Purpose, Primacy and Changing Seasons

Today the verse for reflection is from John 3:22-30 NIV:

[22] "After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. [23] Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. [24] (This was before John was put in prison.) [25] An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. [26] They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan---the one you testified about---look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

[27] To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. [28] You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ [29] The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. [30] He must become greater; I must become less.”

The retreat guide I have been working through has two good questions to consider, pertaining to these verses, specially verses 27-30:
1) How have I demonstrated such freedom and other-centeredness?
2) Where in my life do I still need to let go of excessive self-preoccupation and control?

I am so encouraged by John's ability to see and understand his role, and Christ's primacy. He didn't grasp for power, get threatened by Jesus entering ministry, even envy his success. He knew his role was to prepare the way. He wasn't worried about his reward, his recognition, or any accolades. There is a definite maturity to his understanding and expression of his role.

In my mind its all about primacy and purpose. John knew where he fit, knew his call and purpose, and recognized the movement of God and the new season that was dawning in his ministry. I was thinking of an analogy of a professional pitcher whose role is the setup pitcher. His job is to prepare for the closing pitcher. That is his job, and he hands over the ball once he has accomplished his task. I am sure he would like to finish pitching, or pitch more innings, but his purpose and role is clear. John knew his role was to prepare the way for the Lord and had accomplished that task. He wasn't emptying himself , but had rather fulfilled his role and knew that the time had come to allow Jesus to become the focus. His role was secondary to Jesus, and he understood that.

I was just thinking about the unique privilege John had as the last of the old testament prophets, he actually got to meet the Messiah, actually saw and interacted with the one He was preparing the way for. I could just imagine the joy he felt when He baptized Jesus and saw and heard the Father's and the Holy Spirit's interaction. I bet he was ready to hand over everything right then. It makes me wonder how I would respond if the Lord really showed up at church, and whether I would willing hand over the reins? I think that is a struggle that many churches have, the need for control and the desire to follow a plan, regardless of whether the Lord is moving or not. My prayer for us all would be that when the Lord shows up, that we react with joy and celebration and a willingness to enable His ministry. In reality we are all set-up pitchers, preparing the way for The One who is or Savior. It is not about us, it is about Him, but that does not diminish our role, responsibility or importance.

On a slightly different take, I like what Bill Johnson has to say about verse 30, which is sometimes turned into a prayer - 'less of me, more of Him'. Bill says that is a wrong prayer, as we should be praying all of me and all of Jesus. We often times get the idea from a mis-interpretation of this verse, that we need to suppress our personality and uniqueness and become solely like Christ. Bill's point is that Christ created us unique for a purpose and he wouldn't suppress that uniqueness, or ask us to become mini replicas of Himself. Jesus wants us to be all ourselves, fulfilling the purpose and plans He has for us, while at the same time being filled completely with Him, so that we actually have the power and strength to do the things He has called us to do.

Finally, another thought that relates to these verses is the recognition of a new season, and willingly adjusting to the new season. Many of us struggle with change, and do not welcome the call to adjust our ways to the new season we find ourselves in. This is true in ministry and in life. When the Lord is doing something new, we must not cling to the old ways, old patterns of thoughts or actions. We must recognize and embrace the new reality and learn to live in this new reality. Sometimes, the new is radically different than the old, which does not negate the old, but is simply something new to be embraced. If we had to move from one house to another, because our job was relocated, we don't have to feel Ike the old house was bad, but rather we just have a new house to live in. Sometimes the Lord moves us, or calls us to change our ways, and we need to be ready to welcome the change or move.

I was just thinking about how personal change, as directed by the Lord, is a bit like renovating a kitchen. Sometimes you have to gut the kitchen and rebuild from the studs and joists, other times you can just replace cabinet faces and handles, but either way it looks new. God in His mercy is constantly working with us to shape and grow us into mature believers who understand our roles and purposes, and to attain that will require personal change, so we might as well learn to embrace the change the Lord brings.

Fellowship of Suffering

The meditation for today is from Philippians 3:7-16 NIV:

[7] "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ---the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

[10] I want to know Christ---yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

[12] Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. [13] Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

'[15] All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. [16] Only let us live up to what we have already attained."

I love these verses from Paul's letter to the Philippians. They challenge me to continue to press forward in my pursuit of the Lord. Paul wrote thus letter sometime after his visit to Philippines, which occurred in his second missionary journey. This would put this letter late in his effective ministry years, and yet his pursuit and perspective remains unchanged. He continues to press on, doesn't feel that he has fulfilled that which He was called by Christ to do, and so he does not rest, does not coast, but presses onward.

This morning as I was reading these verses, I was struck by Paul's meaning of 'all things are garbage' as he presses into the Lord. He understands clearly that his actions, his efforts are ineffective in any way, for earning him righteousness and eternal life. It is Christ alone who has accomplished this. All accomplishments and actions in Paul's life, regardless of how significant, can not earn him salvation. It is through relationship with and belief in Jesus that is the only path.

Finally verse 10 & 11 are two verses that I just don't like to think about. Its fine to read the first part of verse "I want to know Christ - yes, to know the power of the resurrection" but it is the rest of that sentence that is challenging. To think on and desire to join in participation with Christ's sufferings is not something that I generally find myself joyfully anticipating. The Greek word here translated participation is Koinonia, whose definition is:

1. fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse
A. the share which one has in anything, participation
B. intercourse, fellowship, intimacy
C. the right hand as a sign and pledge of fellowship (in fulfilling the apostolic office)
2. a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution, as exhibiting an embodiment and proof of fellowship

What helps me with this passage is thinking back to the time my honey had cancer and went through chemotherapy. Although she suffered the ill effects of both in her physical body, I was there by her side, seeing the effects, serving her needs, caring for her, and walking through it with her. There was a fellowship, an intimacy that developed through that time, which although painful, is also beautiful. There is a depth of knowledge about each other that was attained in that season, unlike anything else we had previously experienced. This helps me understand what Paul is writing about, this fellowship in the midst of suffering, this deeper understanding of Jesus as he meditates and is brought into that place of suffering that Jesus went through on our behalf.

We generally don't like to be confronted with suffering and pain, and many of our friends were unable to deal with, or struggled with my sweetheart's suffering. However, there is a place of deep relationship that is established when we are willing to walk into and through suffering with someone else. That is our invitation in Christ, especially during this Lenten season as we look toward Good Friday. We are invited to delve into Christ's sufferings and in doing so, bringing our relationship with Jesus to a new place of fellowship and intimacy.

That Which Matters Most

This morning I am meditating on Mark 10:17-27 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!”

[24] The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! [25] It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

[26] The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”

[27] Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

This story is such a poignant reminder of what is really valuable. There was one thing that the rich man lacked, and that was a relationship with Jesus, for that was the invitation Jesus gave him in verse 21, to come and follow Him. I think these verses are often interpreted as a command for us to be poor, or to sell everything if we want to follow Jesus, but I think that is not the main message.

First and foremost, Jesus loved the man, and invited him to come and be his disciple. To do that he would need to leave everything behind, and as a man of great wealth, he had much he had to manage, which likely required daily interaction. Jesus didn't command him to give away everything, but to sell everything, in other words divest yourself of your responsibilities so you can follow me. The command to give to the poor could have been accomplished through his normal income, and was also probably something the man had not done. Although the statements are related, one doesn't lead to the other as requirement.

In Luke's version of this story (Luke 18:18-30) he calls the man "a certain ruler". The Greek word he used was Archon, whose definition is: a ruler, commander, chief, or leader. In other words this man was one of the magistrates, or leaders of a community, and his wealth was very likely related to this position. Jesus was inviting him to leave his role and responsibilities, to be His disciple, similar to what James and John, Peter and Andrew did (Matt 4:18-22) when they were issued the invitation. This wasn't an ordinary invitation, but apparently an invitation to become one of Jesus' close group of disciples, for those are the only invitations we see Jesus making throughout all scripture.

In our lives, all of us are invited to become followers of Jesus, but most of us are not asked to abandon our lives and follow Jesus, but rather to embrace Him in, and throughout our daily lives. There are those who ARE issued an invitation to completely change their lives, abandoning their former pursuits to live their lives totally in the Lord's service, but in my experience those invitations are more rare, and certainly do not apply to everyone with wealth. The key invitation is to have a relationship with Jesus.

Indeed it is difficult to follow the Lord when the cares of this world, the responsibilities and demands squeeze our time and energy. Jesus described this in His parable about the sower and the seed - Matthew 13:22 "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." People so encumbered have difficulty bearing fruit, or as Jesus said, even entering the Kingdom. As Jesus rightfully points out, the issue is the deceit of possessions and wealth providing everything they need. These will not lead to fulfillment, happiness or have any eternal significance.

He is inviting us to open our eyes to both the relational and eternal perspectives of His invitation, and join Him. Relationship with Him is the most valuable thing we can pursue. Let's pursue that which matters most.

It Is Our Choice

This morning I am just thinking on yesterday's meditation, specifically Luke 1:35, 38 NIV:

[35] "The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

[38] “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her."

I was wondering what Mary experienced when the Holy Spirit came to her and overshadowed her. I know I have experienced the infilling power of the Holy Spirit and it is a significant event. So often Scripture is quite under spoken about significant things. This is the only time EVER that God comes in this way, and it is called overshadowing, and the Greek word means exactly that - to cast a shadow over. I imagine that Mary was very aware of God's power overshadowing her, and touching her body.

This is not some sort of possession, or taking control by God. Rather, He was given permission by Mary's choice in verse 38. Even in this most critical point in human history and salvation, God does not force her will, but honors the gift of free-will that He has given us all. God was definitely the initiator, but He would only go so far before He stopped and let Her choose.

So often people want God to just come in and take control of their lives, but He is always a respecter of our free-will. God is aways initiating, but we must respond, we must extend the invitation to Him by opening the door, by saying Yes, by asking Him to come. I am reminded of the verse from Revelation 3:20:
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me"

This is also true for areas of our life, the Lord will not intervene, will never walk into an area and just start cleaning house, unless invited. He always waits for the invitation, although He may stand outside the area and ask us to open it to Him, He will not enter unless we say so. There is such a gentleness and patience in the Lord's dealings with us.

I am thankful that He let's us choose. He wants loving sons and daughters, who are in relationship because they want to, not because they have to be, like mindless servants.

His Words Will Never Fail

This mornings meditation is from Luke 1:26-38 NIV:

[26] "In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, [27] to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. [28] The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

[29] Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. [30] But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. [31] You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. [32] He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, [33] and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

[34] “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

[35] The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. [36] Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. [37] For no word from God will ever fail.”

[38] “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her."

There is so much to think about in these verses.

I thought about the fact that the Lord, sent an angel to Zechariah several month earlier, as a predecessor to the angel He sent to Mary. I wondered if Mary had any really significant experiences early in life to prepare her for this visitation, or if this was the first indication she had of the Lord's favor? I was thinking about the facts of this experience, about how they were reported, if it was Mary herself who told of these events? I was thinking about how much the angel didn't say about Jesus, but rather planted the word and some truth about Him, and how her understanding of who Jesus was and what He was about developed over time and experience. I thought about her willingness to say yes, even without all the Information.

Finally, I thought about the truth expressed in verse 37 - "no word from God will ever fail.". That is such an awesome statement, and promise. It is both the foundation and the promise of our faith. I knew a guy who used to say, "Either God's word is true or it isn't!" I think we would be different people if we lived our lives like we really believe that statement. I know that I don't always understand God's words to me, or maybe I don't hear them, but that does not negate this truth. All of His words will accomplish exactly what they were intended to do, none will fail. Yes, all His words are true and will never fail.

Amen Lord.

God Who Comes Down

This morning I felt led to read from Isaiah 64:3-4 NIV:

[3] "For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. [4] Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him."

I was just thinking about the reality of God visiting the earth. He intervened in the lives of the Israelites, He came as a man Jesus, and He resides in the believers as the Holy Spirit.

He is the only God who is God. Is 37:16

He is the only God who actually intervenes in people's lives. Is 64:4

He is the only God who reveals Himself as loving and compassionate, and full of mercy. Ex 34:6

He is the only God who desires relationship with us as sons and daughters, over servants. 2 Cor 6:18

He is the only God, who hears our prayers and answers them, who acts on our behalf, individually. Gen 25:21

This really is amazing, that the God of the Universe, the one true God, cares for me, interacts with me, and desires relationship with me. I am, and will remain constantly amazed by God. The depth of who He is defies understanding, and yet He provides us perspective that we can understand and embrace. The fact that He would desire to come down and reside with me is beyond comprehension, yet real and experiential.

Lord, I pray that You would draw me deeper into the mystery of who You are, and who I am to You.

God's Love

This morning's meditation is from Ephesians 3:14-21 NIV:

[14] "For this reason I kneel before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. [16] I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

[20] Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

This morning I just read these verses through a few times and let the message pour over me. The one significant point that stands out is that its all about understanding His love for us. That is what His power is at work doing in our lives, and that which we are called to dive into with everything we have - understanding His love. His love surpasses all knowledge, it helps us to be filled with the fullness of God. His love propels us, enables us and empowers us. It is this force of love that brings Him Glory.

These verse make me think I don't even have a tiny grasp of the real power of God's love for me! So often we think of love as emotion, and while that is true, that is not the fullness of the definition of love. There is a song that says - "love is a verb" and that is very true, as love is action. When we love our spouses faithfully, this is done though action, not just emotion. Living a life of love requires action and thought and emotion, all rolled together.

Love is also a person - God (1 John 4:8). That simple phrase stops me and causes me to consider how I think about God. We joke about how a certain person is the perfect definition of a word and if you looked in a dictionary it would have their picture next to the word, but that is the absolute truth concerning God and Love - He is Love. God is not angry, is not waiting to judge wrong-doers, is not to busy to be bothered, is not disengaged, is not the figment of someones imagination - He is Love. Taking Paul's famous love verse 1 Cor 13:4-8 and substituting God for love we have the following:

God is patient, God is kind. He does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud. He does not dishonor others, He is not self-seeking, He is not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. God never fails.

Amen - God is Love.

Asking For Directions

The meditation for today is from Romans 8:26-27 NIV:

[26] "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. [27] And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God."

I am so grateful for this reality in my life, the fact the Lord helps me to pray. In prayer, I am often unsure of how to view a circumstance or situation, but as I pray I receive insight and understanding. There have been times where I didn't know the Lord's plan or purpose, so I just asked for guidance, praying in the Spirit for extended periods, and watched as the Lord brought direction and guidance that I could understand.

The Lord desires us to ask Him, when we have questions or need understanding. He desires to provide that which we need, and just waits for us to ask, to seek, to knock. The Holy Spirit will bring strength and guidance to us when we admit our weakness, or lack of understanding or direction. I guess this is the verse where the Lord addresses all of us men, in our pride, who don't want to stop and ask for directions. :-)

We must be willing to ask for help, ask for directions, and ask for guidance. Holy Spirit I ask for Your prayers, help, guidance and direction.

Our Approachable Father

The meditation for today is Psalm 103. I love these verses - Psalm 103:8-13:

[8] "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
[9] He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;
[10] he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
[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.
[13] As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;"

When I think of the Father, these are the verses that resonate in my heart, the character He reveals here. These are the characteristics of Him that I have seen over and over in my life - His compassion, mercy, love, forgiveness, and graciousness. I am always amazed when people relate to God as an angry, rule-making, stern God. I know there have been times that people have expressed the importance of reverence and coming before Him as the greatest king, but I always interact with Him as my Father, who loves me, cares for me and treats me with kindness and compassion.

I don't want to lose sight if the fact that He is THE king, and we rightfully should hold Him in away and with great reverence. There have been times whore I have experienced His glory and power, been forced to my knees or been flat on my face before Him, recognizing His awesomeness, but the vast majority of the time He chooses to meet me with gentleness and mercy. He is totally approachable and desirous of my prayer and communication.

I am reminded of a verse I read the other evening - Galatians 5:6b NIV:..."The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." That seems to me to be the appropriate response to God the Father, faith in Him expressed through love of Him!

Amen Lord!

His Overwhelming Goodness

Today's brief meditation will be from Psalm 63:1-8 NIV:

[1] "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
[2] I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
[3] Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
[4] I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
[5] I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
[6] On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
[7] Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
[8] I cling to you; your right hand upholds me."

I know that I say this often, but this is one of my favorite verses. I guess I like it so much because it echos my heart, longing and thirsting for more of the Lord, while at the same time reveling in His love and blessings. It is an interesting dynamic, being full of thanks and gratitude, and yet longing for more, knowing that in reality I have only touched the smallest bit of God's goodness so far. There is so much greatness in God, it is unfathomable, and that is exactly what I want and need to experience more fully, His unfathomable goodness.

I continue to go back to Graham Cooke's statement that the "Good News is too good to be true, but it is true!" If I spend time trying count His blessings in my life I am astounded. If I try to understand His love for me, in spite of all my failings, I am overwhelmed. If I try to understand the price He personally paid to purchase forgiveness for my sins, I am blown away. If I try to contemplate His majesty, I am speechless.

I could keep going, but I think the point is clear, He is good, beyond comprehension. My goal is to enjoy His goodness all the days of my life and always thirst for more.

His Mercy and Forgiveness

The meditation this morning is from one of my all-time favorite chapters in scripture - Isaiah 55:1-13 NIV:

[1] “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
[2] Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.
[3] Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.
[4] See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a ruler and commander of the peoples.
[5] Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations you do not know will come running to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.”
[6] Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
[7] Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
[8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
[9] “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
[10] As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
[11] so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
[12] You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
[13] Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”

Three is so much to think on in these verses. The invitation to come and listen; the fact that God is not like us, we are like Him; the fact that His word will accomplish exactly what He intended; and that it is God's desire for joy and peace to be present in our lives. Any of these significant themes is sufficient for weeks of thought and deep diving, and I have spent much time in these verses through the years.

Today the verse that stood out to me is verse 7 - "Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon."

What struck me about this is the difference between a wicked and unrighteous person. This is by no means the only place in scripture that deals with these two terms, but here the distinction is between action and thought. The wicked are called to forsake, or stop their ways (actions), while the unrighteous are called to forsake their thoughts. I know for me, my thoughts are vastly different than my actions, but the Lord cares about both. The Lord knows our thoughts (Ps 139:2). He knows what we ponder, what we entertain, and what we pursue in our minds. It is these thoughts that birth desire, which lead to sin (James 1:13-15) and it is those thoughts which, the Lord says, make us unrighteous. These are not the fleeting thoughts that are dropped into our minds by the enemy, but rather those conscious thoughts and choices we make to think about certain topics and things that are outside of God's purpose and will.

We are called to turn away from disobedience in both categories, action and thought, and turn to God, and He will extend mercy and forgiveness. I love this message of grace and mercy. The Lord knows our ways, knows our thoughts, yet is willing to extend mercy and forgiveness freely. In other words, the only thing we need to do is to turn towards God. There is no paying off, or earning forgiveness and mercy, they are freely extended and given. Mercy and forgiveness were not free to God, but they are free to us!

So let us be encouraged today to turn towards God, and forsake those things that are not of God, both thoughts and actions, and let us embrace His mercy and forgiveness, with joy and peace. He is near and waiting.

Prayer Is Our Life-Blood!

Today's meditation is on the Lord's teaching on prayer from Luke 11:1-13 NIV:

[1] One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” [2] He said to them, “When you pray, say: “
‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
[3] Give us each day our daily bread.
[4] Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. ’ ”

[5] Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; [6] a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ [7] And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ [8] I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.

[9] “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

[11] “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? [12] Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

These are such awesome verses to think on, for they open to us an understanding of prayer, the Father's heart, and the desire of the Father to give us what we need. The "Our Father" is so much more than just a prayer we say from memory, nor is supposed to just be the words we pray over and over, but rather it is Jesus' statement on how to pray. Praise the Father, acknowledge His goodness, and don't be afraid to ask Him for what You need. Seek His Kingdom, ask to be a part of it.

In Matthew's Gospel chapter 6, verse 10, we have the following addition after the prayer 'Your Kingdom come' - "Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven". I think these are a critical inclusion, as they direct us how to pray, asking the Father to make real here on earth the same things that are real in heaven.

The other thing I like about this meditation, or set of verses, is that they include the other statements Jesus made on prayer. The "Our Father" was just the start of His teaching, and He went on to explain about the effectiveness of persistence in prayer, the encouragement to ask, seek and knock in prayer, and finally the Father's heart toward us His children.

I think it is so encouraging that Jesus, the Son of God, is telling us to pray, helping us to understand how to approach our Father God. Jesus came to reveal the Father, and one of the things He revealed about the Father is that He wants us to pray to Him, to ask Him, to seek Him. He is not waiting in Heaven for our prayers, so that He can disappoint us, but rather He is waiting to give us good things, and the Holy Spirit!

Oh, that we would learn to pray, learn to seek God, learn to turn to Him for all our needs. I am so quick to try and work things out on my own, not wanting to bother the Father, but the Father is not weary of my prayers, is not tired by my persistence, and is happy to have me seek Him. Jesus said that everything He did and every word from His mouth were from the Father (John 12:49 & John 15:10), and for this to be true He had to be in constant communication with the Father. We would do well to follow His example and endeavor to pray to the Father constantly, and continue to listen to what the Father has to say.

Lord, continue to help us learn how to pray, for prayer is the life-blood of our relationship to You.

The King's Shalom

This morning I felt I should read Psalm 72:1-7 NIV:

[1] "Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness.
[2] May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice.
[3] May the mountains bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness.
[4] May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor.
[5] May he endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations.
[6] May he be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth.
[7] In his days may the righteous flourish and prosperity abound till the moon is no more."

My eyes were particularly drawn to verses 3 & 7, as I felt the Lord wanted to encourage me, and all of us with a message about prosperity (the word translated here is Shalom). The Lord's hand is meant to be visible in the abundance of prosperity (Shalom) in His Kingdom. When He is king, prosperity (Shalom) comes, for it is related to His nature, His sovereignty over all things. So, it is important to understand what the word Shalom actually means. The word Shalom is rich in meaning - here are the definitions from the Strong's Hebrew Dictionary - Shalowm

Definition
1. completeness, soundness, welfare, peace
a. completeness (in number)
b. safety, soundness (in body)
c. welfare, health, prosperity
d. peace, quiet, tranquillity, contentment
e. peace, friendship 1. of human relationships 2. with God especially in covenant relationship
f. peace (from war)
g. peace (as adjective)

This is so much more than just prosperity, or financial well-being, in fact that is the third minor definition (in the list above). When I read the list above, I think about a complete settled-ness, feeling peaceful and safe, provided for in all things such as health, relationships, family, friends, etc. There is a completeness, a sense of everything being in its right place at the right time.

I think that is what the Lord wants to establish in our lives - His Shalom. I say Yes Lord, bring it!

I Wait For The Lord

Day 5, week 2 of the Spiritual Exercises and the meditation today is on Psalm 33. I have included so selected verses here:

Psalm 33:4, 6, 8-9, 13-15, 18-22 NIV:
[4] For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
[6] By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
[8] Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him.
[9] For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
[13] From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind;
[14] from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth---
[15] he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.
[18] But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
[19] to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
[20] We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
[21] In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
[22] May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

I selected these verses, because they represent the progression of the Psalmist's thoughts, starting with God the creator, from ancient of days to His engagement in our daily lives. So often we only think of one perspective, or one revelation, but it is good to dwell on all aspects of God. One of the common meditations is on the many names of God, for each name reveals some character trait, so insight into the greater revelation of God.

For me, I really like the book-end verses from the selection above - God's word is right and true; He is faithful; His love is unfailing, and so we are right to put our hope in Him. There is an eternal constancy to God that we can depend on always. So often we feel like God isn't listening, or isn't there, but He is unchanging, unmoving, and eternal in His vigilance and view. He never changes - so what changes in these times is our emotions or our sensitivity to the Lord.

Sometimes we are led into the wilderness, even as Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit immediately after His baptism (Matt 4 or Luke 4). This is not to make us feel far from God, but to allow us time to listen, and remove distractions from our life. It is in the wilderness that God reveals Himself in greater measure. One of my favorite authors, Graham Cooke, loves the wilderness, for He has recognized that it's in the wilderness that God reveals who He will be to him in the next season of his life. In other words, the wilderness is a look-ahead to the provision and character the Lord will be revealing in the next season. If we can stop panicking when we find ourselves in the wilderness, and instead ask the Lord to help us see what He is dong, and what He is revealing, we might have a completely different perspective of our wilderness times.

Finally, the Lord desires our trust and faith, for He is faithful and true. Its funny how people will try to find what they need everywhere and in everything, before they turn to God. What is it in us that doesn't want to bend our knee to God and ask for His help? I think the answer is called pride. As for me , I am choosing to echo the psalmist - I wait in hope for the Lord; He is my help and my shield. In Him my heart rejoices, for I trust in His holy name. May Your unfailing love be with me, Lord, even as I put my hope in You - PS 33:20-22.

A Right Pursuit

As I was praying through the Spiritual Exercise material this morning, I felt like I heard the word 'pursue'. I did a quick word search in the New Testament and it is used only 8 times. The following verses from Paul's first letter to Timothy caught my eye:

1 Timothy 6:6-12 NIV
[6] "But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. [8] But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. [9] Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

[11] But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. [12] Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

I think these verses speak of the balance that we must reach, as Christians, making sure that we are pursuing the right things. God knows we need material things and Jesus speaks to that in Matt 6:19-34. We however, should pursue the Lord and right behavior and right character. We are trained to pursue education, wealth, success, power, and authority in our educational system, but God has a very different list for us. I guess the Lord's question for me today is what am I pursuing?

So often, I think, our lives are just a bit in automatic mode, where we jump in and just follow the example of those around us, that which we see portrayed and demonstrated. It is like we hop on the conveyor with everyone else and don't really think about our ultimate purpose, our own uniqueness and potential, or destination. That is what I feel Paul is discussing here with Timothy. Tim was a Christian from the time he was a child, and was exemplary in His life, yet Paul is still warning him of the dangers of pursuing wealth, and losing sight of His greater call in God. I think this is valid advice for us all.

Paul is not saying wealth is bad, only that the pursuit of wealth can lead a person astray, and must be balanced with a pursuit of God. God is the wealthiest individual so clearly wealth is not bad, it is just not the end goal. There are many stories of wealthy and powerful people who learned these were in no way able to deliver happiness, peace, love, joy or well-being. Our end goal should be to fulfill that which the Lord, in His infinite love and knowledge of each of us, has called us to do. We are called to be like Him, to exhibit His character and nature to those around us. We are called to the highest attainment possible, that of a son or daughter of God.

My encouragement today is to examine my life, to see what I am pursuing, and to adjust my life so that I am pursuing that which is the highest calling. Wealth may or may not come, but I desire to be a son of God, one who represents Him to all I meet.

We All Are Good

I am on day 3, week 2 of the Spiritual Exercises and the scriptures today are from Genesis 1:26-31 NIV:

[26] "Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

[27] So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. [28] God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground. ”

[29] Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. [30] And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground---everything that has the breath of life in it---I give every green plant for food. ” And it was so.

[31] God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning---the sixth day."

I was just thinking about the significance of mankind, how we are created in God's likeness. This is no small thing, to bear the likeness of God in our being. All other created things are extensions of His creative nature, beautiful and unique, but only we are are extensions of His likeness. This divine likeness is found in every man, woman and child, and is something that we should recognize with honor. The totality of our uniqueness, is found in God's likeness, and that is amazing.

As for each of us, there is also the knowledge of our being patterned after God, and in Him are all good things. This is really the foundation of our self-worth, for we are all equal in God's eyes. He looked at His creation and called it Very Good, and that included us all. Although creation was an event in time, He is eternal or outside of time, and I think when He created man and woman, He also was able to see us all, every man, woman and child, ever created in time. In other words, from His perspective I am very good, for I was included in His view when He looked and saw all that He made.

I am encouraged by this meditation, to look at those people around me and see their goodness as well. We are all included, every one of us, and we cannot randomly subtract some from God's statement. If He calls us good than we are, and I need to learn to look with His eyes, not the critical eyes of human judgment. Lord, help me to see Your goodness in all.

His Awesome Creation

Today I start the second week of the Spiritual Exercises and the theme of the week is God's creation - which is awesome. I look forward to thinking about and meditating on His awesome continuous creation.

The first day's scripture is Psalm 8:1-9 NIV:

[1] "Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.
[2] Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
[3] When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
[4] what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
[5] You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.
[6] You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet:
[7] all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild,
[8] the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
[9] Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"

I have always enjoyed this Psalm a sit reminds me of the astronomy class I took in college, where we studied the immense size of the universe, the galaxies, even our own solar system. The utter immensity, the billions of light years (a term we throw around lightly) is really beyond our grasp. Our own little corner of this reality, is microscopic at best, in relation to all the rest. Yet, God is intimately aware of us, involved in our lives and has even became man, for our sakes.

In the face of all other creation, the question in verse 4 is so real, yet the Lord has given us the highest value, by giving His life for ours. He has invited us into the Kingdom, into His family as adopted sons and daughters. He his given us authority over all things on the earth. I am continually amazed at His plan.

As for the wonders of creation, that is a ever enlightening study. I love the absolute interdependency and uniqueness of all things. The fact that there are tiny living creatures with fully functioning body systems, almost too small to see, and on the other end of the spectrum, animals many times larger than us. The living flora, trees and plants, flowers are almost beyond cataloging, and each has unique characteristics. I find it all amazing and beautiful, and representative of the awesomeness of God.

Delving further downward, the complexity of all things at the cellular and even molecular level is astounding. There is an absolute order to all things even at this level, that if we calculated the odds of the chance development of even a single cell, we would find an almost incalculably large number. Multiply that by the number of different types of things, animal, plant, and organic matter, and we begin to see how vast and how ordered is creation. I personally believe that intelligent design and creation are the only way to explain this span of ordered relationships from the molecular to the galactic scale. I would echo the psalmist and say - Oh Lord how majestic is Your name and creation over all the world, and beyond.

In addition to all the awesome creation, we find ourselves surrounded by people, able to relate, and interact and establish apparently eternal relationships. If relationships are the basis of the Kingdom of God (Jesus came to reveal the Father and make a way to the Father that we might have relationship with the Father), than we must believe that they are significant in eternity. If they are significant in eternity, than they cannot be by chance, in God's ordered creation. If they are not chance encounters, than there is purpose, eternal purpose in our relationships. How often do I just take the people I am surrounded by for granted? Do I understand the eternal links, the impact and effects in my relationships with others? I am sure I don't grasp pretty much of anything in this regard. Lord, help me to see people as You see them! Help me to understand the significance each of us have eternally.

I am reminded of the book, "Heaven is for Real" where a very young boy has an experience of heaven, where he is introduced to family members he has never met. In this experience, his family relationship to these people was significant in heaven, much beyond what I would have thought. This leads me to look at my family here, my extended family and even distant ancestors in a completely different light, for I am, in a very real sense, a product of them all. I am truly amazed and full of wonder at it all. God, Your ways are so far above my ways, so far beyond my comprehension. You truly are Glorious! You are truly awesome! How can I not be filled with awe, when I think upon this all?

Precious, Honored and Loved

Today's Spiritual Exercises meditation returns to either Psalm 139, or Isaiah 43 - I think that I will look at Is 43 again, as the Book of Isaiah is one of my all time favorites.

I want to just focus on the first half of Isaiah 43:4 NIV:

[4] "Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life."

There is something in me that desperately wants to believe that I am loved by God, and then there is a part of me that can't believe I am significant to the Lord. I am reminded of the the phrase "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief" (Mark 9:24). I think that is the place many of us live, certainty, it is true of me throughout the changing of seasons in the Lord. There are times when I find it very easy to believe in the Lord's love for me, other times when I can't fathom His affection.

The other day I was contemplating the Lord's seemingly infinite patience with me, His willingness to continue to forgive me, in spite of years of failures. It is beyond reason, and beyond human endurance, but definitely true of the Lord. It is too good to be true, but true nonetheless.

The thought that hit me was that His infinite patience is related directly to His infinitely costly sacrifice on my behalf. He can love and forgive and extend mercy because His personal supply is endless. He never runs out of patience, never reaches the end of His rope, never experiences me getting on His nerves, and never loses faith in me.

The worth of an item is ultimately determined by what someone will pay for it. I know that from watching Antiques Roadshow where things that seem relatively worthless to me, are assigned great worth, because of what someone would pay. The value placed on my life is directly related to the price that was paid for me - His life was shed for me, making me infinitely valuable! I am indeed precious (of high value). I am honored - He has given His life that I might live (1 John 4:9). I am loved - because He laid down His life for me (John 15:13)!

I am indeed precious, honored and loved - by God! Amazing!

I Am Known And Loved

I recently decided to start a long-term self-guided retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. I have been blessed by the design and goal of the exercises, whose primary focus is relationship with the Lord, and greater awareness of His presence in our lives. Continuing my journey through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises - Day 5, week 1, the meditation today is from:

Psalm 139:1-18 NIV:
[1] "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
[2] You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
[3] You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
[4] Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.
[5] You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
[6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
[7] Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
[8] If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
[9] If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
[10] even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
[11] If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”
[12] even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
[13] For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
[14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
[15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
[16] Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
[17] How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!
[18] Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand---when I awake, I am still with you."

I have always enjoyed Psalm 139, for it speaks of the Lord's intimate knowledge of me. I sometimes lose sight of the fact that He knows everything about me, every thought, idea, action, desire, plan, purpose or intention. He is not surprised by me, is not ashamed of me, and He created me. He knows everything He has put in me, every gift, every purpose I was created to fulfill, every ability and capability. As David says, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

There is a saying - familiarity breeds contempt - but that is definitely not the case with the Lord. He knows us, everything about us, and this causes Him to love us all the more, for His purpose is intimately intertwined with who we are, and He is with us as we become the very people He created us to be. Our very existance brings Him Glory, for we bear His image and likeness (Gen 1:27).

Finally , He is everywhere, all around us, constantly present. There is no place we can go, no separation available, for He is present always. Any feelings of abandonment, or separation are only on my part, never on His. He does not set us adrift in our lives waiting for us to come back to Him, instead He is present every day of our life, whether we are walking in fellowship with Him or not, constantly present. This is evidence of His desire to develop an intimate relationship with us, one we can always turn to. My desire is to be more aware of His presence, to live my life in such a way that I reflect that awareness and intimacy, and draw others into their own awareness of His presence, and His desire for intimate relationship.

I guess to summarize, I am known and loved by God, who is always present!

Waiting On The Lord

Today's meditation is from Psalm 131. I like the songs of ascents, section in the psalms, because these were the traditional songs the Jewish people sang as they traveled to the temple, to meet with God.

Psalm 131:1-3 NIV
[1] "My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.
[2] But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.
[3] Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore."

This is such an interesting psalm, as there is no great theme, rather humility and contentedness are the the simple goals. There is almost an emptying of all, except for the hoping in the Lord, and that is enough.

This is such a good verse for quieting my mind and heart. So often when I come to prayer I have a hundred things going on, and I carry them with me. What I really need to learn to do is lay everything down, and just rest in the Lord, coming before Him, just desiring His presence and nothing else. That is what a weaned child with its mother is like, not needing anything from her personally, other than her presence.

The final verse - speaking of putting one's hope in the Lord, is interesting. The original Hebrew word is yachal, which means: to wait, hope and expect. So often we think of hope in a different light than this. If I rewrote this verse using a more complete translation of the word, it would read - 'Israel, wait for the Lord, expect that He will visit you with His presence, He is your hope, now and forever more.' I like the expectation, the understanding that its just a matter of time and the Lord will be there.

I am reminded of the times when I was growing up with my brothers and sisters, and my dad wasn't yet home from work. I am sure we were driving my mom crazy, so she would have us sit by the big window in the living room, and wait for Dad to come home. We would all sit there trying to be the first one to see his car. Sometimes we would sing - Dad, come home'. I am reminded of this, because we had in our little hearts the sure expectation that it was just a matter of time before he would arrive. That is what I think Israel was called to in this Psalm, and so are we, expecting that we will see the Lord and experience His presence.

The Lord desires to come, to envelope us in His presence, to be our source of all hope, to put our minds and hearts to rest. He desires this for each and everyone of us, regardless of our state of soul, life or situation. Come Lord Jesus, we wait expectantly for You.

The Care Of The Good Shepherd

Today my meditation is on Psalm 23, one of the most quoted psalms, and for good reason, for it speaks of a promise of relationship and care from the Lord.

Psalm 23:1-6 NIV:
[1] The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
[2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
[3] he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
[4] Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
[5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
[6] Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

As I read these verses, I am reminded of Jesus' statements in John 10:11, 14-18, 27-29 NIV:

[11] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

[14] “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--- [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father---and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. [17] The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life---only to take it up again. [18] No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

[27] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

I was thinking about how comforting these verses are to me, for they speak of provision, rest, food, protection, relationship, direction and guidance, all such good things. As I was thinking about that, I realized part of my comfort comes from the fact that I generally experience all this in my life. I live in a comfortable home, safe and warm and dry. I have plenty to eat and drink, do not have to work my body to exhaustion to make ends meet, or to just feed my family. I do not worry about persecution, or even really enemies of any sort. I am secure, comfortable and well fed. How different must these verses sound to someone in abject poverty?

As I think about my meditation yesterday, about our treasure being relationship, I am helped. So often I read these verses and think in terms of material things, but what they really speak of is relationship. They speak of an intimate caring relationship with the Lord, where we are the recipients of that care. He knows us like no other. He cares for us and leads us in paths that are best for us. He protects us, guides us and we are His.

Rich or poor, we can all experience this relationship that is the greatest treasure of all. The Lord, calls us all to this place, and to a certain extent the impoverished have an advantage - they have little else to distract them from their relationship with God. For the wealthy, they need to get past all the stuff, to be able to see the Lord clearly, for so often they tie their material possessions into their faith and it becomes twisted. Jesus said it well - [25] "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. [26] What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" Matthew 16:25-26 NIV.

He is our good shepherd, and He will guide us and lead us to eternal life! He cares most about our eternal destiny, and our relationship with Him. He will give us comfort and care, even where there doesn't appear to be any, for He his given us the Holy Spirit to dwell with us. In receiving Him, I have the greatest consolation and care here in this present life, and in the life to come, and it really has nothing to do with material comforts or things.

Worries, Fears, Concerns and Treasure

Today, my meditation is out of Luke 12:22-34 NIV:

[22] Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. [23] For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. [24] Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! [25] Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life ? [26] Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

[27] “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [28] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you---you of little faith! [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."

In context of Luke, chapter 12, Jesus was addressing wealth, greed and such and after commenting on the wealthy and their desire to story up material wealth for themselves, He starts the teaching on our heart's focus, and our minds obsessions. He also is addressing fear, worry and anxiety, which are not from Him. He is trying to get to significant issues of the heart, mind and soul.

The questions that I ask myself after reading these verses are: What am I worried about in my life? What do I spend my time thinking about? What occupies my mind the majority of the time? Am I concerned more about material wealth, or any other pursuit than I am about my spiritual growth, and the growth of God's Kingdom? What do I give my affections to? What do I really believe about God's attitude toward me, and His role as my provider? What percentage of my day and week is given to care for my stuff, or other things other than God?

When I read these verses, I feel the Lord drawing me to examine my priorities, my alignment of time and effort with priorities, and my pursuit of Him. I believe that if we look at our lives honestly, we can see how our values are lived out by what we send time doing. We may say we value time with our family, but if we never do, how honest is that statement (assuming there are no circumstances that would make it impossible to spend time wth them)? Looking at our lives also shows us what we really believe. If I say I believe that God provides for me, but I spend every moment working, or worrying about my finances, I would question my belief statement.

Finally my meditation is upon Jesus closing statements around treasure. He says to "provide for yourselves... treasure in heaven" and "where your treasure is there your heart will be also." The idea of treasure is usually associated with money, jewels, and such - things of great worth. The only problem wit treasure is that to know its true value you have to see it and count it, or reckon it. If our treasure is stored in Heaven, how do we know what's there? Then there is the question of what I need treasure in Heaven for? I am reminded of the description of heaven in Revelations chapters 21 & 22, and after a quick perusal see no mention of the need for treasure, but rather that it is a place of abundance and blessings, where earthly treasure is what the walls and streets are made of, and in great abundance.

So, I guess the real question is what is heavenly treasure? If we look at Jesus' statement about how to store up treasure there, it has to do with concern for others, for the poor, blessing those around us, and it has to do with the Kingdom of God. What if the real treasure of heaven is relationships, with each other and with the Lord? What if our treasure is about becoming like Him, and drawing others to Him? I dare say that, based on the rest of Jesus witness and life and words, that is exactly what our treasure is in Heaven. And if that is what my treasure is in Heaven, then I should be looking at my actions and affections and aligning them correctly, as Jesus encouraged.