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.
Monday, April 30, 2007
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.
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”
“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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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