Monday, April 30, 2007

Apr. 30: Cultivating a Grateful Heart (part 2)

You can either complain that rose bushes have thorns – or rejoice that thorn bushes have roses. ~ Author Unknown

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

~ Father, some people see the glass as half-empty, others see it as half-full, help me to see it as overflowing with Your blessings. Amen.

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Apr. 29: Cultivating a Grateful Heart

I’m a complainer. I’ll admit it. It’s a pattern I don’t like. I have a critical attitude and complaining mouth in too many situations. Why can’t I be more grateful?

Do you find yourself grumbling, having high and often unmet expectations, critical of others? Whether it’s drivers, food, politicians, your spouse, children, your job, your church—do you find yourself being critical or complaining more times than not?

Complaining and being grateful are mutually exclusive. Complainers don’t often show gratitude, and ungrateful people don’t often experience peace.

The Apostle James described a critical tongue (which takes its cues from a critical mind):
But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. James 3:8-12 (NKJV)
Blessing and cursing can’t come out of same mouth, like fresh and contaminated water can’t come from same spring.

Paul instructs us to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colosians 3:15-17

In one verse he links peace to being thankful, and in the next he links gratitude to praise. A critical attitude and complaining mouth can poison relationships. All kinds of people have a hard time being grateful: Suffering, sick people feel angry and abandoned, Poor people think God’s given them the shaft, Rich people take it for granted, Working people think they earned it with their own sweat. Like Bart Simpson who prayed the Thanksgiving Day prayer: “Dear God, dad worked hard and made the money to buy all this food, mom bought it and cooked it, and I set the table—so thanks for nothing”

We may not say that, but we might think it. How does one cultivate a grateful heart? One Word: REMEMBER

Anxiety comes from worry; peace comes from gratitude. As you remember God’s blessings, you begin to thank Him and give Him praise. As you thank and praise God you begin to experience peace. PRAY for open eyes, sensitivity to NOTICE God’s activity and blessings; ACKNOWLEDGE them by singing His praises. You and I will both find ourselves complaining less and being more grateful. Grateful People bring joy to others, are blessed in return, have treasure in heaven, are satisfied and content, please God, and have their needs fully met

Whatever you are complaining about (leaders, kids, $) that thing or person is a gift from God. To complain about the gift is to insult the Giver. Being ungrateful poisons relationships and destroys peace. A grateful heart is a peace-filled heart.

~ Father, replace my complaining heart with a grateful heart. Help me to count my blessings, gifts from Your hand, every day. Amen.

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Apr. 28: Always Joy-filled

Today’s devotion comes from my 14-year-old son. He hopes it’s both comforting and challenging.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

We should learn to be full of joy in all situations. People often complain and gripe about their circumstances. It is important for you to find joy in all situations because then you will have peace and hope for the future.

In Philippians 4:4 Paul, who was in prison at the time, told people to “always rejoice in the Lord”. People show joy in lots of places—football games, concerts and birthday parties. Paul said to rejoice “in the Lord”. You are to be thankful for everything God has given you, and will give to you.

Paul also said to rejoice “always”. That means all the time and forever. You are not to just rejoice when things go well but also when things go badly or when you have doubts and lose faith. Joy does not depend on everything going well. Even when things are bad you can still have joy. Joy is different from happiness. People are happy when things are going well. Joy is having peace even in bad times because you know God is in control.

We are told to have joy in God all the time. You can have joy by thanking God for what you have instead of grumbling about what you don’t have. Imagine if everyone was full of joy no matter what their circumstances were. The world would be a better place. There wouldn’t be so much violence and fighting. What is the worst thing you are facing right now? Can you find anything in your situation to be thankful for? God’s Word teaches us that we can have joy all the time, even in difficult times.

Prayer: “God, help me to be full of joy even when life is full of stress. Help me to know your peace and find a reason to be thankful. Amen”

Friday, April 27, 2007

Apr. 27: Morph Me

I enjoy seeing computer generated images morph, to change from one shape into another or one person into another, then another, then another…with liquid smoothness. The message of Jesus is a message that morphs (transforms) us.

The computer world has borrowed a New Testament word: “mophé.” Galatians 4:19 reads: “My dear children, I am in the pains of childbirth until Christ is FORMED (morphed) in you.” Biology borrowed the word: metamorphosis, the changing of a caterpillar into a butterfly. Romans 12:2a reads: “Be TRANSFORMED (metaMORPHosis) by the renewing of your mind.”

In the gospels we read of the TRANSFIGURATION (morphing) of Jesus. Max Lucado says, “God loves you enough to accept you the way you are, but he also loves you too much to leave you that way.” God is all about us changing, our MORPHING, to be like Jesus. How do we MORPH to be like Jesus?

Ron Martoia, in his book “Morph!” observes that “for most people there is a major disconnect between their day-to-day lives and the fifty-year time-warp they enter when they walk through the front doors of a church. If our relationship with God is mostly informational, non-relational and non-morphic, then how can we pass on anything other than that?” Usually at church tremendous amounts of information go in, but no change to show for it. Churches should strive to offer transformational, relational and morphic experiences. It begins with upholding the truth of Jesus’ teaching.

When the Apostle Paul sought to hand off the ministry to an apprehensive young man named Timothy who did not see himself as a leader, he gave him one assignment: “Get in there and defend the truth, oppose false teachings”: “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work--which is by faith. Truth, for many, is no longer seen as absolute.” (1 Timothy 1:3-4)

Truth is often defined in personal and private ways: “If it works for me, then that’s good enough for me.” It is always to someone’s advantage to distort the truth. Truth does matter, in fact, nothing else is more important. The truth divides people—the deeper the truth the deeper the division. In a sea of relativism, we Christians are to be islands of truth. Our task is to lead people to truth without condoning sin or condemning sinners.

Truth transforms. Grace transforms. The characteristics of a MORPHING soul are “love, which comes from a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5)

The goal of Jesus’ gospel is changed lives. Your wants and desires, your speech, your temper, your lusts, your use of time, your personal integrity, your use of money and love, your patience, your worship and your testimony—Jesus changes it all…for the better. The simpler the gospel message, the harder it is to distort. Jesus meets us at our point of need and speaks God’s truth in love. Jesus came to save sinners—and see them morph into saints. If God can change me, He can change anyone!

~ Father, continue to morph my actions, attitudes, thoughts and words into the likeness of Jesus. Amen.

Apr. 26: Blessing the Nations

1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. 2 "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:1-3 (NIV)

My friend David points out the arrogance of may Americans when he jokingly prays, “God bless America…and nobody else! Okay, God bless Great Britain; God bless Australia; God bless…our allies.” (I'm being facetious, not Fascist) Nationalism of any stripe often gives the impression that they have “Favored Nation Status” with God.

"All peoples (nations) on earth will be blessed through you." This was not spoken to America, or about America. It was said by God to Abram (Abraham), describing God’s dream for His Kingdom-people. God’s plan was to have a people who would be His treasured possession, and through whom He would bless all the nations (people groups) of the earth.

The Apostle Peter desribes the followers of Jesus like this: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)

True Christ-followers are also able to sincerely pray, “God bless Iraq; God bless Iran; God bless North Korea; God bless Somalia; God bless China; God bless France…”

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? (Matthew 5:38-48)

Love turns the other cheek, gives an enemy the shirt off one's back and goes the extra mile; and in doing so unleases the transforming power of Jesus. God is not American; he is not a Republican, or a Democrat. God is God! His “called out ones” (church) are citizens of a new kingdom and our allegiance to God's Kingdom is greater than our admiration or allegiance to any earthly kingdom.

How can God bless the nations through His “Kingdom People”, People of Faith from all “nations”? God’s People will teach the world how to LIVE. God’s People will teach the world how to LOVE. God’s People will teach the world how to truly BE FREE. Not pacifism; not a passiveness that “takes everything lying down”, or an aggressive force that rolls over everything in its path. Jesus' way is a love that says to evil, "enough, you will not do that on my watch!" Jesus' way is a Transforming Force that changes everything it touches for the better.

~ Father, thank you for your blessings. Teach us the transforming power of love and how we can be a blessing to all the nations. Amen.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Apr. 25: The Soul Patrol

I heard the other day that a popular singer, who is very committed to ending global warming, wants Americans to reduce energy use and is calling for laws to be enacted to limit toilet paper use—only one square per…ummm…”visit”, two or three in cases of a “dire emergency.” I suppose this is an effort to limit the number of trees cut down each year.

If you enact a law you typically have someone who enforces that law. Can you imagine the TP Police going around to make sure no one exceeds their one square limit? I understand that this “star” is seriously trying to get this legislation passed. Lots of luck. I imagine someone getting “busted” for TP overuse can use a method of defense that was effective for Jesus: “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” Let him who is not guilty of overuse be the one to enforce the rules. No one would be left to make an accusation.

Okay, this is going downhill fast. Here’s the point: religion often become legalistic and enslaving like that. If religion is based on keeping the law, or a set of rules, then someone is (self) appointed to enforce the rules, to police the actions of others. I think that’s why many people are uncomfortable when they find themselves in the presence of clergy; they assume that person is going to “police” them and chide or “guilt trip” them for any perceived rules violations.

Spirit-led people don’t need to be policed. They do the right thing because they are God-driven and therefore self-controlled. The Apostle Paul put it like this:

“You, my brothers, were called to be free… 16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law (or in need of the law).
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (or no need for a law). 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
(Galatians 5:13, 16-18, 22-25)

Who would enact a law against people being loving, or joy-filled, or patient, or good, or loyal? You don’t need a law, or law enforcer, for people who are being led by the Spirit of God. The problem is our sinful nature and the Spirit are at odds with each other and desire opposite things. One desires the gratification of selfish desires and the other desires God’s Will to be accomplished. “The Message” paraphrases it like this:

19 It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; 20 trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; 21 the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on... If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God's kingdom." (Galatians 5:19-21, MSG)

~ Father, lead me by your Spirit, set me free, let the “fruit” of our relationship be a blessing to others. Amen.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Apr. 24: Power House

Jesus is a power house; a force with which to be reckoned, and it’s always been that way. Upon Jesus’ “Triumphal Entry” into Jerusalem at the beginning of His final week on earth we find Him entering the Temple…and what He did there was astounding:

“Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 "It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers.' " 14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant. 16 "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. “Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, "'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise’?" 17 And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.” (Matthew 21:12-17)

We find Jesus frustrated, driven by righteous indignation, because God’s house was being misused in a way that resembled nothing close to its original purpose.

God’s house is to be a place of purity. He emptied it of those who had profaned it and turned it into a place of personal profit.
God’s house is to be a place of power. Healing is to take place in God’s house. It’s where people come to be set free.
God’s house is to be a place of prayer… for ALL the nations; a place to converse with the Living God.
God’s house is to be a place of praise. God inhabits the praise of His people.

Then we find that we are “God’s House”; the place where He dwells.
Jesus told the Samaritan woman whom He met at the well, “a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” (John 4:23)

Paul told the people of Athens, Greece, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” (Acts 17:24-25)

I hear people (usually muscular, well-toned “gym rats”) say, “My body is a temple.” They miss the main point. Paul instructed Christ-followers to “flee from sexual immorality… (because) your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

~ Father may my body, Your Temple, be a place of purity, power, prayer and praise. Amen.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Apr. 23: What Matters Most

I have struggled with questions and a range of emotions this week in the wake of the slayings of 32 people, students and teachers, at VA Tech this week by a fellow student who then took his own life. Why? How could God allow something like this to happen? You’ve probably had similar questions.

Students want to know if something like this could happen at their school. Parents who’ve entrusted their children to school officials question whether or not enough is being done to keep them secure. Teachers wonder if the quiet, sullen kid in their class might be a ticking time bomb.

Older adults, who grew up sleeping with the windows open and the doors unlocked, wonder what has happened to the country they knew—this new America if plagued with drugs, saturated with sex and violence, and rife with racial tensions. Survivors wonder why they were spared and the person next to them lost their life.

The Bible has an answer for what’s going on—but we don’t like to hear it. When Adam and Eve partook of the tree that God has said was off limits, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, they brought evil into the world. The Apostle Peter wrote to persecuted Christians (he himself was martyred for the faith, crucified upside down) and told them,”the end of all things is near.” (1 Peter 4:7) Jesus said there would be wars and rumors of wars, natural disasters (do the words Katrina and tsunami ring a bell?) and increased violence, and that things would get worse before they get better.

We try to make sense of what seem to be senseless circumstances. So “the end or all things is near”, so what are we supposed to do? If you knew that today were your last, how would that effect how you live today? Would you live differently? What would you change?

The first thing Peter says to do is pray, which has to do with our relationship with God; "be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." (1 Peter 4:7)

The second thing is to “love each other deeply and overcome each other's sins with love.” (1 Peter 4:8) This is the most important thing because he begins with “above all”. Love each other and forgive each other. Relationships matter most, so love like there’s no tomorrow.

Then he says, “offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." (1 Peter 4:9) Since today might be your last open your heart and home and have someone over to share a meal! Relationships matter most, so love like there’s no tomorrow.

The last thing: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others." (1 Peter 4:10) Use your gift to serve those around you because the end is near. Relationships matter most, so love like there’s no tomorrow.

It might surprise you how mundane and generic all these things are. They all have to do with relationship. Today might be your last so talk to God, love and forgive people, have some folks over for dinner, and serve others. Relationships matter most, so love like there’s no tomorrow.

A couple of years ago County music singer/songwriter Tim McGraw recorded the song “Live Like You Were Dying”:

He said I was in my early 40's,With a lot of life before me,
When a moment came and stopped me on a dime.
I spent most of the next days,Lookin' at the x-rays,
And talkin' 'bout the options & talkin' 'bout sweet time
I asked him when it sank in,This might really be the real end,
How's it hit you,When you get that kinda news? Man whatcha do?

He said I was finally the husband,That most the time I wasn't.
And I became a friend a friend would like to have.
And all a sudden goin' fishin',Wasn't such an imposition,
And I went 3 times that year I lost my Dad.
Well I, I finally read the good book,And I, took a good long hard look,
At what I'd do if I could do it all againAnd then...

I went sky divin'I went Rocky Mountain climbin'
I went 2 point 7 seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu
And I loved deeper,And I spoke sweeter,
And I gave forgiveness I'd been denyin'
And he said someday I hope you get the chance,
To Live Like You Were Dying

~ Father, help me to realize that relationships matter most, so I need to love like there’s no tomorrow. Amen.

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Apr. 22: An Anchored Soul

I love to kayak. Sometimes we get to head out to the western part of Virginia, out near the mountains, and play in some "white-water". Mostly we’re in the Tidewater area or in North Carolina on flat-water. We paddle around the shipyards and big tankers in Norfolk Harbor and my friend Larry even paddled around the battleship U.S.S. Wisconsin which is anchored at the Nauticus Museum.

One of the things astounding about these ships is their sheer size, and being next to one in a kayak puts things in a unique perspective. The anchors are monstrous; which got me thinking the other day…

How big is my anchor? “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19) Hope in what? Hope for everything God promised; which also brings into play our faith. How big is my faith, my trust, in God? Beth Moore makes the point, “I’m not asking if you believe in God, but do you believe God? Do you take Him at His word? Do you trust Him?

We are asked by God, “Do you trust me?” But the relationship isn’t just dependent on our faith, but also, and more importantly, on His faithfulness. My faith make falter at times. Doubts may try to find a home in my heart; His faithfulness, on the other hand, in unshakable.

I remember as a teenager my pastor raising the question, “Do you have monkey religion or cat religion?” He told the story of a mother monkey carrying her young across a log that had fallen to span a ravine. The baby was holding on for dear life. Unfortunately he lost his grip and plummeted to his death. Nice story, Preach.

He then told of a lioness which approached the same log spanning the same ravine. She took her cub by the nape of the neck in her vice-like jaws and carried it easily to safety on the other side. My pastor got excited, “That’s how it is with God! It’s not about our ability to hold onto Him, but His ability to hold on to us! Do you see your relationship with God more like the monkey or the cat?”

When you combine your faith, your trust, with God’s faithfulness and trustworthiness, the result is a soul anchored and secure.

~ Father, thank you for anchoring me. Thank you for the security of your faithfulness. Amen.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Apr. 21: Team Colors

Orange and Maroon are not my favorite colors, especially together. But I made a fashion exception yesterday, like so many others in our state and across the nation. These are the colors of the Virginia Tech Hokies and on Friday people everywhere donned the school’s colors to show support following the deaths of 33 students on that campus earlier this week. Colors make a statement.

We have an increasing concern in our city about the presence and influence of gangs. The gangs each have their own colors to identify themselves. Certain color hats, bandanas and even shoestrings are banned from local schools because they incite violence between gang members. Colors are important.

I was just wondering, if Christ-followers had “official colors” what they might be. Perhaps gold for heaven’s streets, or blue for baptismal waters, or green to symbolize the growth and maturity taking place in each life.

I think though the best colors would be red and white. The prophet extended an invitation on God’s behalf: “Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18) The red would remind us who we were, the white would remind us who we are. Together they would remind us of the difference made in a life when Jesus is invited in.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." (1 Peter 2:9-12)

Colors are important. Colors make a statement. What if we had team colors like athletes and their fans so you could identify who’s on our “team”? That would be neat. But our identifying mark is not a color, it is an attitude and an action: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35)

Love is not so much a feeling as it is a chosen action. We show our “team colors” by the way we treat our “teammates”, strangers and even our enemies. It is costly to love like God does. It is painful to love people like God does. The first-century Christ followers stood in contrast to their non-Christian neighbors. It was said of them that “they out-lived, out-loved and out-died” those around them. Can your neighbors tell by your words and actions that you’re on God’s “team”?

~ Father, may there never be a question as to whether or not I belong to your “team”, Your family. May I demonstrate Your kind of love to people no matter the cost to me personally. Amen.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Apr. 20: Waiting on God

How do you recharge yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually? That’s a trick question by the way. Real renewal is not self-induced. When we are physically exhausted, emotionally drained and/or spiritually depleted we must turn to a Source beyond ourselves:

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. Some see waiting as passive, as sitting still; others see it as hope and confidence held within while maintaining the same pace. There is at least one other meaning: when you go to a restaurant someone waits on you. They determine your preferences and needs, they take your order, check in periodically to make sure everything is being done to your satisfaction. That puts things in a new light. Those who wait upon the Lord will find their strength renewed.

Much of the time our fatigue comes from serving ourselves, being emotionally consumed with our own “stuff”. Often the greatest refreshment of spirit comes in serving someone other than yourself—although those in service industries know how exhausting serving others can be. Our strength is renewed not just in serving God but in giving Him praise. We are told that God inhabits (dwells, lives, resides in) the praises of His people. Now there’s a thought: when I begin to praise God He resides with me in a unique way.

The Songwriter in the Bible even implored the heavenly beings to praise God:
Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. 22 Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, O my soul. (Psalms 103:20-22)

It applies not just those angelic beings that do God’s bidding and obey His word; nor the heavenly beings alone who do His will; but the earthly being who do those things as well. He resides with us and renews our strength when we are in the acts of praising and serving Him.

~ Father, today I make myself available to be your waiter, to be your servant, to obediently do your bidding and obey your word. Reveal Your desires, for I am here to serve You. Amen.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Apr. 19: Who’s Your Daddy?

The question of paternity has been in the news a lot lately. The baby of Anna Nicole Smith (this is the first and last time I will reference this story in this blog) was the center of international inquiry and endless hours of “news” coverage with interminable debate and speculation on “who’s that baby’s daddy?”

I have a dog who things I’m his daddy. The older I get the more I look like my own Dad. Genetics and heredity can sometimes be unsettling and even scary things. The body shape, the movements, the temperament. I come across pictures of my father when he was my age and can’t tell if it’s him or me.

In Jesus’ day there was much importance given to spiritual paternity. The religious leaders took great pride, and rightly so, in being “Sons of Abraham.” John the Baptizer had some pretty unpopular things to say to them, “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 3:7-10)

Jesus later clarified their spiritual paternity: "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did. As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the things your own father does." "We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself."

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." (John 8:31-47; for kicks read through to verse 59)

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness following His baptism Satan always referred to Him as the “Son of God.” (Matthew 4) When Jesus healed demon-possessed individuals the fleeing demons identified Jesus as “the Son of God.” (Matthew 8) Jesus disciples came to see Him and identify Him as “the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:13, 16:16) Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)

Who’s your daddy? For whom do you live? Whom do you resemble? To whom do you answer? Some folks’ modus operandi is twisting the truth, murdering other’s reputations and self-preservation. Others live to make peace and walk in obedience to God at all costs. Genetics is a peculiar thing—the older we get the more we resemble the one with whom we share the same DNA.

~ Father, I want to love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. More and more, day after day, help me to know You, follow You and resemble You and Your Son. In attitude and action may there never be a question as to my spiritual paternity. Amen.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Apr. 18: Life-Giver

The nation continues to reel in the aftermath of the “Virginia Tech Massacre”. Thirty-two students were shot to death and dozens more injured before the gunman, a fellow student, turned the gun on himself. The questions of “Who?” and “How?” are being answered, but the question of “Why?” may never be known.

The gunman has been identified as Cho Seung-Hui, a 23 year old Senior English major who was born in South Korea. Late Tuesday evening in Seoul, as the shooter was identified, officials reacted to the news with shock and conveyed deep condolences to the victims, their families and the American people. There was also fear that the tragedy could possibly stir up racial prejudice or confrontation.

As the stories of the survivors began being told, accounts of heroism and self-sacrifice led many to tears. One hero is Liviu Librescu, an engineering professor who confronted the gunman when he attempted to enter the classroom. Students inside said Librescu tried to hold the door shut, giving some of them time to jump out the windows. The professor, a 22-year veteran of the university, was killed. He was 75 years old, a World War 2 Holocaust survivor who emigrated from Israel. He followed the example of Jesus, who once said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12-13)

I keep reminding myself of what the Bible teaches: that although we are created in the image of God and each person bears a spark of the Divine, sin has also entered the world and every human heart. Evil does exist and sinful people do hurtful and sometimes horrific deeds. We continue to face daily the consequences of living in a fallen world.

We need a Savior; someone to address our sin problem and do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8)

The Apostle Peter reminds us that “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous (innocent) for the unrighteous (guilty), to bring you to God.” (1 Peter 3:18)

~ Father, I am so grateful that Your Son, Jesus, took the death that was intended for me so I could live free and be reconciled to You. Help me to draw close to You so Jesus would not have died in vain. Amen.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Apr. 17: Why, Lord, Why?

Today we mourn for, and with, the families of those young students at Virginia Tech University whose lives were taken yesterday. Massacre. Intentional. Senseless. We can only imagine, and even then our imaginings do not come close to, what these families must be thinking, feeling and enduring.

Onlookers search for answers to the questions of, “Who?” and “Why?” and “How?”. Fingers are pointed at security officers and officials, and Prime Ministers from other countries not only offer their condolences but take this as an opportunity to explain why their country is better than our country because of their strict gun control…as all of this unfolds there are those who ask “How could God allow something like this to happen?”

This just reinforces what the Bible teaches: sin has entered our world. While each person was made in the image of God and has a spark of the Divine, people also have the capacity to be mean, selfish and destructive to varying degrees. Because every one of us has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Sinful people do hurtful and sometimes horrific deeds. We continue to face daily the consequences of living in a fallen world.

In the days to come answers will be found, speculations will continue, hypotheses will be put forth; and all of that will be of little or no comfort to those who have been touched personally and permanently by this unspeakably horrible act that the word “tragedy” doesn’t even come close to describing. There will also come from this incident stories from people of faith who tell of, and demonstrate, the strength of God.

This event will cause some people to draw closer to God than they have ever been and others will be so filled with anger and bitterness that they will pull away from God. The questions may never get answered and life will never get back to “normal”. God is at work in the midst of all the agony; seeking to comfort and console and heal. “Draw close to God and he will come near to you…Grieve, mourn and wail…your laughter to will change to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:8-10)

~ Father, we don’t understand why some things happen. We pray for the families who have been touched by the violence in Blacksburg. Father, draw them close and comfort them as only you can. Amen.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Apr. 16: Empowering Prayer

Many people believe in the power of prayer. My Muslim friends pray five times a day. In China we saw a Buddhist monastery which had a seemingly endless row on prayer wheels along its outer walls. An old woman spent her entire day circling the monastery, turning all the prayer wheels at she walked. As a Christ-follower I do not believe in the power of prayer as much as I believe in the power of the living God to whom I pray.

Prayer changes things, or better said, the living God to whom we pray changes things—mostly the pray-er. We’ve just come out of the Easter season but I can’t leave it behind. My mind keeps going back to the garden. Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane distraught, downcast, begging God to find another way. So intense was His prayer that the tiny blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin on His forehead burst and it was as though He were sweating drops of blood.

But He came out of the prayer time to face his arresters with confidence and boldness. As Judas and the soldiers entered the garden with torches and weapons Jesus went out to meet them and they “drew back and fell to the ground.” (John 18:3-6) Shrinking soldiers in retreat. What was it that made the difference in Jesus? The circumstances had not changed, but He certainly had—His attitude, His outlook, His resolve.

Are you carrying a burden right now? Maybe it’s physical; bad news from the doctors. Perhaps it’s financial; you’ve gotten into a hole so deep you can’t even imagine a way out. Maybe you worry about your children or grandchildren. What is it they weighs on your mind and robs you of sleep? You pray about it, you ask for a miracle, you beg God to “take this cup from me” like Jesus did, and yet it remains.

When you pray, it’s not so much that God changes your circumstances, but God changes you, the pray-er.

Look at Jesus’ prayer in the Garden. John, when he wasn’t falling asleep, eavesdropped on Jesus and later recorded what he had heard: “…Jesus looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” (John 17:1-5)

Notice in that first verse that Jesus prayed for His own success but only so it could be used as a platform to point others to God. When Tony Dungy, head coach of the Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts, hoisted the trophy back in February the first words out of his mouth were to give the credit for their success to God. That’s the idea—pray for success, but only so you can use your new platform to point to God.

Jesus also prayed for people’s standing with God—whether they were enjoying eternal life or not. We become empowered when we shift from seeking to pray away our burdens to focusing on the spiritual condition of those around us.

Jesus focused on the work God had given Him to do—His purpose, His mission. He was able to look at the “big picture”; looking past His short-term current circumstances to His long-range future allowed Him to get through the ordeal at hand with strength and boldness.

~ Father, teach me to pray like Jesus. When you don’t change my circumstances, change me and equip me to face them. Change the focus of my prayer from me and my burden, to You and Your glory, purposes and priorities. Amen.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Apr. 15: Shall We Dance?

I love dancing! It stills feels a little strange, and very freeing, to say that. Until recently I never danced. I grew up in a very strict religious culture that forbade dancing. We were taught that “bad” people dance, or that if “good” people dance they will think “bad” thoughts and eventually do “bad” things. My teachers saw everything as black and white, not much color. I found out pretty early on that I had “bad” (i.e. sexual) thoughts whether or not I was dancing, or whether or not the girl I was thinking about was dancing. But dancing was a ‘no-no’ nonetheless.

Nowadays my favorite TV show is Dancing with the Stars. The best gift I ever gave my wife was ballroom dancing lessons. We thoroughly enjoy dancing together, although some of the church folks were a little nonplussed. I love the movie Shall We Dance starring Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez and Susan Sarandon. I saw a Nascar fan tonight who loves dancing, too. He was wearing a t-shirt that declared “the only dancing I watch is 3 wide going 200 mph”.

Because of my strict religious upbringing I have spent most of my life looking at God as an angry Father: “Do what I say!”, “Don’t break the rules!”, “Straighten up and fly right or else!”, etc., -- you get the picture. Lately I have come to think of my relationship with God in terms of the dance. The Holy Spirit leads and I follow, trying to match the steps; awkward at first, unfamiliar rhythms, unsure of the next step, lots of stumbling and stepping on toes.

But with practice and patience it becomes effortless and graceful. Graceful—filled with grace. Now that’s a lifestyle worth pursuing. The Bible instructs us to “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.” (Ephesians 5:1). When I was a young child I remember following my Dad and stretching, taking big steps trying to match His long strides. That’s the picture in my mind when I read that verse. Be imitators of God, follow Him, and try to match His steps.

The Apostle Paul also encourages us: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:25). When I see the word “step” I no longer think about walking, but dancing. Keeping in step with the Spirit—He leads I follow. An anonymous writer once made the same comparison. She used the word “guidance” and broke it down as “G(od)-u (you and)-i-dance.”

One, two, three; one, two, three; one, two, three… Just as you repeat three simple steps over and over and the result is a beautiful waltz, so there are three simple steps to following Jesus. Three easy steps: Knowing and loving God, growing to think and act like Jesus, showing and telling of God’s love by serving others. The music begins and God offers the invitation, “Shall we dance?”

~ Father, help me to listen for Your music and stay in step with Your Spirit. Amen.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Apr. 14: The Bird Watcher

My Dad had the morning habit of enjoying a cup of coffee while watching the birds feed. He had several feeders for different type birds around the patio and took great pleasure in watching them through the window and learning their habits. His favorites were the humming birds, buzzing about and sucking sugar-water from the suspended basin.

Watching the birds slowed him down and helped him to reflect on life. Stuff and pace are two things to which most Americans are addicted. More, more, faster, faster. These words of Jesus are worthy of reflection:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?


”And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the unbelievers run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”. (Matthew 6:19-21, 24-34)

You are on God’s “radar screen”. You are never unnoticed or uncared for. God watches over you and provides for your every need. Relax. Slow down. Be satisfied with what you’ve been given. Rest.

~ Father, thank you for your provision and attentive care. Amen.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Apr. 13: Fear Knot

This day, Friday the thirteenth, gives rise to anxiety in a great number of people. Those who don’t suffer from Triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13) discount the fear as irrational and superstitious, but that doesn’t make it any less real for those who suffer. We may think someone else’s fear is silly, but take our own fears seriously. Most everyone is afraid on something. A look at www.phobias.com reveal hundreds of fears. H.P. Lovecraft observes that fear is “the oldest and strongest emotion of mankind.”

My dog suffers from Tonitrophobia- Fear of thunder. Others suffer from fear of tapeworms, or clouds, or bald people. If it exists—and even if it doesn’t—it can be feared. Dave Barry says, "All of us are born with a set of instinctive fears--of falling, of the dark, of lobsters, of falling on lobsters in the dark, or speaking before a Rotary Club, and of the words "Some Assembly Required."

FDR, in his First Inaugural Address back in 1933, delivers what is perhaps the most famous quote about fear: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified, terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."
I’m sure there is a fear of fear, although I’m afraid I don’t know what it’s called. There are many times in the Bible when the phrase “fear not” appears; usually uttered by God or one of His messengers. These verses are not very inspiring or offering much comfort for those suffering from Zeusophobia- a fear of God or gods; or a fear of angels.

For me, God’s “fear not” gives some hope for my fear knot. FDR put his finger on the result of our fear: it paralyzes needed effort, our fears often immobilize us. The secret, then, may be not to remove the fear all together, but find a way to make progress even in the face of fear. Lt. John B Putnam, Jr. (1921-1944), a young man who died in WW2, got it right: “Courage is not the lack of fear but the ability to face it."

I personally gain encouragement from the Bible. In Joshua 1:9 God said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble with fear or be dismayed, for I am the Lord your God, and I am with you wherever you go."

That used to feel so battering: “I have commanded you. Suck it up and just do it! You’re afraid? Get over it!” No comfort; even less hope. But I’ve come to hear that differently lately. What if…(my favorite phrase, by the way), what if God we look at God “commanding us” not in the sense of a dictate or demand, but command in the sense of leadership, as one would be a Commander and give direction to troops under their authority?

So I hear God say to me, “Jim, haven’t I been your Commander, your guide, your protector? Haven’t I commanded you in previous battles and seen you through? Haven’t I earned your trust, confidence and respect? Since I have been a faithful Commander to you, trust me, you can do it. Face your fears with courage and don’t let them paralyze you. I am with you wherever you go.”

I am with you wherever you go. I hear the promise of Messiah again: “His name will be called Emmanuel, which means ‘God with us.’” I hear the promise: “I will never fail you or forsake you.” I hear the final words of Jesus: “All authority is given to me in heaven and on earth…and I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

~ Father, replace my fear knots with your “fear nots” and help we to trust you as my faithful Commander. Amen.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Apr. 12: Abundantly Free!

In the movie Pursuit of Happyness, inspired by the true story of Chris Gardner, Will Smith plays the role of the tenacious father who wants a better life for his family. (By the way, I’m still disappointed that Will Smith did not win the Oscar this year for Best Actor). In one scene his son is playing basketball and dreaming of being in the pros one day.

“Hey Dad, I’m going pro. I’m going pro.”

“I don’t know. You’ll probably be about as good as I was, you know. That’s the way it works, and I was below average. So you know, you’ll ultimately rank somewhere around there. You’ll excel at a lot of things, just not this. So, you know, I don’t want you out here shooting this ball around all day and night, alright?”

“Alright.”

He dejectedly throws down the ball. He is finished. As he bags up the ball he bags up the dream; crushed. Chris, realizing what he’s done, and trying to salvage the dream and reignite his son’s passion, says,

“Don’t ever let somebody tell you that you can’t do something—not even me, alright? You got a dream? You got to protect it. People can’t do something themselves they want to tell you that you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it; period."

The father had dreams for the son, but in the process of pursuing his dream he crushed his son’s dream. Every good father has dreams for his son(s) and daughter(s). God, our Heavenly Father, has dreams for us, too. I like the way it’s phrased in The Message, a modern-day English translation:

“Long before God laid down earth's foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love… Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, His blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people— free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either; Abundantly free!” (Ephesians 1:4, 7. The Message)

Abundantly free. Being made whole and holy. Free of penalties and punishment. Not because of our hard work, but because of Jesus. What shall we do with such freedom? Selfishly take care of me and mine? Live for myself and my pleasure?

I want to discover Father’s dream and see it become reality. What’s that we pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”? In gratitude, my dream is to see His dream fulfilled. Jesus stated the dream when He began His ministry on earth. Reading from Isaiah chapter 61, He said,

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19)

God’s dream is to see people become free. Abundantly free. My dream is to see God’s dream become reality. "You got a dream? You protect it." You nurture it. You let God bring it to fruition.

~ Father, help me to live with you and for you, everyday. Help me become what you dreamed me to be. I pray that more and more Your dreams become my dreams. Amen.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Apr. 11: Boomerang Blessings

As a child I was fascinated with boomerangs. These curved, flat pieces of wood when thrown correctly somehow return to their point of origin. The Australian Aborigines used them for hunting. There is, in God’s economy, a boomerang effect—a law of reciprocity: you reap what you sow…and you eat what you reap.

What you send out has a way of coming back to you. It is no Secret, as the popular, but misguided book suggests; it is something God has designed. And it works both positively and negatively—blessings and curses. A sampling of teachings from the Bible reveals God’s heart and mind:

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8)

“God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you.” (2 Thessalonians 1:6)

"Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:37-38)

Our motivation is paramount: we’re not to give in hopes of what we might get in return. It’s not about what we get, but what we give. God wants us to be givers—and givers and good things. It’s not about giving in order to get a blessing for yourself in return, but simply to be a blessing to someone else.

It is God’s nature to give—He is a giving God—“For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, so that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but will have eternal life.” (John 3:16) We give because God is a giver and He wants us to be like Him--to reflect His glory.

God is the Source of our blessings.
Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:16-17)

It’s easy to be deceived into thinking that we are the source of our own blessings. It is also easy to be deceived into giving for the wrong reasons.

What, of value, have you given away today? Why did you give it? God’s blessings have a built in boomerang effect, if our hearts are in the right place. To whom will you be a blessing today?

~ Father, help me to give like you do…and for the right reasons; not for what I may get in return, but just to pass along the blessings that you’ve showered upon me. Amen.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Apr. 10: Imus’ Apology

The news channels are buzzing today over racially disparaging remarks made against the Rutgers University Women’s Basketball Team by radio and television talk show host Don Imus. The ladies of Rutgers competed in the NCAA championship last week and lost to the University of Tennessee, who clinched their 7th national title. On another night the outcome may have been different, making Rutgers the champs. Their "golden season" has been tarnished by the events surrounding Mr. Imus despicable comments.

Imus has apologized for his remarks and offered to meet with the team face-to-face. He has been suspended for two weeks. There is still a growing contingent calling for him to be fired. Press conferences are being held, news coverage increases, and these statements and events once again have brought to the forefront the prejudice, bigotry and racial tension bubbling under the surface in our culture.

How do we handle apologies and forgiveness? We live in a “reality TV” culture where we’re used to hearing “the tribe has spoken” and “you’re fired”. We are used to having a say in which singer or dancing couple gets booted out and who gets to "live" another week. Some have come to see it as a personal right to have a say in their neighbor’s fate.

So I’m sitting here wondering how you and I would feel if everything we said in public were made known to the entire public? How would you and I fare if everything we said in private were held up for public scrutiny? I am not trying to defend Don Imus or anyone else. All this just reminds me that what God says is true: “There is no one righteous, not even one.” “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:10, 23)

Personally, I am grateful that in spite of my rottenness and sinfulness there is hope. There is a God, and He loves me and stands willing to forgive me if I will confess my sins and turn to Him for help. I am reminded of the need to have my own thoughts and words “cleaned up” and made more helpful instead of hurtful.

The Apostle Paul gives advice that I need to be reminded of daily: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

I don’t know what's going to come of Mr. Imus’ career. I’m trying not to judge him too harshly because I’m just as guilty. The only difference is that the hurtful things I have thought or said on occasion weren’t heard by the folks against whom I thought or said them. But if they had been…

And one day they will be. Everything will be exposed. Every word will be accounted for…

~ Father, today I do not want to judge or justify. It has been highlighted again just how much I need You. Like Isaiah I cry out, "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips.” (Isaiah 6:5) Purify my heart and mouth, O Lord, that my words will be pleasing to You and helpful to others. Amen.

Monday, April 9, 2007

Apr. 9: Jesus the Immigrant

The tragic event has shocked local communities, ignited national debate and incited angry protests in some cities. Two beautiful young ladies killed by a drunk driver—innocent, stuck down senselessly and unnecessarily. The driver is an illegal immigrant with a recent history of offenses while under the influence of alcohol.

The Norfolk, VA metropolitan area’s newspaper, The Virginian-Pilot reports: “David Kunhardt and Colette Tranchant asked the community for calm a few days after the deaths of their daughters became the center of a heated national debate about illegal immigration. The whole thing has gotten out of hand, Tranchant said. Their daughters, Alison Kunhardt, 17, and Tessa Tranchant, 16, were killed in an automobile accident. Alfredo Ramos, the man charged in their deaths, had been drinking and was in the country illegally.”

While some wrestle with the question of why God allows such terrible things to happen, talk-show hosts scream at each other about tougher legislation against drunk drivers and still others fume about the need for toughening and strictly enforcing the immigration laws.

One of the effects of all this is that it can cause us to look at people of different races with suspicion. When you encounter someone whom you believe to be from another country, what is your default assumption? Do you initially assume they are here illegally, or do you give them the benefit of the doubt? If our initial reaction is to see people who are different as undesirable and undeserving—as those who do not belong—then what chance is there for real community?

In the Bible there are many instructions for how to treat the alien, stranger, foreigner, immigrant, etc. One passage from the Torah, the Law of Moses, reads: “The immigrant living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:34) God reminds his people that they were once the foreigner, the alien, and this passage ties into the idea that Jesus later taught and has come to be known as the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”

When Jesus was born and received a visit from some “wise men”, astrologers…the Magi. And then we read that “When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. (Matthew 2:13-15) Jesus’ family had to flee to Egypt for safety as King Herod was having all the males less than two years of age put to death. Jesus was an immigrant—whether legally or illegally we are not told.

My point is this: while we grieve other the death of these two young women and sympathize with the parents; while we want to see justice done; we need to also be careful that the events of the times in which we live do not cause us to become prejudice against those who are not like us. It helps me to remember that Jesus, too, was once the immigrant; the foreigner of a different race. I try to remember that each time I encounter someone whose skin and accent are different than mine.

~ Father, help me to be more concerned with Your kingdom agenda than with my national agenda. Help me to be more concerned about someone’s place in Your family than about their place in my country. Change my heart to love my foreign-born neighbor as I love myself. Amen.

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Apr. 8: Jesus the Victor

(From “The Cradle of Hope”, by Max Lucado):
So they do with him what they were expected to do with a dead man. They wrap his body in clean linen and place it in a tomb. Joseph’s tomb. Roman guards are stationed to guard the corpse. And a Roman seal is set on the rock of the tomb. For three days, no one gets close to the grave. But then, Sunday arrives...

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'"


Then they remembered his words. When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. (Luke 24:1-12)

And with Sunday comes light; A light within the tomb. A bright light? A soft light? Flashing? Hovering? We don’t know. But there was a light. For he is the Light. And with the light came life. Just as the darkness was banished, now the decay is reversed. Heaven blows and Jesus breathes. His chest expands. Waxy lips open. Wooden fingers lift. Heart valves swish and hinged joints bend.

And, as we envision the moment, we stand in awe.

We stand in awe not just because of what we see, but because of what we know. We know that we, too, will die. We know that we, too, will be buried. Our lungs, like his, will empty. Our hands, like his, will stiffen. But the rising of his body and the rolling of the stone give birth to a mighty belief:
(From “The Cradle of Hope” by Max Lucado).

What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us” (Romans 6:5–9, MSG).

Eternal life is not just life after death that has no end. “Eternal” not only refers to length of life, to quantity of life, but to quality of life—life full and free right here, right now!

~ Father, thank You for your divine exclamation point on Jesus’ life that continues to send shock waves through history, through human hearts and to spiritual realms of both light and darkness. Jesus is alive—is life—and that life is the light to mankind! Amen!

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Apr. 7: Jesus the Silenced

Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. (Luke 23:50-56)


In “The Cradle of Hope” Max Lucado takes us to the tomb of Jesus:
“Still. Cold. Stiff. Death has claimed its greatest trophy. He is not asleep in the tomb or resting in the tomb or comatose in the tomb; he is dead in the tomb. No air in his lungs. No thoughts in his brain. No feeling in his limbs. His body is as lifeless as the stone slab upon which he has been laid.

The executioners made sure of it. When Pilate learned that Jesus was dead, he asked the soldiers if they were certain. They were. Had they seen the Nazarene twitch, had they heard even one moan, they would have broken his legs to speed his end. But there was no need. The thrust of a spear removed all doubt. The Romans knew their job. And their job was finished. They pried loose the nails, lowered his body, and gave it to Joseph and Nicodemus.

Joseph of Arimathea. Nicodemus the Pharisee. Jesus had answered the prayer of their hearts, the prayer for the Messiah. As much as the soldiers wanted him dead, even more these men wanted him alive.

As they sponged the blood from his beard, don’t you know they listened for his breath? As they wrapped the cloth around his hands, don’t you know they hoped for a pulse? Don’t you know they searched for life?

But they didn’t find it.

So they do with him what they were expected to do with a dead man. They wrap his body in clean linen and place it in a tomb. Joseph’s tomb. Roman guards are stationed to guard the corpse. And a Roman seal is set on the rock of the tomb. No one gets close to the grave.”

~ Father, when hope has died and You are silent, help me to still trust in You. Help me to know in the depths of my heart that You will have the final word…and it will be good! Amen.

Friday, April 6, 2007

Apr. 6: Jesus the Son of God

There is much controversy, even today, around Jesus’ identity. A popular global news network is running a series every morning this week entitled “The Truth about Jesus”, as though we’ve not heard the truth up until now; as though the biblical accounts cannot be trusted.

There are those who say Jesus never existed, others acknowledge him as an historical figure, but say the claims of miracles and divinity were added to this itinerant preacher’s biography by followers decades after his death—those who created the myth of Jesus.

At one point in Jesus’ ministry He asked His disciples to identify Him and He congratulated Peter for correctly identifying Him as “the Son of the Living God.”
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. (Matthew 16:13-17)

During His trial, the religious leaders asked Jesus point blank if He were the Son of God and Jesus affirmed that He was.
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. "If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us." Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God." They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You are right in saying I am." (Luke 22:63-70)

There are those today who make a great distinction that Jesus referred to Himself as “the Son of Man”. It is true, He did. He also affirmed that He was “the Son of God.” Even on the cross, as He breathed His last and announced that His work was finished, there were those who agreed that He was “the Son of God.”
From noon until 3:00 darkness came over all the land. About 3:00 Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:45, 46, 50, 51, 54)

There are those skeptics who see “the son of God” or “the son of a god” as a common title of that day. They claim that Jesus wasn’t claiming for Himself the status of divinity. I believe the biblical accounts are historically accurate and reliable—Jesus claimed repeatedly to be of divine origin and substance.
So what? Jesus thought He was God. So did the Emperor of Rome and other civilizations.

The resurrection was God’s exclamation point on the claims Jesus made. He is God. He is our King. He is greater than any personality, government or power. He wasn’t just an historical figure—He redirected the whole course of human history. If He was the Son of the One True God then He deserves my undived attention...and much, much more. Who do you say this Jesus is?

~ Father, because Jesus was your unique, One and Only begotten Son He deserves my attention and my allegiance. As I look closely at the eyewitness accounts of the gospels I come to the same conclusion as Peter and the Centurion; Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Amen.

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Apr. 5: Jesus the Priest

On the cross we find Jesus the Priest:
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. " Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:32-34, 39-43)

When Jesus was born the Magi brought three gifts: gold, which represented Jesus’ kingship; frankincense, representing his role as Priest, and myrrh, a perfume used in burial.

From the beginning of His life on earth Jesus was recognized as a priest, a bridge-builder, one who “stands in the gap” between God and mankind. On the cross it’s as though He took God with one hand and humanity in the other and reconciled the two together—Jesus did for you what you cannot do for yourself.

The Apostle Paul underscored Jesus' priestly role:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)

The Apostle Peter, likewise, saw not only Jesus' but also His followers' role as priests:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10)

~ Father, I want what Jesus did to count for me. Thank you for not giving me what my deeds deserve. Thank you for Your mercy and grace. Thank you for letting me be Your messenger boy, declaring Your gospel of reconciliation and freedom. Amen.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Apr. 4: Jesus the Healer

Jesus had attracted crowds not only (or even primarily) to hear Him teach, but to see Him perform miracles—and perhaps acquire healing for themselves or a loved one. Even upon His arrival earlier in the week we find that “the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen” (Luke 19:37) Those in the crowd were eye witnesses to Jesus’ healing power.

Even in the waning hours of His life, as Jesus was being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, we find Jesus the Healer…

When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. "Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."

While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?"

And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour--when darkness reigns." Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. (Luke 22:45-54)

Can you imagine; at what would be the lowest moment for most people--being arrested by armed soldiers; not thinking of yourself but looking to ease someone else’s suffering? Appearances are often deceptive. While all those present perceived Jesus as having less control of the situation than anyone we find that in fact He was in total control.

I must wonder what was going through the minds of His captors as they led Jesus away. I imagine the servant just rubbing his ear and staring at Jesus in stunned disbelief. I wonder if Jesus said anything to the man, or maybe smiled and winked at him! Days later, after rumors of Jesus’ empty tomb and speculations about the whereabouts of the body, the servant no doubt rubbed the once severed ear and smiled to himself. I’ve got to believe this man became one who put his faith in Jesus and became an effective witness; telling the story again and again in the years to come.

Because Jesus is alive today we can still experience His healing touch. Is your point of pain physical, emotional, financial? Invite the Healer into your circumstance today, in faith, and see what happens.

“We know that God is at work in all things for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

~ Father, let me tell of your Son’s healing touch from first-hand experience. Let me be a modern-day witness of His power, pointing others to Jesus. Amen.

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Apr. 3: Jesus the Prophet

Many other religions recognize Jesus as a great prophet, but Jesus claimed to be more than that. That final week He proved Himself to be the Prophet…and more. During the “Triumphal Entry”, on what is celebrated as Palm Sunday, we see this Prophet in action:

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."

Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling. "It is written," He said to them, "'My house will be a house of prayer'; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.
(Luke 19:41-48)

A few days later, as Jesus and His disciples celebrated the Passover and shared that “last supper” together, Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me." (Luke 22:34)

Prophets were forth-tellers, speaking with power and authority the words God had spoken to them (“It is written!” or “This is what the Lord says!”). They were also fore-tellers, giving a glimpse into the future (“the days will come when…”). We see Jesus doing both in this short passage of scripture.

A few days afterward the Prophet would be tested and mocked:
The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?" And they said many other insulting things to him.
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. "If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us." Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God." They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You are right in saying I am."
(Luke 22:63-70)

Seeing Jesus as “just a prophet” may sound very respectful, like a great honor is being bestowed upon Jesus. To see Jesus as simply a prophet is to sell Him short and to dishonor Him. He claimed to be much more than that. History proves Him to be much more than that.

Seeing Jesus as “just a prophet” will not take care of your deepest need…it will not reconcile you to God; and that’s what Jesus came to do. “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.” (2 Corinthians 5:19)

More than a prophet; He is the Son of God; He is Savior, Messiah, Lord!

~ Jesus, thank you for being obedient to the Father. Thank you for being the atoning sacrifice for my sins and for reconciling me to my Creator. I embrace You as my Savior, I submit to You as Lord. Amen.

Monday, April 2, 2007

Apr. 2: Jesus the Teacher

Always teaching; not just blabbering on without an audience; but choosing the moment—strategic. Jesus spent that final week teaching the most important of lessons in the most memorable ways.

He taught the power of faith, who He was, and about the Kingdom of God:
"Have you never read in the Scriptures: "'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed." (Matthew 21:42-44)

He spoke warnings, talk about paying taxes and taught about the End of the Ages. He spoke of betrayal and what matters most:
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40)

He demonstrated the most valuable of lessons:
The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him...”

“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
(John 13:2-17)

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)

Always taking advantage of every teachable moment, Jesus filled those final days with instruction and reminders of what matters most: Love, servant-leadership, His Authority and identity as the Son of God. I encourage to find some time this week to read the specifics of those final teachings (Matthew 21-25; Mark 11-13) and be challenged, comforted and find direction from Jesus the Teacher.

~ Father, help me to focus on Jesus this week: Who He is, how He lived, what He taught. Help me not only to hear, but to put into practice those object lessons about love and service. Amen.

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Apr. 1: Jesus the King

Today is Palm Sunday on the Christian Calendar. You won’t find it on the Jewish, Muslim or Chinese calendars. Palm Sunday marks the day of Jesus’ “Triumphal Entry” into Jerusalem ushering in the final days of his life. It is called “Palm Sunday” because the celebrants were waving palm branches and cheering as he came into the city. I wonder what it would be like to be walking or riding along and find yourself in the middle of a spontaneous parade.

Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it.'"

Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They replied, "The Lord needs it." They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you." (Luke 19:28-44, Matthew 21)

Most kings made an entrance riding on horseback, or being carried on an opulent litter. Here we find the “King of kings”, the “Prince of Peace” riding on a donkey; humility. gentleness. Jesus was proclaiming to be the king about whom the prophet spoke: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'" (Zechariah 9:9)

Later that week the Roman Governor, Pilate, had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross on which Jesus was crucified. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Many of the Jewish leaders read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews." Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written." (John 19:19-22)

What is written on your life in regard to Jesus? Is he your King? Do you order your decisions, priorities, expenditures, conversations around His will and reign?

~ Father, I voluntarily submit to your reign in my life and pledge my allegiance to you as my king. Reign over every part of me for I trust your leadership. Amen.