So the last 3 days have been the culmination of my 21 day journey. It is interesting how the Lord works through these things. This has been quite a drastic transition period in my life...I have been going thru a massive career move, and I found out that I am going to be a Father. I don't think that things could be any more dynamic than they are right now. Yet the entire time God has taught me very specific things. I have learned how to apply my time with God to the wholeness of my life rather than just some ritualistic time period. It has been quite the journey.
I would like to conclude this time with a new perspective. As I have been reading further in the Gospel of John I have noticed something that I feel is worth mentioning. On His journey to the cross, Jesus repeatedly pulled the disciples away from the petty and meaningless things that they were focused on and reminded them of two things...His death for their sins and the necessity of love for one another.
I found this to be a great testament to the message that we must strive to present thru our lives. First is Jesus...the message of salvation thru His sacrifice. Then comes Love...the natural result of salvation thru Christ. Our lives with Christ must be an outpouring of love. Not just our most contemporary definitions, but a fullness of joy...a life of service...a desire for truth that is only satisfied in the presence of the living God. This love is everything that is good and pure. It is not limited to our notions of what is happy and nice. It does not rely on emotion. We must strive to have the love that Christ made perfect on the cross. So simple, yet so complicated. But we don't do it alone...we have the Holy Spirit to direct us.
Father lead us on! Let us bring your love to the dying generations. Teach us, guide us, discipline us, correct us...do whatever is necessary that your will may be accomplished in our lives. Thank you for leading me on this journey. Thank you for your promises. As always...you are great and gracious. Amen.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Day 18...Accountability by the Spirit
Today I learned that God wants our everything...even down to the smallest rhetoric. As I have been navigating a new job, I have been convicted about the the intentional way that I live out being/living in Christ. All of the ways that I tend to cunningly skirt around vocalizing my knowledge of Him have been exposed. When in conversation with another believer, I found myself quieting my voice only when I used a number of key terms...Jesus, Christ, Salvation, The Spirit, ect. The cool part is this: The Spirit convicted me of my wrong doing in this way. I was made aware of the fact that I was actually being timid about the Truth. As I have asked the Lord to search my heart and expose any inconsistency He has been opening my eyes to a number of issues such as this that hinder the work of the Spirit in my daily life. I can't wait to see what's next!
Jesus...I love you. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I ask that you would lead me in my progression of boldness and understanding. Be with me as I move further along in this job, and give me wisdom to know what your will would be in the many new situations I will encounter. Amen.
Jesus...I love you. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I ask that you would lead me in my progression of boldness and understanding. Be with me as I move further along in this job, and give me wisdom to know what your will would be in the many new situations I will encounter. Amen.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Day 17...Jesus first, then the poor
Read this passage and think about it:
3 Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar[b] of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. 4 But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, 5 “That perfume was worth a year’s wages.[c] It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” 6 Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself. 7 Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
So what do we take away from this? Is He really saying that time with Him is more important than serving the poor? Now of course I know that the skeptics will say something like...He was only talking about that specific period in time because he was physically dwelling on earth. I say no way!!! We must realize that it all starts with Him! Our service, our worship, our teaching, our fellowship...it must all begin with our love for Him. How can we ever be effective as the body of Christ if we don't root our being in relationship with Him first? Isn't He the one that does the work? Everything we do must begin with our acknowledgement of His will in our lives. I believe that if we were to truly grasp that concept we would begin to see an abundance of fruitfulness in the church at large because social justice, caring for the poor, loving our neighbors, and many other fruits would be the inevitable result of acknowledging Christ first.
3 Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar[b] of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. 4 But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, 5 “That perfume was worth a year’s wages.[c] It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” 6 Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself. 7 Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
So what do we take away from this? Is He really saying that time with Him is more important than serving the poor? Now of course I know that the skeptics will say something like...He was only talking about that specific period in time because he was physically dwelling on earth. I say no way!!! We must realize that it all starts with Him! Our service, our worship, our teaching, our fellowship...it must all begin with our love for Him. How can we ever be effective as the body of Christ if we don't root our being in relationship with Him first? Isn't He the one that does the work? Everything we do must begin with our acknowledgement of His will in our lives. I believe that if we were to truly grasp that concept we would begin to see an abundance of fruitfulness in the church at large because social justice, caring for the poor, loving our neighbors, and many other fruits would be the inevitable result of acknowledging Christ first.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Day 16...Grace and Cost
Today was awesome! Lots of time walking with the Lord. I wanted to write a short blurb on Grace because I was reminded of something today. The grace of God is not meant to be a license to live as we please, but rather the possibility that we may be justified in the eyes of God without being bound by the law. It enables us to fulfill the law...not to break it. And because we can't possibly fulfill the law on our own, we must give all credit to Him (Eph 2:8-9). This is something to always keep in mind.
I was also reminded of the cost we incur for freedom thru Christ. It is such a popular notion to think that a life in Christ is easy or effortless, and that we have no obligation other than to profess that he is Lord. But what happens when it starts to cost us friendships, time, energy, ect? What happens when we get to the point where we are not energized by positive emotion? Jesus clearly states multiple times in scripture that we have to count the cost of following Him:
27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' 31 "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
I find this very difficult to ask myself...have I counted the cost? Can I finish the race? Will I endure to the end? My endless prayer is that the Spirit will assist me in my daily walk, and that I will live a life worthy of the grace that he has offered me.
I was also reminded of the cost we incur for freedom thru Christ. It is such a popular notion to think that a life in Christ is easy or effortless, and that we have no obligation other than to profess that he is Lord. But what happens when it starts to cost us friendships, time, energy, ect? What happens when we get to the point where we are not energized by positive emotion? Jesus clearly states multiple times in scripture that we have to count the cost of following Him:
27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' 31 "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
I find this very difficult to ask myself...have I counted the cost? Can I finish the race? Will I endure to the end? My endless prayer is that the Spirit will assist me in my daily walk, and that I will live a life worthy of the grace that he has offered me.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Day 15...New stuff
I started a new job today, and I have made a commitment to be the most consistent example of Christ as possible while I am there. I am going to attempt to keep my eyes open and ears in tune to what the Lord is speaking to me. They have a bible study...so maybe I will be able to offer some of the things that He has taught me to that group. Then again, maybe I will just learn some things.
It is such an exciting prospect...isn't it? The fact that we get the endless opportunity to be ambassadors for Christ in this world. I can only hope that I take full advantage of the chances that I am given to offer this love that I have access to.
During my time today I was reading the story of Lazarus rising from the dead. I won't post the whole story because it can be found in John 11, but I was made aware of something different this time around. In this story Jesus was actually described as angry to the point of tears because of the lack of faith that his own followers displayed in the situation. How interesting? Jesus told them time and again that He had it under control, but they kept doubting and acting as if it was all over. So then He raises Lazarus from the dead, and everyone believes again??? Oh how I never want to be guilty of that kind of disbelief. I want to hear His voice clearly, and know that He has it all under control.
Father, I am sorry for the times when it took something miraculous for me to have faith in you. Have mercy on me as I am sinner. Thank you for this job opportunity that you have lead me to. Help me to be aware of the things that you will have me accomplish there. Teach me something new this week. All things in Jesus name. Amen.
It is such an exciting prospect...isn't it? The fact that we get the endless opportunity to be ambassadors for Christ in this world. I can only hope that I take full advantage of the chances that I am given to offer this love that I have access to.
During my time today I was reading the story of Lazarus rising from the dead. I won't post the whole story because it can be found in John 11, but I was made aware of something different this time around. In this story Jesus was actually described as angry to the point of tears because of the lack of faith that his own followers displayed in the situation. How interesting? Jesus told them time and again that He had it under control, but they kept doubting and acting as if it was all over. So then He raises Lazarus from the dead, and everyone believes again??? Oh how I never want to be guilty of that kind of disbelief. I want to hear His voice clearly, and know that He has it all under control.
Father, I am sorry for the times when it took something miraculous for me to have faith in you. Have mercy on me as I am sinner. Thank you for this job opportunity that you have lead me to. Help me to be aware of the things that you will have me accomplish there. Teach me something new this week. All things in Jesus name. Amen.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
14th day...Ministry on the go
I have continued my reading in the Gospel of John for now. I came upon the well known story of Jesus healing the blind man. However, it was the preface to this incident that caught me (Chapter 9):
1 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” 3 “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. 4 We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us.[a] The night is coming, and then no one can work. 5 But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.”
I had a couple of thoughts on this. First, I saw the obvious of what Jesus was doing. He was challenging the notion that destructive disabilities, diseases, pains, ect. are originated by God as punishment for sins. He was giving the people of that day (as well as ourselves) an example of how God can use any circumstance to further the kingdom.
However, the second thought was more impactful to me. Jesus made a quick statement following that example..."We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned to us by the one who sent us." Can we say "divine appointment"? I wonder if the disciples picked up on that one? Jesus was showing His people (then and today) that if they keep their eyes open they can be used to accomplish amazing things for the kingdom of God. Think about the context...the passage begins, "as Jesus was walking along." He had previously finished putting some Pharisee's in their place, and he was just "walking along" the roads of Jerusalem. Keep in mind that what followed was one of the most talked about miracles in history. Can you see the urgency in which he makes that statement? Don't we want to be like that? Shouldn't we be able to forget about our destinations for a minute and just stop and take advantage of the opportunity to serve the kingdom?
Lord let me take heed to that statement. Let me be the one who sees the opportunity to serve at any point in my journey. Give me wisdom and boldness in the process of learning. Thank you for walking with me thus far. I love you. Amen.
1 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” 3 “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. 4 We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us.[a] The night is coming, and then no one can work. 5 But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.”
I had a couple of thoughts on this. First, I saw the obvious of what Jesus was doing. He was challenging the notion that destructive disabilities, diseases, pains, ect. are originated by God as punishment for sins. He was giving the people of that day (as well as ourselves) an example of how God can use any circumstance to further the kingdom.
However, the second thought was more impactful to me. Jesus made a quick statement following that example..."We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned to us by the one who sent us." Can we say "divine appointment"? I wonder if the disciples picked up on that one? Jesus was showing His people (then and today) that if they keep their eyes open they can be used to accomplish amazing things for the kingdom of God. Think about the context...the passage begins, "as Jesus was walking along." He had previously finished putting some Pharisee's in their place, and he was just "walking along" the roads of Jerusalem. Keep in mind that what followed was one of the most talked about miracles in history. Can you see the urgency in which he makes that statement? Don't we want to be like that? Shouldn't we be able to forget about our destinations for a minute and just stop and take advantage of the opportunity to serve the kingdom?
Lord let me take heed to that statement. Let me be the one who sees the opportunity to serve at any point in my journey. Give me wisdom and boldness in the process of learning. Thank you for walking with me thus far. I love you. Amen.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Day 13...Weakness
This will be short today...not that I didn't get to be with the Lord, but I don't have much time to write. Mostly God was speaking to me about weakness...you know...that big concept in which He uses us most. There are many times when I get up in front of our congregation and sing or play, and feel like I have simply just wasted God's time. I genuinely want to bring something valuable to him in my service, but I feel worthless.
But the punchline is this...every time I feel that way he brings someone along to affirm that my service was not useless, and that in my weakness He is strong.
I also saw the new Narnia movie. Man C.S. Lewis had a gift! He was able write such strong correlation to the story of us and God/Jesus with his stories. One part hit me good...essentially Aslan (Jesus) asks this girl why she didn't come after Him when she first saw Him. She responds, "I was alone." His response..."Why would that stop you from coming to find me." Yes! Why do we ever stop pursuing Jesus? Why do we let our circumstance dictate our pursuit?
Father I love you. Jesus I love you. Holy Spirit I love you. Thank you for the affirmation today. It was a wonderful gift. I patiently await the day when I can see you face to face. I can't wait to surrender myself to your embrace. Thank you that you are waiting for me. Amen.
But the punchline is this...every time I feel that way he brings someone along to affirm that my service was not useless, and that in my weakness He is strong.
I also saw the new Narnia movie. Man C.S. Lewis had a gift! He was able write such strong correlation to the story of us and God/Jesus with his stories. One part hit me good...essentially Aslan (Jesus) asks this girl why she didn't come after Him when she first saw Him. She responds, "I was alone." His response..."Why would that stop you from coming to find me." Yes! Why do we ever stop pursuing Jesus? Why do we let our circumstance dictate our pursuit?
Father I love you. Jesus I love you. Holy Spirit I love you. Thank you for the affirmation today. It was a wonderful gift. I patiently await the day when I can see you face to face. I can't wait to surrender myself to your embrace. Thank you that you are waiting for me. Amen.
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