Friday, May 31, 2019

May 31

John 19

It is time for us to talk about the cross again. Symbols are important in a culture, but only if they have meaning. I heard the story of a teenager going to a jeweler and asking him for one of those crosses with the little man on it.

For the cross to have significance again we must be living witnesses of its power. In our text today it says, "The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe."

We are now the witnesses who tell people the truth. We testify that the living Jesus has changed our lives and risen from the dead. But this testimony must be taken to the streets. Of course we talk about it when we gather as a community of believers, but we have to take this message to people far from God.

Think about this…  Jesus was crucified at the crossroads of three cultures… His title was published in Hebrew, Latin and Greek. He was crucified on a town garbage dump at the kind of place where people talk smut, and thieves curse and soldiers gamble.

Because that is where He died, that is where we ought to live.

C.T. Studd one of the world's greatest athletes said, "Some want to live within the sound of church and chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell." 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Thursday, May 30

THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2019


Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place."

"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.

Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." (John 18:36,37)


To those approaching this passage for the first time, Jesus's words must sound quizzical. Indeed, Pilate might have been confused himself. What kind of king does Jesus claim to be?

Pilate could join with the Jews in opposing Jesus as king—if He had actually claimed a physical kingship. Yes, as governor, Pilate could have stepped in against an apparent political or military uprising. Yet, Jesus's disciples didn't "fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place."

Pilate latches onto this revelation of another Kingdom, but merely focuses on Jesus's claim of being a king. He doesn't have interest in delving deeper into the otherworldliness of this Kingdom.

In response, Jesus highlights His call to testify to the truth and to reveal that which the Father had sent Him to reveal. Studying the Scriptures, we recognize that this revelation requires spiritual eyes and a spiritual heart to discern. Physical or material truths do not require the Spirit's help, but spiritual truths do.

After reading this interaction, how may we respond? Do we throw up our hands in defeat, realizing that many of our friends and neighbors may not understand? Or do we embrace this otherworldly Kingdom and live freely as her servants?

From a practical standpoint, surrendering ourselves to God's will so that we may serve in His Kingdom doesn't jibe with worldly thinking. It seems antiquated, and, at the very least, it contrasts with the expected pattern of seeking the best for oneself. It involves sacrifice and costs us time, energy, and money. Yet, the rewards are eternal and extravagant.

Coming under the Kingdom's banner brings us into wholeness of person and fulfills our creation purpose of knowing God intimately. (John 17:3) We have assurance that God will satisfy our desires for Him if we seek Him fully and with pure hearts, and we will receive all our needs as we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness.

Where do you stand in this Kingdom pursuit today? How could you become more fully engaged in serving God and living under His Kingdom banner?

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On another track, I loved the calm reassurance of this verse from Psalm 119:114: "You are my refuge and my shield;/ I have put my hope in your word." Thank You for Your protection and strengthening under Your Word!

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Lord Jesus, thank You for courageously testifying to the truth and about Your Kingdom in Your earthly life. Help us to become more aware of Your Kingdom's workings and power. Give us the strength to surrender our wills to Yours so that we might become effective servants. Turn our hearts to seek You fully, with purity. Open our spiritual eyes to Your Kingdom's extent and its promises and hope. In Your mighty Name, amen.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

May 29

Psalm 119:97-112, Proverbs 16:9

Although Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm, it is one of my favorites.  Through it, we learn that God's Word is true and wonderful.  We learn that it is more important to stay true to God's Word no matter what or how bad life and circumstances become. In today's portion we see that God's Word makes us wise.  Wisdom goes far beyond knowledge. Actually fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 15:33). Through the Psalm and Bible readings, we learn that putting God first, applying His Word to our life and allowing Him to change us from the inside out is His purpose and intent for our lives. God's word is our light either to not stumble in the darkness, or if we fall into a dark place to guide us out. It is so easy to get entangled in false roots, idols, beliefs, and the way of the world. We all have a horizon we are walking towards, I've made many mistakes and learned it's best to walk towards the horizon with God. I pray that as we meditate on His word, we allow God to establish the desires of our hearts, and watch as He establishes our steps. 

Randi

Monday, May 27, 2019

Bible Blog Post Monday May 27th

Discovering The Good In Affliction (Psalm 119:71)


As a mother of 4, now grown, children I have learned many things about parenting.  One of the hardest things I have learned is that sometimes you have to let you children fall, make mistakes, get hurt, fail, and make choices that you know are not going to have the best of outcomes.  There was a strong desire within to shelter my children from these things, to protect them so that they didn't have to suffer and feel the ache that can come from the pains of suffering and struggle.  There was a tug of war within my heart.  I had such an urge to protect yet at the same time an understanding and want for them to truly learn for themselves the truths I knew (I had experienced) and for them to learn and experience them for themselves.  Some things required me to step in and protect and warn and other times I had to let them learn in order to grow and discover for themselves.  Parenting is never easy and often times can feel thankless but I persevered in order to try and help prepare my children for life beyond where they were, to ready them to handle and face the many things that life can have in store for them.

Psalm 119:71 was a challenging verse for me to read as one of God's children: "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees."  I don't like going through affliction, challenges, struggles, or adversity so it is very difficult for me to see these things as good for me.  I want to learn without the struggle.  Then I am reminded of my parenting and the good that can come to my own children when they face things that are difficult.  I think about how hard it is to watch them struggle knowing the whole time the good that they can learn from it all.  This is when I think about how God can always step in and intervene on my behalf but sometimes, he knows, I need to go through things in order for me to grow in my faith, my understanding of his love, my understanding of his grace, and for his word to be experienced in my life becoming more than just words on a page.  He loves me more than I can understand and knows what I need even if it isn't something I want at the moment.  He is a good, loving and caring Father who doesn't delight in seeing my struggle but rejoice in my growth when I learn and discover his truths for myself.

I am going through my own afflictions in life and I struggle at times to be able to see them as good but this verse offers me and anyone else going through affliction hope.  God has not left us, he has not turned a blind eye, he has not stopped loving us - quite the contrary.  God, our heavenly father, loves us so much and desires us to grow and learn for our own good and blessing.  I may not understand fully what the lessons are to be learned but I pray that with the help of the holy spirit I would discover what is to be found in the affliction and emerge stronger and more equipped to live my life the way Lord knows is best, to live a life that reflects my heavenly father's character.

For those of you who find yourself facing affliction I hope that you to will be encouraged to know that God is still there with you and that good is to be found in whatever you are going through.  Don't loose hope, you are never alone and with the power of Christ (Phil 4:13) you can endure, grow, and emerge stronger than ever no matter what your affliction may be.

Romans 5:1-5 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."


Saturday, May 25, 2019

May 25: When His Answers Don’t Make Sense



2 Samuel 7:1-8:18

John 14:15-31

Psalm 119:33-48

Proverbs 15:33


I studied under the Jesuits for 16 years, and hated the Socratic method they used.  You never got an answer to your question -  you only got another question.  I thought the method counterproductive, and would get frustrated at their inability to give me a straight answer.  It was only when I conceded that they might know something I didn't, and when I gave the method a chance, that I started to learn what they had to teach.  And yes, a lot of it made sense. 


God can be equally frustrating.  You ask questions, and the answers sometimes just do not seem to come.  Or, when they come, they don't answer the question at all.  In today's NT reading we get an example - Judas (not Iscariot) asks why Jesus intends to show himself to them, and not to the world. Jesus's answer does not seem to answer Judas's question at all.


But Jesus's answer in this instance is instructive - "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching."  You see, the answers don't have to make sense to us.  We can ask for understanding, and God will give it to us - the psalm today says as much.  But if we make understanding a prerequisite to obedience, we miss out on all God wants to teach us, all He wants to give us.  


Father it is still really tempting to think I know better than You, that what I want for myself is superior to what You want to give me.  Teach me the folly of that thinking.  Teach me that "wisdom's instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor."


Friday, May 24, 2019

May 24

John 13


By this all men will know that you are my disciples,

if you have a lot of money….no

if you have a great worship service…. no

if you have signs and wonders…. no

if you have deep Bible studies and sermons…. no

if you have lots of programs…. No

if you love one another…. YES


There is no person in the history of our entire planet who has had more impact than Jesus. Jesus had a plan for the continuation of his impact when he left. He did not tell us to get elected to political office. He didn't tell us to form an army, or even to write a daily blog.  No, he told us to radically and boldly love people.

Jesus made it clear that this radical and bold love would be the defining sign of his followers. He was staking the ultimate success of his kingdom on this one command: love one another. If we fail at this point, we miss the whole mission.

A bold love asks, how can I lay down my life for another?

A bold love asks, how can I wash your feet?

A bold love asks, how can I pray for you today?

A bold love asks, can I buy you a cup of coffee?

A bold love crosses barriers and builds multicultural friendships.

Today our skeptical culture does not need more arguments about the truth; they need more love from our hearts. Boldly love people today and open the door to the life-giving power of the gospel.



--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Thursday, May 23

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2019


After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me." (John 13:21)


What might Jesus have experienced at this moment of recognizing Judas's coming betrayal?  Yet, He doesn't retaliate or seek to intervene; in fact, he urges Judas to take his actions "quickly."

There are few emotions more deeply painful than the agony of betrayal.  As children, we may start out unaware of betrayal, but we grow increasingly wary and self-protective with increased knowledge of the world.  These betrayals leave profound scars on our hearts and minds, and they may cause us not to trust others or invest fully in genuine relationships.

How can we trust others, even when we know that they will betray us at some point or another?  If we truly wished to protect ourselves, we would never become enmeshed with others in relationship.  It would be much safer.  Indeed, we now have many apps to provide pseudo-relationships that protect us from hurt.  Social media allows us to welcome the positive feedback and block those who start harping.

Jesus's example provides the godly course:  to love others deeply and from the heart, to speak truth in love, and to remain steadfast in God's will, even when betrayed.  We can closely identify with the Lord Jesus in this moment of betrayal; He is truly in our place in these moments.  This realization allows us to embrace Him more fully and trust Him more deeply.  He experienced everything that we have—yet was without sin!

Hebrews 2:17,18 reminds us that, due to this betrayal and all the challenges He faced, Jesus has become our great High Priest.  He is fully capable of sympathizing with us and helping us.  We are no longer alone, but rather surrounded by His power:  "For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.  Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."


As we face challenges ahead, may we turn towards God instead of away from Him.  We will find comfort in His promise of being near to the broken-hearted and comforting the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)  He walks with us through even the shadow of death, leading us into His green pastures. (Psalm 23)


Lord God, thank You for sending Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to suffer in our place.  We rightly deserve the punishment for sin.  We thank You that He faithfully followed Your will, even during these tremendously challenging moments of betrayal.  Help us to turn towards Jesus during our moments of betrayal.  Thank You for Your goodness and concern for us.  Strengthen us today to remain faithful to Your will and purpose for our lives.  In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

May 22

John 12:20-50

Remember when Simeon came to bless Jesus when he was born and he said: "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." ?(Luke 2:34-35) Well, in today's reading, we see the sad prophesy come to pass. If we look at the Gospel though, we see that the sad things aren't said with the intent to make us sad, they are there so we see the joyful truth. The dark things in the Bible are spoken for the sake of light, the ugly things are spoken for the sake of beauty.  The painful things are spoke for the sake of comfort and the sorrowful things are spoken for the sake of joy. The saddest part of this text is in verses 37–43. It's about the unbelief of Israel and God's blinding sentence on them.  What Jesus was saying is that if you don't have Him as your Savior, then you don't have God as your Father either.  Loving the "glory of men" over the "glory of God" is the barrier that stands between God and people who don't believe and Jesus. While this doesn't make sense to many, we know that the only way that anything Jesus says makes sense is by the power of His spirit who lives in us. The people of Israel, as prophesied by Isaiah, had their hearts hardened by God so that they would realize the only way to recognize the Messiah would be by the power of God. When the power of God moves on hardened hearts, God is glorified and there is a testimony. In the last three verses, the emphasis falls on the words and the commandment of Jesus. It also speaks of the outcome of salvation and eternal life for those who hear and embrace those words as the window onto the light of Jesus. With this, Jesus's public ministry ends. Now, here we are, 2,000 years later with exactly what we need. The words of Jesus. The word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit. This is how we know him. This is how we receive him. This is how we fellowship with him. It is now up to us to spread the word and bring Him glory.

Randi

Monday, May 20, 2019

Bible blog post Monday May 20th

What Do We Want From The Waits?  (1 Samuel 26:1-25  & John 11:1-45)


Waiting for the Lord is sometimes a difficult thing to do.  His time table and mine don't often line up.  Sometimes I find myself waiting till I am at a point where there no longer seems like a positive outcome will result.  The wait can feel frustrating and difficult.  In today's reading, both in the Old and New Testament, I see stories of waiting.  They each have different circumstances, different attitudes, different hopes, different waiting but the same God who works his same glory and goodness for the benefit of others is at work.

In the Old Testament we have David.  He has done nothing wrong except to be chosen by God to be the next King after Saul.  Because of this, King Saul is paranoid and obsessed with David and is constantly pursuing him trying to kill him.  In today's reading things are no different.  King Saul is after David with 3,000 of his best chosen men.  David could have cried out to the Lord and asked why this was happening.  Why such a long and difficult wait to become what God told him he would be, King?  But we don't read that.  We see an opportunity for David to take things into his own hands and to speed up the process.  An opportunity for David to end the waiting.  David finds his enemy, King Saul and all his men, in a deep sleep.  David could have killed Saul and then rightfully taken the throne as God had anointed him to replace Saul.  But despite the weariness he had to have felt in being wrongfully pursued, David tells his companion that it is not for him to decided the timing of God's plan.  It is not for him to choose when the wait will end.  It is not for him to end Saul's reign as King but it is up to God to work and decide the right and best time.  In doing so David's actions of restraint lead Saul to back off at that time.  David's kingship didn't arrive the next day and he wasn't free from the paranoid threat of Saul but he was free to live in the strength that is found in the hope, and trust of God's perfectly timed plan. 

In the New Testament we have Mary and Martha, sisters.  Their brother is sick and time is running out for him.  They call on the only one they know to help, Jesus.  He isn't far away and could arrive in plenty of time to reach his sick friend, Lazarus, and heal him.  But Jesus timing is not the same as that of Mary, Martha, or Lazarus.  Jesus waits.  He waits for 4 days until he knows that his friend has died and been buried, until it seems pointless, and then he say's, "Now it is time."  When Jesus arrives both sisters greet him in the same way, "If you had been here ( if your timing was faster) our brother would not have died."  They reprimanded the Lord for not having the same timing, the same urgency, as them.  What they failed to know was that Jesus had something much bigger planned than just healing their brother.  By letting Lazarus die Christ opened up a door of opportunity for others to see his glory at work, to see his power over death, and many of the Jews who had come to comfort the sisters put their faith in Christ because of his waiting.  Had Jesus rushed to heal Lazarus many people might not have put their faith in Him.  His timing was perfect for so many reason beyond just what the sisters had wanted.

So who am I most often like during the wait?  Am I like David who trusts the Lord's timing?  Like David during the wait, do I trust the Lord to be my strength and guide? Am I putting my trust and hope in the Lord's plan, to do what He sees and knows to be best?  Or am I more like Mary and Martha who want the Lord to work quicker?  Like the sisters during their wait, do I want the Lord to resolve things the way I think they should be and then feel defeated when things don't go my way and God then wants to show up?  Is my focus more on me, on my life, on my wants and desires than it is on God's glory, God's power, God's grace, God's mercy, God's love, I could keep going for hours here on what can be seen of God's goodness and character after the wait.  The truth is I often fail to live more like David.  I am not good at waiting while God works.  I am like the sisters and can forget that life isn't always about me and what I want and what is going to make my life easier or more pleasant.  Life, or my life, should be about living for God's glory, and all the other things I listed above, to be revealed.  It is often times about letting God's goodness and character be seen in and through my life and sometimes that happens after the wait. 

It comes down to trust in the Lord and a willingness to let my life and the waits be used by Him not just for my benefit but for the benefit of others, for others to possibly have a chance to come to faith.  It is a chance to put aside my wants in hopes that others might have a chance to see the goodness and character of God in ways they might not have seen otherwise.  I want the waits to have a greater purpose than just meeting my needs and wants.

Life is full of waits.  How will you choose to live in them?






Saturday, May 18, 2019

May 18: How Big is Our God?


1 Samuel 22:1-23:29

John 10:1-21

Psalm 115:1-18

Proverbs 15:18-19


I had an interesting conversation the other day with a Christian sister who was vehemently opposed to the current administration, and was convinced the president was an evil person.  She was afraid for the country.  I told her I was afraid for the country as well (both this, my adopted home, and my first home), but for very different reasons.  This led me to ask myself an old question: how big is my God?  


If I indulged a feeling of despair at everything happening today, it would be like saying God didn't exist, or He couldn't do anything.  That God would not be pretty small.  


So instead I used to pray that God change things to how I thought they should be.  Then I realized that if I had a better version of the world than God did, then that God would be pretty small too. 


What I find difficult is living the conclusion I am led to: that God has dominion over all situations.  That everything that happens, good or bad, He will have permitted.  The death of the 85 priests in today's OT reading, at the hands of a sinner-king God had already decided to remove?  The collapse of the fortunes of David, who went so very quickly from the insignificance of tending sheep to being the Lord's anointed and killing Goliath, only to fall right back down again, fleeing for his life and a rag-tag band of comrades?  Yes, even the suffering of His Son at the hands of Pilate?  As difficult as it is to accept, yes - all of this. God will have permitted.


What then is a big God?  The God who can take David's fall from grace, the murder of the priests, even the suffering and death of His only Son, and turn what we see as inexplicable tragedies into unimaginable victories.  


We don't know how He might do that.  And our understanding is no prerequisite, even less so our approval.  What's left to us is to choose: do we trust Him or not?  Do we trust Him when we  do not understand, when we cannot possibly imagine, how something might be good?  How big is our God?


Friday, May 17, 2019

May 17

May 17, 2019

1 Samuel 20

 

Oprah Winfrey dedicated one of her TV shows to the struggles of widowers. She had 5 widowers talk about the loss of their wives and the importance of support groups for grieving people. Then as a show biz gimmick, they asked women to write in if they would want to go on a date with any of the men. What they didn't anticipate was that in one week they would receive 40,000 letters from interested women, children sending in photos of their moms, and whole classrooms championing their teachers.

 

My observation is first, that these men were popular because they were highly committed in their relationships and second, we live in an incredibly lonely world. The extent of loneliness in our society is epidemic today. Even though we are more connected than ever, we are lonelier than ever.

 

One of the reasons we are so lonely is because we don't know how to build friendships. There is no better example of friendship than Jonathan and David. It was an unlikely friendship because Jonathan was the heir to the throne. What made their friendship work was the ultimate friendship both men had with the living God. Without a first-hand knowledge of God, we won't have the strength to build friendships. Jesus said in John 7 that we have a thirst in our soul that only he can quench. From this satisfied heart, both men shared in common interests, made sacrifices for each other, encouraged one another, and did life together, opening up their hearts to the struggles they faced. As a result of their hard work in relationship building, they enjoyed one of life's greatest gifts- friendship.

 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Thursday, May 16

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019



In concert with yesterday's reading, we discover today in John 8 several crucial truths about the nature of discipleship, the nature of the Son and the Father, and the conflicting kingdoms of God and the evil one.

This discourse begins with the Jewish leaders' question of "Who are you?"  Jesus explains that we may know Him in relation to His Father.  His obedience to the Father shone through His conduct, including His love and miraculous power, and His words, which were intentional and full of grace and truth.  The Jewish leaders, skeptical initially of Jesus, became enraged when He claimed this vital connection with His Father. In fact, Jesus draws out the point that:

"If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from god.  I have not come on my own; God sent me.  Why is my language not clear to you?  Because you are unable to hear what I say.  You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires.  He was a murdered from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for their is no truth in him.  When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.  Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!"


Jesus presents the striking distinction that there are conflicting truth claims coming from the evil one and from God Himself.  Jesus's submittedness to the Father's will guaranteed His truthful testimony, but those who chose to align against Him would not understand His teaching because of being caught up in the confusion of the devil's lies.  For this reason, as we seek to share spiritual truth with our family, friends, and neighbors, we seek God's wisdom and that God would open hearts out of His love and by the Spirit's power.  We can't expect spiritual breakthroughs in someone's life if the truth can't pierce through the veil of lies.

To close out Chapter 8, Jesus throws the Jewish leaders into a tizzy by suggesting that He had pre-existed Abraham!  While Jesus's statement rings true to us, the listeners that day must have been apoplectic.  How could this unsanctioned teacher make such a claim?  They doubled-down on their initial question of "Who are you?"—"Who do you think you are?"

From this dialogue and others, we understand that Jesus makes far-reaching claims of Who He is and the implications of these claims.  He promises freedom for those who follow His commands and embrace the truth.  And He underscores the conflicting world systems, led by God the Father and the father of lies.

We must ask ourselves each day:  Where will we stand?  Whom will we embrace as our Father?  Which way are you aligning today?


Lord God, thank You for the great revelation You share through this dialogue of Your Son with the Jewish leaders.  Help us to see where we fall short of embracing You as Father and where our minds are twisted by the lies of the evil one.  Make us into faithful disciples who are hungry to follow You.  Set us free by Your truth so that we may honor and glorify You.  In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

May 15

John 8:21-30

The relationship between Jesus on earth and his Father is a mysterious wonder.   We read about Jesus going off alone to pray but there was a communication between the Father and the Son that was totally invisible. The mysterious life of Jesus on earth is humbly gripping.  Jesus was totally in tune with his Father. The harmony between them is total and divine. In our reading today Jesus is trying to tell people that He is in fact one with the Father and was sent by Him to share the good news of the Kingdom of God with the world. He also refers to his crucifixion and resurrection when he tells them "when you have lifted up the Son of Man then you will know that I am He." What a vivid reminder that our salvation cost Jesus everything and this should open our hearts to realize the extend of His love for us. It is when we see Jesus lifted up on the cross that we realize who He is and why He lived. God, incarnate, came to rescue us and Jesus is trying to make his followers aware that only when he is lifted up on the Cross will they understand. The cross reveals God to us. Not to over simplify this but Jesus hanging on the cross is the ultimate answer to the question asked of Him, "Who are you?"  So what is our take away?  If we want to see how closely our daily life is aligned with Jesus's priorities, look at the cross and ask one question: "How do I spend my time?" If our hearts and our lives are tied to this world, can we really be seeking Christ? Prayer time is very precious to me. I have learned that our time in prayer is where we allow ourselves to soak in the mystery of the loving companionship of God.  Much like when Jesus went off to be alone with Abba, we too have been designed by God to be alone and soak in His presence, listen for His voice realize that we have been called to be a part of the mysterious wonder.


Randi

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

2 Doughnuts

May 14, 2019


I Samuel 15-16, John 8:1-20, Psalms 110, Proverbs 16:8-10


Growing up my family didn't have a lot. We never needed for anything, but we also didn't have many luxuries. My mom stayed at home with my brother and I, and I remember there being right and frugal times (that I'm very thankful for.) I remember being in elementary school and on the way home we begged my mom for a doughnut (a luxury and treat) from Dunkin Doughnuts. She gave Lucas and I $2-$3 to buy ONE doughnut each. We were inside (as she waited in the car) and when we were getting ready to pay, the cashier informed me that we had enough to get 2 doughnuts each! Woo! Score! With out a second thought or doubt, I said YES! We returned to the car and I was very proud of the great deal we just got and we showed my mom our "victory" of the four treats. Her reaction was NOT what I expected. She was mad/frustrated/displeased with my decision. I didn't get it. She repeated to us that she told us just to get 1 doughnut each. I disobeyed... I took things into my own hands and did what I thought was best, and then showed it off to my mom. 


Granted this is a somewhat innocent thing for a 8/9 year old to do. We weren't punished or anything like that, but whenever I pass that Dunkin Doughnuts, I still remember that scene from my childhood. I never understood the problem until much later, and it may not even be why my mom reacted that way. Maybe she didn't want us to have all that sugar, or it was before dinner, or maybe all the above. 


Reading I Samuel 15 brought these memories back to me. Of course the scales are totally different, but what Samuel said to King Saul rang true to my doughnut-loving self. "What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams."  1 Samuel 15:22 


God calls on us to be obedient. That is all he wants. Saul took matters into his own hands and he totally justified all he did. He was making his kingdom richer, was going to bring great sacrifices to God, and spared a great ruler (much like himself). He thought he was doing well, but was in total disobedience to what God commanded. Samuel's words are like a hot on the head: Obedience is better than sacrifice, or things, acts, the extra stuff we may do. We just need to listen and obey. Saul's actions came with grave consequences- he was rejected as king by God. I don't know what could be worse. Because of Sauls decision to disobey (even if intentions were good,) the course of Israel's history was altered and a new King would soon replace him...David. 


The course of a nation was altered by a couple extra doughnuts being bought, but I will always remember that lesson- my decision, disobedience, and consequences, just knowing I didn't do the right thing. God calls us to obey his commands and trust in His sovereign plan. 

Monday, May 13, 2019

Bible blog post Monday May 13th

Wielding Our Weapon  (1 Samuel 14:1-23)


"Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."  1 Samuel 14:6


Not only do I love this verse but I am thankful for it and the reminder it gives.  It was spoken by a man of faith in the face of adversity, in the face of a battle against an enemy who's goal was to capture and rule over him and his people.  That man was Jonathan son of the newly appointed King, Saul.  Jonathan and his fellow soldiers were outnumbered and out-armed.  Only he and his father had swords to wield against their enemy (1 Sam 13:19-22).  But what I love is that this young man didn't see a vast army who's soldiers were as numerous as the grains of sand (1 Sam 13:5).  He didn't see himself or those he loved, his people, as the underdog.  He didn't cower.  He didn't look at the odds and go home.  He didn't see his life or the life of those he cared about as hopeless.  No!  You know what he saw?  An opportunity.  It wasn't an opportunity for him to shine or to make a name for himself but an opportunity to see God work.  An opportunity for others to see God work.  An opportunity to wield his weapon.  An opportunity to have hope.  He knew his God was very, very big and that this enemy, although bigger than he, was no match for his God.  Jonathan knew that he was one of two who possessed a weapon to fight against the enemy.  He had a responsibility to use what he had in conjunction with his faith and he move forward into battle trusting that the Lord would fight and use him and his weapon however it was needed to bring the freedom and victory the people of Israel desperately needed.  Guess what?  God was not hindered.  God chose to save by using a few, two to be exact.  God defeated the enemy and when He did the Israelites who had fled in fear, who were living under the oppression of the enemy found freedom and victory.  Because of one man's initial courage, faith, and action God's might, grace, and love for his people were seen, were felt, were experienced and were able to save.

We could apply this story to our own lives.  To the struggles, the battles we find ourselves in.  We could be reminded that no issue we face can hinder the LORD, that nothing is too big for Him. If you need to look at it that way then do so.  But, today I would rather look at it by putting ourselves in the position of Jonathan.  We all have family, friends, people we love and care about who are not living for the Lord.  People who are living oppressed and in bondage to the enemy of God.  People who don't know, who have not experienced, the saving grace of God in their lives.  For those of us who do know, who have experienced God's grace and forgiveness we possess a weapon that we can use to help fight against an enemy who isn't keen on loosing anyone to the Lord.  We have the word of God, we have prayer, we have faith, we have hope.  We know that it is the LORD who saves and in faith we need to bring our weapons of the word and prayer to the fight and ask the Lord to save.  We need to ask the LORD how we can have an impact, a deep eternal spiritual impact in the lives of others.  We need to read the word, build our faith, have a hope and pray continually for those who aren't yet living in the freedom of Christ.  We need to be sure that we are living out, putting into action the faith and hope that came with our salvation.  It does no good to have a weapon that you don't put into action like Saul.  The battle may look impossible but with God nothing is impossible, nothing can hinder Him.  Let your light, your weapon, your faith be seen and pray, pray, pray.

Jonathan didn't go into battle alone.  Yes, he had the LORD but he also took a trusted companion.  He took his armor-bearer.  We too should be entering into the battle with others.  I encourage us all to find a friend, or two, and together faithfully lift up your weapons, your voice in prayer on behalf of those whom God has put on your heart.  Name them and pray for them continually.  Don't stop till either the enemy is defeated or you no longer have a breath within you.  Live out your faith together.  Put it into action as a team and let your hope in the unhindered God who saved you be a constant source of encouragement as you use your lives, your prayers, to fight against a seemingly impossible enemy that isn't even comparable to our big, big God.  Wield your weapons today, live out your faith, have hope and keep praying for those are yet to join you in the fight.







Saturday, May 11, 2019

May 11: Of the Futility of Compromise


1 Samuel 10:1-11:15
John 6:43-71
Psalm 107:1-43
Proverbs 15:1-3

"Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh Gilead.  And all the men of Jabesh said to him "make a treaty with us and we will be subject to you.""

The people of Jabesh Gilead were facing a difficult siege.  With it, starvation, and likely conquest.  So they thought to negotiate their way to a better situation, by offering to compromise.  Survival for subjugation.   It sounded like a good idea at the time.

"But Nahash the Ammonite replied, "I will make a treaty with you only on the condition that I gouge out the right eye of every one of you and so bring disgrace on all Israel.""

So it turned out it wasn't such a good deal after all.  When the enemy saw they were willing to compromise, it demanded even more.  

This happened centuries ago, but it is still true today.  The world demands we compromise.  It insists we reject God's order.  It requires that we deny His existence, His sovereignty.  And sometimes we are faced with difficult consequences, and it seems so much easier to compromise.  Just a little, we tell ourselves.  It's for a good reason, we tell ourselves.  What's it going to matter, we ask.  

The problem is, when we start to compromise, we find the enemy demands ever more.  And having capitulated once, it becomes harder to refuse the next demand.  And the one after that.  

But what are we to do when faced with failure, with devastation, with suffering?  The people of Jabesh Gilead were faced with an impossible situation - for them.  But it wasn't impossible for God, who sent Saul and his army to defeat the enemy from whom they thought there was no escape. 

Father when the world threatens us with what seems to be the insurmountable, and demands we compromise our relationship with You to avoid the hardship, remind us that the world will not stop, and it is far better for us to count on you for our salvation.  

Friday, May 10, 2019

May 10

John 6


I am a terrible cook. I am quite sure that without Kathie I would die of starvation. My expert dishes include hot dogs on the grill, cereal with fruit on top, and popcorn. But there was a time when I thought I was a cook. The demise of my cooking days can be pinpointed to one day. I was 19 years old and had just become a Christ follower on a trip to Iowa.  While there, I tasted some wonderfully delicious oatmeal bread. I wanted to give my family a taste of Iowa. With five growing children, our family was big in number as well as in consumption, so I decided to bake 10 loaves. My life motto is, "go big or go home."

I added 20 cups of oatmeal, 20 cups of flour, salt, water, and baking soda and then started to knead the dough. I don't know if you ever tried to knead a hunk of dough the size of a pillow, but it is hard work. I finally finished the process and stepped back to bask in the glory of my culinary achievement. It was then that my brother asked, "What are these packages on the counter?" I had forgotten the yeast. The demise of my cooking career had begun.

In Biblical times, the diet of the people was very simple.  There were no processed foods, no Twinkies, no Lucky Charms cereal, no frozen foods. In that culture the most important staple was bread. The Hebrews counted bread as vital for life, calling it "the staff of life." Without bread, the Israelites felt their lives were in danger.

Jesus emphasized the necessity of bread for daily life. "Give us this day our daily bread."

Jesus used this teaching moment to show us how much we need him. He claimed to be the bread of life. By this he meant he is the solution for every longing in our hungry hearts. If you are not taking him in every day, you are living on Twinkies.  

Saint Augustine said it this way, "Thou hast made us for thyself and the heart of man is restless until it finds its rest in Thee."



--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Thursday, May 9

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019

7 When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came up to attack them. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid because of the Philistines. 8 They said to Samuel, "Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines." 9 Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. He cried out to the Lord on Israel's behalf, and the Lord answered him.

10 While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites. 11 The men of Israel rushed out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, slaughtering them along the way to a point below Beth Kar.

12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the Lord has helped us."

13 So the Philistines were subdued and they stopped invading Israel's territory. Throughout Samuel's lifetime, the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines. 14 The towns from Ekron to Gath that the Philistines had captured from Israel were restored to Israel, and Israel delivered the neighboring territory from the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.

(1 Samuel 7:7-14)


Today, we encounter God's miraculous intervention on behalf of humble people whose needs only He can fulfill.  From these accounts, we understand how deeply God cares for His people and our submittedness to Him unlocks His power.

In the case of the Israelites and the Philistines, the Philistines captured the ark of the Lord, only to realize that God's wrathful power stood in opposition to their plans.  First, their god Dagon faced this power encounter; later, several towns discover their vulnerability before the only righteous God.  The Philistines wisely send the ark back to Israel, recognizing that they do not stand to benefit from keeping it.

With the return of the ark, Samuel takes the mantle of leadership and calls the people back to the Lord.  Israel faced a severe military threat from the Philistines, but God intervened through powerful miracles to preserve His people.  This intervention came as a result, it appears, of (1) God's care, (2) the people's need, and (3) their humility, expressed through prayer.  John 15:7,8; James 4:2,3; and 1 John 5:14,15 point out that God desires to answer prayer—that we will not have if we do not ask.  Yet, we can expect to receive if we ask for God's help in accordance with God's will.

Crucially, Samuel then remembers God's intervention with the stone named Ebenezer:  "Thus far has the Lord helped us."  This physical reminder encourages an upward-focused mindset and reinforces God's goodness among the people.

In the John 6 passage, we follow Jesus's feeding of the Five Thousand:  His multiplication of limited resources.  Crucially, the disciples participate in the distribution and end up collecting 12 basketfuls of leftover bread; from this, we gather that God desires to provide for those who minister before Him.

I would like to underscore that Jesus often speaks in terms of multiplication, not addition.  He indicates that those who are submitted to Him will multiply 30, 60, or 100 times.  Clearly, the feeding of the Five Thousand included such a multiplication.  Yet, many times, we sell short on God's multiplicative power.  In reflecting on this shortcoming for myself, I must admit that I fail to ask and to believe God for great things.  This faulty attitude contradicts the testimony of both Scripture and my own life.  Would you join me in praying for God's multiplicative power in our walks and for Grace Church today?


Lord God, thank You that Your power multiplies what little we have or supplies fresh power from Your heavenly storehouses.  We need this power poured out today.  There are many who are struggling without hope because they don't know You.  Even those who know You may be missing out on the fullness and abundance of the life You desire to live out through us.  Humble us before You and sharpen our desires to seek after what You would have for us.  Give us a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit so that we may glorify You today.  In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Bible Blog 8th May 2019: Listening

 

 

Bible Blog 8th May 2019: Listening


1 Samuel 2:22-4:22

John 5:24-47

Psalm 106:1-12

Proverbs 14:30-31

 

Eli's story is a clear warning for us, as Eli's sons knew better and they continued to disobey God deliberately by seducing, Robbing and cheating people. Any sin is wrong but sin carried out deliberately and deceitful he is the worst sorts. When we sin intentionally the consequences will be more severe. We must not ignore Gods warnings about sin, before sin becomes a way of life we must abandon it. We also see Eli watching his sons sin and not doing any disciplinary action, he honored his sons more than God by letting them continue this sinful way.  Is there a situation in your life, family or work that you allow to continue even if you know it is wrong? If so you may become guilty as those engaged in the wrong act. Listening and responding is vital in a relationship with God. Although God does not always use the sound of a human voice, he always speaks clearly through his word. To receive his message is we must be ready to listen and act upon what he tells us. Like Samuel be ready to say "Speak Lord for your servant is listening" when God calls you to action.

 

In finding faithful followers, God may use unexpected channels. So we must be prepared for the Lord to work at any place at any time, through any one he chooses. God given joys may seem empty when sin dominates our lives.

But there is always hope, and in John 5:24-47 it says for those who accept Jesus and the word will have eternal life. In our daily lives let us seek God's love and not others let us give praise to Jesus and appreciate what God has done in our lives,

Amen                 

 

 

 

 

Proverbs 14:30-31

" A Heart at peace gives life to the body but envy rots the bones. Whoever oppressed the poor shows contempt for their maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God".

 

 


Saturday, May 4, 2019

May 4: Of the Illusion of Self Sufficiency



Judges 19:1-20:48

John 3:22-4:3

Psalm 104:24-35

Proverbs 14:22-24


The tragedy narrated in today's OT reading begins with the verse "In those days Israel had no king."  I am going to cheat a bit and reference tomorrow's reading as well - Judges 21:25, which repeats the verse above, but elaborates a bit more: "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit."  


Israel had ceased to obey, even to acknowledge the Lord.  And so each acted according to his or her own wishes.  Hence we see the unfaithful concubine, the wicked men of Gibeah, the cowards that were the Levite and the owner of the house, the unrepentant Benjamites.  


Guided only by their interests, they made choices which led to tragedy upon tragedy.  A dead woman.  A war within Israel.  Ultimately, the almost complete destruction of the tribe of Benjamin.  


How often have your choices turned out wrong?  How often were you so certain you were making the right choice, only to find you'd made a mistake, and now had to bear consequences you'd not imagined, obstacles you are now unable to overcome?  Contrast this with the Lord the psalmist describes, to whom all creatures look and who gives them "their food at the proper time", so that "they are satisfied with good things".  


Father I confess to a persistent and sinful insistence on my own self sufficiency.  Help me to learn to live with You as my King.  Make my choices for me - set my course, guide my actions.  Help me to look to You, so that I, too, might be "satisfied with good things."

Friday, May 3, 2019

May 3


John 3

 

Several years ago, a newspaper on the East Coast carried a story of a woman who was traveling home one evening when she noticed a huge truck driving right behind her. Thinking it was too close, she stepped on the gas. But the truck sped up too. Soon they were racing down the highway. Frightened, she pulled off the freeway, but the truck stayed right behind her. By this time she was panicked, so she drove up to a gas station and leaped out of the car, screaming. The truck driver pulled in right behind her, jumped out of his truck and ran to her car, and opened the back door. There, crouched behind her seat, was a hunted rapist. The truck driver, from his high vantage point, had seen him. He was pursuing the woman, not to harm her, but to keep her from being harmed.

 

This is the picture of Jesus in John 3. From his vantage point he sees the danger of sin and darkness in our car. Jesus came from heaven to save us from sin and darkness.  The sad commentary from Jesus is that we would rather keep these two enemies in our cars than turn to him. Our greater fear is turning our lives over to him. In the end, we have rejected Jesus' heavenly perspective and chosen not to believe his testimony.  Rather than stopping the car and running to Jesus, we say, "No way is he going to tell me what to do."

 

Today, surrender your life to the testimony of Jesus.

 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, May 2

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

 

They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

 

11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

 

12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days.

 

(John 2:8b-12)

 

 

Today, we read of Jesus’s first miracle, the turning of water into wine at the wedding of Cana.  This miracle appears fairly unique in its scope and audience.  In many of Jesus’s miracles, he brings healing or fulfills a “need.”  This miracle, however, concentrates on bringing joy to this wedding party -- and helping the hosts to avoid the embarrassment of missing the mark on the typical social standard for weddings.  It is possible that wedding feasts might have proceeded for several days, perhaps lasting up to a week.

 

Jesus’s approach to the miracle indicates that He doesn’t wish to attract attention to Himself, but rather to bless this assembled group of common people.  When His mother recognizes the problem and suggests that He become involved, He tells her:  “My hour has not yet come.”  Later, He involves the servants in the miracle by asking them to fill the jars with water -- tying somewhat to the disciples’ contributions at the feeding of the Five Thousand.  The miracle points to God’s desire to bless and use His children that are willing to surrender what little we have in order that the blessing might overflow through His multiplication.

 

The “master of the banquet” likely came as a guest but bore some responsibilities as a master of ceremonies (“emcee”).  When he tastes the wine, he calls the bridegroom aside and celebrates the goodness of the wine:  “... but you have saved the best till last.”  Putting ourselves in the bridegroom’s shoes, he had faced embarrassment at not providing enough at the wedding, only to have this miraculous turn of events.  We can imagine that He praised God for this great provision.

 

John refers to this miracle as a “sign” and notes that Jesus “revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.”  A commentator explains that, while the present circumstances are indeed miraculous, the sign points beyond just Cana to fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 35:1,2; Joel 3:18; and Amos 9:13).  From those passages, we understand that Messiah would bring salvation and redemption even to creation.  In the place of creation’s distress, they would find wine of joy flowing fully.  This first miraculous sign suggests the beginning of that fulfillment.

 

How may we celebrate the “God sightings” that we witness each day or week?  How do we think about them?  Talk about them?  Whenever we find ourselves able to see God’s glory and goodness, we may deepen our joy and bless others by noting them with gratitude and an eagerness to share about the blessing.  We may rejoice in how God cares for us, common people, and desires to include us in His Kingdom and the story of redemption.

 

 

Lord God, thank You for Your many miracles and signs.  Help us to embrace Your work in our lives and in this world.  Encourage us through revealing Your glory and goodness.  We give thanks to You today, knowing that You are the giver of all good gifts.  We love You and honor You.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Difficult Stories

April 30, 2019


Judges 11-12, John 1:1-28, Psalms 101:1-8, Proverbs 14:13-14


Who is God? And what is He like? In John Piper's Desiring God curriculum, first graders are taught about the letter S- Sovereign and the letter I- Incomprehensible. We made a big deal that 6 and 7 year olds were learning these words and that there are 16 letters in this covert big word. Judges 11 brings these two words to life about the character of God and to be honest and vulnerable, this is one of my least favorite, shake my head stories in the Bible. I remember reading this story a few years ago and being angry and God. How could He allow this? Accept this? In His omniscience and power, why did he let Jephthah's daughter come out first? A goat, lamb, or cat would have been just fine. Sigh. 


I have reread this story many times through the years and have even reached out to more knowledgeable and wise people to help me process this story. While rereading, I have tried to draw lessons from it and asked God to reveal His love through it. What is the bright side in all this? A man sacrificing his only daughter to win a war? To be accepted by a family and people who shunned Him? An innocent girl dying at the hands of her father for a vow he made? These are hard questions, but these are some of the lessons I have drawn. 


  1. Even though life was hard, Jephthah loves God and was faithful to him. He was the illegitimate son of a prostitute, driven away from his family, no inheritance, and fell into the wrong crowd. Even still, God had a plan for him and used to him to deliver the nation of Israel. 
  2. His daughter also loved God- she followed, obeyed, and remained faithful. When Jephthah explained the vow he made to God, she understood. She didn't argue (that we know of), she didn't walk away, escape, or anything like that. Her heart (as was Jephthah's) was broken and she mourned. There is nothing wrong with her reaction and how she felt. She was maybe more faithful to God's sovereign will than I would have. 
  3. The cross. Scripture will always point to the cross in some way or another. A loving father sacrificing their only child for the salvation of the nation. It's probably the most impossible task I can ever imagine, but it's a love, faith, and trust in the Father God. 


Judges 11 is still a hard story for me to read and accept sometimes because I mourn for the daughter. I don't think it's fair. But I know that God has a mighty plan that goes beyond that chapter and on my tiny window of life. I pray that God gives me faith and trust like these people.