However, please notice that for Paul to be able to see this he had to be seeing with his spiritual eyes, not his physical ones. Why? What his physical eyes could see was mushrooming opposition and impending persecution.
Are you able to see with spiritual eyes the “door of opportunity for good work” that God has for you right where you are?
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