John 8: 48-59 The Jews answered him, "Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?" "I am not possessed by a demon," said Jesus, "but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." At this the Jews exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?" Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad." "You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!" "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
I'm not sure if I've read this passage before or not, but today I know that I did and what revealing words jumped out to me!
As I read it struck me that in the conversations and teachings of Jesus prior to this it says He is with a group of people, a great crowd, the disciples, sometimes random people or the Pharisees. However in this passage He is having a conversation with the Jews, God's chosen people.
So how was Jesus greeted by His Father's chosen people?
First they questioned if He was demon-possessed.
Then they confirmed He was demon-possessed and questioned if Jesus thought He was greater than their father Abraham.
Then they issued further disbelief by saying "You are not fifty years old and You have seen Abraham?" I can hear the sarcasm as I read their words.
And finally they picked up stones to stone Him.
I know that my actions equally grieve my Father and His Son. But the picture of God's chosen people preparing to pick up stones to stone Jesus created in me a small sampling of feelings that God must experience when we turn on Him, no matter how great or how small.
Thank You Father for the opportunity to see Your heart and Your love. Father help me to continue to see You and to grow in Your teachings. Father I want to see You everywhere that I go..... lead me Father, help me to stumble less and to be aware of how I grieve You. Amen
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Profession of Faith
Matthew 16: 13-17 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.
These words mean so much to me. I first read them while teaching Children's Church. I really loved find the words used for our Good Confession written word-for-word on the pages of the Bible! They sparked such an easy conversation that is universal to everyone I might meet. I have held onto them and used them frequently.
The most memorable use of these words was when I had the great honor to baptize my nephew. He chose to be baptized just like Jesus.... sort of. It was the creek in his family's backyard and it was perfect!
The experience was magnified as his first opportunity to testify on his beliefs because some of the guests in attendance were his cousins who did not attend church. They would have no real knowledge of what was happening or why. It was awesome to share the conversation between Jesus, Peter and the disciples. Then have my nephew follow in the footsteps of these very disciples was a beautifull moment I shall rejoice in all my days. I could feel the angels singing as my nephew professed his faith.
Father I am so thankful for your timeless, living, breathing Word. Time and time again You speak to me perfectly through what was documented so long ago. I seek You everywhere Father. I desire to be consumed by You, to live as Your witness in this fallen world. Guide my way Father, that my life might glorify You! Amen
These words mean so much to me. I first read them while teaching Children's Church. I really loved find the words used for our Good Confession written word-for-word on the pages of the Bible! They sparked such an easy conversation that is universal to everyone I might meet. I have held onto them and used them frequently.
The most memorable use of these words was when I had the great honor to baptize my nephew. He chose to be baptized just like Jesus.... sort of. It was the creek in his family's backyard and it was perfect!
The experience was magnified as his first opportunity to testify on his beliefs because some of the guests in attendance were his cousins who did not attend church. They would have no real knowledge of what was happening or why. It was awesome to share the conversation between Jesus, Peter and the disciples. Then have my nephew follow in the footsteps of these very disciples was a beautifull moment I shall rejoice in all my days. I could feel the angels singing as my nephew professed his faith.
Father I am so thankful for your timeless, living, breathing Word. Time and time again You speak to me perfectly through what was documented so long ago. I seek You everywhere Father. I desire to be consumed by You, to live as Your witness in this fallen world. Guide my way Father, that my life might glorify You! Amen
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Few and The Many
Matthew 15:29-31 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.
I have been reading through the New Testament for the last 21 days, I am loving every minute of it and learning so very much. Reading through the NT chronologically has been a really Good experience. I am gleaning so much from this perspective.
What strikes me with the above verses is how many come but how few are truly transformed yet all are amazed.
Jesus ministers, heals and teaches from town to town but eventually goes to find a quiet place. The crowds always follow, always want to be near Him, want to see His miraculous wonder. He heals many, ministers to many, teaches the multitudes, but few truly hear.
From the passages I have read, there is usually one, sometimes two persons that Jesus acknowledges by saying "because of your faith" you or your loved one has been healed. The great numbers are there to see like spectators, to witness from the sidelines, though seeking their needs be fulfilled. The few are there to see Him and be healed from the inside out.
How exhausting and frustrating that must have been and must still be today.
Father I desire to truly see You, to be changed from my heart and have it flow from the inside out. Father I need You. I am here LORD, always falling short, but ALWAYS seeking to be closer to You, more like You, to honor and glorify You. I lay my life before You Abba, I want to be counted among the few, Your true believers who "see" You and are changed. Father, I love you!!
I have been reading through the New Testament for the last 21 days, I am loving every minute of it and learning so very much. Reading through the NT chronologically has been a really Good experience. I am gleaning so much from this perspective.
What strikes me with the above verses is how many come but how few are truly transformed yet all are amazed.
Jesus ministers, heals and teaches from town to town but eventually goes to find a quiet place. The crowds always follow, always want to be near Him, want to see His miraculous wonder. He heals many, ministers to many, teaches the multitudes, but few truly hear.
From the passages I have read, there is usually one, sometimes two persons that Jesus acknowledges by saying "because of your faith" you or your loved one has been healed. The great numbers are there to see like spectators, to witness from the sidelines, though seeking their needs be fulfilled. The few are there to see Him and be healed from the inside out.
How exhausting and frustrating that must have been and must still be today.
Father I desire to truly see You, to be changed from my heart and have it flow from the inside out. Father I need You. I am here LORD, always falling short, but ALWAYS seeking to be closer to You, more like You, to honor and glorify You. I lay my life before You Abba, I want to be counted among the few, Your true believers who "see" You and are changed. Father, I love you!!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Walking on Water
Matthew 14: 25-33 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
I am very familiar with this passage. But today when I read it I found so much more than I had before!!! I love that The Word of God is living and breathing, always teaching when I am open and willing.
So what did God have waiting for me today?
First because I am reading the New Testament in chronological order over three months, I have read about how much time the disciples are spending with Jesus, all that He is teaching them and all that miracles that He is performing in their presence. Just prior to this passage, Jesus sent the disciples out on the water so that He could have some quiet time with His Father. He had only been away from them for a little while. And yet, when He walks across the water to join them they "thought He was a ghost." Forgetting the teachings, the miracles......... all that they knew and had seen vanished in that instant. How comforting to know that even those in His very presence reacted just like I do sometimes.
Second, great words for me both as a child of God and as a parent. How does Jesus respond to their doubt, fear and fright? Reassuringly, boldly, speaking to them and telling them what they need to do in the moment that it's happening. I pray that I become more like my Father as I mentor/parent those in my care.
Third, even after hearing the voice of Jesus and His directions, Peter still must test Him. "then let me walk on the water, too." And patiently our LORD responds. Providing Peter what He needs to be confident in Him. But there's something that Jesus did not warn Peter of..... to accomplish your task you must remain focused on Him. Somewhere in between walking and falling, Peter became distracted and took His focus from Jesus. The verse comes to mind.... "I can do all things through Christ Jesus"..... but watch out when I take my focus off of Him! Fear, doubt, complete mission failure will follow. I have experienced this before as well.....
Fourth, even in the very midst of our second round of doubt, fear and failure to focus, Jesus is there. Not scolding, but giving a hand and pulling him to safety.
Fifth, but once full knowledge is restored to the disciples Jesus asks them "why did you doubt?" and calls it the way He sees it "you of little faith." He doesn't scoot stuff under the carpet. He puts it out there for us to think about.
Sixth, once the disciples came to the end of this experience, they "saw" and their faith was renewed and had grown.
Even though I was familiar with passage, I had not read it since having many of my own "walking on water" moments with Jesus. From one to six, Jesus didn't waiver a single ounce from how He loved and taught the disciples to how He loves and teaches me..... he teaches each perfectly, as we uniquely need to hear from Him.
I love it when I read The Word of God and find myself totally connected to the disciples through my own experiences. I find great reassurance and encouragement.
Thank You, Father, for Your Word. Thank You for Jesus and Your Holy Spirit. I cannot imagine my life without You. Thank You for providing a way to be Your child, for loving me, teaching me, disciplining me and forgiving me. Thank You for always breathing new insights into reading to encourage me and draw me closer to You. I Father, as I prayed yesterday, I long to be more like Jesus. Today, You show me yet another example of where I can grow. Thank You for Your presence and guidance in all areas of my surrendered life. I love you Abba. Amen.
I am very familiar with this passage. But today when I read it I found so much more than I had before!!! I love that The Word of God is living and breathing, always teaching when I am open and willing.
So what did God have waiting for me today?
First because I am reading the New Testament in chronological order over three months, I have read about how much time the disciples are spending with Jesus, all that He is teaching them and all that miracles that He is performing in their presence. Just prior to this passage, Jesus sent the disciples out on the water so that He could have some quiet time with His Father. He had only been away from them for a little while. And yet, when He walks across the water to join them they "thought He was a ghost." Forgetting the teachings, the miracles......... all that they knew and had seen vanished in that instant. How comforting to know that even those in His very presence reacted just like I do sometimes.
Second, great words for me both as a child of God and as a parent. How does Jesus respond to their doubt, fear and fright? Reassuringly, boldly, speaking to them and telling them what they need to do in the moment that it's happening. I pray that I become more like my Father as I mentor/parent those in my care.
Third, even after hearing the voice of Jesus and His directions, Peter still must test Him. "then let me walk on the water, too." And patiently our LORD responds. Providing Peter what He needs to be confident in Him. But there's something that Jesus did not warn Peter of..... to accomplish your task you must remain focused on Him. Somewhere in between walking and falling, Peter became distracted and took His focus from Jesus. The verse comes to mind.... "I can do all things through Christ Jesus"..... but watch out when I take my focus off of Him! Fear, doubt, complete mission failure will follow. I have experienced this before as well.....
Fourth, even in the very midst of our second round of doubt, fear and failure to focus, Jesus is there. Not scolding, but giving a hand and pulling him to safety.
Fifth, but once full knowledge is restored to the disciples Jesus asks them "why did you doubt?" and calls it the way He sees it "you of little faith." He doesn't scoot stuff under the carpet. He puts it out there for us to think about.
Sixth, once the disciples came to the end of this experience, they "saw" and their faith was renewed and had grown.
Even though I was familiar with passage, I had not read it since having many of my own "walking on water" moments with Jesus. From one to six, Jesus didn't waiver a single ounce from how He loved and taught the disciples to how He loves and teaches me..... he teaches each perfectly, as we uniquely need to hear from Him.
I love it when I read The Word of God and find myself totally connected to the disciples through my own experiences. I find great reassurance and encouragement.
Thank You, Father, for Your Word. Thank You for Jesus and Your Holy Spirit. I cannot imagine my life without You. Thank You for providing a way to be Your child, for loving me, teaching me, disciplining me and forgiving me. Thank You for always breathing new insights into reading to encourage me and draw me closer to You. I Father, as I prayed yesterday, I long to be more like Jesus. Today, You show me yet another example of where I can grow. Thank You for Your presence and guidance in all areas of my surrendered life. I love you Abba. Amen.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Disciple Instructions by Jesus
Matthew 10:8b, 16, 19b-20, 28, 32-34, 37-39 Freely you have received, freely give. I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven."Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
I read these words in my daily reading today. Jesus was on a roll as He spoke in these pasaages! And as usual when I had completed reading and highlighting I see a message unfolding before me.
The don'ts that stood out are threefold...
Don't worry,
Don't be afraid,
Don't suppose.
Jesus isn't mincing words here. He's bold and very clear, with both the don'ts and the do's.
So what does He tell us to do?
Freely give
Be shrewd as snakes and simultaneously innocent as doves
Trust the Holy Spirit will provide words when you need them
Fear the One who can destroy both the soul and the body in hell
Acknowledge Him among men
Love Him above all others
Take up your cross and follow
Nothing easy about what this life in Christ looks like, I will fail especially if I try on my own. But this is what I am striving for: to please Him, to grow closer to Him, to follow His example, to be more like Him. Of the all instructions above, Jesus exemplified every single one as He walked this earth.
LORD, I want to be more like You. Help me to follow Your instructions, to seek You every moment, to have these always at the forefront of my thoughts and planted deep within my heart. In Christ, Amen.
I read these words in my daily reading today. Jesus was on a roll as He spoke in these pasaages! And as usual when I had completed reading and highlighting I see a message unfolding before me.
The don'ts that stood out are threefold...
Don't worry,
Don't be afraid,
Don't suppose.
Jesus isn't mincing words here. He's bold and very clear, with both the don'ts and the do's.
So what does He tell us to do?
Freely give
Be shrewd as snakes and simultaneously innocent as doves
Trust the Holy Spirit will provide words when you need them
Fear the One who can destroy both the soul and the body in hell
Acknowledge Him among men
Love Him above all others
Take up your cross and follow
Nothing easy about what this life in Christ looks like, I will fail especially if I try on my own. But this is what I am striving for: to please Him, to grow closer to Him, to follow His example, to be more like Him. Of the all instructions above, Jesus exemplified every single one as He walked this earth.
LORD, I want to be more like You. Help me to follow Your instructions, to seek You every moment, to have these always at the forefront of my thoughts and planted deep within my heart. In Christ, Amen.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Faith of a Child
Matthew 8:5-10,13 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering." Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him." The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.
I read this over the weekend and it spoke to me in the most innocent of ways, but yet overwhelmingly powerful!
I think often of the faith like children we are to have. I know this is distorted as it is talked about, I know it stirs great debate and conversation, I know it is misinterpreted by many.
For me it seems so simple. I've written about it before. The innocent faith of just believing. I have longed to have this kind of faith. I grow closer to this faith through each of His teachings designed for me.
When I read the scripture above, there I saw this faith, the faith of a child, exemplified. I shall not forget this lesson or the Centurian's example. My eyes are fixing Jesus to grow my faith for what my heart desires.
I love you Jesus, my LORD. Here I am.
I read this over the weekend and it spoke to me in the most innocent of ways, but yet overwhelmingly powerful!
I think often of the faith like children we are to have. I know this is distorted as it is talked about, I know it stirs great debate and conversation, I know it is misinterpreted by many.
For me it seems so simple. I've written about it before. The innocent faith of just believing. I have longed to have this kind of faith. I grow closer to this faith through each of His teachings designed for me.
When I read the scripture above, there I saw this faith, the faith of a child, exemplified. I shall not forget this lesson or the Centurian's example. My eyes are fixing Jesus to grow my faith for what my heart desires.
I love you Jesus, my LORD. Here I am.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Critical vs Playful & Helpful?
Matthew 7:1-2 "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults - unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. (The Message)
Oh dear Heavenly Father, please examine my heart! In my heart when I speak my intentions don't feel as though they match the tone of these verses, but I am unsure. Father, here I am before you seeking Your insight. While I don't "feel" this my nature, only You can reveal truth to me. Father I lay myself open before You seeking Your wisdom. Help me to know the truth of my heart and intentions. Father if I am guilty, please teach me through this. I desire to grow in character that leads me closer to You and best shows You in my actions and tongue to the world where I interact. Father, I am here, fully seeking You. I love You Father, amen.
Oh dear Heavenly Father, please examine my heart! In my heart when I speak my intentions don't feel as though they match the tone of these verses, but I am unsure. Father, here I am before you seeking Your insight. While I don't "feel" this my nature, only You can reveal truth to me. Father I lay myself open before You seeking Your wisdom. Help me to know the truth of my heart and intentions. Father if I am guilty, please teach me through this. I desire to grow in character that leads me closer to You and best shows You in my actions and tongue to the world where I interact. Father, I am here, fully seeking You. I love You Father, amen.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Sabbath Day of Rest
Mark 2:27-28 Then He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
I had not read this before and it speaks volumes.
How important is the Sabbath day in our lives? This day is of vital importance to the Christian life and it was provided FOR man, FOR me.
Yet we hear so much made of rules, details. And this misses the mark... totally.
The Sabbath day, a day of reflection on our LORD, a day of rest. Good for the body and soul.
The specific day of the week that for which you celebrate your Sabbath is not significant, what you do or don't do on your Sabbath day is not relevant. What is vital and live-giving... is that you have a Sabbath and regularly.
I routinely fail in this area. But it is wonderful to read this verse and reflect on what has been provided FOR me and realizing that I am choosing to miss out.
This is very worth reflecting upon and making some much needed changes..... LORD please guide me.
I had not read this before and it speaks volumes.
How important is the Sabbath day in our lives? This day is of vital importance to the Christian life and it was provided FOR man, FOR me.
Yet we hear so much made of rules, details. And this misses the mark... totally.
The Sabbath day, a day of reflection on our LORD, a day of rest. Good for the body and soul.
The specific day of the week that for which you celebrate your Sabbath is not significant, what you do or don't do on your Sabbath day is not relevant. What is vital and live-giving... is that you have a Sabbath and regularly.
I routinely fail in this area. But it is wonderful to read this verse and reflect on what has been provided FOR me and realizing that I am choosing to miss out.
This is very worth reflecting upon and making some much needed changes..... LORD please guide me.
Life in Christ
John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[h]
This verse so poeticly provides reflection for our relationship as a follower of Jesus Christ.
This verse lends to the mystery of the adventure of life when chasing after the Holy Spirit to find the plan God holds for each day.
You hear His sound, but you cannot see where He comes from or where He is leading.
You know your Father's voice as you spend time with Him. You begin to recognize the call from the Holy Sprit guiding your path, "His voice" gives you direction..... but where He comes from and where He is leading remains unknown. We must trust, follow and know that the plans God has for our life are for good not harm.
Passionately chase Him and find true joy.
This verse so poeticly provides reflection for our relationship as a follower of Jesus Christ.
This verse lends to the mystery of the adventure of life when chasing after the Holy Spirit to find the plan God holds for each day.
You hear His sound, but you cannot see where He comes from or where He is leading.
You know your Father's voice as you spend time with Him. You begin to recognize the call from the Holy Sprit guiding your path, "His voice" gives you direction..... but where He comes from and where He is leading remains unknown. We must trust, follow and know that the plans God has for our life are for good not harm.
Passionately chase Him and find true joy.
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