Love Is Core

I was reading these verses yesterday morning - John 13:34-35 NIV: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

I was meditating specifically on verse 35. I find it so encouraging that its our love for one another that will distinguish us as Jesus' followers. Its not our religious fervor, our efforts at making ourselves righteous or pure, nor will it be our worship, our buildings, or meetings that distinguishes us from others. (Not that those things aren't good). It will be our love for each other!

We all have some idea what love for each other looks like, and its based on relationships. So often our church experience is focused on sermons, services, and meetings to learn more about our faith, which are all good, but not the single thing that will distinguish us. If our love for each other is the one thing that Jesus said will set us apart and cause us to look different than all the rest of the people, why are we not spending most of our time focused on that? Why are we not focused on building loving, strong, merciful, gracious, intimate, helpful and serving relationships?

I know this is boiling everything down to a simple perspective, but sometimes its helpful to just stop and ask oneself wants most important. Paul clearly understood the focus on love for each other as the "most excellent way" (1 Cor 12:31). John said that this was the core message, the message we have heard from the very beginning, that "we should love one another"(1 John 3:11). Peter said we should "love one another deeply, from the heart" (1 Peter 1:22). James called it the royal law found in Scripture, that we love our neighbors as ourselves (James 2:8).

My encouragement this morning is to focus on the single most distinguishing feature of my faith, my love for others. Like the exercise mindset of focusing on the core, focusing on love affects everything else. Lord, help me to love like You loved, for that is the command, that is the core of our walk as Your followers!

Action and Passion

For morning meditation - Revelation 3:15-18 NIV
[15] "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! [16] So, because you are lukewarm---neither hot nor cold---I am about to spit you out of my mouth. [17] You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. [18] I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see."

I am aware of two things in these verses:

1) It is by their deeds that the Lord sees what is in their heart, and its condition. Our deeds speak loudly of what is in our hearts. Our actions reveal our passions.

2) In their affluence, they lost their understanding of their need for God. Externally they looked like they had everything, but the condition of their heart and soul was pathetic. They had become blind to their own condition, sliding into a spiritual slumber of passionless existence in the Lord.

Let us awaken ourselves, open our eyes and pursue the Lord with everything we have in us. Let us see that He is the source of life, of all good, of everything we need. Let our faith and love be evident in our actions! Let us be passion in action!

Blessing and Submission

This morning I have a short meditation from Psalm 81, to start my time with the Lord.

Psalm 81:10-12 NIV:
[10] "I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. [11] “But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. [12] So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices."

These three verses have much packed in them. First, the recognition of who God is to us. Its a sad thing that the Lord sometimes needs to remind me that He is in fact my Lord and God! I can still, at times, think I have the ability to control my own life, and know better than the Lord, what I need or should do.

Second, the Lord is where my provision comes from, not my job. His desire is to 'fill my mouth' an image of abundant provision. Sometimes the path the Lord asks me to take is illogical, but from His perspective it makes perfect sense. I need to learn to trust His perspective, over my own thoughts.

Third, we have made submission a bad word in our society. However, submission to God is recognizing that He has a better plan for my life than I could come up with, and that He is motivated by His love for me. God will not force His plan upon us, but He has a plan which He will show us if we ask Him. Listening is the first step. He wants to help us so He will speak to us!

Fourth, if we don't follow God's plan, we are left with our own plans and devices. I like to call this the school of hard knocks. This usually doesn't work out well, and ultimately has eternal consequences. If we do listen and follow His directions, He will provide abundance and blessing - Psalm 81:16 NIV: "But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

Submission to God is a good thing! Let us trust the one who created us, who died for us, and who loves us and wants to bless us!

Love and Mercy Towards All

This morning I started my Bible reading with Paul's letter to Philemon, a short little letter, mostly personal in nature. There were two lines that caught my attention - Philemon 1:17-18 NIV: "So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. [18] If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me."

I was thinking about how unusual an attitude this is today, taking on someone else's debt, voluntarily. :-) As I was thinking about this verse, I was reminded of a couple other verses as well; Jesus' parable about the good Samaritan, and His other teaching about "doing unto others".

Luke 10:30-37 NIV
"In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. [31] A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. [32] So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. [33] But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. [34] He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. [35] The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ [36] “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” [37] The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

-and-

Luke 6:27-31, 35-36 NIV
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. [29] If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. [30] Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. [31] Do to others as you would have them do to you.

[35] But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. [36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

Talk about three challenging verses for this morning. Each of them encourages us to go far beyond normal in our care, love, and treatment of others, even those we don't know, don't care for, or are even our enemies. The end of Luke 6:35 and verse 36 are the most challenging - ..."He (God) is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." That goes so much against our natural tendency. I don't want to be kind to those that are ungrateful, or wicked. I don't want to do good to those that have set themselves against me, or hurt me, or wounded me. I want to punish them some way, not treat them with love and mercy.

We, however, are called to lay down our lives for others (Jn 15:13), to treat others as we would have them treat us (Lk 6:31) to love all (Jn 15:17), to take on others burdens (Gal 6:2), and to be a light (Matt 5:16)! Lord, help me to walk in love and mercy towards all I meet and know.

Faith and Action

This morning I am reading and thinking about a familiar passage from James 2:14-17 NIV:

[14] "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? [15] Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

When I read these verses, my personal meditation is whether someone could tell I am a Christian by my actions? I find it interesting that James wrote this immediately following a section on judging other peoples clothing, and treating them differently, a very un-Christ-like behavior. I think James's main point is that if we are truly Christians, we will act like Jesus acted, and His actions were in one with the Truth He espoused. In James' mind, it was impossible for a person to have experienced salvation, forgiveness of sins, freedom from the requirements of the law, and in-filling of the Holy Spirit, and have no outward expression.

James was addressing a group who were proposing that if salvation was through faith alone, it was possible to believe the truth, and be saved and have no outward expression. Early in the church, there were many different streams of thought, and in particular, there was a group of Jewish believers pushing for an intellectual affirmation of faith as the only requirement of salvation, most likely because of the challenge of living the life and actions demonstrated by Christ. He laid down His life for others, demonstrated a servant leadership, worked and ministered among the sinners and downtrodden, and did not enjoy the luxuries of wealth or status. He pushed the boundaries of many of the thoughts of the Jews, and demonstrated the fallacy of others. Jesus called us to follow his example of life, and clearly there were those who didn't want to change their lifestyles.

In our day, it is apparent that our world has, in large part, a wrong perspective of what a follower of Christ should look like. This is unfortunately the result of religion, which causes judgement, separation from the world, and pride. None of these existed in Jesus' example, but in many places the church has embraced them. Jesus said that they would know that we are His followers by our love, not by our observance of religious rules, our speech, or our separation from those around us who are sinners. Our love, like His, will be evident to all, in other words, visible through external actions.

So my question this morning is whether people can tell I am following Christ's example through my actions? Is my primary motivation love? Am I allowing Christ's example to penetrate every area of my life? Am I willing to do more than say words, and actually take action? Will I reach out to the lowly, the downtrodden, the sinner, those in need and love them. Can people tell, just by observing my interactions in public, that I am a follower of Jesus?

Lord, I want to be full of faith and full of action!

A New Thing

This morning I am reading out of Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV:
[18]. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. [19] See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

What a great passage of hope and new life to start the week. God will make a way, where there was no way through before. He will bring refreshment into places that have long been dry, even devastated. He means to be a source of life and freedom for us all.

Our part is forgetting the former things, setting our minds on no longer dwelling on past hurts, difficulties, slights, wounds, angry words, judgements, or sin. In Jesus we have one who has set us free from all that binds us. He is the source of everlasting life.

He is doing a new thing! Let us open our eyes and perceive it. Let us lift up our eyes from our own struggles or difficulties and see (perceive) Him at work.

The Great Treasure

As I sat down this morning, I had a little bit of a 'taking my time with you lightly' attitude about taking time with You Lord, and ask Your forgiveness that I would ever think lightly of my ability to come before You and have intimate conversation! I am so grateful for Your love, mercy, guidance, and interaction! You are truly the greatest treasure of my life.

As I was writing the note above, I was reminded of the parable of the great treasure, in Matthew 13:44-46 NIV:
[44] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. [45] “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. [46] When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."

Lord, this is how I want to live my life, like You are the greatest treasure. I want to be a Kingdom representative. I want to know the fullness of what You are calling me to do, in Your service. There should be a sense of eager anticipation when I come before the Lord, that He will speak, that He will pour out more of His Spirit, that He will guide me and give me clarity. I should be looking forward to the intimacy or being known at the depth of my soul, spirit and body.

The reality is that we are also His great treasure. He gave up all that He might bring us freedom and life, and relationship with Him!

Our Rock of Refuge

This morning I am reading from Psalm 71:1-3, 5-8 NIV:
[1] "In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. [2] In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. [3] Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

[5] For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. [6] From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. [7] I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. [8] My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.

What a beautiful song by David focusing on the saving, protecting and constant love of God. It is right to sing Your praises all day long, to acknowledge Your goodness and faithfulness, Lord.

Later in the psalm David writes about how he has seen many troubles, yet he was confident in the Lord's love, and knew that he would be restored, refreshed, and comforted again. In verse 3 he calls God his rock of refuge, and although I like the sound of that, the Hebrew word translated refuge, is better translated habitation or dwelling, a place where one lives. What a great image of stability and protection, a dwelling within the rock.

If we are in a place of trouble, stress, fear, doubt, pressure, under attack, feeling the heat, then let us return to our Rock of Refuge, our home of Rock, the Lord, who will always welcome us and protect us, restore us and comfort us. Amen!

Choosing God's Plan

This morning I was reading through James 4, which is a great chapter talking about turning our hearts and minds fully toward the Lord, submitting ourselves to Him, and rejecting the things of the world that draw us. It was the last verse of the chapter that grabbed my attention though - James 4:17 NIV:
[17] "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them."

This is such a simple statement, and such a challenging one. As always, its easy to take this statement out of context, and in this instance the sentence does stand on its own, even if you do. However, there is a richness of understanding that is gained if we keep it in context. The preceding sentences are speaking about following God's plan for ones life, or the opposite of that - trying to take control of ones own life, and speaking as if we have control over our own lives. James is really speaking about selfishness and self focus, and self promotion in contrast to following that which is right in the Lord. This is not a moral principle, where we must always do 'good' or we suffer an immediate judgement, but rather speaking about our perspective as Christians who are endeavoring to follow the Lord.

Its probably helpful to look at the original Greek here as it also is much richer than the plain vanilla English translated here. The word that was translated 'good' is the Greek word Kalos. The definition is:

1. beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable
a. beautiful to look at, shapely, magnificent
b. good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends 1. genuine, approved 2. precious 3. joined to names of men designated by their office, competent, able, such as one ought to be 4. praiseworthy, noble
c. beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, and hence praiseworthy 1. morally good, noble
d. honourable, conferring honour
e. affecting the mind agreeably, comforting and confirming

So , the call of James is to pursue the higher, excellent, beautiful plan that God has for us. If we know what that is, but choose to follow our own ideas, or selfish desires, then that is sin. The word used for sin, really means missing the mark, missing the path, not fulfilling God's plan - which is exactly appropriate here.

Ultimately, I think James is addressing our base perspective in life as Christians. Are we Christians in name only, who do not really follow Christ, but rather live and do exactly as we want and we decide, or do we pursue the higher purposes, the greater good, that which the Lord has planned for us, and called us to do? This is about our heart's focus - either its on us or Him.

Finally, we should be encouraged that God has a higher call, a greater purpose for us. We should be encouraged to pursue this in our life, for He desires us to step into that place, and will show us and guide us. However, in pursuing this, we must also be ready to lay aside our own selfish focus, and recognize that we are called to something better than just our own plan. As I wrote yesterday, God is able to guide us and keep us from stumbling and losing our way, and is able to deliver us to The Father without fault and with great joy (Jude 1:24).

Amen, let us choose His plan over our plan.

God is Able

This morning I am reading from Jude 1:17-25 NIV:

[17]. "But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. [18] They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” [19] These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. [20] But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, [21] keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. [22] Be merciful to those who doubt; [23] save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear---hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

[24] To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy--- [25] to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."

I specifically like verse 24 and the idea that God can keep us from stumbling. As I looked into the original Greek, I liked it even better! What is here translated - "able to keep you from stumbling" could be better translated - "who has the power and strength to guard and protect you from stumbling or falling"! The original language is much more expressive than the plain vanilla English we are left with. The word here translated able is the Greek word Dunamai - a variation of dunamis or power - where we get the word dynamite.

Definition
1. to be able, have power whether by virtue of one's own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom
2. to be able to do something
3. to be capable, strong and powerful


The word that was translated keep, in the original Greek is Phulasso.

Definition
1. to guard
a. to watch, keep watch
b. to guard or watch, have an eye upon: lest he escape
c. to guard a person (or thing) that he may remain safe
2. to protect one from a person or thing
3. to keep from being snatched away, preserve safe and unimpaired
4. to guard from being lost or perishing

There is clearly a level of divine protection and help that is available to us, that is much more than just the ability to keep us from stumbling. The Lord is exerting His power and strength on our behalf! He is protecting us, guarding us, keeping watch over us. He definitely is able!

Working Out Our Salvation?

This morning I am reading from Philippians 2:9-13 NIV:

[9] "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

[12] Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed---not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence---continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

As I was reading through these verses, I was intrigued by verse 12, which is really unparalleled in the rest of the New Testament. This is one of the scriptures that can be easily taken out of context, and quoted without understanding or communicating the whole rest of Paul's writings, and his theme of grace. As David Guzik comments on this verse:

b. Work out your own salvation: We know that Paul does not mean "work so as to earn your own salvation." Such a statement would contradict the whole of Paul's gospel.

c. Work out your own salvation: What Paul does mean is he calls the Philippians to put forth real effort into their Christians lives. This is not to work their salvation in the sense of accomplishing it, but to work out their salvation - to see it evident in every area of their lives, to activate this salvation God freely gave them.

I like the idea of activation of salvation. This implies application into all facets of our lives. This implies conscious seeking out areas of our thought or actions that do not line up with the reality that we have been given salvation. However, the next verse also makes it clear that God is working in us to will and act, which for me conveys, not so much my own rooting out and applying salvation in every area of my life, as it does going along with God as He accomplishes this within me. My work in this scenario is more about agreement and obedience, than it is about bootstrapping effort on my part.

It reminds me of when we were getting our house ready to sell, and walking around our house wth our Realtors, looking at things that needed to change to make our house more appealing to buyers. We took note as they pointed out things that we should change, and we could either agree or disagree, and choose to do the work or not. As I read these verses, I imagine the Lord guiding me through the areas of my life and identifying things and areas that need to come into alignment with the truth of His gift of salvation, and His purpose for me. As He identifies these things, He also provides the strength of will, but I have to decide to make the change. That is the activation of salvation - my choosing to agree and make the change.

Finally - why fear and trembling? I believe Paul is conveying two things here. First, he was just talking about how Jesus has been enthroned in Heaven to the highest place, and an appropriate response to the King is reverent fear and trembling. Second, as with anything we are asked to do by the King, there is a seriousness that we should apply to our effort. This is not a fear that we will lose our salvation by wrong action, but rather a fear of displeasing our Savior who has given everything to set us free, and who we love and want to please.

It's really all about love and intimate relationship. When I am doing something special for my wife, I think about whether she will be pleased, worry over details, make sure everything is as nice as I can make it, because I want to express my love for her and please her. This is what imagine when I read verse 12, but with a deeper sense of gratitude and reverence. Obedience to the Lord, is not so much duty and work as a response of love, gratitude and recognition of what He has given me.

Amen Lord, help me to activate my salvation in every area of my life, for I am wanting to fulfill Your purpose for me and to please You.

The Light of Love

This morning I am reading 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 NIV:

[1] "Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. [2] Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. [3] And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. [4] The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. [5] For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. [6] For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ."

Such an interesting verse about the reality of ministry, and how the enemy tries to veil the minds of people so they don't recognize the Good News. It interesting how some churches veil the light of Christ, so as to draw unbelievers to their services, seems a bit backwards to me. However, there is much to be said about going to where people live, to be a light in their present circumstances and situations. I am confident of the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ, and His ability to enlighten even the darkest hearts and minds. We should be ready in all circumstances to let the light of Christ, that is in us, shine out that the world might see.

I am reminded of three other verses:

Ephesians 5:15-16: "Be very careful, then, how you live---not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

John 13:34-35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

So let us unveil our hearts and let love shine out to the world. For it is by this love, not our righteousness, or our judgments, but by love that they will know we are Jesus' followers. This light will set us apart, and will draw those the Lord is drawing.

On Giving and Blessing

This morning I felt led to read from 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 NIV:

[6] "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. [7] Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [8] And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

[9] As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” [10] Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. [11] You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

[12] This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. [13] Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. [14] And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. [15] Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

These verses from Paul, I think, are all that really needs to be said about our response to God's faithfulness in our lives, as our provider. There is a spiritual principle of reaping and sowing that is important to grasp. The Lord is looking for hearts that are like His, and He gave us everything. In our giving we release control of that which we have been given, looking to the giver rather than the gift, and choosing to hold onto the former rather than the latter.

Ultimately for me its become an issue of belief about the heart of the Father. Do I believe that He is stingy and has given me only enough to survive, or does He delight in blessing me with greater abundance? There are times that I don't want to give, out of a spirit of either greed or fear, and at those times, I have found myself choosing to give more, sometimes even double, what I was initially thinking just to fight those unbelieving thoughts and feelings.

I think Jesus described The Father's heart well in Matthew 7:7-12 NIV:

[7] “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. [9] “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? [10] Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? [11] If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! [12] So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Looking at verse 12 in context of giving, Jesus says "in EVERYTHING, do to others as you would have them do to you" and giving is included in the everything. My heart is to do exactly that; to give as I would hope others would give, to love as I would hope others would love, to care for others as I hope others would care, to forgive as I would hope others would forgive, and in all to make the life of Jesus my example. Ultimately I believe that The Father loves me as His son, and will treat me like one. I believe He is pleased when I emulate His heart through giving freely and loving freely and is pleased to bless me even more. So to sum it up, giving (love, care, mercy forgiveness, money, etc.) leads to blessing, which enables more giving which leads to more blessing.

Weakness and Power

This morning I have been reading through the Psalms 80 through 86. They are such beautiful prayers and filled with some of my favorite verses. I am grabbed by Psalm 86 this morning though, and have been spending extra time just thinking about this verse and praying it for myself. This psalm is a feast for my soul.

Psalm 86:1-7, 10-12 NIV
[1] "Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. [2] Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; [3] have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. [4] Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. [5] You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. [6] Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. [7] When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me."

[10] For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. [11] Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. [12] I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever."

As I am looking at these verses, I am conscious of the relational transactions that are talked about in each line. David prays something, asks the Lord for something and the Lord responds, or David asks Him to respond as He always has responded. This Psalm comes out of David's knowledge of how God has interacted with him in the past. He clearly has a rich history of interacting with God, and has learned what God is like.

This is encouraging to me, in that even in the midst of his rich history with God, David still fears, struggles, needs help, and is distressed. I guess I see his unashamed human condition, and in seeing that I am not so worried that I am often in the same condition. I think of how often I have been afraid to reveal my own internal struggles, thinking that somehow that means I have lost my faith, or don't believe correctly. I am grateful for the humanity expressed here. I am also reminded of Paul's 2nd letter to the Church at Corinth:

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV
[9] "But he 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. [10] That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Clearly, there is a place in our struggles and weakness where we discover more about God and His faithfulness and goodness. In that place, God's 'power is made perfect' in our weakness. I haven't reached Paul's level of delighting in my weakness or hardships, but I am starting to discover that rather than hide these things, if I turn to the Lord in them, He will be faithful and answer me, and Christ's power will rest on me! In this place, I can echo David's song (Psalm 86:10-12 NIV) "For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. [11] Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. [12] I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever!"

Spring Storms

This morning, as I was thinking about the rain we had yesterday, I was reminded of two verses:

Psalm 63:1 NIV
"You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water."

- and -

Joel 2:23-24 NIV
"Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. [24] The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil."

We have had such a drought here and the ground, even though recently covered with snow and moisture, so quickly dried again, the only way to describe it was parched. I think in many ways, this is like many of our spiritual conditions. We get little times of refreshment, but quickly lose what little life we felt and return to just feeling parched and dry and lost.

The rain we had yesterday just kept falling, most of the times steady, penetrating rain, and puddles were formed, streams were full, ponds overflowing, rivers beginning to flood. It was an abundance of rain, more than the land could drink in, so it overflowed. Also, this is what God's outpouring of His Spirit and His faithfulness is like, more than we need, more than we can contain, and meant to overflow to those around us.

A few verses later in the book of Joel, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is prophesied:

Joel 2:28-32 NIV
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. [29] Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. [30] I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. [31] The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. [32] And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls.

As we have these spring storms, let us pray for an equal outpouring of the Holy Spirit! Let us pray for fresh prophesy, dreams, visions, wonders and signs, resulting in a great release of salvation!

Of Sinners and New Wine

Last night I was reading from Mark 2:15-17, 21-22 NIV:
[15] "While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. [16] When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” [17] On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

[21] “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. [22] And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”

I was thinking about how Jesus really didn't have a problem with upsetting the religious people and traditions. As a representation of the Father, He was showing us how The Father 's heart is for people not rules, not ceremony, not religion. I think it is partly due to our desire for control of our lives that attracts us to ceremonies, rules and religion. With those guidelines we know where we stand, how much effort we need to put in, even what the outcome should be. We like consistency and order, minimal messes, etc. The problem is that we become static, and unmoving, and unwilling to change, even if its for the better.

Jesus shows us that we must be willing to see the people, to get involved, to be willing to step out of our comfort zone and change. New wine causes expansion and stretching. New cloth shrinks or contracts. People have sin in their lives, and when dealing with sin, things can get 'messy'. Yet that is is exactly what we are called to do, to be witnesses of the Father's love to all those around us, especially to the 'sinners'.

Lord, help me to get outside my comfort zone and be willing to be stretched and affected, for the sake of the lost and wandering.

His Heart Beats For Me

Song of Solomon 4:9 NIV
"You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace."

I felt like I should read from the Song of Solomon this morning, not my typical choice of scripture. However, I feel like the Lord wants me to understand His emotion towards me, and really each of us. The common thought is that Song of Solomon is an allegory illustrating how the Lord feels about His Bride, the Church, and as such, about each of us that makes up the Church.

Anyway, my meditation this morning is how God's eyes are on me, waiting for me to glance His way. He longs to be in relationship with me. He has sacrificed greatly to make a way for me to come to Him. How could we expect anything other than His waiting expectantly for us to look His way. The original Hebrew word here translated 'stolen my heart', is Labab which literally translated means the 'heart beats faster'. I think that is so amazing, thinking of the Lord waiting for me to glance His way with affection, and when I do, His heart beats faster with emotion!

He is not some cold and far removed God. He is not an angry God, waiting to judge me. He is a God who loves me, and is waiting for me to notice Him and come to Him, and when I do, His heart beats faster. I could even say His heart beats for me! Amazing! Thank You Lord for loving me!

True Love Isn't Blind

This morning I am reading from Philemon and Philippians.

Philemon 1:5-7 NIV
[5] "...because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. [6] I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. [7] Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people."

Philippians 1:9-11 NIV
[9] "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, [10] so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ---to the glory and praise of God."

The theme is clearly love and affection for each other, and for the Lord. Love is the vehicle the Lord uses to deepen our understanding, our connection to one another and Him. Although book knowledge is great, Love is the bond, and that which draws us deeper into relationship.

There is a saying that 'love is blind', but in reality, true Christian love is anything but blind. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul talks about love growing in knowledge and depth of insight, opening our minds to be able discern (see clearly). True Christian love sees all and chooses to love, chooses to join in fellowship, chooses to pursue that which is best for the other, chooses to lay down ones own life. True Christian love brings joy, encouragement, intimacy and refreshment.

Let us echo Paul's prayer and pray that our love for each other would abound, would grow and draw us deeper into relationship with each other and the Lord.

Morning Praise and Remembrance

This morning I am reading from Psalm 9:1-2, 7-11 NIV:

[1] "I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. [2] I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
[7] The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. [8] He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. [9] The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. [10] Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. [11] Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done."

What a wonderful set of verses, encouraging me to praise God, to tell of His great wonders and many blessings. I know I am conscious of His blessing, far more than I speak about them, and this should not be so. So many people are in need of the Good News - that God loves them, that He wants to be in relationship, and He wants to interact with them daily.

I love what it says in verse 10 - "those who know Your name trust in You, for You, Lord have never forsaken those who seek You.". The idea of knowing God's name(s) is so significant, because as God reveals His name(s), He reveals parts of His character. Here David is focusing on God's faithfulness and constancy. He will never abandon us, leave us, reject us or walk away from us, if we seek Him. If we are far from God, its because we have stopped seeking Him.

Let us return to the Lord, if we are far off. Let us praise His name and tell of His wonders and blessings. Let us start our day, remembering the good things that He has done in our lives. What a great way to get ourselves going in the morning.

Three Critical Truths

My final post-Easter reading of the words of Jesus after His resurrection is from Matthew 28:16-20 NIV:

[16] "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. [17] When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. [18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew's Gospel is slightly different then the others in that his quote of Jesus' commissioning of the apostles focuses on Jesus authority as the basis of their mission, and focuses on discipleship. Also, these verses are really the first real indication of the equality of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and as such were foundational verses for our understanding of the Trinity.

Personally I am most encouraged by His first and last statements. First, He has been given ALL power and authority in heaven and on earth. That statement by itself could take years to unpack and fully understand. The Greek language is very clear, He said exactly that - All, Everything, anything we can imagine, He has power and Authority over it, the ability to enact laws to set rules, to constrain or set free, He has complete control!

Second, He is with us always! This is His promise, not based on what we feel or think, but based on His Word. Whether we believe this is true or not, it is still a reality. He is with us.

So in summary, these few verses are part of our foundational understanding of three critical truths, that He is Omnipotent (all powerful), Omnipresent (always present), and the reality of the Trinity. Wow, those are significant verses.

Finally, because these are true, the command is to then go and change the world! Amen Lord! Help us to learn to live in full understanding of these awesome truths.

Confirming His Words

Continuing on with my post-Easter reading, Mark's Gospel is interesting.

Mark 16:14-20 NIV:
[14] "Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. [15] He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. [16] Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. [17] And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; [18] they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” [19] After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. [20] Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it."

In my first quick read of these verses, the things that stood out were the lines about snakes and poison, neither of which are common in our Christian experience. It was like I wanted to disbelieve the whole section because of the unusual topic. However as I thought about it, I remembered how Paul was bitten by a deadly snake and was unaffected (Acts 28:4-5). I also remembered several stories of early saints who did drank poison and were unaffected, there are also stories of many other miraculous escapes or savings from sure death, all of which confirm Jesus' words here. (There are many stories of miracles associated with the Early Christian martyrs available to read on the internet or in books like Foxes Book of Martyrs)

After I got over my first bit of unbelief, I reread the verses and saw the common themes of being sent out to the world to preach the Gospel, baptism, and a ministry filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. All of these are awesome, but my favorite verse is the last verse - Mark 16:20 "Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it."

I love the encouragement of the fact that the "Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it." Can we expect anything different in our experience in following Him and speaking His words. I think not! These signs, as described by Jesus , and the many others we see listed in Acts and the rest of the New Testament, should be normal in our experience. I think we must demand of ourselves an expectation and pursuit of seeing these signs, as they confirm the truth of that which we are called to speak, namely the Kingdom of God. Anything less will be marginally effective at best, for then it just sounds like the teachings of another man. We must settle for nothing less then Jesus working with us and confirming His words through signs and wonders.

Lord, I pray that You will work with us, and confirm Your Words, that the world may know that You are not just a man, but are truly God, and that You have power over sin and death, and all authority.

Our Marching Orders

Continuing my reading of the accounts of the days after Jesus rose from the dead, I am reading out of Luke 24:36-49 NIV:

[36] "While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” [37] They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. [38] He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? [39] Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

[40] When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. [41] And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” [42] They gave him a piece of broiled fish, [43] and he took it and ate it in their presence.

[44] He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” [45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. [46] He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, [47] and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. [48] You are witnesses of these things. [49] I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Again, first things first, Jesus dealt with their fear! I like the way Bill Johnson says it, when you are gathered together afraid that the same thing that happened to your master will happen to you, having someone walk through the walls into your midst doesn't help with the fear. :-)

Secondly, Jesus proceeds to prove that He really was raised from the dead, body, soul and spirit. They understood ghosts and such, and He knew that He must prove beyond any doubt that he was actually alive again. Touching his body, which still bore the wounds, watching him eat real food, both were proofs that it was really Jesus, alive again. This point is critical, for their witness of this fact was what gave them rock solid belief that Jesus was who He said He was, the Messiah.

Thirdly, Jesus opens their minds to understand what was said about Him in scripture and reminded them of what He said as well. The clear understanding of the scriptural basis for what had occurred, was necessary for their ministry of the Word, and their ability to be representatives of the Kingdom.

Fourth, the ministry of repentance and forgiveness of sins is a key message, and must be preached in Jesus' Name to all nations. This message is absolutely essential to the Good News, and one the church cannot live without.

Finally the Holy Spirit has been promised and He will be sent. He will bring power when He comes. I think its so important to remember that sometimes it takes time for the Lord to release His gifts to us. In our society today, instant is in, and if we don't see results in minutes we lose interest and focus. We need to learn to wait on the Lord. Also, when the Holy Spirit comes, His power is evident. This also is so important for the church to remember - the Holy Spirit brings power, and its not something we should be afraid of, but rather something we need desperately.

Thank You Lord for reminding me of these important things, these essential things today. Help me to be courageous, to be a witness to the fact that You are alive, to understand You Word, to be an ambassador of reconciliation and forgiveness, and to be clothed in the Holy Spirit. These are my marching orders.
Amen!

Post Resurrection - Important Things

This being the day after Easter, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus, I thought to read some of the accounts of the first things He did and said, which to me would seem very significant, as they probably relate to the most important things that either remained to be said, or needed to be repeated. Anyway, I was reading John's Gospel yesterday, so I will start there and work my way backwards.

John 20:21-23 NIV
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” [22] And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. [23] If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

As I read these two verses, I see four specific things that Jesus addressed:

1. Peace - Jesus comes to minister peace to them, for they are fearful. Fear can cause us to think and react wrongly. Jesus needed them to be focused and fearless.

2. Mission - Jesus laid His ministry and call on them. This would be the equivalent of passing His mantle of authority and ministry over to the Apostles. This was not to be a passive ministry, but they were being sent with a specific purpose, fulfilling Jesus' ministry.

3. Holy Spirit - Jesus breathed on them and they received, in part, the Holy Spirit. This is one of the times they received an infilling, prior to Pentecost. They need His guidance, His peace, and His encouragement, just to make it through the next few days. Sometimes as I read this type of statement about a natural thing like breathing, I tend to not associate great significance, because it is so natural - Jesus breathed. But this is very significant, so important that John felt lead by the Holy Spirit some 50 years later to put this in his account. We must not take lightly these seemingly normal things. The apostles must have feltsomething shift, must have seen something different after Jesus breathed on them, must have felt as deposit being made in their spirits when He breathed on them.

4. The ministry of forgiveness - Jesus is establishing them a ministers of forgiveness, which previously was only something God could do, and something that had very stringent guidelines under the law requiring sacrifices and priests. Jesus makes it very simple if they (disciples) forgive then the person is forgiven, if not, then they are not forgiven. This is a not a new command, but based on what He taught them previously - see Matthew 6:14-15 NIV: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

I think for myself its important to focus on all of these, and to walk in them, recognizing the significance they have personally and in the church. If I don't have peace, to ask the Lord for it. If I am wondering about my ministry or purpose, to see myself as continuing Jesus ministry, and to ask Him to guide me to do that which He would do. If I am feeling powerless, to ask Him for the Holy Spirit. Finally, to recognize that I have been called as a minister of reconciliation and forgiveness.

Amen Lord, help me