February 27th blog post

A Father's Freedom

 

 

"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"   -  Mark 9:24

 

This is a verse I am very familiar with and one that I pray to the lord often.  It was uttered by a father who was desperate for help and healing on behalf of his son's long suffering.  I have no idea the journey this father and son have been on up to this point.  How many times they may have traveled to the temple hoping this time the priests might be able to help.  I do not know how many prayers were lifted up and tears were shed pleading for healing and freedom from this demonic affliction.  I have no idea when the flame of hope was snuffed out, as often can be the case when suffering is long endured and hope seems to disappear with the setting sun.

 

What I do know is that this father heard of a man, Jesus, who was healing those who could not be healed and, just as the dawn returns every morning, a flicker of hope began to warm within him again.  He sought out the only one left who could help.  After another disappointed failed attempt to heal his son by the disciples, Jesus finally shows up and the desperate-barely clinging faith of this father is seen, "if you can do anything, help us."  The father speaks this from his broken and all-too often let down heart.   I love Jesus response, "If you can?"  He challenges the father to look deeper within himself.  Others have left this man feeling helpless and hopeless but there is a reason he sought Jesus out, there was a hope he felt in bringing his son to Jesus.  "Everything is possible for him who believes", Jesus finishes his challenging response.

 

This is when we get to the verse we started with, the one the father speaks:

 

"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!".  This father is saying he does have faith but it is not as strong as it should be, as it perhaps once was.  He makes a plea on his own behalf; "help my unbelief, help my faith to grow, help me to trust you, help me to have eyes that stay focused on you!"  He needs Jesus to be his guide back to a deeper faith.

 

This story has a freedom ending but not just for the son whom Jesus healed and freed from any possible future demonic possessions.  The father, as well, begins his journey to freedom in his faith from unbelief and doubt.

 

The reason I pray this verse is because I too can struggle at times with unbelief, with a weak faith.  I have my own long suffering afflictions that can and have weakened my faith.  My family and friends also have times of struggle that burden my heart.  Very often, like King David in our Psalm today, my soul is downcast and my faith limping along.  But I am not without hope!  I have the gift of prayer, a direct line to my God who is faithful to hear me and to draw me to him.  I can seek my God for guidance and to bring about the healing I need, the strengthening of my faith and the faith of those I love. 

I would like to leave you with this example of how we can pray a few of these verse back to the Lord and in doing so help begin (or continue) the process of growing our faith:

 

Lord, my soul can be downcast within me when the struggles and afflictions of my life and the lives of those I love and care about seem to continue on.  As time goes on I can feel my faith beginning to lag behind me and I feel to weak to carry it because the weight of disappointment and fear drags me down.  I know this is not where you call me to be.  Help me lord to see beyond the long suffering, beyond the burden, beyond the weakness and disappointments.  Help me lord with my unbelief, with my weakening faith.  Send forth your light and your truth Lord; let them be a guide to me that brings me closer to you, into a deeper relationship and understanding of who you are.  Let me meet you where you are and may my faith be made strong again.  May you be my joy and my delight in place of my downcast spirit.  My hope is in you my God and my Savior.    - AMEN

 

 

February 25: Of helplessness, desperation and answered prayer

Leviticus 16:29-18:30

Mark 7:24-8:10

Psalm 41:1-13

Proverbs 10:15-16

At home, what happens when someone takes ill?  It happened to us last week.  My wife and son both came down with the flu.  They complained about feeling under the weather, so I took them to their respective doctors, who confirmed they both had it.  That was Tuesday; I was scheduled to go into the office that morning, then travel for work the rest of the week, and not return home till Saturday morning.  My concern for them led me to cancel my trip; it was more important I stay with them, attend to their needs and make sure they didn't get any worse. Which, I imagine, is what most of us would do.

In that context, the actions of the Greek mother with the sick daughter, the daughter possessed by a demon, are curious at the very least.  What does it tell us to read she left her sick daughter to seek out this Man she'd never met, whom she'd probably only heard about through others? A Rabbi Who was supposedly able to work miracles, never mind she wasn't Jew herself?  What it tells me is, she was desperate.  So desperate she was prepared to leave her sick child at home in a foreign land to seek out a man she'd never met, in hopes He would do for a foreigner what she'd heard He'd done for so many others.  So desperate she was prepared to believe that even the crumbs of this man's blessing would be sufficient for her needs, for her daughter's needs.  Was there faith?  I believe so.  But when I read this today, I see desperation all the more.  

What does it take to be desperate?  Helplessness, I think.  The realization that neither intellect nor ability nor wealth will assure us of what we seek; that every gift, every talent, every strength, every discipline we have, mustered all together, is not enough to achieve the results we ache for with all our hearts.  A marriage's repair.  A spouse's conversion.  A child's healing.  And when we realize how helpless we are when the stakes are at their highest, we become desperate for help where we can find it.  

The Greek mother was helpless, then desperate.  She looked for what she could not get for herself in Jesus.  And He granted her request.

May we all realize our helplessness, and turn to Him with despair.  And may we all know the gratitude of a mother whose child, against all odds, was healed.

Feb 24

One of the great struggles of my life has been performing to earn my acceptance. From early on in my childhood I felt I had to perform to win the love and approval of others. I found myself swinging between two opposite poles as I grew up. When I was keeping the rules and measuring up, I felt very confident in life. But when I was not following the rules, I would feel dejected and sink into despair.

I was basing my entire identity on being a rule keeper. Living this way made my life very challenging. While on the outside I looked like a good guy, inside I was a total mess. I finally realized I couldn't keep the rules and the people I was trying to impress didn't really care. It was at that point I abandoned the church and became a hippie. Hippies never had to follow the rules.

The performance lifestyle has been a popular one for a long period of time. It was addressed by the prophet Isaiah in 700 B.C. and quoted by Jesus in our passage today. (Mark 7:6,7) Here is what the prophet said,

"These people honor me with their lips,

but their hearts are far from me.

They worship me in vain;

their teachings are but rules taught by men."

The people in Isaiah's day were going to "church" all the time but all they were concerned about was keeping the rules.

Jesus applied this to the culture of his day. He said the people who atomized God's law into 613 rules were actually nullifying the Word of God. Our relationship with Jesus is not based on our being rule keepers. He doesn't love us more if we keep 589 or 590 rules. Our identity is formed by the knowledge that God loves us as sinners. We know that Jesus is a "friend of sinners." So as long as I admit I am a sinner I know I have at least one friend. And he is actually the most important friend to have. The truth is that Jesus is unconditionally in love with me, no matter where I am on the journey of life. I am far more loved than I can ever imagine.

The reason we like to keep the rules is because it gives us the right to earn our own salvation. See God, I have kept all these rules; now you owe me salvation. The scandal of grace is that it is free. There is nothing I can do to earn it. If you want a more authentic relationship with Jesus today, stop trying to earn it. Just tell him you are a sinner and in need of a new heart. Grace is for the desperate, the needy, the broken, those who cannot keep the rules in life. Grace is for all of us.

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, February 23

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

"... They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.  The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand." (Mark 6:43,44)

Jesus's feeding of the five thousand (more like 10,000+) occurs in each of the four Gospels.  Clearly, the Gospel writers viewed this miracle as one of the preeminent signs of His divinity.

Prior to the miracle, we see Jesus's heart of compassion for the crowds who had followed Him into the countryside.  Without a food source, these folks would become hungry.  The disciples rationally calculated that the food supply didn't seem physically there, and they wondered what Jesus had in mind.  Intriguingly, Jesus turns the question back to His disciples, involving them in the predicament:  "You give them something to eat."

Clearly, their five loaves and two fish would not have satified the crowds.  Here, we find a tremendous example of the power of spiritual multiplication.  The physical world works in additive terms, but God's power enables us to see glimpses of this amazing multiplication.  Jesus divides the loaves and fish to supply for all the gathered crowd's needs, but then the disciples find leftovers that fill each of their baskets.  (Biblical research suggests that the disciples may have carried these baskets with them on their journeys.)

Have you ever invested time, money, or energy into serving God's Kingdom?  In the physical world, we might expect that these investments would really be "costs" to us.  That is, the time we invested would take away from "free" time; the money would reduce "savings"; and our energy would have waned.  With God's economy, however, we may find that God's power provides an increase.  The Word doesn't promise that we will receive a one-to-one correspondence, but rather that, as we draw into God's presence, the "cup" of our lives will "overflow" and that we will find in Him the "strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 23, 73)  In short, God's presence and His grace are sufficient, restorative, and life-giving for His children.

During our time in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, we had the pleasure of meeting Pastor Michael Sprague at Trinity Church in Covington, Louisiana.  He wrote a short book describing what God taught him from the post-Katrina experience called Betting the Farm on God.  He detailed how, in every case, when faced with a challenging situation, he chose to trust God ("betting the farm"), and God's provision never failed.  May we also have the faith to trust our Father's great provision.

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example of faithfulness and for showing us the principle of spiritual multiplication.  Help us to trust in You and to avoid the short-sighted thinking that dominates this world.  Give us Your grace and presence each day so that our cup may overflow.  In Your Name, amen.

February 22

Psalm 39

 This Psalm reflects on the brevity of life with the hope that in the short time we are here, we walk knowing our only hope is having faith in God.  There are many hard lessons to learn in life. One of my biggest lessons to learn as I go through this life is to control what I say and even when I'm angry not offend people with my words.  I'm sure we can all recall a time (or two) when we spoke and regretted it.  Here, David asks the Lord to show him the number of his days and let him know how fleeting life is (v.4)  That really pierced my heart. We were created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26), and as disciples of Jesus our journey here is to transform ourselves into the image of Christ, not conform to the ways of this world. This is not our home. Whatever we do and say counts for eternity and our life abiding in Christ reflects in the way we live and I believe that includes the way we speak.  Think about how different relationships would be if we spoke to people as if our words were the last words someone else was going hear, or if what we say might be the last words we speak.  Changing the way we think and speak begins with renewing our minds (Romans 12:2)  I pray for all of us today that we speak life into other peoples lives and even into dark situations that we face as we go through the day.  This passage reminded me of the Toby Mac song "Speak Life".  Please take a moment to listen to it and carry throughout the day as a reminder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeBv9r92VQ0

Randi

February 20th post

Looking to the Flight Attendant

 

Anyone who knows me knows this fact: I do not like to fly!!!  That is actually a bit of an understatement.  I have a fear of flying yet, from time to time, I find myself in a position where I do not have a choice but to fly.  During a flight when there are strange sounds, the seat belt light goes on, turbulence hits, or a storm rolls in my anxiety and fear level skyrockets.  You know what I do?  I look for the flight attendant and I watch her.  Every time I do this what I find is a flight attendant who is smiling, talking to passengers, and meeting the needs of those around her.  Immediately my heart rate begins to return to normal and my fears begin to lessen.  Why?  Because this is what the flight attendant does.  Day in and day out she is on a plane in all kinds of circumstances.  She is not rattled by the turbulence, this is what she does and she is at peace.  I look to her because if she is not concerned it tells me that I too should not be concerned but to learn to relax and rest.

 

Jesus disciples had made a commitment to follow Him, to let him lead them, to walk in his path.  In this passage, in Mark (4:33-41), we see their obedient hearts as Jesus leads them into a boat to cross the lake.  I believe that Jesus knew there was a storm ahead and yet he still had them get into the boat.  Knowing what lay ahead did Jesus gather his disciples and warn them?  No Jesus didn't tell them anything, in fact he went and found a nice comfy cushion and went to rest in the back of the boat.  He remained in that restful place even when the violent storm hit.  What did his disciples do?  They focused on the wind and the waves and they used all their sailing know how to try and help themselves and yet this storm was too much for them and they were full of fear.  Finally they went to Jesus and woke him from his rest and in desperation asked for him to help.  Without Christ's heart rate escalating in fear, he spoke to the storm and calmed it and then he spoke to his disciples and asked them why they are so afraid.  He questioned the level of faith they had.  Why had they stopped following his lead?  Why didn't they continue to look to him and see that he was not worried but was resting and at peace?

 

This passage in Mark has been my life recently.  I've had a few storms roll in that I was not prepared for, that have knocked me off balance, blown my hair into a tangled mess, and soaked me to my core from the crashing waves and rain.  My response has been much like the disciples; fear, dread, feeling overwhelmed, and out of control.  But God has used this story in Mark to remind me of my fear of flying, yes you read that right.  Just as I look to watch the flight attendants on an airplane in order to find comfort, I believe God is calling me to look at him during the storms and difficulties in my life and to continue to let him lead me.  Where is Jesus during the storms in my life?   Right there with me, resting in my heart.  Why was he resting?  Because he was not worried!!!  God is not worried.  I feel the need to say that again, God is not worried.  God is not caught off guard.  God is never out of control.  He is always at peace and in rest.  He is always able to calm any and every storm.  He is not worried and he is wanting to lead me into that same rest.

 

Christ doesn't desire us to live in fear and to feel alone, helpless or hopeless.  What he wants is for us to find rest with him.  Matthew 11:28 says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Note this verse says all those who ARE, present tense, burdened are to come to him.  You don't need to try and bail your life out of the storm it is in before you can find rest.   In the middle of the storms of life Jesus is calling us to look to him for hope, comfort, and peace.  He is inviting us, leading us to rest with him. 

 

The storms that hit my life are still pouring down rain and sending waves crashing over the bow.  I am still soaked and my hair a mess but I am learning to look to my God, my savior Jesus, and what I see is the one I have chosen to follow is not worried for me or those I love.  I have seen that there is opportunity for my faith to grow during the storms.  There is opportunity to experience hope.  There is opportunity to have peace that transcends all understanding (Phil 4:7).  I am learning to rest in the trust, hope and peace of God and it is a much better place to be during the storms then where I was.

 

If you are in a storm, know someone in a storm, or want to prepare for possible storms then I encourage us all to keep our eyes focused on Jesus through prayer and God's word.  Let us keep our eyes focused on the one who is resting and not on the storm blowing around us.  The Lord is not worried about our situations.  He is still leading us but where he desires to lead us right now is to join him by his side and rest. 

 

Praying for us all to experience this rest and grow in our faith!

Feb 18: Of tardiness, apologies, worry, despair and hope

Leviticus 6:1-7:27
Mark 3:7-30
Psalm 37:1-11
Proverbs 10:3-4

Someone once suggested to me that the pain of a hangover was the best reason to stay drunk. There was, admittedly, a point in my life when this seemed like a good idea, not the disastrous vicious cycle that it really is. Despair and worry are the same way - when we despair, sometimes it seems like a good idea to worry...the problem is the worry only leads us to further despair.

Why bring that up? Because I think most (if not all) of us live to seek happiness, which is often either equated with, or premised on, security. Does anyone else still remember the obliviousness of youth, when we were carefree, thought ourselves indestructible, and believed we had no limits? Then life and limitation gradually, insidiously set in, and the next thing you know you're fifty, you don't look a day over sixty, but wonder if this is how seventy-year-olds feel. And that body of knowledge you spent amassing all your life, in hopes of securing not just your future, but your family's as well? It seems the more that body of knowledge grows, the realization of what you DON'T know grows even more quickly, so much so you understand today you know FAR LESS about anything than you thought you did. And then you come to realize that the acquisition of knowledge in the pursuit of security is impossible. So you worry, and the worry leads to despair, and so on and so forth.

When we read the OT reading today, and begin to realize the impossibility of adherence to all God's laws (and avoiding the severe consequences of disobedience) facing the Israelites, it is probably safe to assume they experienced worry and despair. What is the solution? Where is the answer? Today's Psalm provides us the guidance we need: "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

This is a day late (for which I apologize!), but yesterday my pastor reminded me of this - that our salvation is NOT in our hands, they are in HIS. And it is in HIM we have our hope. And when we realize that, there is NO cycle of worry and despair. Thank God.Feb 18: Of tardiness, apologies, worry, despair and hope

Feb 17

Mark 2:16-17 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"  On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Jesus saw hurting people and responded by leaving his comfort zone and becoming their friend. Make no mistake about it; this was a real party.  It was a long, drawn-out, celebratory feast and not a quick visit to Liz Sue Bagels. The guest list that night would probably not be your "A" list for dinner guests at your house. It included tax collectors and sinners - generally referred to as the "worst kind of people," pimps, prostitutes, party animals… and whoever was unwilling to play "goody two shoes" with the Jewish law. Jesus and his disciples were there along with the Pharisees. Who invited them? I don't know. The picture is of a loud, raucous party.

It is also worth noting that neither Jesus nor his disciples evidently had any great hesitation about being at this party. The Pharisees, on the other hand, finally got so upset that they insisted on making a ruckus by asking (and probably none too quietly, to be sure that Jesus would hear) why Jesus regularly hung out with "riffraff."

Here is the bottom line; Jesus was enjoying himself. I can imagine him laughing, telling stories, and playing Charades. He was not standing in a corner by himself, waiting.  Jesus likes people. He didn't wait - he initiated.  I'm convinced Jesus' approach to people is as attractive as ever. Whenever the world gets a glimpse of his unconditional love, acceptance, and forgiveness, it stands on tiptoes for an unrestricted view.

So who is the model for your life, the Pharisees with their perfectly intact reputations or Jesus and his scandalous reputation?  How many of us are comfortable being called a "friend of sinners?"

The church is the only institution that exists primarily for the sake of those who are not yet its members. We are not meant to be a "refuge from sinners"; we are called to be a mission outpost "looking for sinners." Our mission is to copy Jesus. It's to be in the business of rescuing people who have lost their way in the darkness of this world.

Every person you meet today has been created in God's image. Everybody has the divine tattoo. They were born in sin and shaped in iniquity. Yes, but that's only part of the story. They are also loved by a God who longs to release the potential He's planted in them. No wonder Jesus risked social rejection to express friendship to people the religious leaders shunned. No wonder those who recognized his sincere overture of unconditional love were magnetically attracted to him.

So who are you like, Jesus or the Pharisees?  It's a great question to ask each day. 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, February 16

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017


"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." (Mark 1:35)


Do you find this verse astounding like I do? I find it incredible to consider that our Lord Jesus Christ -- fully human and fully God -- required intimacy with His Father, just as we did. Couldn't His complete Divinity make Him self-sufficiency? Or, more practically, if the Lord Jesus thirsted after this connection with His Father, why would I ever be so arrogant and foolish as to miss this opportunity?

I admit that I don't have a perfect attendance record in seeking after God. Too often, I allow busyness and what seem like higher priorities crowd out my time with God. This miscalculation ends up keeping us from experiencing His life-giving presence and from receiving the nutrients to bolster our faith.

Have you ever experienced days where, even though you have spent time with God, there remains a fog or emptiness? I have definitely encountered this challenge. Yet, God has been gracious to reveal Himself through perseverance. Our perseverance in seeking God ultimately strengthens our faith and reveals more of His faithfulness to us.

Just as you might plan to go to the gym or to meet a friend for coffee, do you have a plan for meeting with God? Where will you meet Him? Will you come with an open heart and a readiness to listen to Him? Will you take the time to digest His Word?


Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example of seeking the Father with a passionate heart. Prepare us each day to listen to and obey Your Word. Send Your Spirit so that we come into all truth and apply it for encouraging ourselves and others to resemble You more closely. We love You and honor You this day. In Your Name, amen.


"Step by Step" by Rich Mullins (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-b7TQMoZsM)

February 15

Mark 1:9-12

As I read the account of Jesus being led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit I realized something that I had missed before. I thought about how many times I thought I had a great idea, led myself into a season of wilderness and then wondered why life wasn't working out so well for me.  There's a difference when God leads us somewhere, and when we wander off on our own. Here, we see Jesus being led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, which shows that He was going out on a mission by the will of our Father. The Holy Spirit was with Him and He was fully depending on God's Word to fight the enemy and his temptations. Important to notice, this strategy works.  Even though Jesus was with wild animals, the angels attended to Him. How encouraging that is. As our sister Ruth wrote about the other day, think about what you've been called by God to do. When God has appointed us a mission, we are accompanied and equipped by the Holy Spirit to see it through, even if it means going through a "wilderness" season. Jesus was not out of God's plan when He was in the wilderness.  As a matter of fact, He was right in it!!! Similarly, sometimes God "calls us out upon the waters", but He never leaves us alone. I don't know where everyone who is reading this might be in their walk or their calling.  Maybe you're finding yourself in a "wilderness" season and because of it you are questioning whether you heard correctly what God called you to do.  Maybe you're just waiting for answers. Like Jesus, the enemy's voice might tempt you, but do not be deceived. Press in deeper in your quiet time.  Ask for prayer.  I pray you find encouragement and your soul rests in knowing that the Holy Spirit is with you.  He is protecting and leading you into your God ordained destiny.  He will never leave you or forsake you. 




Randi

February 13, 2017

How has God called you to serve?

 

During our readings over the past few weeks we have seen God call Moses to serve by helping set the captives free, calling Aaron and his sons to serve as priest to help bring an opportunity of repentance to the people, and in today's reading God called Bezalel to build the tabernacle to help remind the people that God and his kingdom is among them (Ex35:30-36).

 

What I love about the calling of Bezalel, just like the calling of Moses, is that God shows us that he does not call the qualified.  God did not and does not look down and search out the equipped to do his work.  Ex. 35:31 speaks about the calling of Bezalel,  "and he (God) has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts…" and in verse 34 God has given him "the ability to teach others."  God looks upon us and sees opportunity and then he equips us to serve in all those areas of opportunity.

 

We are equipped by God with spiritual gifts for acts of service (1 Corinthians 12) and he also equips us with the fruit of the spirit, His Spirit, (Galatians 5) to live each day where he has us so that we may serve him by helping to set captives free, lead them to repentance and show them that God and his kingdom are not far but that he is with us to help us and guide us.

 

Wherever God has you today, whether with a family member, co-worker, friend, waitress, cab driver, accountant, doctor, or strangers along the way, ask God to equip you to serve him according to whatever the opportunity may be.  Opportunities come as varied as the people God uses to fulfill them.  Sometimes it may be taking a moment out of your busy schedule to help lend a hand to someone you see on the side of the road.  Sometimes it may mean calling a loved one who is struggling with whom you have felt helpless.  It may even mean showing kindness to someone who has shown you contempt.  All are opportunities that God is able to use for his kingdom building purposes.   All are opportunities in which God will equip you to speak, act, and serve according to the need.

 

No more excuses on your part.  The only thing you need to have is a willing heart and God will provide everything else you need to serve.  I am confident of this, if we ask God to use us today and to equip us according to the need he will answer.  No job is too small and no job is too big in the kingdom of God.

 

So, How is God calling you to serve today?  Better yet, are you willing to trust the Lord and be used?

February 11: Of Sin, Self Delusion and Salvation

Exodus 32:1-33:23

Matthew 26:69-27:14

Psalm 33:1-11

Proverbs 8:33-36

Let's remember that it is likely a lot of the jewelry they used to create their false idol came from the plunder God gave them when they left Egypt - remember that?  Probably the only instance in history when the fleeing party actually plundered the people staying?

Let's remember that Moses hadn't been gone very long, and it certainly hadn't been too long since they saw God inflict the plagues, part the red sea, and feed them in the desert.

How quickly they forgot.  How quickly, free from slavery to the Egyptians, free from hunger and thirst, they forgot the God who had given them their food and their freedom.  And how tragically, ironically fitting that, having fashioned wealth in the shape of a calf, Aaron declares "These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt."  How quickly they justified themselves, and how quickly it seems they went from even doubting the rightness of their actions to the deluded, self righteous celebration of their sinfulness.  

And little did they know, how close to total disaster they came.  While God forgave them, it took Moses's intercession to obtain that forgiveness.  God was ready to "destroy them" and start over with Moses, whom He said He would make into a great nation.  Moses interceded, and God forgave.  But make no mistake - He did not condone, He did not find the sin acceptable.  And the Israelites did not escape the consequences of their actions.

When we look at society today, there are so many ways we see man has justified sinful belief and action, even celebrated it.  And however man might declare it, these sins are unacceptable to God.  What's interesting is that God has given us a new Moses, in Jesus, who not only intercedes for us, but bears the totality of the consequence of our sinfulness upon Himself; Who, by His actions, gains for us the salvation we could not obtain on our own.  

By Jesus's actions, we can be like Moses, able to approach God directly.  And we can pray as Moses did: "If You are pleased with me, teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with You."    

Thursday, February 9

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016
[Apologies for the delayed post]


"Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'" (Matthew 26:39)


Jesus's suffering in the Garden of Gethesemane points to the even greater suffering that will come through His passion on the following day. He wrestled in prayer with His Father, concerned about the upcoming separation and taking on the scourge that sin deserves. He has taken up the mantle of Great High Priest, and the heaviness of the responsibility weighs on Him.

Jesus's aloneness in this moment comforts us in those empty times when we also experience abandonment. We may feel vulnerable, shaken, and afraid. Yet, we have the reassurance that our Lord Jesus Christ also travel through this "darkest valley" and may therefore stand with us. He will never abandon us, even though this world and the temporal things in which we might place our trust will.

Three passages from Hebrews come to mind as we consider these moments of abandonment. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to reflect on the example of Christ and the promises of those faithful ones who have preceded us:

"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil-and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. 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." (Hebrews 2:14-18)

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses [of faithful, godly servants], let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3)


Lord Jesus, thank You for Your perfect example of obedience, even in the face of great suffering. We cannot give You praise or thanks enough for taking the penalty of sin that we could never bear. You are our Great High Priest, and, because of Your great sacrifice, we too may stand before the Father in holiness and freedom. What an amazing love You have shown us! Help us to communicate this love to others through our lives and words. Make our joy complete as we reflect on Your goodness to us. Bring others into a knowledge of You so that they too may share in our joy. In Your Name, amen.


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Friday Feb 10

Matthew 26

The most recently coined term in America is "Fake News." It refers to the false information that is published under the guise of sincere and authentic reporting but in effect it is propaganda that is being used to change public opinion.  

This is not a new phenomenon. Jesus was under attack from fake news 2000 years ago.

The Jewish leaders were not on a search for the truth concerning Jesus' identity.  At his trial before the Sanhedrin, their goal was to charge him with such a serious crime that it would require his death.  

Matthew 26:59  The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death.

They were already convinced that he was a fraud and his popularity with the people was a direct threat to their elite positions of power at the head of the government. So in an attempt to mislead the public, they had to come up with some false charges so he could be discredited. What better strategy than to entrap him in something that could be construed as blasphemy, the claim that he was God. The problem was the witnesses couldn't get their stories straight.

But here is where Jesus turned the tables on them. When he was asked if he was the Christ (the Messiah), the Son of God,  Jesus boldly and fearlessly said, "YES, it is as you say."

So Jesus was actually charged with the crime of claiming he was the Jewish Messiah, which was Jesus' plan all along.

So what are you searching for, fake news or factual truth? Are you seeking the truth about Jesus or are you seeking reasons not to believe in him? The identity of Jesus still stands as the dividing line of history.

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Feb. 8

Matthew 25, Exodus 28

It's hard for me to comprehend that back in Genesis 1 when God spoke the world into creation He had everyone who is currently reading this blog, plus those we haven't even met yet, on His mind.  There is an eternal Kingdom already prepared for us. As we read through chapter 26 in Exodus the Tabernacle, where God promised to meet with the people of Israel, was to be set up according to the  "plan shown on the mountain".  Perhaps a glimpse into heaven. I think that's an important visual to keep in mind because the road along the journey to get there gets a little rough to travel sometimes. It's important to know where we're going to arrive at our final destination.  When King Jesus comes and is sitting on His throne in heavenly glory, and we are standing before Him, unlike Aaron, we will not need to be covered from head to toe with a breast plate, an ephod, and a tunic. As believers, we're covered in the blood of Jesus and because of that we can stand righteous before the Throne. God already knows who is handing out cups of water in His Sons name and that's who He will bless. We are Holy, Righteous and Redeemed because we believe the work done on the cross was enough.  We don't know who God is going to put in front of us today that might need that drink of water, or something to eat, or is need of encouragement through prayer.  I pray we keep our eyes open and as we're given opportunities to serve, I pray we serve as if we are serving King Jesus himself.

Randi

February 6th More than Conqueror's

More Than Conqueror's

 

Do you believe God is faithful to keep his promises?  I think that, with a unified voice, we would all say "yes".   After giving a good amount of laws and commandments, we read today how the LORD gave his people a promise; to be with them and guard them as he leads them to the place he has prepared.  God promises that he will fight, he will cause their enemies in their path ahead to stumble and be conquered.  He tells them they need to be obedient in their hearts to him and also to know that their battles will not be brief, (vs. 29) it will take time but it is for their benefit and God will do all that he said.  He will win the battles for them.  What was their response? With one voice they responded, "Everything the LORD has said we will do" (Ex. 24:3) & "We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey" (Ex 24:7).   Unified trust and obedience in the LORD.

 

The thing is I know what happens when the Israelites actually do get to the land God promised, when God leads them safely, as he said he would, to the battles against their enemies.  That unified voice of trust and obedience that the Israelite people had is now lost and they forget how big their God is, how big and faithful he has proved himself to be.  Even more importantly, they forget his promise to continue to be with them and to fight their battles with them.   They have a fear of the enemy ahead, an enemy that looks beyond their ability to conquer.  This fear and discomfort as they face these new battles has caused them to loose focus on the God who parted the Red Sea in order to save them from their prior enemy and then used that same sea to destroy that enemy.

 

It is so, so easy to again sit in the comfort of my home and judge the actions of the Israelites as cowardly and disobedient.  I can be yelling at my bible, "You fools!  God promised to fight for you.  Why do you not trust him?  Why are you letting this battle become bigger then your God?"  No sooner do those thoughts enter my mind when I am convicted of my hypocrisy.  When I see the battles in my life marching against me I, all too often, stand in fear and forget that I too have this same God who promises to lead me through till the end.  He never promised me quick battles and easy freedom from the struggles but instead strength to endure and the confidence to know that I am never ever alone.  I have let the battle cry of the enemy drown out the voice of the LORD who is right there with me trying to remind me of his promises and to let me know not to fear but to trust in him.

 

I don't want to just give lip service to my God.  I don't want to sit in the pews on a Sunday and speak about how great God is, how he is my conqueror, and how my faith and trust are in him only to sit in defeat when the difficult times of life, the battles strike.  Romans 8:31-37 reminds me that if God is for me who can possibly be against me?  It tells me that I am more than just a conquer through Christ. 

 

When the battles of life hit (and they will, or they already have) I cannot loose sight of my God.  I cannot let the promises he has given be drowned out by fear.  I need to stand firm and remember that God did not necessarily promise a quick result but a victorious one.  Even when it may seem as if the battle is raging on longer then I have strength I need to remember that God tells me that his strength is enough and I need to simply ask him to help me to learn to rest during the stormy battles and find peace in him.  I will be a victor with Christ by my side.

 

I don't know all the battles going on with every person who may be reading this but I want to encourage each of us to not let the battle cry of our enemy drown out the voice of the LORD.  I want to encourage each of us to lift our voice to the LORD daily and seek the truths and promises he has for us in his word.  You and I are more than conqueror's and God is faithful and will fight for us.

 

I have attached a link to a song by the group The After's called "Battles".  Use it (along with God's word) whenever you start to feel overwhelmed by life to remind you that you are not alone.  Sing it as your battle chant and remind yourself and others who it is that fights for you.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQJWT017Jwc

Blog Matthew 24: 1-28 Emma Cassell

   Hold on to the words of Jesus.  

"Tell us, when will all this will happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

The passage can be seen as confusing, as it is difficult to disentangle the two themes.  Jesus' purpose was not to give a specific schedule for the future, but try to help his disciples not to worry or be distracted by what will happen. 

There is a lot of uncertainty about the end times. However, Jesus makes it clear that there will be lots of ...           

           false claims,

           upheaval,

           persecution,

           division,

           falling away, and Love for God will grow cold. He warns that when these things happen, it will be obvious to everyone.   

As we wait for Jesus' return, let us hold onto his words, these words of warning... "Don't let anyone mislead you, for  many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah'. False prophets will appear and deceive many. You will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic these things must take place."

We have the great privilege of being entrusted with the words that have the potential to change lives in a radical  way - for this life  and into eternity. We have been given the task of taking the message of the gospel to the whole world. "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."(vs 14). The words of the gospel are powerful and life changing.   Let us never give up on the proclamation of the gospel. 

Lord, Jesus, thank you that your words are eternal. Thank you that your words can transform lives. Make us willing to go out with this message to as many people as possible. 

In your name, Amen. 

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February 4: Of the certainty of our shortcomings and His salvation

This past week I encountered helplessness, frustration and hopelessness - in myself and in others.  I've seen these three things in people who could not do their best, in people who did not know what the best thing to do was, and in people who did their best but found their best just wasn't good enough.  All very different people; all very different circumstances; all facing and feeling the same thing.  

Reading today's readings, I wonder if the Israelites felt the same way, hearing the first installment of God's commands for the first time?  Can you imagine the conversations...."ok, I got the no murder and no adultery part...but I can't even look at Joshua's nice cow and want what he has?"  If Moses hadn't been so close to God, I could almost imagine him receiving the next batch of commands and sounding like an infomercial announcer: "But wait...there's more!"

I also wonder about the Pharisees.  Were they really all consciously taking advantage of the Israelites?  Or had they simply fallen into self serving practices, despite the best of intentions?  I mean, if it was the latter, they must have been really, rudely shocked: "Wait, is He talking about me?  That couldn't be me, could it?"

The truth is, our best intentions, our best efforts, our best intellect - none of it is enough to escape our Lord's accusation to the Pharisees: "You snakes!  You brood of vipers!  How will you escape being condemned to hell?"  How fortunate then are we - or, at least, those who come to the realization of the utter inability to achieve one's own salvation - how fortunate are they to be able to pray as the Psalmist did: "To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me...the Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and He helps me...save Your people and bless Your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever."

May God make clear to each of us how incapable we all are.  And, having opened our eyes to the truth of our shortcomings, reveal the certainty of His salvation, given to those who but ask.  

Thursday, February 2

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

"The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm‬ ‭27:1‬)

In Psalm 27, we read of the many stages that even the faithful heart travels through.  David expresses great faith in His loving Father, but he also acknowledges that even his parents may forsake him, and his enemies will certainly seek his ill.

By observing our lives and others, we recognize that our hearts' condition hinges more on our responses to our circumstances than to the circumstances themselves.  We cherish the psalms for the sweeping majesty of their images, but they also lie grounded in reality.  As Jon pointed out with Psalm 23, the psalms do not portray life as an unending sequence of rainbows and cupcakes.  Instead, life involves great trials and anguish, both physical and emotional.  We may even face betrayal from those we love.  How will we respond?

David indicates a godly and holistic response in Psalm 27.  How did he muster courage to face each day?  Like we may, he spoke truth to his heart after reflecting on and worshipping the living God.  His faith arose from his deep relationship with his Savior.  His fear dissipated in light of God's awesome goodness.

In today's world, it seems that every self-help book or article emphasizes the importance of "mindfulness" or "presence," reasoning that we may avoid negative thoughts if we remain "centered."  Most of this wisdom makes sense, but it fails to identify the proper center for this mindfulness.  David implies that, if we remain mindful of God's presence throughout the day, we may share his faith and courage.  That's not a complicated formula, and it doesn't really require much training.

How will you live courageously and boldly to bring honor to God today and tomorrow?  It seems to hinge on whether we seek Him first or see our problems first.  How might you spend more time seeking Him so that your responses follow after David's?

Lord God, thank You for Your amazing presence with us.  Encourage us to share the same measure of faith that David demonstrated.  Help us not to shrink back under stress but to remain vigilant in seeking You.  Make us thirsty for Your presence and hungry for Your righteousness.  We love You and live for You today.  In Jesus's Name, amen.

"What a Beautiful Name":  https://g.co/kgs/DEYrw9