Acts 26:16 '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 of me and what I will show you.'
When I was growing up, I had a great friend called Gus, who used to fall all of the time. He was one of the last people in my generation to suffer from polio, which meant that one of his legs was very weak and it would give way every now and then, causing Gus to fall flat on his face.
He was given a stabilizer for his leg, which was supposed to support him, but he refused to wear it. He walked with an exaggerated limp that must have been painful at times, and he was forever tripping up. But every time he fell, Gus would pick himself up, dust himself down, and laugh.
Gus and I played soccer together. He was a great goalie. Because he fell so many times, he had no fear of crashing to the deck. I could kick the football as hard as I could, and Gus would dive through the air, catch the ball and come tumbling to the ground. I was amazed at his fearlessness and when it came to picking sides for our street team, Gus was always chosen to be goalkeeper. He and I practiced for hours, day after day, which built up his strength and muscles. In later years, when he and his family moved away, he still had the limp, but he stopped falling. I guess all those practice times helped him to find his confidence and balance, which made him a stronger and sturdier person.
When Saul falls flat on his face on the road to Damascus, he doesn't want to get up. He is terrified of the dazzling vision and totally helpless because he is blind. In his bewilderment, he cries out "Who are you, Lord?" because he knows he is being confronted by something more powerful than himself. At that moment of fear and despair, Christ beckons Saul to stand up, to receive a special calling that will eventually change the world. He is lifted up out of the dust of deception and carried by Christ on to the road of redemption. He is made sturdier in faith and stronger in his convictions because, from that moment on, Saul becomes the apostle to the Gentiles.
Sometimes God's greatest work begins just after we have fallen. He is willing to come to us and lift us up, to carry on His work and ministry through the gifts, talents, and calling that Christ wants us to accept, embrace, and accomplish.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, come into our lives, especially when we have been brought low by despair or deception, denial or depression. Reach down and lift us up, so that we may be restored to Your service and returned to Your Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we reach out and pray. Amen.
Short daily devotions for busy Christians and Church meetings
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Monday, February 27, 2006
The Trouble with Exaggerating
Genesis 3:3 "...but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die."
The ports fiasco that transpired last week, came about because of exaggerated prohibitions. We've all been told be on high alert for so long, that any deviance from that which has become the norm, affects us with anxiety, or as one reporter put it, fill us with xenophobia. The President tried to calm the storm of protests from both sides of the political divide, by reassuring us that all the necessary security checks were in place, and that we need not worry.
The trouble is we are worried, and our anxiety has grown over five years of wondering where the next major terrorist attack will take place on the U.S. mainland. It's no use saying to the people that all things are well, when we've been constantly told that all things are not well. The genie of insecurity is out of the bottle, and we all have to deal with it somehow, but telling us that our ports will be safe in the hands of Arabian companies, when we've been led to believe that some Arabs are our enemy, is just not going to work in the present climate.
Today's passage from Genesis deals with the same subject. It concerns an exaggerated prohibition, too. Adam and Eve are told by God not to eat of the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, but Eve adds to the prohibition by saying that if they merely touch it, then they shall surely die. In other words, she not only exaggerates what God has said, she also tells a bare-faced lie, which makes it easier for the serpent to beguile both Adam and Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. Once her credibility is gone, it's easy to take her down the path to perdition.
Sometimes, we use scripture and God's word to justify our own choices and decisions. We even add to what God says in order to squeeze a wee bit more holy authoritative power behind what we do and say. Throughout the centuries, the Church has struggled with this temptation and, sadly, failed time and time again, to honor God's Word by keeping to what He has actually said and done in scripture.
That's why these daily readings are so important. They make us aware of what God has said and done, and not what we believe, or want Him to have said and done. As Christians, we bear the same burden as Adam & Eve - to stick to the truth and to represent God's word as it is written. To do anything else is to re-write scripture, and to claim our own ideas are better than God's, which is what happened in the Garden of Eden.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, save us from being tempted to use scripture to justify our selfish ways and sinful lives. Challenge us with God's words, and help us to use them to change us. Keep us free from exaggerating or under-valuing what God has to say in the Bible and what Christ has done. In His Holy name, we pray. Amen.
The ports fiasco that transpired last week, came about because of exaggerated prohibitions. We've all been told be on high alert for so long, that any deviance from that which has become the norm, affects us with anxiety, or as one reporter put it, fill us with xenophobia. The President tried to calm the storm of protests from both sides of the political divide, by reassuring us that all the necessary security checks were in place, and that we need not worry.
The trouble is we are worried, and our anxiety has grown over five years of wondering where the next major terrorist attack will take place on the U.S. mainland. It's no use saying to the people that all things are well, when we've been constantly told that all things are not well. The genie of insecurity is out of the bottle, and we all have to deal with it somehow, but telling us that our ports will be safe in the hands of Arabian companies, when we've been led to believe that some Arabs are our enemy, is just not going to work in the present climate.
Today's passage from Genesis deals with the same subject. It concerns an exaggerated prohibition, too. Adam and Eve are told by God not to eat of the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, but Eve adds to the prohibition by saying that if they merely touch it, then they shall surely die. In other words, she not only exaggerates what God has said, she also tells a bare-faced lie, which makes it easier for the serpent to beguile both Adam and Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. Once her credibility is gone, it's easy to take her down the path to perdition.
Sometimes, we use scripture and God's word to justify our own choices and decisions. We even add to what God says in order to squeeze a wee bit more holy authoritative power behind what we do and say. Throughout the centuries, the Church has struggled with this temptation and, sadly, failed time and time again, to honor God's Word by keeping to what He has actually said and done in scripture.
That's why these daily readings are so important. They make us aware of what God has said and done, and not what we believe, or want Him to have said and done. As Christians, we bear the same burden as Adam & Eve - to stick to the truth and to represent God's word as it is written. To do anything else is to re-write scripture, and to claim our own ideas are better than God's, which is what happened in the Garden of Eden.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, save us from being tempted to use scripture to justify our selfish ways and sinful lives. Challenge us with God's words, and help us to use them to change us. Keep us free from exaggerating or under-valuing what God has to say in the Bible and what Christ has done. In His Holy name, we pray. Amen.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Only After
John 12:16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.
'Only after', are just two little words in the Bible, but they are words we all need to heed. Only after death, will we realize that all the things written about Christ are true, and we'd better be prepared to meet Him face to face. Only after accepting Christ into our hearts, can we truly expect to enter into His everlasting Kingdom. Only after struggling with faith, wrestling with our pride, and surrendering our souls to Jesus, can we be saved from our sins. Only after we do these things, can God restore us to His favor.
But we don't want to hear or read these things. We don't want to face up to the Christian reality that Christ died for all, but only many are saved. We don't want to be preachy around our families or friends; we don't want to be taken for fanatics or criticized for being narrow minded. We want everybody to be happy. We want everybody to be given everlasting life for free.
But the grace of God is never that cheap and comes at a great cost to Himself. Who are we to think that we can make God do what we want? Are we gods? Are we in charge of the universe? Do we really think that God revolves around our lives? Is our faith so superficial and our beliefs so shallow, to really think that to get into heaven all we have to do is turn up at the Pearly Gates?
It's only after giving our faith serious contemplation that we realize there's more to it than that. If it were really that easy, then Jesus could have stayed away from Jerusalem and avoided the Cross. Do we honestly think that God will put up with setting Him aside and disrespecting the sacrifice His Son made? Are we really that arrogantly minded and self-centered to think more of ourselves than Jesus?
Christianity is a discipled faith, which means that it takes a disciplined life to fulfill. We worship God on Sundays, not because we choose to, but because we have to. We read our scriptures, not because we like them, but because we need to live them. And we bring our prayers to God in Christ's name, not because we want something, but because Christ wants something from us - obedience, respect, honor, and praise.
Some of you will have found this devotional tough to read today. Only after reflecting upon it and seriously giving it thought, will you see the truth, know the way, and find Christ's life. Our faith was never meant to be easy, and grace, amazing though it is, was never meant to be cheap.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, only after Your death and resurrection took place, did faith, hope, and love truly come into our world. Only after You gave up everything for us, could everything be given to us. Only after we accept You as Lord of our lives and Savior of our souls, can we be granted complete forgiveness and everlasting life. And only after we tell others about You, can those other people be given this miraculous opportunity. Be with us and help us. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
'Only after', are just two little words in the Bible, but they are words we all need to heed. Only after death, will we realize that all the things written about Christ are true, and we'd better be prepared to meet Him face to face. Only after accepting Christ into our hearts, can we truly expect to enter into His everlasting Kingdom. Only after struggling with faith, wrestling with our pride, and surrendering our souls to Jesus, can we be saved from our sins. Only after we do these things, can God restore us to His favor.
But we don't want to hear or read these things. We don't want to face up to the Christian reality that Christ died for all, but only many are saved. We don't want to be preachy around our families or friends; we don't want to be taken for fanatics or criticized for being narrow minded. We want everybody to be happy. We want everybody to be given everlasting life for free.
But the grace of God is never that cheap and comes at a great cost to Himself. Who are we to think that we can make God do what we want? Are we gods? Are we in charge of the universe? Do we really think that God revolves around our lives? Is our faith so superficial and our beliefs so shallow, to really think that to get into heaven all we have to do is turn up at the Pearly Gates?
It's only after giving our faith serious contemplation that we realize there's more to it than that. If it were really that easy, then Jesus could have stayed away from Jerusalem and avoided the Cross. Do we honestly think that God will put up with setting Him aside and disrespecting the sacrifice His Son made? Are we really that arrogantly minded and self-centered to think more of ourselves than Jesus?
Christianity is a discipled faith, which means that it takes a disciplined life to fulfill. We worship God on Sundays, not because we choose to, but because we have to. We read our scriptures, not because we like them, but because we need to live them. And we bring our prayers to God in Christ's name, not because we want something, but because Christ wants something from us - obedience, respect, honor, and praise.
Some of you will have found this devotional tough to read today. Only after reflecting upon it and seriously giving it thought, will you see the truth, know the way, and find Christ's life. Our faith was never meant to be easy, and grace, amazing though it is, was never meant to be cheap.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, only after Your death and resurrection took place, did faith, hope, and love truly come into our world. Only after You gave up everything for us, could everything be given to us. Only after we accept You as Lord of our lives and Savior of our souls, can we be granted complete forgiveness and everlasting life. And only after we tell others about You, can those other people be given this miraculous opportunity. Be with us and help us. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
What's the Use of Flowers?
John 11:7, 8 "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."
A friend of mine used to talk about an old Victorian poem, which I could never track down, called “What’s the Use of Flowers, When You’re Dead?” Seemingly, the poem describes that flowers are useless to the deceased at a funeral, because the dead person cannot smell, touch or see them. The poem then went on to relate how we often leave things too late in life, and that the true moment for sending flowers, giving compliments and heaping praises needs to take place when people are actually alive to appreciate them. At funerals, we often say many good and complimentary about the dead, all of which would have been wonderful for them to hear or read when they were alive.
Jesus talks about this when Mary pours all that expensive perfume over Him. It was an amazing gift to lavish upon Jesus, but it was her way of thanking Him for restoring her brother Lazarus to life. She wanted Jesus to know about her appreciation and she wished Him to experience this when He was alive. Perhaps, intuitively, Mary knew that this would be about the last time she saw Him enjoying company at her house.
Everyday, we get the opportunity to praise and thank other people for what they do in our lives. Quite often, we leave those complimentary words unspoken and unexpressed. It’s only when people move away, or we lose touch, or if they die, that we begin to realize how much we miss them.
So, perhaps today, someone somewhere could do with a letter of thanks, a call to encourage them, or even sent an unexpected bunch of flowers. After all, what’s the use of flowers, when we’re gone?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You appreciated Mary’s loving gift and saw it as a generous and beautiful gesture. Help us today to seek someone who means so much to us, and show them our appreciation. Give us a heart to encourage and embrace them, to thank and truly value them. In Your Holy name, we pray. Amen.
A friend of mine used to talk about an old Victorian poem, which I could never track down, called “What’s the Use of Flowers, When You’re Dead?” Seemingly, the poem describes that flowers are useless to the deceased at a funeral, because the dead person cannot smell, touch or see them. The poem then went on to relate how we often leave things too late in life, and that the true moment for sending flowers, giving compliments and heaping praises needs to take place when people are actually alive to appreciate them. At funerals, we often say many good and complimentary about the dead, all of which would have been wonderful for them to hear or read when they were alive.
Jesus talks about this when Mary pours all that expensive perfume over Him. It was an amazing gift to lavish upon Jesus, but it was her way of thanking Him for restoring her brother Lazarus to life. She wanted Jesus to know about her appreciation and she wished Him to experience this when He was alive. Perhaps, intuitively, Mary knew that this would be about the last time she saw Him enjoying company at her house.
Everyday, we get the opportunity to praise and thank other people for what they do in our lives. Quite often, we leave those complimentary words unspoken and unexpressed. It’s only when people move away, or we lose touch, or if they die, that we begin to realize how much we miss them.
So, perhaps today, someone somewhere could do with a letter of thanks, a call to encourage them, or even sent an unexpected bunch of flowers. After all, what’s the use of flowers, when we’re gone?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You appreciated Mary’s loving gift and saw it as a generous and beautiful gesture. Help us today to seek someone who means so much to us, and show them our appreciation. Give us a heart to encourage and embrace them, to thank and truly value them. In Your Holy name, we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Prophecy
John 11:49, 50 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish."
There's an old saying, "It's not what you say that's important, but what you do." In some Christian circles, this is called 'walking the talk,' and it all relates to another saying, "action speaks louder than words." But in today's passage, the reverse is actually true. It's not what Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin do when dealing with the problem of Christ, but in what the high priest actually says.
When Caiaphas ended the dispute about Jesus with the words, "You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish," everyone at the meeting, including the high priest believed that it would be better to assassinate or execute Jesus than risk a bloody revolution, which the Romans would brutally quell.
What Caiaphas doesn't realize is that his words turn out to be prophetic. He's being given an oracle from God and doesn't know it. As high priest, he is declaring that Christ's death would save the whole nation from perishing. This is precisely why Christ came down from heaven to earth, to die for His people and the whole world. In another part of John's gospel, we can read these words: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Unknowingly, this is exactly what Caiaphas is saying to the Sanhedrin.
God's will cannot be thwarted, even when people conspire and try to tear down His Son's work. In our western society, people are beginning to say that Christianity is dead and that the mainline church is irrelevant. But what those people don't understanding are two things: we are not called to be relevant, just reverent; and when you talk about dying to Christians, they look forward to resurrection!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your work is still taking place in the hearts and minds of billions of people on earth today. Your Spirit is still walking amongst us, and Your ministry will only be completed when Time and History end. Thank You for inspiring people all over the earth to remain faithful to You. Thank You for giving Your life for the whole world, so that many may be saved and not perish. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully pray. Amen.
There's an old saying, "It's not what you say that's important, but what you do." In some Christian circles, this is called 'walking the talk,' and it all relates to another saying, "action speaks louder than words." But in today's passage, the reverse is actually true. It's not what Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin do when dealing with the problem of Christ, but in what the high priest actually says.
When Caiaphas ended the dispute about Jesus with the words, "You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish," everyone at the meeting, including the high priest believed that it would be better to assassinate or execute Jesus than risk a bloody revolution, which the Romans would brutally quell.
What Caiaphas doesn't realize is that his words turn out to be prophetic. He's being given an oracle from God and doesn't know it. As high priest, he is declaring that Christ's death would save the whole nation from perishing. This is precisely why Christ came down from heaven to earth, to die for His people and the whole world. In another part of John's gospel, we can read these words: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Unknowingly, this is exactly what Caiaphas is saying to the Sanhedrin.
God's will cannot be thwarted, even when people conspire and try to tear down His Son's work. In our western society, people are beginning to say that Christianity is dead and that the mainline church is irrelevant. But what those people don't understanding are two things: we are not called to be relevant, just reverent; and when you talk about dying to Christians, they look forward to resurrection!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your work is still taking place in the hearts and minds of billions of people on earth today. Your Spirit is still walking amongst us, and Your ministry will only be completed when Time and History end. Thank You for inspiring people all over the earth to remain faithful to You. Thank You for giving Your life for the whole world, so that many may be saved and not perish. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully pray. Amen.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Footstool
Psalm 99:5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool; He is holy.
My brother Alan is the most caring sibling in our family. He doted on my mother and took special care of her when she was ailing. He took time to wash her hair and make her comfortable. He and his partner took her out for car trips that she enjoyed. He visited her in hospital constantly when she was admitted to the psychiatric wards. He was gentle and loving with her, and didn't seem to get frustrated or angry at her, even when she was at her worst.
Alan even washed her feet and gently massaged them. She suffered terribly from rheumatics, and sometimes just touching her feet would set her screaming in agony. He patiently and tenderly took care of her, and made sure that she had a cushioned footstool to rest her weary and painful feet.
A footstool is a humble piece of furniture that provides rest for a weary person. Does this mean that God sometimes grows tired and needs to rest His weary feet? No, of course not. In this case, the footstool is used as a majestic symbol of the promises that God makes to His people. They rest assured, knowing that God will keep those promises and abide by them, even when the people roast His heart and try His patience. This is why they worship at His footstool, which means that they praise God for keeping His promises.
Today, we can do the same. In our busy lives, we sometimes get spiritually weary which causes our faith to get weak. During those moments, we need to come and worship at His footstool; relying upon God for our strength; looking to Him for renewal; and holding on to His promises. If we take time to do this, He will make time to help us.
Prayer: Almighty God, today, we worship at Your footstool, placing all our hopes and dreams, our aims and goals, our times and lives into Your care. We pray that You will be patient and tender with us, that You will help and heal us. We make our prayers, resting on Your promises, and in the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.
My brother Alan is the most caring sibling in our family. He doted on my mother and took special care of her when she was ailing. He took time to wash her hair and make her comfortable. He and his partner took her out for car trips that she enjoyed. He visited her in hospital constantly when she was admitted to the psychiatric wards. He was gentle and loving with her, and didn't seem to get frustrated or angry at her, even when she was at her worst.
Alan even washed her feet and gently massaged them. She suffered terribly from rheumatics, and sometimes just touching her feet would set her screaming in agony. He patiently and tenderly took care of her, and made sure that she had a cushioned footstool to rest her weary and painful feet.
A footstool is a humble piece of furniture that provides rest for a weary person. Does this mean that God sometimes grows tired and needs to rest His weary feet? No, of course not. In this case, the footstool is used as a majestic symbol of the promises that God makes to His people. They rest assured, knowing that God will keep those promises and abide by them, even when the people roast His heart and try His patience. This is why they worship at His footstool, which means that they praise God for keeping His promises.
Today, we can do the same. In our busy lives, we sometimes get spiritually weary which causes our faith to get weak. During those moments, we need to come and worship at His footstool; relying upon God for our strength; looking to Him for renewal; and holding on to His promises. If we take time to do this, He will make time to help us.
Prayer: Almighty God, today, we worship at Your footstool, placing all our hopes and dreams, our aims and goals, our times and lives into Your care. We pray that You will be patient and tender with us, that You will help and heal us. We make our prayers, resting on Your promises, and in the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Talking About My Generation
Psalm 145:4,7 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
Yesterday, our church children presented a musical production during the worship service. The story involved them going on a journey from one part of the United States to another, traveling on a big, yellow school bus. Throughout the service, our kids sang about Jesus and talked about how He changes people's lives when they accept Him into their hearts. It was a wonderful production and everyone in church was delighted by their music, movements, and message.
Usually, it's the adults who plant seeds of faith in the hearts and minds of our young kids, but yesterday our children were given the opportunity, and responsibility, of being our evangelists. Parents and grandparents, neighbors and friends came to see them perform. At the heart of the show a testimony was given by one of the kids, which touched the souls of everyone gathered in the sanctuary. It was a beautiful moment and something special that will remain with the kids throughout their lives. My hope is that the words and memory of the event will also help the older generations to reconnect to God, especially those who have forgotten His love and who need to get back into His fold.
Throughout the years, we've watched our church grow through the scheduling of these shows on Sunday mornings. The sanctuary is turned over to a group of highly creative and enthusiastic people. Building a yellow school bus was not easy, but when it was finished, it looked wonderful and it inspired the kids. It was some single, young adults who built the bus, using their talents to make the kids' production highly successful. The lights and sound were operated by proud parents and grandparents, who also rehearsed and prompted the kids as the spoke, sung and danced throughout the show. It was a wonderful, inter-generational collaborative event, where each age group helped and supported the other. And as they worked together, they communicated to one another what church is all about and how God's mighty acts were being accomplished, generation after generation.
So, let's all give thanks to God for the wonders that He performs through His people, and for the faith that Christ inspires in all of God's children.
Prayer: Lord God, we thank You for each generation that exists in our churches, and for the variety of ways that we express Christ's words, teachings, and gospel. Thank You for allowing Your Holy Spirit to move the hearts and minds of the different age groups to serve You by helping one another in our endeavors. May Your Name be glorified through all that we do, both now and forever. Amen.
Yesterday, our church children presented a musical production during the worship service. The story involved them going on a journey from one part of the United States to another, traveling on a big, yellow school bus. Throughout the service, our kids sang about Jesus and talked about how He changes people's lives when they accept Him into their hearts. It was a wonderful production and everyone in church was delighted by their music, movements, and message.
Usually, it's the adults who plant seeds of faith in the hearts and minds of our young kids, but yesterday our children were given the opportunity, and responsibility, of being our evangelists. Parents and grandparents, neighbors and friends came to see them perform. At the heart of the show a testimony was given by one of the kids, which touched the souls of everyone gathered in the sanctuary. It was a beautiful moment and something special that will remain with the kids throughout their lives. My hope is that the words and memory of the event will also help the older generations to reconnect to God, especially those who have forgotten His love and who need to get back into His fold.
Throughout the years, we've watched our church grow through the scheduling of these shows on Sunday mornings. The sanctuary is turned over to a group of highly creative and enthusiastic people. Building a yellow school bus was not easy, but when it was finished, it looked wonderful and it inspired the kids. It was some single, young adults who built the bus, using their talents to make the kids' production highly successful. The lights and sound were operated by proud parents and grandparents, who also rehearsed and prompted the kids as the spoke, sung and danced throughout the show. It was a wonderful, inter-generational collaborative event, where each age group helped and supported the other. And as they worked together, they communicated to one another what church is all about and how God's mighty acts were being accomplished, generation after generation.
So, let's all give thanks to God for the wonders that He performs through His people, and for the faith that Christ inspires in all of God's children.
Prayer: Lord God, we thank You for each generation that exists in our churches, and for the variety of ways that we express Christ's words, teachings, and gospel. Thank You for allowing Your Holy Spirit to move the hearts and minds of the different age groups to serve You by helping one another in our endeavors. May Your Name be glorified through all that we do, both now and forever. Amen.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Battlefield
John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
Years ago, when I was nineteen, I moved into an apartment in the south side of Glasgow, my hometown. I stayed in a place called Battlefield, which was named after a Scottish civil war struggle in the sixteenth century, in which Mary, Queen of Scots and her army were defeated.
The apartment was leased by one of my insurance co-workers, who hailed from Aberdeen. He had as heavy a drinking reputation as I did, so it wasn't the best of circumstances for me to put myself in. I had to pay a month's rent in advance, and I owed my Dad a month's rent in arrears. When I paid my debts in full, I had practically nothing for food and transport, but I made certain that I had enough for beer and whisky.
It was one of the longest month's of my life. The only thing I ate was bread without butter and some peanuts in the bars I frequented. I don't know what sustained me, but I can remember trying to chew grass and eating daffodils. My life was messed up because of drink, but it never occurred to me to ask for help to stop being an alcoholic, or to seek God's wisdom at that time. I believed in the lie that I could handle it all on my own. I was much too proud, and utterly wasted by my addiction.
I never reached the point of starvation, but I did know the pangs of hunger, which I experienced through my own stupidity. It was a hard lesson to learn. When I read passages like today's and hear Christ speaking to me through them, I'm reminded of my past foolishness, but at the same time, of my wonderful recovery, which only came through Christ's grace and His mercy.
He is the Bread of life. He is the One who sustains us through good and bad times. He has the power to lead us beyond our problems and enable us to discover a better way, a truer life. That's why we call Him 'Savior'. That's why we need Him to be our Lord.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, sometimes our own stupidity puts us into desperate and dangerous positions. Sometimes we make a mess of the lives that You graciously give to us. Thank You for being patient, for watching over us, and for giving us the opportunity to see in You all our hopes and dreams, all our goals and purposes being fulfilled. In Your Holy name, we humbly pray. Amen.
Years ago, when I was nineteen, I moved into an apartment in the south side of Glasgow, my hometown. I stayed in a place called Battlefield, which was named after a Scottish civil war struggle in the sixteenth century, in which Mary, Queen of Scots and her army were defeated.
The apartment was leased by one of my insurance co-workers, who hailed from Aberdeen. He had as heavy a drinking reputation as I did, so it wasn't the best of circumstances for me to put myself in. I had to pay a month's rent in advance, and I owed my Dad a month's rent in arrears. When I paid my debts in full, I had practically nothing for food and transport, but I made certain that I had enough for beer and whisky.
It was one of the longest month's of my life. The only thing I ate was bread without butter and some peanuts in the bars I frequented. I don't know what sustained me, but I can remember trying to chew grass and eating daffodils. My life was messed up because of drink, but it never occurred to me to ask for help to stop being an alcoholic, or to seek God's wisdom at that time. I believed in the lie that I could handle it all on my own. I was much too proud, and utterly wasted by my addiction.
I never reached the point of starvation, but I did know the pangs of hunger, which I experienced through my own stupidity. It was a hard lesson to learn. When I read passages like today's and hear Christ speaking to me through them, I'm reminded of my past foolishness, but at the same time, of my wonderful recovery, which only came through Christ's grace and His mercy.
He is the Bread of life. He is the One who sustains us through good and bad times. He has the power to lead us beyond our problems and enable us to discover a better way, a truer life. That's why we call Him 'Savior'. That's why we need Him to be our Lord.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, sometimes our own stupidity puts us into desperate and dangerous positions. Sometimes we make a mess of the lives that You graciously give to us. Thank You for being patient, for watching over us, and for giving us the opportunity to see in You all our hopes and dreams, all our goals and purposes being fulfilled. In Your Holy name, we humbly pray. Amen.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Lost in Translation
John 5:39, 40 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
For six long years, I studied Hebrew at Glasgow University and became known for translating the psalms into Glaswegian slang, or as my father used to call it, Scottish guttural. I enjoyed poring over the scriptures, looking at the different tenses and root forms of the original Hebrew and Aramaic phrases, in order to rewrite them in ' common street talk.' Some of my Old Testament professors looked forward to grading my papers because of the unique approach that I adopted, and some of my translations ended up being published in Church of Scotland magazines and the Iona Community's monthly publications.
I loved translating Hebrew, which is a beautiful language, but I almost fell into the trap of admiring my own translations, instead of worshipping the God who was revealed through them. Night after night, I would study the psalms and the prophets, looking for new ways to express them in Glaswegian idioms and everyday sayings. It was like a game to me, and it almost caused me to lose my faith. I was very proud at what I accomplished, but I had forgotten the very reason that the Scriptures existed.
Before I left seminary, I stopped translating Hebrew and began to re-read the Bible. That's when I came across the New International Version and it has stuck with me ever since. It's easy to understand and it's the version that I preach from, because of its simplicity and style. After my experience in college, I never again wanted to fall into the trap of idolizing my own translations because, as Jesus implied, I couldn't possess eternal life by diligently studying the Scriptures, especially when they testify about Him, and not my own cleverness.
These daily Bible readings are meant to reveal to us a wee bit more about God each day, and should bring us closer to Christ. That's their purpose. That's their message. That's why God gave us them in the first place. We could read the Bible a thousand times over, in as many languages as we like, but if in the end we had no faith, all of that reading and translating would count for nothing. Jesus is revealed to us through Scripture, but our loving, eternal relationship with Him does not depend upon how much Scripture we know. It depends upon how much faith we place in the Author of Life, and not His book.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Living Word of God, and only through You can we possess eternal life. The Old and New Testaments reveal to us Who You are, and we thank You for their testimony. But, we are very aware that our living relationship with You is based upon our faith in You alone. Help us to live in faithful ways that express Your words and presence to other people through our loving acts and caring deeds. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
For six long years, I studied Hebrew at Glasgow University and became known for translating the psalms into Glaswegian slang, or as my father used to call it, Scottish guttural. I enjoyed poring over the scriptures, looking at the different tenses and root forms of the original Hebrew and Aramaic phrases, in order to rewrite them in ' common street talk.' Some of my Old Testament professors looked forward to grading my papers because of the unique approach that I adopted, and some of my translations ended up being published in Church of Scotland magazines and the Iona Community's monthly publications.
I loved translating Hebrew, which is a beautiful language, but I almost fell into the trap of admiring my own translations, instead of worshipping the God who was revealed through them. Night after night, I would study the psalms and the prophets, looking for new ways to express them in Glaswegian idioms and everyday sayings. It was like a game to me, and it almost caused me to lose my faith. I was very proud at what I accomplished, but I had forgotten the very reason that the Scriptures existed.
Before I left seminary, I stopped translating Hebrew and began to re-read the Bible. That's when I came across the New International Version and it has stuck with me ever since. It's easy to understand and it's the version that I preach from, because of its simplicity and style. After my experience in college, I never again wanted to fall into the trap of idolizing my own translations because, as Jesus implied, I couldn't possess eternal life by diligently studying the Scriptures, especially when they testify about Him, and not my own cleverness.
These daily Bible readings are meant to reveal to us a wee bit more about God each day, and should bring us closer to Christ. That's their purpose. That's their message. That's why God gave us them in the first place. We could read the Bible a thousand times over, in as many languages as we like, but if in the end we had no faith, all of that reading and translating would count for nothing. Jesus is revealed to us through Scripture, but our loving, eternal relationship with Him does not depend upon how much Scripture we know. It depends upon how much faith we place in the Author of Life, and not His book.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Living Word of God, and only through You can we possess eternal life. The Old and New Testaments reveal to us Who You are, and we thank You for their testimony. But, we are very aware that our living relationship with You is based upon our faith in You alone. Help us to live in faithful ways that express Your words and presence to other people through our loving acts and caring deeds. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
The Way Forward
John 4: 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."
Sometimes we forget the debt that we owe to the past, which makes us cast aside the contributions of the generations before us. A lot of people today just live for the here and now; for what you can get and what you can possess. Instead of investing in the future, we want everything instantly. Instead of bequeathing something valuable to the next generations, we want to use up all our precious resources before we leave the surly bonds of earth. It's a sad state for the world to be in, and it's one that Christians have got to be cautious about embracing.
This week, in our church, we're having a new conference called "The Way Forward." It sounds as though we're jettisoning everything from the past, but we're not. We're trying to find the way to carry forward what's best for our church from the past, as well as the present, as we head out into the unknown world of the future. It will involve change and transition. It will require focus and dedication.
Traditions have values when they are still relevant in today's world. Traditions become quaint and archaic when they make no connection to what's happening around us. Our dilemma in a growing church is to try to discover what God's will is for us, and take a new journey of faith, carrying what's needed and only holding on to what is important.
The good thing is that we have a future at Erin, because of the solid ground that people in the past, both a long time ago and recently, have provided. They have given a lot of their time, talents and resources to not just keep us afloat, but to ensure that our purpose and message, our vision and mission is relevant, necessary, and attractive to other people. The fruits that we are enjoying today are the results of seeds of faith that were planted in the past. The work that we are presently continuing has grown out of the labors of others in far off and recent years.
So, give thanks to God for the faith you have, because other people have invested their gifts and time in you. And if you can, take every opportunity today, to replant some seeds of faith in the hearts and minds of other people, through your love and Christian witness to them.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we have almost two thousand years of Christian tradition behind us, which has shaped our faith and molded us into who we are today. Keep us mindful of the contributions of the billions of Christians who came before us, and help us to step forward into the world, carrying the values You want, for the victory that You desire. In Your Holy name, we thankfully pray. Amen.
Sometimes we forget the debt that we owe to the past, which makes us cast aside the contributions of the generations before us. A lot of people today just live for the here and now; for what you can get and what you can possess. Instead of investing in the future, we want everything instantly. Instead of bequeathing something valuable to the next generations, we want to use up all our precious resources before we leave the surly bonds of earth. It's a sad state for the world to be in, and it's one that Christians have got to be cautious about embracing.
This week, in our church, we're having a new conference called "The Way Forward." It sounds as though we're jettisoning everything from the past, but we're not. We're trying to find the way to carry forward what's best for our church from the past, as well as the present, as we head out into the unknown world of the future. It will involve change and transition. It will require focus and dedication.
Traditions have values when they are still relevant in today's world. Traditions become quaint and archaic when they make no connection to what's happening around us. Our dilemma in a growing church is to try to discover what God's will is for us, and take a new journey of faith, carrying what's needed and only holding on to what is important.
The good thing is that we have a future at Erin, because of the solid ground that people in the past, both a long time ago and recently, have provided. They have given a lot of their time, talents and resources to not just keep us afloat, but to ensure that our purpose and message, our vision and mission is relevant, necessary, and attractive to other people. The fruits that we are enjoying today are the results of seeds of faith that were planted in the past. The work that we are presently continuing has grown out of the labors of others in far off and recent years.
So, give thanks to God for the faith you have, because other people have invested their gifts and time in you. And if you can, take every opportunity today, to replant some seeds of faith in the hearts and minds of other people, through your love and Christian witness to them.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we have almost two thousand years of Christian tradition behind us, which has shaped our faith and molded us into who we are today. Keep us mindful of the contributions of the billions of Christians who came before us, and help us to step forward into the world, carrying the values You want, for the victory that You desire. In Your Holy name, we thankfully pray. Amen.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Kidron
John 18:1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
The first time I came across the word Kidron was on a guitar case. It was the name of a Christian band that one of my friends, Iain, had participated in. By the time I knew Iain, the group had disbanded, but he still kept the name written on his guitar case.
Iain's guitar was a classic Gibson and he played it as sweetly as a violin. His singing was wonderful, too, and when he sang old songs like "Supper Time", "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow", and "If I Could but Touch", you would swear that you were listening to an angel. Watching Iain was fascinating as well, because he strummed the guitar as if he were caressing it. At times, I just couldn't believe the notes and chords he played. It was like watching a master violinist.
Iain was a highly successful businessman in Glasgow. In fact, he was a millionaire, but you wouldn't have guessed that. He was down to earth and soft spoken. He was gentle and courteous to everyone he met. If ever there was a true Christian gentleman, then it was Iain. He was the best man at my wedding, even although I was a kid from the deprived part of town. He honored Evelyn and I by accepting that role and we were blessed with his good humor, friendship, and support.
So, when I see the word "Kidron", I think of Iain and the kindness he showed to me. He still lives in Glasgow, but has since retired from his work. I haven't heard from him in a long time, but I believe that somewhere within the city, he's still strumming that old guitar and singing those old hymns to a new generation of Christian kids.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the gifts that You bestow upon all sorts of people, especially the gifts of music and song. Thank You for all of those singers and musicians who make a significant difference in our lives, and whose praise of You inspires us. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
The first time I came across the word Kidron was on a guitar case. It was the name of a Christian band that one of my friends, Iain, had participated in. By the time I knew Iain, the group had disbanded, but he still kept the name written on his guitar case.
Iain's guitar was a classic Gibson and he played it as sweetly as a violin. His singing was wonderful, too, and when he sang old songs like "Supper Time", "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow", and "If I Could but Touch", you would swear that you were listening to an angel. Watching Iain was fascinating as well, because he strummed the guitar as if he were caressing it. At times, I just couldn't believe the notes and chords he played. It was like watching a master violinist.
Iain was a highly successful businessman in Glasgow. In fact, he was a millionaire, but you wouldn't have guessed that. He was down to earth and soft spoken. He was gentle and courteous to everyone he met. If ever there was a true Christian gentleman, then it was Iain. He was the best man at my wedding, even although I was a kid from the deprived part of town. He honored Evelyn and I by accepting that role and we were blessed with his good humor, friendship, and support.
So, when I see the word "Kidron", I think of Iain and the kindness he showed to me. He still lives in Glasgow, but has since retired from his work. I haven't heard from him in a long time, but I believe that somewhere within the city, he's still strumming that old guitar and singing those old hymns to a new generation of Christian kids.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the gifts that You bestow upon all sorts of people, especially the gifts of music and song. Thank You for all of those singers and musicians who make a significant difference in our lives, and whose praise of You inspires us. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Just like a Mother
Matthew 20:20 Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
Just like any other ambitious mother, Zebedee's wife, Salome, wants the best for her sons. She senses that there is going to be a leadership succession dispute, so she wants to get her oar in before the rest of the disciples catch on. She's looking for her sons to be elevated to higher posts, and wants Christ's glory, popularity and power to be bestowed upon James and John. They have left their father's lucrative fishing business (he had two boats) for Jesus, so she wants something in return.
The catch is that she doesn't fully understand what kind of business Jesus is in. It's not about power and glory, it's about service and sacrifice. When she asks if her sons can sit at the right and left of Christ in His Kingdom, she's thinking of the two most powerful positions next to the King. And when she answers Christ's question about whether her boys can drink from His cup, she's thinking that it is something honorable and exclusive, a symbol of royalty and authority.
What she doesn't realize is that her boys' answer, which is rash and foolish, destines her sons to martyrdom and exile, rejection and persecution. The glory that she seeks for them is a life of servitude and sacrifice, of loneliness and suffering. The elder brother, James, would be beheaded by King Herod about fifteen years later. The younger brother, John, although he would live to a ripe old age, would be exiled and cut off from the Christian community for most of his latter years.
I guess the whole episode reminds us of the old Appalachian saying, "Watch what you pray for, because you just might get it."
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to be careful about what we think we need and want from You. When we pray today, give us guidance to ask for those things that glorify You, and that they will really be what we need, as opposed to what we desire. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Just like any other ambitious mother, Zebedee's wife, Salome, wants the best for her sons. She senses that there is going to be a leadership succession dispute, so she wants to get her oar in before the rest of the disciples catch on. She's looking for her sons to be elevated to higher posts, and wants Christ's glory, popularity and power to be bestowed upon James and John. They have left their father's lucrative fishing business (he had two boats) for Jesus, so she wants something in return.
The catch is that she doesn't fully understand what kind of business Jesus is in. It's not about power and glory, it's about service and sacrifice. When she asks if her sons can sit at the right and left of Christ in His Kingdom, she's thinking of the two most powerful positions next to the King. And when she answers Christ's question about whether her boys can drink from His cup, she's thinking that it is something honorable and exclusive, a symbol of royalty and authority.
What she doesn't realize is that her boys' answer, which is rash and foolish, destines her sons to martyrdom and exile, rejection and persecution. The glory that she seeks for them is a life of servitude and sacrifice, of loneliness and suffering. The elder brother, James, would be beheaded by King Herod about fifteen years later. The younger brother, John, although he would live to a ripe old age, would be exiled and cut off from the Christian community for most of his latter years.
I guess the whole episode reminds us of the old Appalachian saying, "Watch what you pray for, because you just might get it."
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to be careful about what we think we need and want from You. When we pray today, give us guidance to ask for those things that glorify You, and that they will really be what we need, as opposed to what we desire. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Chopping Wood
Ecclesiastes 10:10 If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.
There's an old story told about two woodcutters who were in a forest. They were being paid commission for every log that they chopped. Both of them were ambitious and wanted to out do the other. One of the woodcutters spent all day chopping logs, without taking a break. He supposed that if he continued working, he would be able get more logs done than his rival.
The second woodcutter took a break every hour for five minutes. At the end of the day, he had taken ten breaks. The first woodcutter believed that he had outpaced his rival, but when it came to tallying the amount of logs that were actually chopped, the second woodcutter had the largest pile and earned more commission.
"How did you do that?" asked the first woodcutter. "How did you manage to chop more logs than me, with all those breaks?"
"Each time, I took a break, " answered the second woodcutter, " I sharpened my axe. It meant I could chop more logs than you in the latter part of the day."
The same applies to what we do with our spirituality. If we're not taking time to sharpen our souls with prayer, Bible reading, and worship, then our connection to God becomes blunt, and our faith is almost useless in times of trial. In midst of all our busy-ness, we need to take time out to be with God, to focus on Christ, and to be re-sharpened by the Holy Spirit.
Your commitment to reading these devotionals is a step in the right direction, but don't make this your only break in the day to be with God. Snatch some precious moments each hour to ask for guidance, to give Him thanks, and to re-read today's scripture. In doing so, you will discover a new strength and spiritual stamina within you, which will enable you to overcome and complete all that you face today.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are precious to us and we know that we need to strengthen our relationship with You. Help us today to make the right moves and take the right steps, which will enhance our faith and sharpen our souls, so that we may better serve You, and attract others to Your Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
There's an old story told about two woodcutters who were in a forest. They were being paid commission for every log that they chopped. Both of them were ambitious and wanted to out do the other. One of the woodcutters spent all day chopping logs, without taking a break. He supposed that if he continued working, he would be able get more logs done than his rival.
The second woodcutter took a break every hour for five minutes. At the end of the day, he had taken ten breaks. The first woodcutter believed that he had outpaced his rival, but when it came to tallying the amount of logs that were actually chopped, the second woodcutter had the largest pile and earned more commission.
"How did you do that?" asked the first woodcutter. "How did you manage to chop more logs than me, with all those breaks?"
"Each time, I took a break, " answered the second woodcutter, " I sharpened my axe. It meant I could chop more logs than you in the latter part of the day."
The same applies to what we do with our spirituality. If we're not taking time to sharpen our souls with prayer, Bible reading, and worship, then our connection to God becomes blunt, and our faith is almost useless in times of trial. In midst of all our busy-ness, we need to take time out to be with God, to focus on Christ, and to be re-sharpened by the Holy Spirit.
Your commitment to reading these devotionals is a step in the right direction, but don't make this your only break in the day to be with God. Snatch some precious moments each hour to ask for guidance, to give Him thanks, and to re-read today's scripture. In doing so, you will discover a new strength and spiritual stamina within you, which will enable you to overcome and complete all that you face today.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are precious to us and we know that we need to strengthen our relationship with You. Help us today to make the right moves and take the right steps, which will enhance our faith and sharpen our souls, so that we may better serve You, and attract others to Your Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Choices
John 6:66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
It was the lowest point in Christ's itinerant ministry. For three years, He had traveled up and down Galilee building up a great number of disciples and followers through His preaching, teaching, and healing. But now things were becoming gravely serious, and He was meddling in people's lives. He was becoming notorious to some of the authorities, and His preaching kept hitting raw nerves. On this particular occasion, Jesus called His followers' faith into question, suggesting that some of them did not believe in His ministry and mission.
And what was the effect? 'Many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.'
Christ and Christianity have a way of doing that. He still confronts us today, questioning our choices, demanding absolute allegiance, and challenging our ways. We all want hope and a Savior, but we find it difficult to accept the belief baggage and lifestyle lessons that come along with our faith.
The good thing is that not all the disciples left Him. It was left to that good old boy, Peter, to encourage Jesus for a change. When His Savior asks the Twelve, "Will you also go away?", the Big Fisherman gives the sweetest answer to Christ's ears. "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
Our faith journey isn't easy and sometimes we will be discouraged and deceitful, sinful and stupid, but we shouldn't despair by always looking at how our Christianity ends. We have a wonderful Savior and the promise of everlasting life. We have the opportunity to serve Jesus and to joyfully enter into His loving presence for ever. We may feel like going away at times, but His healing words will keep drawing us back to Him. And when all is said and done, isn't that why we placed our faith in Christ in the first place?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we were once lost souls, whose lives had no real meaning or purpose. In Your mysterious way, You drew us towards You and helped us to give our hearts to You. Sometimes, being a Christian is very difficult and we don't always get it right. We thank You for Your patience, Your forgiveness and grace. Without them, we would perish from the earth and have no hope. With them, we will delight in Your love for ever and ever, for You have the words of eternal life. In Your Holy name, we pray. Amen.
It was the lowest point in Christ's itinerant ministry. For three years, He had traveled up and down Galilee building up a great number of disciples and followers through His preaching, teaching, and healing. But now things were becoming gravely serious, and He was meddling in people's lives. He was becoming notorious to some of the authorities, and His preaching kept hitting raw nerves. On this particular occasion, Jesus called His followers' faith into question, suggesting that some of them did not believe in His ministry and mission.
And what was the effect? 'Many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.'
Christ and Christianity have a way of doing that. He still confronts us today, questioning our choices, demanding absolute allegiance, and challenging our ways. We all want hope and a Savior, but we find it difficult to accept the belief baggage and lifestyle lessons that come along with our faith.
The good thing is that not all the disciples left Him. It was left to that good old boy, Peter, to encourage Jesus for a change. When His Savior asks the Twelve, "Will you also go away?", the Big Fisherman gives the sweetest answer to Christ's ears. "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
Our faith journey isn't easy and sometimes we will be discouraged and deceitful, sinful and stupid, but we shouldn't despair by always looking at how our Christianity ends. We have a wonderful Savior and the promise of everlasting life. We have the opportunity to serve Jesus and to joyfully enter into His loving presence for ever. We may feel like going away at times, but His healing words will keep drawing us back to Him. And when all is said and done, isn't that why we placed our faith in Christ in the first place?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we were once lost souls, whose lives had no real meaning or purpose. In Your mysterious way, You drew us towards You and helped us to give our hearts to You. Sometimes, being a Christian is very difficult and we don't always get it right. We thank You for Your patience, Your forgiveness and grace. Without them, we would perish from the earth and have no hope. With them, we will delight in Your love for ever and ever, for You have the words of eternal life. In Your Holy name, we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Love Grows Cold
Matthew 24:12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold...
There's a song that our band Glenfinnan sings called "The Water is Wide." It's all about unrequited love and, in one of the verses, the singer woefully expresses the tragedy of being unloved with the words, "But love grows old, and waxes cold, and fades away, like the morning dew."
As a pastor for nearly twenty years, one of the saddest things that I have seen is when love grows cold in some people. It sometimes happens in marriages, when people grow apart from one another, and the love that they once shared turns into loathing. It sometimes happens to church people, whose fire for God goes out because of worldly cares and domestic pressures. Their love for God diminishes and so does their passion for the church.
The root of this coldness is, according to the Bible, wickedness. We might not see it that way, but if we were to apply the word 'wicked' to sins of pride, bitterness, greed, laziness and indifference, we could make the connection.
Faith, like marriage, requires a lot of work, focus, and commitment. If our faith and marriages are only built upon good times and good things, then when trouble or adversity, confrontation or insecurity arrive on our doorstep, we will be ill-prepared to handle them. That's when people fall away; that's when marriages dissolve; that's when relationships end - with God, other people, even our partners and churches.
We all have to be careful about our commitments, whether they involve our faith, friendships, and family. If we allow wickedness - pride, bitterness, greed, laziness, and indifference - to enter into our spirits, minds, and souls, then we will lose our love and our hearts will grow cold. And remember, Christ adds this warning to this gospel truth - 'he who stands firm to the end will be saved'. In other words, we don't get any prizes or rewards for a half-completed faith, nor a half-fulfilled life. We have to remain faithful to the end, otherwise we will never see God or know of His everlasting kingdom.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, when we are tempted to neglect our faith, confront us. When we are most apt to set aside our commitment to You, challenge us. Mend our broken ways; heal our weakened partnerships; warm our hearts with a rekindled faith. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
There's a song that our band Glenfinnan sings called "The Water is Wide." It's all about unrequited love and, in one of the verses, the singer woefully expresses the tragedy of being unloved with the words, "But love grows old, and waxes cold, and fades away, like the morning dew."
As a pastor for nearly twenty years, one of the saddest things that I have seen is when love grows cold in some people. It sometimes happens in marriages, when people grow apart from one another, and the love that they once shared turns into loathing. It sometimes happens to church people, whose fire for God goes out because of worldly cares and domestic pressures. Their love for God diminishes and so does their passion for the church.
The root of this coldness is, according to the Bible, wickedness. We might not see it that way, but if we were to apply the word 'wicked' to sins of pride, bitterness, greed, laziness and indifference, we could make the connection.
Faith, like marriage, requires a lot of work, focus, and commitment. If our faith and marriages are only built upon good times and good things, then when trouble or adversity, confrontation or insecurity arrive on our doorstep, we will be ill-prepared to handle them. That's when people fall away; that's when marriages dissolve; that's when relationships end - with God, other people, even our partners and churches.
We all have to be careful about our commitments, whether they involve our faith, friendships, and family. If we allow wickedness - pride, bitterness, greed, laziness, and indifference - to enter into our spirits, minds, and souls, then we will lose our love and our hearts will grow cold. And remember, Christ adds this warning to this gospel truth - 'he who stands firm to the end will be saved'. In other words, we don't get any prizes or rewards for a half-completed faith, nor a half-fulfilled life. We have to remain faithful to the end, otherwise we will never see God or know of His everlasting kingdom.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, when we are tempted to neglect our faith, confront us. When we are most apt to set aside our commitment to You, challenge us. Mend our broken ways; heal our weakened partnerships; warm our hearts with a rekindled faith. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Monday, February 06, 2006
All for Jesus
Matthew 19:29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
Whenever a serious illness or a death occurs in our family back in Scotland, we always ask ourselves, "Was it worth it?" It's hard to describe the feeling of loneliness and isolation that still affects our hearts and souls, even after being here for ten years. Most of you cannot imagine what the Stuart family goes through, simply because most of you have family around you, but try to imagine what it would be like if all of your family - parents, siblings, cousins, etc. lived on another continent. Try to imagine what it would be like if all the people and places, schools and colleges, churches and culture that you grew up and were familiar with, existed on the other side of the world. No amount of compensation or company, satisfaction or security could ever make up for the things you have given up.
That's what the Stuarts live with each and every day. We gave everything up for Jesus. Absolutely everything. All those things that money can't buy. All that heritage that can never be replaced. All of our family and loved ones who can never be substituted. All for Jesus. All for Him. All for God's Kingdom.
You see, for our family, faith isn't a game or a life style choice. It's not a career move, nor a springboard to something better. It's all for Jesus - to build up this church, to bring people to God, to get souls saved. That's why at times, some people criticize me for my zeal, and the stance I take against cultural icons and popular trends. They don't understand that Jesus is at the core of my being, the center of my worship, the heart of my soul. It doesn't make me perfect or sinless. It doesn't mean I'm superbly holy or one hundred percent faithful. But it does mean that I know what it means, as does my family, to give everything up for Jesus, and that's what drives my life.
So, I guess the challenge for all of us this day is this: what are we willing to give up for Jesus, and what are we unwilling to let go for Jesus?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are not the side dish for the entree we call life. You are not a mere trend or decoration, an appendix or an after-thought to our lives. You are the Lord of all Creation, which means, that because we are creature, You are the Lord of our lives. Take away our arrogance and foolishness that diminishes Your influence over our decisions. Take away our selfishness and pride that damages our souls, and makes us reluctant to acknowledge that You are everything. Challenge and change us today; confront and contest our ways. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Whenever a serious illness or a death occurs in our family back in Scotland, we always ask ourselves, "Was it worth it?" It's hard to describe the feeling of loneliness and isolation that still affects our hearts and souls, even after being here for ten years. Most of you cannot imagine what the Stuart family goes through, simply because most of you have family around you, but try to imagine what it would be like if all of your family - parents, siblings, cousins, etc. lived on another continent. Try to imagine what it would be like if all the people and places, schools and colleges, churches and culture that you grew up and were familiar with, existed on the other side of the world. No amount of compensation or company, satisfaction or security could ever make up for the things you have given up.
That's what the Stuarts live with each and every day. We gave everything up for Jesus. Absolutely everything. All those things that money can't buy. All that heritage that can never be replaced. All of our family and loved ones who can never be substituted. All for Jesus. All for Him. All for God's Kingdom.
You see, for our family, faith isn't a game or a life style choice. It's not a career move, nor a springboard to something better. It's all for Jesus - to build up this church, to bring people to God, to get souls saved. That's why at times, some people criticize me for my zeal, and the stance I take against cultural icons and popular trends. They don't understand that Jesus is at the core of my being, the center of my worship, the heart of my soul. It doesn't make me perfect or sinless. It doesn't mean I'm superbly holy or one hundred percent faithful. But it does mean that I know what it means, as does my family, to give everything up for Jesus, and that's what drives my life.
So, I guess the challenge for all of us this day is this: what are we willing to give up for Jesus, and what are we unwilling to let go for Jesus?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are not the side dish for the entree we call life. You are not a mere trend or decoration, an appendix or an after-thought to our lives. You are the Lord of all Creation, which means, that because we are creature, You are the Lord of our lives. Take away our arrogance and foolishness that diminishes Your influence over our decisions. Take away our selfishness and pride that damages our souls, and makes us reluctant to acknowledge that You are everything. Challenge and change us today; confront and contest our ways. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Suffering
1 Peter 2:20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
I frequently marvel at the faith which the first Christians displayed. They were hunted down like animals; they were cast out of their families and communities; they were hung on crosses and savaged by lions. They experienced suffering and persecution, yet they still managed to endure. Their faithfulness in adversity, their focus on their Savior, and their fellowship in frightening times, are wonders to behold and blessings for us in the 21st century. Why? Because without their perseverance, we would not be Christians, and the world would be a terrible place to live in.
Sometimes, I think that our present generation of church people has grown soft and flexible, loving comfort more than Christ, seeking satisfaction rather than saving souls. I wonder what would happen to the Christian faith if, overnight, we faced the same trials and tribulations of the early Christians? Would we yield to our oppressors? Would we surrender to secularism? Would we deny our Savior?
Fortunately, for us, we don't have to face anything remotely like that, but there are other Christians in the world in places like China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Burma, and even India, where our brothers and sisters in the faith will be hunted down, harassed, tormented, and even killed before the sun sets tonight. Their faith is stronger than ours; their commitment to Christ is better than our own; their service to God is a matter of life and death, not a life style choice or leisure pursuit.
When Time comes to an end and History is over, we'll all be standing in line, awaiting our crowns of glory. We, who are always so used to being first, will be at the back of the line, watching those Christians who have nothing but faith being brought forward to the places of honor, glory, and power before us. It will come as a shock to us, but not a surprise, for hasn't the Savior often said, "The first will be last, and the last will be first?"
Wherever you go today and whatever you do, be a Christian first and foremost. Treat people with respect, serve one another, and show love. And if you happen to be hurt or disappointed by someone else, don't fret over it. Just return the hurt with healing, your wounds with love, and your disappointment with genuine grace. For those are the things that truly make us Christian.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You keep challenging us because You want to change our ways. We have grown so used to being at the center of everything, that we have forgotten to serve You and love one another. Keep us from exaggerating our hurts and disappointments by reminding us of the real wounds and suffering that other Christians are enduring even as we pray. In Your Holy Name, we humbly and remorsefully pray. Amen.
I frequently marvel at the faith which the first Christians displayed. They were hunted down like animals; they were cast out of their families and communities; they were hung on crosses and savaged by lions. They experienced suffering and persecution, yet they still managed to endure. Their faithfulness in adversity, their focus on their Savior, and their fellowship in frightening times, are wonders to behold and blessings for us in the 21st century. Why? Because without their perseverance, we would not be Christians, and the world would be a terrible place to live in.
Sometimes, I think that our present generation of church people has grown soft and flexible, loving comfort more than Christ, seeking satisfaction rather than saving souls. I wonder what would happen to the Christian faith if, overnight, we faced the same trials and tribulations of the early Christians? Would we yield to our oppressors? Would we surrender to secularism? Would we deny our Savior?
Fortunately, for us, we don't have to face anything remotely like that, but there are other Christians in the world in places like China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Burma, and even India, where our brothers and sisters in the faith will be hunted down, harassed, tormented, and even killed before the sun sets tonight. Their faith is stronger than ours; their commitment to Christ is better than our own; their service to God is a matter of life and death, not a life style choice or leisure pursuit.
When Time comes to an end and History is over, we'll all be standing in line, awaiting our crowns of glory. We, who are always so used to being first, will be at the back of the line, watching those Christians who have nothing but faith being brought forward to the places of honor, glory, and power before us. It will come as a shock to us, but not a surprise, for hasn't the Savior often said, "The first will be last, and the last will be first?"
Wherever you go today and whatever you do, be a Christian first and foremost. Treat people with respect, serve one another, and show love. And if you happen to be hurt or disappointed by someone else, don't fret over it. Just return the hurt with healing, your wounds with love, and your disappointment with genuine grace. For those are the things that truly make us Christian.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You keep challenging us because You want to change our ways. We have grown so used to being at the center of everything, that we have forgotten to serve You and love one another. Keep us from exaggerating our hurts and disappointments by reminding us of the real wounds and suffering that other Christians are enduring even as we pray. In Your Holy Name, we humbly and remorsefully pray. Amen.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Encourage & Rebuke
Titus 2: 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
It's amazing to find 'encourage and rebuke' in the same sentence. Usually, they are complete opposites and don't have anything to do with one another. If we were to hear the same words today in a sentence, it would probably read "encourage them for their gifts, don't rebuke them for their faults."
I played field hockey for my Senior High team. It was the nearest sport in school that allowed participants to carry weapons. If ever you've been clobbered with a hockey stick, or whacked in the head with one, you'll know how fierce the game can be. I played every Saturday morning and ended up being the captain because I was the highest goal scorer in the league.
Well, success went to my head and I put together a proposal to display all the players names on a board, rating each of them with one to five stars for every game that was played. I went to the coach with my idea and he shot it down in flames. Firstly, he knew that I wanted to give myself five stars for every game, but more importantly, he didn't want to discourage the other players if they had a bad game. That's when he said that line to me, which I've remembered.
"Encourage the other players for their gifts, John; don't rebuke them for their faults."
So, why does Paul put both those words in the same sentence? Because the church has the power to encourage people in faith, and the responsibility to rebuke or re-direct them when they go wrong. We all like encouragement, praise, and recognition for what we do in church, but sometimes we also need to be made aware of God's disapproval for the sinful things we do inside and outside of the church. It's a hard lesson to learn at times, but it's necessary that we all go through it, in order to keep us on the right road that leads us to eternal life.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we love the ways in which You embrace our ideas, enthusiasm, and excitement for our church. We take great encouragement from the blessings You bestow, and the goodness that You give us. However, sometimes we allow pride, prejudice, greed, and anger to diminish our faith and even destroy our personal witness of You. In those times, rebuke and redirect us, reprove and restore us by Your mercy and grace. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
It's amazing to find 'encourage and rebuke' in the same sentence. Usually, they are complete opposites and don't have anything to do with one another. If we were to hear the same words today in a sentence, it would probably read "encourage them for their gifts, don't rebuke them for their faults."
I played field hockey for my Senior High team. It was the nearest sport in school that allowed participants to carry weapons. If ever you've been clobbered with a hockey stick, or whacked in the head with one, you'll know how fierce the game can be. I played every Saturday morning and ended up being the captain because I was the highest goal scorer in the league.
Well, success went to my head and I put together a proposal to display all the players names on a board, rating each of them with one to five stars for every game that was played. I went to the coach with my idea and he shot it down in flames. Firstly, he knew that I wanted to give myself five stars for every game, but more importantly, he didn't want to discourage the other players if they had a bad game. That's when he said that line to me, which I've remembered.
"Encourage the other players for their gifts, John; don't rebuke them for their faults."
So, why does Paul put both those words in the same sentence? Because the church has the power to encourage people in faith, and the responsibility to rebuke or re-direct them when they go wrong. We all like encouragement, praise, and recognition for what we do in church, but sometimes we also need to be made aware of God's disapproval for the sinful things we do inside and outside of the church. It's a hard lesson to learn at times, but it's necessary that we all go through it, in order to keep us on the right road that leads us to eternal life.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we love the ways in which You embrace our ideas, enthusiasm, and excitement for our church. We take great encouragement from the blessings You bestow, and the goodness that You give us. However, sometimes we allow pride, prejudice, greed, and anger to diminish our faith and even destroy our personal witness of You. In those times, rebuke and redirect us, reprove and restore us by Your mercy and grace. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Sanctification
1 Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sanctify is a beautiful word. It means to make holy that which was unholy. It’s what God does best when He’s dealing with us. It’s a great gift to receive and a wonderful blessing to experience.
We’re all unholy because we all sin each day. Normally that would mean we are all separated from God, but through His Son Jesus, we can be re-instated to God’s holiness. This happens when we receive the sacraments. On Sunday morning, our church will celebrate Communion. We’ll all gather together as sinners and hypocrites, failures and lost sheep. And then, during a special part in the service, the great prayer of supplication and sanctification will be made, where we will call upon the Holy Spirit to descend upon us, the bread and the wine, to make everything holy.
It won’t make us perfect or superior. It won’t give us super-strength to overcome the world. But, for a moment in time, we will all be made holy in God’s eyes through this blessing. As we receive and take the bread and wine, we will be conjoined to Christ’s holiness. We will be perfectly sanctified through Him.
This week, we may have done things we regret, hurt other people, or even disappointed God. This Sunday, we can have all those sins forgiven and be restored to God’s love through sanctification. And it’s too good a blessing to keep to ourselves, so let’s invite others to come to Christ’s table as well, for we all need to be sanctified. We all need to be made holy.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Holy One who heals and restores the whole world. This Sunday, You will enable us to become holy. Give us opportunities to invite and bring others, so that they may also receive these beautiful blessings. In Your Holy and Sanctified Name, we pray. Amen.
Sanctify is a beautiful word. It means to make holy that which was unholy. It’s what God does best when He’s dealing with us. It’s a great gift to receive and a wonderful blessing to experience.
We’re all unholy because we all sin each day. Normally that would mean we are all separated from God, but through His Son Jesus, we can be re-instated to God’s holiness. This happens when we receive the sacraments. On Sunday morning, our church will celebrate Communion. We’ll all gather together as sinners and hypocrites, failures and lost sheep. And then, during a special part in the service, the great prayer of supplication and sanctification will be made, where we will call upon the Holy Spirit to descend upon us, the bread and the wine, to make everything holy.
It won’t make us perfect or superior. It won’t give us super-strength to overcome the world. But, for a moment in time, we will all be made holy in God’s eyes through this blessing. As we receive and take the bread and wine, we will be conjoined to Christ’s holiness. We will be perfectly sanctified through Him.
This week, we may have done things we regret, hurt other people, or even disappointed God. This Sunday, we can have all those sins forgiven and be restored to God’s love through sanctification. And it’s too good a blessing to keep to ourselves, so let’s invite others to come to Christ’s table as well, for we all need to be sanctified. We all need to be made holy.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Holy One who heals and restores the whole world. This Sunday, You will enable us to become holy. Give us opportunities to invite and bring others, so that they may also receive these beautiful blessings. In Your Holy and Sanctified Name, we pray. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)