SATAN’S SCHEMES

Football players take their sport seriously. Teams play only one game each week, but they spend all week preparing for that game. They study films of the opposing team trying to gain an advantage by discovering players’ tendencies. They develop a game plan and then practice all week simulating what the other team’s offence and defense might do in a game. A full week of work just for a chance to win the game, maybe we could learn something from their commitment to beating their opponent.

Sometimes we forget that we are engaged in a spiritual conflict. It is more than just a once a week struggle; our clash with our adversary continues daily with no time outs. (Now that’s a good reason to come to Jesus for rest, but that’s another pondering—see for example Isaiah 40:31; Matthew 11:28. Okay, back to Satan’s Schemes.) Paul was familiar with the enemy’s tactics, and encourages us to be careful not to give Satan any advantage against us.

Satan has a plan to destroy people. Our enemy wants to prevent the sinner from coming to Christ for salvation. He wants to keep the backslider from renewing their fellowship with God and other believers. Satan wants the church to be ineffective by driving a wedge between us. Paul reminds us that if we are going to defeat Satan then we must be quick to forgive one another.

• 10 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven — if there was anything to forgive — I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
  2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NIV)

God’s love is demonstrated through our lives as we let go of bitterness. Instead of holding a grudge we are willing to forgive one another and restore our love for each other. Forgiveness is the key to outwitting Satan and beating him at his own game. Believers remain connected. Backsliders are restored. Sinners are drawn to Christ. Satan’s schemes are defeated when our love is proven with forgiveness.

Let’s not ignore the devil’s sly attempts to defeat us. Let’s practice loving with forgiveness. We will win more than a game. We’ll have victory over Satan. What do you think?

PROMISES

I called Jacob and Courtney to get ready to go yesterday. When they asked where we were going I said, “We’re going crazy.” I could have said that we were going to run an errand at Staples, but saying we were going crazy meant we were in for an adventure full of unexpected surprises. We hopped like kangaroos into the store and walked like ducks going out. On the way home we made an unexpected stop at Dairy Queen. The ordinary was fun and full of laughter even for Susie and me.

What changed our errand into an adventure? It was the words I spoke. I made no promises but I had committed myself to having fun with the kids; they knew it and I knew it. My words needed to be as good as gold (or ice cream) for the kids.

• For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why we utter the Amen through him, to the glory of God.
  2 Corinthians 1:20 (RSV)

A promise is the antithesis of a threat. While both are spoken, one brings blessing while the other a curse. How often do we think of our words as having such power? God’s word is a double-edged sword. For those who reject its decree the judgment of sin awaits them, but for those who embrace God’s word the blessing of His promises overflow in their lives.

These are not the promises of a man. They are the promises of God! The scriptures abound with the pledge of God’s blessing for His children. All of His promises are sound and stable. Each promise is established beyond all doubt in the mind of God and is therefore absolute and unchangeable. Through Jesus every promise of God is given a resounding “YES!” Jesus Christ has all the power and authority to accomplish all God’s promises. Not one will be left undone.

With such promises we too can shout, “Amen!” fully confident that God will do what He has said. His promises only increase His glory and greatness as all of His promises are fulfilled in the lives of His children. We can rest in the assurance of His faithful and powerful word. We give no place to fear or worry for if God said it then it will be done in our lives.

Are you in need of God’s promises today? Is your life a roller coaster of emotion? Don’t judge God by your circumstances but see your situation through the promises of God. He is faithful to all His promises. Amen! What do you think?

MARCHING ORDERS

I have never served in the military. Those whom I know that are all share one thing in common: discipline. Their bodies are disciplined to be not just physically fit, but strong and ready to endure any challenge. Their minds are disciplined to follow orders without question or hesitation. Their spirits (or emotions) are disciplined to know that they belong to a fraternity of soldiers who depend upon each other. Together the body, mind and spirit will persevere and not give up until the mission is complete.

• 13 Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, 14 and love without stopping.
  1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (MsgB)

These are our marching orders. No excuses allowed. Paul admonishes us to be disciplined like a soldier and obey orders.

1. Be Alert. The enemy seeks to destroy us, so don’t be careless in how you live. Be on guard against temptation so you don’t fall into the trap of sin.
   
2. Be Faithful. Guard your heart against the enemies of doubt and fear by continually exercising your faith. Only as we remain full of faith will we please God. Hold fast to an unwavering confidence in God.
   
3. Be “the man” of God. Literally Paul says be manly; in other words don’t be a sissy but be full of courage. Our strength is not found in ourselves but comes from God. Therefore let us be full of His Spirit and power to overcome our adversary. (Ladies this goes for you too.)
   
4. Be Strong. Never give up! “Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Put on the full armor of god so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV).
   
5. Be Full of Love. Do not think only of yourself. Instead let love overflow in everything you do. Keep your eyes attuned to fellow believers lest they stray off the narrow path of salvation and lovingly restore them. Love God and your fellowman with every word and deed.

I must confess that I sometimes fail to obey orders. Can you imagine the difference it would make in our families, our churches and our community if we just followed our marching orders? Let’s be disciplined! What do you think?

GENERAL COUNCIL REFLECTION

I don’t remember who said it but I have written in the front of my Bible as a constant reminder of God’s heart for the lost. “God loves some sinners so much that He won’t send them to some of our churches.” Is ours a church that God will trust with the spiritual care of sinners? Now the fact of the matter is that we are all sinners saved by grace. But why is our church not growing daily like the New Testament church?

Charles Crabtree, Assistant Superintendent of the Assemblies of God said tonight, “Satan has not grown in power. Jesus still has all power and authority to build His church.” Let’s face it Jesus died to save sinners and that includes the sinners of the post-modern generation today. His love can reach into the hearts of people around us and transform their lives. His power to save knows no limits.

Crabtree shared that from 1995 to 2005 the Assemblies of God reported nearly 5.3 million salvations, but we only added about 250,000 people to our churches. That means we kept only about 1 in 100 people who were saved! As he put it we are aborting spiritual babies at the altars of our churches because there is no on there to lovingly take them by the hand and disciple them to grow in their new faith. God forgive us.

• [1] Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. [2] By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
  1 Corinthians 15:1-2 (NIV)

Two things stand out to me in what the Apostle Paul said. First I can’t overlook the fact that Paul told the Corinthian church that it was possible for them to believe in vain. As individuals we do have a responsibility to hold onto the word that was preached to us by which we have been saved.

But there is something else. Paul reminded this church about the gospel he had preached to them. Paul didn’t want them to forget so he reminded them. Paul would go on to write this church another letter and even make a personal visit traveling hundreds of miles without our modern conveniences. Today many of us have a hard time walking across the street to talk to a neighbor about Christ (including me). Isn’t it time we stop expecting sinners to come to us and we went to them? What do you think?

STATIC AND DROPPED CALLS

Are you old enough to remember static on the radio or TV? Before electronic tuning, cable and satellite broadcasts we used to have to tune into a station’s frequency. The noise between stations together with the ‘snow’ on TV could best be described as chaos.

I wonder how some folks might describe some of our churches today. Are there times that we are guilty of just being like the static between stations? Is the message lost amidst the noise?

The Corinthian church had a static problem. Those who considered themselves prophets would all want to deliver their message from God simultaneously. Meanwhile there were those who wanted to deliver a message in tongues that would speak out regardless of whether anyone would interpret their Spirit inspired speech. It was a fight to be heard over the crowd when the church gathered together.

Paul didn’t reach over and turn ‘the radio’ off; instead he gave the church instructions how to fine tune the frequency so the message could be heard. Don’t let everyone prophesy at once but take turns and others judge what is said. Don’t just speak in tongues but pray to interpret or if no interpreter is present just remain silent. The ultimate goal was to edify or build up those who were part of the church through the gifts of the Spirit.

• [39] Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40] But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
  1 Corinthians 14:39-40 (NIV)

I’m unashamed to be a Pentecostal believer. I am thankful that we still serve a God who will supernaturally speak to His church through the gifts of the Spirit. Some churches (even in the Assemblies of God) have gone to the other extreme and turned the gifts off. In our modern world of communication its as though the satellite signal is blocked or a cell phone drops its call. All that is heard is the sound of silence.

I want to stay tuned into God. I’m not afraid of the static as God has shown us how to adjust our spiritual antenna to hear the voice of His Spirit. I’m more concerned that we don’t just block His signal and turn the Spirit off. God is not silent. He wants to speak through you and me. Be eager to prophesy. Get tuned into God. What do you think?

GET YOUR SISSORS AND JUST CUT IT OUT!

We are blessed with a lot of different English versions of the Bible which help us better understand it. Regardless of the version the Bible is a really big book that many people find hard to read. Reader’s Digest to the rescue (yes that’s right the magazine). They once published the “Reader’s Digest Bible.” Like their other condensed books it cut out the repetitious reading, long genealogies and other so called ‘non-essentials’ to make the Bible more reader friendly.

I’ve come up with a great idea for a new Bible version. I’m sure that in our modern culture of relativism a publisher could make a lot of money if they were to produce this Bible. I call it the “PPV” short for “Personal Preference Bible.” This version will come with a set of special ‘highlighters’ specifically designed to remove or rewrite those passages that you have a hard time accepting. With the “PPV” you could have a Bible that you believe and live by everyday 100%. Now wouldn’t that be great! (I best get my tongue out of my cheek before I bite it off.)

While we may laugh at such a far fetched idea, the fact of the matter is that many of us already have made our Bibles a “PPV” by ignoring those passages that challenge us. I once illustrated this by tearing a page out of the Bible. After all if we aren’t going to properly apply it to our lives then why leave it in there?

So what does this have to do with the spiritual gifts we talked about yesterday? Everything! Just like Paul said that all parts of the body were essential, so too we must keep the Bible in its context. I’m always amazed by those who want to dismiss the spiritual gifts found in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 but still want to keep Paul’s love chapter tucked right in the middle.

Paul’s discussion about love is an important part of the proper use of spiritual gifts. No matter what gift I may have or how important it may seem, if I don’t have love my gift is meaningless. Some go so far as to say that the gifts are not for today because we have received the perfection Paul describes in verse 10 through the Bible. I guess that’s one way to dismiss chapters 12 and 14. Yet Paul continues saying that he has grown up and stopped thinking like a child. He said that the time is coming when our incomplete knowledge will pass away. I thought perfection had come with the Bible? Am I missing something?

• But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love
  (1 Corinthians 13:13 MsgB).

Dare I even ask—“What do you think?” Careful, no “PPV’s” allowed.

GIFTS EVERYONE WANTS

With five kids we have had a lot of birthday parties over the years. One of the most ‘eye opening’ times at these annual events was present time. Inevitably it seemed that one gift would always stand out among the others as that year’s most wanted. When this gift was opened all the kids would all ‘oohh’ and ‘aahh’ over it. They would say things like, “I want one of those,” or “Can I see it?” And of course the giver of the gift would proudly announce “I got that.”

Paul had to talk with the Corinthians about spiritual gifts. He didn’t want them to be ignorant about them, or dare I say it, act like children. It seems everyone wanted what they thought were the most important gifts and they overlooked other gifts as trivial.

Now that my children are getting older I can safely admit that some of the birthday gifts they received were unnecessary. The life of these gifts was short lived and it wouldn’t take long for me to find it abandoned and neglected. Thus it would go the way of all things and end up somewhere in a landfill.

Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand that when it came to spiritual gifts there was no such thing as an unnecessary gift. Every gift plays an important part in the body of Christ because without these seemingly unimportant gifts where would the body be? As Paul asked, “If the whole body were an eye where would the sense of hearing be?” No single part of the body can say to others, “I don’t need you.” Every part of the body serves a purpose and is “indispensable.” (See 1 Corinthians 12:17-22) After emphasizing the importance of every gift, I find it interesting that Paul ends this chapter the way he does.

• But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
  And now I will show you the most excellent way.
  1 Corinthians 12:31 (NIV)

Paul actually encourages the Corinthians to covet spiritual gifts! When it comes to your kids or mine coveting each other’s birthday presents such desire is not a good thing, but when it comes to spiritual gifts we are encouraged to yearn for more! Aahh but don’t overlook “the most excellent way.” What is that way? We’ll have to keep reading the next chapter, but for now lets just say that we’re not supposed to fight over spiritual gifts like children fight over toys. If we do the gifts become useless because we aren’t to desire the gift for ourselves but as a blessing for the entire body. What do you think?

“This is Unacceptable!”

Through the years Susie has been both mom and teacher for our kids. Homeschooling presents its own unique challenges. One of those is getting the kids not just to complete a lesson, but to do it with excellence. Like a lot of kids, ours have from time to time wanted to just do enough to get by. This however was unacceptable for teacher-mom. I can’t count the number of times she has told the kids something like, “It takes less time to do it right the first time than to have to do it again.”

What Susie was really teaching the kids was how to judge the quality of their work. It isn’t good enough to judge what we do as compared to what others do. We need to learn to evaluate our work based on whether we have done our personal best. This is a life lesson that affects every area of life and especially our relationship with God.

Paul had to teach the Corinthians the importance of judging themselves. It was important for these believers to learn to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit as they examined their own lives to see if there was any sin that would separate them from God. One time that we can all slow down to judge ourselves is as we partake of communion together.

• [31] If we get this straight now, we won't have to be straightened out later on. [32] Better to be confronted by the Master now than to face a fiery confrontation later.
  1 Corinthians 11:31-32 (MsgB)

As we join together with other believers to remember Jesus’ death whereby we are forgiven of our sins we can take the time to renew our relationship with God and with one another. Broken relationships within the church were a sign that their personal relationships with God needed attention too. How can we claim to have fellowship with God when we are angry at the person sitting across from us?

Making proper judgment of ourselves can be difficult. Thankfully we don’t have to do it alone. The Holy Spirit will help us to see where we have fallen short. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring those little promptings or thoughts that come to you during your times of introspection. Respond with repentance and obedience. If we are going to have a right relationship with God, then we not only must be cleansed from sin, but we also must be in right relationship with each other. Susie is right. It does take less time to do it right the first time. What do you think?

PIGS IN THE MUD

Now I don’t want to appear to be self righteous but I really am an all around good guy. I mean I’ve got a pretty good list of credentials that ought to qualify me as good. I tell the truth (really I do). I don’t smoke and I’m not an alcoholic or drug addict. I’m a good husband and father (my wife and kids even say the same thing). I’m not a shoplifter or thief. I’m not a murderer. I work hard. As a matter of fact I do have credentials as an ordained pastor! I suppose if I wanted to I could go on and on with the reason why I’m not a bad person.

If you are honest you probably think you’re a good person too. You too could come up with a long list. You don’t cheat on your taxes. You drive the speed limit. You never lose your temper. You read the Bible, pray and go to church on Sunday. You gave some money to the guy with the “Will work for food” sign. On and on I could go. You and I really are saints.

How often do we see ourselves through ‘rose colored glasses?’ All of our imperfections are glossed over and anything good we have ever done is magnified. The scales of justice would certainly be in our favor. Isn’t it time we took an honest look in the mirror?

• [6] Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did . . . [13] No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
  1 Corinthians 10:6, 13 (NIV)

I hate to burst our bubble but we are not good people. No one is (not even Billy Graham, the Pope, Mother Teresa or anyone else you might want to put on the ‘good people’ list). The people of Israel thought they had arrived too. God had come to their rescue and brought them out of the bondage of Egypt. They were his chosen people. Nevertheless they sinned.

God has come to our rescue too. Jesus has pulled us out of sin. But we need to be careful that we don’t fall back into it. The trouble with a pig is that you can give it a bath but it goes right back into the mud. Believe it or not we will do the very same thing without God’s help. Fortunately for us the Lord is always there to show us how to escape the lure of sin. I want to always be on the look out for God’s ‘EXIT’ sign. Only God can keep me out of sin. What do you think?

REACHING ‘GOOD PEOPLE’

I happened to be listening to Glenn Beck in the truck this morning. I only listen occasionally and can hardly be considered a fan. When I first heard Beck my ears perked up when he made referred to Jesus, reading the Bible and praying. I wondered, “Is this guy a Christian?” I soon learned that Beck is a Mormon. I’ve known some who have completely turned him off when they learned that, but I still listen from time to time when I’m driving somewhere during his show.

I wonder, how do you reach a religious guy like Glenn Beck with the truth about who Jesus is? I mean here’s a guy that was an alcoholic and had a drug addiction on top of that, who has found religion and cleaned up his life. He’ not the same guy he used to be (and he’s not ashamed to talk about it). Most people, liberal and conservative, would probably say that now he’s a ‘good person’ (a little crazy maybe too).

I will probably never have the opportunity to meet Mr. Beck but there are people just like him who are still just as lost. They too are ‘good people’ and may attribute the change in their lives to a religious experience. Yet if a person has not acknowledged Jesus Christ as savior and Lord then they are still lost and on their way to hell regardless of how good they might be. What can we do to help people like that?

• [19] Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: [20] religious, nonreligious, [21] meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, [22] the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life.
  1 Corinthians 9:19-22 (MsgB)

According to Paul the most effective way to bring people to Jesus is to enter their world as a servant. In other words Paul would encourage us to build relational bridges into people’s lives, live an authentic Christian life, and be there when they have a need.

Can I be honest with you? I need to do better at this as most of my relationships are confined to family and the church while my neighbors are strangers. How about you are you limited to only having friends within a ‘holy huddle’ of church folks? What can we do to be more like Paul and become “all things to all men” in order to save some? What do you think?

KNOW IT ALLS

‘Know-it-all’ has an answer for every question and an opinion on everything. And the word of ‘Know-it-all’ is final. He or she is always right and you can’t say anything to change it. If ‘Know-it-all’ says, “The moon is made of green cheese” just smile and nod your head. Sometimes it’s better to just not say anything. Besides ‘Know-it-all’ will either try to convince you that you are wrong or will give you yet another monolog of their superior knowledge.

Sometimes ‘Know-it-all’ gets saved and finds him or herself sitting in church beside you. What then are we to do when ‘Know-it-all’ speaks up? Or dare I even say it; what are you and I to do if we happen to be 'Mr. or Ms. Know-it-all’? Let’s see if we can’t learn something new.

• [1] Now let's talk about food that has been sacrificed to idols. You think that everyone should agree with your perfect knowledge. While knowledge may make us feel important, it is love that really builds up the church. [2] Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much.
  1 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NLT)

Paul had to deal with some know it alls in the church at Corinth. The issue focused meat sacrificed to idols. ‘Know-it-all’ knew that an idol was nothing in comparison to God and that the meat was just mean, so let’s just eat up and enjoy. “Besides,” says ‘Know-it-all,’ “We have freedom as Christians that keeps us from being bound by pagan worship.”

I find it interesting that Paul didn’t just tell the Corinthians that ‘Know-it-all’ really was right. If you read what Paul says he actually agrees with ‘Know-it-all.’ However, while we have freedom as Christians, Paul points out that we also have a responsibility to each other. What is most important is that we have a love for one another and live our lives in such a way that will strengthen and build others up in their faith in Christ.

Paul didn’t say that knowledge wasn’t important, and that’s not what I’m saying either. We need to study God’s word and know not only what we believe but also why we believe it. However, what makes our church strong is not superior knowledge but an unfailing love that puts others first. It is love that helps ‘Know-it-all’ to know when to speak and when to just be quiet and serve others. What do you think?

Dear Abby

You remember “Dear Abby” Ann Landers don’t you? These syndicated advice columns were written by twin sisters Pauline and Esther Friedman. Every day they gave common sense advice to those who had shared their stories and questions with them. “Dear Abby” continues to be written by Pauline’s daughter Jeanne Phillips and is read by more people than any other newspaper column in the world.

You’ve got questions you would like answers to don’t you. Everyday we face problems that need fixing in one way or another. It might be at home, work, school or anywhere in between. I once tried writing an ask the pastor column in the local paper called “Word on the Street.” Like the Friedman sisters it was set up in a questions/answer format. While all the questions were real to life with biblical answers, they were just my invention because no one ever wrote to ask about their issues. “Dear Abby” your job is safe.

The apostle Paul got some questions from the church in Corinth that he gave godly counsel to in response. Some of the questions we might think would be better talked about by the likes of “Dear Abby” than a preacher like Paul. I can imagine their question being something like this:

Dear Paul, I miss going to visit the temple prostitutes to honor the goddess Venus. I know she isn’t really a god but we sure had fun up on the hill. What’s a guy or a girl to do?

Alright their question may not have been quite like that, but take a look at Paul’s answer. He tells it to us straight.

• [2] . . . It's good for a man to have a wife, and for a woman to have a husband. Sexual drives are strong, but marriage is strong enough to contain them and provide for a balanced and fulfilling sexual life in a world of sexual disorder. [3] The marriage bed must be a place of mutuality—the husband seeking to satisfy his wife, the wife seeking to satisfy her husband. [4] Marriage is not a place to "stand up for your rights." Marriage is a decision to serve the other, whether in bed or out.
  1 Corinthians 7:2-4 (MsgB)

So do you think your ‘problems’ are too personal for the Bible to offer any answers? Is there anything more personal than sex? Don’t just look to “Dear Abby” or common sense for advice. Look to God’s word for answers and direction in all areas of life. Who knows, you might even want to ask the pastor! What do you think?

FASHION SHOWS AND POPULARITY CONTEST

The General Council of the Assemblies of God will be electing a new General Superintendent in two weeks. The process is simple enough. All ordained ministers in the AG are eligible to be considered as there is not a nominating committee. Therefore all the delegates at Council cast a nominating ballot. After that ballot only those nominated may be considered for election. If someone receives two-thirds of the votes on the nominating ballot they are declared elected. If no one is elected the first elective ballot follows from those nominated. Once the votes have been counted we will consider only the top 15 candidates on the second ballot and then only the top 3 until someone receives the necessary two-thirds.

Our prayer is that the election does not just end up being a popularity contest among those with name recognition. It’s one thing to know someone’s name and another to know the person. Nevertheless Paul warns us about how we judge one another as servants of Christ.

• So don't get ahead of the Master and jump to conclusions with your judgments before all the evidence is in. When he comes, he will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of—inner motives and purposes and prayers. Only then will any one of us get to hear the "Well done!" of God.
  1 Corinthians 4:5 (MsgB)

The Corinthian church was debating who the super-apostles were. Paul, Apollos and Cephas were the top three vote getters. Paul put a stop to the popularity contest. He reminded the Corinthians and us as well that God has set a day of judgment. The Lord knows the hearts of His servants and will make our motives known. Those filled with pride and self-achievement will be exposed. Those who humbly serve the Master will be rewarded.

Let’s not make the mistake of thinking one minister is better than another, or for that matter one Christian over another. We are all just servants.

Yes there is a place to judge one another in regard to sin (see 1 Corinthians 5:12-13), but judgment is not about choosing favorites. We are all equal before God. What do you think?

BABY BABIES

We recently brought a new baby into our family . . . a baby Dachshund that is. Oscar is as cute as ever and of course wants to bite everything. This includes Lucy our twelve year old Dachshund. Lucy has been her good natured self and plays along with Oscar from time to time, but with a stern bark Lucy will also let the puppy know when to quit nipping at her heals.

I happened to think, what if Lucy were still like Oscar? What if she were a ball of none stop energy, chewing everything, getting under foot, leaving puppy surprises everywhere (only bigger), cried all night and woke me up early each morning? Lucy would have been in the dog house years ago! You accept puppy behavior from a puppy.

Like Lucy’s bark at Oscar, Paul had to direct some stern words to the Corinthian church.

• Brothers and sisters, I couldn't talk to you as spiritual people but as people still influenced by your corrupt nature. You were infants in your faith in Christ.
  1 Corinthians 3:1 (GW)

The believers in Corinth were still acting like babies. They were immature in their faith and not fully developed spiritually. Paul said they were still influenced by their “corrupt nature.” The word Paul used was “sarkikos” an adjective form of the Greek word for flesh. Literally Paul was telling the Corinthians that they were still motivated by carnal or fleshly desires. In other words they were still self-centered.

Paul pointed out one of their “baby messes.” He said they were jealous and quarrelling with each other (see verse 3). This was not the kind of behavior you expect from those who have grown up. Enough was enough. It was time for them to begin to act like the people that they were. As believers they were “God’s temple” and the Holy Spirit lived in them (see verse 16). It was time to stop living for their own desires and start letting God’s desires be what motivated them.

Do you know anyone who still only thinks of themselves? How much influence do our desires have in our day to day lives? Have we made God’s desires our desires? Are we still acting like infants in our faith? It’s one thing to baby babies, but its time that some Christians grew up. Let’s go look in the mirror. Are you or I one of them that needs to stop being so self-centered living only for our fleshly desires? What do you think?

THE SECRET

“Shhh! It’s a secret.” We like to be in on knowing a secret. What we know is not to be openly shared with just anyone. You can pass your secret on to some people, but others can’t be told because they just don’t know how to keep a secret. And of course some people should not be told about a secret because it concerns them.

Do you remember how you felt the last time you had a secret that wasn’t a secret anymore? Someone let the secret out of the bag and now the surprise is ruined, or worse someone has been hurt by hearing the secret from the wrong person.

We recently involved everyone at the church in the secret gift for Pastor George and his family. The excitement was building as the big day approached. Unfortunately when the day came a couple of little voices blurted out, “We’ve got a surprise for you today!” Ahhh! You’re not supposed to tell someone about their surprise—that’s part of the secret!

So can I let you in on a secret? It’s God’s secret wisdom.

• God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don't find it lying around on the surface. It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest—what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene.
  1 Corinthians 2:7 (MsgB)

God’s secret was His plan of salvation for all people. It was God’s idea right from the very beginning, so it’s not anything new. Salvation was the secret in God’s heart from day one. God did not want sin to separate us from Him, so in His love He planned for His only Son, Jesus, to die in our place. Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins makes it possible for us to be forgiven, to be friends of God.

God kept His secret well. Oh He dropped some hints about what His plan was through the prophets, but no one fully understood exactly what God had in mind. Paul goes on to say that if the rulers of this world had known what God was going to do they would never have nailed Jesus to the cross. They had no idea the cross was part of God’s plan (see verse 8).

Now the secret is out. When Jesus rose from the dead God’s secret of salvation was revealed. Surprise! Now, what will you do with God’s secret? Will you keep it to yourself, or will you tell somebody about it? What do you think?

Hold onto the towel!

From time to time we all feel discouraged. We feel like throwing in the towel and just giving up. What’s the use of persevering?

Perhaps you are feeling that way even today. Maybe you want to give up on your marriage. Perhaps your adult children have turned away from God, or you have a teenager in the midst of rebellion. Maybe you find yourself at a financial dead end. Or it could be that the doctors have not given you a favorable report. You want to escape but none can be found.

In the midst of all our trials and the shortcomings of life we sometimes even want to give up on God. Why are these things happening to us? Does God even care? We withdraw from going to church; we stop praying and reading our Bibles. It seems that hope is lost, and our faith is fading fast.

What should we do in moments like these? How should we respond to the speed bumps of life that stop us cold? With only a mustard seed of faith, look to God.

• [8] He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
  1 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NIV)

The Lord will strengthen those who are weak, so don’t try to make it in your own strength. But that’s not all! God will also keep you from sin. We can know that with God’s help we will one day stand before the Lord blameless and pure. Though we feel like giving up, God never will. The Lord is faithful.

Stop and reflect on the goodness of the Lord. Don’t dwell on the negative thoughts that so easily fill your mind. Push them aside and choose to remember what God has done for you. As you do let praise begin to fill your heart and overflow. Even if you don’t feel like it begin to praise the Lord and give Him thanks that He is faithful to the very end. God will never give up on you.

• To all who mourn . . . [or just feel like giving up], he will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair.
  Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

So you don’t feel like praising the Lord. Act on faith and let the Lord fill your mouth. He will keep you strong to the very end and help you overcome. Hold onto the towel. As a matter of fact wave it as a victor's flag with the sound of praise. What do you think?

Looking Deeper

What happens to a person when they become a Christian by faith in Christ? As believers, you and I would all give testimony of a changed life, but what exactly happened when we were saved? How should this change be described?

Talking to Nicodemus, Jesus referred to a necessary transformation that would have to occur in order to inherit the kingdom of God. Jesus said the believer must be “born again” or literally born from above. Nicodemus wondered how this new birth would take place. A grown man could not re-enter his mother’s womb to be born again. Jesus answered Nicodemus’ question by saying a person must be born of “water and the Spirit” (John 3:5). Jesus added:

• Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
  John 3:6 (NIV)

What does Jesus mean here by flesh? The context would indicate that Jesus is referring to the human body; in other words, through natural childbirth human always gives birth to human. But is it possible that Jesus has more in mind than just the human body? Could it be that Jesus wants us to understand that the human nature gives birth to itself; in other words it is impossible for us to be born again through human effort or strength. Only the Spirit can bring about the new birth that Jesus is talking about.

Jesus’ statement that an individual must be born of “water and the Spirit” is curious. As a religious leader Nicodemus would have most likely been familiar with Ezekiel 36:25-26 which speaks of the cleansing of the Spirit and the renewal of life that God will bring to those whose hope is in Him. “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (NIV).

If by water Jesus means natural birth then He has perhaps overstated the obvious. A person must be born, that is a living human being in order to then be born again of the Spirit. But if Jesus has in mind the cleansing of the human nature by the Spirit through the rebirth, then it seems likely that flesh could refer to the human nature and not simply the body. What do you think?

The Flesh

Ponder this: “there are different kinds of flesh.” This is my understatement of the day. I’ve spent the better part of the day studying what the word “flesh” or as the in the Greek “sarx” means. I’m tempted to say, “It’s all Greek to me” (I guess I said it didn’t’ I).

Paul said, “All flesh is not the same: Men have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another” (1 Corinthians 15:39 NIV). The meaning of flesh here is obvious; it is the body or tissue of a living creature. Yet all “sarx” is not the same!

In the New Testament (and especially in Paul’s epistles) flesh or “sarx” is defined four different ways: [1] bodily flesh or tissue, [2] human decent or relationship, [3] mankind or the human race, and [4] human nature. It’s that last meaning that is hard to get a handle on (well at least for me). In many modern translations “sarx” is translated as sinful nature (that’s what gives me a problem that I’m trying to figure out).

The flesh as human nature can be thought of in three ways: [1] weak human nature, [2] the human nature of Christ, and [3] unregenerate humanity. Just where does flesh as “sinful nature” in so many of our English Bibles fit in? Obviously it would not apply to the human nature of Christ. Jesus took on the “likeness of sinful flesh” but was free from sin (Romans 8:3 KJV).

But how might “sinful nature” apply to the flesh that is unregenerate humanity or the flesh that is the weak human nature? I can accept that a non-Christian the unregenerate has a sinful nature, but does the believer still have a “sinful nature” or is it just the weakness of the flesh? Think about this:

• [16] So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view [“sarx”-the flesh]. Though we once regarded Christ in this way [“sarx”-the flesh again], we do so no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
  2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (NIV)

Paul had a transformation in his way of thinking about people, and especially about how he thought about Jesus. Why? In Christ he became a new creation; the old way of thinking according to the flesh was gone and a new way of thinking (by the Spirit) had taken its place. Being in Christ dramatically changed the way Paul thought, but did it also change his flesh? That is did Paul cease to have a “sinful nature” because of his relationship with Christ? How had Paul’s conversion (and in turn our own) changed him because he no longer lived according to the flesh but by the Spirit (see Romans 8:4-5)?

I want to invite you to take a journey and ponder with me this week about the change that has taken place within our lives. Has our sinful nature been done away with or is it still there trying to regain control of our lives? Together let’s try to unravel what it means to live in a body of flesh and blood, no longer controlled by the flesh but by the Spirit. What do you think?

Injustice

A Christian named Lorenzo Lopez (20) was killed by local tribal people in the region of San Juan Chamula, Chiapas state on June 11. Surrounded by approximately thirty local people who suspected them of being evangelists beat Lorenzo and his companions Juan Lopez and Juan Diaz Mendez who were able to escape but Lorenzo was captured, tortured, stoned and hanged.

Government authorities demolished a church belonging to the "Orang Asli" tribe of indigenous Christians in Kuala Lumpur, on June 8. The authorities claimed that the church was built without state permission.[1]

INJUSTICE. Just the sound of the word makes us cringe. Few of us have experienced the injustice and persecution described by The Voice of the Martyrs. When we hear of the inequality experience by others, regardless of how big or small, we wish there was something we could do to make things right.

• [50] Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, [51] who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God.
  Luke 23:50-51 (NIV)

I find the description made about Joseph of Arimathea interesting. Both Luke and Mark make the same point about him; Joseph, a member of the Council, was “waiting for the kingdom of God.”

Like other Jews Joseph was looking for the coming of God’s promised Messiah. The anger of the other religious leaders toward Jesus, the attempts to trap Jesus in the things He would say, the false witnesses who lied, the stirring up of crowd to ask for Barabbas to be set free and Jesus crucified, watching Jesus die. Could it be that when Joseph saw the injustice poured out on Jesus he finally had seen enough?

Is it possible that in that moment he connected the dots and thought they had just murdered the Messiah? The least they could do now was to give Jesus a proper burial. For Joseph to take Jesus dead body from the cross would make him unclean and unable to participate in the celebrations of this Passover Sabbath. A small price to pay for the injustice he witnessed. What do you think?

[1] The Voice of the Martyrs, Persecution and Prayer Alert; June20, 2007. http://www.persecution.net/

Anticipating a King

“So do you want to watch me pull a rabbit out of this hat?”

I’ve always been fascinated by the magician. The tricks of a good illusionist sometimes befuddle my mind. I know that what I saw isn’t what really happened; if I knew the secret then I would see what really happens. Yes, the hand really is quicker than the eye.

Jesus was not a magician; He was a miracle worker. Jesus did not create an illusion. Jesus changed reality. The blind could suddenly see, the deaf could hear, the lame could walk. Jesus even raised the dead! But Jesus’ wonders were not limited to just curing the sick. Jesus defied the laws of nature. He walked on water, calmed the sea, and even fed thousands from a little boy’s lunch. Was there anything Jesus could not do?

Jesus was going to Jerusalem and stopped in Jericho at the home of Zacchaeus. The anticipation of the crowd was intense. What would Jesus do when He got to Jerusalem? Surely now was the time for Jesus to establish the Kingdom.

• [11] While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. [12] He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return.”
  Luke 19:11-12 (NIV)

Now stop and read what Jesus said again with the anticipation that Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem where He will cause the Kingdom to be miraculously established. The last thing you would expect Jesus to say is that a nobleman had to travel to a distant country to be made king. Jesus doesn’t need to go to Rome or any other distant place to become Israel’s king. This will all happen in Jerusalem right?

Things certainly did not turn out like the people, and even the disciples expected them to in Jerusalem. Instead of the miraculous appearance of the Kingdom Jesus was betrayed, falsely convicted and crucified.

But we know the story doesn’t end there. Jesus was raised from the dead and after 40 days of being with His disciples Jesus ascended into heaven. I think heaven would qualify as “a distant country.” Peter would later tell the crowd gathered in Jerusalem that “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:26).

Jesus has been exalted as King of kings and Lord of lords. He is seated upon His throne in heaven. But one day, just as Jesus said, He will return. What do you think?

Where is the Kingdom?

Have you ever felt like the husband who can’t find his car keys and his wife tells them that they are hanging from the end of his nose? Sometimes we overlook the obvious. If it’s just missing car keys, eyeglasses, your wallet or other such things it’s an inconvenience, but you find it eventually and life goes on. But what if you overlook something that’s right in front of you, but it’s a matter of life and death? Now that’s a completely different story.

• [20] Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, [21] nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."
  Luke 17:20-21 (NIV)

Talk about misplacing your eyeglasses that are right on top of your head! The Pharisees were looking for the Kingdom of God, but they couldn’t see it. Jesus, God’s anointed One, the Messiah who ushered in the Kingdom was standing right in front of them and they didn’t recognize Him or His Kingdom.

What is Jesus telling the Pharisees? He said the Kingdom was already “within you.” What exactly does that mean? First, the Pharisees are looking in the wrong direction. They are looking for a physical kingdom, but the Kingdom of God is spiritual. The Kingdom is not found by looking around you but within your heart. Second, the Pharisees mistakenly believed that they were subjects or citizens of the Kingdom of God, but Jesus wanted them to see that their hearts were actually rebelling against God. If they had truly submitted to God’s reign in their lives then they would have recognized Jesus for who He is as the Christ.

An alternate translation of this verse says, “the kingdom of God is among you.” This would shift the focus to what the Pharisees could see around them. The Pharisees were blind to Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, thus they also could not see the citizens of God’s Kingdom who had put their faith in Jesus. Because Jesus didn’t fit their expectations they dismissed the miracles of the Kingdom that Jesus did as works of the devil. Anyone could see that Jesus was a fraud because according to the Pharisees the Kingdom of God that Jesus announced had not come like they knew it would.

Could it be that Jesus was telling the Pharisees both? The Kingdom is within you, but you are in rebellion to it. And the Kingdom is among you, but you are blind to what God is doing in and through the lives of those who believe.

How about you? Are you aware of God’s Kingdom? Has it made a change within you that will be seen by others among you? What do you think?

Fresh Bread

Most of Susie’s kitchen gadgets stay in the cupboard, but not this one. Sometime ago we got her a bread machine. This simplified bread making for her. For a busy mom with five children (one just a baby and two schooling at home with mom as their teacher) that bread machine was a blessing. Nearly everyday our family enjoyed the smell of fresh baked bread. It made the house warm and inviting.

• [18] Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? [19] It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches."
  [20] Again he asked, "What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? [21] It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."
  Luke 13:18-21 (NIV)

Jesus had a way of taking the simple everyday things that were a part of everyday life and filling them with new meaning. Jesus made you stop and think about things that could easily be overlooked and taken for granted. So why would Jesus liken the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed and yeast?

The expectation of the Jews was that the Kingdom of God would be established with a great victory over their enemies as God’s Messiah would take his rightful place upon the throne of Israel. Jesus brought the Kingdom in an unexpected way. It started out small. The secrets of the Kingdom were revealed to only a few; most people didn’t understand what Jesus meant. But from this small beginning the Kingdom of God has continued to grow.

I see something else about the Kingdom of God within the mustard seed and the yeast that Jesus might even liken to our bread machine. Surprising I know, but maybe that will help you understand how the people felt when Jesus first told these short parables. They would scratch their heads and wonder what Jesus was talking about. I’m tempted to leave you wondering, but I won’t.

Our bread machine would draw our family together. When the kids were little we would all gather around it to peak through the little window to see how the bread was made. Even today we’ll share time together reminiscing as the smell of fresh baked bread fills our house.

The Kingdom of God draws people together in Christ. Like the birds that make their home in the branches of the mustard tree, or the aroma of fresh bread that calls the family to the dinner table, the Kingdom of God invites people to be included. What do you think?

Free Puppies!

I’ve had many occasions to tell my kids, “There is no such thing as a free puppy.” Granted the person with the puppy isn’t asking for anything; they will gladly give the puppy away. However, once the puppy is yours you start paying for it. You’ve got to feed it, take it to the vet, get a dog license, and let’s not forget the damage a puppy can do chewing things you wish it wouldn’t or making other ‘messes.’ No, the free puppy will cost you more than you can imagine because you will keep on paying as long as it is yours.

I imagine that if you were to offer to pay for the ‘free puppy’ the owner would gladly accept whatever you might offer. After all they are giving the puppy away because it has already cost them something and they want to stop paying for it.

God has a gift that He will give to anyone who is ready to receive it. Like that puppy God’s gift will cost us something too (see “Counting the Cost”). But unlike the owner of the puppy, God will not accept payment for his gift. The kingdom must be received as a gift; you can’t buy it.

• [31] But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. [32] Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
  Luke 12:31-32 (NIV)

Jesus’ emphasis here is that we have nothing to worry about because we have been given the Kingdom. Jesus wants us to think like Kingdom people. God will meet our every need. Furthermore real treasure is not found in the things the world values but in giving worldly treasure away.

• [33] Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
  Luke 12:33-34 (NIV)

Having accepted my share of free puppies I’ve learned something else; a puppy will also give you a lifetime of joyful experiences that money cannot buy. The Kingdom of God is a gift that is far greater than that puppy. Like the puppy it is a gift that will cost you something. But with the Kingdom you receive more than a lifetime of joy; Kingdom joy will overflow with more than you can contain. Regardless of your circumstances and no matter how great the cost may seem to be, as you seek the Kingdom, God also enables you to pay the price. It’s true; God’s Kingdom is a gift that keeps on giving.

Count the Cost

Where did we get the idea that salvation is free? We know that Jesus paid the price for the forgiveness of our sins through His death on the cross. We can do nothing to earn salvation, nor can we buy it for ourselves; it is the gift of God.

Through our faith in Jesus Christ we are saved, but salvation is more than the gift of forgiveness of our sin and eternal life. Salvation also makes us children of God and heirs with Christ. In addition to all this we are also included as citizens of the Kingdom of God. Does all this really come to us with no cost? Or is there a price that we must be willing to pay if we are to enjoy all the benefits of God’s gift of salvation?

• [57] As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."
  [58] Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
  [59] He said to another man, "Follow me."
  But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
  [60] Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
  [61] Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family."
  [62] Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
  Luke 9:57-62 (NIV)

Three times Jesus rebukes those who want to follow Him but want to do it on their own terms. It seems that in each case there is a common thread to what Jesus tells these would be followers. COUNT THE COST. Each were welcomed to remain with Jesus and follow Him, but they had to first understand that following Jesus the Messiah and being included in the Kingdom of God would make demands upon them that they must consider.

Jesus is our Savior, but that’s not all. He is also our Lord who rules over His Kingdom. Are we willing to follow Him regardless of the cost? Will we lay down that which is most important to us in order to make Jesus Savior and Lord? Have we cheapened the value of our salvation by saying it is free? What do you think?

Why Did Jesus Come?

Luke gives us considerable background into the early life of Jesus. The account of Jesus’ birth and childhood serve two primary functions. First Luke wants to establish from the beginning Jesus identity as the Son of God; Jesus is no ordinary man. Second Luke also wants to show that Jesus is qualified as the Son of David to be the promised Messiah.

Why did Jesus come? What was His reason for being or stated purpose for His life? I suppose you might find a variety of answers depending upon who you asked and where you look. Some might be quick to point out that the purpose of Jesus life was to die for our sins; even Jesus said He came to “give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Others might say that Jesus came to “seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). Still others might point to Jesus as the miracle worker (see John 10:25; 14:11), or that Jesus came to do the will of the Father (see John 6:57; 12:49; 20:21).

None of these responses would be wrong. Of these the reason that I think stands out as uniting them all would be that Jesus came to do the will of the Father. However, Jesus does not directly say that He came with the express purpose of doing the will of the Father, and even if He had then it would still beg the question, “What is the will of the Father?” Has Jesus said anything else that might give us an explanation why He came that would also unite these various reasons into a more concise statement of purpose that defines the Father’s will?

• "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent."
  Luke 4:43 (NIV)

Could this be the Father’s will for Jesus? Is the primary reason Jesus came to make known the good news of the Kingdom of God? The good news is that God’s kingdom has come. The announcement of this message is more important than doing miracles; these are just evidence that the kingdom has indeed come. Jesus seeks the lost that they might be included in God’s Kingdom; He died on the cross to make it possible for us to be accepted into the Kingdom. Everything Jesus said and did seems to revolve around the announcement of the good news about God’s Kingdom.

If this was Jesus’ purpose then as His followers shouldn’t it also be our primary purpose too? What do you think?

High Expectations

Have you ever had someone expect something of you that you could not do for them? It’s not that you wouldn’t want to; it’s just that their expectations are too high. John the Baptist found himself in just such a situation.

• [15] The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. [16] John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. [17] His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
  Luke 3:15-17 (NIV)

The people were eagerly looking for “the Christ” or in the Hebrew “the Messiah.” Literally they were anticipating God’s anointed one, the person God had consecrated to save Israel; in other words, they were looking for a powerful king to establish a new and better kingdom. John spoke as a prophet with the power of the Holy Spirit; this is what made him different from everyone else and why the people wondered if John might be the Christ.

John knew that he could not deliver what the people were hoping for in him. Instead John pointed them to someone else, someone far greater than he was. While John told them to look for someone else to be the Christ, he did not change their expectation of what the Christ would be and do for them.

What did John and the people think it meant for the Christ to baptize with “the Holy Spirit and fire” or to hold his winnowing fork in his hand to clear the threshing floor? Was this not just a picture of the judgment the Christ would bring as he would bring his people into his kingdom and destroy his enemies with “unquenchable fire?”

Jesus redefined what it meant to be God’s Christ or Messiah. We read into what John said using Jesus’ definition, but could it be that not even John fully knew what the one whose sandals he was unworthy to untie would be like? Is it possible that even John had the same mistaken expectations for the coming Messiah to establish a new and powerful kingdom in Israel?

What about you and me? Is it possible that we have some wrong expectations about Jesus? We know that Jesus was a suffering Messiah, that He died a cruel death so we can be forgiven and set free from the power of sin and death. We know that Jesus is the Son of God and that nothing is impossible for Him. But are we holding onto some expectations like John and the people of Israel that are misplaced? Are we thinking too small, too much of the here and now? How might Jesus need to redefine our understanding of Him as our Messiah? What do you think?

See for yourself

Someone said, “Seeing is believing.” Let’s not be naive though, a lot of what we see today is unbelievable. The reason so much of what we see is far-fetched and unlikely to be true is because it has been manufactured. Anyone with a digital camera and a computer can doctor photographs. Like a magician's illusion much of the “news” we see is manufactured to make things appear to be a certain way. The ‘green screen’ makes what you see at the theater questionable. We have a right to be skeptical and question what we see.

A few years ago I saw my dad laying in the ER sicker than I had ever known him to be. The doctor called us into a meeting room to discuss what measures we wanted them to take to save his life; we all agreed that dad would not want to be put on any extended life support systems. We later learned that the doctors had “white flagged” my dad. That means they had surrendered; they had done everything they knew to do and expected him to die soon. Seeing is believing. I watched dad walk out of the hospital two days later. He can still be seen living life to its fullest today.

The word of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead was beginning to spread among His followers. But they didn’t rejoice at the news. They were all skeptical just like doubting Thomas.

• Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
  Mark 16:14 (NIV)

I can just imagine what Jesus might have said to the disciples. “Look guys it’s me; I’m alive. How many times did I tell you that I would die and then be raised again on the third day. If you couldn’t believe those who had seen me then couldn’t you at least count the days and believe what I had told you? Now see for yourselves; this is the third day and here I am!”

It’s surprising that Jesus’ disciples were the most difficult to persuade that He was alive again. Jesus’ enemies understood that Jesus said he would rise again, but not His followers. The fact that a bunch of skeptical and fearful disciples would later stand up and preach Christ crucified and risen from the dead is convincing evidence that the Gospel is true. What do you think?

CAN DO

September 11, 2001, a day that America seemed powerless to do anything to prevent the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and in Washington DC. Powerless that is except for the 37 passengers on board United 93. None of the passengers seemed to have stopped to think about what they couldn’t do. Could they fly the plane and land it safely? Could they save the lives of the crew who had been overtaken by the hijackers? Could they stop the hijackers from killing them in their attempt to overpower them? Instead they focused on what they could do. “Let’s roll” was heard as the passengers did what they could to regain control of the plane. To stop the passenger revolt the hijackers crashed United 93 into a field in rural Pennsylvania just 20 minutes flight time from their target in Washington DC. The passengers did what they could.

Have you ever notice how easy it is to focus on what we cannot do? When we think about what we cannot do we lose sight of what we can do.

• [40] Some women were there, watching from a distance, including Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joseph), and Salome. [41] They had been followers of Jesus and had cared for him while he was in Galilee. Then they and many other women had come with him to Jerusalem . . . [47] Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus' body was laid.
  Mark 15:40-41, 47 (NLT)

These women were powerless to do anything to save Jesus life. When you think about it there was a lot they could not do. They could not defend Jesus before the Sanhedrin. They could not plead with Pilate for mercy. They could not raise their voices over the crowd. They could not prevent the Roman soldiers from carrying out the crucifixion. They could not go to Pilate and ask for Jesus’ dead body.

But these women did what they could do. They remained near the cross as Jesus died while the disciples fled in fear. They were with Joseph of Arimathea as Jesus’ body was taken down from the cross and they went with him to the tomb. They prepared spices for Jesus body and went to the tomb before dawn on Sunday morning. Because they did what they could instead of focusing on what they couldn’t, they were blessed to be the first to hear the news of Jesus’ resurrection.

What are you facing today that is greater than you are? What has Jesus asked you to do for Him that you haven’t done yet? Don’t focus on what you cannot do; look instead at what you can do. Christ will not bless good intentions, but He will empower our efforts as we take simple steps of faith to just do what we can. What do you think?

The in between time passes quickly. . .

How quickly the time passes from one celebration to the next. It seems like just yesterday that Susie and I were married. We were a couple of young kids in love. Now with five babies in their teens and growing into adults we are getting ready for our next big celebration: our 25th wedding anniversary.

Before Jesus was crucified He enjoyed the annual celebration of Passover with the disciples. When Jesus came to the bread He told the disciples that it represented His body. The cup of wine was His blood. It is from the Passover Seder that we take the bread and the cup for communion to remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. With the cup Jesus told His disciples one more thing; lets take a moment and ponder it.

• "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."
  Mark 14:25 (NIV)

This is Jesus’ last statement in Mark’s gospel about the Kingdom of God. His first words announced that the Kingdom was near. Through out Mark’s gospel Jesus gave many convincing proofs that God’s Kingdom had in fact come through Him: the blind could see, the deaf hear, the lame could walk, lepers were cleansed, and even the dead were raised. God’s Kingdom had come, but Jesus said He would wait to celebrate the Kingdom when He comes again.

We live in days between the coming of the Kingdom and the return of the King. You might say we are living in a time when the Kingdom is already and not yet. We enjoy the benefits of God’s Kingdom now, but we also live in anticipation of our coming King when He will do away with everything that is a part of this evil age.

Susie and I have had a lot to celebrate over the last 25 years, and we have also had our share of trials and hardships. Yet when it is all said and done the good far out weighs the bad; I guess that’s why we look with anticipation to celebrating our anniversary while wondering how quickly the time has past us by.

I think that’s a lot like Jesus anticipation of His return. Yes, we live in the in between time—the Kingdom already and not yet—but how quickly the time has past since Jesus said He would not drink again of the fruit of the vine and the coming Day of His return when we will drink together with our Lord and celebrate His return. It won’t be long; the celebration is about to begin. The time between celebrations really isn’t that long. What do you think?

“Let the reader understand.”

Leaving the temple area Jesus told His disciples that the day would come when not one stone would remain on another; the temple’s destruction would be complete. When they were on the Mount of Olives, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked Jesus privately when these things would all happen. Jesus gave them more than they were asking for telling them the signs of the end of the age as the Son of Man would come in glory and power. Here’s a sign that we are actually told to take time to ponder, to think about it so we can understand what we are looking for.

• "When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation' standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
  Mark 13:14 (NIV)

“The abomination that causes desolation” refers to the desecration of God’s temple. Jesus’ disciples would have known what to look for. In 597 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar looted the temple when he took the Jews into captivity in Babylon. Later Antiochus Epiphanes sacrificed a pig to Zeus on the sacred temple altar in 168 B.C.

Unfortunately for us the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed just like Jesus said it would be in 70 A.D. At that time the Roman general Titus placed an idol on the site of the burned-out temple. I’m sure that Jesus’ disciples would have seen this as the ultimate “abomination,” but the end did not come. Today if we were to see such an abomination the temple in Jerusalem would have to be rebuilt.

“Let the reader understand.” Is the desecration of a literal temple in Jerusalem the sign we are supposed to be watching for, or could it be that we are looking for the wrong thing? The New Testament makes it clear that God does not dwell in temples made of stone. God’s temple, and His chosen dwelling place, is within the hearts of believers. “Don’t you know that you are the temple of the Holy Spirit?” (See 1 Corinthians 6:19)

Could it be that the sign Jesus wants us to look for looks back at us in the mirror and lives all around us everyday? Do you think that Jesus wants us to examine our hearts to see if we have allowed other things to take His place within His temple? Is the abomination that causes desolation taking place right before our eyes in America as so called Christians forsake the truth about Jesus for the pleasures of this world? Think about it.

More than a son

Jesus had been questioned by the religious leaders. Now Jesus turned the tables on them and asked them a question.

• [35] While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, "How is it that the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the son of David? [36] David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared:
  'The Lord said to my Lord:
  "Sit at my right hand
  until I put your enemies
  under your feet." '
  [37] David himself calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?"
  Mark 12:35-37 (NIV)

Jesus used one of the very passages that the religious leaders used to define what they thought about the coming Messiah and gave a completely different understanding to it that no one had thought of. The Jews expectation for the Messiah centered on these two thoughts: [1] the Messiah would be a son of David, a rightful heir to the throne, and [2] the Messiah would be given complete victory over his enemies, his rule as king would be secure.

Jesus changed the focus from a victorious king to the identity of the Messiah, not as David’s son, but as David’s Lord. Jesus attributes what David said not to his own thoughts or imagination, but to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Exactly what David believed is interesting to think about. David used different Hebrew words for lord in Psalm 110:1; “The LORD [Jehovah, self-existent, eternal] said to my Lord [aw-done’, lord, master, sovereign].” Yet Jesus used the familiar Greek Septuagint translation that used the same word “kurios” for Lord. Again what David and those living in his day understood by this, I’ll leave to the Old Testament theologian. What is clear is that Jesus challenges the thinking of those listening to Him.

No one could argue with the simple logic Jesus used to show that the Messiah must be more than just the son of David. Matthew adds that not only could no one argue with what Jesus said, but from then on no one dared to ask Jesus any more questions (see 22:46).

Jesus, the Messiah, was and is more than just David’s Son. Jesus is superior to David for He is God of very God. What do you think?

The Fourth of July

I enjoy summer! The warm weather, family picnics, vacations, baseball games, the list of things to enjoy can go on and on. One of my favorite activities of the summer is just around the corner. The Forth of July with its family fun, fireworks and is a great celebration of our freedom. But could you imagine having such a festive holiday if we as Americans were still under the authority of England and the British king?

That’s kind of what happened when Jesus entered into Jerusalem on what we traditionally call Palm Sunday. The people made it into a big parade. Jesus was escorted into the city with palm branches waving; the palm was an ancient symbol of the Jewish nation. Can you picture a day like that in your mind?

• [9] Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna!"
  "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
  [10] "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!"
  "Hosanna in the highest!"
  Mark 11:9-10 (NIV)

Let’s face it these people were ready to make Jesus their king right under the noses of the hated Romans. “Hosanna” literally means “Save now.” This was not a request for Jesus to save them spiritually; they wanted Him to throw out the Romans and establish once again the great kingdom of Israel, the kingdom of their ancient King David. This was a political movement, not a religious celebration. It would be like a group of people marching down Main Street waving a confederate flag chanting, “The South will rise again” (or worse if they waved a Nazi flag and were yelling anti-American slogans).

If Jesus had come to establish an earthy kingdom this was the time to do it. The people were on His side; I believe there were people there ready to fight for their freedom from the Romans if Jesus would just give the word. Talk about facing temptation to fame and power; Jesus had the chance to be made king.

I’m glad Jesus remembered that He was already THE KING. Not a king over a piece of real estate regardless of how large it may be. Jesus was and is the King of Heaven. He had come not to establish an earthly kingdom, but the Kingdom of God among men. The only way this could be possible was for the King to die a terrible death. Everything was now in place; before the week was out the same crowd of people would call for Jesus to be crucified. Fickle huh? Funny how when things don’t turn out the way we want we look elsewhere.

Are you aware of His Kingdom and His authority over your life? Are you willing to submit to His rule even when things don’t turn out the way you like? The cry for salvation was answered in an unexpected way. What do you think?

Righteous Indignation’

We don’t often think of Jesus being angry. It seems that a ‘righteous indignation’ and Jesus just don’t seem to mix in our minds. Here’s one time that might just surprise you.

• [13] People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. [14] When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [15] I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
  Mark 10:13-15 (NIV)

Matthew and Luke both have the same story, but both skip over Jesus’ reaction to what the disciples did. Somehow we get the picture of Jesus just nicely saying, “Peter, John, hey guys please don’t forbid the children from coming to me. Let them come here and sit on my lap.” That’s more or less how I imagine the scene being played out; from my years growing up in Sunday school with the flannel board cut outs, my teachers never let on that Jesus was angry with anyone.

Yet Jesus was INDIGNANT—irate, irritated, very displeased. In a word Jesus was angry, but why?

It’s obvious that Jesus’ anger was directed at the disciples and not toward the children. Is Jesus simply upset at their refusal to let the kids get to Him? I think it’s more than that. I think Jesus anger is directed toward having the wrong assumption as to how you get to Jesus, to be more specific how you enter the kingdom of God.

Jesus said the way to enter the Kingdom was to become like one of these kids, to have childlike faith. Yet the disciples thought it took more than that. Surely you needed to have some clout or something you could offer as your ticket in. The evidence of the disciple’s attitude is found in what Mark says happen next. A rich man falls at Jesus’ feet and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. None of the disciples stopped this guy; they let him through.

I’m struck by Jesus’ response to this man. Mark says Jesus looked at him and loved him. Jesus is not angry that he thought he could earn his way into the Kingdom or did not come to Him with childlike faith. Jesus loved this guy.

I guess the surprising reality is where Jesus anger was directed here. It was not toward the children (and yet we can be so easily irritated towards kids sometimes). Nor was Jesus angry with someone who came to Him in the wrong way. Jesus anger was directed toward His followers who placed their own conditions and pre-conceived ideas on what it takes to gain acceptance by Jesus.

Are we ever deserving of Jesus anger? Do we ever show preference to some people because of what we think they can offer us or the church? Yet Jesus says everyone is welcomed with nothing more than childlike faith. What do you think?

Everything "Divinely Possible"

I received the following comment to yesterday’s pondering on expectations:

“I sometimes wonder if the disciples EVER REALLY got it that Jesus was God incarnate. It would be hard for their basic fisherman mentality to grasp this concept, when they are living, eating, sleeping and traveling with Jesus.”

You know what; I think it’s true. Even though Jesus did everything humanly possible to help them understand, I don’t think they began to get it until after the resurrection. Perhaps I should say “divinely possible;” take a look at this.

• [1] And he said to them, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."
  [2] After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. [3] His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them . . . [7] Then a cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."
  Mark 9:1-3, 7 (NIV)

Peter, James and John saw Jesus in all the glory of heaven on the mount of transfiguration as Jesus talked with Moses and Elijah. They heard the voice of the Father God say, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him,” but they just didn’t get it.

On the way down the mountain Jesus told these three disciples not to tell anyone about what they had just happened until after he had risen from the dead. God had just told them to listen to Jesus, but they didn’t really hear what God had said. They kept the matter to themselves, but secretly talked among themselves as to what it meant to rise from the dead.

God had also just told them that Jesus was His beloved Son; would anything be too hard for God? They had been witnesses when Jesus had miraculously raised others from the dead. Jesus had told the disciples that he would suffer and die. Couldn’t they just take Jesus at his word and believe that he really would die and then be raised back to life? Jesus was too human and their expectations of a victorious Messiah were just too big for them to even imagine that Jesus would have to really die. Yet that’s exactly what Jesus did, and He rose from the dead just like He said.

Now how will we respond the next time the Lord speaks to our hearts about something? Will we be quick to respond in faith and obedience? Or will we be like the disciples and wonder if it was really God who spoke to us. We have our own struggles taking Jesus at His word too. What do you think?

Expectations

Expectations are hard to overcome. As a mom Susie is very close to her kids; lots of hugs, kisses, cuddle time on the couch to talk and more are just some of the ways she and the kids express their love to each other. When we brought my sister’s kids into our home she had the expectation that Sam, Courtney and Jacob would all come to make the same kind of connection with her but that hasn’t happened. We are not sure of all the reasons why it’s this way, but the one thing we do know is that unmet expectations have led to disappointment.

Jesus has been with his disciples now for sometime. They have listened to him teach about the Kingdom of God and have witnessed the power of God in all kinds of miracles. As they were together Jesus asked them who people said that He was. They answered that others thought he might be John the Baptist, Elijah or other prophets. Then Jesus made it personal.

• [29] "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
  Peter answered, "You are the Christ."
  [30] Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
  [31] He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.
  Mark 8:29-31 (NIV)

We all know that Peter got this question right. In Matthew Jesus tells Peter that this was not revealed by man but by the Father in heaven. Yet Jesus warns Peter and the other disciples not to tell anyone that He is the Christ, the Messiah. Why?

I believe it was their expectations. The Jews, including Jesus’ disciples were all looking for the coming Messiah but their expectations were for the Messiah to be a conquering king and reestablish the kingdom within Israel. But Jesus immediately began teaching his disciples that he must suffer and die. This didn’t fit with their idea of the Messiah; no wonder they couldn’t understand what Jesus meant by rising again after three days.

While Jesus told the disciples many times that He would go to Jerusalem and die, when it happened they just couldn’t believe it. Their expectations of the Messiah were shattered; at the cross we know of only John being present. The others were all scattered. Three days latter they were still hiding for fear of the Jews and not anticipating the triumphal resurrection of Jesus.

Unmet expectations; is it any wonder Jesus did not want the disciples to begin to spread the news that He was in fact the Messiah. Jesus not only had to teach them what it meant to be the Messiah; He had to show them too. Only after the resurrection did the disciples begin to understand Jesus as a suffering Messiah who died to forgive their sins. That’s the message that they would soon begin to share everywhere they would go. What do you think?