Cortland UMC Scripture Journey

Journey Through The Psalms: Psalm 3

2011-06-28T09:01:00.002-04:00

I am starting to get the idea that David was either constantly under attack, or simply paranoid. It seems as though those who are against David are great and number, and he is feeling overwhelmed. No matter whether David is paranoid, or the threat is real, it is safe to say we have all had the feelings he is expressing. There are times when we feel like the world is conspiring against us, and at every turn there is someone who is out to get us. Interestingly enough the times in my life when I feel this are the times when I am growing in my relationship with Christ the most.

Maybe its chance, or perhaps it is dumb luck but I do not think so. When I am allowing God to be more active in my life, the challenges seem to get greater. I wonder if anyone else is going through that kind of experience right now? Every step forward seems to be met with great opposition, whether in our relationship with Jesus, in our earthly relationships. David offers great comfort and hope in this Psalm.

Verse 5 states, "I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety for the Lord was watching over me." There is not promise of things being easy, and there is not promise there will not be enemies and difficult times. The promise is the Lord is watching over us. We have safety and refuge from what might try to do us harm. We must remember the strength and victory are not ours but the Lord's. If we try in our own strength we will get defeated every time. When we run to the Lord for refuge, we find safety and victory.

So, keep running to the Lord. Trust in the protection offered by God. Live with your eyes focused on the King. Trouble will come, do not fear the victory is in the Lord.

Journey Through The Psalms: Psalm 2

2011-06-23T09:16:00.002-04:00

Turn on the news and there is no shortage of stories about war throughout our world. The staggering reality is we are only told selectively about the war which is being wagged throughout creation. Everyday people are dying for the sake of earthly wars. I find it completely fascinating the Psalmist who penned Psalm 2 would speak to the situations of today even writing several thousands of years ago. Reading verse one is enough to stop and ponder, "Why do nations rage? Why do people waste their time with futile plans?" The violence in our world, war or otherwise, is a result of humanity pursuing their own plan rather than submitting to God.

Often the claim against the Old Testament is it shows a God which is too violent and seems to condone violence. This Psalm reveals a little of where the responsibility truly lies. Whenever I read the Scriptures where humanity has a choice to make between obedience to God, or human wisdom, if the people choose human wisdom violence is the result. War and violence which the writer of the Psalm calls futile. All of it traces back to our human longing to live life on our own terms. When we live for ourselves alone there is bound to be conflict with another person who is living the same way. At some point my self interest and yours are going to clash, then what?

Another way to journey is to trust God and follow the path God has set before us. Not everyone has the same path, and not everyone is gifted in the same way, yet we all journey with the same leader, Jesus Christ. God is more than willing to direct our paths if we are willing to allow it. It should not be thought this will mean things will be easy and there will never be conflict. The difference is when we submit to the Lord, the conflict finds even ground more quickly as we together seek the Lord, not our own interest.

So as much as it depends on you, focus on God not one your own interest. Let God be the one who leads and you who follows. Invite the son of God to walk step by step with you through this life, that we may all join together at the Heavenly Banquet table celebrating the feast of the Lamb. There seems to be nothing violent about that.

Journey Through The Psalms: Psalm 1

2011-06-22T09:19:00.002-04:00

The collection of songs, poems and sayings we call Psalms starts out reminding the reader the delight which comes from follow God rather than all the other influences pulling on us. I love the image of the tree planted by the river which bears fruit without fail. Trees are a wonderful gift of God, which I often take for granted. While in Haiti last year I was struck by the lack of trees on the hillsides and almost everywhere. Yet at the church we were working at there was a huge Mango tree which provided physical fruit, it also provided a place for the fruit of relationship to blossom as it was a refuge from the scorching heat. When we focus on the work and teachings of God the result is bearing fruit in our lives. When we focus on other things in life we find we wither and no longer bear fruit. We must find ways to plant our hearts in the heart of God.

Another interesting note in this Psalm is how the judgement of God works. In our current culture we judge people based on many things, Their gender, sexual orientation, age, race, socioeconomics and many other things. When we look at Psalm 1 we find a picture of judgement based on one thing, and one thing alone, the path we follow. Verse 6 reminds us "For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction." I wonder how often I think I am on the godly path based on the before mentioned qualifications instead of asking whether I am trusting the Lord more than anything else. Not simply trust, also obedience to the guidance of the Lord. The reality is I have a great ability to misjudge my own actions much less the action of others. Further my role is not to judge the path of others, I must be certain to do the what I must to be on the path of the Lord.

An amazing thing happens when we do the work of ensuring our path, we become the tree planted by the river, and many gather to receive the fruit offered. Our challenge today is to delight in everything the Lord wants. This speaks of conforming our hearts, mind, soul and strength to God and not ourselves.

May we journey together to be a tree planted by the river which never fails to produce fruit.

Conditions of The Heart

2010-09-30T09:26:00.002-04:00

Matthew 6:16-24

Most of this section deals with money if we look at it from just the surface. Going deeper it really is dealing with matters of our heart. Pastoring a church I know there really is not a church that ever has too much money, yet the issue is usually not about money it is about the heart of the people. We give our hearts, make commitments, to many different things. We can see what those commitments are in terms of where we spent our time, talents and our treasures. Looking at these three reveal the condition of our heart. The ways we spend our money whether we have little or great amounts, shows the condition of our hearts. When we hoard it, we are saying we trust money more than God. This is not to say we should have zero savings, what I am saying is are we going beyond savings into hoarding what God is calling us to release, this is not just a money issue, it is the condition of our heart.

Acts 9:1-19

During the formative years of the church it could be argued no one had a harder heart toward the Way of Jesus than Saul. On his way to arrest followers of the Way, Saul has a dramatic encounter with Jesus. More than a physical blindness is the result, there is a change in heart. His heart of stone is exchanged for a heart of flesh (see Ezekiel). After the divine heart surgery Saul becomes Paul and goes on to be the most effect church planter in all of history. Like with heart surgery on our physical bodies careful follow up is required. From time to time we need to have a check up on the condition of our hearts, is the stone coming back? What's the condition of your heart?

Psalms 15

What is required for worship? That is the opening question of the Psalm. Notice the answer, it has nothing to do with the appropriate clothing, nothing to do with financial status, in fact it has very little to do with outward appearance, it is about the heart. Worship is not about style of music, what the preacher says or does not say, what is included in the service etc... Worship is a matter of the heart. We can say and do all the "right" things yet never have our hearts meet with the heart of God. The requirement for worship, willing heart.

Genesis 34-35

If you have been following along our soap opera now turns to additional generations. Dinah, Jacobs daughter, is taken and raped by the people in the land where they live. As you might guess this becomes problematic. Before long there are brothers oozing testosterone plotting and killing all the men of the city. First however, they tricked all the men into circumcising themselves. Tragically, the only mention of Dinah is the violation of her. Not attention is paid by the Scripture writer as to what was happening in Dinah's world. Yet we have revealed the heart of her brothers. Rather than allowing God to avenge the violation, they take matters into their own hands. The reveal they are ready for killing at a moments notice. Jacob who had been down a similar road has his heart broken by what has happened to his daughter and what his sons have done. It seems he had learned from the past and his heart was in a different condition.

Salvation From God At The Center

2010-09-29T11:14:00.002-04:00

Matthew 6:1-15

It is not only the law Jesus addresses in the Sermon on the Mount. Spiritual disciplines is also part of the teaching. Insight is offered in how to conduct ourselves when we fast and when we offer acts of righteousness. In this section we find what is commonly called the Lord's Prayer. Not offered as the only way to pray, or even the exact words, the prayer is offered as a model for the areas of prayer. Unfortunately over the centuries the prayer has become a repeated verbatim. This has caused in some cases a lose of meaning behind the prayer. Next time you say the Lord's Prayer I invite you to really think about the words you are saying and not blindly offer the words because it is what you do.

Acts 8:26-40

The story of Philip is one I greatly enjoy. Another one of the Deacons from chapter 6 is now found going around preaching, teaching and being a conduit of God's work. Philip finds himself on lead to a place where he teaches the Ethiopian about who Jesus is that Isaiah points to. Conversion happens and they stop to baptize the Ethiopian. Once the baptism happens Philip is take to another place by the spirit. There are many things we could look at in the passage, the one I want to highlight today is the evangelism of Philip. It would have been easy for Philip to say I am only a deacon, set apart to serve the widows their food, and not tell people about Jesus. Yet he was so in love with Jesus and so full of the Spirit he could not help himself. Often we do not engage in evangelism because we have a greater relationship with this world and fear than we do with Jesus.

Psalm 14

Salvation is from our God and God alone. No matter how hard we try we cannot save another person, and we are not working to convert people to our kingdom. God is the one who will care for the evildoers, God will care for judgment and revenge. So what is our role, praise God and so fill our lives with the Spirit of God, that people see God not us first.

Genesis 32-33

In the midst of Jacob meeting up with his brother whom he deceived several times, there is a wrestling match with God. One of the possible interpretations of the wrestling match with God has to do with Jacob and God coming to terms on the way Jacob has conducted his business up to this point. From this point on in Jacob's life there is no more deception on his part. In fact as Jacob emerges with a limp and a new name, there is a difference in how Jacob conducts his business. While most of his life Jacob followed after God, this wrestling match became a conversion moment. God was a part of Jacob's life yet there was much Jacob took into his own hands. Once he is names Israel, the reliance on God increases exponentially. Perhaps our struggles are producing a greater faith in our lives.

God's Ways Are Not Ours

2010-09-28T08:26:00.002-04:00

Matthew 5:33-48

Once again Jesus takes the established law which the people then and a now for the most part like, and turns our understanding. In all the cases presented in today's section the law seems to permit returning wrong for wrong. Jesus shows that is not how it works in God's world exactly. When we are wronged we are to return wrong with good. Returning with good actually brings about shame to the person who wronged us, not because we have done harm to them. The shame is from our blessing them when their intention was harm. I wonder how that would look today?

Acts 8:1-25

Here we find humanity acting to slow down Christianity before it really gets going. From our human understanding if we want to stop something we attack it. God takes the attack of humanity and uses it to spread Christ throughout the region. As the religious leaders of the day tried to stop the spread, the message of Christ spread all the more quickly.

As the spread happened there were people who received the message, believed and were baptized yet still did not quite get it. Simon is given as an example in this text. He sees the Apostles do great works and wonders, and he wants in. Rather than seeking after God and forming the live God is calling him toward in Christ, he tries to buy it from the Apostles. Simon is using a human method to accomplish what only God can do.

Psalms 13

I am sure you have noticed by now that our timing and God's timing are different. When things are going what we would call well time seems to move too fast. When we are struggling time seems to move too slow. In reality our interaction with our situation has nothing to do with time. Time passes as it will, the difference is in our perception. I am sure you would join me in saying we like life to work out how we plan it and prefer it. The challenge is we do not always know what is best for our life. God knows what it will take to form and mold us into the person we are being called to be. So when we cry how long o Lord, I can hear the response, until you are who I called you to be.

Genesis 31

The soup opera continues. We last saw Jacob tending the flocks of Laban while engaging in a little genetic engineering to build his own flocks. In this episode we find Jacob packing up his family and running away from Laban. In the process Rachel steals the household gods of her father. After several days Laban catches up to Jacob and his entourage. After some good arguing and name calling an agreement is reached. Interestingly Rachel continues to lie about possessing the household gods. This could be written about for house, not the space or time, suffice to say it is not good. In the end Jacob and Laban go their separate ways and murder is avoided for the time being. As all this is happening we are finding out about the character of the people God is using to establish a people. Honestly, their character is suspect at best, lying, cheating, stealing, some pretty flawed people. Still God works with and through their brokenness to establish the people of God. I guess their is hope for the rest of us.

And I Thought I Had Problems

2010-09-27T09:16:00.002-04:00

Matthew 5:21-32

Jesus continues his midrash, interpretation of the Jewish law. In each case the establish standard is recognized, then raised to a new level. Previously Jesus commented that he did not come to abolish the law, rather to fulfill it. Apparently fulfilling it meant going a lot deeper than simply doing and not doing the right things. Jesus moves from actions to the motivations connected with those actions. Our thoughts are brought into the equation. Further the ways in which we deal with things is more drastic. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. I am grateful for a non-literal reading here, yet the point remains get rid of the sin in your life and be ruthless about it.

Acts 7:36-60

Stephen continues his defense before the council. At first the story they expect to hear is continued, and then Stephen turns the tables. From a legal defense standpoint Stephen made a tragic mistake, he confronted his accusers about their murder of Jesus. As might be guessed this was not a popular thing with the high council. Before the chapter ends we find Stephen getting stoned to death with this guy named Saul watching and approving. Stephen held his ground and made his stand. There were many ways he could have avoided death, yet he knew he must make his stand. Interestingly right until the end Stephen is seeking God's forgiveness for those who are killing him, the words uses are similar to ones Jesus uttered at the cross, forgive them they do not know what they are doing. What a witness of faithfulness in the midst of persecution.

Psalms 12

I suppose Stephen could have written this Psalm, if not write it I am sure it was in his mind and heart at some point in the above described trial. It can seem like all the godly people are gone and all we see is death and destruction. Oppression, poverty, hunger and deadly disease seem to prevail, yet God speaks in the midst of it all and says I will protect. I have no doubt happens in a supernatural way, I also have no doubt this happens when we, the people of God, take up the mission of God in the world as taught by Jesus Christ.

Genesis 29 and 30

As I read these pages I am convinced I am reading something written for soap opera television. Jacob falls in love and is deceived. Then he has two wives which becomes four. Before it is all said and done he has four wives and twelve children. Still living in his mother's homeland tending his uncles flocks, Jacob prospers. There is a confrontation brewing between his father-in-law, Laban, and Jacob over the work agreements Laban had not fully honored. While all this is going on God is at work putting together the family that would be the base of the twelve tribes of Israel. Looking at it this is one messed up family. Dysfunction seems to be everywhere. There are half brothers and step children, all totaled a very confusing family system. Still God is at work. Even when we think our lives are messed up, and they might be, we are not unusable by God.

Knowing The Story

2010-09-22T08:18:00.002-04:00

Matthew 5:13-20

Jesus continues what is often called the Sermon on the Mount. After the reminder that God views the world different than we do, Jesus reminds us that we must stay connected with God, or we will lose our flavor. Then comes important words. All of them are important, however these words need to be carefully read and obeyed. Jesus says he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. The law matters and we need to pay attention to it. At the same time Jesus hints that we must pay attention to the lay as God has given it, not simply are religious has taught and formed it over the years. In the next few sections Jesus will reinterpret the law for the people. Being that Jesus is in his very nature God, this would be God's perspective on the Law not humanities.

Acts 7:1-38

The trial of Stephen is underway and it is his turn to offer a defense. As a starting point Stephen selects the Abraham then moves to Moses. Remember the charges against him were that he was speaking against Abraham, Moses and the Temple. Quickly Stephen shows he knows the story of the people of God which had been handed down through the centuries. At the end of today's reading we see him pointing to a the person to come that Moses spoke about. In building his defense Stephen did not argue about what he was teaching or even beliefs, he simply told the story of the people of God. I wonder how often we argue and defend God when all we really need to do is tell the story God has been writing in our lives?

Psalm 11

I am grateful for the imagery of God as a refuge and the Lord being in the Holy Temple. There are plenty of times when I need a safe place to go, that is the definition of refuge, and God is the ultimate refuge from all that I would need protection from. God being in the Holy Temple says to me that God is always ready to meet with me in worship. It does not have to be Sunday morning, I do not need to have music, liturgy or anything but a heart that is willing to reach out and sit in the presence of God. At any point in life God is in the Holy Temple offering refuge to all who would come.

Genesis 27-28

Once again deception enters the family of Abraham. Jacob deceives his father Isaac in order to get the blessing intended for Esau the firstborn. The most confusing part is not the deception, rather it is the idea that God seems to be honoring it. Twice Jacob uses deception to steal from Esau and God continues to bring blessing to Jacob. However, from before they were born God had spoken to Rebekah about the fact the older shall serve the younger. It seems the events are fulfilling a plan God has. AS all this plays out it is interesting to note where each son turns following the blessing mishap. Jacob is sent by his mother to her family, which if we remember is Abraham's family. Esau goes to the household of Ishmael, still family of Abraham however not the family line of the promise. The roots of modern day Islam are traced back to Ishmael and Esau, while the roots of modern day Christianity and Judaism trace back to Isaac and Jacob. The root story is the same yet the branches take very different patterns. One through a prophet Muhammad, the other through a Savior, Jesus. The story that is your story makes all the difference.

A God's Eye View

2010-09-21T08:10:00.002-04:00

Matthew5:1-12

With the turn of a page we begin the Sermon on The Mount. Quite possible the longest of the sermons presented in the Gospels, Jesus teaches the basics of life in the Kingdom of Heaven. In the words of the Jewish rabbi this would be Jesus' midrash, or his take on the Law. The opening of the sermon shows the audience he is coming at things from a little different perspective than they were use to. Jesus outlines how the poor, the mourning, the meek, the hungry and thirsty, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers and the persecuted will have special status in the kingdom of heaven. In Jesus day and in ours that is not the list of people who are thought to be in special connection to the kingdom of God, especially by those who should know better the church. With these words Jesus is making clear the view God has of humanity is different than the view we have of ourselves.

Acts 6

In this chapter of Acts is when we meet Stephen. One of more memorable characters from the Scriptures, Stephen is raised up to be in the ministry of what we call today a Deacon. His role was not to be a teacher of the word or to maintain the order of the church, rather it was to serve those in need. Still we find Stephen could not keep from telling people about the wonders of God, and God used Stephen to show the world the miraculous of God. The end result is the religious people get made and seize Stephen bringing false witness against him. The religious people of the day cannot see what God is doing and they are more concerned with their human construction.

Psalm 10

Anyone who has followed God has had those moments of feeling like God is far away from them. Some might say they have never experienced that, I doubt the truth of the claim. All of us from time to time wonder why God feels so far away. There are all kinds of reasons for this feeling, the psalm writer points the the wicked who have no regard for the Lord, yet they seem to prosper. In some shape or form we have all been there at some point. As is often the case with the Psalms, by the conclusion of the song, it is remembered that God is right there and will take of the earth, all creation, better than we could. It is God who knows the plan not us.

Genesis 25

The development of the Abraham family line is quite interesting. You first have Ishmael who is technically the first born. You have Isaac the favored son, and other children from various women. That in itself is a whole topic not to be dealt with here. Before his death Abraham sends all the folks away except Isaac. However upon the death of Abraham Isaac and Ishmael stand together to bury their father. Ishmael then goes his way and from him comes what the NIV calls the twelve tribal leaders? Sounds kind of like Israel to me. In fact Isaac would have Esau and Jacob where once again the firstborn is not treated as such. Form Jacob would come the twelve tribes of Israel. Within two generations the promise to Abraham is being fulfilled. Still God was not working in the ways people thought to be common. Normally it would be the firstborn who would become the family leader. The firstborn would have a place of privilege, not in the case of Isaac and Jacob. God seems to work from a different viewpoint.

Healing, Stirring, Obedience

2010-09-20T12:50:00.002-04:00

Matthew 4:18-25

The ministry of Jesus gets going strong without a long ramping up period. Once the door opens Jesus is on a full out pace to get the Good News among the people. One of the early activities is to gather around him the people who will continue the mission after his death and resurrection. There is not room for negotiations, Jesus asks you to follow, you either go or stay on the fishing boat. Peter, Andrew, James and John decide to follow. From there Jesus jumps in, preaching, teaching and healing. It seems as though the healing attracts many people who were in need of the healing touch of God. Often it is wondered if God still does these things, the simple answer is yes. The more complicated answer is Jesus longs to have that presence in our lives, yet we often do not leave enough room for the Spirit of God to work.

Acts 5:17-42

Peter is going about the plan of God to bring Good News to the people and the religious people of the day get upset and have him and other disciples arrested. The Lord lets the out of prison and the go right back to their work. The religious leaders of the day are not real thrilled with all this and they decide the must do something. Peter and the gang have them pretty stirred up. At the edge of death a voice of reason steps in and reminds the religious people, if this is of God, then we do not want to fight it, if it is of human origin then it will die on its own. The disciple continue the work of Jesus in many ways, including stirring the pot.

Psalm 9

This is one of the longer of the earlier psalms, yet its message is pretty basic. No matter what happens we praise God. Not only that we praise God, that we do it with our whole heart. When we are ready to take matters into our own hands, we must simply turn to God in praise.

Genesis 24

Here we have one of the great stories of the Bible. Abraham realizes he is nearing death and wants to make sure his son Isaac is all set to have a wife and continue the family. The long trek is made back to the home lands of Abraham to find a bride from among the people. Through some pretty amazing circumstances Rebekah is raised up by God. It is like a love story we could find in theaters today. They never knew each other, yet from the moment they set eyes on each other they know that is the person God has selected for them. As the story continues they live the life together and from the couple comes Jacob who would be named Israel, form who all the tribes of Israel would come. Not only was this a storybook romance, it has the hand print of God all over it.

Kingdom of Heaven

2010-09-16T10:26:00.002-04:00

Matthew 4:12-17

Fresh from baptism Jesus begins to preach. Here in a brief and often overlooked verse we find Jesus giving the overarching message of all his preaching, "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Salvation matters and we must choose what we do with Jesus death and resurrection. The primary reason Jesus came was not salvation it was to show people what it was like to live the kingdom of heaven. His death and resurrection made it possible for us to live fully in that kingdom in the fullness of time, yet his life and preaching shows us how to embody that now.

Acts 5:1-16

It is one thing to deceive humanity, it is another thing all together to attempt to deceive God. When we tell others we have brought everything before God there is know real way of knowing whether this is true or not through human eyes. However, God knows what you have given and what is being held back. The problem is not in holding back as much as it is in putting on the face of giving everything when you have not. All that we are and have has been given to us by God, and we are entrusted as stewards of it. That means we can manage it how ever we see best. By the same token there will be a calling to account for our stewardship. How much did we give to God?

Psalm 8

A pure song of praise lifted to our God. All of creation is indebted to God, and God has made all of creation glorious. Not much more needs to be said than O Lord our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Genesis 21-23

The person Abraham most longed after is requested of God. Issac is requested by God, and Abraham is willing. There are many things about this passage which I do not like, not the least of which is the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son. Yet here is a picture of how things work in the kingdom. The willingness is what God was testing in Abraham. God may not have us sacrifice that which is most precious to us but there may be a test of our willingness. There are times when we are in fact asked and expected to give up that which is important to us. More than a willingness, and actual sacrifice. Still before the point of sacrifice the issue of willingness must be wrestled with.

Temptation, Praise and Bartering

2010-09-14T08:57:00.002-04:00

Matthew 4:1-11

The temptation of Christ is one of the passages of Scripture which gets brought out annually, usually around the beginning of lent. Here three times Satan tempts Jesus, and Jesus rejects the temptation. Among the many fascinating issues in this section the most fascinating is the fact that Satan offers things he does not have the capacity to offer. The basic offer is this, if you do things my way, regardless of what God might think, you will be better than fine you will have all you ever could imagine. Many good people have been pulled into this deception. Satan offers something which he cannot possibly deliver, and most find out after it is too late the real story. The only response to the tempter is returning to the teachings of God. While Satan cannot deliver on the promise God will deliver every time, however it is on God's terms not humanities.

Acts 4:23-37

Fresh off what could be considered a victory with the religious leaders of the day, Peter and John do not spend time bragging about their conquest, they turn the community to prayer. The focus is not on their authority, or their own ability. The focus of the early believers gathered in that space and time was God and the power of God. They were so focused in God it caused them to view their possessions differently. Sure each of them had things which were a part of their household, yet if there was someone in need they would not consider it theirs, it was God's to be used by the community as there was need. What might happen if that was how we lives today?

Psalm 7

Here the psalmist is recognizing they have messed up. Their drive to follow God has been clouded by poor choices. However the work to right the wrong is underway. First stop getting right with God. The time of restitution will come, yet it cannot come until we reconcile with God and get our lives back in line with God. If we make things write with everyone else but fail to reconcile with God we will be in no better place when all is said and done.

Genesis 18-20

The journey and story of Abraham continue. I gain so much hope from reading about Abraham. He has high moments where he follows God so closely and other moments where that is not the case. One of the high points is when Abraham barters with God over the Sodom and Gomorrah. At least it appears God is allowing Abraham to barter. Perhaps God know already what will be found and the number of righteous in the cities is less than 5. Still God allows Abraham to know a God who is willing to enter into conversation. Not a God who is deterministic and we have better learn to deal with that, rather a God who draws near to us as we draw near to God. The bartering has less to do with the cities as it does with the revelation of a God who comes near.

Early Tests

2010-09-13T09:04:00.002-04:00

When God initiates a great movement among the people it seems early on there are some tests of those who God has placed in leadership. The way these tests are responded to often sets the tone for the entire movement.

Matthew 3:13-17

As an elder in the United Methodist Church I have had several opportunities to baptize people. It is one the most favorite things I do in the life of the church. Still i could not imagine what was going through the mind of John the Baptizer when Jesus presented himself for baptism. The whole question of worthiness comes right smack in our face. Who is it that would be worthy to baptize Jesus? None of us. Yet Jesus humbly submits to the role John must plan in order that the plan of God would be fulfilled. What must we do in order that the plan of God might be fulfilled?

Acts 4:1-22

Peter and John, not the Baptizer, find themselves in trouble because they healed a man in Jesus name. The religious leaders realize they are in just as, if not more difficult position as Peter and John. If they condemn the healing that will bring trouble because the people can see the healed man. However, if they allow this to go on without some form of correction, the followership of Jesus would grow. They tell Peter and John to go, but not heal or teach in Jesus name. I love the response of Peter, who should we obey, human voices or the call of God. Quite a response to an early test.

Psalm 6

We serve a relentless God. There are times when the relentless nature of God becomes overwhelming. As God continues to shape and mold us into the persons we are called and created to be, it can be overwhelming to have God constantly pushing us. Further, it seems when we are feeling overwhelmed others pile on about the unfair nature of our God. We nearly reach our end. That is where we find the writer of this psalm. Yet there is a cry to God and mercy is found. We get tested on every side, do we cry out to God, or do we just cry?

Genesis 15-17

In these three chapters there is enough to write about for several days. Today I noticed something which I had not noticed in all the times I have read and taught this passage. When Ismael is born Abram is 86 years old. It is not until He is 100 that Issac is born. For 14 years there is the tension of when humans try to solve a challenge only God can solve and God's solution. For 14 years Abram had to come face to face with his hiccup in faith. There was a constant reminder of how Abram tried to solve the challenge his own way. Our poor choices are rarely fatal, however they have consequences which will stay with us for some time.

Hard Words

2010-09-09T09:06:00.004-04:00

There are seasons in life when we need words of comfort and healing. There are other times when we need words of joy and encouragement. We also have seasons when we need hard words that challenge our very foundation.

Matthew 3:1-13

John the baptizer was the one raised up to prepare the people for the mission and ministry of Jesus. The temple courts were not his grounds or teaching, not even the streets and houses, the message John was bringing was reserved for the desert, the wilderness. People would have to intentionally travel to places they are not use to going to see John. Their reward upon arrival was a message which was hard to swallow. John called people out and challenged the religious people of his day. The church people he called a brood of vipers. In case you are not sure that is not a compliment in any generation or context. The hard words of John were not for shock value or to upset people, it was to point them to Jesus. Is it time for some hard words?

Acts 3

Peter and John are making their regular trip to the Temple for prayer, imagine that a daily trip to to gather for prayer. On the way they come across a crippled man begging. After a healing in Jesus Name the crowd calls into account what happened. Rather than complimentary words, Peter brings a hard teaching. Pointing out the fact that many of them had missed the work of God in Jesus. The challenge is simple, turn from your wicked ways and recognize what God has been doing in their midst.

Psalm 5

The psalms are filled with words that are poetic and often hard to really understand. Psalm 5 is not one of them. It is real basic, when we follow God and the teachings of God, the protection of God is with us. we will experience God's favor. When we go our own way and reject God, our lives will come to ruin. Not complicated, but difficult to hear and wrestle with.

Genesis 12-14

Abram sets out following God. Before too long he is in Egypt lying about his relationship with Sari. Soon after that he is dividing the land with Lot and helping push back the ungodly people. I often expect my life to be a long consistent climb on the ladder of faith. Not jagged but a smooth walk where I am always gaining. It was not true for Abram, or really any of those mentioned in the scriptures, what make me think that would be true for me. Abram was a confused mess of trying to remain with God, and balance his personal concern. Sound familiar? In the end righteousness is found only in follow God's concern not our own.

The Struggle For Something Greater

2010-09-07T07:42:00.002-04:00

At some point in every persons life there is a struggle to reach greatness. For some the struggle is short lived and the idea of greatness is put on the shelf. For others it remains a constant and healthy goal. Still others are so preoccupied with greatness they are blinded by their quest.

Matthew 2:13-23

It seems in the journey toward greatness there is a time of exile. Times in life where the calling may seem hard to find due to the circumstances we find ourselves in. The child Jesus was taken from his birthplace off to Egypt for protection. It seems God uses Egypt as the place of preparation for the next great move of God on earth.During their self-imposed exile t o Egypt Herod's quest for greatness lead him to murder all the boys 2 and under in the land. a little for site this not only caused undue pain, it also created a possible problem for the nation in a few years when there were no new recruits for the military or other functions. The quest for greatness caused Herod to not only miss it in Jesus, but to be blinded in the quest and cause other challenges.

Acts 2:22-47

The quest for greatness is not only a personal pursuit. The new community of believers longed to live as God directed them. It was not their own greatness rather the greatness of God they were seeking. Greatness was found in how they lived together the life Jesus had taught them. A communities greatness is measured in how God is able to use them. In Acts God used the community to add to the number daily those who were being saved. The community, not perfect, functioned to God's greatness in such a way God could use them for great Kingdom work.

Psalm 4

From a demand to an affirmation. That is the journey of the Psalmist in this psalm. "Answer me when I call" words all of us have uttered at some point, perhaps even to God. The writer sees only greatness fading, the enemy keeps getting the upper hand and struggle comes the way of the writer. Yet by the conclusion of the short Psalm there is a recognition of the greatness of God. Our only hope at anything great is not about us, or our ability. Our greatness is found only in God and our obedience to God.

Genesis 9-11

God has pressed reset and all creation restarts with Noah and his family at the center. It is once again shown where there is family there is dysfunction. However, creation is once again being filled with humanity. Thus once again the striving for greatness shows up. People had a common language and common drive. The decision to build a tower to the heavens was made and begun. God could see where things were going and intervened. If allowed to continue humanity might believe it is in there own greatness they have life and breath. Ultimately leading to humanity thinking it did not need God in their lives. God confuses the languages and scatters the people not because he is worried about having to share power, rather because he sees that humanity will become self reliant.

The Trouble With New

2010-09-04T10:07:00.002-04:00

Whenever something new and different comes along, not everyone reacts the same. While some are excited and ready to move into a new reality, others are resistant and attempt to stop the new even to the point of ridicule.

Matthew 2:1-12

The story of the magi is one of those classics of the church year. Only Matthew records the events, yet they are a standard to most church cycles. Magi have classically been thought of as royalty when in actuality they were scientists. More specifically they were astrologers. They watched the movements of the heavenly bodies in order to understand the workings of life and creation. The downside of them being astrologers is they often ventured into areas the Lord has clearly fenced off, mainly the practices of predicting the future and things we might consider part of horoscopes or psychics today. Yet they read the stars and recognized the arrival of the Messiah. When Herod found out, the plan to end things before they really get started goes into full swing. Something new was happening and it was going to cause Herod problems so he worked to eliminate it.

Acts 2:1-21

The believers were gathered on a Jewish holy day, Pentecost, and in prayer when the Holy Spirit makes its grand entrance. Never before had the people of Jerusalem and the world experienced such and thing and they were left trying to understand it. Some chalked it up to too much wine. While others were simply amazed. God had been revealed in a new way and there was uncertainty about what to do next. Peter steps forward and tells the crowd how this is God at work. We shall see where it goes from there.

Psalm 3

All of us at some point have a time when we feel like it is the world against us. The list of those try to stop us is far greater than those who are helping. The psalmist was there and then remembered that God is bigger than all the others. When it comes to protection, no one dies it better than God. Not only is God the protector but God is the sustainer and deliverer. Basically, no matter what we face in life God ready and able to see us through, in whom do we trust?

Genesis 5-8

I am always fascinated by the story of Noah. There are some really fun little details in the story which I will not get into here but I encourage you to read through for those interesting details. Overall you have Noah who is claimed to be the only righteous man on the earth. No pressure there. God selects Noah to build an ark in the desert and load all the animals and his family on it because God is about to restart the who dog gone thing. Along the way Noah I am sure faces ridicule and people question his mental stability. I am sure there was not shortage of names he was called or insults flung his way. Still Noah was steadfast and built. The day came, the boat was loaded and the Lord hit reset. A new beginning.

Where are you trying to make something new? Where are you facing opposition? Are you turning to God or your own understanding?

Creation

2010-09-02T09:35:00.002-04:00

All of today's readings involve aspects of creation, or the difficulty in starting fresh. We are only a few days away from an new school year in our area. It seems fitting to look at new beginnings and restarts.

Matthew 1:18-25

The rebirth of Israel, the people of God, is shared in this passage in Matthew. When Jesus is born, a fresh start is available to the people. The way of redemption is announced and relationship with God is re-established. The method of it happening, well that is another story all together. Mary, a virgin pledged to marry Joseph, gives birth to a boy even though she has never been with a man. The arrival of the redeemer is clouded by inappropriate social actions, and the threat of divorce. Not exactly a glorious entrance. Yet the desire of God to be in relationship with creation is stronger than the social norms, and there is a reassurance of God at work. The faith of Joseph and Mary is spectacular. In the face of not fitting in with society, they follow God with all they have. I wonder what God is calling to us?

Acts 1:12-26

The disciples have traveled with Jesus, wept as he hung on the cross, and rejoiced in the resurrection. They have received their marching orders, ready to continue the work. They were together praying and waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit. During that time it is determined to return the number of Apostles to 12, a very important number, the twelve tribes of Israel. Here we have the formation of church leadership. Jesus commissions the group to go and be witnesses, proclaim the Good News to the ends of the earth. Before the power of the Spirit can be unleashed, the people need to get their acts together. This is found in their prayer and preparation for what God is doing. The creation of the church is here, the power is given when the preparation is fully engaged.

Psalm 2

Whenever there are positions of leadership power dynamics are at work. This is true at all levels, especially in the leadership of a country, Here is Psalm 2 the reminder is to the kings of this world to remember there is someone who is greater than them. The admonishment is to remember we are all responsible to God in accordance with the places of power we occupy. We are to all lead in the fear of the Lord, and to take refuge in the Lord, not our power and our own wisdom.

Genesis 3 and 4

Here we find the fall of Adam and Eve and the inception of the first families. There is more in these two chapters than I can write in this limited space. I will focus on a small sentence in toward the end of chapter 3. God recognizes it is dangerous to leave Adam and Eve in Eden because the tree of life is there and their obedience is suspect at best. If Adam and Eve eat from the tree of life, they will live forever. The tree of life is one of those things which shows up periodically throughout the scriptures. One of the most notable times is in Revelation. The tree of life is the center of the Holy City, the new Jerusalem. When Christ returns and the relationship between God and people is as intended, the tree of life becomes the source of everlasting life. One creation is restored the tree of life may be partaken of. God does not want the tree of Life eaten from before then because forever would be filled with separation of creation and God. By the end of Revelation, the breech has been fully repaired and forever is with God. In this small sentence in the beginning the promise of of the end is established.

Get Up, Dust Off, Jump Back In

2010-09-01T10:15:00.002-04:00

Often I am overwhelmed by the sense that other people are so much better at following Jesus than I am. All the disciplines I set out to keep in my life eventually go by the wayside. My most common response is to over correct and add more to the plate. As you might guess this causes the failure to only feel greater. Having said that, I am once again getting up, dusting off and jumping back into the year long scripture journey. This time around I am not coupling it with reading through the Bible in 90 days, I am engaged for the long haul and hopefully for some deeper reflection. So here goes.

Matthew 1:1-17

I have often wondered if the editors of the Bible had an understanding what makes a book interesting. In the Old Testament we start off with Genesis. the creation story is nice, but all to quickly the reading gets a little more difficult. The New Testament is no exception. Page 1, Matthew and a genealogy. Why would you start with that? The Book of Mark leaves all that out, why not use that as the lead? Perhaps it has to do with understanding Jesus did not simply break into our world in some obscure way. It is important to see the deep connection with Israel all the way back to Abraham. When I say Israel, I do not mean the nation state we see today. I mean the people of God, the chosen. Long before they had a land they were Israel. Jesus the Son of God, also the son of David and the son of Abraham. You know Abraham, the one who was promised more children than sand on the shores. The one who would be blessed to be a blessing. Yeah he is part of the family tree. The opening of Matthew, once you get past the names, is important in reminding us that Jesus is the continuing work of God among the people in effort to restore our relationship to God. The hope is we will once again be the Kingdom people.

Acts 1:1-11

The death and resurrection has happened and now we are getting the account of the movement of believers. In the midst of uncertainty, and a desire to flea from Jerusalem for their lives the believers are told to sit and wait for what God has promised. The gift of the Holy Spirit is coming and when they receive it, the work of God will go into full swing as the rest of the redemption story is written. Jesus is taken up into the clouds and the disciples are left standing looking up. Angels appear and wonder why they were looking at the sky and not doing what Jesus had said. I wonder how often we are gazing at the sky wondering what will happen when we simply need to follow the instructions of our leader, Jesus.

Psalm 1

The contrast of good and wicked is front and center here is this first Psalm. The good will be like a tree planted by the water, fruitful and pleasant. The wicked will not they will perish. The indirect teaching is follow the paths of righteousness and keep from wickedness. Goodness is found in our relationship with God and the actions that relationship produces. When we rest in God, or plant our lives in God, we will be like the fruitful tree. When we plant our lives in places other than God, we will perish. Where are you planting your life?

Genesis 1 and 2

I have always wondered why there were two stories of creation. As best we can tell until Adam, there was not one there to take notes, or take pictures, or place the happenings of Facebook or Twitter. So how is it there are two stories about the same unseen event? I could bore us to tears about the different groups of people who were contributing the writing of the Old Testament. It took nearly a semester to cram a two day lecture into my brain. Our first account is has more detail, the second is almost the readers digest version. No matter, two stories does not change the overall story. There was nothing, God acted and there was creation. To this day the debate rages about the details. There are the seven literal days folks, who say the earth, Adam and Eve were created in literal 24 hour periods. There are those who say the "day" was a time period which could have been millions of years. Still others think the whole thing is foolishness. I would like to leave room to say that day one described in Genesis might have been the Big Bang. We know that God created, it does not say how creation happened.

Anyway. The point is not how long and exactly what happened. What matters is God created and entered into relationship with that which was created. Man and woman, land, sea and sky all were created and entered into relationship with. Eden was created and Adam was assigned the task of working the garden. The parameters for life were given, eat anything except from this one tree. Creation, humanity and God lived in perfect relationship. There was no shame, and life was as the creator intended. Too bad the story continues.

Scriptures in a Year Day 21

2010-07-03T11:34:00.002-04:00

Luke 6:17-26

As Jesus was teaching and healing we come across Luke's account of what are called the beatitudes in Matthew. The bless and woes of those who are poor or rich, hungry and thirsty. This basic teaching flies in the face of what that, and ours for that matter, society holds as normal. The best explanation of this passage I have heard reminds us this is not about possessions as much as it is about remembering our need for God. Those who are poor, hungry or thirsty know they need God for everyday. Those who are rich, do not know hunger, or thirst can easily forget their need for God. Therefore those who are poor today will be rich in the Lord. Who are you?

Philippians3:10-14

When I travel I love getting to my destination, and I love even more getting home. A reality for my life is that either is a temporary stop. Whether on the road for ministry or pleasure,or home from the road, I will soon depart for another destination. Never do I get to the place where I have arrived and will not leave that place again. It seems the same with our faith journey. There is always more in front of us. We can always go deeper in the Lord and be taken to more places than we thought possible. Arrival in our journey is equivalent to death whether physical or metaphorical.

2 Kings 16-17

This section of scripture is the first telling of Israel being taken into captivity by the Assyrians. For centuries the people of Israel have been going their own way instead of following God. To the point where there is a split of the people of Israel and Judah. Both portions of the people of God struggle to remain true to the teachings of God through Moses. Finally the Lord has had enough and the Assyrians are used by God to take the people into exile. There was fair warning, yet the people would not change their ways. Soon Judah will follow suit.

Scriptures in a Year Day 20

2010-07-02T10:35:00.002-04:00

Luke 6:1-16

Questions of the sabbath. This is one of the areas I struggle with greatly. I have read the Old Testament more times than I can count and I know what the big ten tell me about the sabbath. Yet when I look a the life and words of Jesus it seems the sabbath has been altered. Perhaps more than altered the sabbath has been clarified. The religious people of Jesus day boiled the sabbath down to a list of things you could and could not do, but did it remind people of their relationship with God? That is the measure of sabbath, when we break the regular patterns of life to make sure our lives are firmly rooted in Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:1-9

If life is about the credentials we carry, Paul had some pretty incredible credentials in the religious world. The religious establishment of his day held Paul in high regard, he did it right and followed all the right things. Yet Paul willingly gives all that up for the sake of Jesus Christ. I wonder if we would give up all the esteem and respect the world offers us for the sake of Jesus Christ?

Psalms 119: 153-160

The fear of helping people on a journey through the Bible is it will become a list to check off instead of a relationship that breathes life. The Scriptures are about bringing life and peace to those who would engage the journey, not simply add to an over filled to do list. May we read the Scriptures for what they truly are, not a checklist.

2 Kings 14-15

The list of kings rolls on, and so does the cycle. Some of the kings do what is right in the eyes of the Lord while others do what was evil in the eyes of the Lord. Whatever direction the king took so didn't the people. I am sure not all the people of God went the way of the kings who did evil in the sight of the Lord, just as not all went the way of those who did right. Nonetheless the leader was the person of influence and could let the people to faithfulness or destruction. This is a weighty thought for anyone who is in leadership.

Scriptures in a Year Day 19

2010-07-01T10:33:00.002-04:00

Luke 5:33-39

It is easy to become a person of misplaced devotion, or better said mistimed devotion. The religious leaders ask Jesus about the fasting habits, or lack there of, of his disciples. The answer from Jesus, is about timing. There will come a time for fasting, but not while the party is going on. Jesus is with them in the flesh and that will not always be the case. It is time to party with the author of salvation and giver of life. The devotion of the religious leaders was not the problem, recognizing the time for the right act of devotion was their struggle.

Philippians 2:19-30

Paul is most likely in prison writing this letter to a church he founded. Here we find Paul wanting to assure the congregation of care either by himself or by those he sends their way. Paul would like to go himself but cannot, and he does not want to send just anyone because some have shown to be false, nonetheless he wants to send a leader to them. Not for the purpose of yelling at them, but to encourage them in what God is doing among them.

2 Kings 12-13

The reform continues and attention is turned to the house of God. During the years of kings who did what was evil in the sight of the Lord the Temple had become a place of false worship and disrepair. Joash, repairs the Temple not as a building program but as a way to bring about reform of the spiritual life of the people. To repair the Temple they needed to be the removal of idols, and a reorientation of life around the presence of God. Reform always brings people back to the roots of faith, not merely cosmetic fixes.

Scriptures in a Year Day 18

2010-07-01T10:15:00.002-04:00

Luke 5:27-32

Who do you spend time with? That is the question Jesus is being asked, does he spend time with all the religious or churchy people, or will he spend time with those who are less desirable? Jesus spent a good portion of his time with people that established religious systems had written off and not being worthy. Even further, "those" people were not just a harm to themselves but could bring you down in the process. The church people already, in theory, had a relationship with God and it was those who were "theoretically" far from God who needed a renewed invitation to relationship. We do have to be careful who we keep company with. There is a potential to be drawn back into a lifestyle which is not good for us. It is also possible to spend all our time with the convinced and miss the opportunity to invite.

Philippians 2:12-18

Continue to work out your salvation... There are many people who can give you a date, time and place when the got saved. It might be more appropriate to consider that day to to be when you realized the saving nature of God. Our salvation is not a momentary kind of thing. Our entire life is part of realizing the salvation offered to all through Christ Jesus. Once we have that awakening, the journey is not complete, rather it takes on a whole new perspective. In the world of Wesleyan theology the time after our decision to follow Christ is the time of sanctifying grace. Till the day we end our journey on this earth we will be working out our salvation.

Psalm 119:137-144

Following the teaching of God can be easy when things are a little difficult, the two hardest times to follow God are when things are going really well or really poorly. At one extreme we think we do not need God because things are going well, and on the other we blame God for our problems and thing a deaf ear had been turned to us. Both situations require us to have perseverance and a good memory of who God is and who we are.

2 Kings 10-11

Reform hits the people of the Lord. The cycle of faith found in the scriptures have come to a time of reckoning here in 2 Kings. Justice is poured out for the descendants of Ahab, and the followers of Baal reach their end. Then Joash comes to the throne at the age of 7. Before long reform comes and the people are turned back to God. It seems there comes time for reform and that time never truly passes.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, purify my heart as I continue to work toward all you have called me. May I keep close to you and your word in all seasons of my life. Help me to be an agent of reform in this moment.

Scriptures in a Year Day 17

2010-06-30T10:57:00.002-04:00

Luke 5:17-26

In the previous section Jesus healed a man at had him follow the Mosaic law by going to the religious leadership of the day. This section tells a very different story. Jesus is teaching with a large crowd including the religious leaders of the day. Before he heals a man he forgives his sins. This is way outside of the Mosaic law. Forgiveness of sins involved sacrifice of animals and was done via the high priest at the temple. Jesus merely spoke and forgiveness was granted. We quickly see Jesus changing the established religious rules.

Philippians 2:1-11

"Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus" (v5). After this grand encouragement Paul goes on to describe what he sees the essence of Jesus being and therefore what should be in our minds. The strength of Jesus came in what he gave up to live among us. The NRSV tells us that Jesus did not exploit the fact that he was God. I wonder how often we exploit our relationship with God? We try to gain something that is not at all about following God? Jesus had every right to grasp all that God deserved, yet he did not for our sake. We have some rightful claims because of our relationship with Jesus, but do we exploit them or do we function like Christ himself?

Psalms 119:129-136

Our own attempt to keep the scriptures as the rule of our lives. The pain associated with our own broken and fallen actions can be high. This helps us to be thankful for the grace and love of God seen through Jesus. Even more difficult is when we see others breaking ranks with the commands and teachings of God. It is easy to get angry, or offer judgment, when the deepest response is sadness. Why sadness? We have a record of what happens when the people of God do not live according to the call of God through the teachings of God. The Bible is an almost endless account of people who push away the leading of God.

2 Kings 8-9

Throughout the books of Kings we get real familiar with the phrase, the did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. King after king we find following their own desires and leading the people astray. God sends prophet after prophet in an attempt to call the people back to God, but the rate of success is very low. This section of scripture continues in that line. Once in a great while we come across a king who does what is right in the eyes of the Lord. Still the pattern kicks back in. It seems as though we are seeing the very reason God warned against a human king come into play.

Scriptures in a Year Day 16

2010-06-30T09:35:00.002-04:00

Luke 5:12-16

Jesus is at it again, healing someone. Here after the healing Jesus tells the person to comply with the teachings of Moses, and present themselves to the priest. It would appear Jesus was following along with the religious leaders of the day and making sure things were above board. In fact the command the man healed to tell no one except the priest. I guess the other option is that Jesus was picking a fight with the priest by healing outside of the temple, and not by a member of the priestly family.

Philippians 1:21-20

"Living is Christ, dying is gain" A quick read of this section and Paul could sound suicidal. The reality is what awaits the followers of Jesus on the other side of death is life far greater than anything we can imagine. Paul is keenly aware of the glory which is ahead, yet he knows the work he was called to is not completed. No matter what, Paul glorifies God. I wonder if we are ready to take on that same mind?

Psalms 119:121-128

Have you ever wanted to feel protected from trouble? That is the cry of the psalmist in this section. Watch over me Lord, I am doing everything I can to follow you, please be my protection. Following the Lord can bring about challenge from the world around us, yet we can find shelter in the Lord from all that would work to bring us down.

2 Kings 6-7

The Arameans are laying siege to Samaria and they have cut off food from entering the city, a biblical times embargo. Four lepers were outside the city, fore they were unclean, and knew death was drawing near. They decided it would be better to die trying to live rather than simply sitting at the gate wasting away. The Lord had already cared for confusing and driving our the Aramean army, so the lepers found no one around and food in abundance. I wonder what would happen if we all had the spirit of life displayed by the lepers? The reality is we are all going to confront death and lose. The question is not death, rather will we live before we get there?

Scriptures in a Year Day 15

2010-06-29T10:19:00.002-04:00

Luke 5:1-11

Jesus had been teaching in the area, and needed to get away from the crowd a little. Into the fishing boat he goes. The night of fishing was over, we know this because they were washing the nets. The fishermen soon to be disciples, had just finished a long night of hard work, and Jesus says lets go out again. Once out there Jesus asks them to do something totally outside the normal, fish during the day. They listen and fish and need help bringing in the catch. From that moment those in the boats are hooked, and change what they are fishing for. Humanity becomes their catch.

Philippians 1:12-20

God uses poor circumstances for great good. Paul is addressing the question of people preaching the Gospel for the wrong reasons. The answer given surprises me every time I read it. Paul says as long as the Gospel of Jesus is going out, no matter the motive of the preacher, I will rejoice. God does not rejoice in the motive either, yet the motive is used to bring Good News to people who are thirsting for it. Another reminder that God is in charge of the ministry not us.

Psalms 119:113-120

The world we live in is not different than the world of the psalmist. There is a mix of good and evil, positive and negative. Often they reside within each of us at the same time. We are encouraged to focus on God to separate for us where we need to be and what we need to focus on. Keeping ourselves tuned into the teachings of God will help us keep from the pull of the evil in our world and life.

2 Kings 4-5

The Healing of Naaman is a good lesson for us today in how God heals. Naaman expected the healing to come in a certain way, the way he had designed it. Yet God was offering healing an a way Naaman thought to be too simple or not worthy of a man of his position. God offers greater healing than we can imagine. Often we miss the healing of God not because of our level of faith, or the action of God, simply we are looking at a different thing than God is offering. God's plan of healing has so many more options to it than we can even begin to conger. May we be open to what God is offering to us.

Scriptures in a Year Day 14

2010-06-29T09:49:00.002-04:00

Luke 4:38-44

At this point the public ministry of Jesus is well underway. Sick are being healed and demons are being cast out. We are told that Jesus entered Simon's home. This was a common name in Jesus day so we are not sure which Simon is being told of. Many have held the idea that it is Simon who would become Peter. Nonetheless, we are told that Jesus is in the business of healing people. Not just a select few, but all who would come.

Philippians 1:1-11

"I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ." (v. 6). God is the one who is in charge of the community of believers, and it is God who is the lead actor not us. God began the good work among humanity, and that work will be completed. We are not guaranteed to see the completion only that there will be a completion. Our human tendency is to live in our narrow view of history. God has been at work all eternity, we only see a small portion.

Psalms 119:105-112

The word of the Lord is a lamp to my feet, we take this to mean we will be able to see what we want to our our path. This is simply not true. A light on the path shows what is in a small area, the area we need to see for our next step not much beyond that. We must trust the step we are shown is the step we we need to take and that it will lead us to the calling of God.

2 Kings 1-3

Transitions are always hard, can you imagine the transition from Elijah to Elisha. Elijah was the lead prophet of God for years and he was the one everyone turned to. The time had come for Elijah to be taken to heaven, and Elisha to takeover Elijah's place. The pressure must have been huge, and I am sure the people wondered if it would work out. Yet God was the one orchestrating the transition, not humanity. God brings transition to life and we try to manage it instead of allowing God to simply lead us.

Scriptures in a Year Day 13

2010-06-24T10:31:00.002-04:00

Luke 4:31-37

Fresh from being pushed to the edge of a cliff and an attempted death by his home town Jesus moves on to another place in ministry. The people there are not real sure about who Jesus is, they only know what the countryside rumors and gossip have afforded them. Yet the demon that inhabits a person knows who this person Jesus is and what it means for all that is evil. We have become so familiar with the stories and works of Jesus we take for granted the power which Jesus displayed. Along with that we begin to lose focus on the ability of Jesus to change everything. When the crowd did not recognize Jesus, the enemy did. Perhaps the same is true today, we miss Jesus in the crowd, but the enemy knows and fears. What would happen if we be came as aware and allowed the power of God in Christ to go before us?

Ephesians 6:10-24

When troops go off into battle they go armed for the fight. So often when we engage in a spiritual battle we do not equip ourselves. Paul reminds us the battle we are in is not against flesh and blood and therefore we need to equip ourselves differently. Many choose to ignore the idea of Spiritual warfare and hope it will go away. This simply is not the case. However, before we take on the Enemy we must be sure we have the correct equipment or it will get quite ugly.

Psalms 119:97-104

What good is it to study or meditate on the words of God? We study and seek, but why? The best answer I can give is to prepare us to live life. We can read all kinds of books on how to live, and we can study to gain all forms of knowledge. None of those readings will give us the wisdom required for living as God has called us. The wisdom and knowledge gained by scripture may not seem to address some of the struggles of our present age. However, there is more than meets the eye. Perhaps as we allow the Scriptures to shape us, the way we live will be different and change the ways of our world.

1 Kings 21-22

Right off the day time TV screen we have the closing interactions of Ahab. Elijah has warned and the king has not listened. His wife then hatches a plan to get what is wanted. Murder is part of the plan. In all we find the continuation of the kings of this earth, they do what they want to not what the Lord has called to. Even when the prophet of God speaks there is not return to God. The ultimate end is one of death and separation. May we not think this only happens to kings.

Prayer

Gracious Lord grant that we might hear your voice. May we not take for granted the power of your Spirit in our lives. Help us today to look fully at your face and gain wisdom from you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scriptures in a Year Day 12

2010-06-23T09:51:00.002-04:00

Sorry to all who read, I fell behind for all kinds of reasons, mostly excuses, but I am back now.

Luke 4:13-30

This passage from Luke is to me one the most important passages in the New Testament. Here we find Jesus' purpose statement taken right from the prophets. Within this quote from Isaiah we find what it is Jesus is going to be about, good news to the poor, release to the captive and year of the Lord's favor. This would include physically, emotionally, and spiritually poor and captive. Now years after this proclamation we can know Jesus is at work when these things are happening. If they are not we as the church are not fulfilling the purpose of Jesus.

Ephesians 6:1-9

While the end of chapter 5 has been used for great harm, the beginning of chapter 6 has been used for even greater harm. During slavery in the United States slave owners would have preachers come to the plantations and preach this passage without all the other information around it. The result was having the slaves to feel like if they were to rebel, they would be rebelling against God not only their master. Most slaves could not read, and therefore had to take the words of the preacher. While this passages reminds us of obedience, it also reminds us that we are all slaves to Christ. It is not human to human that true obedience is measured, it is in our relationship to God. I wonder how this passages plays with the Luke passage from above? Might be fun to let your mind run a little.

Psalms 119:89-96

The psalm writer continues to remind the reader or hearer, of the importance of remaining connected to the words of God. We cannot remain faithful to God if we do not become familiar and understand the words of God, and they are found in our Scriptures. As James will later remind us, hearing and learning are not the goal, living is the true measure of the knowledge of God.

1 Kings 19 and 20

Silly Elijah, he thinks he is the only one left who is willing to fight for God. Anyone who has entered into the service of God has felt this way at some point. When the question, "Does anyone else get this?" shows up on our lips we are at that point. I cannot imagine how alone and scared Elijah felt in those moments. Not to mention the huge responsibility to speak for God. Next God takes Elijah on a journey, literally, to respond to his cry. The end result is God reminding Elijah who is in charge and who has the plan. Our tendency is to only see what is right in front of us, and what our present circumstance is. When we begin to take a God's-eye view we see there is more going on than we can possibly engage.

Prayer

Lord God help me today to be an agent of your Good News. Let the poor feel embraced, the captive free and all experience the year of the Lord's favor. Shape and mold me into the person you long for me to be. Give me a God-sized vision and a vision that is from your view. In Jesus Name, Amen

Scriptures in a Year Day 11

2010-06-16T09:07:00.002-04:00

Luke 4:1-12

The temptations of Jesus. Often I wonder why is it God would have Jesus be tempted by Satan. The common response was so that he would experience temptation just like the rest of us. Another common reason given is to show how to respond to temptation, with the words of Scripture. All of the above seems to be an appropriate answer as well. It seems twice Jesus faces major temptation, at the beginning of his ministry, and in the Garden of Gethsemane. Both times Jesus is presented with options which would keep him from fulfilling his role in the redemption of relationship between people and God. When we give into temptation we are forfeiting our role in the redemption of relationship between us and God. In both temptations Jesus responds by choosing God;s glory over his own prosperity. I wonder what there is for us to learn in that?

Ephesians 5:22-33

Husbands love to read the first two or three verses of this section and stop reading. Wives like to skip the opening words and get right to the ending. The reality is we must read the whole thing. Wives and husbands have expectations of how they will be in relationship with each other, and it is based in our relationship with God. Verse 21 must be attached to this section as we are reminded to submit to God in everything. A husband is the head of the household as Christ is the head of the church. A willingness to die for the household is a part of being a good husband. Yet the wife must allow the husband to be that head. In our day and age these roles have been distorted for many reasons. Husbands have failed to live into their God called role, and wives have failed to allow their husbands that role. Really however, is is not about husbands and wives, rather it is about our willingness to allow God to have control n our lives, and trust the design of God for our lives more than what we think is the way to do it. No easy task.

Psalm 119:81-88

Anyone who has chased after God has asked this question, "How long God are you going to allow others to persecute me?" We may not use those words but we use the sentiment. Persecution and ridicule are often a part of the equation for a follower of Christ. This is so painful because no matter what we say, it matters what others think about us, or at least it seems to impact us more than we like. This is a matter of trust, do we trust in the Scriptures, God's teaching, or do we trust in others. When we got to the testing time in this decision we cry out to God, but where do we go for the answer?

1 Kings 17-18

This is quite possibly my favorite Old Testament passage. Elijah challenges the Ahab, the king, to a battle of gods. There is not philosophical debate. No theological treaties developed. There is a very public and direct confrontation. The heart of the question, whose god will show up and be revealed as God. the prophets of Baal do their best, and Elijah pokes fun at them as they cry to their God, and nothing. Elijah has them pour water on the altar three times. Interesting, that much water being used in a time of drought. A wealth of resource was being poured onto the sacrifice. The very thing the people and land craved, Elijah was sacrificing to God as proof of who is God. How often do we doubt the provision of God? How often to we withhold the very thing God is calling us to sacrifice? What or who are the false Gods we are trusting more than the One True God?

Prayer

Forgive me Lord for all the times I hold back from you the sacrifice you desire. Cleanse me from my my sin through Jesus Christ, that I may not chase false gods but chase you Lord with my whole heart. You have shown yourself to me might, now may I submit my life to you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scriptures in a Year Day 10

2010-06-15T09:50:00.002-04:00

Luke 3:21-38

Luke's account of Jesus baptism is the most subdued of all the accounts. It is almost an oh yeah, when all the people were being baptized Jesus was too. When Jesus prayed after the baptism however things got a little more interesting. The Holy Spirit came down upon Jesus in the form of a dove. This had not happen to any of the others baptized, only Jesus. Only Jesus caused the voice of God to be heard as well. This was no ordinary baptism, this was a proclamation of what God was doing in their midst. The genealogy while tedious, lets us see that Jesus has a heritage, and that heritage is just as the profits told it would be. The family line runs through David all the way back to Adam, which places Jesus firmly in the hands of God.

Ephesians 5:1-21

Be imitators of God! As if we did not feel enough pressure following Christ, now the standard is to imitate God. With that daunting thought ringing in our heads we must ask what does it mean to imitate God. First, this is not a call to become a god. There are some religious traditions which the end goal is to become a god. Paul is telling us to fashion a life so that our life is the embodiment of God here on earth. This will require a significant departure from the way the world around us functions. The theme of living differently continues here in this passage. Those who are following Christ live a life which is markedly different because of Christ.

Psalm 119:73-80

We are made in God's image, and by the very hand of God. In other portions of Psalms we are told we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139). God has fashioned us into the person we are, or at least the hope of the person we could be. When our lives become focused on following God, our lives begin to look more and more like what God has created within us. In this process others will scoff and think we are wasting our time. It is not our job to answer them with words, rather with our life and allowing God to take hold and shape our lives.

1 Kings 15 and 16

The tragedy continues. Not only does it continue but it seems to be getting worse. The only real exception is Asa, whose heart was with God. All the other kings we are told did even more evil than the ones who were before. They lead the people of Israel and Judah to worship false gods and act with the evil they were living. This is all a far cry from the days of David. Easy to forget is back to when the people asked God for an earthly king. It is intended the people of God would have no king other than God. Warning came from God about what would happen if they had an earthly king, and the people ignored it. Now as we read in 1 Kings, the fruit of disobedience is coming to bear.

Scriptures in a Year Day 9

2010-06-14T09:44:00.002-04:00

Luke 3:1-20

It is safe to say John the Baptist was not a shy and beat around the bush kind of guy. By most modern preaching standards he would not be well received. Calling people a brood of vipers is not generally a good opener. However, it seems to work for him and people become convicted and turn to the Lord. As knowledge of John grows people begin to mistake him as the long awaited Messiah. Quickly this gets cleared up by John, there is one coming whose sandals I am not worthy of working with. John knew is was not him but that he was preparing the way for what God was about to do.

Ephesians 4:25-32

Life in Christ is to be different than life before our decision to follow Christ. The way we conduct ourselves, the way we treat other people, all of it is to be different. As we follow Christ we become fundamentally different than we were before. Much time is spent telling people about how we follow Christ, and declaring our Christianity, I wonder if that time is equal to what people see in our day to day lives?

Psalms 119:65-72

We will get criticized for chasing after God. Many will not believe God to be true, while others will reduce God to a more manageable form. No matter how much others criticize and call into question to chase after God we must not stop. While there are many paths in life, and many options of how to live our lives, only one leads to truth. This truth we seek comes from only one source and that is God, and we learn about this God through the Scriptures. Hold fast to them and delight in learning from them.

1 Kings 13 and 14

The decline of Israel is in full swing here just a few chapters after the great Solomon dedicated the Temple to the Lord. The sons of Solomon have carried on the work of Solomon and taken it to a whole new level. God is pushed from the scene and other gods are invited in and worshiped. I wonder how often we do the same thing? Then we turn around and get mad at God for abandoning us when we are the ones who went our own way. God is always right there ready to receive us, only it is not on our terms it is on the term of God. As the people are lead farther from God by their earthly kings, God's grief increases and the people struggle more and more.

Prayer

Lord, I am sorry. All too often I think I know what I am doing and how to best run my life. Quickly Lord I move away from you and get mad at you for leaving me. May I live the live you call me to live, and remain close to you. Grant me strength, and grace to chase after you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scriptures in a Year Day 8

2010-06-10T09:01:00.002-04:00

Luke 2:41-52

Much ink has been spilled about raising children, and in particular raising boys. Can you imagine being the parent to Jesus? The child Messiah had an answer for everything his parents through his way, this is not unusual. However, his answers were truth. I love that the 12 year old Jesus is sitting with the teachers, listening and asking questions. This was long before it was thought a person could engage such people in this way. Yet, Jesus is there holding his own, This closes the book on what we have regarding Jesus' childhood. When next we meet Jesus he will be nearly 30 years old and ready to begin his public ministry.

Ephesians 4:17-24

Put away the former life, and renew the spirit of your mind by clothing yourself in Christ. When we commit to being a follower of Jesus Christ we no longer are to follow the passions which once held us captive. Our trajectory is to follow the lead of God. This one understanding, stated repeatedly in Scripture, is the key to following Jesus, and the most difficult. We are not to live as we use to or as all those around is do. We live unto the Lord.

Psalm 119:57-64

The Lord is my portion. Not a term we use very often and therefore do not understand it. A modern transliteration of this would be to say the Lord is enough for me. All around us there are people and things which pull at our affections and loyalties. It is easy to think that our enough is found in those things. The chaser of God always comes back to the fact that only God can be enough, our portion. The difficulty us not found in knowing God to be our portion, it is experiencing the fullness of what that means and how we go about that kind of life. The simple answer that is difficult to do, the Scriptures.

1 Kings 12

The sins of the father, Solomon, show up in the son, Rehoboam. Just like the Lord had promised, the unfaithfulness of Solomon has carried into his children and the kingdom of Israel is dissolved as God is removed from the equation. I am amazed by what happens when those who have been oppressed become the ones who are dominate. Logical might tell us they would be less likely to oppress as they have been through it before. History tells us the opposite. Those who have struggled and been oppressed will become the oppressor should the chance arise. Israel had arrived. People of the world feared Israel and wanted to be Israel all at the same time. Rather than use this position for the sake of God, the leadership and the people wandered away form God and went their own way. As a result God pours out judgment just as promised.

Prayer

Lord you have shown us how we are to live. The need for transformation in our lives is no secret. I confess my pride in going my own way. Forgive me Lord, help me to follow you more than me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scriptures in a Year Day 7

2010-06-09T10:04:00.002-04:00

Luke 2:21-40

In accordance with the Law Jesus was taken to the temple for dedication as a child, and as the firstborn of Mary. Along the way they meet up with Simeon. A man of God on whom the Holy Spirit rested. While Simeon was not told by human mouth who the child was, the Holy Spirit showed him Jesus the Awaited One. This is yet another declaration in public of Jesus being the Messiah. Interesting his celebration was not just for Israel but for the Gentiles as well. Also they meet Anna, and elderly widow who celebrated and praises God for allowing her to see the Messiah.

Ephesians 4:1-16

Jesus is the head of the church. Not simply the man Jesus but the Lord Jesus. The One who defeated death and ascended to the Right hand of God. This is the One who is the head of the church. To the church Jesus gives gifts and abilities to all, and to some the gifts needed to be the earthly leaders of the church. All of the gifts given by the head of the church are for the purpose of the church to continue being the church. That all may continue in maturity, and that the church may be one. There is a pecking order in the Body of Christ, only it is a different kind of pecking order. Jesus is at the top, some are called apart, not above, for leading the church, and all are gifted for the work of the church.

Psalm 119:49-56

Do you ever get annoyed at those who claim to be of God, but do not follow what the scripture says? I know I do, then I remember all to often it is me who stands in that place. It should bother us when someone fails to live according to the Scriptures, especially when that person has claimed to submit the the authority of God found in the Scriptures, just as the Psalmist says in verse 53. Yet we must be careful as we all can stand in that place of disconnect. We must hold tight to what the Lord continues to show and lead us in through the Scripture.

1 Kings 11

The downfall of Solomon. The multiple hundred wives and concubines, most of which were women of foreign places. A little digging finds they were marriages of political and military alliance. All that Solomon had accumulated came at a price, in the end it turned his heart away from God. Much wisdom is shared with the followers of God by Solomon, and it is accurate and true. If only that wisdom could have been observed by Solomon all the days of his life. Because of his false ambitions, Solomon strayed from God and the cost was everything he had worked to gain. The great king who had built a house for God, turned his heart from the One True God toward the Gods of abomination as the NRSV translation calls them. Perhaps this is yet another picture of a paradise lost by the poor choices of humanity.

Prayer

Forgive us Lord when our ambition becomes bigger than our connection with You. Help us to dream big dreams and have huge hope, may it all be in you not us. You of God are the only one worthy of our hopes, dreams and our praise. In Jesus Name Amen.

Scriptures in a Year Day 6

2010-06-08T08:43:00.002-04:00

Luke 2:1-20

The birth of Jesus, and the account seems to be somewhat ho hum until the shepherds get involved. The account is told very matter of fact, there was a census, Joseph and Mary got to Bethlehem, and while there they have the baby in a manger because the was not room in the in. But when the shepherds get involved there is a chorus of angels and great rejoicing. Looking back we know this was no ordinary day, and that was no ordinary child. Whether people confess him to be Messiah, Lord and Savior or not, there can be no denial since that moment no one person has ever caused so much fanfare over such a long period of time. Truly the world was never the same after the baby was born, and the rejoicing began.

Ephesians 3:14-21

Paul is praying for the church in Ephesus, and for us as we read this passage. It is the desire of Paul that people would know just how much God loves them through Christ. Further we are reminded that God can do abundantly far more than we can ask or imagine. That blows my mind as I can dream pretty big dreams and make some absurdly large requests before God, yet I cannot find the edge of possibility for God. The power of the Holy Spirit offers us far more than is in our ability to grasp and understand. Not for the glory of humanity, rather for the glory of God.

Psalm 11941-48

"Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your ordinances." (v43) When reading through this lengthy Psalm it is easy to get overwhelmed with its length and miss the prevailing point. We are to have our lives orbit around the Scriptures. Not that we make the Scriptures to be God, rather we seek God every moment through the Scriptures. We are not to focus for mere knowledge, no, we are to read in order that we might meet with God and understand what it is that God is calling us to. Finding direction outside of the bounds of Scripture will leave us short of everything God has for us. That is why we keep the Scriptures so close and central to our journey with God.

1 Kings 9-10

Let the prosperity begin, rather let it continue. With the long list of all the stuff Solomon has accumulated and continues to accumulate it is hard to really imagine what it would have been like. Solomon has so much gold that he had to build special barns just to keep his gold. Entire cities were dedicated to caring for his horses and chariots. The prosperity of Solomon was unparalleled in all of creation. We might miss the fact of these cities really being military bases where war could be waged. We might miss the fact that the labor for all the development could be seen as an act of oppression. Never mind thinking about where all these riches were being taken from, and how Solomon was using them to supply others. Another little fact which is glossed over, his wife the daughter of Pharaoh. God had commanded the people to not marry people outside of the people of Israel foreigners because of their risk to lead their hearts astray. Solomon has placed himself in a very dangerous place and may not have even known it. God's promise was the same to him as it was to his father David, you will do well as long as you follow me. If Solomon turns from God, judgment will come. Let's see what happens next.

Prayer

May we know your abundant power today Lord. As we come before your, hear the cry of our heart and give us the assurance that you are able to more than we can cry for or imaging. May we be people of Holy Spirit power, not to us but to your glory. in Jesus Name, Amen.

Scriptures in a Year Day 5

2010-06-07T15:46:00.002-04:00

Luke 1:67-80

The joy of a father is expressed here in this short section of scripture. Zechariah had been unable to speak for the duration of Elizabeth's pregnancy, and his response when his is free to speak is song. This is more than a father beaming about how great his son will be, this is the profound utterance of a man of God realizing that his child is hand picked by God for very important work in the plan of salvation. I am sure during his silence there was an abundance of time for Zechariah to reflect and listen for God. The day of his son's dedication was more than proud father, is about a follower of the Almighty realizing what God was doing through him in the his midst.

Ephesians 3:1-13

Paul speaks of the great mystery that God has been engaged in throughout history. That mystery become known in Jesus Christ. Why did God choose to reveal the mystery in Christ? So we can brag about knowing Christ and separate ourselves from those who do not follow Christ? No, so that we, the church, might fulfill the call of God in this broken world. That the kingdom of God would be embodied by the community of believers. It is through Christ we become part of the revealed mystery. It is also through Christ we are able to access God in boldness and confidence of faith.

Psalm 119:33-40

The writer of the Psalms continues to work on the theme of how important it is to know the precepts or statutes of God. The way we know these things is to dig into Scripture. When we are not focused on the scriptures and learn who God is and who we are called to be, we have a high tendency to wander from the path of faith. Some portions of scripture seem difficult to have a hunger for as they are challenging both to read and understand. However, if we ask God for a hunger, and we commit ourselves to the discipline of the scriptures, I believe God gives a longing for the scriptures.

1 Kings 8

Here we have the lengthy description of the dedication of the temple Solomon built for the Lord. As I read through all the details of Solomon begging God to be pleased with his work I cannot help to think about all the times when I act and ask God to bless what I have done. It seems to be there might be a little more wisdom in seeking what God is blessing and do that the asking God to bless what we have already done. Solomon put a heavy tax on the people to build the temple, along with forced labor to make it happen. From the description we get in several places the temple was quite a place to behold. Over and over we find Solomon begging God to be pleased with the work he had done. It is almost impossible for me to read the words of Solomon here without wonder how much of this is Solomon's great hope and how much of it was the leading of God? We shall see in the coming chapters as we look at Solomon's life that the teachings and promises of God are not always what Solomon follows.

Prayer

Lord, may we not commit the folly of asking you to bless what we have already done. May we seek you and do what it is you are blessing. You are the leader and perfecter, not us. We submit to your leadership. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scriptures in a Year Day 4

2010-06-06T09:27:00.000-04:00

Luke 1:57-66

John the one who baptizes is born. In accordance with the Law, the baby is brought before the Lord for dedication. Common practice was to give the child a name which had family roots. When presented and the name John is given, the people complain because there is no ancestry with that name. Yet God had commanded his name would be John. From the very beginning of his life, John forced people to look outside of what was normal. Still there was not doubt among those gathered that John had been set aside for a special purpose in the Lord.

Ephesians 2:11-22

Often we think the Gospel of Jesus only applies to the people we think it should. All throughout human history there is a track record of humans creating a list of those who get in and those who do not. The reality is we do not make that kind of decision. Paul helps the church in Ephesus realize that God does not create some of the boundaries we as humans create. The grace and love of Jesus Christ is available to all. The only boundary that is drawn is drawn by God and it is found in Jesus Christ. All who would confess their sin, repent and follow are accepted by God. The challenge is do we accept them?

Psalm 119:25-32

The NRSV translation of the Bible uses the word cling twice in the passage to talk about our relationship to God through the scriptures. This is a very graphic image about how tightly we are to hold to God. My middle daughter loves to throw her arms around my neck and hold so tightly to me that I do not even need to hold on to her. That is clinging at its best. Do we hold that tightly to the Scriptures, or to the God who offers them to us?

1 Kings 6-7

The building of the temple has always been a section of scripture that has both fascinated and bored me. Do I really need to know all the exact dimensions of a building that no longer exists? It is not like I am going to go out build another one in the back yard. At the same time it was decided important enough to be included in the body of the Scriptures, so I must ask why it is there. Perhaps it has something to do with God being a God of order. Maybe it is to see if the people would be obedient. I guess there is the possibility that it was Solomon grandstanding more than what God commanded. Remember the first "house" for God was a tent, and it was movable as God moved. A tent is a pretty humble dwelling for the God who created everything. It is not until after the Temple is built that God consents to dwell there. Still there is a condition, that the people, and Solomon must walk in the ways of the Lord. We shall read on to see how this plays out.

Prayer

Lord we run so fast and often so far, then we hope you will bless our running. Father in heaven, may we first seek you, take on your mind and understanding as best we can, and then run. Forgive us when we have gotten ahead of you, help us to remain in you, clinging to you for all we have. In Jesus Name Amen.

Scriptures in a Year Day 3

2010-06-03T09:05:00.002-04:00

The journey continues, may we all hear from God through the Scriptures today.

Luke 1:39-56

Mary visits her cousin and from the moment she enters the house it is clear God is at work. We are told the Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth and the sound of Mary's voice. The Spirit revealed to her that Mary was not with just any child, that Mary would be the mother of the Messiah. Elizabeth is the first to offer earthly confirmation of what God had called Mary to. I am grateful for Mary's response, she knows this is not about her, rather what God is doing. Here we see the true heart of a servant pouring out of the one called to be the mother of God.

Ephesians 2:1-10

We all have walked and continue to find sin on our lives. Before realizing what Christ had done for us we were controlled by that sin but we are no more. Through the grace of God in Jesus Christ we have been saved from our sin. This grace is not something we have worked to earn, otherwise we might boast about what we have accomplished. Grace is the gift of God seen most perfectly in Jesus Christ. Once we have accepted the offer of grace we are called to live a life of grace, not just a momentary cleansing from sin. Freely we have been saved by grace through faith. Recognizing the great love and grace God offers us compels us to live differently than before. To live as God has called us.

Psalm 119:17-24

Follow God can often be difficult. It becomes even more difficult when the people around us ridicule and hold us in contempt because we follow God. For those who are still living on their own terms, living on God's terms seems like foolishness. Yet those who remain steadfast God will honor. Keeping our eyes focused on God, while challenging, is the work to which followers of Christ have been called. We must allow the Scriptures to be our guide and our counsel rather than the voices and call of this present age.

1 Kings 4-5

Now that Solomon is established as king he begins to set up his court and rule. The officials are named and the jobs are handed out. As we get into chapter 5 Solomon turns to completing the dream of his father David in building the Temple. As I read through all the resources available to Solomon and the situation in which he is ruling the people I cannot help but think about the United States. The abundance available to us is beyond comprehension. Solomon has the capacity to do whatever he wants and it will be cared for, even to the point of enslaving the very people he was granted by God to govern. In these early chapters it is easy to think Solomon was the ruler God intended and that all is going well. As the story unfolds we might find there is a different story being written. Perhaps all that Solomon has and does is not as godly as it first appears.

Prayer

O Lord, grant that we may understand your scriptures more deeply. I give you permission Lord to mess with my thinking. Relieve me from thoughts which are not true to you. Replace in my heart your word that I might not only follow you, that others would follow you because of my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scriptures in a Year Day 2

2010-06-02T09:47:00.002-04:00

As we engage day two of our journey, I pray that you have already begun to see and hear God at work in your lives.

Luke 1:26-38

The foretelling of Jesus to Mary is my favorite portion of the advent accounts. Mary, a young Jewish girl who has by all understandings live as she was suppose to. Has her world completely rocked by a visitation by the angel of the Lord. This rule abiding "good" girl is going to be with child. Not just any child the long awaited Christ child. She must have known her life would never be the same again. Her trip through the village would come with shame and ridicule from all who would see her. Not to mention what Joseph would think. All of this must have been swimming in her head as she listened to the angel of the Lord. Yet in the end, Mary offers herself to God for the purposes of God regardless of what might happen to her from an earthly stand point. She places her full trust and livelihood in the hands of God.

Ephesians 1:15-23

This small yet power packed section of Ephesians is a to the point reminder of who is in charge. God is the one who is in charge of all things, and it is God whom we seek to find wisdom and life. We have no greater example of the power of God than in Jesus Christ, his life, death, resurrection and exaltation. The source of all wisdom and power is God, and God has given that authority to Christ to lead the church. Jesus is the head of the church, not a pastor, not a leadership team, board of elders, or the family who gives the most money. Jesus Christ, and him alone, is the head of the church and we the people of the church must submit to the leading of Christ moment by moment.

Psalm 119:9-16

How do we stay on track with God? This is the question many, if not all followers of Christ ask from time to time. Perhaps we do not ask it enough and wonder off. The answer given in this Psalm is God's word. We might call today the scriptures, the psalmist did not have a Bible like we do, nonetheless they had the words of God preserved through the centuries. The key to following after God, knowing, meditating and following the teachings of God through the Scriptures. Hiding the Word of God in our hearts that we might not wonder off in our own direction.

1 Kings:2-3

To understand fully what is happening in these early chapters of 1 Kings we need to understand some of the path to Israel having an earthly king. Form the outset of a people called Israel, God was intended to be their only King. Yet the people looked around at other nations and saw they had earthly kings and they thought they need one too. Repeatedly God warned the people, through the prophets, what would happen if they had an earthly king. Still the people did not listen and God relented and granted them a king. First Saul, then David and now Solomon. God knew an earthly king would adopt the ways of the kings around them rather than follow God's example of being a king, and that is exactly what happens. We see plots and murders and power plays just like all the nations around Israel. God has called then to be a different kind of people yet they were sucked into being like everyone else.

This is not to say they forgot God, and that God forgot them. In fact we are told that Solomon loved the Lord and walked in the statues of his father David (3:3). They continued to love God, and seek after God, only they allowed other things to creep in. Solomon loved God but also sacrificed to false idols and gods. Solomon loved God but also married outside of Israel which God directly commanded against. We all have the capacity to love God and still not follow as best we can. We will see with Solomon what happens when we have a disconnect between our love and our actions.

Lets pray: Lord continue to open your Scriptures to us. May we not only gain knowledge, may we not only gain understanding, may we hear your voice calling to us. Show us your ways Lord, and grant us the grace that we may follow you in these present days, that in the days to come we may be completely yours. In Christ's name, Amen.

Scriptures in A Year

2010-06-01T10:49:00.002-04:00

After an extended break we are back to the Book. Today begins a journey of reading through the Scriptures in a year. If you are interested in following along but do not have the reading plan email me and I will send it to you, revabouwens@verizon.net. Each day there are 4 readings, two New Testament and two Old Testament. I pray you will gain understanding in the journey, and hear the voice of God leading you to the next faithful step.

Luke 1:1-25

Here we have the opening of Luke's gospel with a brief explanation of why he is writing it. There is an acknowledgement that others have done as he is doing, set down an orderly account of the events of Jesus. Luke intends for a careful examination of the events and to write the ones which will reveal the truth of Christ.

The first account of Luke is the announcement of John the Baptists birth. We learn much about John and who he is called to be in these few short verses. We also learn about the faith of his parents, as they follow after God as well. Jumping off the page are the words that John will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. It is easy to miss the controversy of this statement. Before the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was a temporary thing. Meaning the Spirit did not reside as much as it visited people. For John the Holy Spirit would fill him, or live within him. This was unheard of in his day. Yet his parents praise God in anticipation of what God is doing through them and their son.

Ephesians 1:1-14

Paul opens his letter to the church in Ephesus in a very classic form of a letting the first century. There is a greeting and a recounting of the blessing we have in God. This short letter is grounded in the understanding that we are not merely connected with Christ, or do we simply know who he is, rather that our whole relationship to God has been altered because of Christ. We have gain an inheritance greater than our understanding. This is more than a friendship, an inheritance is not given to friends, rather to children. We have been adopted by God through Jesus Christ.

This adoption is not for our glory, rather it is to the glory of God. As adopted children we are called to live as children of God, not as we did before our adoption. The remainder of the book will highlight what it means to live as a child of God.

Psalm 119:1-8

Psalm 119 is the longest of the Psalms totaling 176 verses. In these opening verses we find the foundation of a life which is pleasing to God. In the NRSV translation the word used is 'happy', the NIV uses the word blessed. I prefer the word blessed here not because it is a better translation, rather because we understand the two words so differently that blessed conveys understanding better. To many happy is about how we are feeling this moment. Blessed is about our relationship with God regardless of how we are feeling at the moment. Blessed are those who follow after God, what God teaches, where God leads us. When we follow what God shows us through the scriptures we live a blessed life.

1 Kings 1

Out of the pages of scripture on to the screens of a modern political debate. As I read the words of 1 Kings it is clear these could be written today. Sure the names are different but the situation has not changed all that much. King David is dying and all those around know it. The power grab is on, and everyone is trying sure up their alliance. Sounds kind of like Survivor. Adonijah claims he is King and gathers followers, while others protect their interests reminding David of his promise to make Solomon King. Interesting that Solomon never shows up until he is ordained King, others come on his behalf. The drama plays out complete with victory celebrations and fear and trembling. In the end Solomon is names King, and all is well as long as everyone plays along. We shall see how all the drama plays out in the coming chapters.

This completes today's readings. In all our efforts we must keep the same question in front of us, "What is God speaking to me through these words?"

The Pull of Folly -- Proverbs 9

2010-03-30T08:57:00.002-04:00

Most people would agree it is better to be considered wise instead of foolish. In fact most of us seek after wisdom more than foolishness; yet the pull of foolishness, or folly, is strong. The writer of Proverbs uses the image of an immoral woman calling after men from her doorway. While it is important for men to watch out for such a thing, could it be possible there is more to the story than just the attraction of a woman?

I am sure you know there is more to the story than that but indulge me for a few moments. Wisdom will prolong and deepen the quality of your life, few people would debate that. At the same time the things which we know to be poor choices, or foolish choices seem to capture us. Folly has a way of beckoning us. Once drawn in we might know we are in a foolish situation, however, we thing we will be different than all those who have gone before us. For some reason we think we are more wise, or just different that those who have falling into the same trap. In Proverbs 9 the writer warns those who have entered the house previously are in the grave.

Often we see folly as being more fun than wisdom. For some reason we think if we choose wisdom life will be boring and uneventful. Both of those assumptions are dangerous. First it assumes happiness is the primary goal in life. Second it assumes there is no enjoyment or pleasure in wisdom. There is nothing wrong with happiness; still there is nothing in our scriptures which promises us happiness. Joy and contentment yes, happiness no. As far as the enjoyment and pleasure, those who have chosen wisdom have found greater enjoyment and pleasure in life, even if it has been delayed for a season.

Folly offers us happiness and enjoyment now. Wisdom often requires us to wait. This makes the pull of folly real strong. In the end folly leads to death, whereas wisdom brings life to you and those around you. The way of Jesus is the way of wisdom. Folly is found in going our own way. We must resist the pull of folly and seek wisdom.

What Bugs God -- Proverbs 6

2010-03-24T08:32:00.002-04:00

With a title like "What Bugs God" the field is wide open. This list and entry could get very long is I am not careful. Then the writer of Proverbs is kind enough to present a top six, I mean seven, list. I am pretty sure this is not an exhaustive list, yet it is a pretty good list. Resisting the temptation to take the list on one for one, I will look at the list as a whole. Additionally the list must be looked at in the context of the words around it. When this is done meaning well beyond the words is found.

At the core of all seven items is the treatment of other people. Carrying an appropriate understanding of how we relate to others is of utmost importance to God. All seven of the actions listed caution against looking down upon another person, or doing them harm. Pressing even further we can see the real root is making ourselves out to be better than other people. Perhaps not better than others, rather, diminishing others value while appearing to maintain ours.

As we remember the focus of Proverbs is wisdom and how to engage in wise living a conclusion to be drawn from the list given; Doing things like these bugs God. Diminishing the value of another person in our eyes really bugs God. Wisdom tells us living in such a way that bugs God is not a real good plan. Interestingly the passage just after the list reminds us the value and importance of not bugging our parents. As a parent, or as a child we have all had those moments where children live in such a way as to upset a parent. The usual result is a life more difficult than originally planned. Coincidence this is after the list of things God detests? Possibly if you believe in that kind of thing. Another view might be the two are related.

What things are we doing on a daily basis that bug God? In my life the limit is not with in the list of seven presented in Proverbs 6. My life long goal is to live a life in which I do not bug God. To do this I need to be on a relentless pursuit of God, and the heart of God.

Why It Matters -- Proverbs 4

2010-03-23T08:19:00.002-04:00

What is the big deal? The path of wisdom seems well, boring. Why does it matter if we follow a path of wisdom, or if we follow our own desires? That is the basic question being answered by the writer in Proverbs 4. The answer is not real long and drawn out. Wisdom leads to life, everything else leads to destruction and death. There are a few more words used than that; yet that is the message we can find in Proverbs 4.

Tucked into the last few expressions of the chapter are words which further illustrate what is on the line here. "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." v. 23. When we follow the path of our own desire there is more at stake than we often realize. Our heart is the center of our being. In our current age it might be thought that our minds are the center of our being, however scripture would tell us it is our hearts. When we do not follow wisdom, our hearts become corrupt. This leads us down paths we do not want to go.

Following wisdom matters. First it will keep us in a better relationship with God. Second, we will experience a more fulfilled life than if we chased after every desire that came our way. Wisdom matters.

Trust -- Proverbs 3

2010-03-18T08:35:00.002-04:00

Trust in the Lord, words that are easy to write and are heard often by those traveling in church circles. These are very common words and are based in sound Biblical reasoning, and they are so very hard to live out. One of the greatest human dilemmas is whether we are going to trust God to provide and care for us, or if we are going to help God out with our plan. This dilemma is borne out in the a quote many think is Scriptural but is not, "God helps those who help themselves." We as humanity must do our part, however, God does not need our help to provide and care for us.

This trust we long for needs to show up in all of our ways as the writer states it. There are some things we are very good a trusting God with. Most of the time it the things which are outside our ability to impact that we trust God. When the diagnosis is cancer, or the natural disaster is beyond our scope of ability to help, we can trust God to be God in those moments. How about when the check book in more in the red than in the black? Are we willing to trust God with our finances? This would mean allowing God to determine where our money is spent. In my life this has often meant a need to radically rearrange my priorities and spending habits. My part of the equation is to follow the wisdom and lead of God more than my own want and desire. it means giving the first and best back to God in all things. Some would call this a tithe, and refer to the idea of 10%. The reality is a tithe is not the limiting goal, it is the radical minimum standard of those who would be Christ Followers. To do this requires trusting more than anything or anyone else.

Lack of trust will result in foolish living. It might not always seem like life is foolish, in fact, life might seem to be going pretty well. God has made humanity with a great amount of ability and has handed out through the Spirit gifts for the work of God. However, if all these abilities and gifts are used only for ourselves, or in our own wisdom, they will fall short. Trusting in the wisdom and knowledge of God will result in ongoing wise living and fulfillment. Trusting in ourselves may have temporary stability but will eventually result in our downfall, it will pass away.

The Company We Keep -- Proverbs 2

2010-03-17T09:42:00.003-04:00

When we are working with younger people, grade school, especially high school, good counsel is found in offering the reminder to keep good company. Rarely if ever would you hear a parent encourage a child to go out in get mixed up in the wrong crowd. This lesson is not reserved for those who have yet to graduate from high school. All of us need to be mindful of the company we keep.

The writer of the second Proverb contrasts the "immoral woman" with the "good men." I am not sure this is a gender issue as much as it is a character issue. An admonishment is being offered to a young man from his father, and there is a strange and dangerous allure of immoral women and young men. Our greater lesson is found in taking care of the company we keep. Just a few questions to get us thinking; Do the people we spend the most time with draw us closer to God, or create distance? Do my relationships give life or steal it? Am I tempted to do things I know to be inconsistent with Scripture as an influence of the company I keep?

Clearly we must spend time with people who are not as convinced of God as we might be. Jesus spent significant time with those others thought to be immoral and of bad influence. Light is required to pierce the darkness. The challenge is not to have the opposite effect. The goal is for us to influence others to draw close to Christ, not allow others to draw us away. Building relationships with others is essential and the main act of God in creation. We must find ways to ensure we are not allowing the company we keep to hinder us from reaching "the paths of life" v.19.

Keep good company. Find people who can lead in the the paths of life. Reach out to those who might be choosing another path. Guard your heart, mind, soul and strength that you might not get drawn into their path. Keep good company.

Wisdom and Consequences -- Proverbs 1

2010-03-15T09:14:00.003-04:00

Today begins a journey of 31 days through the book of proverbs. It is not a complicated thing, there are 31 proverbs, so in 31 days a person can read through them all. Essentially the proverbs are a collection of sayings and short teachings on the topic of wisdom, more specifically, wise living. The first proverb outlines why it matters to pay attention to wisdom, form there we will journey into the lessons of wisdom for our lives.

"The fear of God is the beginning of all knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline." v. 7

This idea of fearing God can be difficult for many to grab a hold of. Often God is thought of in terms of love not fear, so why would we need or want to fear God? Understanding what it means to fear God might cause some clarity to emerge. Fearing God does not mean we hide, trembling. No, it means we remember who God is and who we are. God is all powerful, and can do all things. The magnitude of God's power and authority are beyond our comprehension. Fear in this instance is more about awe, and remembering the greatness of God. Verse 7 could be written, remembering the greatness of God is the beginning of all knowledge...

For some wisdom is claimed to be elusive, according to proverbs wisdom is readily available. The difference is whether we are willing to pursue wisdom or not. For those who pursue wisdom, there is great reward and benefit. For those who disregard wisdom, there are consequences of that choice. As we make our choice our relationship with wisdom develops. For those who seek wisdom, our ability to engage in wise living increases. For those who ignore wisdom, wise living becomes more distant, and harder to find.

Over the next 31 days the opportunity to chose wisdom is before us, may we choose wisely.

Resisting Institution -- Acts 15

2010-03-03T07:53:00.002-05:00

It is so true that whenever two or more are gathered there is conflict. God had begun to move in a new way among people who had thought to have been outside of God's chosen people. The Gentiles were experiencing the fullness of faith. Now some folks who champion the way we have always done it wanted to make sure the new believers and Gentiles went through the proper hoops and loops to show their belonging to Christ. However these were no simple hoops and loops, it was the act of circumcision.

This was a crucial moment for the young church. In this moment the choice between becoming an institution and remaining a movement was at hand. Rather than focusing on preservation of what has been the decision is made to allow God to move and not place human burdens on people God might not be imposing. While years later the church would not be able to resist the pull and ossification of institution, in this moment the movement was preserved.

All too often the church then and now makes decisions based on preservation. Unfortunately it is often to preserve the wrong things. We must always preserve the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must always preserve the life which Jesus taught us. The resistance should come when we begin to preserve the church for the sake of the institution rather than for the sake of Jesus Christ. When a church exists to simple preserve its livelihood, death has already occurred. Sure there might people people gathering for activities, but the movement of Jesus Christ has died in that place. All that remains in a human effort to keep the institution running.

The early church resisted becoming an institution. Since then many times over there resistance has been absent. Once again we are faced with the choice. What will we choose?

Never Lets Go -- Acts 14

2010-03-02T07:57:00.002-05:00

I am not sure how many times I have read Acts 14, and in how many different translations or settings. This morning as I read it from the NLT, I found myself captured by verses 16-17. Let me refresh your memory, Paul and Barnabas have been preaching and teaching in several places throughout what might be called Asia Minor. While in Lystra the people think they are the gods come to them. Preparations are made for a great sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas. As Paul is explaining why they should not do this these two verses, 16 and 17 show up;

"In earlier days he [God], permitted all the nations to go their own ways, but he never left himself without a witness. There were always reminders, such as sending you rain and good crops and giving you food and joyful hearts."

While it may appear that God is absent from a situation or setting, this is plain just not true. God will not all there to be a void of witness. God never lets go of the people that have been created by the hand of God. One of the great questions that arises regarding the exclusive nature of Jesus as the way of salvation is, "What about the people and tribes in places where the Gospel has never been preached?" God will not go without a witness.

It is an amazing level of pride to think God will allow those who have been created to go without a witness to the greatness of God offered to us all through grace. This does not mean we should not go out and proclaim the Good News of Jesus both with words and actions. What it means is we must not assume we are taking God to a godless place. Wherever there are people, God is there and at work providing witness to the greatness of God. It seems once again God is so much bigger than our human brains can make room for.

Go never lets go. Whether it is a person in the United States who writes God off, or the person in the jungles who has never heard the word preached, God is giving witness. The ways God provides witness is so much greater than we can imagine. However, remember it is Paul who utters the above verses. Paul the great missionary of the church, who went to place where the witness might not have been verbal yet. Knowing God will not go without a witness does not give us an excuse to sit back in our comfy love. We must go where we are sent by God.

Game On -- Acts 13

2010-02-24T09:02:00.002-05:00

The church is beginning to develop very well outside of Jerusalem. More and more people are becoming followers of Jesus Christ and the spread of the church is well underway. Barnabas and Saul, who begins to be referred to as Paul in the passage, are called apart for missionary journeys. The believers in Antioch anoint them and send them with God's blessing.

First stop, Cyprus. They find the synagogue and being to teach about Jesus. The end result is many new believers and many Jewish leaders angry. It seems whenever the Good News of Jesus is taught during the early years there are two main responses, acceptance or anger. After the first teaching time, Barnabas and Paul are invited to return. When they return almost the entire city comes to hear them. Can you imagine? It does not say that the Jews, or the God fearing Gentiles, no everyone. The religious people get jealous because they have never had that kind of turn out. With this trip to Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas declare game on, and the word of God is on the move throughout the provinces of Asia. A mighty move of God is borne out of proclamation, conviction and anger.

In our day and age we long to see this move. Our challenge is found in the fact that a third response to the Gospel has become very prevalent, apathy. When Christ is proclaimed some people become followers, others get mad or angry, while the vast majority seem to pass it off as something nice, but not really important. Is it because people are not spiritually minded anymore? Not even close. In fact people are seeking for something spiritual even more than ever, just look at the best selling books and movies. I wonder if it is because those who would claim to be "Christian" do not offer anything different from what is already experienced. People are seeking and all they are finding in most Christian circles is more of the same.

Paul and Barnabas, call people from the same old and into something new. Not only with their words but with the actions. When was the last time someone either decided to follow Jesus, or got angry because of your words and actions in Christ? When was the last time people saw little to no difference between you and the life they are currently living?

I pray the church will rise up and be the Gospel in ways that will move people from a comfortable apathy. May the church take our lead from Paul and the other early believers and live in such a way that people are drawn to Christ. may we join the mission or spreading the Good News across the land with words and actions.

Shaking Nations -- Acts 12

2010-02-23T08:33:00.002-05:00

Whenever the work of God begins to gain ground it seems there is no shortage of people who will work to slow that work down. Herod Agrippa began to plat the role of persecuting the growing church. One disciple was put to death and Peter was imprisoned. The night before Peter was going to be made an example of, and a tool of pleasing the religious leaders, the believers were together praying. The Lord delivers Peter from captivity, and shakes the very structures of the earthly leadership.

I wonder if we pray like that in our day? These were followers of Christ who prayed so earnestly that the structures of the government were overturned. After the escape of Peter, Herod leaves the city. Eventually, Herod dies because he accepts the worship of the people instead of pointing them to God. I also find it fascinating that Peter is not afraid of the angel of the Lord. The presence of the angel is so common, Peter thinks it is a dream, or a vision about what will happen. This shows how closely Peter walked with God. Not that he took it for granted, Peter simply thought the presence of God, and the servants of God to be normal. Do we?

Is it possible the two issues go together? Ernest prayer that shakes nations, and the our closeness with God producing a life where the supernatural work and presence of God is normal. I hear people crying out for revival. I here people longing for a great move of the Holy Spirit. I too long for these things. Is their delay the result of God waiting, or of our not walking with God in such a way that we are ready? I know we say we are ready, but are we. Are we so ready to tie our lives with God through Jesus Christ that we might be used to shake nations? This is one of the places where I think we are ready for the emotional rush, without the work to get us there.

Revival will in fact shake nations. However, for it to come to America, those who claim to follow Christ, will need to completely and total offer our lives to Christ. We can hold nothing back, we must be willing to place our very lives and livelihood on the line for the mission and call of God. That is what produces prayer that shakes nations. Are we ready?

Resist the Pull -- Acts 11

2010-02-22T08:36:00.002-05:00

Right after his time with the Roman military leader where the Spirit of God was a work, Peter returns to Jerusalem to report on what had happened. The other leaders in the church heard what Peter had to say and where he was ministering. Their first reaction was to condemn him for entering the house of a Gentile. Quickly Peter explained the vision God had given him, so they could see God was so much bigger than they draw up in their own minds.

Here we have the church in its early stages, no more than a few years old and already they have begun to pick up the patterns of the religious leaders Jesus was often at odds with. Quickly there was a move for humans to determine who God could be at work with. Peter had told them a the great move of God, all they could see was the fact he was in a Gentile home, a place a good Jew was not to be. However, once Peter explains the the vision, the group quickly realizes God is bigger than they allow from time to time. The result is the dispatch of Barnabas to Antioch.

There is a strange thing in human nature. We like to develop lists of those who are in and those who are not. We might think those who have been on the out would not generate such thoughts and lists, yet we do. A great challenge in the church is to resist the pull toward generating an in and out list. The kingdom of God is so much bigger than we often allow for. This does not mean that we ignore the standards God has placed before us for the health of our relationship with God. The Body cannot simply become an anything goes place. Still, we must leave more room for God to work than we often do.

There is a great pull to think we are God, or even more dangerous, to think we know perfectly the mind of God. The reality is, God is God, not us, and we only see a poor reflection of God. It is important to leave enough room for God to be God. If Peter would have simply ignored the vision God gave him because it was not consistent with what he believed, there would have been a big problem for Peter. Yet Peter allowed God to be God, and the territory or people God was claiming to be much larger than he thought.

Is your God too small and narrow?

Listen to God Not Ritual -- Acts 10

2010-02-11T10:09:00.002-05:00

So the Roman Captain is minding his own business going about his day when an angel of the Lord appears to him. The command is to beacon Peter to come. Peter a day later has a vision from God about what is acceptable and what is not. Peter thinks he knows the mind of God on such things until God challenges him to broaden his understanding.

Peter is clear that as a fisherman, a disciple of Jesus, and even now has never eaten anything considered unclean by the Jewish law. When God says kill and eat, Peter objects because they are unclean animals. God asks Peter if he will listen to God, or if he will listen to ritual and rule. Not an easy question. This is so much more than simply a question of what is for dinner.

We as humanity are really good at determining what it appropriate and what is not. Those in the world of the church have gotten it down to a science in terms of this is what the Lord says. Peter found himself in that very place, only he was pitting his understanding of the law and teachings of God, against God. The tradition and ritual were deeply rooted in what was given to the people, Israel, thousands of years before. So had God changed? No, the way people followed God had changed. People showed their devotion to God by obeying the law set forth through Moses. Now humanity showed their devotion to God by following the teachings and life of Jesus.

As we look at Jesus all the deeply held rules and rituals were challenged. Jesus ate with unclean people. The line between acceptable and not was clearly blurred by Jesus. Peter was being reminded by God that the possibilities are far greater than ever imagined. The boundaries drawn by human hands are not the ones God draws. Keeping our lives in tune with God will allow us to more clearly hear what God is calling us to. We should listen to God more than we listen to the rituals and laws of the church. This is dangerous and many have used this kind of reasoning to pervert the Gospel in profound ways. This is why community matters. A community will all us to test what it is we are thinking and feeling. If it is what God is calling, we will more than likely not be the only ones who are hearing, if others are listening for God as well.

Didn't See That Coming -- Acts 9

2010-02-10T08:57:00.002-05:00

Saul, who later be known as Paul, could be considered the most influential person in the church since Jesus Christ. The story of Paul is well known, and even could be considered commonplace among many in the Western world. Because of our familiarity it is easy to lose sight of what really happened on the road to Damascus.

Saul, was one of the officials overseeing the death of Stephen. In a short amount of time he had built quite a reputation as one who would do anything to oppose the Way of Christ. To say he was an enemy of the church is an understatement. Armed with a letters of permission to take into custody those who follow Christ, Saul went to Damascus filled with hate. Then he met Jesus face to face.

The one who was most noted for stopping the church is now known as one of the greatest builder of the church. No wonder the believers were skeptical. Who would have thought Saul would ever be a follower of Jesus? The humanity of the church had written Saul off I am sure. I wonder how often we write people off as non-redeemable, only to find they are great servants of God? I am reminded God sees people different than I do. When I see a person who appears to be damaging the church, God sees a person who can be used to build the church.

I wonder what would happen if I began to see people more with the eyes of God, and less with my human eyes. Each person is a unique creation of God, and that person was created for a godly purpose. All of us are a poor reflection of the purpose we were created for, and must allow God to cut and polish the gem created in each of us. Some are simply in a more raw state than others. Who in your life right now are you having trouble seeing as a potential Paul?

Pressing On -- Acts 8

2010-02-09T08:37:00.002-05:00

As we read through Acts chapter 8 we find many great stories of how the church began to expand. The move of the Holy Spirit is taking the church of Jesus Christ to new places and more and more people are committing to become followers of Jesus. We find Philip with the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip walks him through the scriptures, by the end of the account there has been a baptism and a receiving of the Holy Spirit. The power of God is on full display in this chapter. I wonder if we missed the first couple of verses, " A great wave of persecution began that day...".

With the death of Stephen, those who were opposing the Way of Christ gained strength and boldness. We are told Saul went from house to house putting in jail those who followed the Way. The believers scattered all across the region for fear of those who were working to keep the church at bay. This is the backdrop of the great expansion of the church. It was not found in cultural acceptance. Nor was it found in having the officials of government being the right persons who believe just like the church. I was not initiated by the religious leaders, those who had the greatest ability to influence of broken system and world. No the great expansion of the church happened in while great persecution was breaking out upon the church.

It is easy to press on when things are going well and easy. When the going gets more difficult, the tendency is to want to give up. When our culture seems to be shifting away from God and toward our own appetites, when it seems there are more and more people who would rather see Jesus out of the equation, the church must press on! I am not sure we are at a time of great persecution like in Acts 8 here in America. There are places in the church today where they have been for years. However it is getting more and more difficult to seek the Way of Jesus, both inside and outside the church. The leaders of denominations will not change the trajectory, nor will the leaders of government. The great expansion of the church continues all over the world, except here in America. Could it be the church is willing to sit back and let it happen? The time has come to press on. Stephen and Philip were not leaders of the church, they were appointed as servants. They were like you and I. They pressed on and God used them for great works, in their day and now. Are we ready to press on?

Stephen's Day In Court -- Acts 7

2010-02-03T07:39:00.002-05:00

There Stephen stands with the charges against him. the crowd claimed he was teaching things contrary to the ways of Moses and the prophets. Rather than begin the ritual of did not, did too, Stephen takes his day in court and shows what he has been teaching. As far as teaching about the people called Israel, it is impeccable. Abraham, Issac, Joseph, right up to Moses. I am sure the council hearing Stephen were wondering what the issue was. It seemed what Stephen was saying was complete orthodoxy. Then comes the twist, the accusation. For that Stephen pays with his life, while many watch, including Saul, later known as Paul.

How many of us would have used this course of action? There are two ways this would most likely play out in our culture. First many would not even think to recount the very story we are accused of misrepresenting. Second, many of us would not be willing to put the harsh accusation at the end. Stephen was clearly showing he knew the story God had written with the people of Israel. Showing the accusations against him we unfounded. He probably could have stopped before the accusation and been just fine. However, Stephen knew there was the rest of the story. With boldness, he proclaims the full story of God.

An often overlooked portion of the passage is the fact that Stephen kept himself fully connecting with God through Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This was not merely Stephen speaking, it was the boldness of the Holy Spirit. Often we speak with our own boldness and create a situation where we are on our own more than following after God. The strength showed by Stephen continued to prove he understood the story of God perfectly. Though the result was an earthly death, the kingdom implications continue to shout today. Stephen boldly stood for Christ when there was a lot of pressure to back away. Are we ready to stand?

Know Your Gift and Calling -- Acts 6

2010-02-02T08:09:00.003-05:00

As I read through Acts 6 there are a few things I am not surprised by and a few things which catch me off guard. It is no surprise that as the number of believers grew there was some grumbling. Further it is no surprise the leaders of the church had a plan to address the grumbling. My first shock comes when the leaders say they should be focused on the scriptures, teaching and leading the church, not administering a food program. My first read of this causes me to think of the leaders as arrogant, and unwilling to do whatever it takes for the ministry to continue. Further reflection reveals a possibility just below the surface.

Each one of us is gifted and called by God. You and I are both uniquely designed and created for a purpose in God's kingdom. In order for us to fulfill the calling and live out our gifts we first must identify those gifts. This is more than simply taking a class, though that can be helpful, it is a process of discerning the heart of God. Once we feel as though we have grasped, even in a small form, what it is God has gifted and call us to we must pursue it.

The leaders of the church in Acts 6 understood who God had called them to be, and where their gifting was found. Could they have administered the food program? Yes. Would that have been the best use of the calling and gifts God has given? No. The people selected to administer the food to the widows were people who were called to such a ministry, and God gifted them for it as well. Had the leaders of the church simply stepped in to lead the food distribution, who would have kept the words of Scripture in front of the people?

Second but not secondary is the matter of excellence. The leaders could have done it, however my guess is the people lifted up by the Holy Spirit did a much better job. When we function out of our calling and giftedness, we function better. This is not to say we never function outside of our calling and giftedness, there are times when we are called to that. Still a bulk of our effort should be spent doing that which God has called us to, and gifted us for. This is why the church leaders would not administer the food program. It was not out of arrogance or pride, it was out of recognizing the calling and gifting of all God's people.

How about you? Are you doing what God has called and gifted you for?

Let god Decide -- Acts 5

2010-01-24T06:30:00.002-05:00

I continue to be amazed at the number of people who are experts in what God is up to these days. There is no shortage of people who will proclaim something to be of God and not. This seems to be a significant part of our human condition. If there is something we disagree with, or cannot explain, we like to think it is not God at work. If it is God at work, then many decide God is not worthy of being followed. Perhaps the issues is not God, rather it is our human need to jump to a conclusion.

The high priest and the council are facing such a situation. More and more people are beginning to follow the Way, or the teachings of Jesus. The crowds are getting bigger and the disciples are gaining more and more favor with the people of the city. Jealousy is such an evil thing. Just when the council is about to find a way to kill the apostles a voice of reason comes. Gamaliel, not a name used very often any more, says if this is of human origin it will pass by itself, if it is of God, we might find ourselves fighting God.

How many times do I end up fighting with God? There is the scary question. My tendency is to decide what is godly and what is not. God may be making clear the way of salvation in a new way, and I could be standing in the way. There are others who are much more knowledgeable about the scriptures than I am, however, as I read the scriptures I find fighting against God to not be a good plan. From time to time God asks us to fight for God, never against.

Here we are thousands of years after Gamaliel offers sound wisdom to the council. The ministry of Jesus continues on. Through think and thin, explosion and contraction, the work, and resurrection of Jesus continues on. When God is making clear the Way of Jesus through a new means, who are we to stand in the way. Leave room for God to work, and allow god to be the one who decides what is of human origin, and what is not. The things of humanity will all pass away, the things of God will endure forever. Be willing to let God reveal Jesus in new ways.

Strength From The Struggle -- Acts 4

2010-01-23T08:07:00.002-05:00

So Peter and John, healed a man who had been crippled for more than 40 years, and the religious leaders of the day were not thrilled about it. Their discontent was two fold, one they were not involved with such a work of God, and two the name of Jesus was being lifted up. Remember these were the people who strategized and planned for months looking for a way to kill Jesus. They thought they had been successful, and the Way which Jesus lead would simply fade away.

Peter and John are brought before the High Priest and the whole council for examination. Peter being himself, boldly proclaims to the council their work is done in Jesus name. Now the council was in quite a pickle. They could not deny the miraculous healing, as people witnessed it, nor could they allow the disciples to continue their work. So, the end result was a severe tongue lashing, and the edict to not proclaim the name of Jesus Christ ever again. Here we have the fist major incident of persecution of the church. The established religious people of the day commanding the Followers to not speak of or in Jesus' name again.

I love the result this has on the people of Jesus. the shout and pray all the louder. They continue their work with a renewed level of zeal and passion. The struggle has seemed to make them stronger. I wonder what would happen if the rulers of our day, religious or otherwise, proclaimed that no one was allowed to speak the name of Jesus? We can see the effect it had on the followers in Acts 4, would we respond the same? There was no court battle, there was not public smear campaign, no boycotts of protests, none of it. The people simply went about proclaiming the name of Jesus. Persecution made the church stronger.

Perhaps it is time for some persecution in our day. Or perhaps the persecution has already come and we are shying away. As a society we are told it is not politically correct, or that we might offend others if we speak the name of Jesus, and we are listening. Just the opposite reaction than those in Acts 4. Oh that the church would once again respond to persecution like those who have gone before us.

Times of Refressing -- Acts 3

2010-01-21T08:33:00.002-05:00

Life is hectic for most people. Here in America we regularly display our ability to over schedule our day, so no matter what when the day has run its course we still feel we need to do more. Mix this business with with the general chaos which accompanies this thing called humanity and you have one stress producing mess. Stress produces several things in humanity, included in this is sin. When we experience high levels of stress it is easy to make poor choices with our time. Then we heap guilt onto the pile of life. It can all seem overwhelming.

Peter in Acts 3 instructs the crowd to turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sin. It would be easy to stop reading there, however the next verse is beyond important in our chaotic, over scheduled lives. "Then wonderful times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord...". I don't know about you, but I could use some times of refreshing. Life moves at a pretty high pace, and I just plain get tired. I crave times when I can rest in the presence of the Lord and experience refreshing.

Now there are somethings I must do to experience this refreshing. I must first turn from my sins. This is more than forgiveness, this is stopping them. Then I must turn to God. So not just avoiding sin, but turning the the source of life. Once I do that then in the presence of the Lord I will find the refreshing I crave. All too often I seek the refreshing without doing my part. I simply want to feel the release without the turning. As long as I am living life on my terms the refreshing will not come.

Take time today to get with your God. First, turn from the sin in your life. Second, turn to God. Last enjoy the time of refreshing in the presence of God.

The Big Day -- Acts 2

2010-01-20T08:07:00.002-05:00

Life had settled back to normal what ever that is for the people of Jerusalem. The passover celebration was now 50 days behind them, and the whole debacle of this man named Jesus was out of the minds of most. While the believers gathered in the upper room to pray, and hope to remain safe, the rest of the people when about business as usual. It was the festival of Pentecost, or the harvest. This was one of the three major festivals of the Jewish year and people were gathered in Jerusalem from all over the world. Things were going along just fine until the rushing of a violent wind.

The situation shook everyone out of their mindless pattern, and drew them into focus upon the place where the followers of Jesus were at. As the crowd found their way to the upper room they arrived to find people speaking their language. Some knew God was up to something as the people speaking were known as educated people according to the standards of the day. Others were quick to assume they were drunk, not leaving room for God to be at work. Chaos had settled into the business as usual workings of the city.

In the midst of that chaos Peter steps forward to address the crowd. Many have called this the first sermon of the church. There is explanation or teaching, there is confrontation, and there is a convicting question. Once the crowd seeks what they are to do, Peter delivers the plan of God, turn from your sins and turn to God. Repent, and be baptized. Three thousand were added to the church that day. Can you imagine going from a church of 120 to a church of 3120 in a day?

This is what happened and the believers began to live together in such a way that God was able to use them to continue to reveal the Kingdom. Daily God uses the believers to add to the number of people who were being saved.

I cannot help wonder if it isn't time once again for the church to experience such an out pouring. Is it possible we, the church, have settled back into the pattern of business as usual. We are going about the work of the church and life, without much real connection to the work of God? When there has been an outpouring of the Holy Spirit have we seen it as God at work, or humans who are abusing the flesh? The day of Pentecost is coming. May we hear the voice of God, turn from our sins and turn to God. Revive us of Lord.

New Year, New Plan

2010-01-19T08:37:00.003-05:00

Thank you to all of you who journeyed with me through last year. I have taken a few weeks off, as many of you know, to regroup and pray about the plan for this year. The result is continuing to look at the Scriptures, but not only the New Testament. This year I will journey through the Bible working from book to book, by selecting my favorites. Please understand, just because a book may be my favorite does not mean I like everything put forward in the book. Challenge is good and helps us grow. With that we begin the 2010 journey in the Book of Acts.

Acts 1 begins the continuation of the book of Luke. In the Gospel of Luke we find the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We can find the major teachings of Jesus and get a clear picture of what it means to follow Jesus in our lives today. While community is always a big part of Jesus following, the Gospel of Luke can be viewed from a fairly individual window. When we turn to the book of Acts the view is broadened and we see the formation of community, and what it is like to be community of Christ followers. By the way, do not not think you can truly be a Christ follower outside of community.

When we pick up the book of Acts we start with Jesus making his resurrection appearances. When he is with the followers, he teaches them about the Kingdom of God. At one of the gatherings Jesus tells them to stay in Jerusalem until the are given the Holy Spirit. Those gathered ask not about the Holy Spirit but about when God was going to restore the earthly kingdom of Israel. In a very polite response Jesus says it does not matter, what matters is going about the business of showing the Kingdom of God in the midst of humanity. Shortly after Jesus was taken up to heaven to begin the waiting game of when the Father deems the time is right.

I cannot get past the scene as Jesus is taken up and the group is there gazing into the sky. As they are there, two me appear who are in white robes, it is not clear if they are angels or not, some have suggested they are connected to the two messengers in Revelation. We can be confident they are not angels as there is not a great deal of fear expressed by the gathered, as there seems to be in most other places of Scripture. Nonetheless they are there, and they challenge the gathered, to get moving on the task they have been given. Don't just stare at the sky, be the community Jesus taught you to be and that God is sending the Holy Spirit to empower.

So their first great work, electing a new apostle. This has always bothered me. They were told to simply wait for the Holy Spirit, yet they felt the need to tend to something so mundane and human as filling out the ranks. Ah but then we can remember, these people were primarily Jews, and the number twelve was very important, especially when all things were being made new. There are twelve tribes of Israel, and while the twelve had been scattered, they would once again be formed and claimed. Each tribe would need a leader, and therefore 11 would not work, 12 were needed.

Once they had their number they went back to praying and waiting for the promise of God. Little did the gathered know that shortly their whole life was about to be radically reshaped by the power of God once more.

Revelation 22 -- Jesus is Coming

2009-12-30T06:56:00.002-05:00

That is it. Every chapter of the New Testament. We get to the end and what do we find? Jesus is coming. If we had been paying attention all along we already knew that information. Jesus is returning to set right all things. All of creation is waiting for that glorious day. There will no longer be any night, and the River of Life will flow freely from the throne out into all creation.

Another thing has been evident all along, the question are you ready? It is going to happen, Jesus is going to return, but will you be ready for that day? Will the city gates be open to you, or will you have to remain outside looking in. That is my definition of hell, realizing that it is all about Jesus, and that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life, but not being able to do anything about it.

So I end this journey with a short entry to ask a few simple questions. Do you believe the words of Scripture to be true? Do you believe Jesus to be sent of God, for the purpose of making the way for humanity to have a perfect relationship with God? Are you ready for his return?

Revelation 21 -- The Holy City

2009-12-29T09:10:00.003-05:00

Finally, Satan is defeated for good and the full reign of God can begin. As we look at chapter 21 it is important to have words from Matthew 6 fresh in our minds. These words are a part of what we call the Lord's Prayer, "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Week in and week out people offer these words, and some even in sincere prayer. Do we think about these words, we are asking the Kingdom of God to come and be on earth as it is in heaven. As we near the end of Revelation that is exactly what we see happening.

The common thought is that heaven is someplace else. That when all things come together and the end arrives we will go somewhere other than here. Now I have not made the journey so i do not know exactly what happens, however the Scriptures seem to paint another picture. The new Jerusalem comes down on a cloud from heaven to the earth. The cornerstone of the new kingdom is set up here on earth. Not just earth as we know it, rather earth as God originally called it to be. In other words we live in heaven right now, only if has not been totally fulfilled. That is the longing of the Lord's Prayer. Bring the fullness of your Kingdom God, to this earth. Restore and renew your creation.

In the restored and renewed creation God is the light and the life of all creation. Once again this is already true, yet our human will taints the light and life God offers to us. When the glorious day comes, the earth will not cease to exist, nor will the people, rather it will be the perfection God has been calling us to all along.

Revelation 20 -- The Thousand Years

2009-12-28T09:58:00.002-05:00

Out of this one chapter of Revelation much debate and division has occurred. The discussion of the thousand years has generated different groups of beliefs which have often wasted time warring against each other. There are those who are called pre-millenialists, who say the 1000 years is yet to come. There are the amillenialists who say we are in the midst of it. The smallest group are the people who think we are post millennial. I fall into yet another camp that doesn't think it is worth the energy and effort trying to figure it out. Not to be confused with thinking it is unimportant, I simply do not think we can figure this one out, and I do not think it changes anything.

We can know a time exists, past, present or future when Satan will be allowed to have rule of the earth. We also know there will come a time when Satan will no longer be allowed to do that and will be thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, along with those who followed him. Once that happens the final judgment happens and the stage is set for the New Jerusalem. Anything more than that is simply not supported by the Scriptural text which we have been given.

However, unchanged is the question which must run through out the book of Revelation, are you ready? If the time has passed, are you ready for final judgment? If we are in the midst, are you keeping yourself ready for the day of Judgment? If it is yet to come, still we must ask are you ready? It might be safer to spend time trying to pin point the timeline, but it is misguided. We do not control the timeline, what we control is if we are ready for that day.

This is the perfect time of year to ask the question. Are we ready? If not what must be done in the next year to make ourselves ready?

Revelation 19 -- The Last Battle

2009-12-24T08:53:00.002-05:00

I cannot image what it would be like to hear the sound of all heaven rejoicing. That is what begins chapter 19, the great multitude shouting praise to God in Heaven. All out party is breaking out as the final victory is nearly here. The moment souls have been waiting for is upon them the defeat of the beast and all who would follow the beast. The rider of the white horse comes in with the army of heaven behind him, ready to render final judgment.

As we ready to celebrate the coming of Jesus as a baby to our world it is more than a child we celebrate. As we celebrate Christmas we are joining in the celebration of heaven as we read it in Revelation 19. The moment the first cry pierced the air in the countryside of Judea, the victory was won. Many battles still lie ahead, but the victory was won in that moment. This is worth the party on earth as it is in heaven. The celebration and battle we read about in Revelation is not simply a future event. It is an event that is happening now, it is just not fully realized now as the fullness of God's time has not come.

I confess that I all too often live as a defeated person. I readily see all that is not what it should be and allow that to drag me down. For those who are followers of Jesus, we are to remember the victory which is already ours. Christmas morning is a victory party, and every year as we celebrate, is another victory lap. The victory is won, Satan is defeated, so it is time to stop living as defeated people and embrace our victory.

Revelation 18 -- The Fall of Civilization

2009-12-23T08:04:00.002-05:00

In Revelation it is called Babylon. Over the centuries many have identified it with other cities or countries. For John's first readers they most likely thought about the Roman Empire. There are some today who would point to the United States. No matter, the point is not the actual city, rather it is the work of what we would called the civilized world which is defeated in that day.

Described in these verses we find the description of humanity thinking it has it all made to the point of desecrating and destroying that which is of God. It is bad enough to be found living independent of God, even worse when you have the ability to entice others into that life. Babylon represents all that is human driven, and how it will all fall short. When the judgment of God is handed out, human effort will account only for destruction.

Greatness in human eyes may have immediate gratification, but long term it will pass away. All that matters is honoring God, anything else falls under the category of Babylon. John tells about the Day when all that comes to an end and the great and powerful Babylon is no more. Still the question echos through my mind, are we ready for such a day? This is more a personal question than a corporate one. When individuals begin to fashion lives where God is at the center of their entire being, we begin to take power away from Babylon, and place it where it belongs, with God. The day of judgment will come, we do not know the hour. The day of Babylons fall will come. It could come today, so let us make sure we are ready today.

Revelation 17 -- The Woman

2009-12-22T10:29:00.002-05:00

As we quickly move toward the end of John's vision the images take the opportunity to get a little more strange. This time they are so strange John is astonished. This is kind of comical to me when you take into account all he has seen and encountered. The woman he sees is not given the best or nicest titles given to a woman, Mystery, Babylon the Great, The mother of prostitutes, and of the Abominations of the earth. Wow, those are not exactly things to put on your business card. I think we get the picture this is not a good woman. Just in case we are not sure we are told she is drunk on the blood of the saints.

We know this image is more figurative than literal, not because we are really smart but because we are told what these things mean. Basically we are told the woman and all the heads and horns represent earthly kingdoms who will come and go before the final day. Additionally it is clear the last two are directly tied to Satan. In the last days all these kings, the woman and the beast will war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome. Before it is all said and done the beast and the kings will turn on the woman and destroy her. This is the image of what will happen on earth before the final reckoning.

So what does that have to do with you and I today? Honestly, I am not sure, but it does not change the question we have asked all through Revelation, are you ready? I do not know if we will be witness to such visions, nor do I think we are to know that now. It seems obvious to me that I want to be on the side of the Lamb and not the side of the beast. This is a decision I get to make now, today. I once again commit my life to following after Jesus Christ. He is more than Savior, he is Lord, leader of my life. Provider of hope. Deliverer of Peace. Source of all Love. My everything. Perhaps you can offer the prayer of your life as well.

Revelation 16 -- Judgment Delivered

2009-12-21T08:41:00.002-05:00

The seven bowls of God's wrath are poured poured out in this chapter and it is bad news for those left on earth. The seas and rivers all become toxic. The sun burns people to a crisp, and there is an earth quake to end all earthquakes. To finish off the wrath there is a hailstorm with 100 pound hailstones falling from the sky. Destruction is upon the face of the earth, yet the people do not repent. In fact they get mad at God for causing all this to happen.

It would be easy to read this and think, those foolish people. All around them is the work and power of God in full display and they do not turn their hearts to God. I wonder how we would respond, or better yet how we do respond. The coming judgment is real, and will happen when God determines the time has come, but we do not need to wait until then to fall hopelessly in love with God through Jesus Christ. Honestly if we are not willing to do it now, we won't be willing to do it then.

I have no idea if the scenes painted for us in Revelation 16 are literal or figurative, some will argue this, but I do not think it matters. What matters is the day is coming when God is going to settle accounts with all creation. In that day there will only be two types of people, those who are devoted to God, and those who are not. For those who are not, they might not be out and out evil, they might even be church attenders, but it will be a bad day nonetheless. The book of Revelation writes about things yet to come, but we must be ready today.

In a few short days we will celebrate Jesus arrival on earth. The God of eternity breaking through into creation that we might be ready when that day comes. Still we fritter away the days in meaningless pursuits, and we are not constantly ready for that day. The time of preparation is now, Jesus is coming, are you ready?

Revelation 15 -- The End is Near

2009-12-20T07:40:00.002-05:00

In this brief chapter we find the final judgment of God in the preparation phase. seven angels with seven plagues, with seven bowls of God's wrath. Once all the wrath and destruction is handed out, the doors of the Tabernacle are flung open and the angels proceed with their work. I love the note that the temple, tabernacle, is filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power. The Old Testament prophets talk about such things happening.

As we are getting ready for Christmas I wonder if we are expecting to see the temple filled with the glory of God. Sure many will go to church, and some will even go there seeking God. How many though, are going with not the hope, not the dream, but the expectation of God's glory filling the church? When we read passages such as Revelation 15 we might think those things only happen in heaven or during the end times. This means we do not expect it to happen now.

AS you might guess I think the filling of the temple is not something reserved for the end times, or the the Old Testament prophets. It can happen today! I do not mean in our time I mean today, this very day we have been given. I will be the first to claim my doubts in this subject. Also, I will be the first to tell you that not all doubting is sin. In this case my doubt does lead to sin because I doubt whether it is possible for the glory of the Lord to fill the church.

Today I lay this down at the cross. In a few short moments worship will begin for us. I will enter worship with expectation and anticipation of what the Lord is going to do. I am going with a heart seeking to see the glory of the Lord fill the temple so thick all we can do is worship and bow down. May the glory of the Lord fill this temple today!

Revelation 14 -- Judgment Begins

2009-12-19T08:14:00.002-05:00

The whole book of Revelation is filled with images which are difficult to get our heads around. Some of these images are figurative while others are actual. Knowing which ones are which would create a great amount of clarity. I am always hesitant to offer which ones are figurative and which are real because I just don't know. Here in chapter 14 we are given images which could fall into both situations. I could spend hours, and perhaps sometime I will, trying to sort it out, however, I am not convinced that is the point of the vision John gives to us. There is a sick quest by those in the Western world to figure it all out, what about mystery?

In this chapter we have the Lamb gathering the 144,000 who have the name of the Lord written on their foreheads. We also have the angels announcing and starting the judgment. I am not sure if the angels thing will really happen or not, this is not mine to figure out. What I do know is there will come a day when the Judgment of God will begin. In that day it will be clear who is who, those who follow the beast will receive what their choice has given them, those who follow the Lord will receive what their choice has given them.

It is fascinating the judgment is in terms of a harvest. This is an important image throughout the Biblical text and makes some special appearances in Jesus teaching. God's wrath is being prepared for pouring out on all creation. Once again we are back to an image which seems to be figurative, but we cannot rule out what the Lord might do. Grapes in the wine press which produce blood four feet high for about 180 miles. If this is literal, there will be no question as to the Judgment time of God.

With all the images and questions around those images it is easy to lose sight of the most important message of Revelation. The events and images are outside of the control of humans. All we need to be concerned with is being ready. We cannot stop or start the events unfolding in the book of Revelation. We do not even have to figure them all out. We simply must have our lives in such a state that we are ready for the Judgment of God. Are you ready?

Revelation 13 -- The Great Deception

2009-12-17T07:04:00.002-05:00

As we journey further through John's vision we find the events being described becoming more troubling. Chapter 13 is on where it is easy to allow the images used to confuse what is being taught. We have established through the previous chapters the dragon is Satan and these beasts are given power by Satan to work against God on earth. What the vision tells us is that it works. the people on earth are deceived and begin to follow the beast, and do what the second beast commands. There is also reference to the saints in this chapter, those who are following Christ. It seems as though not all the faithful have been removed from the struggle.

Here in chapter 13 is where we also find the marking of people with the number of the beast. All those who do not take on the number are closed out of the commerce centers. It was not possible for a person free of the mark to buy or sell. Those who have been deceived by the beasts will take the mark and those who have not will have to find alternative means of gaining the goods and services needed.

In a lot of ways it will be like the great depression of the 1930's in America. People will struggle to get by. The big difference this time around is some people will do just fine while those who follow Christ will struggle. Instead of a Great Depression, it will be a Great Deception. Before we think it will only people weak, or nominal Christ Followers who will be deceived we should be careful. It could be any of us. How do we protect ourselves from deception? Connection. In the Gospel of John chapter 15 we are told to Abide in Christ. This means our primary connection and relationship is with Christ. That we receive our life and breath from him. That our primary source of everything is Jesus. When we look other places for fulfillment, we can more easily be deceived.

I am not sure there is someone waiting in the wings right now ready to place the mark on people. There might be. Either way the question remains, are you ready? How is it with you and Christ? Are you abiding? Are you looking in other places for fulfillment?

Revelation 12 -- It Just Got Weird

2009-12-16T08:29:00.003-05:00

Up to this point some of the images have been strange, and some of the concepts of Revelation have stretched us, but this chapter puts a new art to the weirdness. The woman giving birth to a male child and the serpent, the devil, waiting to devour the child. There is a torrent river, the earth opening up, and torment of all the other children of the woman. Closed with an encouragement to hold to the testimony of Jesus.

Strange I can do, I do not even mind weird, it simply takes some time to process. The great temptation is to declare with certainty that the woman is Mary, and the child is Jesus. That certainly is a possibility which can be supported by the study of scripture. Another possibility is the woman is a God figure, and the child is Adam. Many are not comfortable with God as a female, but God is genderless, and since the days of creation Satan has been attempting to devour the children of creation.

No matter who is represented by the woman and the child, I do not think we are suppose to always know, what we can know is there is a battle. Satan is working to stop all the works of God. Not only to stop it, but to completely devour all the things of God. This means until the final victory is seen as reality, we on earth are the object of the enemies attack. As we prepare to celebrate the coming of our victor, Jesus, we can expect the enemy to be active. If humanity were to focus on the true celebration this Christmas, the enemy might lose some ground, so the battle is on.

The final encouragement of the chapter are words for all of us to hold on to, hold on to the testimony of Jesus. Many things will tug at you this Christmas time. It might be easy to lose sight of Christ in this time. We must fight the good fight and do all we can to resist the pull of the enemy. This might mean changing the patters of what we do, so we are ready.

Revelation 11 -- The Two Witnesses

2009-12-15T08:13:00.002-05:00

This has to be one of, if not my favorite part of the book of Revelation. By the way this is one of the few parts the popular Left Behind series got right on the button. Two witnesses are sent by God to prophesy about the Lord. They are much like John the Baptist in the Gospels. They stand out from the normal crowd by their appearance, and by their message. It seems as though they were given nearly unlimited power from God to communicate their message. Bringing plagues when they wanted, fire from their mouths at those who would come against them.

However, even these prophets when the time was right were done in by the beast of the Abyss. Yet, that is not where their witness ends, after three and a half days, that sounds familiar, they are given the breath of Life. The people are amazed, and begin to worship God as the two prophets are raised up on a cloud. Then something amazing happens that is easy to miss. Victory is proclaimed. "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.". That is a victory claim. What millions have prayed in the Lord's prayer will come true, May your kingdom come!

With these fantastic scenes which stretch our thinking and imagination we find the victory we are told about coming into reality. Now the battle is not finished for a few more chapters, but victory has been proclaimed. We are left with the question, do we claim the victory that has been given? Most of us, not the us, walking around acting defeated more often than not. Things do not work out as we have planned them, our hopes and dreams seem to be on hold, or delayed indefinitely, so we feel defeated. We have the victory! When we allow Christ to lead our lives, when we realize it is him who has won, we gain that victory. While we wait for the days which unfold in the book of Revelation, we know what will happen. Therefore we are called to be people who live the victory today. That victory was won the moment Christ arrived in the manger years ago. Are you ready to be a victorious person?

Revelation 10 -- No Delay

2009-12-14T14:27:00.003-05:00

Okay so now things get real serious in the heavenly vision. There is a declaration that there will be no more delay, the full mystery of God was about to be unveiled. The time prophets talked about and others instructed was upon the people. This proclamation is followed by the eating of a scroll, which many presume to represent the word of God, that was sweet to the taste but soured the stomach. The Word of God is sweet like honey, but can cause men to stumble at its truth. After the souring meal, John the recipient of the vision, is sent to prophesy to the people. Can you imagine that job?

So if a third of the earth being consumed, the mutant locusts, and the C.S. Lewis style army, did not awaken the people to what was happening, John is given the task of telling them was is going on and about how bad it is going to be. There are times when I am not thrilled about the tasks God gives me, but this one takes the cake. The audience John is facing might be the definition of a hostile audience. Still in all of the destruction we find God hoping more and more will be saved. I cannot begin to imagine the pain God is enduring as the events of the end unfold. It is as if God were trying everything possible to get people to turn their hearts and enter in into relationship. Alas, they do not listen and the judgment falls.

All things are not completed yet at this point in the story. It is still the time of preparation, and the question still remains, are you ready?

Revelation 9 -- Paging C.S. Lewis

2009-12-14T14:12:00.002-05:00

Now I like a good Sci-Fi movie as much as the next person. It might be hard to find a movie that is both Sci-Fi and good, but you would not expect to find the script in the Bible. The creatures described in this chapter are like something you would find in a C.S. Lewis novel. Locusts with human faces, the teeth of a lion, and the tail of a scorpion. And the two hundred million member army. This cannot be good. Well for those who have not received the mark of God, or who have not prepared for that day by having a growing, thriving, ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ, it is a very bad day.

The locusts do not have the power to kill, only torture for five months. Can you imagine wanting to die, but not being able to. The two million member army will wipe out a third of the earths population. This army has connections back to creation and the fall of humanity as they are headed by the angels bound at the great Euphrates river, one of the four rivers of Eden. They kill a third and the rest suffer in many forms. Still this is before the glorious return of Christ, this is still in preparation.

Interestingly enough these events are not enough to get the people of the earth to turn to God. They continue to deny God and embrace all sorts of evils. It might seem easy to criticism them and even call them foolish for their arrogance, however it could be anyone of us, so be careful.

Still the theme runs through, are you ready. If you have done your preparation now while there is still time to prepare, you will merely be a heavenly observer to all these things, not an active participant. Are you prepared?

Revelation 8 -- Judgment Enacted

2009-12-14T13:56:00.003-05:00

In this chapter something new happens in the throne room, silence. To this point there has been singing and proclamation, but no mention of silence. I can only imagine it to be one of those disturbing silences that you know carries something bad. In the silence trumpets and a censer for incense are handed out and put to use. Remember this is before the return of Christ to the earth, this is all part of the preparation.

First we find the censer being used to lift prayers before God, then it is used to initiate the judgment of the earth. Filled with fire from the heavenly altar, it is flung to the earth with thunder, lightening and an earthquake. I am certain at this point the inhabitants of earth might have noticed something was about to happen. Then the trumpets start. First, hail mixed with blood fell from the sky burning up a third of the earth, a third of the trees and all the green grass. The second trumpet sounds and the seas are upset by a huge mountain like object. This caused a third of the seas to turn into blood, along with the death of a third of the creatures in the sea and a third of the ships destroyed.

As the third trumpet is sounded and the star Wormwood falls to into the rivers and a third of them turn bitter, bitter enough to kill people. The fourth trumpet blasts and a third of the sun is struck along with a third of the moon and the stars. A third of the day was without light as well as a third of the night. All of this seems to be the beginning of a recreation on earth. Think for a moment about the first creation, chaos covered the earth, and God spoke bringing it to order. Here God has spoken and chaos is being brought on creation. To me it is God setting the stage for the renewal of all things one earth as they were intended to be at creation.

By the end of the chapter a pretty grim picture is painted. The challenging news is given from an eagle who warns of the next three trumpet blasts. In essence telling us we have not seen anything yet. Keep reading the story is just getting good.

Revelation 7 -- The Sealed Ones

2009-12-09T11:25:00.002-05:00

As we enter into chapter 7 we start to find a greater distinction of those who follow God and those who do not. Before the four horsemen of chapter 6 are allowed to do their work, God puts them on hold while the 144,000 get there seal showing they are with God. These are the representatives from the 12 tribes of Israel. There is an assumption that these 144,000 will not be harmed by the work of the angels, but that is never clearly stated in the word. It is stated they will have the seal of God, meaning they belong to God, however their safety is never mentioned. One might think by them having the seal of God they would be excluded from harm, however we evidence to the contrary in the scriptures. What we know is they are being claimed as belonging to God, that they are in fact Israel, the chosen of God.

We also now deal with the multitude who were given white robes. The elder tells that these are the people who have come out of the great tribulation, and have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. This is one of the classic passages used to support the rapture, that people came out of the tribulation. Again the support of the rest of the text is not there for that conclusion. What we can see in this passage is the multitude are the people who have been faithful from the fall of creation, to the return of Christ, or shall we call it the in between times. Classically this has been thought to be the time between the resurrection of Christ and the return of Christ. I cannot help to think we must go back further to the faithful of the generations. Those who followed after God even before the inbreaking of Christ to creation. They together with all the company of heaven sing praise to God who is above all things.

It would be easy to play numbers games to see who gets in and who is on the outside. There is a strange satisfaction found in judging others, especially when eternity hangs in the balance. Still when it comes to that day, we do not choose for anyone except ourselves what path we will walk. The question still remains the same, are you ready for that day?

Revelation 6 -- The Seals

2009-12-08T09:33:00.002-05:00

From the scene of the throne room worship we next turn to the unfolding of the end of things. A great number of people have written a great number of words regarding the end of this age. Often missed is who and what initiates the end of things. People point to the Middle East, others to the economic markets. While later in Revelation those things are discussed in detail, the real beginning is found here in chapter 6.

As the Lamb opens the seals, the ones no one else in heaven could open, we find the signs of the end of this age. The first four seals being the four horses and horsemen. Notice this takes place in the throne room, not in the incarnation. The four are sent out to do what they have been summoned to do, that is begin the judgment. The fifth seal is still has action focused on the throne room and deals with the faithful saints of the centuries who have died in the faith. They are waiting for their justification. They are told not yet, but given white robes in preparation.

Then we get to the sixth seal. This is when events begin to unfold on earth. Again notice the events are not initiated by anything on earth, but the opening of the seal in the throne room. This means we will only know the end is beginning once it begins. All of a sudden stars will fall, the sun will be gone, and the moon will be like blood. Is this a literal image? We do not know, and again I do not think it really matters. What matters is are we ready because all these events come without warning from the throne room of God. We have no way of predicting them. The only thing we can do is be ready.

I am sure there will still be pages consumed about the end of this age. I am sure there will continue to be predictions about what things will look like. The reality all the predictions are just best guess. The real question to be wrestled with which is often ignored is, are people ready for the events once they come. Are you prepared for what is to come.

Revelation 5 -- Power Of The Lamb

2009-12-07T09:34:00.002-05:00

We continue in the obscure as we read through chapter 5. Still in the throne room there is a break in the worship and the scroll appears. No one was able to open the scroll in all of heaven. To show the importance of the scroll we find John weeping because no one can open it. Enter the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The images of Jesus as the mighty lion emerge, and we await this figure like Aslan from CS Lewis fame to appear. Next on the scene, the Lamb, and it looks like it has been slain. That is a far cry form the Lion image just two lines earlier. The Lion of Judah is a slain Lamb, and that is our hope for opening the scroll? Yup.

The power of the Lamb lie not in its strength like the lion, though we should not doubt that strength. The strength comes in the willingness to be the sacrifice for all of creation so that all may enter in. The Lamb has the power to open the scroll which no one else can open. Power purchased by blood. When the Lamb enters the room the worship kicks into another gear. The angels come in by the thousands and give glory to the Lamb that was slain. By the end of the chapter we see the Lamb and the One who sits on the throne being given equal footing. As all of creation, in heaven, on earth and under the earth, worship them both.

The power which unlocks that which no one else can, is found in Jesus, the Lamb. The key to salvation is in the Lamb, the key to true worship is found in the Lamb. The key to life and breath is found in the Lamb. So perhaps it is time to stop striving to find that with in ourselves and let the Lamb do His job.

Revelation 4 -- Worship At The Throne

2009-12-07T09:24:00.002-05:00

Here is where the images start to get a little more disturbing. We find creatures who are described to be some of the strangest beings we can think of. For those who might have read through the Old Testament prophets, you might find these beings to be similar to those described by the prophet Ezekiel. Revelation is certainly not the first time we have come across beings which are strange to say the least. Here we find them in the throne room of heaven. Also in the room are the twenty four elders. The scene is one of worship.

Seated on the throne is the King, presumably God, and all the activity of the room, the Heavens and the earth are directed at this being on the throne. Can you imagine what John is going through as this gift is given to him? Now some can waste time arguing whether John was actually in these places or if they were simply visions. That does not really matter. Actual placement of vision, John would have been deeply impacted by what he saw. In a day and age when we ask often what is it to worship, we find a profound answer here in Revelation.

Worship is to fully, totally without regard to self and our won desire, offer praise to God. There are not a lot of fancy words thrown in, simply praise of the One who is, who was and is to come. Pure, unadulterated praise lifted to God who sits on the throne. Do we have to wait until that day to experience this? I hope not! This is not reserved for some future date, it is to be experienced now. The primary reason we do not is ourselves. We allow too much of ourselves to be at work in our worship. This is not about a style issue, this is about a human control issue. It is time to give up control, so that we may witness the glorious worship of the One who sits on the throne now. That way when the day comes, we will be prepared and join in.

Revelation 3 -- Endurance

2009-12-03T08:26:00.002-05:00

I wish when I opened the pages of my Bible it would assure me not only that everything was going to be alright, but that it would be easy and comfortable. It would be a great dream to find the Bible letting me know I will not have to struggle and suffer for my faith, and that I will always feel head over heals in love with God. There is no doubt some people would tell you that is how they experience life, for the rest of us who prefer authenticity to the dream know that life is hard, there is struggle and we waiver in our love and commitment for God.

In the final three letters to the churches, Jesus tells the churches to hand in there, have endurance. The struggles of the people are going unseen by the One who can actually make a difference. Jesus can see the struggle, and can see the faithfulness of the people. He offers hope. Notice he does not take away the struggle. Jesus doesn't just step in and remove the challenges, he encourages people to be strong.

In the final letter we find the famous lukewarm dialogue. We have all been there. Our passion for God has not and is not always red hot. Rarely is it stone cold either. It is easy to fall into the place where our relationship with God becomes pedestrian. Taking God for granted, and not seeing God as our source of life and breath. To us Jesus encourages us to light the fire again to burn with passion for the Lord.

All of this is in preparation of the coming king. This season of Advent we are in is a season to examine our journey. Are we discouraged, lukewarm, just going along? Are we ready for an in breaking of the King of Kings. I sometimes think we do not experience the fullness of God because we do not make ourselves truly ready for it. Let us us this advent to get ready to experience all God has for us.

Revelation 2 -- To The Churches Part 1

2009-12-02T08:56:00.003-05:00

In chapter two we find the letters to the seven churches beginning. There are four in this chapter and three in the next. Each has a similar format of celebrating what they are doing well, then looking at the growth area. The common area of mistake is when we try to figure out which of the churches out current church is. These churches are not offered as a checklist for us to determine which one is us. We are all of these churches.

Any church fits into any of the celebrations and growth edges offered here in Revelation. We could all use to walk more closely with our first love, we must all be ready to persevere in persecution, we all have people teaching things contrary to God, and we all have people who we know to be leading people astray, yet we allow them to do it. So why include the letters?

The first reason is the writer was told to include them as a part of the vision given by God. This by itself is a good enough reason, but there is more. In these letters we find ourselves. In finding ourselves we find that the struggles of the church have not really changed over the centuries. Our modes of functioning have changed, and different times have highlighted different challenges, but overall, the church is still the church, people are still people, and God is still God.

Once again, and we will see this several times in Revelation, the details are not to be the tripping point. We focus on details because we have been trained most of our lives to look at details. The original audience would not have been looking for details, rather they would look for the overarching message. So what is it? Jesus is telling us to pay attention. Those who have ears to hear... that means those who are willing to really take a look. Those who are preparing themselves for the coming days. Often people say God is not speaking, what that often translates to is I do not like what God is saying. In other words, many people do not have the ears to hear.

Are we paying attention? Do we have ears to hear? Or are we caught in the details that really do not matter?

Revelation 1 -- The End, Now?

2009-12-01T07:57:00.002-05:00

As we begin the final month of 2009, we reach the end of the New Testament. Up to this point we have journeyed through the Gospels, the works of Paul, and the many letters. We have read about the beginnings of this thing called the church, and seen the many warnings for the people of the church. Now we reach the end of the Biblical record. It seems like a strange time to dig into Revelation. We have now stepped both feet into Advent, the season of preparation, and it seems as though focusing on the birth of Christ might be more in order. This is the perfect time to wrestle with this challenging book, as we are in the season of preparation.

The birth of Christ has taken place, and that is cause to celebrate. While we celebrate memory is given to the fact of the cross hanging over the manger. Our Savior was born to die, only to be raised from the dead so we too might be raised. Ever since Jesus was taken back to the throne room we have been in the Waiting. Better yet to say, we have been in a season of anticipation and preparation. Humanity was given a promise, that Christ would return and set right all of creation in final victory over the enemy. While we hold the promise, it has not yet been realized.

Over the next month we will journey together through some additional warnings for the church, as well as begin to look at what it might be like when that day comes, and all is settled in creation. It will be a strange trip as some points, other times it will be a challenging trip, yet in the end it is all to prepare us for the return of the One.

So prepare your hearts. Prepare your mind. Get ready for what God is ready to do in this time of waiting and anticipation. I pray that we may find the end to be exactly where the beginning starts.

2 Peter 3 -- Are You Ready?

2009-11-30T09:02:00.002-05:00

As I write this I am looking out the window at a gray and rainy day. If the weather people are correct this is how the last day of November for 2009 will go. As we welcome December first it become very real that Christmas is nearly upon us. Soon all the conversations will at some point turn to the question of whether we have all our Christmas shopping done. The real question that is being asked there is, are you ready? I wonder if we are ready for Christmas? Not the gifts and parties and all that. Are we ready to celebrate the coming of Christ to our world?

In 2 Peter the conversation is around the second coming of Christ. But whether it is the celebration of Christ's first coming, or the triumphal return of Christ, the question remains the same, are we ready? No matter what the so called experts say, and no matter what all the predictions might point to, we do not know when the hour will be upon us. Therefore we must always be ready for that moment. This is where being ready to celebrate Christmas collides with the second coming. Being ready means having our lives centered around Jesus Christ. There are many things which would distract us and draw our focus from Christ. Being ready means being deeply connected to God through Jesus Christ. Are you ready?

The moment will come when it is too late. That moment is not know by anyone except God. For this moment however, there is time to get ready. We have time to get our lives centered around Christ. We have time to get connected with God. So put down the credit card. Do not get that shopping cart. First, stop and ask God to meet you. Then follow what God puts in front of you. Conform your life to the life Jesus showed us in the Scriptures, and you will be well on your way to being ready.

2 Peter 2 -- False Teachers

2009-11-28T08:12:00.003-05:00

It seems as though as long as there has been time, there has been the potential for people to teach about God in false ways and for false motives. What we read in 2 Peter 2 was not the firs occurrence of false teachers. The Old Testament is filled with false teachers. All through the New Testament we find false teachings. Since the Biblical record was established we can look through the history books and find false teachers about the things of God. Even with it being nothing new the questions remains, why?

The list of reasons is as varied as it is long. Some do it for personal gain. Others doing it in good faith that what they are teaching is pure. Still others knowingly deceive. Whatever the reason or the time, there will be false teachers. They key is not figuring out why, or how to eliminate them. The key is keep ourselves from being sucked in. Emotion, desire and weakness can cause us to follow after teaching which we know is not godly. We must find ways to recognize and test what we are being taught so that we might discern whether it is godly or not. The first and best measure is to look in the Scriptures. All things must be consistent with the Holy Scriptures, if it is not, the teaching is false. Just because we do not like what is being said is not a reason. The test of scripture is the ultimate measure.

For those who would be false teachers the future is not good. Destruction and death await. The same goes for those who forsake God and follow after the false teachings. The signs of false teaching are all around, and God will go through great lengths to show us the truth, i.e. Balaam's donkey. We must submit to the guidance of God, and test everything that we might not fall prey.

2 Peter 1 -- Keep Going

2009-11-26T08:25:00.002-05:00

You know the day. It has been one of those long days where motion was constant. From the moment you stepped out of bed until the moment you find your bed again it has been go. There is something so satisfying about that moment. It seems as though we could stay in that moment forever. In our journey with God we have the same thing. We work hard to enter into a disciplined journey, curb the things which need it, and initiate the things which need it. The point comes when we are ready to sit back, relax and let our faith work for us.

Peter warns us not to do do this. We are in fact on a journey and we need to keep going. This does not mean we do not stop every once and a while to take in the view, or catch our breath. It means we continue to add to and build upon our faith. There is not a point when we are done. Being Thanksgiving, there is not a time when the little red timer pops us letting us know it is turkey time. The journey we are on is an effort. In the midst of the effort we find joy, peace and love, but it is an effort nonetheless.

The rest of our earthly pilgrimage is to be one where we continue to grow in faith, love and hope. Days when we are tired and just do not what to keep going. Take a few moments to catch your breath, rest a little, and then keep going. When on a journey that is the key to getting to the place of calling, keep going.

1 Peter 5 -- The Lion

2009-11-26T07:57:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite places to go with my children is the zoo. The excitement the girls show, wait not show, they ooze, catches me every time. From the pacing tiger to the lazy alligator they love them all. The local zoos we go to do not have one of my favorite animals, the lion. There is just something about the lion which draws me in. It is a combination of fear and wonderment. This majestic animal who could tear me limb for limb also captures me. I love watching the shows which track the lion in the African Safari. Some poor unsuspecting wildebeest will be grazing and then wham the pride of lions is upon it. Before the attach there is a strange organization, followed by an intentional prowl, then the pounce.

Peter warns that Satan is the same way. This is where I break from liking the lion, love the lion, not at all a fan of Satan. The hunting technique is the same however. We go about our daily lives, doing what we always do. Often we are unaware of the danger which lurks around us. Satan is on the prowl like the lion. Measuring us up, planning and plotting for the opportunity to pounce. Like the wildebeest, we are oblivious to the fury that is about to be unleashed in our direction. Peter says be alert.

I do not thing we need to run around in fear of Satan, "Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world". Still we have to be aware that he is out there looking to have us for lunch. Fear is one of the greatest tools used by Satan to keep the Body of Christ at bay. Fear does not need to be our response. Awareness and connection with God are the ways we overcome.

May we know the lion is on the prowl. May we also know the Lion of Judah is a bigger, stronger and more powerful lion. May we be aware of the threat, but also the victory we have in Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4 -- What Makes You So Different?

2009-11-24T07:48:00.002-05:00

There is an expectation that life will be easy. I am not sure where this expectation comes from, and I am pretty sure this expectation changes depending on the culture you emerge from. Here in the West, the expectation is life should be easy and when it is not we are really good a complaining. Peter seem to know that people would expect life to be easy, and that we would be confused when it was not. Most of his letter is spent reminding us that living for God will bring challenge and suffering with it. Yet, we fall prey to the idea that life should be easy.

What makes us think we will so different than all those who have come before us? Better yet what makes us think that we should have it any different than the One who sets us free, Jesus Christ? Sure because of Jesus we do not suffer in sin, that was cared for at the cross, but we suffer at the hands of those who knew how we use to be. A nasty gravitational like pull exists in our society which pulls us to a life filled with all the earthly pleasures. It is not that God does not want us to have any earthly pleasures, it is simply we must pursue God more than these pleasures.

For centuries the people called Christians have faced persecution and trail of many kinds. Living for God through the grace of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit will cause you to be at odds with the standards of this world. If it does not, then it is time to take a good look at your journey and see how closely you are walking with God. It seems pure pride and audacity to think we should have it different than all those who have come before us. The only time when the persecution and trail will end is when Jesus returns. Until then we can expect life to have challenges. The easy life is a myth the world offers to sidetrack humanity. The good life is not found in the stuff acquired, rather in the path followed.

May we all join the cloud of witnesses who remained faithful in the face of trail. May we know that part of our unity with centuries of followers before us, is the suffering, trails and tribulation. May we count is all joy to be considered worthy of suffering for the sake of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 3 -- Suffereing For Good

2009-11-23T09:48:00.002-05:00

The beginning of this chapter starts on a subject many are afraid to handle nowadays in the Western world. This hesitancy comes in part because of how the short passages have been lived out. Often the focus is heavily upon the role of the wife to submit. This is short sighted for two reasons, one there is plenty of evidence in the scriptures that husbands have some work to do as well. The second is our understanding of submission. We have taken the word to mean a form of weakness. This is not the original intent, it means yielding to a husband, but not simply allowing whatever the husband wants.

However that is not the focus today. This idea of suffering for doing good. Few things fly in the face of modern Western culture more than the concept of suffering for doing good. Evidence is seen early in life when we are encouraged to do the right thing in classrooms and school yards. While there might be some accolades from teachers, much suffering comes at the hands of peers for those who are the "good" kids. Rarely is doing good or the right thing rewarded in our culture. Yet the prevailing thought of many is if I do good things, I should get rewarded.

Peter tells us that we do in fact get rewarded, but it is a different kind of reward. Like Noah, our reward is from an eternal perspective not an earthly one. I cannot imagine the ridicule and out right persecution Noah faced as he was building the ark. I am sure Noah suffered for doing what was right and what God called him to do. The same is true today. The culture we live in has a distorted view of what is good and right, and often in conflict with the call of God. When we begin to follow God more than culture, we will suffer. The reality is we are all going to suffer in some form, why not suffer for doing what is godly and eternal?

Doing the good and right thing might be difficult. We must still however, continue to do it. Additionally we must not look around us for encouragement and support, sometimes our only support in doing good is from God. May we be found as people of God doing what is right.

1 Peter 2 -- Cornerstone

2009-11-21T06:55:00.003-05:00

The stone that the builders rejected has now become the chief cornerstone. In many forms and variations this quote has echoed through time. In the world of the church we know the chief cornerstone, or capstone, is Jesus Christ. A building is not complete without the capstone, and the capstone was the primary identifier of the building. It is not an easy job being the cornerstone, but it is the role Jesus plays.

All people must decide what they are going to do with the cornerstone of faith. Will we be counted in the people who celebrate Jesus, or will we be counted in the people who reject him. As the writer here in Peter says, those who believe will see Jesus as precious, those who do not will see Jesus as a stumbling block. Filled with all kinds of rules and regulations. For those who reject the cornerstone, all they will see in Jesus is someone who limits their freedoms, and someone who's name has been used to justify horrible things. These people will not see the true Jesus.

The true Jesus gives us freedom, but not as we are accustom to having freedom. Freedom in Christ comes from denying ourselves and the desires which rage with in. The greatest freedom is not defined by being able to do whatever we want to do, it is defined by not be captive to whatever we do. When we allow our desires to drive what we do, often the result is guilt and regret. If we allow Jesus to be our cornerstone, the completing force and primary identity, we will follow his ways. His ways lead to life, fullness and freedom.

1 Peter 1 -- Be Holy

2009-11-19T08:30:00.003-05:00

If that isn't a big challenge for the morning. Be holy, because I am holy. Many mornings I have trouble being awake much less holy. Ah, but if it is up to me I cannot find holiness, it is only through Jesus Christ that we find this holiness. It is helpful to look back a little in this section to see where the writer describes what it would mean to be holy. We are not left to simply guess we are given clues to what the holy life is all about.

The starting place is with Jesus. Without the sacrifice of Jesus, we do not stand a chance. From before the dawn of creation Jesus was selected for the work of making us holy. That is pure and presentable to God. If we are going to live into this holiness we must have a life characterized by a few things. Self control, the hope of grace in Jesus, non-conformity with evil desires, and to follow our leader. The section of Peter where this is outlined begins with some very important words, prepare your minds for action.

So often in our faith journey we sit around and pontificate about the great meanings of who God is and who we "ought" to be. People spend their entire course on this earth contemplating these lofty things and never find them. Why? The have prepared their minds, but not for action. There is a perfect balance to be found between knowing and doing. When our primary mode of operation is knowing God, we often know about God, but do not know God. When our primary mode of operation is to always be doing, our faith can lose its foundation. There must be a middle, and there is.

This middle is not easy. We must find time to think, ponder and study the things of God, while at the same time allowing the study and thinking to produce in us action and fruit. The holiness Peter refers to is totally about the work of Jesus Christ making us holy. It is also totally about being people who become like Jesus in our holiness though being about the things Jesus was about. Confused yet?

Being holy, is not about the knowledge of God, it is about knowing God, and doing what it is that God is about in our world. Are we being holy?

James 5 -- Waiting

2009-11-18T07:40:00.002-05:00

One of the hardest things for me to do is wait. Whether it is at a stop light, at the grocery store, or for things to develop at the church. Waiting seems to produce in me an anxiousness which is not always helpful or healthy. The ultimate waiting game is waiting for the return of Jesus to establish the fullness of the kingdom of God.

In the Western world I am not sure we anticipate this quite the same as other places. In our comfy Christian worldview we are not challenged much for holding to Christianity. Sure there may be criticism and name calling. I know people who have lost jobs because of the faith relationship with Jesus. Yet, I am not sure there are many people in the Western world who are at risk of their life because of Christ. Often it is not felt that we need Christ to return because we are doing just fine on our own. And they say people don't believe in myths anymore. For the audience James was written to this was a huge issue, an issue of life and death.

Most of the early followers believed they would see Jesus return in their lifetime. Couple that with a culture that was hostile to those who followed Christ, and you have a lot of suffering. People would hold fast to Christ, the government and other religious organizations would pressure and persecute the followers. All of the persecution would have gone away if they would simply give up on their Jesus. James reminds them to stay strong, and be patient in waiting for the Lord.

I wonder how many people think Jesus will return in their lifetime? I mean not as a theological possibility, but as an actual belief. Do we live our lives with a patient endurance, ready for that day at any given moment? How might we live differently if we truly expected Christ to return in our lifetime. What would life be like if we lived in a place where our life was in danger because of that belief? Funny in a place and time when there is room for people to safely hold that belief many have abandoned it, and in the time and place where it was not safe, many clung to it for life.

James 4 -- You Can't Always Get What You Want

2009-11-17T06:46:00.002-05:00

Very few are the people who do not have a running list of things they want. The list is complete with both material and non material things. On this list there are hopes and dreams, plans and desires. For the follower of Christ there is an appropriate tendency to bring these things to God in prayer. We pray fervently, with great hope of what God will offer to us. What do we receive? Nothing, or at least not what we have desired.

I know it seems simple and has been said before, but believe it or not what we want is not always in our own best interest. Have you ever had the experience of getting exactly what you were looking for, only to find out it caused more trouble that did good? The reality is we should take all of who we are to God and offer it up. This means our list, hopes, dreams and desires, however, we must remember that it is God who is in control not us.

Especially in the Western world we think we are in charge. What we do, where we go, all the details of life seem to indicate we are in charge of our lives. This is a false perception. Ultimately God is in charge of everything, and allows us choices, but we do not always make the best choices. When it comes to our list, it is not bad to have a list, we must remember that it is up to God if the list becomes a reality. We might have a three year plan to see the list come to reality, but we have no way of knowing what life will be like tomorrow, much less three years from now.

So, what are to do, give up? Yes and no. We should never stop striving or having a list. At the same time we should remember who is in charge of the list. Life does not always play out as we want, some would say rarely does it. If we submit ourselves to the author of life, God, than we might not get what we want, we will get what we need. Hey that is catchy, I think someone should out that in a song, "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you get what you need." too late it is already there.

Let us thank God that we do not always get what we want, and that God offers to us what we need more. May we have the faithfulness and courage to choose what is being offered to us by the great God of the universe, and see it is what we need.

James 3 -- Watch Your Mouth

2009-11-16T09:38:00.002-05:00

Humans are verbal people. No matter what the language or dialect, people communicate through verbal means. This is not the only way communication happens, yet it tends to be primary in our culture and many others. The words which come from our mouths have great potential. These words can build up or they can hurt. Words have the ability to enlighten, or they can cause greater ignorance. Whenever we have opportunity to speak, we have great ability to impact those who are hearing.

When you think about the words you say, are they carefully selected, or are they from the top of your head. If you are like me the answer depends on the situation. There are times when I carefully select the words, other times when I do not. No matter what the situation, it is important that we are mindful of our words. Those who are followers of Christ are to watch their mouths.

It use to be the grandmother rule could be invoked. I no longer use that rule. It seems no matter who you look at the potential for poor of foul language exists in all of us. The times when those impure words jump from my mouth, I feel a sense of loss. It shows my connection with God is not as strong as I would like it.

After spending a few moments scolding myself, I quickly move to seeking God. Only with a connection with God can I offer pure and holy words. Without God my words quickly become tools of hurt, pain and ugliness. The closer I grow with God in my journey the less I find these words coming out of my mouth. The frequency they come to my mind is sad, but even that is becoming less as I journey closer.

May we all watch out mouths today. May we speak words of purity and encouragement. May only praise of God come from our lips.

James 2 -- Faith and Works

2009-11-14T08:20:00.003-05:00

How is it that we can tell whether someone has faith or not? They can tell us all about their faith. How much they love Jesus, and how great they think the commandments are. It is easy to talk a real good faith, but is that the measure? James would say no, and I would agree. The best measure of a persons faith, or relationship with God through Jesus Christ is found in their actions.

James proclaims that faith without works is dead. The relationship we have with God through Jesus Christ is seen in the actions we take. When we look at the life of Jesus the gospels tell of his death and resurrection, but most of their effort and energy focus on his life, how Jesus lives, the actions he was about. Had Jesus simply said I am the Son of God, the Messiah, the One you have been waiting for, and had not works to support it, people would not have followed. Claims alone will not get you very far, we must put actions to our claims.

While we are putting actions to our claims there is an important truth which cannot be overlooked. Our actions alone will not get the job done. If we do all the right stuff, minister with the people God brings our way. If we major in deeds, but do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ we are lost. It is through the grace of Jesus Christ alone that we enter into a full relationship with God, no amount of good deeds can do this.

So we see it is the two working in harmony. We must claim and accept the grace of God offered through Jesus Christ. We must also have that claim produce in us all kinds of good works for the sake of the kingdom of God.

James 1 -- Killing Sin

2009-11-12T08:21:00.002-05:00

"Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when fully grown, gives birth to death" v15.

Wow, James sure lays it out clearly. Those impure desires which show up in our lives if allowed to grow and develop will give birth to sin on our lives. Sin starts with impure desires. We have a chance to cut sin down before it takes root. Many people do not live mindful of their desires, or even measuring whether their desires are pure or not. This comes from the fact that an increasing number of people live totally out of their desires. If we test our desires, and find ways to stop the impure, or unholy desires, then we stop sin before it can be born.

What happens when one gets through? When desire gives birth to sin then what. The way James lays this out, even that is not terminal. Once sin blossoms into life, we can still keep it from resulting in our death. This is where Jesus comes into play. We can put sin to death through Jesus before it has a chance to invade our lives and lead to our destruction. Once again this does not have to be terminal. Sin which is not dealt with will grow, and rule our lives. This will ultimately lead to death. It does not have to. Kill sin while it is still young and has not grown to control our lives.

Take some time today to look at your life. Where are you having desires that are not godly and pure? Where have you allowed sin to grow? It is not too late. As long as you have breath, and the Lord waits for the return there is time to embrace life. The scary part is we do not know how much time we have. The hour and day of the return and final judgment are not know. We cannot do anything about that. What we can do is be sure we are ready at any given moment. How are we ready, we put sin to death, before it has a chance to grow and kill us.

Hebrews 13 -- Just In Case

2009-11-11T10:57:00.002-05:00

Here the writer concludes the letter titled Hebrews. In this last section labeled chapter 13, we find a whirlwind of encouragements. It is almost as if the writer were running down a list of things they wanted to make sure and say. With so many different things thrown in it is hard to focus on any one. We must consider them as a whole, as a just in case I forgot to mention something here is a list.

Prayer plays a big role in this chapter. Praying for others, the imprisoned, those being mistreated, the writer themselves. There is a call to remain true to the teachings of Christ and not get drawn away. We find an exhortation to obey and submit to leadership. This hodge podge of encouragements comes together to offer words of how to continue in the covenant of Christ.

These words are not simply locked in a time long gone by. These are words which are important for us today. We must continue to live the eternal covenant which we are sealed to through Christ. It matters how we live out our faith. It matters whether we simply recognize Jesus as Savior, or if we journey to have our lives look like his. Keep on walking the journey.

Hebrews 12 -- Discipline

2009-11-10T08:35:00.002-05:00

Just the mere presence of the words causes all kinds of issues for us. Whether it is the correction of a behavior, or the commitment to engage in a process of health, discipline is usually high on the to do list and low on the follow through. Discipline is one of those words and ideas which has become outdated in some circles. Yet here we find in the Scriptures Hebrews 12 and a discussion about discipline.

The writer is clear, no one really enjoys discipline when it is going on. Usually there is a measure of pain and dissatisfaction with discipline. Oh, but when we come through the round of discipline and look back we are often thankful. When it comes to discipline in our lives the way we experience the discipline of God has a lot to do with how experienced discipline in our formative years. Some were fortunate enough to live in homes where discipline while tough was done with great love and grace. Others lives in homes where discipline was metered out higher of the tough and lower of the love and grace. While others still had to deal with brutal discipline, often physical, and an absence of love and grace. It is easy to transfer the way we were disciplined to the way that God is going to discipline.

I am going to focus on those who experienced a very harsh and unloving discipline in their formative years. When folks in this group experience the discipline of God, there is an increased focus on the pain and suffering. This is the only way they know discipline to function. There is an expectation of God simply beating them, and moving on. That is not how God disciplines. The pain may be there, the suffering may be there, so won't God. We have heard it said, "This is going to hurt me more than it will hurt you." In earthly terms, that is not always real true. When it comes to our godly correction, the hurt and pain are equal. God is not looking for ways to get us, and to have to go through trial. God would rather spend all the days in delightful conversation. We, humanity, tend to stray from the plan and the result is discipline. It breaks God's heart to see us in pain, yet God knows that is how we will learn and be trained in the ways of following.

Discipline is painful, none of us really look forward to it. Yet, without discipline we would be even more trapped in the endless cycle of going our own way. Remember when times of discipline come, find a way to see God with you, growing you, longing to see you become more of who you are designed and created to be.

Hebrews 11 -- By Faith

2009-11-09T07:50:00.002-05:00

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the Hall of Faith. References to many of the faithful described in scriptures offered to us as examples of faith. While I would like to play editor with the list to be include a few others like Ruth, and Deborah, possibly Esther, the list stands before us a testament to what faith in God can produce.

Each of the individuals listed were ordinary people. They may have been elevated to great position, however, they were anybodies just like you and I. The thing which qualified them for this list was not their greatness, it was the faithfulness. In the midst of big challenges and overwhelming odds, these people trusted God more than they trusted what they could see right in front of themselves. Faith was the qualifier, not results in and of themselves. By faith these men and woman lived as examples to us all what happens when everyday people have faith in God.

God may be calling you to build an ark, to sacrifice that which was promised, to put it all on the line. What you are able to see right in front of you might be telling you to do something else. What will you do? Faith is having more trust in what is unseen than in what is seen. Circumstances can seem huge, and too much to overcome. The visual mountain in front of us could cause us to give up. It was Jesus who said if you have faith even as small as a mustard seed you can tell that mountain to move, and it will. I do not rule out God's ability to move a physical mountain, however, I cannot help but wonder if Hebrews 11 is connected with the prayer that moves mountains.

What mountains are you facing today? Do you have more faith in the mountain or in God? Where you place your faith will have everything to do with how you view the mountain.

Hebrews 10 -- Let Us

2009-11-07T10:38:00.002-05:00

Here in Hebrews 10 we have a series of let us statements. Let us draw near to God with sincere hearts. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess. Let us consider how we may spur one another on in love. Let us not give up meeting together. Let us encourage one another. Essentially all these things encourage us, the followers of Christ to live together in a community of hope. A place where the community does not simply coexist, rather it thrives as it comes together to be the people of God revealed through this earthly pilgrimage.

This is not a series of may yous, no it is a series of let us. While each individual must do their part, it is the community that must work together in such a way that the love of Christ is evident to all those who would see this community at work. I wonder what it would be like to find a community that together drew near to God, that lived out the hope found in Jesus Christ. What would happen if a community of people spurred one another on in love, met together regularly simply to be together with God. How would it work for a community existed to encourage one another in the relentless pursuit of God with reckless abandon.

This has been the challenge to the church, The Body of Christ for centuries. For centuries the challenge has been amplified because of the same reason, humanity. Only through the power of Jesus Christ do we play well together. Left to our own devices we bicker, and take sides. We make the journey about us instead of being about God. It is easy for us to think we are the primary actors in the drama, everyone else is the supporting cast including God. As Francis Chan has stimulated us to think, what if we are a part if the movie God is watching. This life is so not about us and our desires. It is about a community of people becoming the people God intends us to be. This is not and cannot be an individual journey. This is one of the reasons the writer of Hebrews reminds, Let us.

Hebrews 9 -- Gruesome Truth

2009-11-05T08:00:00.003-05:00

The topic of sacrifice is never a pretty topic, especially when it comes from the Bible. It seems whenever sacrifice is mentioned in the scriptures it involves blood and the sprinkling of blood on things and people. This conjures up some pretty gruesome images. Could you imagine the next time you are gathered for worship is the pastor started sprinkling blood on everything including you? I am not sure there would be many people in church, and I am pretty sure the pastor would have an all expense paid trip to talk with the local authorities.

Still the Old Testament is filled with images and instances of blood. What is more, the images are connected with our redemption. Each year the high priest would take the blood of pure animals and use it to enter in the Most Holy Place and seek atonement for himself and the people. For centuries this happened. So why doesn't it happen today? Well scary as it is, there are some religious traditions and practices in the world who still carry this on. I do not mean in far off lands where people do not know better. Right here in these good ole United States there are groups in the name of religion who engage in blood sacrifice. Why not in the Christian church?

While the high priest had to go annually to offer the blood sacrifice, Jesus cared for this issue once and for all time. This is part of the whole new covenant. The old covenant required the gruesome act of offering blood. The new covenant still requires such a thing, however Jesus offered his own blood as an eternal sacrifice. Jesus' sacrifice is real, and the blood which flowed from him on the cross was real. The gruesome truth is without that reality we remain hopelessly lost. However, we need not shed more blood, because Jesus' blood still covers our sin.

Human reality has not changes. We are a rebellious bunch who thinks we know best how to navigate this world. Our greatest sin is how often we lean on our understanding more than trust in God. Because of this the gruesome truth remains, sacrifice is necessary for our righteousness. Let us be thankful we no longer need to have actual bloodshed at our gatherings.