Water From the Rock

This morning I felt like I should reflect on the story of 'the water from the rock' found in Exodus 17:1-7 NIV:

[1] "The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. [2] So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?”

[3] But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”

[4] Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”

[5] The Lord answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. [6] I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. [7] And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

A couple of things pop into my mind immediately:

First, the Hebrew people were persistent in their unbelief and ungratefulness.  They were always more worried about what God was going to do today, rather than thinking about what God did yesterday and how that revealed His character and faithfulness in caring for them.  I am reminded of how often I am exactly like this, immediately starting to complain if something doesn't go my way.

Secondly, they were in this place because they were following God, as He directed them.  God had a plan.  He always does, and He was going to provide for them, as He promised He would, but the people weren't willing to wait on God.

Their perspective, once again was limited by the present situation, not having learned about God's blessing and provision from His previous acts and interactions.  He had previously provided manna and quail, had purified poisoned water, and safely protected them from the pursuing Egyptian army, a location without water was not going to be a problem for God.  The people, however, were quick to complain and grumble.

I know that by following the Lord, I have several times found myself in apparently difficult situations, and in those times I am quick to follow the Hebrew people's example of grumbling and complaining. As I think about this, I realize that this is a symptom of a unrenewed mindset, and wrong identity.  The Hebrew people were no longer slaves, they were God's chosen people, the people of His promise, but their mind-set was still slave-like.  Slaves have no choice and no freedom, and when things are difficult they complain and grumble, for that is all they can do.  Slaves are justified in their complaints against unfair and cruel masters.

The problem is that God isn't like their former masters and they were no longer slaves, they were His chosen people.  He loved them, chose them and promised to take care of them and protect them.  The people didn't trust God, didn't trust Moses, and were convinced they would have been better off to have stayed in Egypt.  They were deluded in their thinking, as we can clearly see from our perspective, but in the midst of it all, they could not see their wrong perspective.

In the same way, my sometime struggles in believing God are the result of an unrenewed mind, and wrong identity.  I am thinking like someone who hasn't met or experienced God's love, and I am not embracing my identity as His son, whom He greatly loves.  As Paul says in his letter to Colossians 3:1-14 NIV:

[1] "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

[5] "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. [6] Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. [7] You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. [8] But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. [9] Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. [11] Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."

[12] "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Amen!  Help me Lord to clothe myself in what is from You, embracing my new identity as Your son, holy and dearly loved.  Help me to fully believe in You, Your Word, Your promise and Your timing.

Christmas Meditation

I was thinking about the best verses for Christmas and the following two came to mind -   John 3:16-17 NIV:

[16] "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

This is the reality we celebrate at Christmas.  The Father loved us so much, and desired relationship with us once again (something lost in the Garden of Eden) so he sent us His one and only Son, to save us from our condition (sin and separation from God).  Whoever believes in Him will receive eternal life which is found in relationship with Him.  As Jesus said, "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." (John 17:3)

So let us celebrate our God's love, His greatest gift Jesus, our salvation and eternal life, found in Him!

Merry Christmas!  May You be greatly Blessed!

God Moves in Unexpected Ways

This morning I am reflecting on the story of Jesus' birth, from Luke's Gospel - Luke 2:1-7 NIV:

[1] "In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. [2] (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) [3] And everyone went to their own town to register.

[4] So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. [5] He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. [6] While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, [7] and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them."

I was thinking recently that this is just a very interesting story and tells us much about God's character.  The first thing that strikes me is that God doesn't do things the way we would think He would do them.  Rather then a kingly birth he is born in a stable.  Rather then a royal family, he is born to a carpenter and his young wife, who aren't even married yet.  Rather than being able to rest at home and enjoy His birth, Mary is forced to ride a donkey many miles (almost 100 miles), in the 9th month of her pregnancy.  Rather than coming as a powerful leader, Jesus comes to us as a helpless human baby.  God picks this time for His Son to appear.  He is born to a lowly unmarried couple, who live in a small town far the center of the nation, who are part of a conquered people living under Roman rule. This is just not what you would think God would arrange for His Son!

This tells me a few things:

1) God isn't worried about pomp and regality, drawing attention to Himself or what He is doing
2) God works in ways that are sometimes uncomfortable, illogical, and out of our comfort-zone
3) God isn't worried about the rules or laws of religion, those are made for us, not for Him
4) God isn't worried about our opinions or thoughts about how He should do things
5) God is capable of making any circumstance work to His Glory and purposes
6) God is willing to entrust great things and purposes to people like you and me

This morning I am encouraged that God can be at work in my life in many ways, especially in ways I would not expect.  He is not like me, does not think like me, yet loves me and has purposes for me.  I must not limit myself to my understandings or expectations, but rather be open to the Lord moving in quiet, unseen, even hidden ways.  I must recognize that God sometimes, maybe often times chooses the lowly and down-trodden, out of the way people to birth huge changes and moves of God!

Does Sin Cause Sickness?

So yesterday as I was driving to breakfast with a friend I had a thought that needs some fleshing out.  Basically it relates to the thinking that is described in John 9:1-2 NIV: "As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

This thinking that sickness and disease were caused by sin were apparently common thoughts in the Jewish society.  This thinking is roughly based on the law and the idea that God punishes law-breakers (sinners).  Here are some of the main passages that talk about this thinking:

Exodus 20:4-6 NIV:
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. [5] You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, [6] but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."

Leviticus 26:14-16 NIV:
“ 'But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, [15] and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, [16] then I will do this to you: I will bring on you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and sap your strength..."

What I also find interesting is how common this thinking is in our society today, especially in the church. I must say it is present even in my own life, for one of the first things I think when I get sick is whether this is the result of some sin in my life.

Before I go on, let me say that I do NOT believe this thinking is true, even though I think that way at times.  I believe that disease and sickness are in the world as a result of our fallen nature which was the result of sin, but not that the two are directly related in our individual lives.  I believe that God is first and foremost a loving Father, and that He sent Jesus to save us, not to condemn us and punish us.  I could spend a bunch of time looking at the other passages and developing the logic to say this thinking isn't correct, but instead I am just going to jump to the thought I had yesterday.

So the thought I had yesterday was that Jesus demonstrated that God the Father (for He came to reveal the Father to us) does not cause sickness because of sin.  He demonstrated this through healing every sick person that was brought to Him.  There were only a few times that He addressed sin after healing someone, the rest of the time He just healed them!  He healed them but He didn't address their sins because apparently they weren't related!  Jesus addressed sin several times, but never said it caused our sickness or diseases.

Now imagine thinking to yourself that your sickness was caused by sin, and was the result of God's attitude towards you as a sinner.  Imagine how you would feel about your life, especially if you couldn't put your finger on the specific sin that was the cause of your punishment.  Now imagine all the people around you having the same perspective and how they would look at you, thinking you were clearly a sinner because you were sick.  The book of Job is great example of this type of thinking played out in excruciating detail.

Now imagine how you would feel if you met Jesus, the very Son of God, and rather than punishing you for your sin(s) He looked at you with love and healed you!

Imagine the impact on your self-esteem!

Imagine the relief that would sweep over you!

Now consider the fact that Jesus healed thousands and thousands of people!  He was setting them free from the accusations and judgments of their fellow men, and the enemy!  There must have been a huge uplift in in the regional psyche as thousands of people were set free of the "sinner" label.

The simple fact is that we all are sinners, and if sin and sickness were directly related we would all be sick, all the time.  Jesus, in the story from John 9, specifically says that the man's blindness was not caused by sin, and certainly alluded to that during the thousands of healings He performed without mentioning their sins.  We obviously don't have records of all of those healings, but in the vast majority of specific healings mentioned in scripture, He does not address their sin or need for forgiveness.  In His directions to the 12 He sent out to minister, He does not reference sin - Matthew 10:6-8 NIV: "Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.'  Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give."

In summary, I believe that the Lord wants to set us free from this wrong thinking.  I believe He wants those who are presently sick to know that they are not being punished for their sin.  I believe He wants to set us all free from this accusation and old testament thinking about sickness and disease.  I believe the Lord wants to reveal to us His true heart for us, because He loves us and desires the very best for us.  I believe the Lord continues to heal people even today, AND has defeated sin and death.

Finally, in closing I thought this was appropriate - Quoting Psalm 103:1-5 NIV:

[1] "Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
[2] Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits---
[3] who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
[4] who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
[5] who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."

Carrying God's Presence

So this morning I am reading through 1 Chronicles, which is definitely not my normal reading selection.  When I am considering what to read in the morning, I try and reflect and ask the Lord to direct me as to what I should read. This morning as I waited on the Lord, I remembered in the middle of the night looking at the clock at 1:31am.  For some reason I thought it said 13:13.  In the past the Lord has directed my reading through highlighting numbers, either a page number or chapter and verse combination, and I thought when I remembered this strange occurrence that maybe this was one of those times.  When i opened my bible I  thought I would read the 13 chapter of the 13th book, which happens to be 1 Chronicles.

That explanation might seem strange, but historically I have found that the Lord speaks to me in many different ways.  I want to be listening and learning how He speaks, so that I can be directed by Him daily.  He often highlights numbers, either in my mind, or through some external source, and when I follow what appears to be His leading, more often then not it is to a significant or helpful word.  Almost always, I feel that He is directing me into His word, as the foundation for any revelation, and today this would be an accurate description.

Over the last few days, weeks and even years, I have been reflecting on the manifest presence of the Lord, the Glory of the Lord, His presence bringing true revival, the power and authority to heal, and such topics.  I have been reflecting upon how much of the church does not see the power or Glory of God evident in their daily lives and experiences, and longing to see that changed.  When God visits His people with His presence, they are affected powerfully.  This is the foundation upon which I reflect upon the scriptures this morning.

In 1 Chron 13, we find the story of David's first effort to return the Ark of God back to Israel, for it had been captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4).  The Ark of God represented the very presence of God in the midst of Israel, His awesome Glory, and Israel had lost it. It had been lost and Israel had not sought it out for many years, instead relying on their new King, Saul to lead them and guide them, the is the backdrop for these verses - 1 Chronicles 13:1-10 NIV:

[1] "David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. [2] He then said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the Lord our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our people throughout the territories of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their towns and pasturelands, to come and join us. [3] Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul.” [4] The whole assembly agreed to do this, because it seemed right to all the people.

[5] So David assembled all Israel, from the Shihor River in Egypt to Lebo Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim. [6] David and all Israel went to Baalah of Judah (Kiriath Jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the Lord, who is enthroned between the cherubim---the ark that is called by the Name.

[7] They moved the ark of God from Abinadab's house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it. [8] David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, timbrels, cymbals and trumpets.

[9] When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. [10] The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God."

There are many commentaries on these verses, and many of them seek to explain why God struck down Uzzah for touching the Ark.  This morning I just want to consider these verses from the perspective of trying to return the Glory of God to Israel, for that is literally what they were about, and that is essentially what I have been reflecting on these past days, weeks and years.

Firstly, David's desire to return the Ark of the Covenant is clearly a good thing, even God inspired.  The Ark of the Covenant was where God chose to dwell  "enthroned between the cherubim" and David knew that God's presence and Glory were critical to Israel's future.  I think the first mistake is that He inquired of the people and his military commanders, not the prophets of God, nor the book of the Law both representative of the Word of God.  So rather than asking God, he asks the people what they think.

Secondly, because they did not confer with the Word of God, they decided they could move the ark faster in a wagon pulled by oxen.  The directions for moving the Ark of the Covenant are very clearly laid out in Numbers 4 and Exodus 25, Deuteronomy 10, and it was to be carried by men of the tribe of Levi, members of the priesthood.  In Numbers 4 there was a clear warning against touching anything resulting in death, so the priests should have known that they were supposed to carry the ark and no one should touch it at all.  Thus, the approach they took to returning the Ark was wrong from the start.  They were using a cart to move the Ark, something that man had built, rather than bearing the Ark of His Presence upon their own shoulders.  I would imagine they chose the cart as a quicker way to move the Ark, and it was obviously easier as well.

Thirdly, it seemed they were so busy celebrating the soon return of God's Glory, they totally didn't give His presence the respect and significance it deserved.  The Ark was meant to be carried by 8 men, walking in unison.  Two men walking beside the cart upon which it was loaded is not ascribing the correct significance to the presence of God. I think they were looking to the effects the Ark would have on them, rather than rejoicing in the presence of God.  God's presence is meant to be borne by men, it is not meant to be accelerated by the conveyances of man, nor taken lightly.

Finally, David becomes angry and frightened of God, after Uzzah dies.  He leaves the Ark in the house of Odeb-Edom and returns to Jerusalem (1 Chron 13:11-14).  The good news is that David learned from His mistakes over the next three months.  He starts inquiring of the Lord rather then the people, he researches the right way to bring the Ark of God back to Israel.  In 1 Chron 15, we see David applying that which he learned and directing the people and priests correctly in the bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem on the shoulders of 8 priests.

Summarizing my learning this morning -

1) God desires His Glory to be with His people
2) His presence is meant to be carried by men (people) not machines or conveyances
3) We must ascribe the correct significance to Him and His presence, desiring Him present not for the effects of His presence, but to simply be in His presence.  His presence causes blessing (1 Chron 13: 14) but the blessing should not be the reason we seek His presence.

Lord, I pray that You will guide us and direct us as to how to return Your Glory to the church!  We desire to see You present once again!

Power & Authority

This morning I was reading through Luke, chapter nine, and although this is an incredible chapter full of things like the Transfiguration, I felt drawn to meditate on the first few passages of the chapter.

 Luke 9:1-6 NIV:

[1] "When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, [2] and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. [3] He told them: “Take nothing for the journey---no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. [4] Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. [5] If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” [6] So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere."

I love the first sentence - "he gave them power (dunamis) and authority (exousia) to drive out all demons and to cure diseases."

Dunamis:

1. strength power, ability
a. inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth
b. power for performing miracles
c. moral power and excellence of soul
d. the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth
e. power and resources arising from numbers
f. power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts

Exousia:

1. power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases
a. leave or permission
2. physical and mental power
a. the ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises
3. the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege)
4. the power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed)

When I look at the definitions of those two Greek words, I can't help but notice that there is not much room to misunderstand them, they really mean power and authority, the strength and right or authority to do something.  In this case the power and authority was being directed at two things which were against the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Apparently in the Kingdom of God, sickness and disease and demonic forces do not have power to affect people's lives, and that is part of the proclamation, and then demonstration of the Good News.

The original Greek  does not say "drive out demons" but rather power and authority over demons individually and collectively.  I think the language used in the NIV reflects the fact that this is what Jesus did when He confronted demonic entities, He drove them out of the affected person.  Finally, they were  also given  the power and authority to heal or cure sickness and diseases.  The Greek word for healing used here is therapeuo:

1. to serve, do service (as in serving God, being a servant of God)
2. to heal, cure, restore to health

The word for demons is the Greek word daimonion:

1. the divine power, deity, divinity
2. a spirit, a being inferior to God, superior to men
3. evil spirits or the messengers and ministers of the devil

Thus, when reading these verses, we should understand that this is not a misinterpretation, nor something that was optional.  Jesus specifically addressed them and gave them the ability to do what He did, He passed to them both the power and authority to proclaim the Good News and then demonstrate the same.  This power and authority to serve God and act as His representative is supposed to be coupled with the proclamation.

Jesus didn't come just to tell us what the Father is like, but also to show us through demonstration, what He is like!  The Father is so good, and wants us to be able to live in freedom from sickness and disease, as well as from inferior spiritual forces.  He desires us to live in alignment with His will, and that is for our good and salvation.  He demonstrates, first through Jesus and then through the Apostles and  disciples His ability to set us free from both types of oppression.

So, today I am encouraged to believe in and learn to exercise these things (power and authority) that Jesus gave us.

Amen

Revival Fire & God's Glorious Move

This morning I was reading in Luke 7 about Jesus' answer to John's inquiry about him - Luke 7: 22 NIV: "So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor."

I was thinking about the fact that we need to see and experience these types of miracles in the church, in our church as part of the witness of Jesus' Lordship.  I was thinking about the fact that often revival is carried from one place to another, by those who visit the place where revival is starting and carry it back with them.  It is an interesting Spiritual reality that people can be carriers of the Spiritual fire of revival.  It has been shown to occur over and over again, and this why they call it revival fire, for people, often time without saying anything will see the very same things occurring in their churches once they return from the revival, as the Holy Spirit comes with them and releases His fire upon their congregation the next Sunday or meeting they attend.  I have heard many testimonies and had personal experiences that align with this.  Lord, we pray that You will let Your fire fall upon us as well, for we want to testify to Your Lordship and Glory in our lives.  Lord you have planted burning embers in my life many times, I pray that you would blow upon them and ignite me that I may burn for You.

One of the other verses that struck me was the following - Luke 7:47 NIV: "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven---as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

I was thinking about this in light of the recent study I have been making regarding sin, and how we don't ever want to consider sin as light or nothing, although in God's eyes it is, for He has dealt with sin completely.  Sin, to God, is a vanquished foe.  To us though, sin can separate us from relationship with God, our Lord and Savior, causing us to live our lives devoid of His input, interaction and inheritance. God desires for us the best possible life, and He desires us to understand His will for us.  His love is what motivates Him, for He is love.

I was thinking about how one of the key indicators of true revival is the deep repentance that flows over people as they come into contact with the Lord.  People are overwhelmed by their sinfulness, weeping for their sins, and lives are radically changed.  So often we view this from a sin perspective, that people are so convicted by their sin that they respond accordingly.  That may very well be true, and I want to add a second perspective - that of an awareness of God's love for them.  I think that people actually become aware of how good God is, how much He loves them, and how wrongly they have acted in this light.  They have made wrong judgments about God, have chosen to live their lives devoid of His love and light and are now recognizing what they have missed, and are choosing to live differently going forward.

Here is a quote from the history of the Azusa Street revival:

"People were excited about what God was doing in their midst. Those who had been filled with the Holy Ghost testified about it. They said how wonderful it was. After the testimonies, someone would preach and tell what God had promised. The meetings would go on almost all night. If people were hungry, they would leave and get something to eat and return as soon as possible. W. H. McGowan hauled bricks as an occupation. Often he would stop and listen to the service while working. Sometimes, he would get so caught up in what was going on, he would forget to go back to work! McGowan characterized the meetings as the “love of God”.

I was also reading the account of the New Hebrides revival from the 1950's - at the following link: http://www.born-again-christian.info/scottish.hebrides.revival.duncan.campbell.testimony.htm

That whole article is definitely worth reading, what an awesome move of God!

Lord, I pray that we will once again see You move in power and Glory upon Your church and upon our towns and cities!

Amen!

Secure in Your Love

This morning I am just reflecting on the amazing message of hope found in these verses from Paul's letter to the Romans.

Romans 8:28-39 NIV:

[28] "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all---how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died---more than that, who was raised to life---is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

[36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

My heart settles on verses 31 and 34 and just rests in these truths.  If God is for us, who can be against us (of any consequence)?  If God will not condemn us, but has called us to life, then who would condemn us?

We may become convinced through the forces of religion, those who sell a works mentality, that we stand condemned and our only hope is through constant purification, sacrifice and penance.  Yet the message of these verses is quite clear.  God has done all the work. God is the only one who judges and whose condemnation we need worry about, for His is eternal, and He is the very one who defends us and has chosen us.  This is the very message of the Gospel of grace, it is a free gift not because of anything we have accomplished, but because of God's love for us, and His actions on our behalf.

The bookends of these verses is love, us loving God (verse 28) and God loving us (verse 39).  God is Love (1 John 4:8) and if we embrace Love, for Him and for each other, we live in Him and He in us (1 John 4:12).  How then could we ever be separated from Him?

Lord, help me to Love all. Help me to rest in the truth of these verses.  In Your love I am secure.

Manifest Presence and Pageantry

Last night as I was sitting at church (Catholic Feast Day of Mary's Immaculate Conception) I was thinking about the rich liturgical expression that has developed over the centuries, and how much of it is to honor God and His greatness.  I was thinking about how much of that can now be empty ritual that can tend to get in the way of our understanding God's desire for relationship with each of us.  The rich and extravagant ceremony can cause us to think that God is far off and unapprochable, when the opposite is true - when we gather we are in His presence and all are welcome.

There is a rightful place for ceremony and honoring God's glory - in fact nothing we could ever do here with music and song, or anything extravagant could ever come close to giving God the glory He deserves. God is majestic and Glorious and His very presence is overwhelming.  We try to create masterpieces of liturgy to inject some awe into our church experiences.  I would much rather experience the awe of God's manifest presence than be wowed by beautiful music and pageantry, the problem is that I think much of the Church has no idea what that really feels like, nor have they ever experienced it.

We don't want to give up on worship, song and pageantry, for they are meant to draw our minds and hearts towards the Lord, but they are no  substitute for His real presence!  The problem for us all is that God is God and while He is always present when we gather, He is not always manifestly present and thus we try to work up an approximation of that, or something that reminds us of that.  However, if it has been long enough, or enough generations have passed, we forget what God's presence really feels like and settle for the man-made version.   My prayer for the whole of the church is that we would not settle for anything less than the real manifest presence of God, and that we would all experience His manifest presence in our lifetime, that there would be a fresh awakening of hearts and souls to the greatness of God.

Here is an excerpt describing one example of what the manifest presence of God can look like - a revival that took place on Azusa Street in LA, California as described by Dr. Reve' M. Pete ( http://www.revempete.us/research/holiness/azusa.html)

"Services were not prearranged. No subjects were announced in advance. The Holy Ghost ordered the service in meekness and humility. Most of the time, Seymour sat with his head in the makeshift box pulpit – praying. The message of the meeting was love.

After Seymour began preaching at the “Azusa Stable”, “a monumental revival began”. People fell under the power of God and rose speaking in tongues. Worshippers, both men and women, shouted, wept, danced, fell into trances, spoke and sang in tongues and interpreted [what had been said in tongues] into English. The Holy Ghost was so powerful at “Azusa Stable”, men would come under conviction within two or three blocks of the mission. Persons were baptized in the Holy Ghost on their seats in the assembly room as well as in the “tarrying room” upstairs. When the Holy Ghost would make an altar call, men all over the building would be slain in the Spirit.

Service attendance grew from approximately a dozen persons – African-American and Caucasian-American – to hundreds and thousands from the Los Angeles area. People of every race and nationality were found in the crowds that converged on the mission. No respect of persons was found among the worshippers. The rich and educated were the same as the poor and uneducated. Pride, self-assertion and self-importance could not survive there. Races were completely integrated. There was no racial prejudice in the service.African-Americans, Caucasian-Americans, Chinese and Jews attended the services. Because of this, Frank Bartleman believed and exclaimed, “The color line is washed away in the blood!”

Eventually, the services ran day and night. The building was never closed or locked. Each night service was packed out. Holiness meetings, tents and missions closed for lack of attendance. Special prayer meetings broke out everywhere. People would meet early in the morning and start singing. S. Henry McGowan, son of Seymour’s friend, W. H. McGowan, recalled of the singing, “…oh what singing!”

People were excited about what God was doing in their midst. Those who had been filled with the Holy Ghost testified about it. They said how wonderful it was. After the testimonies, someone would preach and tell what God had promised. The meetings would go on almost all night. If people were hungry, they would leave and get something to eat and return as soon as possible. W. H. McGowan hauled bricks as an occupation. Often he would stop and listen to the service while working. Sometimes, he would get so caught up in what was going on, he would forget to go back to work! McGowan characterized the meetings as the “love of God”.

Oh, that we would once again experience the indwelling and infilling of the Holy Spirit in all of our churches and gatherings.  We pray for a great outpouring, that once again the church would understand experientially what God's manifest presence really feels like.

Amen!

Living As Jesus Did...

This morning I am continuing my working through John's first letter.  His letter is loaded with good stuff, and this morning's verses are no exception - 1 John 2:3-6 NIV:

[3] "We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. [4] Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. [5] But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: [6] Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did."

Again, the context for these comments is clearly relationship, for he talks about coming to know Jesus.  The Greek word in use is Ginosko and it means the following:

1. to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel
    a. to become known
2. to know, understand, perceive, have knowledge of
    a. to understand
3. to knowJewish idiom for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman
4. to become acquainted with, to know

So often when people read these sentences, I think they might get caught up on the word  "commands" and think that this is all about obedience, and such.  When I read these sentences I understand it to mean that if we really enter into relationship with the Lord, we are changed, and start to become more like Him.  Relationships are based on relational paradigms, not commands and obedience, as in a ruler and subject, where the subject has no choice but to obey.

I believe that what John is getting at here is that when we come to really know Jesus, we start understanding His incredible love for us, the fact that He is our advocate and helper, the fact that He has paid the price for our sins that we might have relationship.  It is in that context that we being to understand His love for us includes His plans and purposes, His perfect will which is for our absolutely best life possible.  As we get to know Him we begin to love Him, and that love is what opens our life to His "commands" which are His desires for us, His hopes for us, His plans for us which we are free to embrace because we understand His love.

The bottom line is that when we come into relationship with the Lord, we are affected and our lives bear witness to that change.  It is just like when I fell in love with my soon-to-be wife, my life was changed, and others could observe that change.  To say that I was in love with her, but to not change my lifestyle, and not desire to spend time with her, and not begin to live my live in such a way to bring her pleasure and joy would indicate the opposite, and I would be lying.  That is John's point here -  if we say we are in relationship with Jesus, but our lives are not affected, then we are lying.  The affect of relationship with Jesus is that we become more and more like Him, for His life becomes our life (Col 3:3).

John says this very clearly in verse six. "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." (1 John 2:6 NIV)    Jesus two primary commands are to live our lives the way He lived.  We are to love God and love one another.  This is the model for our life that Jesus passed to us, loving Him and loving each other.  The two are inseparable and are supposed to be the foundations of our lives.  If we live a life of love, mercy, compassion, and grace towards one another we are living like Jesus did.  If we live a life of relationship with Him, we live like He lived, for His was a life of embracing relationship with the Father.

So let us embrace relationship with the One who loves us! Let us allow His love to wash over into our lives, changing us as we reflect His Glory and love Him and one another!

Amen!

Jesus Our Advocate and Propitiation

This morning I am continuing my reading from John's first letter.  He is continuing to address sin and forgiveness.

1 John 2:1-2 NIV:

[1] "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father---Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. [2] He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."

John describes Jesus as our advocate with the Father.  The word translated advocate is the Greek word Parakletos, and is defined as:

1.summoned, called to one's side, esp. called to one's aid
   a.one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate
   b. one who pleads another's cause with one, an intercessor
2. of Christ in his exaltation at God's right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins
   a. in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant
3. of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension to the Father), to lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom

John also describes Jesus as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.  The Greek word used by him, here translated atoning sacrifice, is Hilasmos and its meaning is better translated propitiation.  Webster's dictionary defines this as "to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of".

In both of these definitions I noticed something interesting, if we sin, whose side (if you imagined a courtroom) is Jesus on?  He is our advocate, our intercessor pleading OUR cause, for OUR pardon.  He is the one who helps us gain or regain the Father's favor.  We know that sin causes relational separation, and yet when we sin, Jesus is our advocate, effectively right there by our side, on our side.   It is clear that the relational separation is on our part, not on God's.  He does not take away His help when we sin, leaving us to justify or defend ourselves, no he provides us the best advocate possible, Christ Jesus.

Paul writes that once we are saved we are hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:3).  As one who is hidden in Christ, our actions are always viewed by God the Father in that context. If we are hidden in Christ, it would make sense that He is our propitiation, the reason we gain and regain the Father's favor.  He is perfect in obedience to the Father, does exactly what the Father wills always, so how could the Father ever look with anything other than favor.  If we are hidden in Jesus, His favor (and righteousness) is extended to us as well.

No where in these two sentences, or in the Greek language used by John, is there any mention of penance, paying God back through some works, etc.  That makes perfect sense if from God's side there was never any separation or loss of favor cause by our sin.

Wow!  Thank You Lord for Your never-ending mercy and grace.  Thank You for allowing me to be hidden in You.

The Father's Heart Towards Sinners

Recently, I spent some time looking at sin and forgiveness, God's attitude towards sin, etc.  I was conjecturing that sin is primarily about relationship with God and intimacy with Him.  Afterwards I was thinking some more about the story of the wayward or prodigal son found in Luke 15.  I realized that it wasn't just relationship and intimacy with the Father that was restored upon the son's return home, but also his true identity.  In the story, the young man thought that he no longer qualified as a son, so was going to offer to be a servant in his Father's house.  However, the Father would not even allow him to think that way, and immediately called for his robe  and ring, both symbols of his identity as a son (Luke 15:21-22).

This is so significant - what we have done, or are even still doing, cannot cause us to lose our identity as sons and daughters of the Father!   In the Father's mind and heart He never stopped loving the son, never considered him to have lost his identity or relationship.  The Father still loved him, still considered him His son, still welcomed him back home, still extended to him His authority, and still welcomed him warmly back into intimate relationship.

The Father's statement about why He was throwing a party for the son who returned is very interesting.  He says, "...For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." (Luke 15:24NIV).  He was speaking about the effect of the son's decisions on their relationship, not his attitude towards his son.  The son had caused all of the separation and relational loss, not the Father.  The Father never stopped looking for him, waiting for him, and longing for him because of His love for His son.  This is the Father's heart towards all of those who are walking a path of separation from Him, missing the opportunities for intimacy and relationship with Him.

I believe Jesus told this story to illuminate to us the Father's heart towards sinners.  The young man broke tons of laws, many if not all of the commandments, and yet the Father's heart towards the son was full of love, mercy and compassion.  There is no angry father waiting to punish the son for his sins, assigning him tons of penance or some subservient role or limited relationship as just punishment!  Jesus was giving us a clear picture of the Father's heart towards sinners.  Everything Jesus said and did was directly from the Father (John 12:49), so we know that the Father had Jesus tell this story to reveal His Heart to us.
 
This is what our Father in heaven is like; this is what His heart is like towards us, even if we are sinners.  He is waiting for us to return to Him, waiting with His arms open wide, ready to welcome us back into intimate relationship and restoration of our true identity as His son or daughter.  He is not angry at us or repulsed by our sins.  He desires more than anything for us to come into relationship with Him that we might experience His marvelously perfect will, and His overwhelming love.  What a great God we serve!

More on Sin, and God's Response

Yesterday I spent a bit of time looking at John's first letter, and thinking about sin and its effects, and the amazing good news of God's plan for our salvation and relationship and forgiveness.  I was thinking about what I wrote the last couple of days and thinking that it seems like a pretty minimal perspective on sin, almost too easy, and God's forgiveness so complete.  I was thinking it seemed too good to be true.

Could sin really be about relationship?  Could the reason that God is so against sin be that it means that the sinner is embracing life outside of His perfect will, and that by definition means we are experiencing less than He desires for us?  If we go back to the story of Adam and Eve, their choosing to disobey God cost them a loss of intimacy with God.  Prior to their sin they were able to walk in the garden with God in the cool of the day, afterwards they were cast out, away from His presence (Gen. 3) and lost that intimacy with God. Prior to their sin, they didn't have to work for food or provision, for everything was available to them.  Afterwards they had to work and toil, experience pain and difficulty.  They were clearly no longer experiencing the joys and benefits of God's perfect will for them - symbolized by their life in the Garden.

If I look at this from a loving Father's perspective I imagine the sadness over the poor choice, the perfect provision that is not enjoyed, and the choosing of something less then had been provided for your child.  Putting it in a modern context - imagine a father who purchases a brand new Maserati for his child's 21st birthday, and instead the child chooses to keep riding their old broken down bicycle, rejecting the father's extravagant gift.  Now imagine that in the choosing the child had believed that the gift of the Maserati was really just a means for the father to control the child from that point forward.  So not only was the child choosing to reject the father's gift but was also believing wrongly about the father's character.  Now think about the father's reaction to this, in his heart.  If I were the father, I would be quite angry with the source of the lie about my character, and greatly saddened that my child so clearly misunderstood me and my intentions.

I believe that Jesus described the Father's heart towards us sinners, those who chose poorly, in His story of the wayward son (Luke 15:11-32).  The Father is clearly saddened by his son's choices, and every day is waiting for him to come home, and when he does, restores him to rightful relationship and his status as a son.  In the story, it does not matter to the father what the son did, only that he is home, and restored to relationship and intimacy with the Father - for the first thing the Father does is embrace him.  There is no call for restitution, penance, or anything other than love and acceptance.  Again, in my mind, this just doesn't seem like a hard enough line for the Father to take, but it is exactly what Jesus describes.

In summary, I am encouraged that the Father loves us and has made a way for us to walk in relationship, through the forgiveness of our sins bu=y the Blood of Jesus.  I am so amazed that this offer is even available!   Thank You Lord!

Blessed Forgiveness

This morning I am continuing my read and think approach on John's first letter.  On Monday I spent some time on sin, looking at how the word is defined and applied by John.  Today I continue that theme with the addition of forgiveness.  Here are the verses I am thinking on - 1 John 1:8-10 NIV:

[8] "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us."

Going back to the definition of the Sin - the Greek word translated sin is the word Hamartia or Hamartano (in this verse the first) and the word is defined as follows:

1. to be without a share in
2. to miss the mark
3. to err, be mistaken
4. to miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honour, to do or go wrong
5. to wander from the law of God, violate God's law, sin

In my mind, I define sin as anything that misses the mark of God's perfect will for my life.  Jesus talks about relationship, obedience and ultimately intimacy in being united with Him and the Father, as the result of being in His will.  So in a very real sense, if we take the definition of sin missing the path which leads to intimacy and relationship, then sin causes us to move away from that and brings separation from God.

If I am walking in His perfect will for my life, I am in unity with His mind and heart for me, I am perfectly obeying His commands, and I am experiencing intimate relationship for that is the promise of Jesus -  John 14:23 NIV: "Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them."

Sin causes us to miss this perfect relationship, walking in God's perfect will, to some degree, for we are all sinners. To think any differently, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth (who is Jesus) is not in us (1 John 1:8).  If we confess, agree with the word (Greek - Homologeo), He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and also purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  The Greek word, here translated forgive is the word aphiemi, and it is defined as follows:

1) to send away
  a) to bid going away or depart
  b) to send forth, yield up, to expire
  c) to let go, let alone, let be
     1. to disregard
     2. to leave, not to discuss now, (a topic)
2) of teachers, writers and speakers
     1.to omit, neglect
   a) to let go, give up a debt, forgive, to remit
   b) to give up, keep no longer
3) to permit, allow, not to hinder, to give up a thing to a person
4) to leave, go way from one

Summarizing these, there is an idea that whatever wrong was done, that is it cancelled, no longer called to mind, literally no longer there.  If we are speaking about relationship with the Lord, than this would basically mean that He acts as if nothing happened, and He is still in relationship with us, and we are walking in intimacy and His perfect will.  It is completely illogical to our human minds, but God is quite clear.  If we go back to the Old Testament there a couple of scriptures that help us understand forgiveness from God's perspective.

Isaiah 1:18 NIV:
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

Psalm 103:11-12 NIV:
[11] "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; [12] as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

There is a sense of complete cleansing (Isaiah 1) and separation from the sin (Psalms 103).  When God forgives us, He washes our sins away with His own blood, which is what purchased forgiveness.  The author of the letter to the Hebrews said it this way - Hebrews 9:14, 22 NIV:

[14] "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!"

[22] "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

Going back to our goal - walking in God's perfect will, in the intimacy of relationship -  then the Blood of Jesus is what allows us to experience this, for that is what provides forgiveness.  It is as if His precious blood is the bridge across which we are constantly brought back into relationship with the Lord.  His Blood brings us back into His perfect will, into relationship, because once applied to our lives, it is as if our sin(s) never happened as far as God is concerned.  That is just amazing to me...clearly too good to be true, but it is!

Once we step into the place of forgiveness, God is also faithful to purify us from our unrighteousness.  Only He can make us righteous, for only in Jesus, hidden in Him in intimate relationship, are we made righteous.  Righteousness is only possible via faith, never through our own works (Rom 3:21-28).  What amazingly good news! If we confess our sin ( the fact that we have missed the mark, lived a life embracing less than His perfect will) then He forgives us and declares us righteous!  Because He forgives our sin and declares us righteous, we can now walk in intimate relationship with Him.  Our job is to recognize and confess our sins, He does all rest!

Finally, going back to John's letter - if we claim we have never sinned, we make God out to be a liar (1 John 1:10).  That is a very scary statement - for in that place we are agreeing with the accusations of satan, saying that God is not true, just, perfect, faithful, holy,  loving, merciful and compassionate.  We are saying that we don't need God, or that our will is the same God's perfect will because we say so.  Clearly in this place we are not intimate relationship with Him, and His word (Jesus) is not in us.

This morning I am very grateful for the gift of forgiveness through the Blood of Jesus, by which I am restored to intimate relationship with God.  In that place I experience the joys of relationship as if I have never missed His will, or sinned.  Simply Amazing!

Thank You Lord!

Walking In The Light

This morning I thought I would start working through John's first letter.  Its been a while since I worked through John's letters.  I like John's uniquely personal perspective.  This morning I am meditating on the following passages - 1 John 1:5-7 NIV:

[5] This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. [6] If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."

You could probably write a book about these three verses, as the richness of the metaphor of light vs. dark just can go on and on.  John's language here proclaims the nature of God in very simple yet profound terms.  He is primarily talking about sin, and God's sinless nature.  the Greek word translated sin is the work Hamartia or Hamartano (in this verse the first) and the word is defined as follows:

1. to be without a share in
2. to miss the mark
3. to err, be mistaken
4. to miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honour, to do or go wrong
5. to wander from the law of God, violate God's law, sin

The question, when I read the definition (first three entries), is what am I missing, without share in or mistaken about?  I believe the answer is God's will for our lives, which is quite a bit more than just the Law.  Jesus explained in Matt 5-7 how you can follow the Law, but still be sinning, as sin and God's will involves our heart and mind as well, not just our actions.  In John's Gospel Jesus talks about obeying His commands and maintaining relationship with Him, "remaining in Him" as critical to our walk and acceptance by the Father.  The whole of this theme swirls around relationship, God's character and our lives.

If I define the goal or the target as "God's perfect will for my life" then the first three definitions make decent sense.  I can be totally outside of God's will for my life, I can miss that target  by a little or by much, I can be mistaken or erred in my understanding of His perfect will.  Continuing, I can miss or wander away from that path, and ultimately be in violation of God's law.

If the goal is God's perfect will is the measure, than it is impossible for there to be any "sin" in God, for His will IS His will.  Nothing and no one can make God do anything other than His will.  He is perfect in that measure, thus there is no darkness or sin at all.

John goes on and says if we claim to have fellowship (relationship) with God but are walking totally outside of His will, we are lying, and do not live out of the truth (which incidentally IS Jesus - John 10:10).  If I don't know God, how is it possible to live my life according to His will and purpose?  Relationship is much more than knowing about someone, it is actually based on interaction with that other individual.  If I never talk to another, or listen to them, how can I be in their will?

Moving on, if we walk in the light (in relationship and trying to follow His will) then the Blood of Jesus cleanses us of all of our sin (missing the mark, erring, wandering, missing our share, etc).  In other words, if we are working to really be in relationship with Him, His love for us, as demonstrated by Jesus' death and spilling of His own blood, will provide forgiveness for any time we don't obey His perfect will for our lives, past, present and future.  Not only that but we are joined into true fellowship with one another (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and each other.

So, in my mind, sin is all about missing God's will for my life.  The invitation is to relationship with Him, and in relationship Jesus' blood is applied to the totality of my life and cleanses me of my sins (missing the mark, etc). Relationship is something that is continual, regular and willful.  I can't say a prayer one time and think that I am in relationship.  In fact, I think that would be a good example of verse 6.  We can't just take the name of Christian and then do what we want (See Matt 7: 21-23).  We must endeavor to follow His will to the best of our ability, and maintain relationship with Him.

I am encouraged today to continue to press into God, walking in the Light, uncovering the riches of relationship that are available, and working hard to follow His will in my life, as I understand it.  His perfect will is the best possible path for my life and I would be foolish to do anything else.

The Kingdom of God - Jesus' Foundational Message

This morning I am thinking about Jesus' core message.  I was reading about the start of His ministry in Luke's Gospel.  Here are three short verses that caught my eye - Luke 4:42-44 NIV:

[42] "At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. [43] But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” [44] And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea."

Here are similar verse from Matthew's Gospel - Matthew 4:12-13, 17 NIV:

[12] "When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. [13] Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali--- "

[17] "From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

And finally a few verses from the Acts of the Apostles - Acts 1:1-3 NIV:

[1] "In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach [2] until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. [3] After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God."

It is pretty clear what Jesus' primary message was all about, namely the Kingdom of God (Heaven).  This was pretty much the first thing He talked about and pretty much the last thing He talked about, after having risen from the dead.  He spoke about the establishment of God's Kingdom multiple times and yet I had rarely if ever heard anyone do much teaching on this topic.  Paul spent his final days, as recorded in the last verses from Acts, speaking about the Kingdom - Acts 28:31 NIV: "He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ---with all boldness and without hindrance!"

I remember a particular day where I was reading one of the Gospels through in a single sitting (it was either Matthew or Luke) and  the consistency of His speaking about the Kingdom finally sank in, as I read over and over about Him speaking and teaching about the Kingdom.  I remember thinking, how is it that I have never heard, nor ever realized that this is probably the foundational message of Jesus' ministry, and apparently the Apostles as well?

That day I started reading and thinking about the Kingdom of God consistently, trying to work through and understand this core message.  Between the two (Kingdom of God/Heaven) there are 112 mentions in the New Testament.  It is interesting that although Jesus spoke about it numerous times, it also seemed to be something that people just didn't understand.  The apostles pretty much misunderstood Jesus right up to the day He ascended into Heaven (See Acts 1: 6), for they thought it meant an earthly kingdom, like Israel experienced under David and Solomon.  The Apostles weren't the only ones who misunderstood, for the Pharisees and Sadducees were all expecting the same earthly kingdom, and one of the reasons they didn't recognize Jesus was that He didn't act like someone who was going to establish a kingdom here on earth.  He wasn't trying to gather followers or unite the people for a populous uprising!

So if this was one of Jesus' and the Apostle's foundational themes, and something that was consistently misunderstood or missed, I think it is critical for us to understand and embrace this message.  We should endeavor to grasp what Jesus was talking about, and figure out how it applies to our lives here and now.  It is my prayer that I fully live out this message in my life, for this is the Good News (Luke 4:43).

Dealing WIth Doubt

This morning as I was quieting myself I heard the word "doubt".  I know this is sometimes coupled with unbelief, and fear.  However I wanted to take some time to look its use in scripture.  I looked up the different uses of it in the New Testament and saw the following verses in the Letter from Jude, the apostle James' brother.

Jude 1:17-23 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."

As we look at these verses, I am encouraged by the heart expressed by Jude.  It seems to me that we often lose our kind, gentle and compassionate heart when we deal with other members of the Body of Christ that are struggling.  Jude doesn't say anything about judging here, but he certainly expresses an ability to identify and help those who are struggling.

David Guzik had these comments in his Bible commentary:

"And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

a. On some have compassion: What do we do with those who have been influenced by these certain men? We need to make a distinction, based on where they are coming from. Certainly, on some have compassion.

i. Using wisdom, we approach different people in different manners. By being sensitive to the Holy Spirit, we can know when we should comfort, and when we should rebuke. Christians should not abandon a friend flirting with false teaching. They should help him through it in love.

ii. The means we keep loving them. No matter how bad a person is, or how misleading and terrible their doctrine, we are not allowed to hate them - or to be unconcerned for their salvation.

iii. Compassion often means watching over someone, helping them with accountability. "Meantime watch over others as well as yourselves; and give them such help as their various needs require." (Wesley)

b. Others save with fear: This second group must be confronted more strongly - but in fear, not in a sanctimonious superiority. You may need to pull them out of the fire, but never do it in pride.

c. This outward look is important. Are you only concerned for your own spiritual welfare? Or do you care about other Christians who may be edging towards significant error?"

It is right for us to be concerned with one another.  It is right to love one another.  It is right and good to converse and discuss our beliefs and ideas and concerns.  It is important that we maintain a heart of mercy and compassion for our brothers and sisters.  As I write this I am reminded of the many times it said the disciples and Apostles didn't understand what Jesus was saying.  He didn't blast them for their inability, but rather entrusted them to the Holy Spirit, knowing that He is very capable of helping them to understand in time.

We who have more experience in the Lord must not look down on those new believers.  We need to make sure that we are ready to help however much is needed.  Let us love one another, for love covers over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).  Let us deal gently with those that doubt, those that struggle, those that are young in their faith, and those who have been raised with different beliefs. This includes ourselves.

Amen.

Yes, I Know You...

Lately I have been all over the place in scripture, and just trying to stay engaged.  I decided to read some in Matthew's Gospel, which just feels comfortable to me, as I have read it so many times. The verses that I am thinking about this morning are the following - Matthew 7:21-23 NIV:

[21] “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' [23] Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

The last sentence kind of grabs your attention, and is the focus of my deeper digging today.  The NASB translates that sentence as follows: "And then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS."  Looking at the original Greek, the NASB translation is more accurate.

Two things stand out to me in this sentence.  First, the reason Jesus tells them to depart is because He never knew them, as in He didn't have relationship with them.  The Greek word Ginosko is quite specific, and it means - to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel.  This word is also a Jewish idiom for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman.  In other words this is not a casual knowing, but is representative of an intimate knowledge, a deeper understanding of someone.  Jesus is quite specific, He isn't impressed with the actions in His name, He is interested in relationship.  He isn't interested in people knowing His name, His title, what He likes, or trying to imitate Him - He is interested in relationship.

Secondly, He appears to equate a lack of relationship with practicing lawlessness.  The two Greek words used here are also quite specific.  This is not casual or accidental breaking of the law, but rather people who make an effort and labor in order to profit from this lawlessness.  That is a very interesting statement, and one I am sure I don't fully grasp.  I don't think Jesus is speaking to everyone in this statement, but is focused on people who are practicing religion for gain, and without real relationship with Him.  I could never understand how something like that could occur, but have read different things about the amazing number of pastors and preachers who don't pray, and who don't seem to have a real relationship with the Lord.  There are many who love the idea of religion, who love the church, who love leading people, who love being in charge, or positions of honor or authority but who don't know Him.  In His day, this would likely have been many of the Pharisees. In our day, this might represent not just some pastors and churchmen, but also those people who say and do things in the name of God, or religion, yet don't really have a real relationship with the Lord.

I will be the first to say that judging someone else's relationship with the Lord is dangerous waters.  Judgment is the Lord's role, not ours.  I can only look at my own life, and identify whether His statement is true for me, whether I know Him and He knows me.  The encouragement is clear, we want Him to be able to say, "yes, I know you!"  What that looks like for me is time in prayer, making an effort to know Him, converse with Him, listen to Him, read about Him, and trying to live my life following Him, doing those things He tells me to do.  I try to understand who I am in Him, how He sees me, what He thinks about me. I believe that I continue to grow in relationship with Him every day.  I am grateful that my desire for relationship with Him is reciprocated, and He has made a way for us to be in relationship with Him, through the Holy Spirit living within us.  I am so encouraged that He actually takes an interest in me and desires to guide, direct, empower and help me.  

Amen!

Making Every Effort to Grow...

This morning I opened my Bible to Peter's second letter.  I like his writing, its simple and to the point.  Here are the verses I am meditating on today - 2 Peter 1:5-13 NIV:

[5] "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. [8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. [10] Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, [11] and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

[12] "So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. [13] I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body,.."

I remember when I first read this list of things to add to my life, I was thinking about them like there was an order to them.  I thought that you got one figured out and moved onto the next one.  Now, not so much, for clearly we want them all in our lives, and need to be working on them in parallel.  When I look at that list I see very admirable character qualities, things I would want said about me.  They seem related to the fruit of the Holy Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, but i notice that Peter says that these are things we can add by our efforts.  I don't think this is a one source (my effort) or the other (Holy Spirit) situation, but rather a joining and embracing what He is doing and saying, adding our own will to accelerate and focus our efforts.  It is recognizing that these are good and beneficial and worthy of effort.

I was thinking about how many of us (myself not included) have regular physical exercise regimens, where we "make every effort" to stay in shape, to grow stronger, to lose weight, whatever the goal is individually (I need to do all three).  What I am wondering is if we have ever put together a spiritual and character exercise plan, that would enable us to "make every effort" to grow in these areas?

I think that similar realities apply here. First, it takes regular, more than once a week, effort.  Many people who work out physically do so daily, especially the ones who really want to make progress.  Secondly, it takes consistency, as in a regular schedule that builds the time into your day or weekly regimen.  Thirdly, it helps to talk to others, to read what others say, and to try and find what works for you.  What I do is right for me, and it took me a while to find that correct mix, and its very different from what my wife Tina does. Fourth, it requires a healthy diet, not necessarily the food we eat, but what we consume in other areas, as in media and such.  I find that my spirit is very sensitive to the music I listen to and the TV or movies I watch.  If I am filling myself with stuff that is encouraging to my spirit, I find my efforts to stay on track and focused on the Lord are easier. Lastly, it is always good to train with someone else, to find someone to partner with, to go through a similar regimen.  Some people will work through a book or Bible study with someone else, or even a small group.

I like that Peter says that he will always remind them of these things, even though they already know them all.  Being humble and recognizing that we can always use a review, always benefit from being reminded.  I regularly read back through my journal, refreshing those things that the Lord has been showing me or speaking to me.  In the same way, it is good to go back over and over again the scriptures, for so often the Lord might emphasize something completely differently each time you read sections of scripture.  I have read through Matthew's Gospel probably hundreds of times, yet I always see something that seems  new or fresh.

So this morning, I am reminded and renewed in my daily efforts to grow in my faith and godly character. Lord, please help me to persevere and actually grow.

A Love Note From Your Heavenly Father

To begin with, let me say I am so happy that you decided to read this.  You may not know it, but I think that You are absolutely fantastic, and I just wanted to take a moment to tell you that.  You see, many people misunderstand me, misquote me, and just don't represent me very well, so I thought I would cut through all that stuff and just tell you myself.

First, I am not kidding, I think you are fantastic. No kidding.  In fact you are exactly how I imagined you would be.  You look quite a bit like me, act quite a bit like me, and have many of my good character traits.  When I look at you, I see only positive, awesome and beautiful things.  In fact, I don't have a negative thought about you.

Secondly, I am not mad at you, not even a little miffed.  You see I have this great plan and you are part of it, and your life up to now all fits perfectly into that plan.  How is that possible you might ask? Well lets just say we already took care of the all the bad stuff, and when I look at you I see you as you are going to be in the future, not just as you are now.  Did I mention the fact that I think you are fantastic?

Third, I am not an angry guy.  I mean who wants their father to be an angry guy? Think about it this way, if you were the perfect definition of love, would you be angry?  If you were in complete control, surrounded by those you love and love you the most, would you be angry? Lets just say that lots of people get this part wrong about me, and I want to set the record straight.  Everything good, everything beautiful, everything majestic, everything that is awe-inspiring came from me.  I am overwhelmingly and eternally good.  

Fourthly, I want you to know that I want a relationship with you.  Yep, a real live relationship just like you have with other people, only with me.  I want to know you and to help you to know me.  I think you are fantastic, one of the best ever, and I want to talk and share and express my deep love for you.  I absolutely think the world of you and think you are one of the most significant people ever.  Everything about you is wonderful and I want to enjoy time together with you.  I have made a perfect way for us to be able to have a relationship, and my son Jesus made it all possible.

I want you to be able hear me and understand what I am thinking.  I want to hear from you, understanding what you are thinking.  I want to be with you all the time, everyday, experiencing life together.  I want to show you all the best things, and encourage you in all your gifts, talents and uniqueness.  I want to introduce you to others who think the same way about you and surround you with love and affection.

When I look at you, I am just so proud of who you are, and who you become.  I need to be honest, it does help that I can see the whole of time, and I see how everything ends up, including you.  Don't miss the significance of that - I am seeing you both now and in the future as well as all of your past, and my opinion of you hasn't changed a bit, I still think you are awesome, fantastic and positively brilliant.

What's the catch you might ask?  That's the best part, there isn't one.  This is free, provided through my son Jesus.  You don't have to earn it, change yourself to qualify, nothing.  That really is the good news.  I have done everything necessary, all you have to do is decide to give me a chance.  I am not concerned about anything you might have done, anything you might have said, anything at all.  My love for you overcomes all of that.  All you need to do is say yes, because that is the one thing I would never do, force myself on you or force you to decide.  I am eternally patient.  Again, it helps when you see the whole of time and know how everything turns out.

Why now you ask?  It is simply because I know that your life will better with me in it.  I know the help and encouragement, love and support that I can provide you.  I want everyone to experience the very best life possible, and when you are walking with me, in relationship with me, that is possible.

I really do think you are fantastic, and I wanted to extend this personal invitation to relationship with me.  I could go on and on, and I am sure you have lots of questions which we can get to later, but let me just say again, I love you and I have some awesome plans for our life together.  I hope that you say yes, but even if you don't now, I still love you and think you are awesome.  I am the most patient individual in the world.  I  will be here with the same invitation when you decide to say yes.  It really does help when you can see how everything turns out.

Lastly, you really are an awesome person, don't let anyone tell you differently.  I have seen everyone ever created, and there is no one quite like you!  You are one of the best ever, and I am very excited about the opportunity to have a deep and abiding relationship. I can't wait to tell you how proud I am of you!

I love you,

Your Father


p.s. If you want to do a little background check, take a bit of time to read my friend John's account of my son Jesus' life.  My son came to earth not only to pay for everything, but to show the world what I am really like.  In fact everything he did and said were directly from me.  You can find this account of Jesus' life in the Bible, in the Gospel of John, and it should give you a better idea of who I am.

Wealth and Our Heart's Focus

This morning I was reading in Mark's Gospel and as I read the following verses, I was reminded of a couple other verses.  The first set is the story of the rich young man, as follows - Mark 10:17-23 NIV:

[17] As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

[18] “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good---except God alone. [19] You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.' ”

[20] “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

[21] Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

[22] At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. [23] Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

As I read those verse, two things stood out.  First, the young man RAN up to Jesus. This was not a chance encounter, by a moderately interested individual.  This young man had passion, desire and a hunger for the things of God.  Second, Jesus looked at him and loved him.  He didn't look at him with disdain. He didn't judge him for what was in his heart, He Loved him. The Lord knew what was in his heart, yet Jesus loved him.  Jesus gave him an opportunity to step free of those things that kept him bound, those things he had given his heart to, and the whole time Jesus loved him.

When I read those verses, I was immediately reminded of the parable of the sower and the seeds. The following is the description the Lord gives of one of the types of soil - Matthew 13:22 NIV:  "The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful."

When I look at the young man's reaction, I see exactly what Jesus described.  The young man welcomed the word, took it in and wanted to follow Jesus. However, he had given his heart to his wealth, to the good things, to pursuing more wealth. Now instead of being free to do what he wanted because he had the money to do so, he was actually bound by the worries, concerns and desires for wealth. He was unable to free himself so that he could be concerned with the proclamation of the Gospel, and following Jesus, producing much fruit.  That is exactly what Jesus talked about, for the deceitfulness of wealth is that it will bring you freedom, when in reality it can cause a bit of a black-hole that draws you deeper in, taking your heart focus away from the things of God.

In our modern day this can look like a desire to have nice things, a nice house and car, and such, but then needing to work constantly to pay for those things.  No freedom to pick up and go where the Lord might call.  Many of us can become enslaved to our needs and wants, always desiring more, and having to work harder and harder to get those things.  When I look at my own life, I see so many things I need to take care of, that I need to be about, including my job which requires much focus and work.  I realize that I am not nearly as free as I could be, or might desire to be.

The challenge is to hold those things lightly, to be willing to change our life-style or part ways with those things that hold us back, or make us less fruitful than we might desire.  A good question to consider is are we willing to lay aside our trappings of wealth and luxury to pursue the things of God?  If our hearts struggle with that question, then we are pretty much like the young man in the story from Mark.  The good news is that Jesus sees our heart, and loves us.  He invites us into relationship with Him, and He will help us.

In a final reflection, my Dad did exactly what the young man was challenged to do.  He sold most everything we had, leaving a very comfortable life, a great job, and moved up to Northern Minnesota to live in a much smaller house, with far fewer nice things, and much less money, all so that he could follow God more closely.  As a teenager I was significantly affected, but I have to say, my  life was never happier nor more free.  We had much less, but we had joy, and each other.  This is certainly not the call for all people, nor is Jesus' invitation to the first young man, but my experience certainly demonstrated the truth of Jesus' words in these two stories.

My encouragement this day is to consider the state of my heart and life and what I am focused on.  Am I constrained by my lifestyle and "wealth" in such a way that I am unfruitful, or less fruitful than I  might be otherwise?  Have I turned down the invitation of the Lord out of concern for my things, my lifestyle?  Am I good soil, bearing much fruit?

Lord, help me to see myself clearly.

My Heart's Condition & Finances

This morning I felt led to read from Malachi.  This book is quite familiar to me, but not one I frequent, so I was wondering why the Lord would direct me there.  Here are the verses I am focused on - Malachi 3:7-15 NIV:

[7] "Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.“

But you ask, 'How are we to return?'

[8] “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.“

But you ask, 'How are we robbing you?'

“In tithes and offerings. [9] You are under a curse---your whole nation---because you are robbing me. [10] Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. [11] I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe, ” says the Lord Almighty. [12] “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

[13] “You have spoken arrogantly against me,” says the Lord.“

Yet you ask, 'What have we said against you?'

[14] “You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? [15] But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.' ”

Clearly the Lord is after something in my heart concerning finances, and after reading these verses I understand what He is pointing at in my life.  Yesterday, I got some disappointing news at work, that will likely impact me negatively in the financial realm.  Needless to say, this type of news is  not welcomed in any house, and especially here as we continue to work to dig out from a few very tight years, and try to save for our retirement.  My immediate thought was all about me, feeling sorry for myself, disappointed in the lost opportunities that this represented.

I found myself sliding into thoughts similar to those described in verses 14 and 15.  I was allowing the enemy to fill my head with negative thoughts, even listening to some of his accusations against the Father. I believe that the Lord clearly led me to this job, and all of the jobs I have had over the last several years.  Even though I have followed the Lord, it seems true financial success has not come to pass.  Rather then looking at the myriad of blessings the Lord has poured into my life, I was focused only on my disappointment.  At the heart of the issue is a small amount of unbelief still in my life, and I have allowed this to influence my thoughts and ultimately my actions.

I am encouraged this morning to repent and change the way I think, and what I think about.  God is the source of all good things, and He loves me dearly and has provided abundantly.  He is not punishing me, nor angry with me, and He has a plan for me.  His provision and blessing will follow me every day of my life.  I will continue to believe His word, and trust in His promises and weather the present situation with grace, peace and joy from Him.

Lord, you know the weakness in me, I ask that You help me press into You, for in my weakness You are strong.

That Which Really Matters

This morning I felt like I should read from Luke's Gospel, in the twelfth chapter.  This chapter is full of much teaching and statements from Jesus, but as I was reading the following two sections stood out to me, clearly partly due to my recent loss of my father.

Luke 12:14-21, 29-34 NIV

[14] "Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” [15] Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

[16] And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. [17] He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' [18] “Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. [19] And I'll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” '

[20] “But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'

[21] “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

[29] "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. [30] For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. [31] But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."

[32] “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. [33] Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

I have been thinking quite a bit about our mortality, our purpose, and how we can make a difference in the lives of those around us.  I am encouraged by Jesus' words this morning, directing us to look beyond material possessions, to the greater reality, our eternal destiny.  We are called to consider our life from a different perspective, not as it relates to our time here on earth, but rather our time afterwards in eternity.

I believe that our lives here do matter in eternity, as Jesus clearly indicates in these verses. Our focus can be on amassing things here, or in preparing our lives for our heavenly embrace.  Jesus talks about storing up treasures for ourselves in heaven, and relates it to giving to the poor, then goes on to say that we shouldn't be worried about possessions here on earth.  He preceded theses statements calling us to seek first His kingdom, to not worry about possessions.  He urges us to seek His Kingdom, to invest in this with our lives. I find it interesting that He also says His Kingdom is in us (Luke 17:21), literally in our very midst, as in people.  If we are seeking first His Kingdom, and it exists in each other, than our focus would be on each other, not on our possessions.  I think that the message, at its core, is we should be putting people before possessions.

I was talking to my Mom about relationships and our future heavenly experience.  It is my belief that the foundational value in the Kingdom of God is in relationships.  Jesus came to earth to restore our ability to have a direct relationship with the Father, becoming the Way (John 14:6).  He and the Holy Spirit desire to be with us, in relationship always (John 15-17).  We are called to be a part of the Body of Christ, through our relationships with one another (1 Cor 12).  When a man and woman marry they become one in God's eyes (Matt 19:4-6), clearly demonstrating God's perspective about relationships.  All of this is to say that it seems to me that our treasure in heaven must be related to our relationships.

Thinking further about this, if we are called to seek His Kingdom first, and it is in people (for it is clearly not delineated by geography), then the most important thing here on earth, besides out relationship with the Lord, is our relationships with one another.  Jesus says basically this same thing in answering the question about the greatest commandments - Matthew 22:37-39 NIV: "Jesus replied: “ 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"  Another way to refer to the greatest commandments would be to call them the most important things to focus on - loving God and loving each other.  Thus, we come full circle for our focus on relationship with God and others is supposed to be the most important thing in all our lives.  We are supposed to put these before all else, and in so doing are adding to our treasure in heaven.  Our hearts are where are treasure is, and if our treasure is relationships with God and one another, then our hearts would be with them.  Our natural proclivity would be to care for those that we treasure, which is the exactly what Jesus was talking about.

So I am encouraged today to look at and assess the true value of the treasures in my life, namely my relationships with God and with those around me.  These are the things I should be investing in, the things that really matter, the things that are the most important in life, the greatest commandments.

Amen!