Winds of Change

“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
Matthew 7:25

The year was coming to an end on a very windy note and things hadn’t been going to well anywhere, it would seem in the last few months of the year. A plane crash took the lives of 162 souls, police officers across the United States were being targeted - or so it seemed, being killed in the line of duty. Wars were still raging in some parts of the world and despite what the media would have us believe the economy was still struggling and people were still struggling, waiting for things to get better. 

As I sit enjoying a cup of tea and listening to the wind howl outside; the idea of winds of change came to mind and a certain 1964 Disney movie - Mary Poppins. The Banks family was having some issues, when the wind changes here comes Mary Poppins floating into their lives under her umbrella. Quietly and with a bit Disney magic she manages to set the Banks family back on course and with another change in the wind she sails away with her umbrella. I reckon none of us will have Mary Poppins floating into our lives to get us back on track, but winds do bring change - they are powerful forces wielded by the Creator of the universe the Scriptures tell us. Wind can change the contour of the landscape, destroy entire communities, bring much needed rain or dry out water logged land. Winds can drive a ship across the sea safely or send it onto the rocks to its ruin.

This week’s passage comes from Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builder. Since this is supposed to be encouraging, I decided to focus on the wise man’s house. While Jesus is talking about the importance of smart construction and having a solid foundation, He is really talking about the kind of foundation we need to build our lives on not just the kind we build our homes on.  

Many of us have been battered by strong winds over the past year and if you have built your life on a foundation of stone that is Christ Jesus, no doubt you have come to the end of the year a bit battered perhaps but still standing. Stand firm, the winds will change, they will bring healing and abundance.

As the year ends continue to stand firm trusting in the One who forms the foundation of your life and controls the wind. That is reason enough to celebrate. 

A Prayer
Father - Thank you for what we can learn from the wind and worldly things like Disney movies. Thank you that Your Son is the foundation of our lives. Help us as we enter a new year to stand firm trusting that Foundation. In the name of Jesus, our foundation and wind changer - Amen.

Ever Present, Everlasting Kingdom

“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Luke 1:31-33

The people were waiting; they were expecting God to send someone to rescue them. They were looking for a warrior, a king to chase out the brutal Romans and restore Israel. God had been silent for so long when would the expected one arrive?

Behind the scenes in the throne room of heaven the plan was about to be put into motion. The messengers had been sent, the first human’s had been made aware of the first part of the plan. The King was coming in a most unexpected way. The way was made ready for Him to take His place and change the world. 

Jesus, is that King and more than once He told someone that the Kingdom was near. You see in God’s divine kingdom wherever the King is the kingdom is at hand - it is present, still to come in its fullness and it is everlasting. 

Scriptures tell us a bit about how this kingdom will be. It will be established and upheld with divine justice and righteousness (Isaiah 9:7). The King will judge the people with His heart according to what He knows in their hearts. There will be peace - animals that were once predators will live side-by-side with animals that were once their prey. There will be no need for us to fear wild animals (Isaiah 11:6-8). For the people; there will be no more pain, no more tears, no more of anything bad - just an abundance of all that is good.

The kingdom is at hand whenever and wherever His people are, we who call ourselves by the King’s name and who live in obedience to His ways carry the kingdom with us. One day though, when the King decides the time is right - His kingdom will be fully visible and what a glorious life there will be for all those who dwell in the Kingdom of the Most High. The capital city will be beyond anything we can imagine and there the presence of the King will light our world, chasing away shadows and darkness. 

It is an ever present, everlasting kingdom - so this week as we celebrate the birth of the King and look forward to His majestic return - let us be thankful, worshipping God with awe and reverence. Let us continue preparing the way for the King and His kingdom. 

May your celebrations be filled with the love, peace, joy and hope that the Christ child, our King brought to our lowly planet so long ago.

A Prayer
Father - Thank you that your kingdom is ever present and everlasting. We long for the return of Your Son whom You have given the Kingdom to. Until His return help us to continue preparing the way for Him to change the lives of those around us. Help us to always be thankful for Your presence in our lives. In the name of Jesus, who is our King - Amen.

The Greatest King

“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord - and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.”
Isaiah 11:1-5

What makes a great king? A search of the World Wide Web produced a short list of what characteristics make for a great king. A great king should: stand firmly on his convictions, be just, show mercy when necessary, care for the people he rules over, be teachable and humble, love peace, and be a great warrior when warranted. There have been great kings throughout history. Greatness does not mean perfect, David and Solomon are good examples of great kings who made huge errors in judgment and did some awful things, what separated these and other great kings from the many tyrants found in history, is that when they were called to account for the wrongs they had committed they acknowledged their failings, asked forgiveness and learned from their mistakes and displayed all the other characteristics of greatness.

There was a time long, long ago when there were no kings until someone either claimed the title for himself or a group of people appointed someone to rule over them. Even the Hebrew people chosen and cared for by the Creator of the universe would call for a king and God appointed one. The first Hebrew king turned into a tyrant so God appointed David to be the next Hebrew king. Once kings were in place, all other kings were born into the line of succession. God had promised King David that his family would always sit on the throne of Israel - but some of David’s sons were not great kings and so the throne was lost…but not forever.

This week’s passage speaks to a heir to the throne someone who will be born into the line of succession and who will bear all the characteristics of a great king. The Child born 2000 years ago in the city of David, Bethlehem is that king; in fact He is the Greatest King. Scripture tells us that one day at the name of Jesus every knee will bow - some out of awe and reverence and some because they have no choice. He will judge the hearts of all mankind with righteousness. He is at work already, restoring His subjects to right relationship with Himself and restoring His entire realm. 

This Advent season join with the shepherds and wise men in bowing your knee to honor Jesus the greatest King - the King of all kings. 

A Prayer
Father - Thank you for not only restoring us as subjects of your divine kingdom but that through the work of Your son we are also called sons and daughters. Each day help us share in the awe and reverence shown by the shepherds and wise men so many years ago at the birth of Jesus as we wait with great anticipation for the return of The Greatest King, when every knee will bow. In the name of Jesus, who is our King - Amen.

Preparing the Way

“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying ‘repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’ This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: ‘A voice of one calling in the desert, prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for me.’”
Matthew 3:1-3

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, more commonly known as Prince William and Kate were visiting the United States. As I thought about their visit, I could not help but think of all that must to go into planning a royal trip abroad. Their security detail has to make sure they will be safe everywhere they go, someone must make arrangements to visit different places and meet with leaders, celebrities and regular folks. Let’s not forget making sure the people understand the protocol for meeting members of the royal family. While it seems simple, there is little doubt in my mind that much happens behind the scenes so that their visit goes smoothly.

In this week’s passage we look back in time to a covert royal visit. God was sending His Prince to our lowly planet, but He couldn’t just show up on the scene. Instead there was an intricate plan put into motion. First, royal messengers (Angels) were sent to the select people needed to set the plan in motion. Two special babies would be born - the first just a few months older than the other. The first, John was an ordinary man, highly favored by God and born to go ahead of the second to prepare the way, to prepare the hearts of the people. The second, Jesus - God’s Son, the very incarnation of God - born incognito so He could experience life and be welcomed by the ones who needed to meet Him most.

Jesus came looking like an ordinary man, yet being Divine Royalty. He lived, he taught, he spent time with regular people and dignitaries and then he left behind a group of ordinary people to prepare the way for others to meet Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords - our Prince of Peace.

Generations have passed and we who are called by Jesus’ name carry the same purpose into our generation. Preparing the way for others to meet Jesus, to have an audience with the King and then become a member of the Royal family. Together all of us are preparing the way for His return to our lowly planet. Plans are being made behind the scenes even now for His next trip and His arrival will be much different from His first. 

This Advent season what will you do to prepare the way for others? For Jesus’ return?

A Prayer
Father - Thank you that each one of had someone prepare the way for us to come to Your Throne room to meet Jesus. Help us during this season to prepare the way for others to do the same. May we all make ready for His majestic return. In the name of Jesus, our Prince - Amen.

Unexpected

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
Micah 5:2

A long, long time ago when I was young, I worked for a time at our local Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop. In the evenings we listened to the local radio station and if it was slow we would call and ask our favorite D.J. to play our favorite songs. On occasion after closing the store we would make an ice cream run to the radio station and say thanks for playing our requests with an ice cream sundae. Now our favorite D.J. had that big stereotypical D.J. voice, so imagine our surprise the first time we took him ice cream to discover a gentleman of slight stature who sounded nothing at all like the man on the radio - His appearance and “real” voice were unexpected. 

Turn the clock back a couple of thousand years to another unexpected appearance. The Israelites knew they were waiting for Messiah, they knew what the prophets of old had to say about this expected savior. However, not unlike us modern humans I think they only heard the bits they wanted to hear. You know the bits about him being the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, about the peace he would bring; about the justice he would deliver (Isaiah 9:6-7). They set aside the bits that were hard to hear - his disfigured appearance, his marred form, (Isaiah 52:14), or what about how he would be despised and pierced for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:2-6). Jesus fit every word spoken by the prophets but he was not what the people expected.

How could a great king and warrior be born in Bethlehem, or come from Nazareth (John 1:46)? He was the son of a carpenter, he was not wealthy, or powerful or a warrior. He did not speak of overthrowing the Roman government; he spoke of shepherds and sheep, of humility and service. He is the Savior of the world and even though he was looked for - he was unexpected. 

During this advent season as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ first coming and look forward in great anticipation for His second coming lets be careful not to overlook Him in the here and now. Mother Teresa once said: “I see Jesus in every human being.” This holiday season will we see Jesus in the face above the cardboard sign? Will we see Him in the face of the mom who can’t afford a gift for her child? 

I hope that we will see Him in one another and look for Him in unexpected places.

A Prayer
Father - Thank you that your prophets spoke of the One who would come and bring peace for our hearts and help us not to forget that we have His peace because of the great price He paid. We know He is coming back, help us not to miss Him in the here and now because he doesn’t meet our expectations. In the name of Jesus who is expected and unexpected we pray - Amen.

Give Thanks Always

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It might surprise some that a person who writes to encourage others sometimes feels discouraged, feels less than thankful, gets tired of dealing with life’s storms and feels like their faith is about to falter. But as is always the case with Jesus and His Spirit He gives the words that need to be heard by the heart to keep up the good fight and find words of encouragement to share. 

This week’s simple passage contains a powerful message that rests on three words: “always, continually and all.” The passage is found in Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonica church as part of his final instructions to the people, his words are more than a simple suggestion - they most definitely imply a standard of behavior the followers of Christ should strive for.

Be joyful always, at all times and in any event. 

Pray continually, continuing indefinitely in time with our interruption, without ceasing.

Give thanks in all circumstance, the very best, the very worst and everything in between the extremes. 

Whether our lives are currently filled with sunshine or storm clouds by the power of the Spirit we can be joyful. No matter what circumstances we are facing the one thing we can always do is pray - laying our needs down at Jesus’ feet and letting Him act on our behalf, He promises to supply us with an abundant life. Whether on the mountain top or in the valley, whether in a garden of abundance or in a dry and weary place there is something to be thankful because we are not alone - God is with us and we have each other. 

King David says: “I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:4b). If David could find a reason for joy, the need for continual prayer and for being thankful - so can we. 

Make this season of your life a sacred space by always, continually and in every circumstance being joyful, prayerful and thankful.

A Prayer
Father - Thank you for your word that speaks love and encouragement into our hearts and lives. Help us to see the joy in life. When we feel like we can’t pray, gives us the words. Help us to be thankful always and especially in the hard times. In the name of Jesus - Amen.

Giving Thanks Courageously

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

The holiday season is upon us and with all the fun, all the celebrations, all the great food, also comes stress, family drama, depression, and a whole myriad of other not so pleasant things. I was thinking about that as I stood on my corner, in the rain, with a real pain in my neck and an empty checkbook at home. Then I remembered God’s words to Joshua. “Be strong and courageous, I will be with you wherever you go.” What a great promise!

Joshua, was about to lead the new generation of Israelites across the Jordan River and into the promise land. In preparation for this move God is giving Joshua a pep talk and repeatedly tells him to be strong and courageous. You see the Israelites weren’t marching over a well constructed bridge into an uninhabited land - no they were going to cross a river that was at flood stage and then they were going to have to take the land away from the current inhabitants by force - doesn’t that sound like fun. Joshua’s task was to follow God into the great unknown and get everyone else to follow him as well. When they all got to the other side of the river and got settled into the first camp - they celebrated the Passover. God was with them, He was with them with every step they took, he was with them in every battle they fought - they knew it He was there, that His promise was true and they regularly gave thanks and enjoyed His provision.

Life on this planet it tough, we may not have to cross a flooding river, but we will face trials, battles of a different sort will take place, storms will rage around us and sometimes the holidays magnify the tough stuff of life - but can you hear Him whispering to your heart? “Be strong and courageous, I will be with you wherever you go.” He’ll be there, that is a promise you can count on.

So no matter what you are facing, no matter what the battle is or how furiously the storm is howling around you - remember you are never truly alone - so you can give thanks courageously.

A Prayer
Father - Thank you for being with us every step of the way. Help us to be strong and courageous as we follow you into the great unknown. Grant us hearts the graciously and courageously give you thanks all along the way. In the name of Jesus - Amen.

Generous Giving = Giving Thanks

“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
2 Corinthians 9:11

As I sat thinking about how easily we take things for granted; how we get discouraged when we don’t get the things that we think we need and how this can make us thankless and selfish - this week’s passage came to mind, probably because we had been talking about it at church. The Message version say’s it even more eloquently: “This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.”

I think this is the antidote for the - “I’m taking life for granted and acting like a spoiled child” rut we often find ourselves in. But, how do we cultivate a generous life that leads to a life of giving thanks? We must follow the extravagant example set for us by the God we serve.

God, the Father, gave us his only Son (John 3:16).

The Son, Jesus, gives us peace (John 14:27). He gave us His life to pay our debt (Matthew 20:28) and then He gives us His Spirit (John16:7) to teach and guide us.

The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom, and other amazing gifts needed to be and do all that God has called us to - helping us to reflect Jesus to everyone around us.

You see we serve an extravagantly generous God, in fact everything we have He has given us and as we read in the Message version of this week’s passage He expects us to give it away. In giving it away we are participating in a more powerful form of giving thanks, than the simple words we sometimes mutter. 

Need a cure for the “I’m taking life for granted and acting like a spoiled child” rut? Become a giver because generous giving = giving thanks. 

A Prayer
Father - Thank you for the extravagant generosity you show us each and every day. Forgive us for the times we take for granted all that we have. Teach us how to be extravagantly generous so that every day can be a thanks giving day. In the name of the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit who model extravagant generosity we pray - Amen.

If You are Reading this... Be Thankful

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 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.”
Colossians 3:15, 17

If you are reading this, it means you are alive and kicking - be thankful.
If you are reading this, chances are you have a decent roof over your head - be thankful.
If you are reading this, you probably have plenty of clean water to drink and good food on your table - be thankful.
If you are reading this and have family and good friends nearby - be thankful.
If you are reading this and have made it through one of life’s many storms - be thankful.
If you are reading this and know what the peace of Christ feels like - be really thankful.
If you are reading this and have made a difference in someone else’s life - be thankful.
If you are reading this and someone has made a difference you your life - be doubly thankful.
If you are reading this and know without a doubt that Jesus loves you - be joyously thankful.
If you are reading this and do everything in the name of Jesus - be thankful.
If you are reading this and have seen the majesty of the mountains, the power of the sea, the spectacular colors of a rainbow, a sunrise and a sunset - be thankful and praise the Lord.

On our worst days, when our bodies want to fail us, when people let us down, when our bank accounts are empty, when life is a roller coaster ride that we would like to get off of - we still have so much to be thankful for. 

If you are reading this, this week - let thankfulness color your world and see just how beautiful it really is.

A Prayer
Father - Thank you for teaching us that being thankful is part of what being your child looks like. You never promised us a life that was easy, put you promised one that was abundant and filled with Your love and that is plenty to be thankful for. Thankfully we pray in the name Jesus - Amen.

Between the Extremes

“Two things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
Proverbs 30:7-9

I had stared at the computer screen for two days trying to discern what the Holy Spirit was speaking into my heart. My thoughts wondered to the dangers of the extremes of both poverty and wealth. Poverty driven crime surrounds us and celebrity excesses seems to regularly lead to some sort of tragic end. Hopelessness and despair reside in both of these extremes.

The Scriptures speak to these extremes and as in this week’s passage warn against living in either condition. Rather, scripture encourages a life of faith lived between the extremes. Elsewhere in the book of Proverbs we read “The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor” (Proverbs 10:15). But what about life in the in between, don’t the people living there get discouraged? Aren’t they tempted by fame, wealth or power? How many of us are just a step away from the despair poverty brings? How do we find the right balance, especially when life has been beating us up?

Well I think the prophet Isaiah says it pretty well: “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Feeling discouraged - hope in the Lord and be encouraged. Sick and tired of being sick and tired - hope in the Lord and find healing and rest. Worried - hope in the Lord and find peace. 

As you strive to live between the extremes - hope in the Lord, He will stand on His promises to provide for every need you have.

A Prayer
Father - Thank you that we can live between the world’s extremes because we can hope in You. Remind us daily that we need to keep our eyes on you and our hearts filled with your Spirit - so we will be encouraged, have peace and find healing and rest. In the name Jesus, in whom we hope - Amen.

Really, He Totally Gets Us

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin.”
Hebrews 4:15

As mere mortals with a limited understanding of, well, almost everything it can be difficult to comprehend that God really understands us. Scripture tells us our great high priest - Jesus understands, that He gets us. As I was thinking about how the Creator of the universe gets us and loves us even when we are hard to love, I started to think about just how much we have in common with Him. Aside from the whole made in His image concept - which is a pretty big thing on its own here are some other things we have in common.

Jesus was born - just like us. He in the incarnation of God He could have just turned up on the scene - but He was born. He grew up in an ordinary family and had to do what his parents asked of him, just like we had to as kids. I would hazard a guess that many of us have a “my parents forgot me” story somewhere in their childhood memories. Jesus’ parent forgot him at church and didn’t remember until a day had passed and three days had passed by the time they found him (Luke 2:42-46). 

In His short 33 years of life, Jesus didn’t just teach, heal and care for others - He lived life. He got baptized. He grieved the loss of people He cared about (John the Baptist and Lazarus). He was betrayed by friends. People behaving badly, who should have known better, frustrated him. He enjoyed a good party and a good meal. He was homeless (See Luke 9:58), He wanted to make sure is mom was ok after He was gone (John 19:26-27). He cried, He lost his temper (with the money changers and religious leaders), He laughed, He loved, He lived and He died. Jesus was a son, a brother, a friend, a healer, a teacher and He is God. 

He is God and He gets us - because for 33 years He was one of us. He loves us because He knows who we are supposed to be, He knows what we really look like under all the earthly stuff that covers us. 

We have lots in common in the Creator of the universe and someday we’ll get Him - the same way He gets us - perfectly.

A Prayer
Father - Thank you for loving us so much that you came here to the rough and often forsaken planet to be one of us, to be with us so You could really get us. Thank you for loving us even when we fall short. Help us to remember, that no matter what we are facing You understand and you are with us. In the name Jesus, who really does understand - Amen.

Gently Now

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1

On a particular morning as I was finishing my morning crossing guard duties, I witnessed an interesting event. Still standing at my own car, two other cars sped up to a nearby stop sign. Both cars were being driven my women, I will assume they were moms who had just dropped of their children at school. When they stopped they both threw open their car doors and started flinging obscenities at each other. This continued for a minute or two and then they slammed their doors and continued on their own ways. I stood their wondering - do they go to church and if yes - did they really think that, that exchange of vulgarity was pleasing to God? I wondered - Is that the kind of example they really mean to set for their kids? I wondered if that exchange would ruin their days. 

I don’t know what happened further up the street that led to that screaming match at the intersection, but would a gentler reaction to whatever it was have made a difference to these women, to their children and to our world? Yes I think so. 

In the New Testament, really the only ones Jesus uses harsh language with are the religious leaders. He calls them “whitewashed tombs” and “a brood of vipers” (Matthew 23: 27, 33). Every time Jesus got the better of them, they got madder and madder. But when dealing with anyone else: the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, his own friends when they messed up, Jesus was gentle. With the woman at the well He talked to her when no one else would. As Jesus helped the woman who had been thrown at His feet up, there was no lecture, no harsh words - just words of love and healing. After His resurrection when He saw Peter there was no “I told you so” no “You aren’t quite as good as you think you are” no sarcastic comments about roosters crowing - just the same question “do you love Me” over and over and with each response healing happened, relationship was restored. 

What about you are ready with a gentle response to those around you? Do you speak the truth in love or self-righteousness? As Christians we must remember we are human, sinners saved only by the grace of God through His Son Jesus, and nothing else. If we are to really impact the world - we must speak the truth, but we must do it gently with the love of Christ. 

This week, instead of allowing worldly violence come from your mouth - take a breath and find a Holy Spirit inspired gentle answer for whatever you are facing.

A Prayer
Father - forgive us when we forget that we are sinners saved by grace and respond to people or situations by spitting venomous words from our mouths. Help us always to speak gently with the love that is only possible by working of Your Holy Spirit in our hearts. In the name Jesus - Amen.

Watch Where You are Pointing That

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12

Having a background in law enforcement and handling several types of firearms, I understand the importance of weapons safety. The improper handling of weapons can be disastrous. The Bible describes itself as a sword, a deadly weapon. Used improperly the results of this divine weapon can also be disastrous. 

How the Word of God is used is dependent on who is wielding it. God’s angels, no doubt use it in the real battles they fight in the unseen realms. In the book of Daniel we read that Gabriel who was tasked to take God’s answer to Daniel, needed assistance from Michael because he had encountered resistance on the way (See Daniel 10:12-13). In the book of Revelation we read that Michael and his angel forces do battle against Satan and his army in heaven (See Revelation 12:7-9). 

In the hands of the Holy Spirit, this mighty sword can be healing; cutting out the sinful nature of man and replacing a heart of stone for one of flesh. In the hands of the Holy Spirit it also reminds God’s people of all that God wants them to know - it reveals the character of God and the image we were made in. It is the sword of judgment that all will face sending some to eternal life in the presence of God and others to eternal separation from God in Hell.

What about when we wield God’s Word? Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God and to take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Why? So we can stand against the devil’s schemes (See Ephesians 6:10-17). For us the Word of God can be used as both a defensive and offensive weapon as we deal with Satan. When Jesus was in the wilderness being tempted by Satan - He used God’s Word to defend himself (See Luke 4:3-12). 

However, there are some who call themselves followers of Christ who also use His Word as a weapon against other believers and unbelievers alike and the results can be disastrous. My favorite Bible, the one that sits on my desk, is packed with notes from sermons and study, with tattered pages - the one I most like to read weighs about three pounds. If I hit you over the head with it, I have no doubts that it would hurt. If you hit me over the head with your favorite Bible I’d get hurt too. In Paul’s second letter to Timothy we read that the “Scriptures are good for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). I would add that they are good for encouraging us to reflect the image that we have been made in - the image that Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection is restoring in us. 

How are you using God’s Word? Are you wielding it in judgment that is the Lord’s alone or are you using it carefully, with Christ inspired love so that the Holy Spirit can use your life to bring soul healing to those around you? 

A Prayer
Father - forgive us for the times when we beat others over the head with your Word using it like at weapon of destruction. Help us to allow our hearts be softened and renewed by this powerful weapon and teach us to wield it in a way that brings healing to those around us and glory to You. In the name Jesus - Amen.

Through the Fire

“For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.”
Psalm 66:10-12

Fires can be extremely dangerous and destructive. Fires can also be of great benefit to the land. Fire; if it is hot enough can turn rock into iron. Fire can make gold and silver pure. The “fires” that sometimes burn through our lives can be beneficial too. 

According to Cal Fire wild fires are beneficial in a number of ways. A wild fire cleans the forest floor, allowing for a healthier, stronger forest. A wild fire improves animal habitat with better quality food and more water. Wild fires kill diseases and insects that hurt the forest and finally some plants actually need the high temperature of a fire to release seeds so they can regenerate. 

The refining process is not unlike a wild fire. Yes, the refiner’s fire is contained and controlled, but it still changes things, it still makes some things better. A piece of rock containing iron ore isn’t worth much in its raw form, you could use the rock for a door stop or a paper weight perhaps. But put it in the fire and impurities are removed, elements that aren’t useful are removed and sometimes other element are added. The result is iron and steel that can be used build all sorts of things. It becomes strong, useful and valuable. The same goes for precious metals - gold and silver become better through the refining process.

Sometimes we face fires in this life of our own making, but God can use those. Sometimes, God sends the fire like the one the Psalmist sings about in this week’s passage. Just like a wild fire can actually purify and strengthen a forest, the fires of this life can and will be used by God to purify and strengthen us. 

No matter what you are facing - health fires, relationship fires, employment fires, financial fires, the fires of loss or any of the many fires we face on this planet - the refining power of that fire will make you purer, stronger, more valuable and more useful. God has an incredible plan full of purpose for you. The heat from the fire is not comfortable, but let it burn and then watch what God will do with you. 

A Prayer
Father - we are taught from a young age not to play with fire and that it a good thing to learn because it is dangerous if we don’t know what we are doing and are not aware of all the fuel that is around us. Thank you, that you know exactly how to handle fire. Thank you that in your hands fire purifies us - makes us stronger and prepares us for the work you have for us. In the name Jesus, who knows what the refining fire feels like, we pray - Amen.

Stop Searching

“Hear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”
Psalm 86:1-4

One of my favorite Christian groups is Love & The Outcome, their song “King of My Heart” had been rolling around in my head for a few days and as I sat to write this week’s words of encouragement it was still there. The song is about the truth that life on this planet can be a battle, one that on our own we have little chance of winning. The chorus is an honest acknowledgement of who God is in our lives “You are bigger than any battle I’m facing. You are better than anything I’ve been chasing. Savior and royalty, the only hope in me, Jesus, You are the King of my heart.” It is the phrase “You are better than anything I’ve been chasing” that really stuck in my heart.

When life is beating us up we somehow manage to misplace the joy that the Lord has given us. Our first instinct as humans is to back track and start searching for it, doing and saying all the things we think will bring it back to us. In those times - stop searching. In this week’s passage King David was struggling spiritually and in his prayer he asked the Lord to bring him joy. David doesn’t ask God to show him where to find the joy he’s lost - he asked for a fresh supply. 

This is a recurring idea in David’s psalms. After acknowledging his sin David again asks “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant in me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 52:12). During the dedication of the temple David sings praise for the storms he had faced and says “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy…” (Psalm 30:11). Well, I think you get the idea. Joy - real joy is a gift that we are given by a loving, grace filled and merciful God. 

Have you lost your joy? Are you struggling to find it? Stop searching. Jesus is standing nearby - ask him for a fresh supply of what Peter calls “an inexpressible and glorious joy: (1 Peter 1:8), He has an abundant supply and takes great joy in giving it to us.

A Prayer
Father - thank you for Your inexpressible and glorious joy. Forgive for the times when we lose it and go searching for it instead of asking you for more. As we enter this week’s fray, send your spirit to fill us with joy. In the name Jesus, we pray - Amen.

What Will You Do For HIM?

“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.”
Matthew 26:6-7

I had heard this week’s passage on our local Christian radio station so I went home to read it for myself. As I read it, two things came to mind. The first thing was a 1988 movie called “The Seventh Sign” - in the closing scenes of the film the character Abby in a series of flashbacks to the time of Jesus’ death is asked more than once “will you die for him?” She ends up surrendering her life so that her newly born son will live and the world won’t end. This got me thinking about the concept of sacrifice. The second thing that came to mind was the attitude of the woman who poured out this expensive perfume on Jesus.

She took a lot of guff from the others reclined at table that day - what a waste they said, it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. We have no way of knowing how she had acquired this perfume - had she scrimped and saved to buy it, had it been a gift or perhaps handed down to her? Whatever the case, it was obviously a precious possession and the most precious gift she could give. 

When we think of making a sacrifice we tend to see it as a painful experience. Jesus’ sacrifice surely was painful so of course pain can come with sacrifice. In this woman’s case it really seems more an act of worship, one that was bringing her joy rather than pain. Abraham was asked to sacrifice his promised son and he acted in obedience without hesitating, was his heart breaking - no doubt, but he trusted God and passed the test. Did the widow who placed two copper coins in the offering second guess her sacrifice or did her faith make it a true act of worship?

Those of us living in the Western world are not likely to be asked bluntly and with a real threat looming “Will you die for Him?” But there are people in other parts of the world who are. What will we do for Him that may feel like a sacrifice but is really an act of faith, obedience and worship and ends with joy rather than pain? What precious possession would we be willing to give away? Will we choose to love someone we can’t stand to be around the same way Jesus loves us? Will we be generous with our time and get to know someone who is different from us? What will be our expensive perfume or copper coins? 

This week I want to challenge you to think about what it means to make a sacrifice is it only about pain or can it and should it be about faith, worship and joy. Then think about what you will do for Him.

A Prayer
Father - forgive us for the times when we hold on to the stuff and people in our lives so tightly that we miss the opportunities to live out our faith in you, to worship you with our whole lives and live in the joy that comes with that. Help us Lord to look at sacrifice differently and show us what we can do when we are willing to surrender to your call. In the name Jesus, we pray - Amen.

Accentuate the Positive

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
Romans 8:28 & 31-32

Lots of ideas were swirling about in my head along the lines of how God can use the bad to do good - beauty from ashes and all that. So I was scribbling some possible titles when the phrase “Accentuate the positive” flowed out of the pen. I thought there might be a song with that phrase in so I turned to my husband (the human jukebox) and asked him. He said yes, hummed a bit and then broke out in song - a quick google confirmed it was the title of 1940s song by Johnny Mercer. The song is essentially saying that in the midst of trouble when things seem dark we should “accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.”

What does that look like in a practical sense? A number of years ago I was severely wounded by the church was attending and serving - the pain was excruciating - the kind that might make a person turn their back on Jesus and become mired in bitterness. For me though, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. If that painful event hadn’t happened - you wouldn’t be reading this, there wouldn’t be a blog or books either. If that event hadn’t happened I wouldn’t have made friends all over the world. If that event hadn’t happened I would not have gone to seminary and I would have limited what God could do in my life. If that event hadn’t happened my faith may have grown stale, instead it was made strong and the call to ministry securely fastened to my very soul. I’m not going to say that everything is great - because it’s not there are still struggles and plenty of them. That comes from living in a fallen world, surrounded by fallen people and choosing to follow a dangerous God. But it is so worth it - it will be especially worth it in the end. 

So what are you facing today? What are you questioning God about? What are possibly blaming God for? We are promised in God’s Word that He will work for our good in all things and that with Him on our side no one can permanently be against us unless we allow ourselves to embrace the negative instead of accentuating the positive. 

This week keep your heart open for the good that He is doing and let the positives overrule the negatives in this crazy thing we call life on planet earth.

A Prayer
Father - thank you for your promises. Promises for good to overrule bad. Promises we can stand solidly one in the midst of life’s hurricanes. Help this week to accentuate the positives. To see the good you have done, are doing and will always do for us as long as we keep our hearts fixed on You. In the name Jesus, we pray - Amen

Simply Irresistible

“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 2:11-12

It had been one of those kinds of weeks. That kink in my neck was still there, I had gotten one of those “thanks, but no thanks” emails from a church I had sent my resume to and inspiration seemed at an all time low. Then it happened, as I stood at the kitchen sink, washing dishes - inspiration at last! The old Robert Palmer tune “Simply Irresistible” popped into my head - followed by this week’s passage.

I googled the lyrics wondering if there was anything of spiritual value in them. There was perhaps a bit of truth there, not the biblical kind truth that can set you free or give you joy unspeakable. But perhaps we could say it is an example of how the things of the world, with its temporary pleasures can be irresistible. The kinds of things that the book of Proverbs warns against, the kinds of things Peter warns against in this week’s passage. 

We are supposed to be living our lives in such a way that our life styles are not only recognizably different, but so they are also irresistible to those around us. When we do live that way - reflecting Jesus everywhere we go and in everything we do, people are drawn to the difference and when they find out why - come to find Jesus irresistible too. So how do we do this? How do we live lives that draw people irresistibly to Jesus? Jesus tells his disciples “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). So first we of all those of us who call ourselves by the name of Christ - need to get along, no more than get along we need to love one another. That means no more denominational one-upmanship. No more in fighting. 

Then once we are getting along with our brothers and sisters our everyday in the world life needs to look and feel different. Our live need to display the interconnected character traits of the fruit of the spirit, you know: “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22). 

When we behave in keeping with who we are and what we have been called to do in Christ our lives should irresistibly draw people to Him. 

This week I challenge you to be simply irresistible.

A Prayer
Father - thank you for drawing us irresistibly to You. Help us to live in such a way - loving one another and displaying the fruit of Your Spirit - so that others will be irresistibly drawn to you as well. In the name Jesus, we pray - Amen.

Little Things = Big Differences

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothes me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
Matthew 25:35-36

A smile and friendly wave and help tame traffic. Loaning a set of golf clubs can set a divine appointment in motion. A quiet conversation, where you listen more than speak can change a heart. A simple in the moment prayer and remind someone they are not alone. Little things can make a huge difference.

Many reading this may recognize this week’s passage from a section of Matthew’s Gospel titled “The Sheep and the Goats” the passage is really about the judgment of God - the sheep enter into the Kingdom of God and the goats well… you know - don’t. As I was reading this week’s passage it occurred to me that the things the commended or condemned the people were little things - water, food, clothes, company and care, no mention of winning wars, life endangering acts or acts requiring large sums of money. These little things equaled a huge difference at the throne of God.  

If these little things are so easy why did some of the people fail to make a difference in the life of someone else? I think it’s possible that we just get to busy to see the need. We have so much to do that stopping to look someone in the eye, to hear their heart and give them what they need to feel loved in the moment, is just not at the top of our to do lists - even though we might need that for ourselves as well. 

In a land of plenty it is easy to forget that there are people who hunger and thirst, people who are all alone in need of a hug and a prayer - simple things we are all capable of doing.

This week I challenge you pay attention to the little things that make a difference in your life and then take time to do something little for someone else. 

It simple really…little things = big differences.

A Prayer
Father - thank you for the lessons Your word teaches us. May we see the needs of those around us and do the little things needed to show your love to them. Thank you for the little things that have made big differences in our own lives. In the name Jesus, we pray - Amen.

When It Rains...

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God…”
Isaiah 43:2-3

It pours - at least that’s how the saying goes. California is facing the worst draught in a century. An orange grove down the highway a piece is dying because the farmer ran out of water. Our small town and towns across the state are willing to pay people to rip their lawns out and replace them with something draught resistant. Times of environmental draught are hard on everyone. There will be times in our lives when we will face spiritual draughts as well - these too are difficult to deal with. However, times of spiritual draught are few in comparison to the storms of life.

You know the kind of storms I mean. The torrents of unemployment, health issues, relationship problems or they myriad of other things life throws at us. Just as it seems the rain is easing a bit, a new crisis turns up and it’s pouring again. You got that new job, but the car breaks down before you get the first paycheck. Just as it appears you are coming through an illness or injury -you are faced with another. It can be anything - the storm that has been raging starts to clear only for the next storm to come on strong, threatening to flood your life, wash away your foundation and leave you well and truly stuck in the muck and mire of life on this planet. 

This week’s passage from the prophet Isaiah is meant to remind us that the One who is the LORD our God will not leave us alone in the midst of the storm. We may need to face the storm head on, but He will be there even when we don’t see or feel Him there and He will not let you be overcome by the flood waters, or sucked down into the mud. You will make it through to the other side of whatever storms you will face this week, this month or this year.

Why will He be there with us? Why will he save us from these storms? Isaiah tells the Israelites and us “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you…” (Isaiah 43:4). That is His grace in action.

This week no matter how hard it is pouring in your life, know that you are not alone - He is there with you, there are others in similar storms that are walking with you. 

Some times when it rains, it pours - let’s go stomp in life’s puddles together.

A Prayer
Father - thank you for being with us as the life’s flood waters rise and rivers rage. Thank you for the people who weather the storms with us, show us grace and love when the storm clouds seem never ending. Help us Lord in the times when we can enjoy sunny days to stomp in the puddles with someone in the storm. In the name Jesus, who will never leave us, because He loves us - we pray - Amen.

Everyday Grace

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”
Titus 3:1-2

It had been one of those extra grace required kind of weeks. School was back in, we crossing guards were back on duty and my intersection with its four stops signs and one lane of traffic in each direction had turned into two lanes of traffic in each direction with everyone thinking they should go at the same time and a kink in my neck wasn’t helping. Horns honk, tempers flare and I stand on the corner shaking my head. Luckily we are told in scripture that His mercy is new everyday and in my opinion He tops off our grace tank as well.

Among the Apostle Paul’s shorter letters is this one to Titus, in our modern bibles a book with three short chapters. In the first chapter Paul gives his usual sort of greeting and reminds Titus of what his pastoral duties on Crete are and encourages him to carry them out well. In chapter two Paul provides some instruction to Titus about what he should be teaching to the various groups in the church and lets him know that the older men and women should be teaching the younger men and women how to live life well. When we get to chapter three it seems to be addressed to the group in general as Paul encourages Titus to remind the people how as followers of Christ they should be living. Given the era, some of that stuff was probably pretty hard to do. Paul reminds them that he and his companions had once lived a different way, a way contrary to where Jesus leads. But that being good is possible because “when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy… so that having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life… so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good” (Titus 3:4, 7 & 8).

Pastor Tullian Tchividjian of Coral Ridge Presbyterian church says “Gospel grace empowers us to take risks, allowing us to do for others without expecting anything in return because we have already been given everything we need in Christ. But what does everyday grace look like? Do you know the power of simple smile, the healing ability of a hug, the potentially life changing effect sacrificing your place in line might have on the person who took your place? Everyday grace can at times take on the simplest forms and be the tiniest acts of kindness and at other times its form is huge and risky, maybe even dangerous. But it doesn’t matter, we have been given an eternal supply of grace and we have been empowered to share with those around us. 

This week what will grace look like in your life? This week how will you share that grace with the world around you?

A Prayer
Father - thank you for soaking daily in your grace. Thank you for reminding us that we can do good because we know who we are in Christ. Grant us eyes and hearts to see where Your grace needs to be shared. Let us praise you when we see your grace at work in our lives and the lives of those around us. In the name Jesus, in whom we find grace and our true identities we pray - Amen.

Charitable Chooks - Grace and Favor

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling.”
Matthew 23:37

There once was two chickens named Grace and Favor. These two chickens generously shared their eggs with the farmer and regularly extended an invitation to any creature to join them for a meal. They even invited the old buzzard, who regularly made fun of them because they couldn’t fly. Because of their generosity the farm flourished and everyone lived together in peace. Ok, well I made that little story up as I was preparing to write this week’s devotion. You see there are two words one Greek - charis and the other Hebrew - hen that are often times translated as both grace and favor, which in turn reminded me of this week’s passage from Matthew.

Jesus is standing looking over the city filled with people He longed to gift with grace and favor but the people were not willing. They were to busy trying to save themselves, trying to live abundantly on their own while being oppressed by the Romans. God had been silent or seemingly so for a long while and so only a few paused long enough to hear what Jesus had to say, to accept the gift He was offering. If you were to keep reading into verses 38 & 39 you would see that in that place and at that particular time Jesus withdraws the gift, but not permanently.

In our modern world, we often get caught up in doing, trying to be who we think God wants us to be - only thing is we based that on what the world is telling us. For some the world maybe telling them they are unworthy and will never be loved by anyone let alone God. For others it might be the need for success and worldly power that has them to busy to accept the gift. But here’s the thing about God’s grace and favor - there is nothing any of us can do to earn it and at the same time no matter what we do - good or bad Jesus still loves you and stands holding this amazing gift with outstretched arms for anyone willing to take it. 

We hear lots of talk about why we struggle so receiving and giving grace - often as a reflection of a lack of faith. I think that it is an inaccurate self image that gets in the way. When we realize that we are children of God, heirs to the divine throne - we recognize the power, privilege and responsibility that come with our lives being wrapped up in Christ’s.

That said we can forgive much because we have been forgiven much, we can behave gracefully because we have been soaked in grace - we can be Christ to the world around us because Christ lives in us.

What about you, are you willing to let Jesus gather you under His wings so He can give you grace and show you favor?

A Prayer
Father - thank you for loving us and wanting the best for us even when we are unwilling to stop long enough to accept the amazing gift you have for us. Help us every day to accept anew Your favor and grace and then help us to show that favor and grace to those around us. In the name Jesus, we pray - Amen.

Identity Theft

“I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. Therefore Jesus said again, ‘I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.’ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:1, 7 & 10

In the age we live in, there is no doubt we have all been touched by some form of identity theft. Our email addresses and Facebook accounts get hacked and then our friends get inappropriate messages that appear to be from us. A number of years ago my mom’s wallet was stolen, credit cards were used, bad checks were written - it took quite a while for her to get that mess straightened out. Not to long ago, as I was doing some work on the computer, an email arrived from our credit card provider notifying us of a possible fraudulent charge - really how do people manage to get credit card numbers like that? The charge was made in New York while I was at my desk in California. It is no fun when someone steals our identity for their own financial gain. But I believe we lose our identities in other ways as well. 

In this week’s passages from John’s gospel Jesus uses the image of a real shepherd as opposed to the person who doesn’t have the key to gate and has to find another way into the pen. That person is up to no good - Jesus identifies them as a thief. That thief is really the prince of this world - the devil, trying to steal our identities. The world says we have to live up to what it thinks we should each be, how we should look, what we should do, what kinds of things we should have and if we get just the right combination of that stuff we will be successful and more importantly loveable. But Jesus basically says I came to make sure you know who you really are, that you have life in all of its abundance. What do we have to do to get that life? We have only to accept it - that’s what grace is all about.

Respected author, professor, pastor Henri Nouwen has said: “Jesus came to announce to us that an identity based on success, popularity and power is a false identity - an illusion! Loudly and clearly he says: ‘you are not what the world makes you; but you are children of God.’” “For God so loved…” (John 3:16). The apostle Paul is good at reminding us who we really are “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in transgressions…” (Ephesians 2:4-5). Our true identity is found in Jesus Christ, it is not dependent on how we look, what we do, how much money we make or how much power we have - it is totally dependent on how much He loves us and the riches of His grace and mercy. Nothing we can do will make Him love us more or less, nothing will change who He sees when He looks at us. 

Sometimes we let the world steal our identity, sometimes we give our identity away because we haven’t allowed who we are in Christ to sink fully into the soil of our hearts where it can take root.

Do you know who you are? You are a child of God! 

A Prayer
Father - help us to know who we really are because of your mercy, grace and love. May Christ live in each of us so fully that the world can never steal our identity or that we would never give that identity away for something less than who we really are in You. In the name Jesus, we pray - Amen.

DIY Religion...Nah

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9

We live in a DIY world. There are DIY television shows, books and YouTube videos for just about every kind of task. Go to Home Depot or Lowes and you can take a free workshop for DIY projects. I’m pretty handy, I’ve painted a house inside and out, I can do simple plumbing and electrical repairs, I can change a tire or headlight bulb and I like doing those sorts of things. There are some diehard do it yourselfers who also think they can earn God’s love and a place in heaven if they just do enough good stuff or at least more good stuff than bad stuff. As for me, I know my DIY skills are not sufficient to restore the broken relationship with God. So when it comes to DIY religion I say nah.

Now, if we really wanted to go the DIY route to eternity there are plenty of religions out there that we can work our lives out in - just Google work based religions and you’ll find plenty to choose from. Interesting, that some of these have standards that seem so high you’ll never make it to their idea of heaven. In that case you can choose one that doesn’t have a heaven. Wait - work really hard and still possibly fall short or work really hard for absolutely nothing - neither of those sound particularly good to me, how do they sound to you?

In my study and research only Christianity is not suited for the do it yourselfer. God gets that we are not capable of living up to His standards on our own (remember in the beginning there was only one rule and Adam and Eve couldn’t follow it) and He understands we can’t restore the broken relationship and enter His kingdom by our own self help programs. So He’s taken care of it for all of us by sending His Son Jesus - to do the work, to pay the price, to restore the relationship and open the doors to the throne room of heaven. “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:22-24).

In Christ Jesus we have been given an extravagant gift that we could never have earned, “not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace…” (2 Timothy 1:9). DIY religion? Nah. 

This week accept God’s extravagant gift of grace and scratch saving yourself off of your to-do list. 

A Prayer
Father - thank you for the gift of Your Son, a gift that gives us forgiveness, grace, favor and an eternity to look forward to. Forgive us for the times when we try to get back to you under our own power, leaving your gift on the shelf and just managing to muck the situation up even more. When it comes to living for you, help us to set aside our DIY mindset and rely fully on You. In the name Jesus, we pray - Amen.

There Is Always a But...

“They gave Moses this account: ‘We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large.’”
Numbers 13:27-28

The people had traveled a long way through the wilderness with the Lord leading the way. It hadn’t been easy, but everything they needed and even much of what they had wanted had been provided for them from the Lord. Now they stood on the edge of the land God had promised them, a land they knew was good, a land they were instructed to take. Instead of moving in and taking what had been promised they started with the “buts”. But there are giants there, but the cities are so strongly fortified, but they’ll squish like ants. They had plenty of “buts” to stop them from being and doing all that God intended for them to be and do. What happened? They wandered about in the wilderness for another forty years.

In our modern world, we have plenty of promises of the abundant life promised us by God and there are always buts getting in the way of who we are supposed to be and what we are supposed to do. But…I don’t have the money. But… I don’t have the time. But…I don’t want to be ridiculed for standing up. But… I am afraid to take the next step. But…my health will not let me. We can come up with an almost endless number of excuses in order to continue living in what we think is a comfortable situation - but we will be missing out on all of the amazing stuff God wants us to do, to see, to be.

Joseph ended up in prison before he became second only to Pharaoh. Jacob was permanently injured while wrestling with the Lord but eventually became who God wanted him to be. Esther was taken captive but became the Queen of Persia and risked her life to save her people. Paul was the greatest missionary ever known - even with poor health and terrible luck when traveling. Jesus sent people out to share the Good News with no money. 

What gifts have you been given? What do you know for certain the Lord wants you to do? What are the risks involved? What are the “buts” that are keeping you from obedience and abundant life?

This week think about what happened to the Israelites who let the “buts” control their hearts and minds. Then remember all that the Lord has provided for you in the past and decide to follow Him into the abundant life He has already promised You. There doesn’t always have to be a “but” in our lives. 

A Prayer
Father - forgive for the times when we see the good things you have for us just across the river but we let fear and other stuff get in the way. We let the “buts” of this world keep us from the wonders of Your kingdom. Help us each day to push those negative aside and to trust that you will indeed provide us will all that we need when we need it so that we can be and do all that You have promised us. In the name Jesus, we pray - Amen.

I Once Could See, But Now I'm Blind

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
2 Corinthians 4:4

I am a pretty serious character. Oh I enjoy a good laugh, but it is not often that I have a witty come back for a given situation. However, last week’s “A Grazing Mace” offered a rare opportunity, and inspired this week’s title. I also suppose that if we could re-write this week’s passage, we might say that “the god of this age has blinded the minds of believers and unbelievers alike.” 

See from the beginning of time and throughout history mankind has been blinded by the world. Adam and Eve were made perfect and lived in a perfect place having perfect fellowship with the Creator himself - until that pesky serpent convinced Eve that she was blind and that disobeying God would allow her and Adam to really “see”. The reality was they had already been able to see what was really real and eating the forbidden fruit blinded them to that forever. 

John, writing to the church in Laodicea reveals the blindness of the people “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17).

Saul, who would eventually become Paul, suffered from extreme soul blindness. Saul was blinded by his religious traditions, his education, his prejudices and he was further blinded by fear and hate. It took being literally blinded by a close encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road to really open his eyes to the truth of God and life changing grace and faith. 

In response to the interrogation of the religious leaders of the day a blind man whom Jesus had healed said: “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see” (John 9:25)! In Psalm 146 we read “the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous” (v. 8). 

What’s blinding you today to what is really real? Is it fear or prejudice? Is it the world’s idea of money, power and fame? Maybe you are being blinded by one of life’s many storms or the blows of this world’s grazing mace. The Scriptures reveal that the Lord, who is Christ Jesus, is the only one who can restore our sight, so that we see His glory and walk in His amazing grace.

His grace allows us to have faith and to have the blinded eyes of our souls opened to what’s really real. 

A Prayer
Father - thank you for the healing power of Your amazing grace. Open the eyes of our hearts Lord that we might see what You see - that we will see what is really real and be changed. Thank you that hearts that can see Your grace can walk in this world fearlessly and filled with love In the name Jesus, who makes the blind to see, we pray - Amen.

A Grazing Mace

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:10-11

If you have been reading Something Special For You for any length of time - by now you know inspiration comes from interesting places. My mother and I were in Kansas visiting my daughter and son-in-law. On the way back to their house after breakfast, my mom brought up the topic of her final arrangements, a topic my daughter was vigorously opposed to discussing. At one point as my mom was trying to name a particular song, what came out instead is the inspiration for this week’s devotion - A Grazing Mace.  

A mace is a weapon, used primarily in the middle ages. A club like weapon often with a spiked head. Warriors would bash each other with it in close combat; a well landed blow could mean the end for the adversary. However, a grazing blow would also result in a dangerous wound. Earlier in chapter 5 Peter warns his readers that the Devil is like lion on the hunt. I would guess that a grazing blow from the clawed paw of a lion or bear would also leave a nasty wound. Life on this planet often leaves us wounded by the grazing blows caused by relationships, finances, and health problems - the effects of living on a fallen planet - surrounded by fallen humans.

Peter promises us that because of God’ grace, our wounds will be healed. That God himself will restore us and make us strong and steadfast. This is the power of His amazing grace. No matter the seriousness of the grazing wounds we receive as we go about living our lives, He will bring healing if we let him.

I don’t know what you may be facing this week, but if you receive a grazing blow from one of the maces this world tries to bash us with - seek His amazing grace, that’s where you will find the healing you need to stay in the battle.

A Prayer
Father - snares, spears, arrows and maces are all around us, a direct hit could mean the end of us, a grazing blow can leave us wounded and vulnerable to more attacks - thank you for your amazing grace, that brings healing, restores our strength and fills us with your power. Help us to share that grace with those around us who are also wounded. In the name Jesus, whose grace is more than sufficient, we pray - Amen.

A Life Changing Journey

“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ …Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing.”
Acts 9:3-4, 8

Sorry, no old country song references this week. We all travel some and I reckon some of us travel more than others. Then, of course our whole of life is a journey from birth to death and into eternity. Every once in a while a trip becomes a life changing journey. That certainly was the case for Saul.

Saul was a Pharisee - in other words he was an “I’m better than you, let’s squash this whole Jesus movement, Jewish leader. The kind of guy Jesus liked to irritate. After witnessing the stoning of Stephen Saul was even more motivated to punish those who had aligned their lives with Jesus. With the proper documents in hand he and his posse hit the Damascus road ready to ruin the lives of believers in the city of Damascus. Only Saul and his men ran into a wall of light that was the risen Christ and that changed everything.

Saul’s life was forever changed from that moment on. Saul changed from prosecutor to preacher, from self righteous Pharisee to sold out follower of Christ. Saul who had once taken pleasure in hunting the followers of “the Way” was now on the Pharisee’s most wanted list. His return to Jerusalem on the same Damascus road was much different than what he had expected it to be. 

Saul’s life changing journey to Damascus would eventually result in a new name - Paul and a whole new purpose for his life. That one journey would lead to other life changing travels, travels that would continue to change Paul, would change the lives of his traveling companions and would change the lives of the people they encountered. Saul’s life changing Damascus trip would lead to Paul’s audiences with Governors and Kings. The journey would lead him ultimately to an eternity in the presence of the very One he had once hated but now loved with every fiber of his being.

Every day of this life is potentially life changing. Be open to the journey that Lord has laid out before you, follow where he leads; let Him change you and one day you will find yourself in the presence of the King of Kings for all of eternity.

A Prayer
Father - give us the courage to let You take us on a life changing journey. We know there may be moments of darkness and pain, but we also know that You will be ever present as we journey to our eternity with you. Send others to travel with us, to encourage us on our way and help us to be of encouragement to others. In the name Jesus, who has laid out the journey, we pray - Amen.

Life is a Highway

“And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it.”
Isaiah 35:8

Perhaps it was the early morning bike ride or preparations for a trip that had me thinking about roads and highways. As I thought about that, I thought I remembered a song called “Life is a Highway.” Turns out it is a song by Rascal Flatts. One of the verses says: “There was a distance between you and I. A misunderstanding once, but now we look it in the eye.” Of the course the song is meant to be a love song, but these words could be applied to the relationship we have with the Lord.

This week’s passage from the prophet Isaiah comes from a poem or song written about the time that was coming when God’s people would be redeemed and would journey home after being exiled. The journey on this particular highway would be joy filled and safe. Back in the day only the very wealthy and powerful traveled in “style” and perhaps relative safety. For everyone else even a “short” trip, never mind a long journey, was difficult and filled with danger. Back to Isaiah, you see the people had put distance between themselves and their God by the way they were living. For their efforts they ended up on a highway that led somewhere they didn’t want to be. God had no intention of leaving them there, He just wanted them to draw near, where they could see eye to eye once again. The Hebrew word translated as highway in this passage can also mean “way of life” - God, wants us to have a way of life that will allow us to stay on His “Way of Holiness” even when the going of this life gets tough. 

The opening verse of the Rascal Flatts song says: Life’s like a road that you travel on when there’s one day here and the next day gone. Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand, and sometimes you turn your back to the wind.” Jesus wants us to travel the highway of life in such a way that we can stand and not break when traveling gets tough. 

So how are you traveling?

A Prayer
Father - there are so many roads and highways that we can travel on in this world. When we don’t like where we are heading sometimes we even go off road. Help us to travel on the highway you have prepared for us, that allows us to see eye to eye with You and to stand when the going gets tough. Thank you that Your Son makes the way for us to live in the Way. In the name Jesus, who constructed the Way of Holiness with a wooden cross, we pray - Amen.

Too Hot to Handle

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.”
Psalm 23:2-3

Temperatures are rising in California; triple digits will soon be the norm here in the central valley. But even if the temperatures aren’t soaring, life can sometimes be too hot to handle. Financial struggles, unemployment, health issues, relationship problems and a whole host of life situations can cause the temperature of life to soar. We can combat triple digit weather with air-conditioning, swimming pools and holidays to cooler climes but what can we do when life gets to hot to handle? 

King David faced plenty of situations that made life to hot to handle and when he did, he trusted his Lord to bring the temperature down at least for a little while so his strength would be restored. I love the images David uses in Psalm 23 of the green pastures and quiet water. Just the thought of those two things together bring a cooling effect to my soul and mind. The prophets of the Old Testament were also familiar with a life that gets to hot to handle. They also had to trust God’s promises to refresh and restore even in the midst of life’s heat waves. God promised Jeremiah that “He would refresh the weary and satisfy the faint” (Jeremiah 31:25) and the prophet Isaiah tells us that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and soar like eagles…” (Isaiah 40:31). If God’s promises and provisions were good enough for David and the prophets they are good enough for us. Life is often going to get to hot to handle, but there is relief waiting.

This week, when the situations in your life get to hot to handle let Jesus lead you to the green pasture and quiet waters of His peace. There you will find what you need to refresh your soul, cool your mind and renew your strength. I’ll be there cooling off - see you there.

A Prayer
Father - thank you the green pastures and quiet waters that cool us when life gets to hot to handle. Thank you for the peace you promise will refresh our souls and restore our strength. When life makes us sweat may we soak our feet in the cooling stream of your love and may we invite others to join us there. In the name of Jesus we pray - Amen.

Back Away From...

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16

In our house my husband does the yard work, this includes pruning the hedges, bushes and trees. I know they need to be pruned so that they stay healthy and grow properly, but I still like them to look natural. So every once in a while when he is out pruning something and it looks like a little too much might get pruned, I say “Back away from the tree” sometimes that works and the pruning stops, but sometimes it doesn’t and the pruning continues. Sometimes we are like that when we approach God. We lay something down, ask for His assistance and then on our way out we pick our concerns back up and take them with us even when God has asked us to back away from them. 

At church as we have been studying Paul’s letter to the Philippians we have been talking about how important it is to change our perspective on life and the world around us. Pastor Steve Ingold challenged us to change the filter we look through and Pastor Steve Madsen asked us to choose the illogical peace that is attainable only from God. Ok easier said than done - I know. Still we are given the instructions that should help us do that. We are told to “To be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Paul tells the Philippians “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). The bottom line is that when we approach the throne we are to lay down the negatives of our lives and back away leaving them there and taking with us instead all of the positives God has ready for us including the illogical peace that we can only get from Him.

This week, approach the throne of grace with confidence and back away from discontentment. Back away from fear. Back away from the lies this world whispers in your ear. Back away from wrong choices and responses. Back away from darkness and as you back away from all of these things remember to pick up peace, love, faith, joy, truth and light. 

A Prayer
Father - help us to change our perspective and claim the peace you have for us no matter what we are facing. Thank you that we can approach Your throne and lay our needs and requests down at Your feet. Help us to leave them there as we back away. Grant us Your peace and help us hold on to it even in the midst of life’s storms. In the name of Jesus we pray continually - Amen.

If Life's a Bowl of Cherries...

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34

Cherries are one of my favorite foods, especially when they are fresh from the tree. Perhaps the bowl of fresh cherries on the kitchen counter made me think about the book If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits by the late humorist/author Erma Bombeck. The book takes a humorous look at the trials and tribulations of this thing we call life. I think the title of the book is a good analogy for the two possible perspectives we can have as we go about the business of being humans on this planet. 

“The pits” might as well represent the perspective the world seems to think we should have. This worldly perspective is filled with worry, fear, anger, disrespect and the devaluing of humanity. Don’t misunderstand me there are real problems in this world that need to be dealt with - missing girls in Nigeria, water borne diseases in third world countries, hunger and violence used as a problem solving tool everywhere. It seems to me that the world wants us to be hopeless, to think there is nothing we can do about the state of humanity and our planet.

“The bowl of cherries” represents a completely different perspective. This perspective, alluded to in this week’s passage acknowledges all of the short comings of life on this planet and still tells us not to worry. It implies that we don’t need to be fear filled, or overwhelmed by anger. We can be respectful of one another, place a high value on our own humanness and the humanness of others. This is the heavenly kingdom perspective. His kingdom perspective wants us to be hope filled, understanding that when we seek Him first above everything else He will not only provide us with what we need to live day to day, He will also grant us the wisdom and give us the resources we need to make real changes to the state of humanity and our planet.

What will it be this week - life in the pits or an abundant life with a bowl full of cherries? It’s your choice. You will find me in the bowl of cherries.

A Prayer
Father - thank you for knowing exactly what we need and standing ready to provide those things for us. Help us each day to seek You and Your kingdom first, so that we can live the abundant life, free from worry that You have planned for us. Help us to have a kingdom perspective of our lives, the lives of those around us and our planet. In the name of Jesus - Amen.

Camping at the River

“Your love, O LORD. Reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life: in your light we see light. Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright heart. May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.”
Psalm 36:5-11

Twelve women met at a nearby river for a weekend camping trip. This group of ladies of various ages, from different backgrounds, different churches and each carrying their own burdens came together to enjoy the beauty of creation and the fellowship of friendship and sisterhood. Together, they laughed and played, rested and walked in the cool river water, they ate and shared life together. 

Come Sunday morning I had been asked to lead a short devotional time. I had been thinking about what I would say for a couple of week and spent some of my time at the river, praying and studying. You see with twelve women, each dealing with their own stuff we probably could have spent all day pouring through the Scriptures to find something to encourage each individual. As I studied - this week’s passage kept coming up and so I shared what I gleaned from the passage.

God’s love is - unfailing. His love is loyal, devoted and kind. His love is priceless, it is a rare and precious gift that He freely gives. He loves us no matter what we are facing or how we react to our circumstances.

God’s faithfulness is - steady and trustworthy. He will be faithful to keep His promises even if our faith feels like it is failing, His never will.

God’s righteousness is - strong, sure and as solid as the majestic mountains. His standards will never fail and He stands ready to help us live up to them.

God’s justice is perfect and yet a mystery to us because it does not match our understanding of justice. His justice is always right and will protect us from those people or situations that threaten to trip us up. We just need to remember He welds his justice in His own time.

God will lead us to the river, when we are parched and dry, so we can be refreshed and restored to the thriving and abundant life He intends for us. 

The bottom line in all of this is that David understood that no matter what he faced, no matter what we face - we are never alone. God, whose love reaches to the heavens, can reach our hearts just as easily, no matter where we are. He will protect us and provide for us everything that we need for an abundant life, just like the fertile land that lies beside the rivers of the world.

What about it? Do you need to campout at the river of God’s love - soaking up His faithfulness, righteousness, justice and the abundant life He has for you? 

A Prayer
Father - thank you for making such beautiful world for us to live in and learn about your from. Where rivers flow life thrives in abundance. Our lives can get dried out by circumstances of life, draw us to the river of your delight so we can campout and be refreshed, restored and encouraged by your love and faithfulness. In the name of Jesus - Amen

Building Your Core

“For who is God beside the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.” 

2 Samuel 22:32-34

 

Fitness experts everywhere tells us we need to build up our cores. This means working to have strong abdominal, lower back and oblique muscles. The idea is that a strong core will help the rest of our body perform better and be healthier. So we do hundreds of crunches using all sorts of torturous variations. We do planks; pushups and any other exercises that are suppose to give us flat stomachs, tapered waists and strong backs. The results are worth it to be sure, as we find ourselves stronger overall and less prone to injury. But there is another core; we need to be building as well - a spiritual one. We need to build our spiritual core to keep our faith strong especially in difficult times. How do we do that?

1. Stand firmly on the promises of God our Rock. Like the promise God made to Joshua “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5b). Or the promise Paul shares with the Philippians “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). And what about “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
2. Worship God because He is God. This core builder really works best when we exercise it in the midst of the storms we face - in the “even if not” moments of life.
3. Pray always and in every situation. Paul tells the Philippians “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6) The Colossians heard from Paul and he told them to “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2). Prayer is our line of communication with the Master of our core.
4. Walk by faith. Easy to say but much harder to do in our “I can do it” world. When we practice walking by faith, following after the One who knows the way - our spiritual core will get stronger and stronger.

When we build our spiritual cores not only are we better able to deal with the hard stuff of life, but we are better able to reflect God’s grace, mercy and love to those around us. I don’t know what you are facing right now but I know whatever it is - good or bad - now is the perfect time to work on building your core. What condition is your spiritual core in? 

 

A Prayer

Father - thank you for being the Master of our core. Thank you for showing us what we can do to strengthen our core, so we can stand firm no matter what we face. Help us to stand on Your promises, to worship you - especially in the hard times. Thank you for hearing our prayers when we need extra instruction and care for our cores. May we truly walk by faith. In the name of Jesus - Amen.

Artificial Strength

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:26

“Keep a stiff upper lip.” “Smile though your heart is breaking.” “Never let them see you sweat.” “The show must go on.” Big boys don’t cry.” “Pull yourself together.” “Pull yourself up by your boot straps.” “Get over it.” “Keep your chin up.” “Put on a brave face.” 

How many of these - you have to be strong phrases have you heard? Can you add some to the list? What do you tell yourself, when you feel like you must hold it together and be strong? How is it that stuffing our emotions make us strong? I think when we do that we are creating an illusion of strength - and artificial strength if you will. 

Let me say right up front that there are probably some life circumstances when this sort of artificial strength can serve temporarily as a form of protection so we can deal with whatever we need to deal with. The key here is it should only be used temporarily. The long term effects of stuffing real and raw emotion will lead to more problems in the long run. We need to cry, we need to feel anger, to sit for a time with the pain of betrayal, it’s healthy - it’s truly human and it is a means to healing. 

The Psalmist who wrote this week’s passage had been openly sharing with God the struggles he has been dealing with and comes to the conclusion that real strength comes not from stuffing emotion or giving into temptation but from an authentic relationship with God, where God provided the strength to carry on.

Paul talks about the very real strength that is available from God. After basically telling the Philippians that the secret to being content under even the worst of circumstances is through “Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) he goes on to say that it is also good to share the good and the bad with those around you. In his second letter to the Corinthians Paul tells them that he pleaded with the Lord to remove something painful from his life only to have the Lord tell him “My grace is sufficient - My power is made perfect in your weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). That’s kind of a hard pill, but Paul had by experience; found it to be true in his life and it will prove to be true in ours as well.

This week we can either stuff our emotions, slap a fake smile on our face and try to get by on artificial strength or like the Psalmist and Paul we can admit that we are being made weak by life on this planet and we need the real strength available from the One who is made even stronger in our weakness. What will it be? 

A Prayer
Father - thank you for being the source of real strength, a strength that brings contentment and healing. Help us not to bottle up the painful emotions we often experience in this world. Thank you also for the people in our lives that allow us to be real with them and are willing to stand by us when life gets messy. In the name of Jesus our strength - Amen.

Great Minds and All

“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any of man’s judgment: ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 2:14-16

Perhaps you have been so in sync with someone - a friend, sibling or spouse - that you think the same things at the same time, or purchase one another matching greeting cards or get matching tattoos without consulting one another. I think this week’s passage is about being in sync with God. The final sentence “But we have the mind of Christ” is a sure statement that we share the great mind of Christ, but what does the mean? What fills the mind of Christ?

Philippians 4:8 tells us some of what should fill our minds - whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. What else filled the mind of Christ? Jesus focused, almost exclusively on others - Widows and orphans (James 1:27), the bereaved (Luke 7:11 and John 11:17-35), the hungry and thirsty (Matthew 14:16-19), sinners and those are the margins of respectable society. These are also the things that should have our attention. 

On occasion Jesus would slip away to have a time of solitude, to talk privately with His Father and to be recharged for the work that was still to be done. This too is something that should fill our minds - the need to get away to talk privately with the Father, to learn from the Son and seek the leading of the Spirit.

I am not saying that having the mind of Christ is easy, because it is not, at least not while we are in this world where we are bombarded with half truths and lies, where few seek to be noble and the definitions of right and pure can change from person to person. Where we can be overwhelmed by the needs and injustices around us and the idea of being alone and quiet can be terrifying. But the effort to fully embrace the mind of Christ that we have already been given will be worth it.

Someday, Lord willing - we will think the same thoughts God thinks at the same time He thinks them - Great minds and all. 

A Prayer
Father, thank you for giving us the mind of Christ. Help us to embrace all that means for us in the here and now. Give us the courage to slip away and be alone and quiet in Your presence. When we feel overwhelmed by the pain and injustice around us, help us to see the one small thing we can do to make a difference. May we become addicted to filling our minds with good thoughts - so that we will be of the same mind with one another and You. In the name of Jesus - Amen.