June 24, 2009 - Ephesians 6

Kind of continuing with the battle theme, today I read Ephesians 6, which contains Paul's description of the armor of God that he encourages us to put on. Not too long ago, I taught a Sunday School lesson on this portion of scripture. One of the things that the lesson writer brought out has stuck in my mind. He wrote that at the time Paul wrote these words it was likely that he was in the presence of, possibly even chained to, a Roman soldier. This gives us a fresh perspective of the pieces of armor that Paul describes. He also said that Paul wrote about these pieces in the order in which a Roman soldier would have put them on. Therefore, it all begins with truth. Paul ends this section with an admonishment to pray in the Spirit and keep praying. Even with our armor on, we need to be in constant communication.

June 22, 2009 - Deuteronomy 20

Do you have a battle cry? Something that encourages you when you know you are going to face a struggle. Today I noticed Israel's battle cry. It is recorded for us in Deuteronomy 20:3-4. It is a cry that would be a helpful reminder for us each day as we enter the battle or struggle of life. Let me share it with you. "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." I hope you find that an encouragement.

June 17, 2009 - Galatians 5

As one who studied the book of Galatians in Bible Bowl many years ago, I could have told you that Paul says that in Christ circumcision or uncircumcision doesn't matter (5:6). What I could not have told you, until it hit me this morning, is that Paul goes on to tell us what does matter. "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." This is quite a profound summary for me to have missed. Isn't it true that we have get caught up in the things that don't matter, even to the point of arguing, and neglect the things that matter? Paul says here that faith is what counts, and it shows itself through love. James wrote that faith with works is dead. I think Paul would say that faith isn't really faith until it shows itself in acts of love. So the question for us becomes, is our faith showing itself?

June 10, 2009 - Deuteronomy 8

Do you know of God's amazing provision for you? A simple reading of Deuteronomy 8 should be a reminder and inspiration. Here Moses is reminding the Children of Israel of their travels since leaving Egypt and before he leaves them and they are led into the land of promise. He reminds them that they hungered and that God fed them with manna. He also reminds them that during their 40 years of wandering that their 'clothes did not wear out' and their 'feet did not swell'. As a father of two teenage daughters, I believe that 40 year clothes are truly miraculous! The provision of God is truly amazing, beyond our comprehension. What makes this even more remarkable is that during the time of this provision, God was punishing the Children of Israel! Even during their punishment He would not abandon them, but would provide for all their needs. That is the same God that we love and serve today. His character is exactly the same. He will treat us no differently. Let's remember that the next time we think we are going without.

June 8, 2009 - Deuteronomy 6

The Shema, Hebrew for 'Hear'. One commentator says that this portion of scripture, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, became the Jewish confession of faith. It is still valid for Christians today, because it contains what Jesus described as the greatest commandment. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This is the foremost call of the Christian life, to be in relationship with God. The Shema continues that these are the things that we are to teach our children, talk about with them, and to keep before our eyes as a constant reminder. This was the true legacy of the Jewish people and should be ours as well. There is no better bequest to leave to our children.

June 3, 2009 - II Corinthians 5

What a key verse for us. II Corinthians 5:21 is one we should all know. God is completely righteous and the only way we can have a relationship with Him is to be completely righteous ourselves. We know well that is simply not possible. We blew that possibility a long time ago But this is where God shows the full extent of His love for us. He 'made him who had no sin' (Jesus), 'to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God'. God trades us our sin for his righteousness, through Jesus. What a deal! We could never make a better trade. That is the kind of deal that you tell everyone about.

June 2, 2009 - II Corinthians 4

Do we possibly understand the idea of the unseen a little better than Paul did when he wrote II Corinthians 4? After all we have discovered how to broadcast waves that none of us can see, yet they can deliver sights and sounds. It has also become commonplace for us to use machines, that few of us ever open, that connect to machines all over the world to bring us virtually all of our knowledge at our fingertips through this 'internet'. Sometimes these two tools are combined and the information flows from one computer to another via the air waves of cellular phone service. These things are amazing and beyond most of our comprehension, but they are still 'seen' in the sense that they are temporary. If you have any doubt that computers are temporary, try to use or sell one that is more than five years old! Paul says in II Corinthians 4:18 that we 'fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.' No, I don't think we understand that concept better than Paul did almost 2,000 years ago. Our modern tools and electronics have given us that much more to 'see'. What we should be looking for are the things that we cannot see, the things that last forever. Which are your eyes fixed on?

May 25, 2009 - I Corinthians 12

Paul presents an interesting, and effective, test of unity. Stuck in the middle of extended discussion of the unity of the body and how every part is necessary and plays its part, is this simply communicated test: 'If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.' Though this is simply said, it is not always simply done. That is why I think it is an excellent test of our unity. Do we authentically suffer with one another? Do we authentically rejoice with one another? Are we instead glad that it is not us suffering or jealous that it is not us that is not being honored? That certainly is the temptation that comes to us naturally, but when we let the Spirit have His way with us we can enjoy true unity.

May 21, 2009 - I Corinthians 8

We hear a lot these days in this country about personal rights, privileges, and freedoms. In fact, it seems to me that our current President was elected on the hope of what he was going to do for the individuals in our country. As Christians we hear so much of this, it becomes easy for to fall into the trap of that same way of thinking. In reading I Corinthians 8, we see a different picture. Paul acknowledges the personal freedom that we, as Christians, have a part from the old Jewish law. He is speaking here specifically about eating meat that has been sacrificed to an idol. In this case he says that since an idol is nothing, eating the meat sacrificed to an idol does not bring us closer to God so we are no better if we do and no worse if we do not. But then he goes on to say that some other Christians with weaker consciences might see us participating in this act in a public place and be misled into sin. In that case Paul says that he would never eat meat again if will keep his brother from sinning. That is the different picture. To acknowledge that he has the personal right and freedom, but be willing to give it up in consideration of his brother. We don't hear much about that. That is a much better example for us to follow. It is the kind of example that can help change the world!

May 18, 2009 - I Corinthians 5

We are expected to be influencers not influenced. Paul makes this very clear in the second half of I Corinthians 5. He says, "I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people - not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters." The tone here seems almost like Paul would be shocked that most Christians today have no non-Christian friends. Who are we going to influence if we don't associate with people like this? Jesus spent much of His time with people such as this and caused much controversy, saying it was the sick that needed a physician. As Christians, most of us, myself included, have become rather insular. We protect ourselves and our reputation at the cost of trying to love and influence the sick right into a relationship with Jesus. I wonder if we haven't missed the point.

May 16, 2009 - I Corinthians 3

"If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a 'fool' so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight." (I Corinthians 3:18b-19a) How often does our pride get in the way of our becoming, or even looking like, a 'fool'? Yet, this verse says that is what we should be when it comes to the ways of this world. When I thought about this, the next thought that came to my mind was the recent incident and treatment of Miss California at the Miss America or Miss USA or whatever pageant it was. She was certainly made to look like a 'fool' in the eyes of the world for simply saying that in her world marriage was between one man and one woman. She became the target of many so called 'tolerance-speakers', lashing out with profane and intolerant rebuttals and attacks of her thoughts and person. I think it showed evil for what it is and worldliness for what it is: 'If you don't agree with me, then you don't have the right to say what you want.' Is that the 'wisdom' that we seek. If so, I would much rather seek foolishness.

May 12, 2009 - Romans 15

I think it is difficult for us to understand what an earth-shattering idea it was that Jews and Gentiles could become Christians and make up one body. In fact, Paul basically says in Romans 15 and Ephesians 3 that this is the mystery of the gospel that is revealed in Jesus. Do we have something today to which we can compare that division? I have been thinking about this and have thought through a few ideas, but I don't think I have a good comparison. I don't think the White and African American works because there are significant places where there is not a division between these races. I wondered next about a division between Americans and those of Arab descent because of September 11th. But, I think a lot of that skepticism and prejudice has gone away. Finally, I am wondering about an economic division between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots'. There are not too many places where there is a significant sharing between these two groups, where they are really seen and perceived as equals. The Church is supposed to be that place, but most of our churches are made up chiefly of the 'haves'. What are we doing to reach the 'have-nots'? Is it the like the Jews trying to reach the Gentiles?

May 11, 2009 - Numbers 14

Numbers 14 concludes a story that is rich in examples for us today, even after the thousands of years since it occurred. The children of Israel sent 12 men into Canaan to spy out the land. They returned with the report that the land was very good, but there were giants in the land. Two of the twelve, Joshua and Caleb, said, “If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land…do not be afraid of the people of that land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us.” The other ten led the people in a rebellion against God, Moses, and Aaron. They discussed choosing a leader and returning to Egypt and even stoning Joshua and Caleb. They could not, would not, be reminded of the great things they had seen God do to get them to their current place and his overall plan for them. They would not get their eyes off their troubles and onto God. Is that ever true of us? I think we know about the punishment for the children of Israel, forty years of wandering in the desert and none of that generation made it into the promised land, save for the faithful Joshua and Caleb. What became of the ten faithless spies? Verse 37 reports that they were struck down and died of a plague before the Lord. Faithlessness will do that to you. It may not be physically, like it was for them, but it will kill you just the same.

May 9, 2009 - Romans 12

Paul, and the Holy Spirit, show us a very practical side as we read the twelfth chapter of Romans. He starts with a bold demand of how we should, as recipients of God's mercy, present our "bodies as living sacrifices" to God as an act of worship. The practical side comes in that he spends most of the rest of the chapter in telling us how we can do this. Have humility, work together as part of a body, and love. These are always appropriate reminders and tasks for which we can all probably strive for improvement. I know I can.

May 6, 2009 - Numbers 9

How does God lead you? Do you wish He led you with a cloud by day and fire by night like He did the children of Israel while in the desert? That method seems so clear and concrete to us today, while we sometimes struggle to know what God would have us do in situations. Other times we know exactly what we should do, but maybe we just can't find the strength or courage to do it. That is one thing that is clear from Numbers 9, the children of Israel followed the cloud without deviation. Does God still lead us in clear, concrete ways today? Absolutely! Almost exactly four years ago I joined with my Dad and a friend of his in a day of fasting over direction in our jobs. I went to work that day as normal. Shortly before noon my boss shows up with his boss and they ask me to lunch unexpectedly (irony alert). During the course of that lunch, God made it abundantly clear to me that it was time to start looking for another job and within a few weeks I had one. It was as clear to me as a cloud in the sky. There were no questions. Looking back, since that day my Dad has a new and better job in ministry and I believe the third man has a different job as well. This is just one small example, but God certainly leads us in clear, concrete ways today. Just not every time.

May 5, 2009 - Romans 8

Romans 8 is filled with encouraging and inspiring language, especially following the section of chapter 7 where Paul describes his, and our, struggle with doing the things that we want to do. Here Paul explains the role(s) of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He names several different roles in just this chapter. The Spirit helps us control our thoughts and desires, specifically so that we are not controlled by the sinful nature. By the Spirit, Paul says we can "put to death the misdeeds of the body". Here he mentions our adoption as sons into God's family and seems to be saying, "Act like the sons that you are!" The Spirit also helps us by interceding for us when we don't know what we ought to pray. God knows what is on our hearts and minds and the Spirit intercedes in those situations. If those weren't encouraging enough, Paul closes the chapter with a section that reminds us of the good that God has in store for us and that nothing will ever separate us from His love for us in Christ. What more could we ask for to face another day, another struggle, whatever the circumstance?

May 4, 2009 - Romans 7

Isn't it our story too? Paul's familiar description (Romans 7) of he doesn't do wants to do, but instead does what he doesn't want to do. That's common for all of us, isn't it? The conclusion then is in verse 24& 25, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Thanks for saving us when we could not save ourselves through our own efforts. Thanks for paying the price for our sins. Thanks for giving us access to a loving God and Father. Thanks for making life worth living.

May 1, 2009 - Psalm 13

Pressures at work, repairs and decisions made and to be made at home, plans and responsibilities at church, all these kept my 'quiet time' from being anything but quiet this morning. Oh, it was audibly quiet, but the voices in my head were loud and insistent during my reading and praying time this morning. Then I read Psalm 13 and first felt like I, at least, had company, then I found some encouragement and relief. David specifically asks in verse 2, "How long must I wrestle with my thoughts…"? That certainly was my thinking this morning. That, and that I was losing the wrestling match. Then he concludes the psalm with two beautifully encouraging verses, reminding himself and all of us where to place our trust and that He is faithful, loving, and that He saves us. Listen to David's conclusion, my encouragement for today, verses 5-6, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord for he has been good to me." That is really all I need to be reminded of. That is enough for me to keep going. Thank you, Father, for your love and constant goodness!

April 29, 2009 - Romans 2

I wonder. I read Paul's words in Romans 2 and admire, again his boldness in proclaiming the truth of scripture and the message God had given him. The message so forcefully presented in this chapter is that obedience and a relationship are what God seeks from us, not being born into a certain race or being physically marked (circumcised). This was radical thinking and preaching for Paul's time, but nevertheless true to God's Word and plan. I wonder what the 'boldly proclaimed' message in our day would focus on? Would it be about racial reconciliation, the plight of the homeless, or the protection of the earth? Would it discuss our material possessions, the difference between the have and the have-nots, or the Third World AIDS epidemic? Maybe it would be something like nationalism versus our commitment to a relationship with God. I don't know what it would be, but I know there is a bold message from God calling us to the same obedience and relationship that He seeks from us now as then. I guess the question becomes two-fold, will we listen and will we share it?

April 27, 2009 - Psalm 8

So often I find that the Psalms express thoughts that I would like to think I have thought. Even more amazing is that the writer put these thoughts into beautiful words, far beyond what I believe am capable of. Psalm 8 is today's example. The thought of how great God is and how wondrous and magnificent His creation. I have thought that thought many times, but I have never found such beautiful words with which to express it. This is why I choose to read a Psalm every day. I find so often that it helps me express my thoughts and prayers to a God whose thoughts and ways are far beyond my own. Even though this Psalm says he made us the ruler over these works of His hands and a little lower than the heavenly beings, I think there is a much larger difference between how we are made and God's nature. For that I am grateful!

April 23, 2009 - Acts 24

Were we writing the story we would probably include a fairy tale ending, but that is not what happened.  Paul had a great opportunity.  He had several occasions to speak with the Governor Felix, some publicly and some privately.  Of course the price to Paul was pretty steep, he was a prisoner at the time, but I am sure he considered it worth the price.  Acts 24 records these encounters and Felix’ response.  It even says that one time he was afraid, told Paul to go away and that when he found it convenient he would send for Paul.  I think the lesson for us has to be that when we share our faith we are not always going to see the fairy tale ending of the listener coming to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.  If it wasn’t always the case for Jesus or Paul, it won’t be the case for us either.  But we must not be discouraged and deterred.  We must continue to share, even with that same person, as the Spirit prompts and provides opportunities.  Remember it is God that gives the increase; we are just planters and waterers.

 

April 22, 2009 - Leviticus 22

Have you ever seen some of the things that are given to the church?  Some are old toys for children, some are items of furniture, and some are pianos.  The ones I am thinking of are the ones that are obviously passed any form of useful life, but rather than throw them away people give them to the church.  I think God addresses this kind of gift very early in His dealing with the children of Israel.  In reading Leviticus 22, God is very specific as to what kind of animal makes an appropriate gift for sacrifice and what does not make the grade.  It is, after all, an offering to God.  Is He not worthy of our best?  Why then do we think that we gain anything when we give Him, or His Bride, the things that are no longer good enough for use in our homes?

April 21, 2009 - Acts 22

We all like good stories. As Christians, we like the dramatic conversion stories. Paul certainly had one of those. Luke must have liked dramatic conversion stories, too because he records Paul's three separate times in the book of Acts (Chapters 9, 22, & 26). The fact that Paul went from persecuting Christians to traveling the world trying to persuade people to become Christians is too much for many of us to resist. In looking back, we can see how God perfectly positioned him to be His instrument to reach many, especially Gentiles. Will hindsight give us the same benefit when we view our lives? We don't have to have been through the depths of addiction, abusive relationships, worldly pursuits, or otherwise far from God to experience the drama of turning away from sin toward the love of God. That is all the drama that is necessary for our conversion and for us to be an instrument in God's hand.

April 20, 2009 - Proverbs 20

Words and thoughts are important, but, like the old saying, actions speak louder. Words can be deceitful and thoughts can be hidden, but actions are most often the reflection of our true innermost thoughts. That is why Proverbs 20:11 says, "Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right." Our actions define who and what we are, much more than our words. Our words are often much more about who we desire to be, but our actions show us, and others, who we are. That doesn't mean we can't change, but it is a matter of changing our actions, not just our words. Chances are we all know of a 'squirrelly' boy from Sunday School that all the teachers dread to try and teach. He is well known for his actions. But, he doesn't have to stay that way. In fact, many of those boys grow up to be some of our finest preachers and leaders! Still known by their actions.

April 17, 2009 - Psalm 146

I guess I have had the subject of hope especially on my mind this week, so Psalm 146 was very meaningful for me this morning. The subject of hope has come from a couple of different sources. I am excited and anxious for Dave Ramsey's 'Town Hall for Hope' event next Thursday evening, which our church is hosting. He will be talking about how our hope for our economic problems is not coming from Washington, D.C., but instead from the work and responsibility we take on ourselves. The other source is the celebration of Resurrection Sunday this past week. I heard a preacher say this week that the word 'hope' appears like 80 times in the New Testament and all but one time it appears following Christ's Resurrection. Is there a subtle message there that our true hope comes because of Christ and His Resurrection? I think so. Psalm 146 is a beautiful reminder that our trust should not be in princes, they are only human. Instead our trust, our hope, should be in the Lord 'the Maker of heaven and earth' 'who remains faithful forever'.

April 16, 2009 - Acts 17

Paul must have been a real instigator.  I mean one of his primary spiritual gifts was for causing trouble.  In Acts 17, and many other places, we see him boldly proclaiming the gospel to the point that people are upset and trying to do him in.  We may think that we are all supposed to be that way.  But what I noticed this morning is that Silas and Timothy must not have been, at least not to the same extent.  Luke records for us in verse 14 that the brothers sent Paul away from Berea when he caused an uproar, but Silas and Timothy stayed.  That certainly implies that they had not so fractured relationships nor inflamed emotions to the point that they could not be a part of an ongoing effective ministry.  I think that is important for us to see.  Not everyone can, or should, be the ‘flamethrower’ that Paul was, at least at times.  The church also needs those like Silas and Timothy who will still be bold enough to speak the truth, but can build relationships to serve for the long haul.

April 15, 2009 - Acts 16

When do you sing?  It is tax day, are you singing?  Do you sing at midnight?  Do you sing when things are going well or are you more likely to sing when things are going poorly?  In Acts 16, we see Paul and Silas at the end of a very long and trying day.  Paul had become so ‘troubled’ that he cast a spirit of divination out of a girl.  That action caused an uproar that led to Paul and Silas’ arrest, beating, and imprisonment.  But when we find them at midnight in the prison, do you know what they are doing?  That’s right, they are ‘praying and singing hymns to God’.  We all probably know the rest of the story, there’s an earthquake, no prisoners leave, the jailer is so impressed that he asks Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved, and immediately he and all his family were baptized.  It’s a great story, but my question is this, would we have missed the rest of the story were we in Paul and Silas’ place because we failed to pray and sing at midnight?

April 14, 2009 - Acts 15

Acts 15, the Council at Jerusalem, another watershed moment for Gentiles coming into relationship with God. I anticipated all day yesterday, reading this today and what I might write. This is finally what hit me. There was a significant group of Jews who wanted Gentile Christians to come to Christ like they had. They wanted the Gentiles to know what it was to be Jewish, to have those thoughts and feelings, and to experience Jesus just as they had. This would produce more Christians that looked, thought, and acted just like them. But that was not what God had in mind. Do we do the same thing as those first-century Jews? Do we think that new Christians have to have our thoughts and feelings and experience Jesus just as we did? Once they have come to Jesus, do we expect them to look, think, and act just like us? If they don't, do we doubt the authenticity of their conversion or commitment? The Council at Jerusalem agreed on four essentials, how many do we need? People's chief need is for Jesus! He can change their life, that is not our role. We can point to Him and his teaching, provide some guidance. Producing look-alike followers is the mark of a cult, not Christianity.

April 13, 2009 - Proverbs 13

Several times in Proverbs 13, the writer speaks of the importance and value of good instruction and its source. It reminded me this morning of my maternal grandfather. He was not well-educated in a school sort of way, but he was very wise. I learned early that he was a man that I should listen to and that many others did. One of the things he told me that I remember best was to always 'consider the source'. In a true evaluation of someone's words and their potential value to you, it is always wise to consider who they are, what they have been through, and what they may have learned from their experiences. If someone's words are just 'theory' and not the fruit of experience, they should be weighted differently. The Proverb writer here tells us that we should value instruction from our fathers. This makes sense because our fathers have likely been where we are and truly love us and want us to succeed. The Proverb writer also helps us see the value of instruction other places in this chapter, but the culmination is verse 20, "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." By and large we don't become better than the company we keep, which I think includes the books we read and the other ways we expose ourselves to peoples thoughts and ideas. Do we 'consider the source' and protect our minds so that we can grow wise?

April 12, 2009 - Acts 13

Barnabas and Saul (Paul) are commissioned from the church at Antioch to go out and make disciples. (Acts 13) After making their way through a few preliminary stops, they come to Pisidian Antioch. Luke writes, for the first time, one of Paul's sermons. It is an impassioned telling of the history of Israel and the promise of God. He then uses several scriptures, being a scholar of what we call the Old Testament, to prove that Jesus fulfilled the scriptures and God's promise. The highlight, of course, is the reason we celebrate today, like every Sunday, the resurrection from the dead. Paul's conclusion that day still serves as an excellent reminder for us today, (verses 38-39) "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses." Jesus' resurrection is the proof of His Sonship and His sacrifice for us. The celebration is too great to be contained to once per year, so we celebrate every Sunday, if not every day!

April 10, 2009 - Good Friday

With this being 'Good Friday', I thought it especially fitting to focus our thoughts today on Jesus' cross. In thinking about the cross, one of His seven statements from the cross has stood out to me this year. This statement is recorded only in the gospel of Luke. It is, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Luke doesn’t go on to tell us who Jesus is specifically speaking of forgiving and I think that is intentional. Who do you think Jesus is thinking of?

Is He thinking of forgiving the soldiers who are in the physical act of crucifying Him?

Is He thinking of forgiving the Jewish teachers and leaders who forced His arrest, unjust trials, and ultimate punishment?

Is He thinking of forgiving Pilate and the Roman authorities who bowed to the political pressure and consented to give the order for Jesus’ sentence?

Is He thinking of the Jewish mob who, on Sunday welcomed Him into town with shouts of “Hosanna, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” and on Friday joined in the shouts of “Crucify Him!”?

Or is it possible that He is looking through the years of time and seeing you and me and the forgiveness that we so desperately need?

Listen to the words of Peter, an eyewitness to Jesus, and one who knew the need for forgiveness and experienced the gift of forgiveness from Jesus: (I Peter 2:21-24) “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps, ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

Jesus provided the availability of forgiveness for every one of us. This is what we remember and why this is 'Good' Friday for us.

April 9, 2009 - Acts 10

Watershed moments. We are in the midst of remembering the final week of person whose life was truly a 'watershed moment' in history. So much so that the way time is measured changed based upon His life time on the earth. For those of us who are Christian, but were not born into God's chosen people, Acts 10 records another 'watershed moment'. This is when the first Gentile convert was recorded and clearly accepted by God. This allows all of us not born as children of God to be adopted children of God. The key phrase is Peter's summary in verses 34 and 35, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right." Namely, accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of our lives. Cornelius was a seeker. He found a relationship with God through Christ. So can we all.

April 8, 2009 - Proverbs 8

Proverbs 8 contains an interesting portion of scripture, namely verses 22-31. Here wisdom is personified and the writer relates that wisdom was the first creation of God. He goes on to describe how wisdom was present throughout the remainder of the creation of the world. I have found this fascinating the last several times I have read it for a couple reasons. What I thought of first was Steven Covey's saying that everything is created twice, first mentally, then physically. I wondered if God's creation of wisdom first was somewhat similar to our creative process as described by Covey. God first set the order of things, then created a world that fulfilled that order. I also think that the more science discovers the more we find that the world makes sense, even to our small way of thinking. The things that we find that don't yet make sense to us, I am sure do make sense to our God, the Creator. I am often reminded, and grateful, of Isaiah's words (55:8-9), "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." The second thought occurred to me this morning, this is kind of a foreshadowing of how John describes Jesus and His role in creation in the first three verses of his gospel. I just found these things interesting and hope you do too.

April 7, 2009 - Acts 8

We don't hear much about the man from Acts 8 that is commonly called Simon the Sorcerer, but his story is interesting and applicable to us today. Simon practiced sorcery and amazed all in his city. He had achieved quite a following. Then Philip the evangelist came, preached the good news and the people believed and were baptized. Luke tells us that even Simon believed and was baptized! Simon started following Philip around everywhere he went because he was amazed by the great signs and miracles that surrounded Philip. Luke then tells us that Peter and John came to this town and prayed for the people that they might receive the Holy Spirit. This really amazed Simon. So much so that he offered Peter and John money and asked that they give him this gift. Peter answers with a strong rebuke and tells Simon to repent. Simon's response is to ask Peter to pray for him. I think this shows us the importance of our motives for following Jesus and even seeking gifts to use in His kingdom. The main question is, are we seeking our glory or His? Even though it seems that Simon's motives were less than pure, it does seem that he was concerned when Peter rebuked him and that maybe he repented, sought forgiveness, and tried to grow through this experience. If this was the case, then he provides a worthy example for us. We are going to fail. It is vital how we respond to that failure.

April 6, 2009 - Psalm 130

As we enter what we typically call 'Holy Week', I thought it appropriate to write about forgiveness. Maybe, however, I can surprise you just a little bit with the source, Psalm 130. I read these words this morning and thought they fit so well in continuing the theme from our worship service yesterday, that I had to share them. Verses 3-4, "If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared." Verses 7-8, "O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins." If only the author of this psalm could know what we know. That indeed, there is forgiveness with God, through the redemption provided by His only Son, Jesus Christ. How right he was when he wrote those words hundreds of years before their fulfillment. As those living on the other side of the fulfillment, are we as sure where to put our hope as he was before Christ's coming? The remembrances this week give us an added opportunity to be mindful and thankful for that forgiveness and redemption.

April 4, 2009 - Psalm 119

We all know that the book of Psalms is classified as poetry. Many of us would know that Psalm 119 is the longest psalm, containing 176 verses. Have you read Psalm 119 and noticed how many times it talks about God's law, decrees, or His word? It doesn't contain the law, but it certainly describes the proper attitude toward God's law. To whet your appetite, here are just a few of those phrases:
I seek you with my all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in you law.
My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.
I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.
I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.
Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.
It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.
The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless.
I hope these stir your heart as they have mine.

April 3, 2009 - Acts 4

It wasn't because they were handsome. It wasn't because they were the best and brightest. They were not the most popular or wealthy. They didn't go to the best schools or belong to the right clubs. They didn't have high-powered careers or positions at the top of the ladder. So what was it that made Peter and John successful in getting the crowd's attention and favor? Acts 4:13 gives us the answer: "When they (the rulers and elders of the Jews) saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary me, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." (emphasis mine) The fact that they had spent time with Jesus and were now filled with the Holy Spirit had changed their lives. They were now the 'fishers of men' that Jesus had called them to be and it was evident to all who came in contact with them. How has being with Jesus changed you?

April 1, 2009 - Acts 2

There are any number of topics from Acts 2 that could be discussed here, but what struck me this morning as I read it was a phrase that I am not sure I remember reading before. Toward the end of the chapter, after there have been 3,000 converts on the day of Pentecost, there is a description of the group of believers - the church. Luke tells us that they were devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. He also tells us that they shared their possessions with those who were in need. He tells us that they met together daily in the temple courts and often ate together in their homes. Their hearts were glad and sincere and they praised God. Then, here's the phrase that caught me this morning. Luke records that they were "enjoying the favor of all the people". It wasn't too long before that Jesus had told them that they would be hated and persecuted (we discussed that here), and because we know the rest of the story we know that is coming. But, at this time, the church evidently enjoyed some favor. Is it because the church was being the church? It is obvious that the church was impacting the community. Isn't that what we should be doing? Not so that we can gain favor, but simply because that is what we are called to do.

March 31, 2009 - Exodus 40 & Acts 1

I would not normally have seen any connection between Exodus 40 and Acts 1, but today I did. Exodus 40 records the final set-up of the tabernacle. After all the preparation and construction, Moses leads the people in the arrangement of the tabernacle. They were obedient to all the instructions that God had given them. When the tabernacle is complete, a cloud moves in and fills the tabernacle. This, of course, is the glory of God. For the rest of their time in the desert, the cloud by day and fire by night, directs the children of Israel when to go and when to stay, by its presence in, or absence from, the tabernacle. Then I read Acts 1 and was reminded of the story of Jesus' ascension into heaven. There Luke records that Jesus was hidden from their sight by a cloud. I don't think that is a coincidence. I think this was a sign to the apostles that Jesus was now going back to God and would no longer be going in and out among them as He had for the last 40 days. I wouldn't think that the apostles missed the symbolism either. I did, however, until today.

March 30, 2009 - Proverbs 30

Proverbs 30:7-9 reduces our life to two requests of God: one, to "keep falsehood and lies far from me" and two, give me neither poverty not riches, but give me only my daily bread." The author of this proverb does not elaborate on the first so he must think that it speaks clearly for itself. He does, however, give us an explanation of the second. His explanation goes something like this, if I have too much I may disown and forget God altogether, basically relying only upon myself. If I have too little I may steal and therefore, dishonor the name of God. I think these are still valid thoughts for us. I don't think it is any coincidence that the most affluent nation in history is also one that generally worships at the idol of personal independence. Americans, probably above all, love the idea of the 'self-made man', who answers only to himself. Think about our heroes from movies, business, or politics. Very seldom are they the men who quietly and humbly work with others to accomplish great things. We love the guys who lay forth a vision and against all odds make it happen, no matter what it costs financially, physically, emotionally, or in terms of relationships. The writer of this proverb shows us the danger in that way of thinking, we can become fooled into thinking that we did it by ourselves and don't even need God, the grandest delusion of all. Let the words of this proverb ring in your mind and heart every time you catch yourself wanting a little bit more.

March 27, 2009 - John 17

I read Jesus’ prayer for unity yesterday (John 17) and thought all day about what I might be able to write about it that would do it justice. It is such a beautiful prayer and to think that is what was on Jesus’ mind just before going to meet his betrayer makes it even more remarkable to me. Anyway, I am in Chicago for a conference that has been planned a long time. I got a text yesterday morning that Phyllis’ brother’s wife went into labor with their first child and that they would be delivering in the hospital right across the street from my hotel. Needless to say, I was anxious to finish the conference for the day and get to the hospital. There I spent the evening with my brother-in-law’s in-laws, people I have met only 2-3 times over the last 3-4 years. As the evening passed, and the baby, a lovely baby girl with her father’s dimpled chin, was born, it became apparent to me that we, a loosely-bound family, had tremendous unity regarding this blessed event. There was so much unity in fact, that the nurses had to ask us more than once to wait in the Waiting Room rather than hover in the hallway outside the closed door where the family was being enlarged. I pray, with Jesus, that we as believers experience that same kind of unity, through joy and struggle. It certainly will let the world know and draw them toward belief.

March 25, 2009 - Exodus 34

Moses had some very special encounters with God, maybe more than any other man. Exodus 34 records another one of those instances. The Lord comes down in the cloud and it says that He “stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord.” To stand in the very presence of God and hear God proclaim His name to you would certainly qualify as very special encounter in my book. But God goes on from there and uses the next two verses to proclaim more about Himself. It is almost as if God is introducing Himself to Moses. So what was Moses response? Like all of us will do one day, he “bowed to the ground at once and worshiped.” Is it any wonder that, later in this chapter we see that when Moses went down from the mountain, Aaron and the children of Israel noticed that Moses’ face was radiant? Coming near to God rubs off on you!

March 24, 2009 - John 15

Are we supposed to be hated and persecuted by the world or was Jesus saying that would be a natural consequence of our standing strong for him? I don't know about you, but I don't often feel hated or persecuted. Should that be something about which I should be concerned? Does it mean that I am not doing everything that I should or that I am not living like I have been called? Jesus' words in John 15 don't leave doubt. He says that if the world hated and persecuted Him, and we know that it did, then it will hate and persecute us. He didn't say they may, He said they would. So, if we aren't feeling that is it because something is lacking in us?

March 23, 2009 - Exodus 32

How could they? We have a tendency to ask how the Children of Israel could be a part of worshipping an idol so soon after all they had witnessed God doing for them. How could Aaron betray his leadership responsibilities so quickly and so thoroughly? While Moses was on the mountain discussing God's plan for Aaron's priesthood, Aaron was succumbing to the temptation to follow the pack and provide an idol for them to worship. This incident serves as a vivid reminder that none of us is ever very far from sin. As Paul wrote several hundred years later in I Corinthians 10:12, "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall." It is easy to think that we could never fall so far, so fast. But don't we really know ourselves better than that?

March 21, 2009 - John 12

What would we do if Jesus were right here with us? If He were having dinner with us in our home, at our table? John 12 records that Mary gave extravagantly, taking a whole pint of an expensive perfume and pouring it on His feet, so much so that the smell filled the whole house. She gave without reservation. Or would we be more like Judas, who criticized this extravagance and suggested that the wealth could have been given to others? But John gives us insight and says that Judas wasn't really concerned for the poor, but himself. Which would we be more like if we were entertaining Jesus? Well, you may not have thought about it, but you are entertaining Jesus right now. He is with you in your home, at your meals, in your car, in your office, everywhere. Are you spending your life extravagantly on Him or are you holding back for yourself? Do you want to be more like Mary or Judas?

March 20, 2009 - John 11

I have been struggling with the ideas and actions that are coming from our new President and his leadership team. I am finding it difficult to effectively pray for him and these others who seem so determined to step as far away from morally right decisions and policies as possible. In times like this, the only comfort I have found is the fact that God is still on the throne and that He is still in control. The prophet tells us that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and his ways higher than our ways, for which I am very grateful. I don't want a God that my puny little mind can comprehend! We see a small example of this in John 11 when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Jesus knew that Lazarus was dead and that he would raise him when He discussed him with His disciples, but they didn't get it. Even when Jesus arrived and told Martha that her brother would live again, she didn't get it, assuming Jesus was talking about the resurrection of all. Sometimes God just has a bigger plan in mind and we have to trust Him. That is certainly OK with me. His plans are always best.

March 18, 2009 - John 9

Ever get into a religious, philosophical, or doctrinal discussion or argument with someone you are trying to influence for Christ? It doesn't do much good, does it? It is a very rare person who is truly open and will be convinced by any points that you will make. Like the old saying, "Those convinced against their will, are of the same opinion still." We see a little bit of this is John 9. Jesus has healed a man born blind. The Pharisees are investigating the healing, especially because it took place on the Sabbath. They bring the former blind man before them a second time and question him regarding whether or not Jesus is a 'sinner'. The man's reply is one that serves as an example for us. He says, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" They could argue all day about whether or not Jesus was a sinner and not make any progress. The man says this is what he did for me. He is the proof. He is standing before them. It is indisputable. That is what we should focus on as well when trying to influence. Share what Jesus has done for you!

March 17, 2009 - Exodus 26

In Exodus 26, God gives Moses some very specific directions on the construction of the tabernacle. In fact, verse 30 says that Moses should "Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain." It appears that this was so important to God that He gave Moses a list of materials to use, the pieces to construct, directions on how to construct them, directions on how to assemble them, the furniture to make to go inside, where the furniture should be place inside, and then showed him how to do it while Moses was on the mountain. Talk about laying out a blueprint! We are grateful for directions when we are constructing or assembling something and follow them without fail when we want it to be 'just right'. When it comes to how to live our lives, aren't we a little more cavalier? God has given us a detailed 'blueprint' for that as well, in His Word, the Bible. Do we even take the time to read it and try to understand it, much less try to follow it?

March 16, 2009 - John 7

There is a current commercial series with the tagline, "Timing is everything". From reading John 7, we see that time played a role in Jesus' life and ministry as well. Twice in this chapter it is said things didn't happen because the right time had not yet come. First, Jesus delayed going up to the Feast of Tabernacles in a very public way, apparently so that His arrival would draw less attention. Later, some tried to seize Jesus because of some things He was teaching in the temple courts, but they were unable to lay a hand on him 'because his time had not yet come.' This talk of timing makes it clear that there was a definite plan to Jesus' life and ministry. A special way in which the details were to be orchestrated and fulfilled. For that to happen sometimes required discipline by Jesus and sometimes required supernatural protection.

March 14, 2009 - John 5

Does it seem odd to you that a man who was healed miraculously, did not know who provided that healing? That is the case in John 5. Jesus asks the man if he wants to get well and then tells him to get up, pick up his mat and walk. The man does so and, according to verse 13, doesn't even know who has given him these directions and performed this miracle. It certainly seems odd to me. Most of the time when Jesus heals, He makes some mention of the person's faith contributing to the healing. Here it seems that faith plays no part, because the man doesn't even know that it is Jesus. I don't pretend to know or understand why this is the case, but it makes me wonder. How about you?

March 13, 2009 - John 4

Jesus initiated a conversation with a woman. His disciples found Him talking with a woman and were surprised. Surely they were surprised because they didn't know Him very well, yet. Jesus told her that He was the Messiah. She believed Him and immediately started telling the whole town. They believed because of her testimony and eventually came to believe because of their own experience. No miracles necessary. All this took place in a land where they were supposed to be pre-disposed against Jews, and therefore, God. Jesus then went to a land filled with 'good Jews', who should have been pre-disposed toward belief in His coming. His experience there was very different, causing Him to say, "Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders, you will never believe." Which kind of people are we?

March 12, 2009 - Exodus 21

Ever wonder where the price for Jesus' betrayal came from. I wonder if I found a clue today. It may come from the Old Testament law, which would make sense. Exodus 21 says that if a bull gores a person, the owner of the bull must pay thirty pieces of silver. Sounds familiar doesn't it. What I left out was that the person who was gored by the bull was a slave. Thirty pieces of silver was the price set for the life of a slave. So we see no inflation for the hundreds of years from the giving of the law until Jesus' time. We see no premium or up charge because He claimed to be the Messiah. The price was the same. But doesn't that fit our Lord. He who washed the feet of His disciples and Paul described in Philippians as having taken "the very nature of a servant". That is the extent to which He would go to save us. Every detail of His life fits together perfectly to show us His love. Even down to the price paid for His betrayal.

March 11, 2009 - John 2

I have often wondered about Jesus' first miracle and the circumstances surrounding it. Seems rather odd to me, but then who am I, that His first miracle would be something like this. Something that did not effect someone's health or life, but seems to only 'save face' for the bride, groom, and their families. What was Mary's role in this situation? Why would she feel so compelled to involve her son? Jesus' first answer to her seems to go along with what our minds would expect. "My time has not yet come." Almost as if to say, I don't think this is something in which I should involve myself. But then, like all mothers, Mary knows how to get what she needs from her son. At this Jesus does intercede and we have His first miracle. Did He act primarily out of respect and honor for His mother? If He had not acted, would He have been guilty of dishonoring her? It is a very interesting situation to me and one for which I guess we won't have answers in this life.

March 10, 2009 - Exodus 19 & John 1

The Children of Israel prepare to come close to God. They must consecrate themselves, wash their clothes, and not cross certain lines. God is great, awesome, and powerful! They have witnessed this in the plagues on Egypt leading up to their escape from the land of their bondage. They have seen it in their crossing of the Red Sea and the Egyptians drowning. They have enjoyed water, manna, and quail in the desert from God's hand and they have been victorious in battle over the Amalekites. They followed instructions and came near God. Fast forward several hundred years to the first chapter of the Gospel of John. That same God, with all the same power, now comes near us. No special instructions, just His desire to be near us. Not so much for the short years of His life on earth, but for all eternity. He makes that possible. The same all-powerful God allows life to be taken from His body, so that true life may come. Let the miracle of incarnation overwhelm you.

March 9, 2009 - Luke 24

In Luke 24 we see the disciples progress from disbelief to fear to joy. We see the description of the empty tomb, but there is no picture of understanding that goes with it. The disciples don't have the benefit of our two thousand years of emotional removal and perspective. In fact, Luke writes that they don't even believe the women who have reported that the tomb is empty! We also see fear. Luke says when Jesus comes into their midst they think He is a ghost. His first order of business is to try to calm them and prove to them that He is real, not a ghost. Finally, after many days, we see the joy of the disciples. Jesus ascends into heaven and Luke records their joy. I guess they knew that He was not coming back for a long time this time, so why the joy? He had made a promise. The promise was that someone else was coming from the Father. How much do you think they understood about who was coming?

March 6, 2009 - Psalm 86

Like every morning, this morning I read a Psalm and tried to use the words as my words in a prayer. Today I was to Psalm 86 and it fit perfectly. In fact, in my Bible the heading even says "A prayer of David". (Not me, of course.) This is a beautiful prayer of David, with many meaningful phrases. I especially appreciated the last half of verse 11 and verse 12, "give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart." That certainly is a large part of my daily prayer. To be whole devoted and to praise whole-heartedly.

March 5, 2009 - Exodus 14

Exodus 14 is a good reminder for all of us that we never really see the whole picture that God sees, so we should never doubt that He has everything in His control. In the first 4 verses God basically tells Moses that He is going to lay a trap for Pharoah and all his army. The story proceeds according to God's plan and Pharoah and his army pursue the Children of Israel into the desert. Israel sees the army and starts to panic. One of my favorite lines of panic is "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?" Yeah, that's right. God, Pharaoh, and Moses conspired to get rid of the Children of Israel so they concocted this plan, including those 10 plagues and the killing of the firstborn of every Egyptian, so that they could get the Children of Israel into the desert when killed just so they wouldn't take up all the cemetery plots in Egypt?!! That is a good example of how we think when we are panicked. Anyway, Moses tells them not to be afraid and that they need only be still. Sounds like a good Psalm, huh? Then the Lord tells Moses to stop crying out to Him and move on. There's a lesson for us in there, too. Anyway, I think we know the 'rest of the story'. It was a good reminder for me today.

March 4, 2009 - Luke 19

I can't tell you how many times I have read, or heard, the description of what we call Jesus' Triumphal Entry. I read Luke's version again this morning and saw something different. I guess I always thought that the disciples gathered there alongside the road praised Jesus because they had some small glimpse of who He was and what He had come to do. I knew that they most likely thought that He had come to assume an earthly kingdom, overthrowing Rome and putting Israel in power again, so I was surprised when I noticed something new to me in Luke 19:37. There Luke records the reason the crowds were praising Jesus. He writes, they "began to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen." I thought, that sure is shallow. They were praising Jesus because they saw some unique sights, some works of power they had never seen, some 'magic tricks' that mystified them. Jesus had spent time and energy teaching them the through the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, and many parables, and living almost three years with them, and they give him praise for the miracles. Then it hit me, that we are just like them. We often go for the 'show' and not the 'substance'.