Thursday, February 28, 2019

Thursday, February 28

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

 

“They came to Capernaum.  When he [Jesus] was in the house, he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’  But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.

 

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.’” (Mark 9:33-35)

 

 

“Sin is not ended by multiplying words,

    but the prudent hold their tongues.” (Proverbs 10:19)

 

 

Do you enjoy poignant memes and t-shirts?  Their short phrases’ ability to capture deep truth can amuse us or pique our anger.  Some t-shirts contain messaging that reveals the inner heart of the person wearing them.  Recently, we have been chuckling in our home about a t-shirt that reads:  “I’m not arguing.  I’m just explaining why I’m right.”  How true!

 

As we head into arguments, we often resemble the disciples in their argument about which among them had achieved the greatest position.  In fact, our posture and attitude in these discussions echoes their pride and desire to come out on top.  We rarely enter arguments seeking truth or mutual edification.  We typically wish to influence, cajole, or even shut down the other parties.

 

In Mark 8:34-38, Jesus gave His call to discipleship:  “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (8:34)  The Way of the Cross -- the path Jesus set before us and lived Himself -- requires self-denial.  Here, we read that living up to our calling involves a servant’s heart and an attitude of humility.  These two approaches are clearly interrelated:  by denying the self, we may embrace the glory of God and the blessing of others as our objectives.  Otherwise, we remain trapped in our own selfishness and agenda.

 

Yet, we know that arguments will come.  We have several action steps that may allow us to maximize these moments for God’s Kingdom:

 

(1)  Avoid pointless arguments.  Oftentimes, pettiness draws us into conversations that all parties will later regret.

 

(2)  Listen well.  As the Proverb explains, multiplying our words is likely not the answer.  In fact, our words may further embroil us.

 

(3)  Ask thought-provoking questions.  “How did that make you feel?”  “What do you see as a potential resolution?”  “From your perspective, what am I missing?”

 

(4)  Shorten the argument.  Dwelling and rehashing the same points -- or even points from previous arguments -- rarely leads to fresh and successful outcomes.

 

(5)  Be willing to step back.  There may be times where considering one another’s points of view may be more effective than further argument.

 

(6)  Remember the greater purpose of family and community.  Paul’s counsel in Colossians 3:12-14 covers this best:  “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

 

(7)  Focus on the glory of God and the blessing of others.  How could your flexibility in this situation serve the Kingdom?  What does “success” mean in light of God’s glory and others’ flourishing?

 

(8)  Stand firm in the Truth.  Despite the forgoing, please be careful to remain faithful to God’s Word.  Affirm His character and goodness, and acknowledge Him as your King.

 

 

May we honor God and serve others in times of disagreement!

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for your clear teaching on living humbly and honoring others through a servant’s attitude.  Change our hearts from the inside out, and prepare us to love others even in the midst of arguments.  Prepare our hearts to receive Your presence today, and guide and direct us by Your Spirit so that we might be a blessing.  We love You and honor You today.  In Your mighty Name, amen.

 

________________________________________________________________________

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Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Feb. 27

Matthew 9

God's Glory

You and I have sometimes wished that we could see Christ in His earthly glory. We need not however wish it; for, if such a sight were permitted to us, in all probability we should be more full of fear than joy. - Charles Spurgeon

The account of the transfiguration always fascinated me.  It wasn't light from an outside source the disciples saw, it was the actual light radiating from within the Son of God. Perhaps the miracle which should capture our hearts and imaginations even more than God's glory being revealed on that mount top is the miracle of how Jesus was able to contain His glory from being displayed while walking with us on earth.  Yet Jesus reserved this moment for these three men. Why? Peter, James and John had to be changed that day. They saw first hand that as great as Moses and Elijah were, they were no where near the level of Jesus. As King over all God's Kingdom, Jesus had just told His disciples that He was "going the way of the cross and that they should follow Him".  How easy it would be for them to lose confidence after such a frightening, negative, and confusing truth bomb was dumped on them. Perhaps, through this dramatic revelation, Jesus was showing them, and is showing us, His followers, that cross bearers will one day be glory receivers.  The cloud that shadowed over them is a familiar cloud. It's the same Shekinah glory that accompanied the Israelites through Exodus, and later also appeared to Mary.  It was the same voice which confirmed Jesus' identity at His baptisim that confirmed Jesus is the blessed Son on that mountain top. The same glory the disciples saw on that mountain is the same glory we will see when Jesus returns.  The Shekinah glory of God will be displayed the day our Lord Jesus triumphantly returns to earth. I don't know about anyone else reading this, but I wish I was on that mountain top. Whether I would I be filled with fear or awe, like the disciples who witnessed the event, I would never be the same. Lord, show me Your glory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_e3aJLRsdc



Randi

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Perfect Timing

February 26, 2019


Leviticus 19-20:21, Mark 8:11-38, Psalm 42:1-11, Proverbs 10:17


I'm sure you've experienced a time when something is going on in life, you open the Bible or hear a verse, and BAM! God is giving you the words you needed to hear. Today was one of those days for me. Psalm 42 is a well known passage and I think of the song that comes from it. I know and remember the first two verses. They're engrained in me. But reading through the rest of the chapter is where Hod revealed Himself to me and gave me nourishment where my heart and soul needed. 


Tonight my Starbucks family said good bye to my close and great friend Joe. He passed away unexpectedly at the end of last week, leaving many of us in shock, great sadness, anger, and confusion. We stood outside a Starbucks tonight as a green apron family sharing laughs, stories, and memories. I knew many of the people there, but there were also many I did not know. Toward the end we shared a moment of silence and I was asked to pray. I've been thinking of Psalm 42 since I read it at 3:00 this morning and I praise God for using me to share His words of hope in the middle of sadness and despair. 


Tonight as I reflect on the day and events of the week I draw hope and comfort from this chapter. "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:5 


There were many there who don't believe in God. Many who look at Joe's death as another tick against God. They may have asked "Where is your God?" Just as many in this Psalm did. I know my answer just as the Psalmist did. He is there. Within me. He is my Rock "my Savior and my God." I pray that my friends "put their hope in [Him]," and that is what I prayed tonight. That our hearts would find joy and that God would give us joy in Him. 


Please keep my community in prayer. Pray for Joe's bride, Jenny, who is heartbroken. For his family, and friends. Pray that God would be seen through this. I go to bed now with a moving creature in my belly and a snuggling little mountain man and have comfort that "By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life."

Psalm 42:8 NIV

Monday, February 25, 2019

Bible blog post Monday February 25th

What Do You Have? What Are You Willing To Give? (Mark 8:1-10)


Sometimes we can sit and wonder how God can use us.  We are masterful at the art of comparison.  We don't have the talents others have, the degree's other have, the knowledge, the money, the time, the skills, the personality, the ____________ (fill in your blank).  It is so easy for so many of us to feel as if we don't have much that would be useful in service to the Lord.  Then we read Mark 8:1-10 and it changes everything.  Or at least it should.

For 3 days a crowd of 4,000 men (not including women and children) followed Christ, listened to him, and watched him.  They followed Him till they ended up in a very remote place.  Christ looked out at them and he saw people who were hungry and had no way of feeding themselves.  Christ called his 12 disciples to him and told them how he had compassion on them.  He knew the people were hungry and would not make it if he sent them away as they were.  I can picture the 12 looking around at each other, at the people and where they were and dumbfounded say to Christ, "that's all well and good Jesus but, in case the heat has gotten to you, have you forgotten where we are?  Where would anyone find enough bread to feed all these people let alone pay for it."  I am sure they were moved by and admired Jesus compassion but there was no practical or possible way they saw to help.  I love Christ's response, "How many loaves do you have?"  He basically asks them "what do you have that I can use?".  The answer was 7 loaves and some fish.  There were 12 of them not included Jesus so that meant they had less than one loaf of bread for each of them and they would have to share the fish.  They too were in this remote place where replenished supplies would be hard to come by.  It was all they had, as little as it was, it was everything. Christ didn't respond with, "That's it?  That's the best you've got?"  No, I picture him smiling and saying, "7 loaves? Perfect!"  The disciples gave what they felt were their meager rations to Christ who took them, didn't look at them as meager but as plenty, and gave thanks.  We then read that he multiplied what the 12 saw as little and not only fed the 4,000+ people there but had seven baskets full of leftovers.  The disciples had more food for their continued journey then they had before and the people could take some for their journey home if they needed it. 

What was it like for the 12 disciples to sit and watch over 4,000 people being fed because they were willing to let Christ use what little they had?  Remember they were 12 and only had 7 loaves and a few fish.  They barely had enough for themselves to eat and it was all they had.  A few of them had to wonder how Christ could take all that they had, as little as it was, and do anything worthwhile with it.  So, it had to have filled their hearts with such joy, amazement and awe when the love and power of their savior and friend Jesus Christ multiplied their meager provisions and caused it to become a bounty of plenty for so many more.

Each and every one of us has something that God can and desires to use.  When you read through the bible you read story after story of God using people whom the world would deem insignificant to do mighty things.  He always seems to take the smallest things and makes a mighty impact with them.  You don't have to be the best of the best, you don't have to have the most, you don't have to have much of anything.  But, take what you do have and lift it up to the Lord and give it to him.  Let him know that you may not see it as much but you want to give it him to use to bless others, to feed others in spiritual ways that you don't know how but that you want to be used for the benefit of others. 

No gift, no person, no offering of self is too small for the Lord.  There are so many needs that we don't even realize exists in others.  Let's be ready to let God use us to impact the lives of those he wants to reach.  So take humble inventory and be ready to give to the Lord as he is asking you, "what do you have that you are willing to give?"











Saturday, February 23, 2019

February 23: What Do We Run To?


Leviticus 14:1-57

Mark 6:30-56

Psalm 40:1-10

Proverbs 10:11-12


"So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.  But many who saw them leaving recognized them and RAN ON FOOT from all the towns and got there ahead of them."


Black Friday.  It is the Friday after the third Thursday in November, the day after Thanksgiving, the day the country prepares a meal, and gathers to give thanks for all we have.  It is, perversely, one of the three biggest shopping days in the US, when stores draw holiday shoppers with unbelievable prices on items high in demand.  Game consoles and video games.  TVs and other electronics.  Computers.  You name it.  


The lines waiting for stores to open have gotten so long there are many who, having polished off their Thanksgiving dinners, choose to exercise it off by running to the stores before they do dishes.  They burn even more calories stomping their feet trying to keep warm outside the store, then rushing into the store when it opens, sometimes trampling the people in front of them, sometimes getting into fights over particular items.   All for a TV that will break or a game console that will be obsolete in a couple of years. 


How different might our lives be if hungered for our Lord the same way we wanted new toys, if we ran to Jesus with the same frantic desperation of a frugal shopper on Black Friday?  The people described in today's NT reading did just that.  And what did they get for their efforts?  Not entertainment or video games.  They got to hear our Lord, they got to witness a miracle, they probably experienced a transformation one would not receive from the latest multi-player game on the largest, highest definition television.  Heck, they even got a meal they didn't have to prepare.  


Lord, forgive us.  We expend so much effort chasing things that fade and rust.  Change our hearts.  Teach us instead to expend that effort chasing you, with the same desperation as the Israelites did.  And as you did with them, reward our efforts by supplying both our material and, more importantly, our spiritual needs.  


Friday, February 22, 2019

Feb 22

February 22, 2019

Mark 6

Who Is Jesus?    

 

There is a lot of confusion over who Jesus really is.  From Hollywood to the modern scholars of our day, the picture only gets more blurred. If you peruse current ideas on Jesus' identity you will encounter Jesus as a political revolutionary, a magician who married Mary Magdalene, a rabbi, a peasant Jewish cynic, an anti-Pharisee Essene, a prophet, a hippie in a world of Augustinian yuppies, or even the hallucinogenic leader of a sacred mushroom cult.

 

Athletes have also come up with some of their own creative portrayals of Jesus. Fritz Peterson, former NY Yankee, pictured Jesus in a baseball uniform: "I firmly believe that if Jesus Christ was sliding into second base, he would knock the second baseman into left field to break up the double play. Christ might not throw a spitball, but he would play hard within the rules."  If this is true, the Mets should sign him immediately.

 

So how do you see him?  We should take comfort in our confusion; even the people who had face-to-face encounters with Jesus 2000 years ago were confused about his identity. His family thought he was crazy. The hometown crowd through he was part of the carpenters' union. King Herod thought Jesus was Johnny B. come back to haunt him. Still others thought he was Elijah or one of the fiery prophets of the Old Testament.

 

In the end there are only two responses to that question. There are only believers and doubters. Your doubt can have its origins in pride, rationality, scientific argument, and even apathy. But the result of your doubt will make you blind to Jesus. Doubt will cause Jesus to be powerless in your life; he will never be able to do any miracles.

 

And then there are believers. Those who believe will experience his love, his power and his salvation in their lives. If you believe you will have a reason and purpose for your life. If you believe, your identity and eternity will be radicallychanged. It is time to "bet the farm" on Jesus.

 

 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Thursday, February 21

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

"I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy." (Leviticus 11:45)

"The wise in heart accept commands,
    but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
    but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." (Proverbs 10:8,9)


In today's reading from Leviticus, we receive a thorough background on clean and unclean foods.  God caps His instructions to Moses (and intended for the entirety of Israel) with this summary:  "I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy." (Leviticus 11:45)

These two adjoined statements contain some deep truth.  First, we understand that obedience or holiness emanates from God's character.  He doesn't need to "act holy" because "I am holy."  His holiness is inherent.  This holiness may comfort us, knowing that God will not deceive us nor suspend His lovingkindness.  Holiness helps to guarantee the promises of God, and it sets clear standards for good and evil.  Because of this holiness, we can trust Him as arbiter and judge.  While we may try to do so ourselves, our judgments will never lack for bias or agenda.  Yet, God's views are objective, flowing from His holiness.

Second, we understand that our obedience ties closely to our relationship with God.  While God's relationship with the Israelites may have seemed corporate or national, we recognize that God interacts with each individual intimately and personally.  Despite His holiness, He is never far off, but rather ready, willing, and able to engage with us on an individual level.  Our obedience is therefore personal; we obey God and therefore follow His commands.  We recognize His fatherly love for us and understand that His will and His ways are perfect for us.  Jesus makes clear that our love for God and our obedience are inseparable (John 14:21).

Third, God's faithfulness to us provides evidence so that we may maintain our obedience.  In several passages, we understand that God's faithfulness is unending and continues, even when we don't deserve it.  Nonetheless, God calls us to emulate His character and to "be holy."  When we live faithfully according to His Word, we may expect a greater measure of His Presence and faithfulness in our lives.  We will more clearly perceive His direction and whisper in our lives because the signals won't be corrupted by our misdirected or divided hearts.  We will enjoy integrity of heart, mind, and spirit and may therefore "walk... securely." (Proverbs 10:9)

Lastly, holiness in us points others to God.  To the extent that others may see any of the beauty, glory, majesty, and holiness of God in us—all through the work of the Holy Spirit—God will receive even greater glory as He draws others to Himself through us.  As Hebrews 12:14 instructs, we should "make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14)  Here, the writer establishes that holiness extends to our relationships with others.  Seeking peace—and, as described later in the passage, forgiving others—creates a healthy environment for experiencing God's presence.

I know that there are many areas of my life that I may surrender more fully to the Lord.  These areas tend to "roll" or "fluctuate," which only re-emphasizes the necessity of depending more fully on God and being guided by the Holy Spirit.  I find that, when I am indulging in sinful thoughts, I don't desire God's Presence; instead, I am running from Him.  I need the reminder from God's holiness to seek Him each day and each hour; otherwise, I am wasting God's precious resource of time and missing out on the blessing of intimacy with Him.


Lord God, thank You for Your holiness.  Thank You that Your character never changes and that Your promises and their fulfillment are rooted in Your perfect character.  Help us to more fully reflect Your holiness.  Keep our hearts from longing after fleeting pleasures and missing Your Presence.  Give us strength of heart and mind to seek You today.  Give us integrity of heart, mind, and spirit, and help us to provide a strong example of Your character among our family, friends, and colleagues.  To You be all glory, honor, and praise forever!  In Jesus's Name, amen.


"Take My Life" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHeEytocJVY)

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Feb. 20

Mark 4

I often wonder why did Jesus teach in Parables?  Wouldn't it be easier if He just told us what He meant so we'd have a better chance of understanding?  The word parable comes from the idea "to set along side".  So the idea of Jesus speaking in Parables is meant for these illustrations to run parallel to the disciples lives (and ours) setting spiritual truth alongside daily living.  So as we read about seeds falling and spreading, being choked or taking root, Jesus is teaching us about fundamental Kingdom principles which are foundations for our lives, just as they were for the disciples.  Seeds, (The Word of God), work invisibly within us.  We can hear the Word or we can speak the Word, either way, depending on how it's received, it's up to God to grow the seeds as only He can.  Much like our prayers, we just have to trust the process. Jesus said that the Parable of the soils was a key for understanding other Parables, why?  I think Jesus is trying to show us that the Word of God works with His hidden and mysterious power, beyond what we can see or understand.  Perhaps the Parable of the mustard seed isn't so much about the size of the seed that we can barely see and we can't see grow, but about the size of our faith. Interestingly, the very same day that Jesus talks about these Kingdom principles and about faith, He tells the disciples, "let's cross over to the other side" referring to the water where satan would try to drown Him and His disciples.  Jesus didn't say "let's see if we will make it to the other side", which makes me think the One who knows the beginning and the end knew this storm was ahead of Him and perhaps was hoping that the disciples would have faith to get to the other side, considering Jesus just spent a day talking about it.  As I'm reading all of this, I see myself in the boat with the disciples.  A storm comes and my first response is "Lord we're perishing!"  Wait though, didn't we just read about faith?  Jesus was asleep, He wasn't even paying attention to the storm.  It wasn't the violent storm that woke Him, it was the hysterical disciples who He just got finished talking to about The Word being planted within them and growing faith being principles of God's Kingdom.  These guys were experienced fishermen, they knew what to do, How we perceive reality determines how we behave.  In that moment, they perceived "perishing".  Jesus told them when they first got in the boat, "let's cross", but they lost sight of their destination.  Don't we do the same?  I know I do.  Jesus' death on the cross made every promise in the Bible "Yes and Amen" and yet, the enemy slips into my mind and says "what if?"   My prayer for all of us it that by the power of God's Holy Spirit which lives within us, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.  I pray we are never afraid to go where Jesus leads us. I pray that the same mysterious power that makes seeds grow is the power that works within us to grow our faith and our lives are rooted, in Kingdom principles.

Randi

Monday, February 18, 2019

Bible Blog Post Monday February 18th

How dumb are you willing to be?  (Psalm 37:7)

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." Ps. 37:7

Last October our church held a women's retreat and we studied Psalm 46:10 which speaks of being still and knowing God (which is an awesome verse).  When I read Psalm 37:7 I saw the same words used, "be still", and was curious if they were actually the same Hebrew word.  Much as I expected, they are not.  The Hebrew word used for be still in 46:10 (raphah) speaks more to the idea of letting go, of surrendering in order to know God so that He can be exalted.  But here in 37:7 the Hebrew word used (damam) is about resting, being quiet, to be dumb in order to wait patiently, without worry, for the Lord.  Two different words for two different instructions.  So why, according Ps.37:7 is it so important to rest, to be quiet, or (my favorite of the definitions) to be dumb in order to wait for God when life seems to run amuck?

It can be so very easy for me to look at circumstances, situations, events, actions, relationships or what have you and think I understand or know what is happening, why things are happening, or better yet, know what needs to happen or take place to make things better.  Then what I can tend to do is go to God in prayer and tell Him, from my vast knowledge and understanding (that is sarcasm by the way) what the best outcome is and how He can best intervene in the circumstance, event, action, etc..  Then in anxiousness and sometimes worry and concern I usually wait to see when God will answer my prayer (which was more of an instruction).  Worse is when my instructions, or prayer rather, isn't being seen as answered and I start to worry more and question if God heard me.  But according to Psalm 37:7 and the Hebrew definition I should rest, be quiet and be dumb and wait.  I love that last definition, "be dumb".  I love it because it reminds me not to think more highly of myself than I should (Rom 12:3). It reminds me that I do not know more than God does.   It reminds me of who I am and who my God is.  My God knows so much more than I do (Ps. 139), He is at work and in control (Job 12), nothing is beyond His abilities (Mt. 19:26 & Job 42:2) and He will work everything out in just the way it should and needs to go (Pro. 16:4-9 & Ro. 8:28).  To be "dumb" means that I recognize that I am not all knowing and I don't understand what or why things are happening or the best way they should be handled.  To be "dumb" simply means that I go to God without my presentation of how things should go.  To be "dumb" means that I don't allow myself to think that I know what is best but that I desire to seek God who truly does know and who is somehow working everything out for my good as well as the good of others and the world.  To be "dumb" releases me from the burden of having to figure it all out, it releases me from the worry and fear, it releases me to sit, rest, be quiet and still so that I can see and hear what the Lord has to say.  It is no different than a student being quiet and recognizing that his/her teacher knows more and can teach him/her if they would just be quiet and listen or watch.

There are many times when things in our lives can feel out of control.  Times when relationships seem heavy or torn.  Times when wickedness seems to prevail in its ways.  Times when evil feels victorious. Psalm 37:7 is a reminder to us to go to God as a student to a teacher and to tell Him, "Lord I don't understand what is going on and I truly don't know what I can do but you know.  Lord you know what steps, if any, I should take and when.  I come to you with this heavy heart and I ask you to teach me, to guide me, to lead me, to help me."  Then, as Ps. 37:7 says, wait and listen patiently, quietly and expectantly for the Lord to instruct.  It is then that I believe the burden of fear and anxiety will begin to lift and the peace of God will begin to settle in no matter what we see or hear from Him.

My desire is to be as "dumb" as I can be before the Lord, to be as humbled as I can be before the Lord, to empty myself of everything and anything that hinders me from sitting with God and listening to Him so that I can be all that He desire me to be and to be truly effective for Him.


Saturday, February 16, 2019

February 16: Of the Inability to Find a Good Title



Leviticus 1:1-3:17

Mark 1:29-2:12

Psalm 35:17-28

Proverbs 9:13-18


Yeah, I couldn't think of a title today.  In any case…


In the Zondervan NIV Study Bible, Leviticus is described as "a manual of regulations" which "explains how [the Israelites] are to be His holy people and to worship Him in a holy manner."  And so in today's reading, where we start the book of Leviticus, we see a fairly exact and intricate set of rules for a sacrifice made to God.   


Consider what one had to do.  Even just to have an animal worthy of the sacrifice, the animal had to be perfect, without defect - which meant (1) it had to have been born that way, and there wouldn't have been many of those; and (2) the owner had to have cared for the animal in such a way as to preserve its perfection.   Then there was the slaughter, the splashing of the blood, the skinning, the cutting into pieces, the washing of the internal organs (for which water had to be drawn and carried - no plumbing back then)…after which the animal was burnt on the altar.  


All in all, an exact and intricate set of rules, in order to have fellowship - a meal with God via "a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord" that wafted away from man into the heavens.


This is in such stark contrast to the fellowship man enjoys with Jesus.  In today's reading, we read that even a person society shunned, such as a leper, had access to God.  And never was there no room to speak with Him, as can be seen when friends break through a roof to lower down their paralytic friend.  Indeed, no longer does man sit beneath God, sending his fellowship up to where he cannot reach; instead, God has come down to earth, and man is able to converse with Him, to beg Him directly for healing and forgiveness.  


Which leads me to question myself.  If I had the chance to sit each day, one on one, with - say, Warren Buffett, to talk about investments, or Tchaikovsky or Stevie Wonder to talk about music, or James Madison to talk about the birthing pains of democracy - I would do so.  Every day.  Without fail.  Why then, when the opportunity is infinitely greater, and the Person involved is Infinite Personified, do I not consistently make the time?


Father, forgive me my willfully ignorant stubbornness.  Open my mind to the meaning of Jesus's name: Immanuel, God With Us.  Help me to realize You are near to me, willing and wanting to make me clean.  Give me the heart that knows this, and a life that responds by seeking to be with You constantly.

Friday, February 15, 2019

Feb 15

February 15, 2019

Mark 1

 

When Jesus said, "Follow Me," he was using a specific rabbinic phrase that invited potential disciples to embrace Him as the essence of their existence.  The word literally means to "come after."  "Following" is, at its core, a directional choice. It is to position Christ as our singular, passionate pursuit in all things.  With every thought, choice, and response to life, fully devoted followers move toward proximity and intimacy with Christ.

We have all sung the words, "Jesus be the center of my life."  That is what following Jesus means. Our goal today is that in every decision, every word, every action and every thought we move towards Jesus.

To be a follower means that Jesus is the all-consuming center of our experience and our leader. The challenge for us in 2019 is to set aside the distractions that trick us into following them and with a decisive act of our wills, commit to pursuing Jesus in everything.  

Take time right now and pray, telling Jesus that you are going to passionately follow him today.

 

 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Thursday, February 14

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019


"16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.  17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  18 Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"


How do you respond to challenges?  Do you become excited or deflated?  For most of us, our response to challenges likely depends on our mindset at that moment.  If we have an overall confident tone, we look forward to tackling something significant; otherwise, we may simply become overwhelmed.

In some of His concluding words to His disciples, Jesus give a charge and a challenge:  "... [As you are going,] make disciples of all nation, baptizing he Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."  Jesus, our Lord and Savior, interacted with His disciples like a rabbi, imparting wisdom as they passed through His three years of ministry.  Jesus shared lessons through parables and sermons, but, importantly, life had been the curriculum.  Rubbing shoulders together and serving together in practical ways had forged crucial bonds, but also gave opportunities for teachable moments and growth.

Jesus's charge is therefore rabbinic.  He calls us to follow us in His footsteps as rabbi, making disciples and not mere converts.  While we sometimes think of sharing the Gospel as mechanical or formulaic, making disciples is much more organic.  It requires an embodiment of the teaching:  walking in the truths that we claim, not just proclaiming them.  Making disciples requires time, integrity, grace, and love.  The goal is not just information, but transformation.  Just as God promises to make all things new in Revelation 21-22, disciplemakers partner with the Father in bringing forth the "new creation" for those in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Critically, this call to make disciples extends to us.  We may join in the ongoing expansion of God's Kingdom, starting with living as a disciple.  We accept the "yoke" or Lordship of our Lord Jesus Christ, embracing Him and obeying Him out of love (Matthew 11:28-30; John 14:21).  We seek our own life transformation ahead of seeking it for others.  We may then minister from our own discipleship in order to "make disciples," according to Jesus's call.

And we are neither weak not alone.  Please notice that Jesus sandwiched His call to disciplemaking within two truths:  His authority is complete and universal, and He promises to be with us.  He will superintend over the process of disciplemaking, and He empowers us through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).  Any fruitfulness from disciplemaking will come from Christ's authority and the Spirit's power.  We offer ourselves as willing vessels so that we may pour out the treasure of God's Word and our lives as well.  We experience tremendous joy in the process.

What does it mean for you to "make disciples" today?  How could you trust God for opportunities to impact others?  In your family?  In your office?  In your neighborhood?  How valuable the fruit of that commitment will be!


Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to join in disciplemaking.  Help us first to submit ourselves to Your call to discipleship and to grow under Your guidance and direction.  Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to live the Gospel and to connect with others whom You call to do the same.  Make us fruitful for Your Kingdom's sake.  We love You and honor You today.  In Jesus's Name, amen.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

February 13

Matthew 27:32-66

The reading of Jesus being beaten and crucified reminded me of when I was younger, maybe seven or eight years old, and I watched a movie with my Mom called "The Robe".  I remember asking her "why are they were beating that man, who is he?, what did he do?"  There was no clear answer. I was horrified and left the room. 

In yesterday's reading, Pilate asked the same question when the crowd yelled "crucify Him!"  "Why? What crime has he committed?" (27:23)  The truth to the matter is that there was no crime Jesus committed.  The crimes committed were ours.  They were, and still are, our sins.  It wasn't just physical or emotional pain that made Jesus cry out "Eli, Eli, lema sabachtani", it was the weight of humanity's sin so horrific that God The Father had to look away.  Reading the account of the crucifixion, knowing it should have been me up on that cross leaves me a bit numb. But there's more.  What happened on the cross answers the question "Who is He?", and next, points to the invitation we received through Jesus' death which allows us to enter into a righteous relationship with God. The veil in the temple is torn from the top down. It's so important to try and grasp and simply receive the incomprehensible because that's where our faith rests.  The Romans viewed crucifixion as a death suitable for the worst offenders, In our state of sin, we are the worst offenders. The Law said anyone who hung on a tree was cursed. Jesus death was the only way for God to fix what was started way back in the Garden of Eden. By grace, we have been saved.

As I go back to remembering that day when I was with my Mom, the answer to the my questions and to Pilate's, and to anyone else who might ask us, is found in John 10:11  - Jesus is the good shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep.  I pray God puts one person in our path today that needs to hear this truth.

Randi

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

The Compassionate Father

February 12, 2019


Exodus 34:1 - 35:9, Matthew 27:15-31, Psalm 33:12-22, Proverbs 9:1-6


Think back to childhood and one of those major times you messed up. You disobeyed... fell short beyond belief. Even in the not-so-major mess ups the same parental phrases pop in my head (maybe you heard them too) "This hurts me more than you." "I'm doing this because I love you." "One day when you're a parent, you will understand."  As children we didn't understand the discipline that we received from our parents. Now as parents or grown ups, we do. 


The children of Israel were right in the middle of one of their major, major mess-ups. Yesterday we read about the golden calf; an idol built by Aaron and the Hebrews. We have already seen God's wrath many, many times in the last few weeks and in many ways I read yesterday and shake my head in awe of Gods mercy. I kept picturing the scene in "The Ten Commandments" with Charlton Heston when there was the crazy party going on at the base of the mountain while Moses is in true connection with God. We read yesterday that there was punishment... great consequences for many...death. 


In the wake of all this that just unfolded, we read Exodus 34. New tablets are being made, but more importantly, the character of God is being revealed in ways we still cling on to today. Exodus 34:6-7, " The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished;" God is Father. His children rebelled and disobeyed in ways we read as crazy and hard to understand! Foolish people!! You just lived through Exodus! Plagues! Freedom! Crossing a dry sea! Pillars of Fire! Food from heaven! And yet you choose and make other idols? You forget about the God, the Father, the Almighty Deliverer? 


How about going through that replacing the "you" to "me/I?" I see the same fingerprints of God in my life everyday. I see his mercy and blessings everyday. I have not physically crossed a dry sea, but I have been through enough that equal a Red Sea. I know the cross and understand the cost it was to be there. Yet daily I turn my face from God. Not intentionally, but His glory is not my priority. My daily messiness is the same of the Hebrew people on so many levels. I'm deserving of death too. But I read Exodus 34 and Psalm 145 knowing that God is gracious. Slow to Anger. Rich in Love. Good to all. I also know that there are consequences and discipline. I also know that it should and could be worse. But we have hope in the promises of God. Just as we see his mercy on the Hebrews of Exodus, we see His mercy on the people of today. On the me. And you. Because of God's true compassion and love, there was the cross. Our New Testament reading are coming to it. 


Be encouraged but also be still in the incomprehensible truth of who God is. 


Attached is one of my favorite artists, Shane and Shane and their song, "Psalm 145."  

https://youtu.be/AhOUSFgvJnc


Monday, February 11, 2019

Monday blog post February 11th

Time!  How much are you willing to give? (Exodus 32)
 
I know that this post is a bit long for some but I find it interesting that it speaks about our time and the importance of giving God our time.  I encourage you to not dismiss it because it might be lengthy but to look at it as giving God a little bit more of your time today,  my hope is that God will stir in your heart and you will be blessed for it.
 
In your life I want you to think about your closest and strongest friendship. Take a moment.  Do you have that person in mind?  How did that relationship get to the place where it can claim the title as closest relationship?  Time spent with that person!!!  Without spending time with others talking, and learning and sharing we would never be able to have deep meaningful relationships with others.  We would never know much about the other person and likewise they wouldn't know much about us.  Time also shows us how that person is there for us, to encourage us, help us, love us.  If we didn't spend quality time with others we wouldn't have true relationships with purpose and impact.   Now let me ask you, what level of relationship do you have with the Lord?  I can tell you this, the amount of time you spend with the Lord each day will determine how deep or how shallow your relationship with Him is.  The more time you spend reading your bible, studying God's word, praying, seeking and trusting God will deepen and strengthen your relationship with Him.  The more we do these things the more we grow with and in God.  The benefit to us is that when we have a deep, close personal relationship with God we are better equipped to handle the uncertainty of life, the pressures of this world, and we are better able to be there for others who need strength, guidance and prayers.
 
In Exodus 32 I see three levels of relationship with God and the impact it has on how those people face the uncertainty of life.  The Israelite people had distanced themselves from God (Ex. 19-20).  They did not feel as if they needed to nor did they want to draw near to God.  Their relationship was really not a relationship as they spent little time drawing near to God. Aaron had a bit of a relationship with God.  God had spoken to him (Ex. 4:27) and worked through him during the plagues of Egypt. 
 
Aaron spent a lot of time with Moses learning about what God said but his relationship was not on the same personal level. He did not have the same investment of his time with God and his relationship didn't deepen the way it could have, It was a bit a shallow. 
 
Moses spent the most time with God, from the burning bush, throughout the plagues, parting the Red Sea and now (for several chapters) he is not just spending time with God but he is completely enveloped in the presence of the Lord.  He has a deep understanding of who his God is, how his God works, what his God is capable of, and the love his God displays.
 
When we read Exodus 32 we see how these different levels of relationship respond to uncertainty or struggles in life.  For the Israelite people with little to no relationship they saw Moses trip to the mountain as a loss and they were unable to trust in a God who they didn't really know.  They desired instead to take matters into their own hands and to head out with gods of their own design to guide, comfort, and bring them joy.  It didn't end so well for them despite their attempts. 
 
Aaron who's relationship was a bit more evident but still somewhat shallow, didn't fare much better.  Rather than lean on what he had learned and experienced he was influenced by the voices of the world around him.  He could have guided the people away from their sinful thoughts and desires and refocused them on the Lord but he didn't.  He went along with the crowd and abandoned what little faith his shallow relationship had developed. 
 
Then there is Moses. We find him in this story in the presence of God.  He is deepening his relationship with his God when he learns of the sinful actions of those at the base of the mountain.  He doesn't flee God immediately to go down and point a condemning finger and to ridicule the people and his brother for their lack of faith, their lack of relationship.  He stays and talks to the God he has gotten close to.  He prays for them and then he goes to them and confronts the sin and consequences and then he prays some more. Why?  Because he knows his God.  He has experienced Him and desires for God to give the people a chance to learn, to know and to experience the God he is so familiar with.
Do you see it?  Do you see the benefit of spending time with the Lord and developing a deep and present relationship with Him?  We all live a life with uncertainty, times of struggle, with voices of opposition, with opportunity to do it our way or God's way.  How we choose to face those moments and the outcome to be had is dependent upon our relationship with God.  The more time we spend in His presence the more we will see Him present when life just doesn't seem to be what we had thought.  We talk all the time about how important it is for us to be reading God's word every day and praying, but not as a task that we check off our to do list.  God doesn't want to be merely head knowledge but heart knowledge which means we experience Him and know Him deeply and intimately. 
 
Read Exodus 32 again from a relationship perspective and based on the time you give the Lord each day which one does your relationship most resemble?  Your answer will help you to see what direction your actions are headed towards based on your relationship.  This is a visual for us, a window to look through and to see why we need to make our relationship with the Lord the most important thing.  We need to be enveloped, like Moses, in the presence, grace and love of our God so that we can grow deeper and deeper in our relationship with Him.
 
Let us make a commitment to ourselves and others to give God more and more of our time, our hearts, and to continually desire to grow deeper in knowing God more each and every day.  It is an investment in our lives as well as the lives of others.  Give God your time and what you will receive in return will be priceless.

bible blog post Monday February 11th

Time!  How much are you willing to give? (Exodus 32)
 
I know that this post is a bit long for some but I find it interesting that it speaks about our time and the importance of giving God our time.  I encourage you to not dismiss it because it might be lengthy but to look at it as giving God a little bit more of your time today,  my hope is that God will stir in your heart and you will be blessed for it.
 
In your life I want you to think about your closest and strongest friendship. Take a moment.  Do you have that person in mind?  How did that relationship get to the place where it can claim the title as closest relationship?  Time spent with that person!!!  Without spending time with others talking, and learning and sharing we would never be able to have deep meaningful relationships with others.  We would never know much about the other person and likewise they wouldn't know much about us.  Time also shows us how that person is there for us, to encourage us, help us, love us.  If we didn't spend quality time with others we wouldn't have true relationships with purpose and impact.   Now let me ask you, what level of relationship do you have with the Lord?  I can tell you this, the amount of time you spend with the Lord each day will determine how deep or how shallow your relationship with Him is.  The more time you spend reading your bible, studying God's word, praying, seeking and trusting God will deepen and strengthen your relationship with Him.  The more we do these things the more we grow with and in God.  The benefit to us is that when we have a deep, close personal relationship with God we are better equipped to handle the uncertainty of life, the pressures of this world, and we are better able to be there for others who need strength, guidance and prayers.
 
In Exodus 32 I see three levels of relationship with God and the impact it has on how those people face the uncertainty of life.  The Israelite people had distanced themselves from God (Ex. 19-20).  They did not feel as if they needed to nor did they want to draw near to God.  Their relationship was really not a relationship as they spent little time drawing near to God. Aaron had a bit of a relationship with God.  God had spoken to him (Ex. 4:27) and worked through him during the plagues of Egypt. 
 
Aaron spent a lot of time with Moses learning about what God said but his relationship was not on the same personal level. He did not have the same investment of his time with God and his relationship didn't deepen the way it could have, It was a bit a shallow. 
 
Moses spent the most time with God, from the burning bush, throughout the plagues, parting the Red Sea and now (for several chapters) he is not just spending time with God but he is completely enveloped in the presence of the Lord.  He has a deep understanding of who his God is, how his God works, what his God is capable of, and the love his God displays.
 
When we read Exodus 32 we see how these different levels of relationship respond to uncertainty or struggles in life.  For the Israelite people with little to no relationship they saw Moses trip to the mountain as a loss and they were unable to trust in a God who they didn't really know.  They desired instead to take matters into their own hands and to head out with gods of their own design to guide, comfort, and bring them joy.  It didn't end so well for them despite their attempts. 
 
Aaron who's relationship was a bit more evident but still somewhat shallow, didn't fare much better.  Rather than lean on what he had learned and experienced he was influenced by the voices of the world around him.  He could have guided the people away from their sinful thoughts and desires and refocused them on the Lord but he didn't.  He went along with the crowd and abandoned what little faith his shallow relationship had developed. 
 
Then there is Moses. We find him in this story in the presence of God.  He is deepening his relationship with his God when he learns of the sinful actions of those at the base of the mountain.  He doesn't flee God immediately to go down and point a condemning finger and to ridicule the people and his brother for their lack of faith, their lack of relationship.  He stays and talks to the God he has gotten close to.  He prays for them and then he goes to them and confronts the sin and consequences and then he prays some more. Why?  Because he knows his God.  He has experienced Him and desires for God to give the people a chance to learn, to know and to experience the God he is so familiar with.
Do you see it?  Do you see the benefit of spending time with the Lord and developing a deep and present relationship with Him?  We all live a life with uncertainty, times of struggle, with voices of opposition, with opportunity to do it our way or God's way.  How we choose to face those moments and the outcome to be had is dependent upon our relationship with God.  The more time we spend in His presence the more we will see Him present when life just doesn't seem to be what we had thought.  We talk all the time about how important it is for us to be reading God's word every day and praying, but not as a task that we check off our to do list.  God doesn't want to be merely head knowledge but heart knowledge which means we experience Him and know Him deeply and intimately. 
 
Read Exodus 32 again from a relationship perspective and based on the time you give the Lord each day which one does your relationship most resemble?  Your answer will help you to see what direction your actions are headed towards based on your relationship.  This is a visual for us, a window to look through and to see why we need to make our relationship with the Lord the most important thing.  We need to be enveloped, like Moses, in the presence, grace and love of our God so that we can grow deeper and deeper in our relationship with Him.
 
Let us make a commitment to ourselves and others to give God more and more of our time, our hearts, and to continually desire to grow deeper in knowing God more each and every day.  It is an investment in our lives as well as the lives of others.  Give God your time and what you will receive in return will be priceless.

Sunday, February 10, 2019

February 9: Of Judas, Peter, Hopelessness and Forgiveness

Exodus 29:1-30:10
Matthew 26:14-46
Psalm 31:19-24
Proverbs 8:14-26

(First, apologies for the tardiness of this blog.  I was traveling all day yesterday.)

Has your sinfulness ever left you feeling hopeless?  Have you ever believed the sins you committed were so great they were beyond God's forgiveness?  Today's reading suggests that isn't true; that God's forgiveness covers every sin, and it is our response that makes the difference.

Consider the betrayal of Jesus.  We like to focus on greedy Judas, and his self enrichment of thirty pieces of silver.   But we seldom consider cowardly Peter, and his self preservation of denial.  The fact is, they both betrayed Jesus, and they both chose to betray Him to His suffering and death.   

We know, however, that these two men of similar sinfulness meet different earthly ends.  Judas, overwhelmed by the magnitude of his sin, hangs himself.  Peter, overwhelmed as well to the point of tears, takes no such action.  He cries, then he goes and hides.  His cowardly paralysis gives God the time and opportunity to work in his life, to change him from coward fearful of sharing his Rabbi's fate, to servant who accepted death for the sake of the Gospel; one who, when facing the same death his master suffered - tradition suggests - asked to be crucified upside down, deeming himself unworthy to die as Jesus had. 

It is easy to get discouraged, to give in to helplessness and hopelessness in the face of our persistent sinfulness.  Father when we are lost, help us not to fall into despair.  Teach us to trust that we are work in progress in Your hands, and to allow You the time to work of us and in us what You will.

February 10, 2019: “Covered or Counted?”

Exodus 30:11—31:18

Matthew 26:47-68

Psalm 32:1-11

Proverbs 8:27-32

 

Psalm 32:1-7  "Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered…I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.…You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance."

 

The next time you're bored, find the nearest child and challenge them to a game of hide-and-seek. Because they're just plain terrible at it. Comedically so. So, for instance, you'll count to 10, say "ready or not, here I come," and when you open your eyes, the children are in plain view. Maybe they have their face hidden by a window curtain, but their feet are sticking conspicuously out the bottom. But you're an adult, so you play along. You pretend to look for them. "Where's Jesse?" you ask loudly. And that's when you'll start to hear it: a series of stifled giggles coming from a corner of the room. "Where could he be?" you might continue—but often you never have to actually find him. No, children that age eventually come bursting from under the table, running to you grinning: "Here I am!"

 

Children understand something we've lost as adults: that there's more value in being found than staying hidden. "Man is not what he thinks he is," wrote a French novelist. "He is what he hides." We suppress our shame; we guard our guilt. And we're plagued with the fear of being found out. "No one would love me if they knew," we tell ourselves. After all, we are what we try to hide.

 

David was the consummate blues singer. Psalm 32 is replete with musical terms—some of which are lost the pages of history. But his lyrics paint a vivid contrast between a life of hiding and a life of being found. For David, the act of hiding brought a pain that went all the way to the bone (32:3). But there is joy, he says, in confession—because confession brings forgiveness.

 

Martin Luther would later claim Psalm 32 as among his favorites. When he read this text, Luther observed that "the sins of the holy are not counted but covered; and the sins of the unholy are not covered but counted." That is, God's people can be confident that their sin—and the guilt that goes with it—is covered. But how?

 

Christ-follower, your sins are not counted against you. They are covered in the blood of Christ. The gospel promises us the joy we once knew only as children: that there's more value in being found than staying hidden. And so we run freely to the throne of grace, a shout of deliverance on our lips.