Bible Readings... John 13
Highlighted Verse... John 13:3-4 - Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.
Thoughts... Having confidence that his Father had everything under control and that he came from God and was going to return to God, Jesus was secure. He didn't doubt who he belonged to... he didn't doubt what his destiny was... he didn't doubt who was in charge. This confidence and faith in everything that was, is and will be, allowed him to take on the humble trappings of servant to his followers.
How it impressed me... Much in our society is made of knowing "who" you are. Seminars are given on it, books are written about it, and counselors strive to get their patients to realize it, but like many things in this world, they get it close but not quite right. Instead of knowing "who" you are, if we focus on "whose" we are, we can move from a self-centered arrogance to a God-centered servanthood.
My response to God... Father God, instill in me the firm knowledge of your role in my life... help me in my unbelief to know and trust in you fully... help my eyes to see, my ears to hear, and my heart to grieve over the things that grieve you. Help me to set aside self that I may see only you.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Choose You This Day
Bible Readings... John 12
Highlighted Verse... John 12:42 - Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Thoughts... Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem amid the praises of the people, yet at the sound of his words they shrank away from him. Even many of the leaders liked what they heard him say and do, but were afraid of the Pharisees and their control of access to the synagogue, so like the rich young ruler they went away.
How it impressed me... It is not so much peer pressure that turned away the crowd or the leaders or the rich young ruler since they all had significant advantages... the crowd had numbers, the leaders had positions of authority and the rich young ruler had wealth behind them. Instead, it was their love for the world that drew them away. Jesus demands everything from us if we would follow him... no excuses allowed. Today's reading from "My Utmost for His Highest" speaks a similar word.
My response to God... Lord, my Lord, help me to choose correctly. Help me to release the resentment in my heart and fill it with you. I "head" know that you can fill any hole that is left, help me to "heart" know it as well. Do a super-natural work in me... fill me with your grace... extend your mercy to me... that I would find contentment in resting in you.
Highlighted Verse... John 12:42 - Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Thoughts... Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem amid the praises of the people, yet at the sound of his words they shrank away from him. Even many of the leaders liked what they heard him say and do, but were afraid of the Pharisees and their control of access to the synagogue, so like the rich young ruler they went away.
How it impressed me... It is not so much peer pressure that turned away the crowd or the leaders or the rich young ruler since they all had significant advantages... the crowd had numbers, the leaders had positions of authority and the rich young ruler had wealth behind them. Instead, it was their love for the world that drew them away. Jesus demands everything from us if we would follow him... no excuses allowed. Today's reading from "My Utmost for His Highest" speaks a similar word.
Our Lord’s teaching can be summed up in this: the relationship that He demands for us is an impossible one unless He has done a super-natural work in us. Jesus Christ demands that His disciple does not allow even the slightest trace of resentment in his heart when faced with tyranny and injustice. No amount of enthusiasm will ever stand up to the strain that Jesus Christ will put upon His servant. Only one thing will bear the strain, and that is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ Himself— a relationship that has been examined, purified, and tested until only one purpose remains and I can truly say, "I am here for God to send me where He will." Everything else may become blurred, but this relationship with Jesus Christ must never be.We are given free will to choose who we will follow. Will we like Joshua choose God and his Son, or will we like the crowd and the leaders choose the world.
My response to God... Lord, my Lord, help me to choose correctly. Help me to release the resentment in my heart and fill it with you. I "head" know that you can fill any hole that is left, help me to "heart" know it as well. Do a super-natural work in me... fill me with your grace... extend your mercy to me... that I would find contentment in resting in you.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Doubter or Doer
Bible Readings... John 11
Highlighted Verse... John 11:14-16 - So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."
Thoughts... Lazarus has died and Jesus is taking the apostles with him to Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead. The apostles in their usual manner of not understanding Jesus think that Lazarus has fallen asleep, so Jesus has to spell it out for them. The apostles are also worried that if Jesus goes back to Jerusalem (just 2 miles from Bethany) that the high priests will capture and kill him. This time it is not Peter who boldly ventures forth at Jesus' prompting, but Thomas who proclaims that they shall all go with him and face the same fate.
How it impressed me... Several different impressions came over me as I read through this portion of scripture. First, I had always remembered Thomas only as "Doubting Thomas" for his role after Christ's resurrection, but we see him here a a different role. How often do I pigeon-hole others based on a single event in their lives without giving them credit for the remainder of their actions. After reading through a couple of more times I start to notice how the apostles who were with Jesus all day, everyday for three years still didn't understand him and needed to be taught. I too fail to understand his call on my life and need his patient instruction. Finally, I wonder if I would have joined him in that trip to Bethany and on to Jerusalem especially given how much he had been talking lately about his death and all of the narrow escapes he had made recently. Would I be Dan the Doubter or Dan the Doer?
Highlighted Verse... John 11:14-16 - So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."
Thoughts... Lazarus has died and Jesus is taking the apostles with him to Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead. The apostles in their usual manner of not understanding Jesus think that Lazarus has fallen asleep, so Jesus has to spell it out for them. The apostles are also worried that if Jesus goes back to Jerusalem (just 2 miles from Bethany) that the high priests will capture and kill him. This time it is not Peter who boldly ventures forth at Jesus' prompting, but Thomas who proclaims that they shall all go with him and face the same fate.
How it impressed me... Several different impressions came over me as I read through this portion of scripture. First, I had always remembered Thomas only as "Doubting Thomas" for his role after Christ's resurrection, but we see him here a a different role. How often do I pigeon-hole others based on a single event in their lives without giving them credit for the remainder of their actions. After reading through a couple of more times I start to notice how the apostles who were with Jesus all day, everyday for three years still didn't understand him and needed to be taught. I too fail to understand his call on my life and need his patient instruction. Finally, I wonder if I would have joined him in that trip to Bethany and on to Jerusalem especially given how much he had been talking lately about his death and all of the narrow escapes he had made recently. Would I be Dan the Doubter or Dan the Doer?
My response to God... Patient Lord, help me to see people through your eyes, full of mercy and grace, instead of through my eyes made blind by pride, teach me to walk in your steps and embolden me to follow you wherever the path leads.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Innocence or Evil
Bible Readings... John 9
Highlighted Verse... John 9:27 - He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"
Thoughts... Several parts of today's reading make me smile... from both real and feigned innocence. In the highlighted verse, the innocence of the blind man contrasts sharply with the evil intentions of the Pharisees. The blind man's innocence brings a fun smile. Later, the Pharisees feign innocence in asking Jesus "What! Are we blind too?" and the smile says more about the gall of the Pharisees.
How it impressed me... One of the lessons from VBS this year was about the blind man. In my presentation of the lesson to the kids, I pretended to make mud from spit and dirt and then put it on a volunteer child. A copule of weeks later, we were up at the UAB hospital visiting with a family and when I spoke to their second grader her greeting was to call me "Spit Man." Often the lesson we are trying to teach is not the lesson that is received! When innocence is the root cause, as with the blind man and the children, it is humorous, but when evil intentions are the root cause, it is just sad.
My response to God... All-knowing Father God, you know my heart... you know when I am innocent and when I am guilty... help me to respond to your call with with trust and faith, setting aside my agenda, my intentions, and my will for your own.
Highlighted Verse... John 9:27 - He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"
Thoughts... Several parts of today's reading make me smile... from both real and feigned innocence. In the highlighted verse, the innocence of the blind man contrasts sharply with the evil intentions of the Pharisees. The blind man's innocence brings a fun smile. Later, the Pharisees feign innocence in asking Jesus "What! Are we blind too?" and the smile says more about the gall of the Pharisees.
How it impressed me... One of the lessons from VBS this year was about the blind man. In my presentation of the lesson to the kids, I pretended to make mud from spit and dirt and then put it on a volunteer child. A copule of weeks later, we were up at the UAB hospital visiting with a family and when I spoke to their second grader her greeting was to call me "Spit Man." Often the lesson we are trying to teach is not the lesson that is received! When innocence is the root cause, as with the blind man and the children, it is humorous, but when evil intentions are the root cause, it is just sad.
My response to God... All-knowing Father God, you know my heart... you know when I am innocent and when I am guilty... help me to respond to your call with with trust and faith, setting aside my agenda, my intentions, and my will for your own.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Law and the Light
Bible Readings... John 8
Highlighted Verse... John 8:13 - The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid."
Thoughts... The keepers of the Law, after hearing Jesus proclaim that he was "the light of the world" strongly protested. They did not protest based on the veracity of his claim, but rather on a fine point of law... that two witnesses were required to testify to the truth.
How it impressed me... Faced with the promised Messiah, who was giving them the keys to the Kingdom or God, all they could do was stand on the shaky ground of "their" law without acknowledging the Maker of the Law or his Son. How often have I done the same? How often have I taken refuge in a prooftext passage or verse instead of truly seeking to know his way and will.
My response to God... Father God, forgive me for failing to believe that you are the light of the world and that if I will but follow you, that I will not walk in darkness, but instead have the light of your life.
Highlighted Verse... John 8:13 - The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid."
Thoughts... The keepers of the Law, after hearing Jesus proclaim that he was "the light of the world" strongly protested. They did not protest based on the veracity of his claim, but rather on a fine point of law... that two witnesses were required to testify to the truth.
How it impressed me... Faced with the promised Messiah, who was giving them the keys to the Kingdom or God, all they could do was stand on the shaky ground of "their" law without acknowledging the Maker of the Law or his Son. How often have I done the same? How often have I taken refuge in a prooftext passage or verse instead of truly seeking to know his way and will.
My response to God... Father God, forgive me for failing to believe that you are the light of the world and that if I will but follow you, that I will not walk in darkness, but instead have the light of your life.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Vanishing Act
Bible Readings... John 7
Highlighted Verse... John 7:30 - At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come.
Thoughts... I have always been fascinated by the various instances where the crowd or the temple guards or whoever try to grab Jesus to do him harm or exalt him for their own purposes and he slips away... almost as though vanishing into thin air because his time has not yet come.
How it impressed me... I wonder if there isn't a general principle at work here. When we attempt to "make" God do something for our own purposes, he slips away out of our grasp and we wonder where he went. Contrast that with when we abandon our plans and await his will. We then get the opportunity to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear him teach and be amazed at his knowledge. But we can't get itchy and try to force his hand, he must be our leader.
My response to God... Rabboni, teach me your truths... show me the way... give me life.
Highlighted Verse... John 7:30 - At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come.
Thoughts... I have always been fascinated by the various instances where the crowd or the temple guards or whoever try to grab Jesus to do him harm or exalt him for their own purposes and he slips away... almost as though vanishing into thin air because his time has not yet come.
How it impressed me... I wonder if there isn't a general principle at work here. When we attempt to "make" God do something for our own purposes, he slips away out of our grasp and we wonder where he went. Contrast that with when we abandon our plans and await his will. We then get the opportunity to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear him teach and be amazed at his knowledge. But we can't get itchy and try to force his hand, he must be our leader.
My response to God... Rabboni, teach me your truths... show me the way... give me life.
Friday, September 19, 2008
How Fickle Can You Get?
Bible Readings... John 6
Highlighted Verse... John 6:14-15 - After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. John 6:24 - Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. John 6:30 - So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do?
Thoughts... These verses and many more in this chapter show the heights and depths of our "love" for Jesus. In the beginning, the people want to crown him king since he multiplied the loaves to feed the 5000, when he disappears they go in search of him, but want more miracles. Instead he offers his body and blood as living bread and water they they may partake of for everlasting life, but they leave because this is too "hard" for them.
How it impressed me... How often are we just as fickle? We praise him one day for curing a cold or headache, then the next day we wonder where he is. When he asks us to do something for him, instead of him doing something for us, we say it is too hard and walk away.
My response to God... Precious Jesus, help me to follow after you and seek you always... never letting go... never falling back on my own power, but leaning on your everlasting arms for everything. Help me to follow you in times of plenty and times of drought, when things are easy and when they get hard, depending on you all the while.
Highlighted Verse... John 6:14-15 - After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. John 6:24 - Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. John 6:30 - So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do?
Thoughts... These verses and many more in this chapter show the heights and depths of our "love" for Jesus. In the beginning, the people want to crown him king since he multiplied the loaves to feed the 5000, when he disappears they go in search of him, but want more miracles. Instead he offers his body and blood as living bread and water they they may partake of for everlasting life, but they leave because this is too "hard" for them.
How it impressed me... How often are we just as fickle? We praise him one day for curing a cold or headache, then the next day we wonder where he is. When he asks us to do something for him, instead of him doing something for us, we say it is too hard and walk away.
My response to God... Precious Jesus, help me to follow after you and seek you always... never letting go... never falling back on my own power, but leaning on your everlasting arms for everything. Help me to follow you in times of plenty and times of drought, when things are easy and when they get hard, depending on you all the while.
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