Sunday, May 20, 2012    

Feeling Out of Focus

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

This week has been weird. I feel out of focus. It’s nothing specific, just one of those general feelings of discontent. I’m getting my work done so it’s not that I’m actually out of focus…I just feel out of focus.

I was hoping that writing about it would help, but so far no luck!

I did read something this morning in the book of Numbers (a book I was dreading, but am now finding that I am enjoying). It was about Moses…more specifically about how God defended Moses when Aaron and Miriam criticized Moses (how cool would that be? To have God Himself come to defend you personally?). Here’s what God said about Moses:

But not with my servant Moses. Of all my house, he is the one I trust. I speak to him face to face, clearly, and not in riddles! He sees the Lord as he is. So why were you not afraid to criticize my servant Moses? (Numbers 12:7-8, NLT)

Two things I notice here. First, God says He speaks to Moses clearly…with no riddles. I know a lot of people who wish that’s how God would speak (although I think He does and we just make it hard). Second, Moses “sees the Lord as He is”. I love that phrase. Moses saw God without any filters. He really saw God. I want that.

So I’m off to try and find some focus today…maybe I’ll learn to hear and see God more clearly in the process.

09.03.2011 Devotional, Misc Ramblings, New Pastor Journal, Spiritual Musings 1 Comment

Cursing Fig Trees

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011

During my Scripture reading this morning I read the following passage:

The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it. (Mark 11:12-14, NLT)

This particular scene has always disturbed me. Partly because I didn’t really understand what Jesus was doing here (the scene doesn’t seem to really mean much upon my initial reading). And then partly because Jesus curses this tree…but the tree wasn’t supposed to have fruit yet. Doesn’t seem fair, but I know Jesus did it so there must have been a good/right purpose behind it.

I confess that before this morning I hadn’t really done much digging to see what was really going on here. I solved that problem this morning and I learned two main lessons from this passage.

First is the more technical reason behind what Jesus was doing here. This scene is a prelude to Jesus entering Jerusalem and clearing out the temple. The scene with the fig tree was a foreshadowing indicating that Jesus was condemning the actions of the religious leaders…their time was coming to an end because they weren’t fruitful. He also used it as an opportunity to teach the disciples about faith (see Mark 11:21-25).

Second, and more applicable to me personally…Jesus is making a statement here about the fruitfulness of our lives. It’s time to start making fruit. There’s no excuse for His disciples not to bear fruit. We can’t be barren fig trees. Jesus expects us to bear fruit in our lives and there are consequences for a fruitless life.

A lesson I continue to hear and am trying to fulfill in my own life…

03.03.2011 Devotional, Jesus, Spiritual Musings No Comments

Is Your Heart Too Hard?

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Most of us have heard the term “hard heart” before. Many of us may even know someone we would describe as having a hard heart. A few of us may even confess that we’ve had a hard heart at one time or another.

But largely we think about this phrase in terms of other people. This is especially true for those of us who are trying our best to follow Christ. We look at those around us who don’t seem to want to follow Him and may conclude that their hearts are simply too hard. And that may very well be the case…but we must be careful about casting stones. Sometimes the stones we throw bounce right off those hard hearts and hit us squarely in the forehead.

Let me give you an example from Scripture:

[The disciples] were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in. (Mark 6:50-52, NLT)

Jesus had just fed well over 15,000 people (the 5,000 only counted the men in the crowd) with just a few loaves of bread an some fish scraps. They head out in a boat, get caught in a storm, and see Jesus walking on water to help them out. They freak out…understandable. But it isn’t their reaction to the walking on water that Mark says they didn’t understand.

Mark says they still don’t understand the feeding of the crowds…the miracle of the loaves. Why? Did they not understand because the physics don’t make sense? Did they not understand because too much was happening all at once? None of the above. These spiritual giants, men chosen by Jesus Himself, didn’t understand because “their hearts were too hard to take it in”. They weren’t ready…their hearts hadn’t been softened enough. They couldn’t yet take something like that in.

I think I’ve been there…might be there right now. My heart is way too hard at times to take in what God wants me to take it…much less what He’s done. Between my hard hearts and my faithless attitude it’s a wonder He ever gets anything done with me. Thank goodness His power overcomes my weakness! Hard heart and all!

24.02.2011 Devotional, Jesus, Spiritual Development, Spiritual Musings No Comments

How to Stop a Miracle

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

I continue to read through the book of Leviticus as part of my One Year Bible reading plan. Thankfully, I’ve also got some New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs thrown into the mix. Leviticus has some good stuff, but today’s reading was all about how a priest should handle people with skin diseases. Necessary…but gross!

The passage I read int he book of Mark this morning was another matter altogether. As often happens (more so recently), I saw something new in a story I’ve read many times before. That’s one of the many things I love about reading Scripture…there’s always something new because God is just that awesome!

Here is the story I read this morning:

Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. (Mark 6:1-6, NLT, emphasis mine)

Jesus goes home and finds out that his own family and friends refuse to accept Him or believe in Him. And it has a huge affect. Because of their unbelief He can’t do any miracles among them (save for a few “minor” healings). I’ve never made this connection before, or at least not this clearly. Jesus’ ability to perform miracles among the people was heavily dependent on their faith in the miracle.

Wow…and ouch!

The same must be true for me today. How is my faith affecting the work of God in my own life? Am I stopping the miracle because I don’t believe in it (or in Him)? Am I expecting the miracle FIRST and THEN I’ll believe? Or do I believe in the miracle and the one who is going to perform it and then He does His amazing work?

Am I expecting the miracle or keeping it from happening in the first place? I wonder…

23.02.2011 Devotional, Faith, Jesus, Spiritual Musings No Comments

Casting Lots

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

I’ve always been intrigued by the usage of casting lots as a method for discerning God’s will in Scripture. By my count (very unscientific) there are 39 (give or take a few) references in the Old Testament about casting lots. Even though I’ve been interested,I’ve never done much study on the topic.

This topic came up again this morning as I was doing my daily reading through Exodus. I’m at the part where God is giving His instructions to Moses regarding the tabernacle. And this morning was specifically about the clothing that Aaron (and subsequent High Priests) should wear. Included in the instructions is this:

Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron’s heart when he goes into the Lord’s presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the Lord’s will for his people whenever he goes in before the Lord. (Exodus 28:30, NLT, Bold Added)

I was curious about what the “Urim and Thummium” looked like and how they were used. Unfortunately there isn’t much specifically known about them. The picture above is possibly what they looked like, but we simply don’t know for sure. They are only mentioned another five times in the Old Testament. The best evidence indicates they were used to discern God’s will “at certain times”. Nobody is exactly sure when or how that was done.

It’s very similar to the idea of casting lots. We’re not exactly sure how that was done either…the closest thing we have today is flipping a coin or throwing dice. We do know that it was done and even commanded by God. It just seems odd to me that God would use the equivalent of a coin-flip (although one directed by Him) to help His people make decisions.

Even the disciples used casting lots…although they shouldn’t have. The last recorded instance of casting lots was in Acts, before Pentecost when the remaining disciples where trying to select Judas’ replacement…

Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven. (Acts 1:26, NLT)

Two problems here. First, this wasn’t what Jesus had instructed them to do…they took matters into their own hands instead of waiting for the Holy Spirit as Jesus had instructed them to do (Acts 1:4-5). Which led to the second problem, Matthias wasn’t the guy…Paul was the replacement and God had to go make that happen without the disciple’s help because they got ahead of Him.

Which brings me back to now. How often do I wish discerning God’s will was as “simple” as  coin flip? How often do I get ahead of God and try to do things the way I think they should be done (or they way they’ve always been done)? How often does God have do things without me because I wasn’t patient enough to wait on the Holy Spirit’s guidance?

How often indeed…

08.02.2011 Devotional, Faith, Holy Spirit, Spiritual Musings 1 Comment

Uncut Stones

Friday, February 4th, 2011

The Israelites stand at the base of Mount Sinai shaking in their boots. God is displaying His awesome power in an effort to to strike fear in His people so that they won’t sin (Exodus 20:20). He’s already laid out the Ten Commandments and He’s giving them more rules. Not rules for the sake of rules, but rules because they are about to start a new nation that needs a set of laws…regulations to govern themselves by. Laws to prevent anarchy.

It’s not so surprising that God begins by giving them instructions for worship. He warns them against making idols made from gold or silver (a rule went on to consistently break).  Then He tells them how to build an altar. That alone caught my attention…who doesn’t know how to build an altar? Apparently I don’t.

And then God said something that caught my attention:

If you use stones to build my altar, use only natural, uncut stones. Do not shape the stones with a tool, for that would make the altar unfit for holy use. (Exodus 20:25, NLT)

I had to read this a few times. I’m not sure why it stopped me in my tracks to begin with, but God used it to show me something about my own worship. God tells His people NOT to fashion an altar with smooth, carefully crafted stones (which was my natural assumption…we want God’s stuff to look good right?). No, He tells them specifically (and carefully) that they are only to “use natural, uncut stones” and that they are not to “shape the stones with a tool”. Why? Because “that would make the altar unfit for holy use”. Really? Wow! That goes against everything I thought about making an altar (which admittedly wasn’t much).

How does this apply to me since I’m not in the habit of building altars? It’s about my worship. God doesn’t want me to shape and fashion my worship into something I think will honor Him. He wants my raw, uncut worship. He wasn’t natural worship that flows from the heart…”as-is”.

Part of the reason God warned them about shaping the stones for the altar is because it would lead them right back to idol worship. Either they’d end up shaping the stones into an idol or they’d stand back and admire their own work. The focus would shift away from the “worshiped”. The same danger exists for my worship. If I shape it and craft it into something I think will honor God, I am in danger of focusing on that shaping instead of the worshiping…or more importantly, the One I’m supposed to worship.

So, I am re-dedicating myself to uncut, natural worship. What’s that look like? Good question…

04.02.2011 Devotional, Spiritual Musings 2 Comments

Haven’t You Read the Scriptures?

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

I was reading through Matthew this morning as I have been for the past month (with fresh eyes, remember?). One of the advantages of reading through an entire book of the Bible is you get a sense of the book as whole instead of little pieces we pick up here and there.

This morning I read something that Jesus said and realized I’d heard those words several times before. Jesus repeated this phrase over and over. When Jesus repeats something I generally try to pay attention because it’s important (He wasn’t into repetition for its own sake). Usually He was speaking to the Pharisees when uttering this particular phrase, but the general concept is still important. Here’s what He said:

Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? (Matthew 21:42, NLT)

Like I said, I knew I’d read these words from Jesus before. So I looked it up. Jesus says this phrase (or something very close to it) eight different times in the book of Matthew alone. Of course, I could focus on Jesus blasting His opponents by scolding them. But I don’t think that’s what really applies to me here (pride isn’t God’s goal here…even if it’s pride about my Bible knowledge).

I think what’s important is the implication behind what Jesus is saying here. He expected His listeners to have read and rightly understood the Bible. And it takes both. First, we need to pick up our Bibles and actually read them—for ourselves. There’s no other way to get God’s Word in your life. Nobody else can do that for you. Sermons and books about the Bible simply do not cut it (they can only enhance what you’ve already got in you).

The second mistake we make is that we don’t know what we’re reading when we do pick up the Bible. This was the Pharisee’s primary issue. They certainly read the Scriptures (they had most of it memorized). But they didn’t understand it—in Matthew 22:29 He tells them:

Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God.

They had read the Scriptures, but they didn’t know them (which they proved over and over again!). I think the issue of understanding Scripture is why so many today don’t even pick their Bible’s up. So how do we understand the Bible? First, we need to study them…there are plenty of resources to help us dig in and get some context for what we’re reading (we just can’t be lazy about it). But more importantly, we need to allow God’s Spirit to teach us:

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. (John 14:26, NLT)

The first step is the most important. Pick it up, dust it off, and get reading. It just might…check that…it WILL change you forever!

02.02.2011 Devotional, Jesus, Spiritual Musings 1 Comment

What Else…?

Saturday, January 29th, 2011

I’ve been reading through the gospels since the beginning of the year with the goal of reading with fresh eyes. Hearing and “seeing” what Jesus said and did as if it was the first time. I’m only part of the way through Matthew so far (as part of my One Year program) and it has been incredible.

This morning I read a story I’ve read countless times and have even taught and preached it: The story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-30.  (I encourage you to read it for yourself before you continue…with fresh eyes). I was positive I wouldn’t get anything new out of this story (great attitude huh?). I was wrong.

What I saw this morning comes after the rich man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life (not a bad question, if not the best). And it comes after Jesus answers him by telling him to follow the commandments (not the answer you or I would give by the way). What I saw was in the rich man’s response to Jesus’ answer:

“I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” (Matthew 19:20, NLT)

What else must I do? Are you kidding me?!?!

Jesus answers this man’s question, and the man says he’s already done what Jesus says he must do. Walk away dude! Mission accomplished! You got what you came for. You got the right answer…why press for more?

Why indeed? Why did this rich man press for more? Why would he ask: “What else must I do?” He obviously saw that something was missing…that the answer was incomplete. I’m not saying that Jesus gave an incomplete answer, but that this man knew there was more for him. And he takes the risk to ask the next question: “What else?”

I typically read the result of that next question and feel sorrow and shame for the rich man because he walked away from Jesus. But he did ask the question…which is more than I do sometimes.

There was something in this man’s soul that yearned for more in his religion. In fact, he wanted more than religion…he wanted something real. He just wasn’t willing to pay the price demanded.

I want more too. I wonder though, am I willing to pay the price?

What else must I do?

29.01.2011 Devotional, Discipleship, Jesus, Spiritual Development, Spiritual Musings 1 Comment

A New/Old Command

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010

I started personally reading 1 John yesterday and I’ve been doing some intensive study in Galatians in preparation for a sermon in a few weeks. And a single concept keeps coming up over and over again the past few months. It’ s one of those times when God seems to be trying to get my attention and I’ve only just started to catch on (I know…I’m the only one, right?). So this morning I decided to stop, listen, and do a little digging. And boy was I a little surprised (pleasantly). Here’s the passage that got me started this morning…

And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us.  (1 John 3:23, NLT)

This simple little concept keeps coming up: We demonstrate our love for God by loving one another. That’s the test for us as Christians. Period. End of story. It’s not about how good we are. It’s not about where or how often we go to church. It’s not about anything else…it’s all about how much we love each other. And John even takes it a step further and calls out bluff on saying that we love each other…

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. (1 John 3:18, NLT)

Dang it…we’d he have to step on that toe? Why couldn’t he just leave me alone in my safe little bubble thinking it was okay just to have the right attitude toward others, “Sure, I love the people around me.” John says, “Prove it!” It’s our actions that count here, not our words.

As this started settling in I remembered how often this concept of loving one another has come up lately. So I did a quick search on two different phrases: “Love one another” and “Love each other”. In the New Testament alone these two phrases come up over 100 times! Everyone gets involved. Peter and Paul loved the concepts, but Jesus started it…

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. (John 13:34, NLT)

A new commandment to love each other…pretty simple, but oh so hard. And then He ups the ante in the very next verse…

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. (John 13:35, NLT)

It’s not our bumper stickers or even our worn Bibles that prove to the world that we’re Christ followers. Only one thing does the job: Our demonstrated love for one another!

Jesus says this a new command, but John says it’s actually not new (at least not anymore since Jesus already gave it to us)…

This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. (1 John 3:1, NLT)

It’s everywhere…here are a few other passages you can try on for size in case you’re interested: Romans 13:8, Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 4:2, Philippians 2:2, Hebrews 13:1, 1 Peter 4:8and 1 John 4:12 (to name but only a few).

And here’s the question that God laid on my heart as I started getting into this deeper. If this is such an important aspect of my faith, why don’t I focus on it more…and why don’t I DO it more?

03.11.2010 Devotional, Jesus, Spiritual Musings No Comments

The Arrogance of Us

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

This morning I continued my journey through the book of Job. It’s been a challenging read lately as Job and his three friends square off arguing with one another. Job defending his innocence and claiming that God is punishing him unjustly. Job’s friends insisting that Job has obviously sinned and needs to repent. Neither is 100% right or wrong. As is often the case, it’s more complicated than simple black and white.

That’s when a young guy by the name of Elihu steps into the discussion. He’s had enough of listening to both sides and he steps into the discussion to take God’s side instead of Job’s or his friend’s. And in the process he makes some great points that are as important today as they were then.

Point #1: God speaks even when we aren’t tuned in.

God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. (Job 33:14, NLT)

How often have I thought that God simply was speaking to me…and been frustrated by it? The truth is that God is speaking, but I often don’t recognize it because He’s not doing it “my way”. It’s not God that needs to change. It’s me…I need to stop and listen…tune in.

Point #2: God is God and we need Him (not the other way around).

If God were to take back his spirit and withdraw his breath, all life would cease, and humanity would turn again to dust. (Job 34:14-15, NLT)

God never leads us astray (or into sin..see Job 34:10). He’s always in the right and we need Him. If He were to withdraw from humanity we’d all die. Just like that. He’s God and we’re not. Sometimes I get that backward and it always causes me trouble. Who do I think I am anyway?

Point #3: Our actions don’t affect God like we think they do.

If you sin, how does that affect God? Even if you sin again and again, what effect will it have on him? If you are good, is this some great gift to him? What could you possibly give him? No, your sins affect only people like yourself, and your good deeds also affect only humans. (Job 35:6-8, NLT)

Neither our sin or our good works have an affect on God. Why? Because we’re not “all-that-and-a-bag-of-chips”. Our sins and good works affect others and they affect us, but they don’t really affect God because He’s, well, God. My sin may grieve God, but it doesn’t cause Him harm the way it harms me. I can’t bring gift to God because He’s God.

Point #4: Our response to all of this should be to glorify Him.

Look, God is all-powerful. Who is a teacher like him? No one can tell him what to do, or say to him, “You have done wrong.” Instead, glorify his mighty works, singing songs of praise.  (Job 36:22-24, NLT)

Instead of placing the focus on us (even in how small we are compared to God), we should focus on Him. We should praise and glorify God for being God. We should delight in His amazing works. Instead of being arrogant we should gratefully accept that the Almighty God of the Universe has extended to us the most amazing gift we could ever hope for—relationship with Him!!

We need God. And He wants to have a relationship with us. He wants to get to know this guy who doesn’t listen very well, thinks too highly of himself, and too often missed the real point. Once again, it’s all about relationship with God. Thanks for the reminder Elihu!

14 For God speaks again and again,
though people do not recognize it.

28.10.2010 Devotional, Spiritual Musings No Comments

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