Starting Anew

We are here, at the end of 2015.

When Paul was reaching the end of his life and earthy ministry, he wrote these words to Timothy, 

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)

If you were to sum up 2015, did you "fight the good fight"?

Amid all the New Year's Eve celebrations and traditions, let's take some time to reflect on 2015.  When did  we fight the good fight?  When did we shrink back?

The beauty is that we have another year, we can now  put 2015 behind us, and start anew. 

How we look back on 2016 will be determined by all the choices we make, from this point and moving forward.

May the Lord guide us all to the right ones.

--

"Let no one come to you without feeling better and happier when they leave"
Mother Teresa

New Year

The passing of a year marks putting things behind us.  It's a tangible moment when we are in one year, and after a second we are in the new year, never to repeat the old one again.  That's why New Year's resolutions are so popular, it's a great marker for changes for good.

Reading Psalm 32 which begins, 

"Oh, what joy for those

    whose disobedience is forgiven,

    whose sin is put out of sight!

2 Yes, what joy for those

    whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,

    whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

3 When I refused to confess my sin,

    my body wasted away,

    and I groaned all day long.

4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.

    My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude

5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you

    and stopped trying to hide my guilt.

I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the Lord."

    And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone."  (NIV)

Just like the new year, our lives change in an instant when we give them over to the Lord.

Do you have anything that is weighing you down?  Something that you know it's time to put behind you?  There is no need to wait until New Year's Eve. 

He is here, now, ready to forgive and set us free to walk newly in Him.

--

"Let no one come to you without feeling better and happier when they leave"
Mother Teresa

Talk

What do we spend our time thinking and talking about?

Everyone seems to be talking about the new Star Wars movie, and with good reason.  These movies have been in our pop culture for as long as we can remember.  I still remember seeing the first one (ok, for you fans, IV A New Hope) back in 1977... in the theater!

So to have a new installment of the series, with Han Solo and the Falcon, etc, that's fun to talk about.  Harmless topic of conversation.

But then there are controversial topics that go well beyond questioning whether or not Han Solo fired his gun at Greedo first.  These topics can actually divide the body of Christ and hinder the preaching of the Gospel.

Reading 1 Timothy today, 

"As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer  or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God's work—which is by faith.  The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.  Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm." 1 Tim 1:3-7 (NIV)

I wonder if, the next time we engage in a "hot topic" of conversation,  we are sure this is something the Lord would have us spend our time talking about?  Or is it meaningless talk that should be avoided?

Old Year, New Year

Counting down to the end of another year.

That's one way of looking at it, isn't it?  2015 is coming to an end.  For some of us this was a good year, for some of us it was a difficult year.  Probably for most it was a mixture of both.

But another way of looking at the same number of days is, we are counting days to the beginning of a new year, 2016.  What will this new year bring?  Only the Lord really knows. 

But it can be a new beginning.

At Freedom, every Sunday we stand outside in a circle before the service.  Well, I'm not sure we've ever made it look like a real circle!  But you get the idea. The thought is, before we go into worship the Lord, we leave whatever is weighing us down in that circle.  We move forward.

I think a change in year requires the same attitude.  I'm not much for new year's resolutions, but I do think a time to prayerfully reflect is a healthy thing to do. 

Perhaps using these final days of 2015 to (with the Lord's help) leave behind things that we need to let go of?  It's hard to take hold of something new, when our hands are full of something old.

This is also a good time to think of all the things in 2015 we have to be grateful for. 

As the writer of Hebrews tells us, 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 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." Heb 12-1-2 (NIV)

Flavor of our Lives

Growing up, a Christmas tradition in my house was to make gravy.  Other people may call what we make spaghetti  sauce.  But, my family is Sicilian and when a sauce has meat in it, for a Sicilian it's gravy.  Since we cook our sauce all day long with pork, meatballs and sausage in it, it is gravy.

Being one of five Italian boys, I and my brothers all learned to make my mother's recipe.  It's been in the family for generations.

I remember once I didn't use pork.  I forget why, maybe I forgot to get some at the store.  I think I figured since the pork pretty much disappears into the gravy, it wasn't all that important.

But It simply wasn't the same color or flavor without it, in fact it was acidic.  I had to add sugar to try and balance it out.

 Take away one ingredient and the result was inferior to how my mother made it.  I never left out the pork again.

Jesus said,  "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matt 7:24- 27 (NIV)

We don't get to pick and choose what parts of the Bible we will obey, and what parts we consider optional.  As soon as we decide what words of Jesus we will listen to and which ones we won't, we have stepped into his place as Lord of our lives.

Our lives' flavor is no longer the same - if we miss that one part our foundation is no longer on a rock, we're on sand.

The Christmas Gift That Matters

"For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace

    there will be no end.

He will reign on David's throne

    and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

    with justice and righteousness

    from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

    will accomplish this." Isaiah 9:6 -7 (NIV)

Today Christmas is celebrated all over the world, in many different ways with many different family traditions.  One common theme is that gifts are exchanged.

I like that part..

As we read in Isaiah, "a son is given," Jesus Christ is the gift of God.  A gift that never spoils or fades; a gift we can never tire of.  He does more than brighten one day, he changes our lives. 

A "gift exchange" with Jesus means we lay at his feet everything that is wrong and he gives us an abundant life in return.

"Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,

  and the young men and the old shall be merry.

I will turn their mourning into joy;

I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.

I will feast the soul of the priests with abundance,

 and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness,

declares the Lord."

Jer 31-13-15 (ESV)

Merry Christmas to you all!

Peacemakers

The Christmas Holiday is almost on us.  Many of us will be getting together with family, and hopefully that's a good thing!

But we live in the real world.  So let's face it, when families get together it's not always like the Hallmark commercials.  Families carry strong emotions and baggage at times.  When we get together, sparks can fly.

When Jesus was born the angels sang these words.

 "Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."  Luke 2:14 (NIV)

Years later Jesus would teach, "Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

Most of us will not be able to directly influence world peace, however we can be agents of peace in the lives of those we gather with this Christmas. 

If we see conflict, will we seek to help bring understanding and resolution?  Will  we be quiet and do nothing?  Or do we fan the flames?

This reminds me of a prayer by Francis of Assisi.

"O Divine Master, grant that I may not seek to be consoled, as to console. To be understood, as to understand. To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life."  - Francis of Assisi 

Let us be the peacemakers Jesus intended us to be this Christmas, and thereby honor his name!

Daylight

Yesterday was one of my favorite days of the year. 

It was the winter solstice. 

This day has meant a lot of things to a lot of different people over the centuries.  But I never really paid attention to it until I started riding motorcycles. 

Yesterday was the darkest day of the year.  From today forward, we are gaining about a minute of daylight each day.  The older I get, the less I enjoy riding my motorcycle at night, so this is a good time!

But it also reminds me that we go through seasons in our lives, hard times, dark days.  But once those days are behind us, each day can become brighter than the last.  This time of year speaks of hope to me.  If I'm in a dark time, I know better times will come.

Reading Philippians today, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil 3:12-14 (NIV)

A minute of daylight a day is like a little cup of hope.  As we approach the new year, let's begin to embrace what God has for us, eventually those minutes add up, and we'll be riding again in the sun.

Baby Jesus

Maybe it's just me, but I've never been one to get very excited about the "baby Jesus."  I look at him on Christmas cards, in the manger scene in our living room, and frankly I'm not all that moved.

Just being honest, just sayin'

I mean, Jesus is my Lord, my savior.  The man Jesus, absolutely.  Even the boy Jesus who baffled the Pharisees, good stuff.

But the baby Jesus?  I don't get all the fuss.  I mean... he's a baby!  They all kinda look alike to me, babies are babies, aren't they? 

Is it just me?

Maybe it's a man thing... or not.

But scripture won't let me off the hook when it comes to the baby Jesus.  One man's reaction at seeing him challenges me to look closer.

Reading Luke 2 today,

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah.  Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel."

The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.  Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,  so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." Luke 2:25-33 (NIV)

A baby is a new life, with a destiny.  The birth of a child, as many of us parents know, changes our lives forever.

And Simeon could see that, just in holding Jesus in his arms, he could see it all.  He could see that this child was the Son of God. 

He held God in the flesh, in his hands.

Lord, give us fresh eyes to truly understand, as Simeon did, how your coming changed our lives, forever.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Christmas is almost here, just a few more days.

One of the oldest and best-known Christmas Specials is "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

The story follows Charlie Brown, who, rather than being happy at Christmas is depressed.  We follow his efforts with the Christmas play, and the infamous Christmas tree, to the point where he shouts, 'Doesn't anyone know what Christmas is all about?"

Every year we complain about how the true meaning of Christmas is lost, or how some of us are offended at the "Happy Holidays" greeting.  The same cycle repeats itself every year.

But I got thinking about it.  What do I do to celebrate the birth of our Savior in a more meaningful way?  It's always easier to protest and complain, than to think creatively.  To change what we can, rather than expect stores not to take advantage of their biggest chance for great sales of all year.

So that's my Christmas week challenge, to myself.  To get my thoughts off the same old complaints and think about how I can do something, even small and different, each year.

Perhaps just thinking about how Linus answered Charlie Brown's question.  He smiled, and said, "I do Charlie Brown," then calling for a spotlight, he said...

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)

After all, that is what Christmas is all about, it really isn't that complicated.

Yesterday, Today and Forever

A simple question used to be... "how many shopping days are left before Christmas?"

It was easy to figure out, you looked at Christmas day, the 25th of December, and you count the days stores are open between then and now.

Simple

But times have changed!  With online shopping, you now have to know where something ships from and how many days it takes to get to where you are...  Is mail delivered on Sundays now?  And, what about Christmas day?

With more technology comes more change.

But Jesus Christ, never changes.  The same Lord who was born over 2000 years ago in that manger, is the same Lord we worship today. His life, his teaching, his death and his amazing resurrection are just as true now, as they were back then.

I'm so grateful to serve a God who never changes.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Heb 13:8 (NIV)

Daily Time in God's Word

I have been training Taekwondo for the past six months.  Last night was the first time I was allowed to spar.

In my school, you have to be a yellow belt to spar, that means passing two belt tests to get to this point. 

It felt good to finally put the pads on and get a chance to do some sparing.  After the session our instructor said something that stayed with me.

He talked about how all of what we do, from endurance training, to technique practice and footwork are meant to help us spar better and to not get hurt when we do so.  Everything we do is useful when we spar.

Reading 2 Timothy today,

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Tim 3:16 (NIV)

To be completely equipped to "fight the good fight" we need to be in the Word, all of it.  As Paul says, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."  1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

Daily time in the Bible is not just a good thing to do, it is essential to a healthy and victorious life in Christ.

True Words

Have you ever heard it said, "everyone is entitled to their opinion"?

Well, that is true.  The Lord has given us the freedom to think whatever we want to think.  However, that does not mean we are correct.

And, an opinion doesn't always match up with the truth.

I can be of the opinion that traffic should stop for me when I pull out into a crowded intersection, that doesn't mean I won't get hit.

That's why we need the Word of God in our lives.  When we struggle to see whose opinion is correct or even matters, it's best to see if the words line up with the Bible.

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Heb 4:12 (NIV)

What a blessing to have, at our fingertips, words we can rely on to be true.

Word of God

How much do we surround ourselves with the Word of God?

Reading Psalm 1 today...

"Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers." Psalm 1:1-3

Reading that verse, "but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night..."  I find that rather convicting.

We are constantly bombarded with media.  Music, TV, Radio, or the things we read online.

What would happen if we changed some of that to reflect the Word of God?  What would one day be like, if we played worship music in the background while we went about our tasks, read the Word for the same amount of time we read Facebook posts, or found a sermon online to stream?

What if we picked one day, to wake up to the Word, go about our day trying to surround ourselves with it, and then read a verse or two before going to bed?

As the word says, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates."  Deut 6:4-9 (NIV)

How different would that day be?  Even if we only accomplished 1/3 of what we set out to do, what difference would that input of God's Word make in our lives?

Challenging thought.

Being Thankful

What are you thankful for today?

"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
    I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High." Psalm 9:1-2 (NIV)

A few days ago our power went down.  I'm not sure why really and it only lasted maybe two hours.  Since we have a gas stove, I was still able to make coffee; crisis averted!

What amazed me about those few hours was how many times I forgot the power was off until I wanted something.  I flicked a switch on a light that didn't come on, or I wasn't able to "google" something because no power meant no internet. 

We go about our day, counting on the power to just be there.  We normally only appreciate it when it's gone for a while, and then we get it back.

Perhaps that's just how we are wired, I know I forget to see all the blessings in my life.  Having a regular practice of stopping for a moment, and taking the time to be thankful, can keep our focus on the amazing things that God has given us.

And the greatest gift of all, is of course his Son.

What are you thankful for today?  A warm house to wake up in?  People in you life who love you?

Offer up some thanks today to the Lord who has truly blessed us.

Christmas

Eleven days until Christmas...  does that make you look forward to the day, or do you get anxious because you do not feel prepared?  You have not even begun your shopping and the lights are only half up?

Christmas can be a stressful time for people as they try to prepare for the day to come.  We know it should be special, happy, joyous.

Yet often after the presents are opened and the food is eaten, we can feel slightly let down.

Why?

Reading Matthew 11 today, we see Jesus said, 

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

So how can celebrating his coming be a stressful time?  Perhaps it is in our priorities?  We instinctively know that Christmas should be an amazing time, but if we get caught up in thinking that the wonder comes from anything other than the coming of our Lord, we will be greatly disappointed.

As the holiday approaches, let's keep our focus on the true reason for the season.  Family meals and presents are all nice, but they should point us to the greatest gift of all.  The one gift that will never let us down.

Jesus, The Son of Man

Reading Luke chapter 1 today...

"But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end."" Luke 1:30-33 (NIV)

Have you ever asked, "Why did Jesus need to come as he did?"

I mean, for thousands of years God related to his people through prophets or angels.  And then he picked a specific time in history when he decided to appear as a man; to live as a man, and to die on a cross, as a man.

Why?

We are just a few weeks away from the celebration of that amazing birth!  God with us, Emmanuel.  A time when God became man, and walked among us.

Those of you who habitually read the Daily Rock, know that more often than not I give my own thoughts on questions I ask.  But this time, I'd like to simply leave you with that question.

Why did Jesus need to come as he did?  Why did God decide to save mankind by becoming one of us?

Preparing The Way For The Lord

Probably one of the most read scriptures during this time of year is Luke chapter 2.  You know, the same one that Linus quotes to Charlie Brown when he cries out, "Doesn't anyone know what Christmas is all about?"

But before flipping to that page, take a moment to read what John the Baptist's father said at the birth of his son.  I have to admit, I've often skimmed over chapter 1 to get right to the birth of Jesus.

You may recall, Zechariah did not believe the angel when he told him that he would soon have a son.  And because of this disbelief, he was not able to speak until he affirmed his wife's choice of name for the child, "John."

"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
    in the house of his servant David
(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
salvation from our enemies
    and from the hand of all who hate us—
to show mercy to our ancestors
    and to remember his holy covenant,
 the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
    and to enable us to serve him without fear
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 

"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
    for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
to give his people the knowledge of salvation
    through the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
    by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness
    and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace." Luke 1:68-79 (NIV)

This is such a beautiful piece of scripture.  Take a moment to reflect on these words as they describe the coming of our Lord.

The Real Enemy

Yesterday I was on my way to work when a SUV in front of me kept slowing down.  First five, then ten then even twenty miles under the speed limit. 

I looked at that car, and and said out loud "What's with you, buddy?" Of course he could not hear me, but we do that don't we? 

But then something interesting happened; a car just in front of the SUV took the exit last minute and the SUV returned to the normal speed.  See, it wasn't the SUV that was causing the problem at all, it was the car in front of it.  A car I could not see, and because all I could see was the SUV, that was who I blamed.

Reading Matthew 16 today, 

"From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!"

Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns." Matthew 16:21-23 (NIV)

Peter loved Christ, yet the enemy used him to attack Jesus.  Jesus, however, did not rebuke Peter, but Satan. 

Let us pray to be able to see who the real enemy of our souls is.  Yes, it's true that people can hurt us, but often, unseen behind the attack, is the real source of evil.  And we, as Christians, have the authority to deal with that kind of attack, but only when we see it for what it is.

"...in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." 2 Cor 2:11 (NIV)

Love

With all that is in the news of late, I cannot help but think of these verses where Jesus said, 

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Matthew 5:43-48( NIV)

You know what I think Jesus would say today?

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Heb 13:8

God of Love

Reading Numbers 20:6-12 (NIV) today, 

"Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the tent of meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the Lord appeared to them.  The Lord said to Moses,  "Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink."

So Moses took the staff from the Lord's presence, just as he commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?"  Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.

But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them."

Someone recently said to me something along the lines of, "I want my child to be a part of a church community, but I don't want to take him to church because I don't want him to learn to hate."

Those words cut to my heart, I am writing this blog with a heavy heart.

I wish I could say that I didn't understand why they felt that way.  But I did understand, I too often see the same thing. 

On social media, in the news, how are we representing our holy, loving God?

In the above passage, Moses altered God's message.  He was told to speak to the rock, not strike it in anger.  And certainly not call the people "rebels."  God was angry then, not with the people, but with the messenger, Moses. 

Whether or not they were rebels is not the issue.  The issue is God's heart in the matter was not properly represented by Moses.  God's heart toward everyone is love. 

I think it's time we, as the body of Christ, examine how we represent our God to the rest of the world.  Do we chime in with fear and hate, or do we show the love of God to this world?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son..." John 3:16(NIV)

And when the son was here...

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:36-38 (NIV)

What do we stand for?  What does the world see?

I Am Willing

Reading Matthew 8 today,

"When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him.  A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, "See that you don't tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." - Matthew 8:1- 4 (NIV)

When we first read about this amazing miracle, it's easy to feel a bit distant from it.  After all, how many of us have had the faith to heal a person as Jesus did?  Sometimes I read something like this and just think, "yes, Jesus was powerful, but how do I follow his example here?"

The answer is in a small detail, "Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man"

Can you imagine what that simple act of kindness must have felt like to a leper?  A leper had to stay away from people, far away.  If he passed a person anywhere he had to yell "unclean!" to make sure they stayed away from him.

When was the last time this person had had someone touch them?  Even babies thrive more when they get human touch.  We crave that, we need that contact.  And before Jesus even spoke to him, he touched him.  Can you imagine what it must have felt like for that man?

We may not ever cleanse a leper, but we can certainly reach out and touch those that society deems "unclean" and "unlovable."

And that is certainly something to learn from the Lord.

What is Your Calling?

What is your calling?

What does that even mean?  Is that only for preachers and missionaries?

From what I understand, a person who found their calling is someone who has discovered how the talents they have line up with the works  the Lord has prepared for them to do.

Ephesians 2:10 tells us, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (NIV)

Now the amazing thing about our calling is this, we have been given the talents and the desire to actually want to do this!

What I mean by this is, although it is true that the Lord may ask us to step out of our comfort zone, (and what is that really, other than just letting go of control?) he gifts us with talents that go along with the calling we have.  We already desire it, for he has given us the desires of our heart.

13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

For example, someone who loves to cook may have the gift of hospitality and servant-hood.  They may not want to be a greeter at a church, but they love to bless people with the items they bake. or make.  That is a calling, sometimes an act of kindness from someone with this gift can totally change a person's day, or even their life!

So what is your calling?  Are you asking the Lord to help you find it?  It is not a matter of asking for a calling, for we all have one.  It is a matter of seeing what is already there, recognizing our gifts, and knowing how we can best serve God with them.

Kingdom of God - 5

There are so many books out there written on prayer, yet none of them can compare to this simple teaching.  The Lord, as we know, had an amazing prayer life, and here he teaches us how to do the same.

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.  But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

"This, then, is how you should pray:

"'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.'."  Matthew 6:5-13 (NIV)

To finish up our time studying the Kingdom of God, I want to sum up with this thought.

Being a member of the Kingdom means we live for the the will of our Father, who is in heaven.  We pray, "your kingdom come, your will be done"

Jesus prayed in the Garden,""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 (NIV). 

He prayed that prayer before being crucified, taking on your sin and mine.  He prayed it three times, then submitted to the will of the Father.

Jesus taught us to live for the Kingdom, for God's will alone.  And then he lived it out for us to see.

Is there any area in your life where you know you need to lay aside your own will in favor of his?  Let's ask the Father to reveal anything in us that we hold back from him, and to help us to live for his Kingdom.

Kingdom of God - 4

What do we do to build the Kingdom of God?

At one point during Jesus' ministry, he asked his disciples who the crowds said that he was.  Then he asked them directly," who do you you say that I am?"

Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.  And I tell you that you are Peter,and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:16-18 (NIV)

One heart recognized Jesus for who he is, and the church was born.

The foundation of the Kingdom of God rests on our recognizing and accepting Jesus Christ, not just as Savior, but also as Lord.  We become disciples of Jesus and we are then sent out to make disciples out of everyone else. 

Our mission here on earth was clearly laid out by Jesus in our great commission.

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

 Everything else that we do must take second place to this.

That is how we build the Kingdom of God - one heart at a time.

Kingdom of God - 3

So how should we live as members of the Kingdom of Heaven?

Jesus began his great sermon on the mount with these words, ""Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3 (NIV) and then he went on for three chapters teaching us what life in the Kingdom of God means. You could spend a lifetime just studying that sermon!

But for now, let's take a look at one verse that finds itself right in the center of the sermon.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

That is the heart of it, right there.  What do we live for every day?  What do we do with our time, talents and treasures? 

I have to admit, I am challenged by these words even as I write them here.  We are so programmed by the kingdom of this world to get all we can.  To live for ourselves, go get our "me time".  Yet Jesus teaches that this is how we lose our life, not keep it as the world promises.

Jesus ended his sermon with these words, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)

I would encourage you to read Matthew 5-7, prayerfully.  Let's ask the Lord how our lives measure up to life in his Kingdom.

Kingdom of God - 2

So what is the Kingdom of Heaven?

Although there are many nations both past and present, there are really only two kingdoms.  There is the kingdom of darkness (those who belong to Satan) and there is the Kingdom of God (or Kingdom of Heaven,) those who have been born again and belong to God. 

Everyone on earth belongs to one or the other whether they do this knowingly or not. 

In Colossians we read, 

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Col 1:13 (NIV)

Being saved is more than just sins washed away and a ticket to heaven.  It's about a a change in allegiance.  For lack of better words, it's membership in an entirely different nation.  We become a people, united with every other believer on the face of the earth.  Regardless of what language they speak, clothes they wear, or continent they live on.

And our Kingdom is at war.

Paul famously changed sides when he went from killing Christians to preaching the Gospel.  At the time of his conversion he asked Jesus, "Who are you, Lord?" 

Jesus' reply clearly shows the change in allegiance and the Kingdom responsibility.

" 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied.  'Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.  I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them  to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'  Acts 26:15-18 (NIV)

What is the Kingdom of Heaven?  Simply put, it is the family of God.  Membership is automatic when we accept him as Lord. 

We'll talk next about how we should live as members of this Kingdom.