Bible Readings... John 4
Highlighted Verse... John 4:42 - They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."
Thoughts... Centuries before this time, the Samaritans had been led astray by their king so that they no longer faithfully worshipped the God of their father Abraham. They did, however, still have remembrances of the one true God. Now, once they have a chance to have an intimate encounter with God's son they respond in true faith. Meanwhile, the Pharisees (who claimed to worship the true God) were already concerned about Jesus and his impact on their status and position.
How it impressed me... When a person encounters Jesus their true inner self shows through. It is as though the invisble ink that our thoughts are written in is made clearly visible by Jesus' light. The Samaritan's who had been led astray, but desired to worship God are set straight as they see the true God, but the Pharisees who pretend to worship the true God are seen as the self-seekers that they really are. When his light shines on me, what shows?
My response to God... Dear God, take up residence in my heart so that Jesus will only see your reflection when his light is shined on me. Help me to clear your sanctuary of all that is not pure and holy so that you can reside in me. Draw me closer every day.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Born of the Spirit
Bible Readings... John 3
Highlighted Verse... John 3:8 - The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
Thoughts... Jesus is trying to explain to Nicodemus that he must be born again, and Nicodemus just isn't getting it. My guess is that when Jesus tells Nicodemus he shouldn't be surprised, Nicodemus is very surprised and confused about this concept he had never considered.
How it impressed me... Since Lauren is in her first year of college, I have had many occasions recently to think back to my college days. As a Catholic amongst all the Baptists at Baylor we had a lot of discussions about being born again... a concept that we had never discussed in my CCD (Catholic Sunday School) classes. I never really understood why they wanted to make such a big deal about it, especially since our spiritual maturity was pretty similar -- sorely lacking. Now, a quarter century later, I'm pondering just what is meant by "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." In the end, we aren't necessarily meant to know everything in this life, but he will make it clear in the Kingdom to come.
My response to God... Jesus, you became flesh and walked among us so that we could commune with you and the Father... that we could be one with the you and the Father... and so that after you died for our sins, the Holy Spirit would breathe new life into us. Holy Spirit breathe on me each day that I may come to a more complete knowledge of the Father and and his ways.
Highlighted Verse... John 3:8 - The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
Thoughts... Jesus is trying to explain to Nicodemus that he must be born again, and Nicodemus just isn't getting it. My guess is that when Jesus tells Nicodemus he shouldn't be surprised, Nicodemus is very surprised and confused about this concept he had never considered.
How it impressed me... Since Lauren is in her first year of college, I have had many occasions recently to think back to my college days. As a Catholic amongst all the Baptists at Baylor we had a lot of discussions about being born again... a concept that we had never discussed in my CCD (Catholic Sunday School) classes. I never really understood why they wanted to make such a big deal about it, especially since our spiritual maturity was pretty similar -- sorely lacking. Now, a quarter century later, I'm pondering just what is meant by "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." In the end, we aren't necessarily meant to know everything in this life, but he will make it clear in the Kingdom to come.
My response to God... Jesus, you became flesh and walked among us so that we could commune with you and the Father... that we could be one with the you and the Father... and so that after you died for our sins, the Holy Spirit would breathe new life into us. Holy Spirit breathe on me each day that I may come to a more complete knowledge of the Father and and his ways.
Monday, September 15, 2008
No Miracles of Faith
Bible Readings... John 2
Highlighted Verse... John 2:24 - But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men.
Thoughts... Jesus had been in Jerusalem for Passover and had performed some miracles. Some of the people who saw the miracles being performed believed in Jesus because of the miracles, but Jesus would not entrust himself to them. Jesus knew that their belief would last only as long as the memory of the miracles, so he would not perform a show for them. He had no intention of selling out to the crowd.
How it impressed me... I think that it may be part of God's design (some translations word the last part of this verse as "because he knew human nature"), that while a miraculous sign might get us to look towards God, it won't keep us there. We cannot simply experience a miracle or sign and then be somehow transformed to true belief. Instead we must make the transition from looking towards God to a decision of the will to complete surrender.
My response to God... Father God, you have written your name across creation... you have written your laws upon my heart... you know me and you know what moves me... help to so order my life that you are foremost in my thoughts, desires, and dreams. Help me to follow your lead and to never act simply because the crowd has requested it, but rather to focus on your will and your way.
Highlighted Verse... John 2:24 - But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men.
Thoughts... Jesus had been in Jerusalem for Passover and had performed some miracles. Some of the people who saw the miracles being performed believed in Jesus because of the miracles, but Jesus would not entrust himself to them. Jesus knew that their belief would last only as long as the memory of the miracles, so he would not perform a show for them. He had no intention of selling out to the crowd.
How it impressed me... I think that it may be part of God's design (some translations word the last part of this verse as "because he knew human nature"), that while a miraculous sign might get us to look towards God, it won't keep us there. We cannot simply experience a miracle or sign and then be somehow transformed to true belief. Instead we must make the transition from looking towards God to a decision of the will to complete surrender.
My response to God... Father God, you have written your name across creation... you have written your laws upon my heart... you know me and you know what moves me... help to so order my life that you are foremost in my thoughts, desires, and dreams. Help me to follow your lead and to never act simply because the crowd has requested it, but rather to focus on your will and your way.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
God's Son
Bible Readings... John 1
Highlighted Verse... John 1:12-13 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
Thoughts... The phrase "children of God" is not new, but somehow I think that I have always regarded it as somewhat of a metaphor. We are made in the image of God.. and he claims us as his own... he loves us enough to send his son... so, of course, we are "children of God." But what does that really mean? What does it mean to be a child of God?
How it impressed me... John 1:13 seems to tell us something a little different than what I am used to thinking. There doesn't appear to be a metaphor here. Instead, the infallible Word of God says that I am "born of God." That's the type of son I am. Not an adopted son, or a foster son, or a metaphorical son, but born of God — a real son! That's why he loves me so, because I am flesh of his flesh — worth dying for! Halleluia!
My response to God... Father God, thank you for life itself. Thank you for putting up with my continual immaturity. Help me to grow into the Father, Husband, and Son that you have destined me to be.
Highlighted Verse... John 1:12-13 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
Thoughts... The phrase "children of God" is not new, but somehow I think that I have always regarded it as somewhat of a metaphor. We are made in the image of God.. and he claims us as his own... he loves us enough to send his son... so, of course, we are "children of God." But what does that really mean? What does it mean to be a child of God?
How it impressed me... John 1:13 seems to tell us something a little different than what I am used to thinking. There doesn't appear to be a metaphor here. Instead, the infallible Word of God says that I am "born of God." That's the type of son I am. Not an adopted son, or a foster son, or a metaphorical son, but born of God — a real son! That's why he loves me so, because I am flesh of his flesh — worth dying for! Halleluia!
My response to God... Father God, thank you for life itself. Thank you for putting up with my continual immaturity. Help me to grow into the Father, Husband, and Son that you have destined me to be.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
An Intimate Encounter
Bible Readings... Luke 24
Highlighted Verses... Luke 24:33a - And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. Luke 24:45 - Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
Thoughts... Two men were on the road to Emmaus, they walked and talked with Jesus, but didn't know it was him. As they were stopping for the night, they invited him to spend the night. After he broke the bread, they recognized him and he disappeared, then they changed their mind "and within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem." Later when they returned to Jerusalem and were with the other disciples, Jesus appeared to them and "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures".
How it impressed me... When you have an intimate encounter with the risen Lord... it will change your day... change your night... change your mind... change your life. How sad it must have been for those who didn't encounter him or recognize him when he was here. How sad it is for those who miss him still today.
My response to God...Dear Jesus, help me to experience you afresh each day, that my life will be changed by the encounter. Open my mind to understand your scriptures and help me to never miss and opportunity to walk or talk or dine with you.
Highlighted Verses... Luke 24:33a - And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. Luke 24:45 - Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
Thoughts... Two men were on the road to Emmaus, they walked and talked with Jesus, but didn't know it was him. As they were stopping for the night, they invited him to spend the night. After he broke the bread, they recognized him and he disappeared, then they changed their mind "and within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem." Later when they returned to Jerusalem and were with the other disciples, Jesus appeared to them and "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures".
How it impressed me... When you have an intimate encounter with the risen Lord... it will change your day... change your night... change your mind... change your life. How sad it must have been for those who didn't encounter him or recognize him when he was here. How sad it is for those who miss him still today.
My response to God...Dear Jesus, help me to experience you afresh each day, that my life will be changed by the encounter. Open my mind to understand your scriptures and help me to never miss and opportunity to walk or talk or dine with you.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Understatement
Bible Readings... Luke 23
Highlighted Verse... Luke 23:56b - on the Sabbath they rested, as the Law of Moses commands.
Thoughts... Chapter 23 of Luke encompasses the entire Passion of Jesus from his appearance before Pilate and Herod, to the the crowd's condemnation and Pilate's death sentence, to the final crucifixion, death and burial. The chapter closes out with the words "on the Sabbath they rested, as the Law of Moses commands." While the words are specifically referring to women who were accompanying Jesus, it is safe to assume that the religious leaders and crowd did likewise. In these plain-spoken words hide the depths of hypocrisy.
How it impressed me... After killing God's son, the people were careful to make certain that they followed God's command about the Sabbath. If only this type of hypocrisy had ended with this episode, but sadly it is still around today. How often have my actions amounted to the same?
Highlighted Verse... Luke 23:56b - on the Sabbath they rested, as the Law of Moses commands.
Thoughts... Chapter 23 of Luke encompasses the entire Passion of Jesus from his appearance before Pilate and Herod, to the the crowd's condemnation and Pilate's death sentence, to the final crucifixion, death and burial. The chapter closes out with the words "on the Sabbath they rested, as the Law of Moses commands." While the words are specifically referring to women who were accompanying Jesus, it is safe to assume that the religious leaders and crowd did likewise. In these plain-spoken words hide the depths of hypocrisy.
How it impressed me... After killing God's son, the people were careful to make certain that they followed God's command about the Sabbath. If only this type of hypocrisy had ended with this episode, but sadly it is still around today. How often have my actions amounted to the same?
My response to God... Merciful Father, forgive me when I sin, help me to worship you in spirit and truth... to give you the honor and glory due you... to obey and love you and your commands.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Jesus Knows
Bible Readings... Luke 22
Highlighted Verse... Luke 22:31-32 Jesus said, "Simon, listen to me! Satan has demanded the right to test each one of you, as a farmer does when he separates wheat from the husks. But Simon, I have prayed that your faith will be strong. And when you have come back to me, help the others."
Thoughts... These two verses set up Peter's boast that he is ready to go to jail with Jesus or even die for him, wherein Jesus responds that before the rooster crows Peter will have denied him three times. Jesus' original statement to Peter is reminiscent of the beginning of the Book of Job... namely that Satan has asked for and been given permission to test Peter. Jesus knows about Peter's bravado, Jesus knows Peter's weaknessesl, but Jesus also knows that Peter is capable of leading the group if he can make it back. After the resurrection, Jesus returns to give Peter a chance to redeem himself -- the same three times that Peter denied Jesus. The next thing you know, Peter is leading the disciples and taking the pulpit at Pentecost. Halleluia.
How it impressed me... Jesus knows my strengths and weaknesses too. He will walk with me and hold my hand each step of the way... if I will let him. He knows where I will fail, yet encourages me and prays for me... that I will grow in my love for him and trust in him. Halleluia.
My response to God... Jehova-Rohi, lead me beside the still waters, restore my soul, guide me in the paths of righteousness, that I may dwell in your house forever. Strengthen me when I am weak, encourage me when I doubt, and never, ever let me go.
Highlighted Verse... Luke 22:31-32 Jesus said, "Simon, listen to me! Satan has demanded the right to test each one of you, as a farmer does when he separates wheat from the husks. But Simon, I have prayed that your faith will be strong. And when you have come back to me, help the others."
Thoughts... These two verses set up Peter's boast that he is ready to go to jail with Jesus or even die for him, wherein Jesus responds that before the rooster crows Peter will have denied him three times. Jesus' original statement to Peter is reminiscent of the beginning of the Book of Job... namely that Satan has asked for and been given permission to test Peter. Jesus knows about Peter's bravado, Jesus knows Peter's weaknessesl, but Jesus also knows that Peter is capable of leading the group if he can make it back. After the resurrection, Jesus returns to give Peter a chance to redeem himself -- the same three times that Peter denied Jesus. The next thing you know, Peter is leading the disciples and taking the pulpit at Pentecost. Halleluia.
How it impressed me... Jesus knows my strengths and weaknesses too. He will walk with me and hold my hand each step of the way... if I will let him. He knows where I will fail, yet encourages me and prays for me... that I will grow in my love for him and trust in him. Halleluia.
My response to God... Jehova-Rohi, lead me beside the still waters, restore my soul, guide me in the paths of righteousness, that I may dwell in your house forever. Strengthen me when I am weak, encourage me when I doubt, and never, ever let me go.
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