Does God Change Our Futures By Speaking Promises?

The other day I was reading in 2 Samuel, and there is a very interesting study to be made of God's Promises.  In 2 Samuel 7, God promises David that He will establish His throne for ever.  It is a promise of blessing and direction, protection and provision.  The interesting thing is that the Promise is made by God, 4 chapters before David sins with Bathsheba.  God Knew full well what David was going to do, as every day of Davids life was already written, and God who is clearly outside of time can see everything, and knows full well what David will do.  Yet, He steps into time, prior to David's sin and speaks a promise to Him.

When I think about my life, I must realize that God can see the whole thing, the beginning from the end, and He still chooses to love me, to speak promises over my life!  We who are bound in time, have a hard time contemplating someone who lives in a timeless existence, and how they might interact with those of us who are bound in time.  I don't know if our image of Heaven is big enough to encompass God, I am sure it isn't.  I tend to think of it as this place where it is a spiritual reality that is running parallel to our terrestrial existence.  There are times when people enter Heaven, and before that time the person wasn't in Heaven.

The question is how about God?  He exists, in time, out of time, eternally, before the heavens and earth were made, He was.  He is omniscient and omnipresent.  He is in us, and all around us, in everything, involved in everything, aware of everything. He chooses to interact with us, in our lives, speaking into them, speaking promises over them, knowing full well the fruit His word will bear in our lives and the lives of others.

In our movies about time travelers, they are always warned about going back in time, and changing some small thing, that greatly affects their future reality, and it is often seen in their present day reality when thy make it back to today.  That is exactly what I think God does regularly (although He doesn't have to travel through time).  Thinking back on David's life, He had Samuel anoint him as the future King when He was still a boy (1 Sam 16), before He faced Goliath.  I am thinking that David might  have had a different response to Goliath, if he didn't have the promise that one day He would be king.

It really is an extraordinary line of thought, that God speaks into our lives, into time, and His purpose is to change the way we view ourselves, and ultimately the way we act and think as well.  He alone knows all, sees all and loves us beyond measure.  He knows what we need, what will speak to us, how to encourage us and how to direct us. His love and interaction with us is with the goal of us living eternally with Him, and loving Him in return.  He doesn't force or drive us towards Him, but rather pursues us in gentleness and goodness, loving us, blessing us, and being faithful to us.

I love this promise about God's word found in Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV:
[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."

So my question this morning, is what Has God spoken into my life or over my life?  What things have I heard, and what things do I need to hear again?  How has my life been affected by His promises and direction?  How has my life been different because of God's word?

Good Questions to ponder this day!

God's Thoughts And Intentions Towards Us

This morning I am reflecting on an interesting theme, that of God's thoughts towards us.  I started by reading from the following verses describing God's interaction with David, and His promise to him - 2 Samuel 7:8-11 NIV:

[8] “Now then, tell my servant David, 'This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. [9] I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. [10] And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning [11] and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies."

“ 'The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you:"

I was thinking about how cool it would be to have God speak such a promise over my life!  David's life is a great example of God's unfailing love, His faithfulness, forgiveness, and blessing.  Everything didn't go perfect for David, but God's love for him never faltered.

When I read something like this, my inclination is to believe this blessing is "special" for certain people like David, who was chosen by God.  As we read through the Old Testament, we are given many examples of God choosing and speaking to certain individuals, raising up certain ones to lead His people.  He seems to interact with these "chosen" ones more intimately than He does with others.  I believe that we can falsely assume this is still the way God works in this New Covenant time-frame, and that is a problem.

We can look around the Church world-wide and see strong and anointed leaders, and think that they have some special relationship with God.  The issue isn't so much that they might have a special relationship with God, but how we judge ourselves to be NOT one of God's chosen, and that is where we are wrong!

One of the main things Jesus accomplished in coming to earth, fulfilling the requirements of the Law through his perfect life, death and resurrection, was restoration of personal relationship with God.  The Old Testament is a record of God slowly restoring the revelation of intimate relationship that was lost in the Garden of Eden.  It is in the person of Jesus, that we come to understand the radical steps God took to restore our relationship to Him!  He didn't come and suffer and die to restore us to the same type of relationship He had with ancient Israel!  He wanted a full restoration of intimate relationship for all of us.

If we go back to Jesus' statements following the Last Supper - found in John, chapters 14-17, we see God's desire for intimate personal relationship spelled out.  He wants to establish Himself in our lives, and even in our bodies.  He desires to be with us always, in every situation and circumstance, dwelling inside us! It is impossible to fully comprehend, but that is exactly what Jesus says.  Here are just a couple of verses - John 14:15-21 NIV:

[15] “If you love me, keep my commands. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever--- [17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. [18] I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. [19] Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. [20] On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. [21] Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

- and - John 17:20-21,25-26 NIV:

[20] “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, [21] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

[25] “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. [26] I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”


We can continue to look  at some of the writings of Paul, who clearly understood this desire of God to have intimate loving relationships with each of us!  He speaks of us all as sons and daughters of God - Romans 8:14-17,28-30 NIV:

[14] "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. [15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

[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."


Peter also understood this new paradigm and expressed it well in the following verses - 1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV:

[9] "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. [10] Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."


I could continue on quoting additional scriptures, but hopefully these suffice in laying the foundation of truth.  We are, each of us, chosen by God, even as David was chosen, to be His sons and daughters!  He loves us, and desires to interact with us and bless us, even as He did with David.  We do not need some "chosen" leader to interpret God's words for us, or direction for our lives, as each of us can have a direct intimate relationship with God themselves!  He desires us to know Him, to walk in intimacy with Him, to Hear His voice, to receive His direction and guidance, to love Him even as He loves us.  He sets His angels to guard us, to help us to battle for us!  He lives within us, and wants us to recognize this reality, of our own volition, choice and belief!

God does speak over our lives!  He has spoken promises and blessings!  He understands that our lives may not be perfect, but He will never abandon us or forsake us!  He will make our name great, for we are all His sons and daughters!

Amen!

Standing on the Rock!

This morning I am reflecting on Jesus' comments about hearing His words AND acting on them.  Good Stuff!  Here are the verses - Matthew 7:24-29 NIV:

[24] “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. [26] But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [27] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

[28] "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, [29] because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."

Two things stood out to me this morning. First, Jesus says that it is hearing and putting His words into practice that allows one to build on a foundation of rock.  In other words, simply listening is not sufficient.  Good intentions won't cut it.  His words must be put into practice, or acted upon.  In John 14:15, Jesus speaks of of love and obedience.  Obedience isn't agreeing, it is doing.

Obedience isn't the demand, it is the invitation to choose to do what He says!  There are no whips, no shock collars, no forms of punishment that are being used to force us to obey, it is always our choice!  I choose daily, even multiple times a day, to follow or ignore His voice.  Sometimes its significant things, other times little things that seem unimportant.  I know that each choice to follow, to obey, actually strengthens my will to continue to obey.  I also find the opposite to be true as well, one little act of disobedience can quickly lead me astray.  For example, if I am on a diet and have sworn off candy, the only way I can maintain focus and obey my plan is if I am vigorous in saying no.  I can't have one little piece of candy, because I will continue to go back and give myself that candy allowance, and pretty soon my diet is blown, all because of that one little piece.  I need to go all in, and choose to obey my plan, and stick to it.  In the same way, I need to go all in, and choose to follow the Lord's direction every time, big or small.  Lord, help me!

I was just thinking at the end of the day sand is just rock that has been broken down, one little piece at a time.  We want to stand on rock, not sand!

Lastly, I was reflecting on the last statement that Matthew added - how people were amazed at the teaching of Jesus.  He taught with authority, not as their teachers of the Law. The allusion here is that their teachers didn't teach with authority.  That really is an interesting statement.  Have you ever been taught by someone who teaches without authority??  I don't think Matthew is meaning the ability  to maintain classroom control, but rather someone who doesn't seem to know their subject matter.  I was thinking that Jesus probably seemed like He was the first infomercial, someone who really sounded like He knew what He was talking about!

I think part of the issue came from the tradition of the Jews to always question, and break things down as small as possible. If you look at the Talmud, you will see the original Covenant of the Law interpreted into 600+ additional laws, that were the result of someone asking a defining question, lots of arguments, and then some new law being added, but this being rule so of men, and not the Law of the Lord. I am not saying this is a bad thing, for they were trying to obey the letter of the Law, and trying to understand exactly what was meant.  So when the Law says you shall not work on the sabbath, the Talmud broke that down into some 39 groups, and within those groups, many specific examples. In the end the Talmud has some 6000+ pages, and records well the vast amount of information a Rabbi needed to know or understand to comment on a particular subject.

Jesus, it appears, cut through all the trivial nit-picking, and instead spoke as one who understood the heart behind the Law.  He spoke as the author not someone trying to define exactly what the author meant.  He spoke as someone who knew the law, who embodied the law, and more importantly expressed the true motivation and purpose of the Law, finally becoming the fulfilment of the Law!  Jesus wasn't just a great teacher, He was the author (and finisher).

In the same way, in our life He speaks to us as our creator, our author!  He knows exactly what we were created for, what purpose we have in life, our part in His plan, and we would be wise to listen to Him!  His words should ring true in our hearts, even if we are trying to drown them out.  He knows us, speaks life to us, and desires to be the foundation of our lives, our Rock on which we can stand (Psalm 40:2).

Lord, help me to hear and put Your words into practice in my life!  Help me to choose You and Your will over and over again!  Help me to choose to stand on the Rock!

Amen!

One Who Has The Son

This morning I am reflecting on a few verses from the John's first letter.  I have been reading through each of His letters recently, and this morning started at the end of his first letter.  Here are the verses - 1 John 5:11-12,20 NIV:

[11] "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."

[20] "We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life."

Verses 11 and 12 have always been helpful to me in my effort to understand eternal life.  First - eternal life is IN Jesus!  He is essentially the embodiment of eternal life.  Second, if you have a relationship with Jesus, you have Him and all that He embodies.  The Greek word that is translated "has the (son)" in verse 12 is the word "echo" and it is defined as follows:

1) to have, i.e. to hold
     a) to have (hold) in the hand, in the sense of wearing, to have (hold) possession of the mind (refers to alarm, agitating emotions, etc.), to hold fast keep, to have or comprise or involve, to regard or consider or hold as

2) to have i.e. own, possess
     a) external things such as pertain to property or riches or furniture or utensils or goods or food etc.
     b) used of those joined to any one by the bonds of natural blood or marriage or friendship or duty or law etc, of attendance or companionship

I think definition 2b is most helpful, in understanding the relational component of this statement by John.  It is only possible  that one "has" Jesus, in the context of relationship.  I can imagine myself holding His hand, as I would do with my spouse, reflecting the intimacy of relationship, not ownership.  I can see how my thoughts are affected by my relationship with Him, and my identity is adjusted to include Him in much the same way as how my thoughts about myself, now include my wife.  I identify myself as married and my thinking about any life choices always includes thinking about my honey, and engaging her in conversation about said choice.

In the same way, our Christianity, is supposed to about being in a relationship with Jesus, first and foremost.  It can and should involve being a part of a church or congregation, but the primary focus should always be relationship with Him. His invitation isn't just to follow Him, but to be able to say that we have Him, and He has us, relationally.  I was reminded of Jesus was talking about true and false disciples in the following verses, and the distinguishing factor is relationship with Him, and within that context obedience.

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV
“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!'"

That single statement - "I never knew you" is key to our life as Christians.  The Greek word is ginosko, and it is defined as follows:

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
     b) to know
3) Jewish idiom for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman
4) to become acquainted with, to know

Notice how all the definitions are relational in context when talking about a person!  Jesus is describing having this knowledge of us.  While it is possible to argue that the omniscient God would know everything, including us, I think this involves an active willingness to participate and engage relationally on both individual's behalf.  He is looking for active relationships, active willingness to know and pursue deeper knowledge, and understanding.  He wants us engaged, talking sharing, praying, listening and doing!

Imagine a marriage where you just check in with the other spouse once a week, and mostly listen to others talk about them.  I don't think we could ever describe that as a relationship.  Or imagine a marriage where the spouses only briefly think of the other right before they eat, and maybe once in a while when they have a difficult task in front of them.  Again, I don't see that as ever working out, nor even being a relationship.  Or imagine a marriage where the one spouse was only in it because of what the other spouse could provide for them, e.g. money, status, clothes or cars.  Again, we might call that a relationship, but it certainly isn't a healthy one.  Unfortunately, some of these marriage descriptions are how some people have a relationship with the Lord.

I believe that the Lord wants relationship and provides us the means for relationship with Him.  He wants us to live our lives fully engaged, and identifying ourselves as in relationship with Him.  It is my prayer that one day the Lord looks on me an welcomes me as one who is known deeply, and who deeply knows Him!

Amen!

Baby Steps in Faith

My set of verses this morning is James 1:2-8 NIV:

[2] "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. [6] But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."

Considering the verses about the Peter getting out of the boat yesterday, I find these verses an interesting addition. I almost see verses 6 & 7 as a commentary of wisdom gained by those who saw Peter walk on water.  Belief without doubt is key!  Don't let the wind blow and toss you and cause you to doubt!  Don't think twice (double-minded) but persevere in faith and belief!

Secondly, James encourages us to consider it pure joy when our faith is tested and your are facing trials!  That is a radical departure from my normal response!  I don't like trials, I don't like testing, because they seem to always identify my weakness and lack of maturity in areas.  I guess that is the point, but I don't like it!  I am sure that Peter felt like a failure when he stepped out of the boat and started sinking, but as I noted yesterday, I don't think that Jesus chastised him, but rather was encouraging him to continue to grow in faith and belief, and was excited that Peter had the courage to even take the step!

As I was writing that I was just reminded of the joy we felt as parents when our children just started to learn to walk!  We didn't chastise them for failing the first time, because we knew they would eventually get it, and that would lead to their growth and eventual maturation!  We don't want children who are 15 still crawling.  When they take their first steps, and fall we immediately encourage them to try again!  We want them to learn to persevere in trying, knowing full well that they will learn in time. We build them up with encouragement, we clap and sing their praises!  I think the Father is the same when we take steps in faith!  I think He is overjoyed to see us growing and maturing!

If we could stop looking at our failure, and instead see God's joy, I think we would have a different attitude when we face trials.  I know the child who is trying to walk, isn't looking at themselves, they are looking at the beaming faces of their parents, and trying to please them, trying to reach them!  Oh to have the same attitude towards the Lord, when we face trials!

Lord, help me to take my eyes off myself, and instead see this all from Your perspective!  Help me to grow in faith, taking baby steps, and getting back up when I fall, knowing that You are for me, not against me!  You desire me to walk in the fullness of all You have for me, and that requires me to mature!  Help me to belive and not doubt, and know that You are calling me forward, and thus I must have it in me to succeed!

Amen!

Stepping Out of the Boat!

This morning I am reminded of the story of Peter walking on the water for a few steps.  It is found in Matthew 14:22-33 NIV:

[22] "Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. [23] After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, [24] and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

[25] Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. [26] When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It's a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

[27] But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.”

[28] “Lord, if it's you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

[29] “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

[30] But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

[31] Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

[32] And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. [33] Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”


Lately I have been reflecting on those times when things don't turn out the way you thought they would, and I think this is one of those situations.  My focus this morning is on Peter, and his faith and his fear.

I think Peter was really quite courageous to even speak back to Jesus, let alone get out of the boat!  Here they are out in the middle of the lake, waves and wind were kicking up all around them, and they see Jesus walking on the water.  It says they were terrified, and I think that is probably an understatement.  Many of these guys were fishermen, and I am sure they thought it was the ghost of some fisherman who had drowned in the Sea of Galilee.  Most people's response to seeing someone where no one is supposed to be is to be very startled and most of the time it results in fear.  However seeing someone walking on top of the water, in the middle of the sea, is way beyond just a startling experience!  I am sure they first spotted Jesus a ways off and were watching Him approach in growing fear and trepidation.  They were probably rowing faster, praying to God, doing everything they could to get away, for the natural reaction to fear is flight.  Finally as Jesus approached they were likely overcome with terror and probably shrunk down into the boat!  Jesus seeing their obvious distress calls out to them.  It seems that Peter is the only one who has his wits about him, although that is debatable, as he challenges Jesus to tell him to walk on the water!  :-)

This isn't like taking another step on the sidewalk, this goes against all that he had ever known or understood about the Sea.  In my life, more than half the time when I feel like the Lord is asking me to do something, especially if its as simple as talking to someone, I react in fear and usually chicken out.  This is way beyond that, for Peter is actually putting his life in mortal danger, for they are far out to sea and with the winds and waves, he would have a very difficult time swimming back to the boat or shore.  To make matters more challenging, it appears he doesn't disrobe to go swimming, just in case he fails, he just steps out of the boat. That took some real courage, or maybe mindless fear, but whatever the case Peter stepped out onto the water.

The reason I was thinking about this story this morning, is that I have lived my life trying to follow Jesus' direction, doing things that I feel like He invites me to do, sometimes the things defy logic or what we would call wise-counsel.  There have been several times where I was really stepping into the unknown, stepping out in faith, believing that the Lord had told me to take the step.  Faith to take the step is very commendable, and I am always encouraged by those who do so, even when it seems absurd or illogical.  Peter is doing exactly that in this story.

Continuing on with the story, Peter has a moment of incredible awesomeness as he takes his first couple of steps!  I can't imagine much that would be cooler than walking on water (well maybe flying without any aid or apparatus).  It must have been exhilarating!  While Peter kept his gaze on Jesus, and his faith intact,  he seemed to be ok.  However, Peter started looking at the waves and feeling the wind, and I think his natural understanding over-ruled his faith and trust, and fear replaced faith.  I wonder if part of Peter's problem was that it wasn't like he expected it to be?  When I think of walking on water, I think about it being still, and smooth as glass.  I don't think about surging waves, and heavy winds.  I wonder if Peter thought it would suddenly turn peaceful when he stepped out onto the water?  We know that was not the case, as it says Peter became afraid when He saw the wind.  (I don't know about you, but I have never seen the wind, just the effects of the wind, so I am thinking that's the case here too). What we do know is that Peter is no longer looking at the Lord, but he is instead looking at his impossible surroundings, and fear takes over, and he begins to sink!  Not Good!

I am greatly encouraged by the next line, for it says Jesus IMMEDIATELY reached out His hand and caught him (Peter).  Jesus was apparently still standing on the water, and caught Peter and likely stood him up next to him.  Its like Jesus supported Peter in the very circumstance He called him into, then immediately helped him climb back into the boat.  Jesus does say to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"  At least that is the way we translate it  The word little faith in Greek is oligopistos, and in addition to meaning little, it also can mean short time, or brief.  I think that actually makes a bit more sense in this instance, as Peter clearly had immense faith, it just was brief!  The Greek word distavo is translated doubt, but its root means twice, as in thinking twice!  Again, that seems to be very applicable in this instance!  Peter gets out of the boat starts walking on the water, climbing the waves, and suddenly he thinks again, this time with his natural mind and fear overtakes him. The good news is that Jesus saves him, helps him back into the boat, and then the wind died down.

Looking closely at the final line in the story, I think we see the actual purpose of this whole situation, for Jesus never did anything without intent.  They were all convinced that Jesus was truly the Son of God.  In other words, this was an opportunity for Jesus to reveal His calling in greater clarity, and reveal the Father's love, encouraging and saving nature.  Jesus, in calling Peter onto the water, wasn't hoping he would fail, He was wanting Peter to succeed.  He wanted Peter to understand that the Kingdom reality is superior to the natural reality.  Jesus was demonstrating that to all the disciples in the boat, and wants us to understand that as well.

Stepping into the Kingdom realities takes faith, takes courage, takes a focus on the Lord and obeying His voice.  He doesn't want us to fail, but rather wants us to succeed.  When I look back to Jesus' comments to Peter, I hear more sadness than judgment.  It seems to me that Jesus is basically saying, "oh Peter, if only you hadn't been afraid, imagine how cool that would have been!  Imagine how much more your faith would have grown! Its ok, next time try to stay focused on me and believe what I tell you!"  Jesus understood Peter's fear, He understood the incredible faith it took Peter to take that step, and He wasn't going to punish him for doing so.  In the same way Jesus wants us to succeed when we step out in faith.  He knows how much faith it takes, how much we are overcoming our fear, how much we will learn in the process.  He knows it won't be exactly like we expect, and He knows we might give in to our fear and fail.  He, is right there to save us, to support us to bring us to a place of safety!  HE wants us to grow in our understanding of the Kingdom realities, and the only way we are fully going to do that is through experience!

So, my encouragement today is to take that step in faith, or to keep taking those steps in faith, believing the Lord will save me, will support me and if necessary help me back to a safe place.  He knows that winds and waves are all around, but He wants me to learn to walk on top of it, and walk into it without fear!  FInally, He wants me to understand His loving, His caring and His encouraging nature!

Amen!

When Jesus Doesn't Do What We Think He Should Do...

This morning I am reflecting on the following verses  - Mark 6:1-6 NIV:

[1] "Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. [2] When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What's this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? [3] Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him."

[4] "Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” [5] He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. [6] He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village."

Specifically I was reflecting on the fact that Jesus is described as a carpenter.  The actual Greek word that was translated carpenter, is Tekton and it is better translated craftsman.  There is much discussion about whether Jesus was a carpenter, or a stone mason, or something else.  The word could indicate several occupations.  I think the point that is most important is that Jesus was not known for His learning of scripture, nor His work with people, nor Healing or anything miraculous.  He was a craftsman.  He worked with wood or stone, He fashioned things with His hands and tools, and now He comes preaching and healing.  He had left town and moved to Capernaum, which is where His ministry was centered, but here in His hometown, they clearly knew Him and remembered Him.

It is interesting that Mark notes that they took offense at Him, and I have thought a bit about this and have some thoughts on why that was the case.  If Jesus lived the majority of His life there in Nazareth, say from 4-5 to 30ish, He would have been present, or known many who were sick and died during that time.  He would have had many occasions where He was in the local synagogue, yet never opened His mouth.  He was apparently unremarkable for the most part, enough so that when He comes back and ministers there, the people are taken aback.  The question is why did this surprise turn into offense?

I think it has to do with unmet expectations and looking back into the past.  They are seeing a whole new Jesus, hearing of His  wonderful healing ministry, casting out demons, maybe even heard of Him raising the dead.  Mark and Luke put His visit close the beginning of His ministry, while Matthew has it occurring a bit later.  Regardless of the timing, they were seeing Jesus in a new light, and I think they were starting to think back on the times Jesus was present during someone's long suffering illness, or maybe when someone had suffered a tragic accident, and Jesus was present but didn't do anything!  If He lived in that town for 20+ years, He would have been present when many people died, including apparently Joseph, His own earthly father.

Even in our day, standing by and watching someone suffer and die while having the ability to save them is considered a heinous thing, so imagine a day when there weren't ambulances, doctors, urgent care, antibiotics like penicillin, X-rays and a significant understanding of the human body, and someone you know apparently can lay their hands on a sick or wounded person and heal them completely, but they didn't!!  I think the accusations in their minds were slow to start, but suddenly as people realized what Jesus didn't do while living in their midst, that they become offended and even enraged. In Luke 4:29 we are told the people were so enraged that they drove Jesus from the town to the brink of the nearby cliff in order to throw Him off!  The people weren't just offended they were enraged enough to kill Him.

I think this same situation is played out in many of our lives, and the lives of those we love even today.  We hear that Jesus can heal, we hear of God healing people through the prayers of other Christians and we encounter serious or terminal sickness in a loved one, and we pray knowing the Jesus can heal, or believing that Jesus can heal, and yet He doesn't!  We get everyone we know praying to Jesus, asking for Him to heal our loved one and He doesn't and we get angry, offended, even enraged at this apparent lack of love and compassion, this unwillingness to help!!

My heart goes out to all who have suffered loss, to all who have prayed and not seen their prayers answered!

I have personally seen God heal people of cancer, seen Him heal blindness, seen Him heal even small things like headaches and even allergies.  I have seen Him do miraculous things.  At the same time, I have also seen dearly loved ones die of cancer, suffer through terminal illnesses, seen countless prayers apparently unanswered.  I have seen those I love or know of turn their backs on God in their anger and offense.

In the face of this I must say that I don't understand why some prayers are answered and some are not. In the case before us from Jesus' early life, I don't understand why the Father had Jesus live for 20+ years in a town, and didn't let Him heal those that were sick or dying during those quiet years.  I don't understand the ways of God, or His perspective, or His thoughts.  I wish I did, but I don't.

What I can say, is that in spite of the loss I have seen, the loss I have suffered, the loved ones that have passed, unanswered prayers and unmet expectations, I have experienced the intimate love of God.  I have experienced His embrace and love, His soothing words, His gentle guidance, His ever present love, and I have not lost my faith in Him.  I have seen too much of His goodness to believe the accusations that float through my mind when I am troubled or hurt.  I have known His love, seen Him move, and experienced His speaking into my life far to many times to think that He doesn't care, or stands idly by when I am hurting or sick, or watching a loved one suffer.  Why He does or doesn't act is beyond me, but I do know He is good and that He loves me, and that is enough.  I hold onto the words of the Prophet Isaiah, speaking from God's point of view, “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." (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV).

My faith in Him makes me a better person, makes me humble, compassionate, merciful, caring forgiving, and loving in ways I wouldn't be.  I have a hope I wouldn't have if I walked in anger and offense.  I am willing to say that I don't understand everything, but that makes sense to me, considering the great gap in ability and perspective between me and the Lord!  I have seen His goodness, seen His power, seen His intimate love, mercy and compassion at work, and choose to follow Him.

Amen!

Hope, In The Midst of the Storms of Life!

This morning I was reading out of Mark's Gospel, and ran across this story - Mark 4:35-41 NIV:

[35] "That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” [36] Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. [37] A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. [38] Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don't you care if we drown?”

[39] He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

[40] He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

[41] They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

So the thought that crossed my mind this morning was, "I wonder what the guys in the other boats thought and experienced?"  I love little additional extra details that get added, such as the fact that there were other boats with Him (verse 36 above).  Believing that the Holy Spirit inspired the writing and recording of the scriptures, there must be some reason that added detail was included.  That is what I am reflecting on this morning.

So imagine you were in one of the other boats, setting out onto the Sea of Galilee in the evening. I don't know if you have ever been on the water at night, but if the moon isn't out it is a very dark and featureless place.  It says the other boats were with Him, so I imagine they were trying to stay together and on a calm evening that is possible, even if its really dark, as sound carries very easily over water.  They could have been chatting back and forth, and they were likely experienced fishermen, for there were not likely many leisure boats in those days, and they knew the Sea.  Not everyone in the boats were fishermen though, as we know some of His disciples had other previous occupations.

It says they were with Him (Jesus) so these were followers, those caught up in the wonder of the revelation that Jesus was providing!  He was talking like He knew the Father, He was talking about the Kingdom of God then demonstrating the reality of the Kingdom by healing every sickness, casting out demons and even healing blind, lame and deaf people!  This was what the people had been waiting hundreds of years for, the coming of the Messiah (or at least it seemed that might be the case)!  There must have been a huge amount of excitement, and the people were fully engaging their hearts, leaving everything to follow Jesus!

Thus, it was into this excited group of followers and disciples that Jesus says, "let us go over to the other side."  It is important to note that this idea to travel at night over the sea of Galilee came from Jesus, not the others.  I am sure, after seeing what Jesus could do, seeing His intentionality and determination, they didn't think twice about stepping into the boats to go where He indicated.  Then the storm came up, and it wasn't just a bit of waves and rain, it was a furious squall, and the boats were in danger of capsizing, or being swamped!

Again, going back to the people in the other boats, when the squall came up, you can bet their focus suddenly became survival.  They likely lost sight of each other, and surely were having difficulty shouting back and forth between boats.  They must have felt alone, maybe even abandoned, afraid and in fear for their lives in that dark and stormy moment!  Even if they could see the boat with Jesus, they couldn't see Him, as he was asleep in the stern.  Talk about getting into a situation that wasn't what they signed up for!!  They were following Jesus directions, and suddenly found themselves fighting for their lives, bailing the boats as fast as they could to stay afloat! This was not a good situation!

Thankfully, we know the story and their situation didn't end there!  The ones in Jesus boat had the brilliant idea to wake Jesus.  It was into this storm of darkness, fear, raging waters, swamping waves that Jesus stood up and commanded the waves and wind, "Quiet! Be Still! and it instantly became calm and still.  It was still night, but the danger had passed.  Imagine the relief of the people in the other boats.  They probably didn't realize what had just happened, as Jesus was in the other boat and His voice was likely covered by the roaring winds and crashing waves.  However, there was no mistaking the fact that something just happened, and the dangerous situation just dispersed.  I am sure they heard pretty quickly that it was Jesus' commands that caused the wind to cease, in fact they were probably shouting back and forth between boats again, now that they could hear each other.

Jesus' comment to the disciples was then, "Why are you so afraid?  Do you still have no faith?"

At first glance it seems like a bit of a harsh rebuke, but I have learned, at least in my life, that Jesus' rebukes are never harsh, but rather full of love and compassion.  Jesus knew why they were afraid, but His question was diving deeper - for following Him wasn't about the good things He was doing, it was about relationship with Him, and through Him with His Father!  Following Jesus was also about experiencing the reality of the Kingdom of God that He was proclaiming! He was encouraging them to look to Him, not to the circumstances, even though they were having to respond to the circumstances.  He had led them into this situation, and He would surely lead them safely through.  His life was full of purpose and so were theirs, and they weren't going to lose them in a storm He led them into!  The faith was in Him!  Faith in the reality of what He had already demonstrated.  He was capable of miracles, capable of healing and raising the dead even, surely He could save them from the dark, windy and wavey circumstances!  Even though they had lost sight of Him, He hadn't abandoned them, and His command caused everything to become still!

What a glorious example of God's ability to step into a situation and cause everything to change in an instant with a single command!  Lord, You know that many of us, through following You, have found ourselves in situations that are dark, stormy and even dangerous and life-threatening!  You know where we are, You haven't abandoned us!  You know exactly whats happening, even if it appears You are asleep!  Lord, I ask You to speak the command into our lives, to cause the storms to cease!  We know that You love us, that our lives have purpose in You!  We know that You have the commands and words of Life and we ask You to speak them over us, even now!  We know that You are capable and willing!  HElp us in our fear and unbelief!!

Amen!  Speak Quickly Lord!  You are our hope in the midst of the storm!

DO NOT LET Your Hearts Be Troubled!

Last evening I opened my Bible up to some very familiar verses from John's Gospel.  I know they spoke immediately to my heart as I read them.  Here are the verses - John 14:26-27 NIV:

[26] "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

What a great promise for difficult times!

The verse that caught my eye was verse 27, specifically the end of the verse.  Jesus tells us "Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid!"  Notice who the onus is on for managing these two things, fear and trouble or anxiety!  Jesus says to us, "Do not LET your hearts be troubled!"  In other words, we can willfully halt anxiety or troubled hearts from happening.

The Greek word that is used and translated troubled is Tarasso and it is defined as follows:

1) to agitate, trouble (a thing, by the movement of its parts to and fro)
    a) to cause one inward commotion, take away his calmness of mind, disturb his equanimity
    b) to disquiet, make restless
    c) to stir up
    d) to trouble
           1) to strike one's spirit with fear and dread
    e) to render anxious or distressed

Jesus tells us to not let this happen to our hearts.  The heart is considered the core of our being, our passions flow out of our heart and one could say the heart represents our inner man.  Thus, having a divided heart, having a restless heart, having and agitated heart (one that can't decide where to align), or allowing fear and dread, anxiety to strike our heart is what Jesus is telling us NOT to allow.  If this is true, that we cannot actually decide to not let our hearts be troubled, then the Lord is calling us into that reality, and giving us the opportunity and the ability to embrace His peace!

Now, to be clear I don't think I am talking about those that suffer from Anxiety attacks and such.  I believe this is focused at those followers of Christ, who struggle trusting God to fulfill His promises.  We see things difficult rolling towards us, we tend to try and grab control of our lives back, rather than turning the wheel over to the Lord to help us navigate through the coming situation!  We allow fear, uncertainty and doubt to throw us off-track.  Again, if we can keep this trouble from settling into our hearts, we can maintain our peaceful disposition, and look to the Holy Spirit for guidance and direction.  If we are trying to yank the wheel back into our control, we basically shut out the one who was sent to help us!

Jesus continues on - "Do NOT be afraid!"

Sometimes that seems like an empty encouragement, but remember the courage that was poured out into the disciples at Pentecost!  They went from being people afraid, locked in the upper room, to standing in front of thousands (likely some o the same people that had been chanting to crucify Jesus) and proclaimed the Gospel fearlessly.  They were filled with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, and they were no longer afraid. This same gift and power is available to us today!  Jesus wants us to experience His peace!   He is giving away the answers, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, providing us a path through the difficulty we might be experiencing!  Wow that is good news!

So again, back to the encouragement from Jesus, "DO NOT LET your hearts be troubled and DO NOT be afraid."  The question is who do we do these?  I believe Paul provides an answer in his letter to the Colossians 3:1-4,12-15 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."

[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."

[15] "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

As I read these verses, I see that I have the ability to aim my heart and mind towards heaven, and think on those things rather than my own present difficult circumstances.  If I turn my eyes and my thoughts away from my own self, and choose to act in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and love towards others, we can free ourselves from the chains of fear and anxiety that affect us when we are inward or self focused.

I know my tendency is to shrivel into myself when I face difficult situations, and the Lord would call me to do the opposite, to set my mind on Him, in Heaven, to see things from His perspective!  He would call me to get outside of my own self, and minister in love and compassion, to help others, to exude kindness and allow compassion to enter my heart.  As bad as I think my situation is, there are many others in worse circumstances, and I can choose to bless them or help them, and turn my pitiful self-cries into praise and gratitude, and thankfulness for all the things I don't see when I focus on my present anxious situation.

Thank You Lord for Your blessings and Your encouragement today!