I am a little behind pace in my plan to read through the Bible in a year, but I am catching up :) I am reading big chunks of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles--taking in the ancient history of Israel. I plan on writing some thoughts soon, but in the meantime I couldn't pass up this little gem.
In I Samuel 28 King Saul is visiting a medium to talk with the prophet Samuel, who is dead. After Saul chats with dead Samuel, the medium offers Saul and his servants some food before they go. I Samuel 28:24, "The woman had a fattened calf at her house, and she quickly slaughtered it. She also took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread." What grabbed my attention was the word, "quickly".
You know you are reading about a foreign culture when fast-food, entails a quick slaughter; followed by kneading flour to make the bread from scratch. Nothing spiritual about this thought today, I just wonder how Saul would have reacted to a drive-thru window in a rush. And I wonder how I would have reacted to a quick slaughter of a calf if I were in a rush.
Sometimes I forget how disconnected I am from the culture of these stories, and I am so shallow that the concept of fast-food triggers my attention.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
humility
". . . in humility count others more significant than yourself . . ."
the stranger on the street, the cashier at the grocery store, your neighbor, your co-worker, that annoying guy at school, that smelly guy on the bus, my wife, my child . . . more significant than myself . . .
". . . look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others . . ."
I wonder what would change if I asked the cashier about her interests, instead of mindlessly standing their listening to the beeps of the scanner.
I wonder what would change if I showed interests in my neighbors life instead of telling them all about mine.
I wonder what would change if I focused on my wife's interests instead of expecting her to be focused on mine.
I wonder if what would change is that my life would begin to resemble Jesus' life and the people in my life would become drawn to Jesus, "who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross."
Philippians 2:3-8
The trouble with blogging is, it all sounds so nice as words on a screen, but it is only powerful if I actually put it into action . . .
the stranger on the street, the cashier at the grocery store, your neighbor, your co-worker, that annoying guy at school, that smelly guy on the bus, my wife, my child . . . more significant than myself . . .
". . . look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others . . ."
I wonder what would change if I asked the cashier about her interests, instead of mindlessly standing their listening to the beeps of the scanner.
I wonder what would change if I showed interests in my neighbors life instead of telling them all about mine.
I wonder what would change if I focused on my wife's interests instead of expecting her to be focused on mine.
I wonder if what would change is that my life would begin to resemble Jesus' life and the people in my life would become drawn to Jesus, "who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross."
Philippians 2:3-8
The trouble with blogging is, it all sounds so nice as words on a screen, but it is only powerful if I actually put it into action . . .
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
stop following the crowd
Verses for those of us who were raised in Christianity--those of us who, as the verses say, "learned Christ." Many of us (myself included) seem to go along with the crowd.
Ephesians 4:17-24 (the message)
And so I insist—and God backs me up on this—that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They've refused for so long to deal with God that they've lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can't think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion.
Ephesians 4:17-24 (the message)
And so I insist—and God backs me up on this—that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They've refused for so long to deal with God that they've lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can't think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion.
But that's no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.
May our lives be renewed from the inside out, and may we abandon the activities of the empty-headed, mindless crowd. That is no life for us--we have learned Christ!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
selfishness
I am convinced that there is nothing compelling--nothing captivating--nothing beautiful about selfishness.
Tell me a story in which a character is in love with himself and makes great sacrifices to make himself happy, and I will walk away disappointed. Show me a movie where a character overcomes conflict so she can walk away from her family to pursue her dreams, and I will walk away troubled. Play me a song where a character desperately wants to amass wealth so he robs from the poor and needy, and I will walk away angry. BUT tell me a story in which a character is in love with someone else and makes great sacrifices to make the other person happy, and I will walk away inspired. Show me a movie where a character overcomes conflict so she can stay with her family, and I will walk away enriched. Play me a song where a character desperately wants to give his wealth away to the poor and needy, and I will walk away incited.
And yet, the great lie of our age and every age, continually wins my allegiance--the lie that selfishness brings happiness / that my happiness is the number one priority / that my fulfillment trumps the fulfillment of others / that I am the center of the universe / that I deserve to be happy and fulfilled . . . however we choose to state it, tragically selfishness continues to garner my affection.
When I see selfishness modeled--I hate it. When I take the time to examine my life and see my selfishness--I hate it. I don't want to live that way--but how can I keep myself from sliding into that familiar pattern, popularized by Adam and Eve?
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. Psalm 119:9
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31
The lives that captivate us, the movies that enrich us, the books that inspire us, the songs that move us are consistently stories of love for God and love for others. May I live out that kind of story today.
Tell me a story in which a character is in love with himself and makes great sacrifices to make himself happy, and I will walk away disappointed. Show me a movie where a character overcomes conflict so she can walk away from her family to pursue her dreams, and I will walk away troubled. Play me a song where a character desperately wants to amass wealth so he robs from the poor and needy, and I will walk away angry. BUT tell me a story in which a character is in love with someone else and makes great sacrifices to make the other person happy, and I will walk away inspired. Show me a movie where a character overcomes conflict so she can stay with her family, and I will walk away enriched. Play me a song where a character desperately wants to give his wealth away to the poor and needy, and I will walk away incited.
And yet, the great lie of our age and every age, continually wins my allegiance--the lie that selfishness brings happiness / that my happiness is the number one priority / that my fulfillment trumps the fulfillment of others / that I am the center of the universe / that I deserve to be happy and fulfilled . . . however we choose to state it, tragically selfishness continues to garner my affection.
When I see selfishness modeled--I hate it. When I take the time to examine my life and see my selfishness--I hate it. I don't want to live that way--but how can I keep myself from sliding into that familiar pattern, popularized by Adam and Eve?
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. Psalm 119:9
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31
The lives that captivate us, the movies that enrich us, the books that inspire us, the songs that move us are consistently stories of love for God and love for others. May I live out that kind of story today.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
you have done all this evil . . .
"Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil.
Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty."
I Samuel 12:20-21
Sometimes you read the Bible and certain verses just jump off the page at you. These are such verses. They meet me right where I am.
I have done this evil (confession)
Yet (hope)
do not turn aside from following the Lord (renewed focus)
do not turn aside to empty things (renewed perspective)
There is hope for all of us. We don't down-play our sin. We have done this evil, but we simply need to confess our sin and believe in the hope we have in our Lord. Renew our focus on him and maintain a Christ-centered perspective that will weed out all the empty things that tempt us.
Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty."
I Samuel 12:20-21
Sometimes you read the Bible and certain verses just jump off the page at you. These are such verses. They meet me right where I am.
I have done this evil (confession)
Yet (hope)
do not turn aside from following the Lord (renewed focus)
do not turn aside to empty things (renewed perspective)
There is hope for all of us. We don't down-play our sin. We have done this evil, but we simply need to confess our sin and believe in the hope we have in our Lord. Renew our focus on him and maintain a Christ-centered perspective that will weed out all the empty things that tempt us.
Monday, May 21, 2012
strength in weakness
"The Lord said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
God's grace is sufficient . . . His power is made perfect in weakness.
The process of shifting our perspective from power in strength to power in weakness is a life-long process. Perhaps that is why we endure weaknesses, insults, hardships, etc. our whole life long. It is a process of embracing God's grace.
May I take one step closer to shifting my perspective today. By God's grace may I catch a glimpse of my weakness and His strength.
God's grace is sufficient . . . His power is made perfect in weakness.
The process of shifting our perspective from power in strength to power in weakness is a life-long process. Perhaps that is why we endure weaknesses, insults, hardships, etc. our whole life long. It is a process of embracing God's grace.
May I take one step closer to shifting my perspective today. By God's grace may I catch a glimpse of my weakness and His strength.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
like a child
Mark 10:15
"whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
I am not sure what this means . . . but for as complicated and conflicting as faith in Jesus can be at times, this verse is reassuring.
Let the theologians debate God's sovereignty, let the skeptics struggle with His existence, let the conservatives argue over His laws, and let the liberals question His justice (and I surely will join in with each of them from time to time) But let us all come home to a simple child-like faith. Let us all remember the wonder that fills a child's eyes as you tell them stories--the peace that fills their heart as you let them under the covers during a thunder storm--the comfort that calms their tears as you kiss away the pain from their scraped knee.
No doubt there is time and space for the questions and the struggles, but whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.
"whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
I am not sure what this means . . . but for as complicated and conflicting as faith in Jesus can be at times, this verse is reassuring.
Let the theologians debate God's sovereignty, let the skeptics struggle with His existence, let the conservatives argue over His laws, and let the liberals question His justice (and I surely will join in with each of them from time to time) But let us all come home to a simple child-like faith. Let us all remember the wonder that fills a child's eyes as you tell them stories--the peace that fills their heart as you let them under the covers during a thunder storm--the comfort that calms their tears as you kiss away the pain from their scraped knee.
No doubt there is time and space for the questions and the struggles, but whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
a verse for the celebrity apprentice
I Samuel 2:1-3
"And Hannah prayed and said,
'My heart exults in the Lord;
my strength is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation.
There is none holy like the Lord;
there is none besides you;
there is no rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.'"
Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth.
I have been watching the Celebrity Apprentice this season. It has been fun to watch a bunch of has-been / wanna-be celebrities compete to win money for charities. However, it has been frustrating to listen to a bunch of self-obsessed failures drone on and on and on and on and on about how wonderful they are. Maybe a handful of the contestants are talented, maybe the majority of them were simply in the right place at the right time to rise to their D-level of stardom--whichever the case each week I find myself shouting at the tv--"shut-up already! How arrogant can you be?!"
So, it was refreshing this morning to read these verses from I Samuel, and be reminded of how beautiful humility is. The Bible is a story of salvation--it's a story of how we need salvation--it's a story of God's strength and our weakness. He is our rock and by Him actions are weighed.
When either option is modeled for me--Godly humility vs celebrity arrogance--I am far more attracted to the humility of Hannah than the arrogance of Aubrey (or as I call her, "the red head").
"And Hannah prayed and said,
'My heart exults in the Lord;
my strength is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation.
There is none holy like the Lord;
there is none besides you;
there is no rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.'"
Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth.
I have been watching the Celebrity Apprentice this season. It has been fun to watch a bunch of has-been / wanna-be celebrities compete to win money for charities. However, it has been frustrating to listen to a bunch of self-obsessed failures drone on and on and on and on and on about how wonderful they are. Maybe a handful of the contestants are talented, maybe the majority of them were simply in the right place at the right time to rise to their D-level of stardom--whichever the case each week I find myself shouting at the tv--"shut-up already! How arrogant can you be?!"
So, it was refreshing this morning to read these verses from I Samuel, and be reminded of how beautiful humility is. The Bible is a story of salvation--it's a story of how we need salvation--it's a story of God's strength and our weakness. He is our rock and by Him actions are weighed.
When either option is modeled for me--Godly humility vs celebrity arrogance--I am far more attracted to the humility of Hannah than the arrogance of Aubrey (or as I call her, "the red head").
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
The Unseen Power of the Gospel
SEEN VS. UNSEEN
from II Corinthians 4
from II Corinthians 4
- Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers
- God made His light to shine in our hearts
- jars of clay
- with a treasure inside
- hardpressed
- BUT NOT crushed
- perplexed
- BUT NOT in despair
- persecuted
- BUT NOT abandoned
- struck down
- BUT NOT destroyed
- always carry the death of Jesus
- SO THAT the life of Christ may be revealed
- always being given over to death
- SO THAT His life may be revealed
- outwardly wasting away
- inwardly renewed day by day
- light and momentary troubles
- eternal weight of glory
- temporary
- eternal
- seen
- unseen
II Corinthians 4:18, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
If you like starting your day with happy thoughts, reading the Bible may not be your best option
I have often been told that it is good to start your day off with reading the Bible. So this morning I read the book of Judges. How can I put this without being irreverent . . . it sure felt like a lousy way to start my day . . .
The 12 tribes of Israel have settled in the promised land. Their leader Joshua dies in the first couple chapters, and everyone starts doing what is right in their own eyes. The stories in the book are tragic and gruesome. Even the "good heros" that preserve Israel are "bad" people.
Take the popular story of Samson as an example. He is an immoral, arrogant man who when angered takes vengeance by killing hundreds of men at a time--and he is one of the "better" characters. But we have to seriously consider how we are telling this Bible story to kids (and adults) in Sunday school. Samson was a bad man that God used to preserve his chosen people. We should never aspire to be like Samson, but we should cling to the hope that if God can use Samson he can use us too.
The book closes with an awful story that illustrates how vile the 12 tribes had become as they ignored God and did what was right in their own eyes. You finish the book feeling disappointed, dirty, and defeated. What hope can their be? But thankfully Judges is just one act in God's drama. Hope is coming.
So it felt like a lousy way to start my day, but I suppose I would get a similar feeling starting my day reading the morning paper. Political parties slinging mud--murders--wars--rumors or wars--economic depression--corrupt leaders--corrupt political systems. However, one thing that Judges highlights that the newspaper does not is that God is at work through it all. He has given us a free-will to do what is right in our eyes or to do what is right in His eyes. Sadly Judges and the paper generally report on the tragic stories of doing what is right in our eyes, but both leave us longing for someone to come and make it all right. It is fitting that Ruth is the next book.
The 12 tribes of Israel have settled in the promised land. Their leader Joshua dies in the first couple chapters, and everyone starts doing what is right in their own eyes. The stories in the book are tragic and gruesome. Even the "good heros" that preserve Israel are "bad" people.
Take the popular story of Samson as an example. He is an immoral, arrogant man who when angered takes vengeance by killing hundreds of men at a time--and he is one of the "better" characters. But we have to seriously consider how we are telling this Bible story to kids (and adults) in Sunday school. Samson was a bad man that God used to preserve his chosen people. We should never aspire to be like Samson, but we should cling to the hope that if God can use Samson he can use us too.
The book closes with an awful story that illustrates how vile the 12 tribes had become as they ignored God and did what was right in their own eyes. You finish the book feeling disappointed, dirty, and defeated. What hope can their be? But thankfully Judges is just one act in God's drama. Hope is coming.
So it felt like a lousy way to start my day, but I suppose I would get a similar feeling starting my day reading the morning paper. Political parties slinging mud--murders--wars--rumors or wars--economic depression--corrupt leaders--corrupt political systems. However, one thing that Judges highlights that the newspaper does not is that God is at work through it all. He has given us a free-will to do what is right in our eyes or to do what is right in His eyes. Sadly Judges and the paper generally report on the tragic stories of doing what is right in our eyes, but both leave us longing for someone to come and make it all right. It is fitting that Ruth is the next book.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
I believe; help my unbelief
Mark 9:24 captures the struggle that is faith . . . I believe . . . at least I think I believe . . . I want to believe . . . how can I tell if I really believe . . . it is so hard to believe . . .
"I believe; help my unbelief."
In Mark 9 a father brought his demon possessed son to Jesus with the hope that Jesus could make his son well. Jesus' response to the father was, "all things are possible for the one who believes." To which the father responds, "I believe; help my unbelief." Jesus then heals his son.
The father's response resonates with me because it is honest. He doesn't try to fool anyone. His son's life is on the line; if I were him I would of put on a face of total belief--I would have left off those last 3 words. But the father defaults to the path of total transparency--I believe, but honestly there is a little doubt floating around in the back of my head about who you are Jesus, and about how you are going to act in this circumstance; help my unbelief.
At times it can feel like there is very little room for doubt in Christian circles. It can feel like everyone is running on a full tank of faith, and if that is the case you feel like keeping quiet about your quarter tank.
I wish we could all be more like the father in this story. I wish we could be more open about our belief AND our unbelief. I know it's true for me. I know I believe (after all I am a pastor) but the gas gage of faith is not always full. Faith is difficult to understand; it is difficult to exercise; it is difficult to discuss. So with that understanding, lets be honest about the struggle--and like we see in the story, Jesus will work in spite of our unbelief.
"I believe; help my unbelief."
In Mark 9 a father brought his demon possessed son to Jesus with the hope that Jesus could make his son well. Jesus' response to the father was, "all things are possible for the one who believes." To which the father responds, "I believe; help my unbelief." Jesus then heals his son.
The father's response resonates with me because it is honest. He doesn't try to fool anyone. His son's life is on the line; if I were him I would of put on a face of total belief--I would have left off those last 3 words. But the father defaults to the path of total transparency--I believe, but honestly there is a little doubt floating around in the back of my head about who you are Jesus, and about how you are going to act in this circumstance; help my unbelief.
At times it can feel like there is very little room for doubt in Christian circles. It can feel like everyone is running on a full tank of faith, and if that is the case you feel like keeping quiet about your quarter tank.
I wish we could all be more like the father in this story. I wish we could be more open about our belief AND our unbelief. I know it's true for me. I know I believe (after all I am a pastor) but the gas gage of faith is not always full. Faith is difficult to understand; it is difficult to exercise; it is difficult to discuss. So with that understanding, lets be honest about the struggle--and like we see in the story, Jesus will work in spite of our unbelief.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
weakness
I just finished reading I Corinthians from beginning to end in one sitting. Paul instructs the church at Corinth in many different topics ranging from the role of women in church to spiritual gifts to the resurrection of Jesus. But at the beginning and the end of his letter Paul highlights the contrast that defines God's work in this world--In 1:27 he states that God uses the weak to shame the strong, and in 15:43 that what is sown in weakness is raised in power.
God is in the business of using our weaknesses to shame the strong and to demonstrate HIS power.
So as you read through I Corinthians and see the issues present in that church--divisions, sexual immorality, lawsuits, broken marriages, cultural clashes, idolatry, inappropriate use of the Lord's table, misunderstandings about spiritual gifts, disorderly services, etc.--one can't help but wonder if the Corinthian christians felt pretty weak by the end of the letter. I imagine they read it and thought, "wow, we have a lot of work to do!"
As I look at the status of the American church today, I can't help but think, "wow, we have a lot of work to do!" But recognizing our weakness is a good first step, because God is in the business of using our weaknesses to shame the strong and demonstrate HIS power.
As I look at my life, I know that I have a lot of work to do. I know that I am weak, but I also know that my weakness can be raised in power.
God is in the business of using our weaknesses to shame the strong and to demonstrate HIS power.
So as you read through I Corinthians and see the issues present in that church--divisions, sexual immorality, lawsuits, broken marriages, cultural clashes, idolatry, inappropriate use of the Lord's table, misunderstandings about spiritual gifts, disorderly services, etc.--one can't help but wonder if the Corinthian christians felt pretty weak by the end of the letter. I imagine they read it and thought, "wow, we have a lot of work to do!"
As I look at the status of the American church today, I can't help but think, "wow, we have a lot of work to do!" But recognizing our weakness is a good first step, because God is in the business of using our weaknesses to shame the strong and demonstrate HIS power.
As I look at my life, I know that I have a lot of work to do. I know that I am weak, but I also know that my weakness can be raised in power.
Friday, April 27, 2012
what moved Jesus
Mark 1:41, Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him
Mark 3:5, And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart
Mark 6:6, And he marveled because of their unbelief
Mark 6:34, When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd
Mark 8:2, I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now 3 days and have nothing to eat
Pity, anger, grief, marvel, compassion . . .
Mark's gospel is helping me develop a fuller view of Jesus. And if I truly want to be more like Jesus, I have to ask myself:
Am I moved with pity as I observe the sufferings and misfortunes of others?
Do hardened hearts anger and grieve me?
As I see so many lost souls struggling to make sense of this world, does it move me with compassion?
Do I have compassion for the hungry?
Do the things that moved Jesus move me?
Mark 3:5, And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart
Mark 6:6, And he marveled because of their unbelief
Mark 6:34, When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd
Mark 8:2, I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now 3 days and have nothing to eat
Pity, anger, grief, marvel, compassion . . .
Mark's gospel is helping me develop a fuller view of Jesus. And if I truly want to be more like Jesus, I have to ask myself:
Am I moved with pity as I observe the sufferings and misfortunes of others?
Do hardened hearts anger and grieve me?
As I see so many lost souls struggling to make sense of this world, does it move me with compassion?
Do I have compassion for the hungry?
Do the things that moved Jesus move me?
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
God bothers me
Having just finished reading the book of Joshua, I am conflicted . . .
This book contains the story of a faithful God who honors his promises, preserves his people, and does so in awe-inspiring ways.
However;
In order to honor his promises and preserve his people; thousands of men, women, and children are destroyed as God's chosen people take possession of the land of promise.
So on the one hand I am grateful that God clearly keeps his promises: Joshua 21:45, "Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass."
But on the other hand I am bothered that God clearly keeps his promises: Joshua 11:19-20, "There was not a city that made peace with the people of Israel . . . For it was the Lord's doing to harden their hearts that they should come against Israel in battle, in order that they should be devoted to destruction and should receive no mercy but be destroyed, just as the Lord commanded Moses."
But here is what I am learning: God never promised that he would never confuse or confound us. He never promised that we would never be bothered by how he works and moves in the world. Our goal is not to fully understand God, but to fully trust God--fully is the key word. I don't know that I want to serve a god that I can fully understand. I want the awe, the wonder, the divinity, the mystery that comes from a limited understanding. I understand enough of him that I feel confident in placing my full trust in him.
(Disclaimer: I am aware of the Biblical responses to my conflict--God is the creator and holy. Humanity is his creation and stands condemned. We all deserve the destruction that came upon the inhabitants of the land of promise. It is only God's mercy that saves us. Isaiah 55:8-9. etc. BUT IT STILL BOTHERS ME, and that is ok.)
This book contains the story of a faithful God who honors his promises, preserves his people, and does so in awe-inspiring ways.
However;
In order to honor his promises and preserve his people; thousands of men, women, and children are destroyed as God's chosen people take possession of the land of promise.
So on the one hand I am grateful that God clearly keeps his promises: Joshua 21:45, "Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass."
But on the other hand I am bothered that God clearly keeps his promises: Joshua 11:19-20, "There was not a city that made peace with the people of Israel . . . For it was the Lord's doing to harden their hearts that they should come against Israel in battle, in order that they should be devoted to destruction and should receive no mercy but be destroyed, just as the Lord commanded Moses."
But here is what I am learning: God never promised that he would never confuse or confound us. He never promised that we would never be bothered by how he works and moves in the world. Our goal is not to fully understand God, but to fully trust God--fully is the key word. I don't know that I want to serve a god that I can fully understand. I want the awe, the wonder, the divinity, the mystery that comes from a limited understanding. I understand enough of him that I feel confident in placing my full trust in him.
(Disclaimer: I am aware of the Biblical responses to my conflict--God is the creator and holy. Humanity is his creation and stands condemned. We all deserve the destruction that came upon the inhabitants of the land of promise. It is only God's mercy that saves us. Isaiah 55:8-9. etc. BUT IT STILL BOTHERS ME, and that is ok.)
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Psalm 52
Psalm 52
(To our culture, Hollywood, the music industry, and those that buy into their lies.)
1 Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero?
Why do you boast all day long,
you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God?
2 You who practice deceit,
your tongue plots destruction;
it is like a sharpened razor.
3 You love evil rather than good,
falsehood rather than speaking the truth.
4 You love every harmful word,
you deceitful tongue!
(The fate of everyone apart from God's grace)
5 Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin:
He will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent;
he will uproot you from the land of the living.
(Don't forget what it says in Psalm 14:2-3
2 The LORD looks down from heaven
on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.
3 All have turned away, all have become corrupt;
there is no one who does good, not even one.
So the righteousness that the author is about to refer to here is not found in mankind. There is none in humankind that is righteous apart from God's grace.)
6 The righteous will see and fear;
they will laugh at you, saying,
7 “Here now is the man
who did not make God his stronghold
but trusted in his great wealth
and grew strong by destroying others!”
(If trusting in wealth and growing strong by destroying others is the description of the one who will be brought to everlasting ruin (v5), then we Americans had better watch out.)
8 But I am like an olive tree
flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love
for ever and ever.
9 For what you have done I will always praise you
in the presence of your faithful people.
And I will hope in your name,
for your name is good.
(I want verses 8-9 to be true of me. I want to trust in God's unfailing love. I want to praise God with other faithful Christians. I want my hope to be in Him and His goodness.)
(To our culture, Hollywood, the music industry, and those that buy into their lies.)
1 Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero?
Why do you boast all day long,
you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God?
2 You who practice deceit,
your tongue plots destruction;
it is like a sharpened razor.
3 You love evil rather than good,
falsehood rather than speaking the truth.
4 You love every harmful word,
you deceitful tongue!
(The fate of everyone apart from God's grace)
5 Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin:
He will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent;
he will uproot you from the land of the living.
(Don't forget what it says in Psalm 14:2-3
2 The LORD looks down from heaven
on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.
3 All have turned away, all have become corrupt;
there is no one who does good, not even one.
So the righteousness that the author is about to refer to here is not found in mankind. There is none in humankind that is righteous apart from God's grace.)
6 The righteous will see and fear;
they will laugh at you, saying,
7 “Here now is the man
who did not make God his stronghold
but trusted in his great wealth
and grew strong by destroying others!”
(If trusting in wealth and growing strong by destroying others is the description of the one who will be brought to everlasting ruin (v5), then we Americans had better watch out.)
8 But I am like an olive tree
flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love
for ever and ever.
9 For what you have done I will always praise you
in the presence of your faithful people.
And I will hope in your name,
for your name is good.
(I want verses 8-9 to be true of me. I want to trust in God's unfailing love. I want to praise God with other faithful Christians. I want my hope to be in Him and His goodness.)
Monday, April 16, 2012
the kid sitting alone in the cafeteria
I recently finished reading the gospel of Matthew. As I read through the final chapters about Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, I was drawn to this sentence in Matthew 26:56:
"Then all the disciples departed him and fled."
Jesus and his disciples were praying in the garden of Gethsemane, when Judas approached with a large mob to arrest Jesus. After a brief scuffle, Jesus is hauled away and all the disciples fled. . . ALL the disciples fled.
I'm not sure what to do with that little phrase. On the one hand it is comforting that even the people that were physically with Jesus 2000 years ago had moments of weakness and fear--moments when they abandoned God for a safer option. This is a comfort, because God continued to use these disciples in spite of their failures. In just a few pages Jesus will be committing them with the task of spreading his message around the world. So there is still hope for me when I abandon him for something less dangerous.
On the other hand, rather than comforting, this little phrase is severely humbling. If I would have been in the garden I would have abandoned Jesus as well. I abandon him everyday for something easier, safer, or more appealing. As angry as I get at the disciples when I read about this scene in the garden--I should be equally angry at myself. My betrayal is much easier to hide, therefor I do it much more frequently. I recently heard it put this way in a film, it's like Jesus is that kid sitting by himself at an empty table in a crowded cafeteria, and I just keep ignoring him, trying to get an in at the "cool" table.
I think that I need to be humbled more often than I need to be comforted. The more I face the realities of my sinful-self, the more it pushes me into the arms of grace.
"Then all the disciples departed him and fled."
Jesus and his disciples were praying in the garden of Gethsemane, when Judas approached with a large mob to arrest Jesus. After a brief scuffle, Jesus is hauled away and all the disciples fled. . . ALL the disciples fled.
I'm not sure what to do with that little phrase. On the one hand it is comforting that even the people that were physically with Jesus 2000 years ago had moments of weakness and fear--moments when they abandoned God for a safer option. This is a comfort, because God continued to use these disciples in spite of their failures. In just a few pages Jesus will be committing them with the task of spreading his message around the world. So there is still hope for me when I abandon him for something less dangerous.
On the other hand, rather than comforting, this little phrase is severely humbling. If I would have been in the garden I would have abandoned Jesus as well. I abandon him everyday for something easier, safer, or more appealing. As angry as I get at the disciples when I read about this scene in the garden--I should be equally angry at myself. My betrayal is much easier to hide, therefor I do it much more frequently. I recently heard it put this way in a film, it's like Jesus is that kid sitting by himself at an empty table in a crowded cafeteria, and I just keep ignoring him, trying to get an in at the "cool" table.
I think that I need to be humbled more often than I need to be comforted. The more I face the realities of my sinful-self, the more it pushes me into the arms of grace.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Big Chunks
As I mentioned in my last post, I am behind in my Bible reading. In an effort to catch up I recently read through Numbers and Deuteronomy. Prior to starting this long haul of 70 chapters, I was dreading it. Both books recount Israel's time wandering in the dessert listening to the laws of God repeated over and over again. However, once I started into it, I really did enjoy it. It is a little repetitive at times, and it does talk a lot about strange laws and customs that seem irrelevant. But I loved watching the character of Moses develop. I enjoyed immersing myself in a distant time and a peculiar culture. I was enthralled by the story of Balaam. But most of all I was captivated by God--who consistently disturbed me by shattering my preconceived notions of who he was (and is) and how he should act. It is this final point that I would like to focus on.
Deuteronomy 4:31, "For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them."
Deuteronomy 20:16-17, "But in the cities of these peoples that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes, but you shall devote them to complete destruction."
2 strikingly different pictures of God.
The 2 passages listed above are but a microcosm of these 70 chapters (and beyond). I think if I had read through Numbers and Deuteronomy in smaller chunks, I may have stopped on one of these verses and either fell in love with God's mercy or become angry at God's command. As I read through the 2 books I was constantly vacillating between appreciation for God's provision and just plain outrage at God's commands. But the beauty in reading scripture in such large chunks is you gain a better handle on the big picture. You don't get as hung up on the details, but instead you focus on the greater narrative taking place. You see that God is keeping his promises and faithfully protecting and preserving his people.
Honestly at times I don't like how God chooses to protect and preserve, but the greater narrative also illustrates that humanity is created, God is eternal; humanity is weak, God is all-powerful; humanity is sinful, God is holy; humanity is unfaithful, God is faithful; humanity is just that--human, and God is just that--God. So at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter if I like how God chooses to work in humanity, because I am his creation, weak, sinful, unfaithful, and human. He is the creator, all-powerful, holy, faithful, and most importantly God.
Read scripture in big chunks--it helps you focus on the big picture, which is a merciful, holy God keeping his promise to a fickle, sinful people.
Deuteronomy 4:31, "For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them."
Deuteronomy 20:16-17, "But in the cities of these peoples that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes, but you shall devote them to complete destruction."
2 strikingly different pictures of God.
The 2 passages listed above are but a microcosm of these 70 chapters (and beyond). I think if I had read through Numbers and Deuteronomy in smaller chunks, I may have stopped on one of these verses and either fell in love with God's mercy or become angry at God's command. As I read through the 2 books I was constantly vacillating between appreciation for God's provision and just plain outrage at God's commands. But the beauty in reading scripture in such large chunks is you gain a better handle on the big picture. You don't get as hung up on the details, but instead you focus on the greater narrative taking place. You see that God is keeping his promises and faithfully protecting and preserving his people.
Honestly at times I don't like how God chooses to protect and preserve, but the greater narrative also illustrates that humanity is created, God is eternal; humanity is weak, God is all-powerful; humanity is sinful, God is holy; humanity is unfaithful, God is faithful; humanity is just that--human, and God is just that--God. So at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter if I like how God chooses to work in humanity, because I am his creation, weak, sinful, unfaithful, and human. He is the creator, all-powerful, holy, faithful, and most importantly God.
Read scripture in big chunks--it helps you focus on the big picture, which is a merciful, holy God keeping his promise to a fickle, sinful people.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The Quarter Year Crisis
I am about 1/4 of the way into my thru-the-Bible-in-a-year plan, and I have gotten lazy. The first few months I had a routine, and the Bible stories were cool--then Leviticus happened :) First, I got behind in the old testament readings and then in the new testament readings. After almost 3 weeks I was drowning.
I don't have any good excuses. I work at a church and am paid to study the Bible (among other things), so excuses for finding time are difficult to come up with. In fact it is quite humbling and embarrassing to post this to the handful of people that will read it. But my hope is that perhaps someone else out there is having a quarter year crisis with their New Year's resolution, and perhaps we can both overcome.
I have not given up. I have read through both Numbers and Deuteronomy in the last couple days. I am not going to fail at this, and the reason is not necessarily spiritual--in fact it may be downright sinful--my pride. You see I am a part of this group at my church and we are all reading the Bible together and discussing it week by week. I have not been able to participate over the last few weeks, and I think they are assuming that I am still on track with them, so my pride is forcing me to get back on track before we meet again. Perhaps its not pride . . . perhaps it is the power of community . . . whatever it is I am signing off to start reading a big chunk of the gospels, and I think that is a pretty good thing.
Regular posting will commence again soon . . .
I don't have any good excuses. I work at a church and am paid to study the Bible (among other things), so excuses for finding time are difficult to come up with. In fact it is quite humbling and embarrassing to post this to the handful of people that will read it. But my hope is that perhaps someone else out there is having a quarter year crisis with their New Year's resolution, and perhaps we can both overcome.
I have not given up. I have read through both Numbers and Deuteronomy in the last couple days. I am not going to fail at this, and the reason is not necessarily spiritual--in fact it may be downright sinful--my pride. You see I am a part of this group at my church and we are all reading the Bible together and discussing it week by week. I have not been able to participate over the last few weeks, and I think they are assuming that I am still on track with them, so my pride is forcing me to get back on track before we meet again. Perhaps its not pride . . . perhaps it is the power of community . . . whatever it is I am signing off to start reading a big chunk of the gospels, and I think that is a pretty good thing.
Regular posting will commence again soon . . .
Thursday, March 15, 2012
God's Orchestra
Romans 6:13, "Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness."
Offer the parts of your body to God as instruments for righteousness . . . I really like the imagery expressed by the apostle Paul here. I like imagining God up in Heaven conducting an enormous orchestra. The music of millions of horns, woodwinds, drums etc. all blending together to make the most beautiful music you could ever imagine. I like imagining my hands, feet, mouth, mind, etc being used as instruments in God's orchestra. He takes the parts of my body and fits them into his orchestra as instruments--each one making sweet-sounding music, but each one undistinguishable amongst the magnificent surge of music coming from the great orchestra of God. His symphony tells the tells the marvelous redemption story.
May my instruments be used by him today.
Offer the parts of your body to God as instruments for righteousness . . . I really like the imagery expressed by the apostle Paul here. I like imagining God up in Heaven conducting an enormous orchestra. The music of millions of horns, woodwinds, drums etc. all blending together to make the most beautiful music you could ever imagine. I like imagining my hands, feet, mouth, mind, etc being used as instruments in God's orchestra. He takes the parts of my body and fits them into his orchestra as instruments--each one making sweet-sounding music, but each one undistinguishable amongst the magnificent surge of music coming from the great orchestra of God. His symphony tells the tells the marvelous redemption story.
May my instruments be used by him today.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
dirty dishes
Few things upset me like pouring a glass of water into a cup that looks clean only to find the inside of the cup was dirty. You get the little floaties, or you see something crusted to the inside of the cup. Well, it is comforting to know that Jesus hates this type of thing as well. In Matthew 21-24 Jesus rails against the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. He calls the snakes, blind fools, and hypocrites. He calls them out on their lack of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He even compares them to a cup that is clean on the outside, but inside is filthy with greed and self-indulgence on the inside. . . .
Throughout the book of Matthew, Jesus has consistently reached out to the non-religious people--white collar thieves and prostitutes, blue collar laborers and lepers. Jesus seems to want to meet people where they are. If where they are is neck deep in sin, then Jesus offers them a better way. If, however, they are neck deep in sin and pretending to be Godly, then Jesus seems to have very little patience for them--especially if they are in a role of spiritual leadership.
We all need to stop playing games. Be who you are. If you are a dirty cup--fine. Stay in the sink to be cleaned. If you are a clean dish--fine. Get it in the cupboard to be used. But don't be the cup that is pretending to be one thing when they are really the other--nobody likes drinking out of a cup they think is clean only to find out it's dirty.
Throughout the book of Matthew, Jesus has consistently reached out to the non-religious people--white collar thieves and prostitutes, blue collar laborers and lepers. Jesus seems to want to meet people where they are. If where they are is neck deep in sin, then Jesus offers them a better way. If, however, they are neck deep in sin and pretending to be Godly, then Jesus seems to have very little patience for them--especially if they are in a role of spiritual leadership.
We all need to stop playing games. Be who you are. If you are a dirty cup--fine. Stay in the sink to be cleaned. If you are a clean dish--fine. Get it in the cupboard to be used. But don't be the cup that is pretending to be one thing when they are really the other--nobody likes drinking out of a cup they think is clean only to find out it's dirty.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Restore to me the joy of your salvation . . . but why?
Psalm 51:12, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit." This is a verse that I have had memorized for a long time. I would always think of it when I was feeling discouraged or disappointed about my faith. The hope was that my joy would return so that I wouldn't be down in the dumps, because being down in the dumps is a drag. I would much prefer to be happy.
But this morning I read Psalm 51:13 as well. It says, "Then I will teach transgressors your ways and sinners will return to you." It sounds to me like the Psalmist wants his joy to return, not so he can he can have personal happiness in his soul, but so that he can better share the gospel.
If I am not careful my faith can become very self-centered. It's all about me feeling good, so that I can feel good. These verses remind me that my ultimate purpose is not to make myself feel good, but to help others connect to God. Both perspectives require restored joy, but for very different purposes.
But this morning I read Psalm 51:13 as well. It says, "Then I will teach transgressors your ways and sinners will return to you." It sounds to me like the Psalmist wants his joy to return, not so he can he can have personal happiness in his soul, but so that he can better share the gospel.
If I am not careful my faith can become very self-centered. It's all about me feeling good, so that I can feel good. These verses remind me that my ultimate purpose is not to make myself feel good, but to help others connect to God. Both perspectives require restored joy, but for very different purposes.
Friday, March 9, 2012
the road to rome
I just finished Acts and started on Romans--talk about a change in gears, I am dealing with a little whiplash. But I was struck by how Paul opens up his letter to the Romans by telling them how he has always longed to be with them. Having just finished the book of Acts, and seeing that he finally makes it to Rome is neat. God gave Paul the desires of his heart, but you have to wonder if Paul saw it that way as he sat in jail and trials for years in the process of getting to Rome.
Back in Acts 21:11-14, Paul is warned that if he continues to Jerusalem he will be arrested. Paul hears their warning and boldly says, "I am ready to not only be imprisoned but even die . . . let the will of the Lord be done." The rest of the book is about Paul going from one trial to the next until it ends with him in Rome. The last verse of Acts is 28:31, (he lived in Rome) "proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance."
Paul always wanted to be with the Romans, and God made a way for him to finish out his life in Rome sharing the gospel with all boldness and without hindrance. The only catch is, he had to go through years of jail and trials before he got there.
I enjoy seeing how God worked everything out in Paul's life. It gives me some comfort that God is working things out in my life as well.
I am challenged by how Paul served God regardless of the circumstance--being in jail or free, shipwrecked on an island or standing before a judge, in Rome or in Jerusalem. May I do the same.
Back in Acts 21:11-14, Paul is warned that if he continues to Jerusalem he will be arrested. Paul hears their warning and boldly says, "I am ready to not only be imprisoned but even die . . . let the will of the Lord be done." The rest of the book is about Paul going from one trial to the next until it ends with him in Rome. The last verse of Acts is 28:31, (he lived in Rome) "proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance."
Paul always wanted to be with the Romans, and God made a way for him to finish out his life in Rome sharing the gospel with all boldness and without hindrance. The only catch is, he had to go through years of jail and trials before he got there.
I enjoy seeing how God worked everything out in Paul's life. It gives me some comfort that God is working things out in my life as well.
I am challenged by how Paul served God regardless of the circumstance--being in jail or free, shipwrecked on an island or standing before a judge, in Rome or in Jerusalem. May I do the same.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
I'm clean
Leviticus 13:40
"When a man has lost his hair and is bald, he is clean."
Good to know.
This is only one of countless rules, regulations, etc. that is listed in Leviticus. I am honest enough to admit that pushing my way through the book of Leviticus is a chore. If it does nothing else, it makes me long for and appreciate the stories and instruction that fill the rest of the Bible. And maybe that is partly the purpose of Leviticus--to drowned us in rules until we scream "enough already! there has got to be a better way!" Because I believe there is . . .
"When a man has lost his hair and is bald, he is clean."
Good to know.
This is only one of countless rules, regulations, etc. that is listed in Leviticus. I am honest enough to admit that pushing my way through the book of Leviticus is a chore. If it does nothing else, it makes me long for and appreciate the stories and instruction that fill the rest of the Bible. And maybe that is partly the purpose of Leviticus--to drowned us in rules until we scream "enough already! there has got to be a better way!" Because I believe there is . . .
Sunday, March 4, 2012
that all may become what I am
In Acts 25-27 Paul continues to stand trial, this time before King Agrippa. Chapter 26 is Paul telling his story of conversion to Christianity at Agrippa's request. At the end of his story, King Agrippa says to Paul, "'Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?' Paul replied, "'Short time or long--I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.'"
I love Paul's response. He is polite, but honest--passionate but not pushy.
If you have something wonderful, naturally you want everyone to have it.
I loose sight of that at times, and I need Paul to remind me.
I love Paul's response. He is polite, but honest--passionate but not pushy.
If you have something wonderful, naturally you want everyone to have it.
I loose sight of that at times, and I need Paul to remind me.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
more than words . . . I hope
Matthew 18-20 is loaded with good stuff, but I will pick just one nugget to highlight. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Matthew 20:28, "even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
If anyone ever deserved to be served it would be Jesus. The king chooses to give it all up to serve those in his kingdom. He steps down from his throne and puts on poor mens clothes. He has no home in which to sleep, and spends his days serving those around him.
If a life defined by serving others was good enough for Jesus, then it is good enough for me.
While this sounds good and I like to say it . . . to live a life of serving others is humbling, inconvenient, uncomfortable, difficult, painful, and the list could go on and on. Jesus' life ended when he sacrificed his life in the greatest act of service imaginable. His death paid the ransom that freed our souls.
May I do more today than merely talk about a life of service . . .
If anyone ever deserved to be served it would be Jesus. The king chooses to give it all up to serve those in his kingdom. He steps down from his throne and puts on poor mens clothes. He has no home in which to sleep, and spends his days serving those around him.
If a life defined by serving others was good enough for Jesus, then it is good enough for me.
While this sounds good and I like to say it . . . to live a life of serving others is humbling, inconvenient, uncomfortable, difficult, painful, and the list could go on and on. Jesus' life ended when he sacrificed his life in the greatest act of service imaginable. His death paid the ransom that freed our souls.
May I do more today than merely talk about a life of service . . .
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
the good old days
As I read through Psalms 35-45 I am struck by the similarities between the authors of the Psalms and myself.
Take Psalm 44 as an example:
Psalm 44:1
"O God, we have heard with our ears,
our fathers have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days,
in the days of old:"
We both grew up hearing stories of God's faithfulness in "the days of old."
We both grew up hearing about how God saved Noah's family from the flood. Stories of God parting the Red Sea so the Israelites could walk through on dry land. Stories of how God made the walls of Jericho go tumbling down.
Psalm 44:9
"But you have rejected and disgraced us . . ."
We both are disappointed at times with how God is working in the present.
It's like we both grew up listening to God's Greatest Hits, and we want him to show up for us in the same way. We feel rejected because God hasn't come through for us like we want.
Psalm 44:26
"Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!"
We both cling to our hope in God's redemption.
At the end of the day both the Psalmist and myself know of nothing else to do other than turn to God with hope in his redemption. We both believe in his steadfast love, and trust that he will remain steadfast to us.
Take Psalm 44 as an example:
Psalm 44:1
"O God, we have heard with our ears,
our fathers have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days,
in the days of old:"
We both grew up hearing stories of God's faithfulness in "the days of old."
We both grew up hearing about how God saved Noah's family from the flood. Stories of God parting the Red Sea so the Israelites could walk through on dry land. Stories of how God made the walls of Jericho go tumbling down.
Psalm 44:9
"But you have rejected and disgraced us . . ."
We both are disappointed at times with how God is working in the present.
It's like we both grew up listening to God's Greatest Hits, and we want him to show up for us in the same way. We feel rejected because God hasn't come through for us like we want.
Psalm 44:26
"Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!"
We both cling to our hope in God's redemption.
At the end of the day both the Psalmist and myself know of nothing else to do other than turn to God with hope in his redemption. We both believe in his steadfast love, and trust that he will remain steadfast to us.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Paul gets punched in the face
Throughout Acts 21-24 the apostle Paul is either in jail or on trial. My favorite moment happens as Paul stands before the Jewish religious leaders and the High Priest orders him to be punched in the face. So how does Paul respond? Does he check his WWJD bracelet and stand there calmly? Does he look his striker in the face and humbly say, "I forgive you"? . . . No. He lifts his head up (in the style of Clint Eastwood) and says, "God is going to strike you, you hypocrite! By hitting me you break the very law that you claim to be enforcing!" (my paraphrase)
So often Christians are expected to be meek and mild pacifists who constantly turn the other cheek and get pushed around and taken advantage of. But thank God for Paul. He models for us a different version of Christianity. A Christianity that stands for something and won't be taken advantage of. A Christianity that stands up for truth and calls out hypocrisy. A Christianity that is fearless, brave, and most importantly tough.
God bless the pacifists, and obviously there are situations in which the Christian thing to do is to turn the other cheek. However, as Paul demonstrates for us here there are times in which the Christian thing to do is look your attacker in the eye and fearlessly call them out for the corrupt coward that they are. Sign me up for Paul's version of Christianity.
Friday, February 24, 2012
I didn't wash my hands today
I like to apply my Bible reading to my life, so before I sat down to my grilled cheese and cheesy broccoli soup this afternoon, I intentionally did not wash my hands (nor did I wash them before preparing my delicious little feast). You see, I read Matthew 15-17 this morning and in chapter 15 the religious leaders said to Jesus, "why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands when they eat?" And Jesus basically tells the religious leaders that they are hypocrites because they are more concerned with their religious traditions than with honoring God with their hearts. Jesus says that what goes in your mouth is not what defiles people, but rather it is what comes out of your mouth that defiles people. He said that out of the overflow of your heart your mouth speaks, and that the religious leaders ought to be a little more concerned about the self-righteous, judgmental garbage that was spewing out of their mouths, and a little less concerned about the dirty hands going into the disciples' mouths.
So I figure if non-handwashing is good enough for Peter, James, and John; then it is good enough for me. I hate washing my hands anyways--it is such a drag.
Perhaps that's not the primary application of this teaching of Jesus. Perhaps the primary application is that Jesus' primary concern is not with our physical actions and not even our words--his primary concern is the condition of our heart.
I once heard the story of a foul mouthed coach who went to his pastor for help. He told his pastor that he had a cussing problem. The pastor replied, you don't have a cussing problem. You've got a heart problem.
So I figure if non-handwashing is good enough for Peter, James, and John; then it is good enough for me. I hate washing my hands anyways--it is such a drag.
Perhaps that's not the primary application of this teaching of Jesus. Perhaps the primary application is that Jesus' primary concern is not with our physical actions and not even our words--his primary concern is the condition of our heart.
I once heard the story of a foul mouthed coach who went to his pastor for help. He told his pastor that he had a cussing problem. The pastor replied, you don't have a cussing problem. You've got a heart problem.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
A few observations from Exodus and Leviticus
I got a little behind in my Bible reading plan, and so I just finished reading from Exodus 16-Leviticus 7. wow. I'll lay it out here in a broad brush stroke:
Twice the Israelites complain-->Twice God provides-->God wins a battle--> God descends in a cloud-->10 commandments-->LOTS of details on laws, sacrifices, and how to build the Tabernacle (God's dwelling)--> Israelites start worshipping a gold cow-->God destroys many Israelites--> laws and sacrifices renewed-->Israelites build the Tabernacle-->more regulations for sacrifices.
A few observations:
God is holy.
The majority of the verses in this section are focused on the special way they are expected to live in light of the fact that God is in their midst. I'm not going to lie--these verses initially strike me as dry, antiquated, and confusing; but they clearly communicate that God is not to be dealt with flippantly.
God is faithful and forgiving.
Twice in this section the Israelites complain and twice God meets their need. Right after that God descends on a mountain in a breathtaking scene witnessed by everyone, but within a short time everyone (except Moses and Joshua) has decided to forget God. They go to Aaron and together they build an idol and begin worshipping it through all kinds of pagan rituals. God judges them, forgives them and continues to be faithful to them (bread from heaven every day for 40 years and His presence in a cloud guiding them throughout their journey). Aaron and his sons go on to become the high priests of Israel.
God hates idolatry.
The first 2 commandments are "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make for thyself any idol" (I paraphrased from memory and weaved in some good old King James language). When the Israelites made the golden calf idol, God's judgment on them is severe, Ex 32:27.
A few applications:
God is holy. May I not deal with him flippantly.
God is faithful and forgiving. May I extend the same faithfulness and forgiveness to others that God in Jesus has shown me.
God hates idolatry. May I carefully and intentionally prioritize my life so that God is at the center and nothing else.
(as a side note--the Tabernacle was a seriously bloody place and the priests were more like modern day butchers than modern day pastors)
Twice the Israelites complain-->Twice God provides-->God wins a battle--> God descends in a cloud-->10 commandments-->LOTS of details on laws, sacrifices, and how to build the Tabernacle (God's dwelling)--> Israelites start worshipping a gold cow-->God destroys many Israelites--> laws and sacrifices renewed-->Israelites build the Tabernacle-->more regulations for sacrifices.
A few observations:
God is holy.
The majority of the verses in this section are focused on the special way they are expected to live in light of the fact that God is in their midst. I'm not going to lie--these verses initially strike me as dry, antiquated, and confusing; but they clearly communicate that God is not to be dealt with flippantly.
God is faithful and forgiving.
Twice in this section the Israelites complain and twice God meets their need. Right after that God descends on a mountain in a breathtaking scene witnessed by everyone, but within a short time everyone (except Moses and Joshua) has decided to forget God. They go to Aaron and together they build an idol and begin worshipping it through all kinds of pagan rituals. God judges them, forgives them and continues to be faithful to them (bread from heaven every day for 40 years and His presence in a cloud guiding them throughout their journey). Aaron and his sons go on to become the high priests of Israel.
God hates idolatry.
The first 2 commandments are "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make for thyself any idol" (I paraphrased from memory and weaved in some good old King James language). When the Israelites made the golden calf idol, God's judgment on them is severe, Ex 32:27.
A few applications:
God is holy. May I not deal with him flippantly.
God is faithful and forgiving. May I extend the same faithfulness and forgiveness to others that God in Jesus has shown me.
God hates idolatry. May I carefully and intentionally prioritize my life so that God is at the center and nothing else.
(as a side note--the Tabernacle was a seriously bloody place and the priests were more like modern day butchers than modern day pastors)
Thursday, February 16, 2012
the shining (this is not a movie review)
As I read through Psalm 29-34 this morning, two verses jumped off the page and locked arms together.
Psalm 31:16
Make your face shine on your servant
Psalm 34:5
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed
In the Gospels Jesus tells his followers to be lights in a dark world, and these two verses from the Psalms speak beautifully to how it is that we shine as lights . . . We reflect the light that shines from the face of God. If we choose not to look to God, our faces blend in with all the other faces in this world--faces characterized by shame. BUT if we look to God, we will never be ashamed. Instead our faces will reflect the radiant light from His face, and we will shine brightly in a dark world.
May I look to God today and reflect His radiant light.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
bored to death
Acts 18-20 continues the account of Paul's missionary activity. In 20:7-12 we have the story of Paul preaching into the late hours of the night in a third story room when a young man sitting by a window falls asleep, falls out the window, and dies . . . Paul rushes downstairs and restores his life.
I love this story. Not even the great apostle Paul can keep everyone awake during a sermon. Stories like this one bring some humanity, humor, and bizarreness to otherwise seemingly hyper-spiritual characters.
While it is unhealthy to compare myself to other people, especially the apostle Paul, at times as I read about his incredible witness for Christ I can't help but think, I wish I could be more like Paul. And then I read this little nugget and it grounds me. At times Paul bored his audience to death. Maybe I should focus on being me and let Paul be Paul. I certainly don't want to bore people to death (especially since I seriously doubt I could bring them back to life).
May I not take myself too seriously, and embrace the bizarre moments that arise in a life of following Christ.
I love this story. Not even the great apostle Paul can keep everyone awake during a sermon. Stories like this one bring some humanity, humor, and bizarreness to otherwise seemingly hyper-spiritual characters.
While it is unhealthy to compare myself to other people, especially the apostle Paul, at times as I read about his incredible witness for Christ I can't help but think, I wish I could be more like Paul. And then I read this little nugget and it grounds me. At times Paul bored his audience to death. Maybe I should focus on being me and let Paul be Paul. I certainly don't want to bore people to death (especially since I seriously doubt I could bring them back to life).
May I not take myself too seriously, and embrace the bizarre moments that arise in a life of following Christ.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
this people's heart has grown dull
As I read through The Gospel of Matthew I continue to see a progression presented by Matthew:
prep1-4-->teaching5-7-->miracles8-9-->resistance10-12-->parables13-14
In chapter 12 the religious leaders attributed Jesus' miracles to Satan, and in chapter 13 Jesus changes up his style and switches to teaching in parables. The disciples seem concerned by this change and ask Jesus why he would speak in such a confusing way, and Jesus answers, "because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand." Then he quotes the prophet Isaiah, "You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. For this people's heart has grown dull . . . " It seems like Jesus is saying that because their hearts have grown dull, I will speak in a such a way that the true message evades them.
I am not sure what to do with this concept . . . along with the disciples I question Jesus' strategy. But God never has and never will need my approval for his dealings with humanity. I suppose my take away from this section is: may my heart never grow dull.
prep1-4-->teaching5-7-->miracles8-9-->resistance10-12-->parables13-14
In chapter 12 the religious leaders attributed Jesus' miracles to Satan, and in chapter 13 Jesus changes up his style and switches to teaching in parables. The disciples seem concerned by this change and ask Jesus why he would speak in such a confusing way, and Jesus answers, "because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand." Then he quotes the prophet Isaiah, "You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. For this people's heart has grown dull . . . " It seems like Jesus is saying that because their hearts have grown dull, I will speak in a such a way that the true message evades them.
I am not sure what to do with this concept . . . along with the disciples I question Jesus' strategy. But God never has and never will need my approval for his dealings with humanity. I suppose my take away from this section is: may my heart never grow dull.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
The power of relationships
Exodus 1-15 is the story of the Israelites' slide into slavery and subsequent exodus through the leadership of Moses. These chapters paint a beautiful picture of God's salvation. However, if I had to pick one verse from these chapters that stood out to me it would be Exodus 1:8, "Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph." This verse bridges the gap between the book of Genesis and the book of Exodus. It explains how the Israelites transitioned from a people favored by one Pharaoh, yet abused by another. It demonstrates the power of a relationship.
In our life time we may never realize the powerful way God is using our relationships, but God used Joseph's relationship with the kings of Egypt to preserve His chosen people. Perhaps God is using the relationships in your life and mine in powerful ways that we could never imagine.
May I begin to understand and appreciate the powerful ways that God can use the relationships in my life.
In our life time we may never realize the powerful way God is using our relationships, but God used Joseph's relationship with the kings of Egypt to preserve His chosen people. Perhaps God is using the relationships in your life and mine in powerful ways that we could never imagine.
May I begin to understand and appreciate the powerful ways that God can use the relationships in my life.
Friday, February 10, 2012
I am still confident of this . . .
Headlines from cnn.com this morning:
"Men, women children trapped in Syria.
In Homs, snipers line the streets, cornering civilians who fear death and starvation."
"Woman trampled at Occupy DC face-off"
"Accuser pleads guilty to child sex"
"Why new huge famine looms in Africa"
Psalm 27:13-14
I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
"Driver whisks 6 students off N.C. bus before it bursts into flames."
I am still confident . . .
"Men, women children trapped in Syria.
In Homs, snipers line the streets, cornering civilians who fear death and starvation."
"Woman trampled at Occupy DC face-off"
"Accuser pleads guilty to child sex"
"Why new huge famine looms in Africa"
Psalm 27:13-14
I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
"Driver whisks 6 students off N.C. bus before it bursts into flames."
I am still confident . . .
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
What must I do to be saved
As I work my way through the book of Acts, I pause today on chapter 16:30-31, ". . . 'What must I do to be saved?' and they said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved . . .'"
The Bible is full of ancient stories that can be hard to relate, poetry that is hard understand, and teachings that can be confusing and complicated. But, every now and then the Bible gives us a moment of beautiful simplicity and clarity. Acts 16:30-31 is one such moment. My natural inclination is to take this straightforward answer "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved" and place it in the larger context of what it means to be a Christian and how you experience salvation. There are a tremendous amount of healthy debates swirling around the blogosphere regarding salvation. We will forever try to wrap our human minds around the ways of our holy God, and I'm not implying that we should stop. I think we must continue to send our roots down deeper and deeper into our faith through careful Bible study and debate. However, let us always return to this beautiful moment in Acts 16, when a desperate man approaches a Christian and says, "What must I do to be saved?" and the Christian's answer rings with clarity and simple truth.
May I never lose sight of the extraordinary accessibility that God has offered to humanity through faith in Jesus.
The Bible is full of ancient stories that can be hard to relate, poetry that is hard understand, and teachings that can be confusing and complicated. But, every now and then the Bible gives us a moment of beautiful simplicity and clarity. Acts 16:30-31 is one such moment. My natural inclination is to take this straightforward answer "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved" and place it in the larger context of what it means to be a Christian and how you experience salvation. There are a tremendous amount of healthy debates swirling around the blogosphere regarding salvation. We will forever try to wrap our human minds around the ways of our holy God, and I'm not implying that we should stop. I think we must continue to send our roots down deeper and deeper into our faith through careful Bible study and debate. However, let us always return to this beautiful moment in Acts 16, when a desperate man approaches a Christian and says, "What must I do to be saved?" and the Christian's answer rings with clarity and simple truth.
May I never lose sight of the extraordinary accessibility that God has offered to humanity through faith in Jesus.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The Resistance
Matthew 1-4 Jesus' prep for ministry
Matthew 5-7 Jesus' teaching
Matthew 8-9 Jesus' miracles
Matthew 10-12 THE RESISTANCE
Matthew continues to unfold a more and more complex picture of Jesus and his time on Earth. Chapters 10-12 of Matthew seem to all be focused on the resistance that Jesus and his followers experienced. This is a new dimension to his ministry, and Jesus doesn't mince any words with his opposition. His language in this section is bold and uncomfortable. He tells his followers of the rejection they will encounter, he curses cities for their unbelief, and he calls the pharisees a brood of vipers. The author seems to be illustrating that not everyone liked Jesus, and that he and his followers faced strong resistance.
In Matthew 12:15 Jesus has so upset the religious leaders that they are now plotting to kill him. So the text says, "Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him and he healed all who were ill." I think it is worth noting that in light of all the resistance, Jesus never lost his compassion for the sick and hurting. I love how it says that he healed ALL who were ill. It is almost as if the resistance from the religious elite only served to fuel his compassion even more for the marginalized masses.
As I follow Jesus I too will experience resistance. May it fuel my compassion for those in need.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Chariots and Horses
Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."
I imagine David wrote this line in the context of battle. I imagine that he is outnumbered, and his opponents are charging down on him in their chariots. He is rallying his band of mighty men and he shouts out, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God!"
Now the trick to this rallying cry working is genuine and total trust, because if you are on his team and you hear that you may be inclined to want to join the chariots and horses team. It seems much more logical to trust in chariots and horses than in someone's name . . .
I think this verse of the Bible reads well to Christians and non-Christians alike. The non-Christians are proud to trust in the proven methods of safety and security. The Christians (hopefully) are proud to trust in the proven One. All we can do is wait and see how the battle of this life turns out. . . .
I imagine David wrote this line in the context of battle. I imagine that he is outnumbered, and his opponents are charging down on him in their chariots. He is rallying his band of mighty men and he shouts out, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God!"
Now the trick to this rallying cry working is genuine and total trust, because if you are on his team and you hear that you may be inclined to want to join the chariots and horses team. It seems much more logical to trust in chariots and horses than in someone's name . . .
I think this verse of the Bible reads well to Christians and non-Christians alike. The non-Christians are proud to trust in the proven methods of safety and security. The Christians (hopefully) are proud to trust in the proven One. All we can do is wait and see how the battle of this life turns out. . . .
Friday, February 3, 2012
Acts 11-14--Stories of Courage
I don't feel like the reputation of Christians today is one of courage and bravery. But it ought to be. The first Christians embraced a life of risk and faith, and the book of Acts is full of their inspiring stories. These first Christians (Stephen, Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and countless others) were so moved by the message and mission of Jesus that they stopped at nothing to spread that message and share in that mission.
One of the clearest illustrations of this courage is in Acts 14. Paul is sharing the gospel with the people of Lystra when the crowd turns on him, and he is dragged out of the city and stoned--seemingly to death. But Paul recovers only to return to Lystra to strengthen the faith of the believers there. To re-enter Lystra is a suicide mission, but Paul lives his life of the edge. He stares danger in the face and lives to tell the story.
May I live as Paul did--so focused on the message and mission of Jesus that one day my life will tell a great story of courage as well.
One of the clearest illustrations of this courage is in Acts 14. Paul is sharing the gospel with the people of Lystra when the crowd turns on him, and he is dragged out of the city and stoned--seemingly to death. But Paul recovers only to return to Lystra to strengthen the faith of the believers there. To re-enter Lystra is a suicide mission, but Paul lives his life of the edge. He stares danger in the face and lives to tell the story.
May I live as Paul did--so focused on the message and mission of Jesus that one day my life will tell a great story of courage as well.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The Compassion of Jesus
As I am reading through The Gospel of Matthew I see a pattern in the beginning chapters. In 1-4 the preparation for ministry -- In 5-7 the teaching ministry -- In 8-9 the miraculous ministry. In chapters 8-9 Jesus heals the sick, raises the dead, controls nature, casts out demons, and forgives sins. He heals some by touching them, others by being touched, and others simply by his words. Some are healed because of their faith, others because of the faith of friends, and others there is no mention of faith at all. These chapters play like a highlight reel of Jesus' miracles on earth, and I think 9:36 provides a good summary, "When He saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless like sheep with out a shepherd."
When I look out at crowds of people I typically see "wealthy / poor / religious / secular / attractive / unattractive / cool / loser / sick / healthy / etc." Do I see more variety than Jesus did, or am I merely seeing the masks that people wear? I think when Jesus looked out on the crowds he saw people's hearts--he saw through their mask to their core. He saw past the designer suite to the helpless soul inside; past the dirty, worn clothes to the harassed inner spirit.
All I can see are the masks, but I trust that the souls of humanity haven't changed much since Jesus' time. I believe that just as many people are harassed and helpless today, but do I share in Jesus' compassion? The next verse is 9:37, "the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." If I share in His compassion, then I will labor alongside Him and bring hope to the harassed and helpless.
May compassion motivate me to labor with Him in the harvest.
When I look out at crowds of people I typically see "wealthy / poor / religious / secular / attractive / unattractive / cool / loser / sick / healthy / etc." Do I see more variety than Jesus did, or am I merely seeing the masks that people wear? I think when Jesus looked out on the crowds he saw people's hearts--he saw through their mask to their core. He saw past the designer suite to the helpless soul inside; past the dirty, worn clothes to the harassed inner spirit.
All I can see are the masks, but I trust that the souls of humanity haven't changed much since Jesus' time. I believe that just as many people are harassed and helpless today, but do I share in Jesus' compassion? The next verse is 9:37, "the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." If I share in His compassion, then I will labor alongside Him and bring hope to the harassed and helpless.
May compassion motivate me to labor with Him in the harvest.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Genesis 37-50 The Story of Joseph
Genesis 37-50 tells the story of the life of Joseph--one of the greatest stories in the Bible. Two themes jump out at me from the story. One is the faithfulness of God. The story is told from the third person perspective, so we get to see how God is using all the injustices of Joseph's life to honor his promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The other theme is the faithfulness of Joseph. Regardless of what happens to Joseph he consistently responds with renewed faith in God, whether it's being sold into slavery, being falsely imprisoned, or being lied to--he never loses his faith. God is faithful. Joseph is faithful.
Joseph didn't have the privilege of of reading the story of his life. He simply had to wake up each day and choose to believe that God would work all things out for his good and God's glory. I hope my life will be as inspiring of a story as Joseph's, but I suppose all I can do is wake up each day and choose to believe that God will work all things out for my good and His glory.
Joseph didn't have the privilege of of reading the story of his life. He simply had to wake up each day and choose to believe that God would work all things out for his good and God's glory. I hope my life will be as inspiring of a story as Joseph's, but I suppose all I can do is wake up each day and choose to believe that God will work all things out for my good and His glory.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Psalm 13
1 How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
As David opens this Psalm he is feeling abandoned by God, but by the end he is focused on God's goodness. How does he get there? He goes from feelings of abandonment, to calling out to God for help, and finally to remembering his faith in God's steadfast love. It is almost like he is saying, life sucks right now. Help me. But regardless I have decided to trust in God. He has always been good to me. In the midst of the hard times he remembers his faith and chooses hope rather than despair. In the present he does not sense God's presence nor help, but he remembers it in the past and he hopes for it again in the future. Often in life our troubles pile up and we lose site of God. We ask for his help. We get no answer. David models for us the proper response in those times. Lean heavy on your faith--choose hope--and remember God's past goodness.
Like David, may I get through my worst of times based on my past decision of faith, my future hope in salvation, and my present remembrance of past blessing.
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
As David opens this Psalm he is feeling abandoned by God, but by the end he is focused on God's goodness. How does he get there? He goes from feelings of abandonment, to calling out to God for help, and finally to remembering his faith in God's steadfast love. It is almost like he is saying, life sucks right now. Help me. But regardless I have decided to trust in God. He has always been good to me. In the midst of the hard times he remembers his faith and chooses hope rather than despair. In the present he does not sense God's presence nor help, but he remembers it in the past and he hopes for it again in the future. Often in life our troubles pile up and we lose site of God. We ask for his help. We get no answer. David models for us the proper response in those times. Lean heavy on your faith--choose hope--and remember God's past goodness.
Like David, may I get through my worst of times based on my past decision of faith, my future hope in salvation, and my present remembrance of past blessing.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Acts 8-10
Acts 8-10 continues to cover the spread of the gospel and includes Saul's conversion as well as Peter's encounter with Cornelius. In chapter 10 Peter shares the good news of Jesus with Cornelius. Peter summarizes his message in 10:42-43, "he (Jesus) is the one appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." Peter presents Jesus as the judge, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the forgiver of sins.
I rarely summarize Jesus in that way--judge, fulfiller, and forgiver. When sharing the gospel I often testify to his fulfillment of prophecy and his forgiveness of sins, but his judging of the living and the dead I usually leave for a later discussion. But I think the beauty of Peter's synopsis is it casts Jesus in the light of the entirety of scripture. The beginning of the Bible is full of the prophets bearing witness--then He comes and forgives sin on the cross--and then at the end of the Bible He judges the living and the dead. For much of the Bible Jesus' coming is promised. He came and forgave. He is coming back, and when he does he will judge the living and the dead.
May I follow in Peter's example and present a fuller picture of who Jesus is.
I rarely summarize Jesus in that way--judge, fulfiller, and forgiver. When sharing the gospel I often testify to his fulfillment of prophecy and his forgiveness of sins, but his judging of the living and the dead I usually leave for a later discussion. But I think the beauty of Peter's synopsis is it casts Jesus in the light of the entirety of scripture. The beginning of the Bible is full of the prophets bearing witness--then He comes and forgives sin on the cross--and then at the end of the Bible He judges the living and the dead. For much of the Bible Jesus' coming is promised. He came and forgave. He is coming back, and when he does he will judge the living and the dead.
May I follow in Peter's example and present a fuller picture of who Jesus is.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Matthew 6-7
Matthew 6-7 is a continuation of the sermon on the mount. These chapters are chocked full of insight for living Christ-like lives, and a good summary of them all is found in 7:12: "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
Such a simple concept that I so often forget. How many problems could be avoided and relationships could be improved if I would simply follow this most basic of rules. I suppose its like most things--I get so caught up in my own wants/desires/needs that I end up ignoring those of others.
May I follow this golden rule today and thereby fulfill the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17).
Such a simple concept that I so often forget. How many problems could be avoided and relationships could be improved if I would simply follow this most basic of rules. I suppose its like most things--I get so caught up in my own wants/desires/needs that I end up ignoring those of others.
May I follow this golden rule today and thereby fulfill the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17).
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Genesis 18-30
I recently heard N.T. Wright say that reading the Bible should be like going to the symphony. You should walk away from the experience moved by the grand composition. You may not recall the specific notes of the 2nd movement, but you should be affected by the entirety of the experience. His point was that often we read the Bible in such small bites that we miss the greater narrative taking place (he clarifies that detailed study of Scripture is also worthwhile).
The thread that seems to run through Genesis 18-30 is the promise of God. Over and over again God repeats his promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Hundreds of years pass in these chapters, while the heirs of the promise vacillate from faithfulness to deceitfulness; but God's faithfulness to the promise is the consistent over-arching element throughout. I imagine that as God composed his symphony, he anticipated that the listeners would forget some of the names and places; but I imagine that His hope would be that the listeners be moved by His faithfulness to the promise.
May my life today be affected by these ancient stories of God's faithfulness to the promise.
The thread that seems to run through Genesis 18-30 is the promise of God. Over and over again God repeats his promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Hundreds of years pass in these chapters, while the heirs of the promise vacillate from faithfulness to deceitfulness; but God's faithfulness to the promise is the consistent over-arching element throughout. I imagine that as God composed his symphony, he anticipated that the listeners would forget some of the names and places; but I imagine that His hope would be that the listeners be moved by His faithfulness to the promise.
May my life today be affected by these ancient stories of God's faithfulness to the promise.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Psalm 7-12
Psalm 10 jumped off the page at me today.
Verse 1
"Why, O Lord, do you stand afar off?
Why, do you hide yourself in times of trouble?"
I love the authenticity of the author. We have all felt this way in the past, if not now; but have we all expressed those feelings to God?
Then in verses 2-12 the author expounds on all the injustice he sees in the world; the poor oppressed and the helpless taken advantage of.
In verses 12-16 he says that he knows that God sees it all, and he has seen God help in the past. So take action!
I love verses 17-18
"O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed . . ."
"You will" . . . that is faith . . . "You will" says I know who you are. I have seen you work. I have heard your stories. And based on all of that I believe that You will. . . . The how, the when, and the why may never be answered, but I lay them at the feet of the One in whom I trust. He will. If not in this life then the next, but He will.
May my life exhibit a heart for the afflicted, fatherless, and oppressed; and may I have greater faith today in the One who will.
Verse 1
"Why, O Lord, do you stand afar off?
Why, do you hide yourself in times of trouble?"
I love the authenticity of the author. We have all felt this way in the past, if not now; but have we all expressed those feelings to God?
Then in verses 2-12 the author expounds on all the injustice he sees in the world; the poor oppressed and the helpless taken advantage of.
In verses 12-16 he says that he knows that God sees it all, and he has seen God help in the past. So take action!
I love verses 17-18
"O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed . . ."
"You will" . . . that is faith . . . "You will" says I know who you are. I have seen you work. I have heard your stories. And based on all of that I believe that You will. . . . The how, the when, and the why may never be answered, but I lay them at the feet of the One in whom I trust. He will. If not in this life then the next, but He will.
May my life exhibit a heart for the afflicted, fatherless, and oppressed; and may I have greater faith today in the One who will.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Acts 5-7
Acts 5-7 covers stories of the rapid growth of the early church as well as the persecution that accompanied it. The apostles seem incredibly active and the text says that multitudes were believing in the gospel. At one point the apostles are again brought before the Jewish religious leaders and reprimanded for not stopping their spread of the gospel. The Jewish religious leaders aren't sure what to do with the apostles, but their most respected rabbi makes a profound statement in 5:38-39. He says that if this new movement is of man it will eventually fail like all the others before it. But if it is of God, we will never be able to stop it. So let's let these prisoners go and see what happens.
So a highly educated, respected, non-believer logically articulates one of the strongest rationales for faith in Christ. The gospel / Christianity did not eventually fail or putter out. In fact it reshaped the entire world and is still going strong today.
May that realty motivate my faith today.
So a highly educated, respected, non-believer logically articulates one of the strongest rationales for faith in Christ. The gospel / Christianity did not eventually fail or putter out. In fact it reshaped the entire world and is still going strong today.
May that realty motivate my faith today.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Matthew 4-5
Matthew 4-5 covers Jesus' temptation, the call of the disciples, and the sermon on the mount. 4:14-16 jumped off the page at me this morning: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in Heaven."
Often times the Bible is hard to understand. Frequently Jesus speaks in stories and parables that are confusing. However, that is not the case this morning. Jesus doesn't get much clearer than this. As a follower of Jesus I am a light, and I have the responsibility to shine. How do I shine? By my good works. Why do I shine? So others can give glory to my Father in Heaven.
May I bring light into the world today and may others be pointed to my Father in Heaven.
Often times the Bible is hard to understand. Frequently Jesus speaks in stories and parables that are confusing. However, that is not the case this morning. Jesus doesn't get much clearer than this. As a follower of Jesus I am a light, and I have the responsibility to shine. How do I shine? By my good works. Why do I shine? So others can give glory to my Father in Heaven.
May I bring light into the world today and may others be pointed to my Father in Heaven.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Genesis 1-17
Genesis 1-17 covers the stories of the creation, the fall, the flood, and the promises and life of Abraham. In those stories over and over again characters are responding in faith to the promise of God. Adam believes in the promise that through an offspring of the woman God will send One who will destroy the curse--he demonstrates that faith by naming the woman "Eve" because she was to be the mother of all living. Abel offered the firstborn from his flock in faith (Hebrews 11:4). Noah believed God's promise about the coming flood and built an ark. Abram believed God's promise and moved his entire life to a land that God would show him (Gen 11). Hagar believed God's promise about her son and returned to Abram's household. I think there is a pattern of faith in the promise of God throughout Genesis 1-17.
I think the boldest example of faith in the promise of God comes in Genesis 17. God re-confirms his oft-repeated promise that he would bless Abraham and his descendants. However, there is still one glaring oversight . . . Abraham is now 99 years old and has no son. So what does God tell him to do? God tells him to be circumcised and to circumcise all the men in his family from now on. Abraham says, "I am 99 years old. My wife is 90. We have been waiting for years on your promise of a son, and now you want me to snip off the tip of my baby-maker?!" (my paraphrase). Genesis 17:24, (no paraphrase here) "Abraham was 99 years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin." I can think of few greater displays of faith.
Abraham's faith is bold, illogical, painful, and counter-cultural. It is easy for me to say that I want the same type of faith in my life, but . . . wow, 99 years old . . . wow. . .
I think the boldest example of faith in the promise of God comes in Genesis 17. God re-confirms his oft-repeated promise that he would bless Abraham and his descendants. However, there is still one glaring oversight . . . Abraham is now 99 years old and has no son. So what does God tell him to do? God tells him to be circumcised and to circumcise all the men in his family from now on. Abraham says, "I am 99 years old. My wife is 90. We have been waiting for years on your promise of a son, and now you want me to snip off the tip of my baby-maker?!" (my paraphrase). Genesis 17:24, (no paraphrase here) "Abraham was 99 years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin." I can think of few greater displays of faith.
Abraham's faith is bold, illogical, painful, and counter-cultural. It is easy for me to say that I want the same type of faith in my life, but . . . wow, 99 years old . . . wow. . .
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Psalms 1-6
I found reading through 6 Psalms to be challenging. Each of them is loaded with so much truth, imagery, complexity, etc. that it makes it difficult to find one thing to write about. But I found one . . .
Psalm 53:3 says,
"In the morning, Oh Lord, You hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation."
I share at least one thing in common with David, the author of the Psalm; we both go to the Lord in the morning. I feel like I must be doing something right if I am even slightly in line with David, "the man after God's own heart". I like the feeling of participating in the ancient tradition of meeting God in the morning and then living the rest of my day in expectation . . .
Expectation . . . I need to emphasize expectation. How will God answer my prayer today? How will God use me today? What will God show me today? Who will God put in my path to serve today? What good is it to start my day with God if I don't carry with me a sense of waiting in expectation for His response? I expect Him to answer my prayers today, and I expect Him to use me to share the light of His love today.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Acts 1-4
Acts 1-4 covers Jesus's final words to his followers, his ascension, the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost, the birth of the church, and the bold witness of Peter and James.
What stood out to me the most from these chapters was chapter 4, verses 7-12. Peter and John have just been arrested by the religious "police". The religious leaders are quickly losing control of Jerusalem. The city is packed with people from all around who have come for Pentecost. Thousands of people are converting to the teachings of Jesus (soon to be labeled Christianity). The religious rulers ask Peter and John how they had healed a crippled man the preceding day. Peter answered (my paraphrase), "Know this: He was healed by Jesus' name. The same Jesus that you crucified and God resurrected . . . salvation is found in no one else." The religious rulers are astonished at these "un-schooled, ordinary men" and the only sense they can make of the situation is that these men had been with Jesus.
Peter's words to the religious leaders seem to almost jump off the page at me. He speaks plainly and boldly at great risk to his life, and when he finishes his audiences first thought is--this guy must have been with Jesus because there is no way an un-educated, ordinary guy could speak that way.
I want the boldness and power that Peter exemplified. I wouldn't mind if my audience thought of me as un-educated and ordinary, if their next thought was, this guy must be one of Jesus' followers. Acts 4:29 records part of a prayer that the church was praying after Peter and John were released, "enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." That is my prayer today.
What stood out to me the most from these chapters was chapter 4, verses 7-12. Peter and John have just been arrested by the religious "police". The religious leaders are quickly losing control of Jerusalem. The city is packed with people from all around who have come for Pentecost. Thousands of people are converting to the teachings of Jesus (soon to be labeled Christianity). The religious rulers ask Peter and John how they had healed a crippled man the preceding day. Peter answered (my paraphrase), "Know this: He was healed by Jesus' name. The same Jesus that you crucified and God resurrected . . . salvation is found in no one else." The religious rulers are astonished at these "un-schooled, ordinary men" and the only sense they can make of the situation is that these men had been with Jesus.
Peter's words to the religious leaders seem to almost jump off the page at me. He speaks plainly and boldly at great risk to his life, and when he finishes his audiences first thought is--this guy must have been with Jesus because there is no way an un-educated, ordinary guy could speak that way.
I want the boldness and power that Peter exemplified. I wouldn't mind if my audience thought of me as un-educated and ordinary, if their next thought was, this guy must be one of Jesus' followers. Acts 4:29 records part of a prayer that the church was praying after Peter and John were released, "enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." That is my prayer today.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Matthew 1-3
Matthew 1-3 opens with the genealogy of Jesus through his earthly father Joseph, covers Jesus' birth, early years, and concludes with John the Baptist baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River.
There are 6 fulfilled prophecies in these chapters--virgin birth, birth in Bethlehem, time in Egypt, Herod's decree to murder the all the babies in the region of Bethlehem, Jesus' home in Nazareth, and the ministry of John the Baptist. The first book of the New Testament opens with example after example of how all that was written before was pointing to Jesus. Perhaps these prophecies seemed contradictory or irrelevant to the original hearers, but as I read them now they fill me with confidence in the God of the Scriptures.
God has a plan. I have the privilege of seeing how that plan has worked out through the stories of the Bible, but His plan is still being worked out in my life. Often times I fail to trust God as I should. It is in those times that I need to be reminded of God's trustworthiness as demonstrated through the fulfilled prophecies of Matthew 1-3.
There are 6 fulfilled prophecies in these chapters--virgin birth, birth in Bethlehem, time in Egypt, Herod's decree to murder the all the babies in the region of Bethlehem, Jesus' home in Nazareth, and the ministry of John the Baptist. The first book of the New Testament opens with example after example of how all that was written before was pointing to Jesus. Perhaps these prophecies seemed contradictory or irrelevant to the original hearers, but as I read them now they fill me with confidence in the God of the Scriptures.
God has a plan. I have the privilege of seeing how that plan has worked out through the stories of the Bible, but His plan is still being worked out in my life. Often times I fail to trust God as I should. It is in those times that I need to be reminded of God's trustworthiness as demonstrated through the fulfilled prophecies of Matthew 1-3.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Starting late
Lest you think that I have already blown my new year's resolution of reading through the Bible . . . I have decided to start on January 8th and journey through the process with others from my church. You can't fail what you haven't started :)
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