Chapter 13 might be the most wonderful literature in history. After all Paul has dealt with in this letter, after all his frustration, correction, and teaching, he wants the Corinthians to understand this one thing; love. He wants them to be united as one body, the body of Christ, and this is how that solidarity is achieved; love.
In everything they do, in everything they strive for, in all of their differences, and all the ways they try to get things “right”, it’s all meaningless without love.
One writer even says, “God is love.” (I Jn. 4:16)
Jesus sums up the central theme of the scripture, “love God, and love others”. (Matt. 22:37)
Love is absolutely essential for a follower of Jesus, and this is why we continue to stress loving people with no strings attached.
And so the other day I helped take the food from the MMCC food drive down to Living Water Fellowship. Some men from the discipleship house came out to help unload the groceries. These men are rough men, many rehabbing from addictions and a wrecked life. They were overwhelmed with the amount of food being organized for distribution.
One man asked me, “Why are you all so generous?”
And I got to tell him, “Because we love you.”
And he said, “but you don’t even know us.”
And I responded, “It doesn’t matter, God knows you, and so we love you.”
We are fully known by God, and he still loves us. (vs .12)
love.
An activity we do with our students:
Look at verses 4-7, anytime you see the word love, replace it with your name. _________________ is patient. __________________ is kind.
Can you still read these verses with your name replacing love? Will it still be true?
5.01.2009
4.30.2009
Context plus the Holy Spirit
With a few exceptions, the Apostle Paul’s letters were written to meet an immediate situation. Often times, there was some threatening situation in the churches in Corinth, or Galatia, or Philippi, and Thessalonica. And so when we read the Letters of Paul we must keep the context of which they were written in mind. Did anyone have a tough time with I Cor. 11:1-10? What does this instruction mean for us in today’s world? Should women still cover their heads when they pray? Or was there a certain kind of “woman” who uncovered her head in a place like Corinth that Paul is addressing? Context is important…
But we also must remember that a thing is not transient because it was written to meet an immediate situation.
Think of the greatest love songs of the world. Most of them were written about one person, but everyone likes them. We connect with certain songs because we understand the situation. Couples will even claim one as “our song.”
So it is with Paul’s letters. They may have been written to meet a threatening danger, a difficult circumstance, or addressing issues, but we have much to learn from them. For even though human culture changes, the human situation does not. And so God still speaks to us through these letters he inspired Paul to write 2000 years ago. That is why these letters are considered Holy Scripture; they are alive and active.
Context with the Holy Spirit guiding us is important, otherwise we would have a lot of bald women walking around (I Cor. 11:6).
But we also must remember that a thing is not transient because it was written to meet an immediate situation.
Think of the greatest love songs of the world. Most of them were written about one person, but everyone likes them. We connect with certain songs because we understand the situation. Couples will even claim one as “our song.”
So it is with Paul’s letters. They may have been written to meet a threatening danger, a difficult circumstance, or addressing issues, but we have much to learn from them. For even though human culture changes, the human situation does not. And so God still speaks to us through these letters he inspired Paul to write 2000 years ago. That is why these letters are considered Holy Scripture; they are alive and active.
Context with the Holy Spirit guiding us is important, otherwise we would have a lot of bald women walking around (I Cor. 11:6).
4.29.2009
the body
I absolutely love Paul's discussion about the body, or the church. Paul is clear that each believer receives a gift from God's Spirit and that this gift is to be used to build up the church. He speaks about the church as a body - a group of individual parts working together for the greater good. Each part is vital. There is not one part that can be removed without hurting the body. In other words, there is no appendix in the church. You are a vital part of the church. Regardless of what gift you think you may or may not have, you are a vital part of the church. MMCC is not what God had in mind if you are not using your gift to build up the body, the church. (How is that for guilt?) If you are a believer, you have a gift that fulfills an important role in the church.
So, to build one another up, what gifts do you see functioning in our church body today? Who do you see using a gift that God gave them? For example, Christy Fay and Dan Smith used their gifts the past two weeks to bring The Shack to life in Sunday morning worship.
And, what gift do you bring to the body? Are you using it?
So, to build one another up, what gifts do you see functioning in our church body today? Who do you see using a gift that God gave them? For example, Christy Fay and Dan Smith used their gifts the past two weeks to bring The Shack to life in Sunday morning worship.
And, what gift do you bring to the body? Are you using it?
4.28.2009
Sin City
Some much needed background information on Corinth:
If you look at a map of the Mediterranean World in the 1st Century, you will find Corinth located on a four mile wide Isthmus that divides the northern and southern parts of Greece. Mariners would actually pull their boats out of the water and drag them on rollers across this isthmus instead of sailing around the dangerous waters of southern Greece. The voyage around Greece’s southern waters was so dangerous that the sailors had a saying, “Let him who sails around (southern Greece) first make his will.” And so people from all over the world would pass through either for trade or on a journey.
This strategic location allowed Corinth to be one of the greatest trading and commercial centers of the ancient world. Its wealth and diversity resulted in an epicenter of culture and fashion.
But there was another side to Corinth. Not only was it known for its wealth and culture, but it also had a reputation for being an evil and immoral city. It was probably a Spring Break destination for ancient young 20 somethings. There was another saying popular in this time period, “korinthianzesthai” or “To live like a Corinthian”, which meant to live with drunken and immoral debauchery. No one is even sure what debauchery means... it is so bad, we can't talk about it :)
One reason for the evil was that above the isthmus there towered the hill of Acropolis, and on it stood the great temple of Aphordite, “goddess of love.” One thousand priestesses worked in this temple as sacred prostitutes, and in the evening they descended upon Corinth and plied their trade in the streets. Another saying became popular; “It is not every man who can afford a journey to Corinth.” Which might have been similar to “What happens in Vegas…”
And so this new, diverse group of Christians starts meeting in this city. Can you imagine some of the “issues” they might have been dealing with? Can you imagine the frustration of Paul as he tries to instruct and bring wisdom, grace and truth to this young church?
More thoughts on this tomorrow…
If you look at a map of the Mediterranean World in the 1st Century, you will find Corinth located on a four mile wide Isthmus that divides the northern and southern parts of Greece. Mariners would actually pull their boats out of the water and drag them on rollers across this isthmus instead of sailing around the dangerous waters of southern Greece. The voyage around Greece’s southern waters was so dangerous that the sailors had a saying, “Let him who sails around (southern Greece) first make his will.” And so people from all over the world would pass through either for trade or on a journey.
This strategic location allowed Corinth to be one of the greatest trading and commercial centers of the ancient world. Its wealth and diversity resulted in an epicenter of culture and fashion.
But there was another side to Corinth. Not only was it known for its wealth and culture, but it also had a reputation for being an evil and immoral city. It was probably a Spring Break destination for ancient young 20 somethings. There was another saying popular in this time period, “korinthianzesthai” or “To live like a Corinthian”, which meant to live with drunken and immoral debauchery. No one is even sure what debauchery means... it is so bad, we can't talk about it :)
One reason for the evil was that above the isthmus there towered the hill of Acropolis, and on it stood the great temple of Aphordite, “goddess of love.” One thousand priestesses worked in this temple as sacred prostitutes, and in the evening they descended upon Corinth and plied their trade in the streets. Another saying became popular; “It is not every man who can afford a journey to Corinth.” Which might have been similar to “What happens in Vegas…”
And so this new, diverse group of Christians starts meeting in this city. Can you imagine some of the “issues” they might have been dealing with? Can you imagine the frustration of Paul as he tries to instruct and bring wisdom, grace and truth to this young church?
More thoughts on this tomorrow…
4.20.2009
Outside and Inside
Lawsuits and sexually immorality. Are these my only choices today? Ha Ha. At first, I wasn't gleaning anything out of these verses for myself. I'm not at "battle" with anyone and considering a law suit and I'm in a committed and pure marriage. So, God, what would you have me take away from this? How does this apply to me? Here was His answer: Protect your witness and protect your Holy temple.
I don't want to overgeneralize this Chapter at all, but that I can run with. While Paul's main point is that they are asking people they would trust with no other matter to settles disputes; they are entrusting decisions to unGodly people so they will get unGodly answers. But I also see that then the unbelievers are seeing these disputes and arguments and witnessing often unGodly thoughts and actions. Our bottom line in The Alley yesterday was "When you stand for what's right, you show others who God is". When I apply this life application to these verses, I come away with the notion that in everything I do, I'm either showing others who God is or who I am without God. Every day we have opportunities to be Jesus with skin on, a walking Bible, or however you want to put it--we have the chance to demonstrate who God is and what He's all about. And, more importantly, if we are Christians, people are watching to see if our walk matches our talk: in the movies we watch, with the language we use, in how forgiving we are, with how slow to anger we are, in how we treat others, etc.
Just as we need to be somewhat aware of what others see in us, we need to be ultra aware of what is in us, the Holy Spirit. There are certain things we would NEVER consider doing while at church, but once we are away from God's House, the rules seem to change. The problem is that God's House is us: "19 Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." (1 Cor 6:19-20 NLT) When I look at preteen/teen girls I am sometimes overwhelmed with this truth for them. If only we could fully grasp at a young age that we are Holy because God is in us. Oh what different choices we would make and how differently we would view ourselves. The world tells us we are not good enough and to do whatever makes us feel good in the moment. God tells us we are beautiful in Him and that through Him peace and contentment will come. Boy that one took me along time to even realize it existed. And I still wrestle with a complete understanding of being Holy.
Is there someone in your life who doesn't see themselves through God's eyes right now? They can't see that who they are exactly who God created them to be and He made their body a dwelling place for Him? Maybe that someone is you? Let God work in and through you today.
4.16.2009
When we are cursed, we bless….
I Corinthians 4
The Romans were masters in propaganda. They loved to display power, might, and glory to remind the people of their greatness. In fact, after military victories, the Roman Generals would return to the capital city in a triumphant parade. These events were actually called a ‘triumph’.
In the days before the news media flashed pictures of battle and victories around the world, this was how people back home knew for sure their generals had won.
And so the generals and rulers of Rome would parade their greatness and splendor through the streets of Rome along with the spoils of war they had secured. At the end of the parade would be the weary gang of prisoners the Romans had conquered and captured. The day would usually end with these prisoners being sold into slavery or killed in the arena for sport (Wright 48).
In chapter 4, Paul uses this picture to show the Corinthians what the life of an Apostle is like. He is once again addressing the rivalry and animosity within the Corinthian church, with different teachers and speakers claiming that their wisdom makes them ‘rich’ or even ‘kings’. (Vs. 8-13)
Who does Paul identify himself with in the picture of the parade (vs. 9)? Why would he do this?
Do you sense a hint of sarcasm?
Verses 11-13 really jumped out at me this morning…
And what does it mean for us today to imitate Paul? (vs. 16)
For a great commentary on this passage, check out “Paul for Everyone: I Corinthians” by NT Wright.
The Romans were masters in propaganda. They loved to display power, might, and glory to remind the people of their greatness. In fact, after military victories, the Roman Generals would return to the capital city in a triumphant parade. These events were actually called a ‘triumph’.
In the days before the news media flashed pictures of battle and victories around the world, this was how people back home knew for sure their generals had won.
And so the generals and rulers of Rome would parade their greatness and splendor through the streets of Rome along with the spoils of war they had secured. At the end of the parade would be the weary gang of prisoners the Romans had conquered and captured. The day would usually end with these prisoners being sold into slavery or killed in the arena for sport (Wright 48).
In chapter 4, Paul uses this picture to show the Corinthians what the life of an Apostle is like. He is once again addressing the rivalry and animosity within the Corinthian church, with different teachers and speakers claiming that their wisdom makes them ‘rich’ or even ‘kings’. (Vs. 8-13)
Who does Paul identify himself with in the picture of the parade (vs. 9)? Why would he do this?
Do you sense a hint of sarcasm?
Verses 11-13 really jumped out at me this morning…
And what does it mean for us today to imitate Paul? (vs. 16)
For a great commentary on this passage, check out “Paul for Everyone: I Corinthians” by NT Wright.
4.15.2009
Wisdom and Following
But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. 11 No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. 12 And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
I love these thoughts. God's very Spirit - the Spirit that breathed life into Adam and Eve, the Spirit that Jesus breathed onto/into His disciples, the Spirit that filled the writers of Scripture - dwells in us. We have God's Spirit speaking life and wisdom into our lives. Discerning the sound of His Spirit takes time, but we know through the teachings of the NT that the Spirit lives within us. I believe when we hear and respond to the Spirit in our lives, the Spirit's voice becomes louder and clearer to us. And when we hear and ignore the Spirit, that voice becomes softer and more distant to us. Are you listening and responding to the Spirit in your life?
Pam Smith made a great comment in response to Jared's post yesterday. If you haven't read it, go back and read it now. Chapter 3 is for us. Here's the deal - Paul preached Christ, I (Matt) preach Christ, Jared preaches Christ, Don preached Christ - we are all pointing people to Christ alone, not us. I do not want any followers because I will only let them down. I want to lead people to Christ - He is the only One worth following. Pam...great thoughts - thanks for the reminder.
Any other pieces of this passage jump out at you?
I love these thoughts. God's very Spirit - the Spirit that breathed life into Adam and Eve, the Spirit that Jesus breathed onto/into His disciples, the Spirit that filled the writers of Scripture - dwells in us. We have God's Spirit speaking life and wisdom into our lives. Discerning the sound of His Spirit takes time, but we know through the teachings of the NT that the Spirit lives within us. I believe when we hear and respond to the Spirit in our lives, the Spirit's voice becomes louder and clearer to us. And when we hear and ignore the Spirit, that voice becomes softer and more distant to us. Are you listening and responding to the Spirit in your life?
Pam Smith made a great comment in response to Jared's post yesterday. If you haven't read it, go back and read it now. Chapter 3 is for us. Here's the deal - Paul preached Christ, I (Matt) preach Christ, Jared preaches Christ, Don preached Christ - we are all pointing people to Christ alone, not us. I do not want any followers because I will only let them down. I want to lead people to Christ - He is the only One worth following. Pam...great thoughts - thanks for the reminder.
Any other pieces of this passage jump out at you?
4.13.2009
Who are you following?
I don't know about you all, but I had to read this chapter a couple times to start to grasp it. (perhaps it's due to the strong doses of allergy meds I'm on!) It helped me to read a more contemporary translation, then go back to the NIV again. Any way, here's the two sections that caught my attention: vs. 11-17 & vs. 27-31.
In verse 17 specifically, Paul talks about how he was sent to be a messenger, a preacher, but not to have a following. I think this is a struggle that everyone has had at one point in time--the fine line between respecting the preacher or teacher in their life without "following" them or putting them up on a pedestal. I've seen time and time again people's faith shattered because they put too much faith in a person. And while, yes, leaders in the church are called to a high standard, they are humans with flaws who will experience failure. When we loose sight of their humanness and focus only on their wisdom and teaching, forgetting that it comes from God in the first place, we will always be disappointed. I also believe that this happens to Satan's great delight for it opens the door to dissension and confusion. Each time I have witnessed a similar situation, my heart has broken for the person, the leader and the church. I absolutely beleive that it's important to find teachers and preachers that we can trust to share God's Truth with us and that we respect as Wise in God and His Word. But we always need to be mindful that we are trusting and following Christ first, not the messenger.
Let me share verses 27-31 from The Message: "27 Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, 28 chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? 29 That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. 30 Everything that we have - right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start - comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. 31 That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."
In children's ministry we want young ones to understand that they, too, can be prepared and used by God. We look at people like Moses, David, & Joseph. Ordinary people that God worked in and through to do extra ordinary things. That's the same thing that these last verses of today are talking about. God chooses us plain people, even messed up, flawed people, so that when He does something amazing, others have to know it's from God because we are not remarkable enough to accomplish it on our own. I love that! If those are the job requirements, I'm perfectly suited--I'm yours God!
Let me share verses 27-31 from The Message: "27 Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, 28 chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? 29 That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. 30 Everything that we have - right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start - comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. 31 That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."
In children's ministry we want young ones to understand that they, too, can be prepared and used by God. We look at people like Moses, David, & Joseph. Ordinary people that God worked in and through to do extra ordinary things. That's the same thing that these last verses of today are talking about. God chooses us plain people, even messed up, flawed people, so that when He does something amazing, others have to know it's from God because we are not remarkable enough to accomplish it on our own. I love that! If those are the job requirements, I'm perfectly suited--I'm yours God!
I encourage you to do as I have this morning and think about the times God has used you in all of your weakness and failures to bring glory to His name. Think about it, then Thank Him.
4.09.2009
Adonai
Chapter 14 is full of heartbreaking stories. Jesus is betrayed, disobeyed, deserted, lied about, and these are just his friends. Jesus is arrested and in verse 53 brought before the high priests and the Sanhedrin.
Now the Sanhedrin was the “Supreme Court” in Jerusalem made up of 70 judges, and this nighttime meeting was illegal for them. They were looking for a reason to put Jesus to death. “Some gave false testimony against Jesus… yet even their own testimony did not agree (v. 59).”
Finally the high priest asks Jesus, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus responds, “I am.”
Now up until this point Jesus has told people to be quiet about him being the Messiah (Mk. 1:34, 44 5:43, 8:30). We even blogged about it a few weeks ago as Shad brought it to our attention. Scholars know this idea as the “Messianic Secret.”
Jesus knew the consequences of such a claim… and here at this moment he reveals any secret of who he is. In response to a direct question, Jesus does not hesitate. In fact, he uses the very word “Adonai” used to identify himself to Moses at the burning bush, when he said, “I am who I am.”
So not only does Jesus affirm he is the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One, he hints that he is to be identified with Adonai himself!
This would have been a loaded statement to the high priests and Sanhedrin who knew their Torah well. Can you imagine the intensity of this moment? The priest tore his clothes!
Yesterday, Matt shared about how he was reflecting on who Jesus is. Maybe today we can also reflect on Jesus’ response to the question about who he is… “Adonai”.
The secret is out.
Now the Sanhedrin was the “Supreme Court” in Jerusalem made up of 70 judges, and this nighttime meeting was illegal for them. They were looking for a reason to put Jesus to death. “Some gave false testimony against Jesus… yet even their own testimony did not agree (v. 59).”
Finally the high priest asks Jesus, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus responds, “I am.”
Now up until this point Jesus has told people to be quiet about him being the Messiah (Mk. 1:34, 44 5:43, 8:30). We even blogged about it a few weeks ago as Shad brought it to our attention. Scholars know this idea as the “Messianic Secret.”
Jesus knew the consequences of such a claim… and here at this moment he reveals any secret of who he is. In response to a direct question, Jesus does not hesitate. In fact, he uses the very word “Adonai” used to identify himself to Moses at the burning bush, when he said, “I am who I am.”
So not only does Jesus affirm he is the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One, he hints that he is to be identified with Adonai himself!
This would have been a loaded statement to the high priests and Sanhedrin who knew their Torah well. Can you imagine the intensity of this moment? The priest tore his clothes!
Yesterday, Matt shared about how he was reflecting on who Jesus is. Maybe today we can also reflect on Jesus’ response to the question about who he is… “Adonai”.
The secret is out.
4.08.2009
Jesus
Jared did a brilliant job with our NT reading calendar. Notice that we are reading Mark's account leading up to the resurrection. And on Sunday, we will be reading Mark 16 - the account of the resurrection.
Today, I found myself simply reflecting on who Jesus is. In thinking of the different ways to describe Jesus, I remembered an old sermon by S M Lockridge. I think the sermon was titled "That's My King." If you have a few minutes, watch this clip -
And don't forget that we'll be gathering on Thursday evening to reflect on Jesus' last supper with His disciples. We'll gather at MMCC at 7pm. Hope you can make it.
Today, I found myself simply reflecting on who Jesus is. In thinking of the different ways to describe Jesus, I remembered an old sermon by S M Lockridge. I think the sermon was titled "That's My King." If you have a few minutes, watch this clip -
And don't forget that we'll be gathering on Thursday evening to reflect on Jesus' last supper with His disciples. We'll gather at MMCC at 7pm. Hope you can make it.
4.07.2009
stories
Have you noticed the conflict between Jesus and religious people? I think this is one of the most overlooked pieces of the Jesus stories in our world. Well, maybe not completely overlooked...but passed over in how they relate to us. I believe there are many times when we, as Christians today, could probably see ourselves in the stories of the Pharisees. I'm just not so sure we would like what we see. I think we read them and relate them to others instead of ourselves. So we read the stories and just pass over them. Notice that Jesus isn't real interested in all the religious debates these religious people want to start. Yes, He answers their questions and leaves them angry, but He just doesn't seem that interested in religiocity. I love the story of the 'tax' question. I love the way Jesus responds and turns the tables. But my favorite piece of today's passage is found in verses 28-34.
I'm not sure why he asked the question, "What is the greatest commandment?" Maybe, like many of us, he just wanted to know the most important thing. Maybe in the spirit of the surrounding stories, he was trying to trap Jesus. For Jews, all of the law found in the Torah was important. Maybe he was just trying to catch Jesus 'off His game.' I'm not sure why he asked, but I am so glad that he did. I have a feeling that I would have asked this question. And Jesus' response? It becomes a direction for us, a foundation for us, it becomes the thing we should focus on every single day of our lives. Here it is. "Love God with everything you are and love other people with no strings attached." (my paraphrase) Period. Everything comes down to this: Loving God and loving other people. That's it.
So, the question today...How are you doing at the most important thing? How are you doing at loving God with everything you are? How are you loving people with no strings attached? And after answering those questions, what can you do to take another step in loving God and loving others today? These are the most important things.
Father, forgive me for not loving You with everything I am. Forgive me for making gods of the things in our world. Forgive me for loving money and stuff. Father, forgive me for ignoring people around me. Forgive me for thinking only of myself. Forgive me for the agendas I often have with other people. Lead me to love them with no strings attached today. Help me to love You and love others like Jesus did. Amen.
I'm not sure why he asked the question, "What is the greatest commandment?" Maybe, like many of us, he just wanted to know the most important thing. Maybe in the spirit of the surrounding stories, he was trying to trap Jesus. For Jews, all of the law found in the Torah was important. Maybe he was just trying to catch Jesus 'off His game.' I'm not sure why he asked, but I am so glad that he did. I have a feeling that I would have asked this question. And Jesus' response? It becomes a direction for us, a foundation for us, it becomes the thing we should focus on every single day of our lives. Here it is. "Love God with everything you are and love other people with no strings attached." (my paraphrase) Period. Everything comes down to this: Loving God and loving other people. That's it.
So, the question today...How are you doing at the most important thing? How are you doing at loving God with everything you are? How are you loving people with no strings attached? And after answering those questions, what can you do to take another step in loving God and loving others today? These are the most important things.
Father, forgive me for not loving You with everything I am. Forgive me for making gods of the things in our world. Forgive me for loving money and stuff. Father, forgive me for ignoring people around me. Forgive me for thinking only of myself. Forgive me for the agendas I often have with other people. Lead me to love them with no strings attached today. Help me to love You and love others like Jesus did. Amen.
4.06.2009
God in a box
Forgive me as I am going to work backwards through Mark 11 today. Verse 24 jumped out to me today. I often pray within the limits of my humanness. I believe but I keep God in a box. For example, I pray that our van will continue to run or that some day we can afford a new one, but I never pray for God to just bring us a better vehicle. Why not? Because that's too big for God? Because I shouldn't exhibit such faith? Because it's out of the ordinary and I keep God in a box. But I sometimes wrestle with the notion in this verse that if I ask it I will get it; I love how The Message phrases this verse: "That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything." I should pray for everything on my heart AND (I love this emphasis) I will get God's everything. In other words, anything God gives me is great because it's from him.
OK, now it's time for a little Bible history. I give credit to Beth Moore--I just love how she links the Old and New Testaments together for us! As we studied the Psalms of Ascents last Fall, we learned about the Three Feasts. The last of the Feasts, I believe, was celebrated at the end of the harvest season: The Feast of the Tabernacle. You can read about it in Leviticus 23:33-44, but verse 40 is of particular interest today.
On the first day you are to take choice fruit from the trees, and palm fronds, leafy branches and poplars, and rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days.
OK, now it's time for a little Bible history. I give credit to Beth Moore--I just love how she links the Old and New Testaments together for us! As we studied the Psalms of Ascents last Fall, we learned about the Three Feasts. The last of the Feasts, I believe, was celebrated at the end of the harvest season: The Feast of the Tabernacle. You can read about it in Leviticus 23:33-44, but verse 40 is of particular interest today.
On the first day you are to take choice fruit from the trees, and palm fronds, leafy branches and poplars, and rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days.
We know that this is exactly what occurred on Palm Sunday, the day Jesus entered Jerusalem. Let me try to tie this together simply. During the Feast of the Tabernacle, they would celebrate the coming Messiah. They would shout "Hosanna" which means "Send Messiah" or "Save Now". So, when Jesus entered Jerusalem that day, for those who believed, it sent them straight into the Feast of the Tabernacle. When they cried "Hosanna", they were acknowledging and proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah.
Palm Sunday was yesterday. Did you shout "Hosanna"--did you cry out, proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah, your Savior & redeemer. As we lead up to the Easter celebration, I'm thinking I need to keep a certain heartattitude. So, I believe I will start every morning this week with a "Hosanna!"
4.02.2009
Why couldn’t we drive it out?
My wife and I are big fans of the TV show Lost. We have watched it since the first episode back in 2004. The show relies on an easy formula for success: Every episode leaves you with more questions than answers. After each episode, my wife and I try to figure out what is really going on, connect the dots, and answer the questions. We call friends because it is good to get another perspective, opinion, or theory. This word is too strong, but the show is addicting ☺
As I read Mark 9 this morning, I was left with a similar feeling. It is full of fascinating stories about the Transfiguration of Jesus, miracles, driving out demons/or failing to drive out demons. After reading this chapter, I have more questions than answers!
So here is a confusing story:
Vs. 14-29 Jesus’ disciples are not able to heal the boy who is possessed by an evil spirit. It is interesting because in Mk 6:7 Jesus gives his disciples authority over evil spirits, and in 6:13 they drive out many demons. So why can’t they do it in this story?
Jesus replies, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
What do you think this means? What is the importance of our prayer life?
Then in 8:38 the disciples saw someone driving out demons in the name of Jesus, but he was not one of them.... What?
Vs. 32 really jumped out at me, “The disciples did not understand what Jesus meant and were afraid to ask him about it.”
What questions or answers do you have for these stories in Mark 9? I pray that you will not be afraid to ask, and I pray that you would become addicted to the wonderful stories of scripture, and understand that sometimes, we need to call friends to get another perspective, opinion, or theory ☺
Have a great day!
As I read Mark 9 this morning, I was left with a similar feeling. It is full of fascinating stories about the Transfiguration of Jesus, miracles, driving out demons/or failing to drive out demons. After reading this chapter, I have more questions than answers!
So here is a confusing story:
Vs. 14-29 Jesus’ disciples are not able to heal the boy who is possessed by an evil spirit. It is interesting because in Mk 6:7 Jesus gives his disciples authority over evil spirits, and in 6:13 they drive out many demons. So why can’t they do it in this story?
Jesus replies, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
What do you think this means? What is the importance of our prayer life?
Then in 8:38 the disciples saw someone driving out demons in the name of Jesus, but he was not one of them.... What?
Vs. 32 really jumped out at me, “The disciples did not understand what Jesus meant and were afraid to ask him about it.”
What questions or answers do you have for these stories in Mark 9? I pray that you will not be afraid to ask, and I pray that you would become addicted to the wonderful stories of scripture, and understand that sometimes, we need to call friends to get another perspective, opinion, or theory ☺
Have a great day!
3.31.2009
2 Questions
There are two questions that Jesus asks in Mark, chapter 8 that I believe are vital for us. Obviously, everything Jesus says is important, but these two questions jump out at me as something that Jesus might ask us today.
1. "Who do you say that I am?" There are a lot of people who have a lot of things to say about Jesus. But what do you say? Who do you think He is?
2. "What do you benefit if you gain the world, but lose your soul in the process?" To be honest, this is where I believe so many of us lose our way. I believe so many in our world are caught up in the pursuit of the world - not the world as in the overtly anti-Jesus world, but the world as in things that simply grab our attention. I believe so many of us get caught up running after the things we are engaged in. It is even possible to pursue ministry and mission and lose sight of Jesus. In your life, what clamors for your attention and pursuit?
1. "Who do you say that I am?" There are a lot of people who have a lot of things to say about Jesus. But what do you say? Who do you think He is?
2. "What do you benefit if you gain the world, but lose your soul in the process?" To be honest, this is where I believe so many of us lose our way. I believe so many in our world are caught up in the pursuit of the world - not the world as in the overtly anti-Jesus world, but the world as in things that simply grab our attention. I believe so many of us get caught up running after the things we are engaged in. It is even possible to pursue ministry and mission and lose sight of Jesus. In your life, what clamors for your attention and pursuit?
3.30.2009
Pretzels and Goldfish crackers
I have told the story of the feeding of the 5,000 many, many times in my life. Since I was usually with a group of preschoolers, I did my best to make the story come to life. So, I would walk through the "crowd" and hand out pretzels and goldfish crackers, the closest to loaves and fish a preschooler is gonna get! I always loved not just telling stories, but re-enacting them; being as creative as possible to try to make the stories real. And yet, as I read that story in our chapter for today, I realized that it's really hard to get my brain around 5,000 people being fed with 5 loves of bread and 2 fish. That's just mind-boggling to me.
In contrast, I look at the end of this chapter and read how the disciples were still not getting it all-they were forgetting miracles and not grasping a complete understanding of who Christ really was. And I think "how could you watch Jesus feed 5,000 people, drive out demons and constantly heal the sick and not get Him?" You were there in the middle of it all!
Hmmmm...how many times has God worked miracles in my life and yet the next time there's a struggle, a challenge, an obstacle, worry and doubt rush in and wipe my memory of those moments when Jesus' power was so evident? Am I not then so different from the disciples? My cabinets have been sparse, yet with a prayer and a little creativity I've made some of my finest meals. What was coming into the checking account didn't match what needed to go out and yet, bills were paid and the family was cared for. At our first ultrasound with Ethan (at only 7 weeks) we were told that the baby had stopped developing for some reason and as tears welled up and I prayed, the doctor moved the u.s. wand to show us something else and he & Darin noticed a "spot" which turned out to be our Ethan. Jesus power is ever present in my life and in yours too. I am thankful today of those reminders.
There is sooo much more we could look at in this chapter today, but I'd rather stop here and give you a chance to share--when was the power of Jesus remarkably evident and present in your life?
3.26.2009
Agrarian stories about the kingdom of God
In Chapter 4, Jesus taught the crowd by using parables. I once heard that a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. These stories are rich and give us much to think about. The first parable is about a farmer who went out to sow his seed (the word). The seeds are scattered and essentially fall in four different places (representing people’s hearts/response). I want to focus in on this story because it has had a profound influence on my life. You see I often find myself in the third scenario:
“Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.”
Worries of this life…Deceitfulness of wealth…Desire for other things…
I hear the word, but there are so many things going on in my life. God, unfortunately, gets choked out. Thorns come in different forms and cause my life to be unfruitful.
Maybe you know what the third scenario is like too. Here is an activity that helps me and I encourage you to try…
Do not post the following questions ☺ but maybe grab a pen and paper, take some time to pray, and write these out.
What is frustrating me right now?
What am I worried or anxious about?
What am I scared or concerned about?
In what ways do I feel inadequate?
What chokes God out of my life?
What makes my life unfruitful?
What am I thankful for? How has God been good to me?
What am I looking forward to?
P.S. If you are really feeling brave, share your list with your spouse, or parents, or a close friend.
*It is interesting that the words Jesus addressed to the wind and the waves (vs. 39) are exactly the same as he addressed to the demon-possessed man in Mark 1:25.
My prayer today is that you may be able to tell certain voices, thoughts, or storms in your life to “Be quiet, be still!”
“Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.”
Worries of this life…Deceitfulness of wealth…Desire for other things…
I hear the word, but there are so many things going on in my life. God, unfortunately, gets choked out. Thorns come in different forms and cause my life to be unfruitful.
Maybe you know what the third scenario is like too. Here is an activity that helps me and I encourage you to try…
Do not post the following questions ☺ but maybe grab a pen and paper, take some time to pray, and write these out.
What is frustrating me right now?
What am I worried or anxious about?
What am I scared or concerned about?
In what ways do I feel inadequate?
What chokes God out of my life?
What makes my life unfruitful?
What am I thankful for? How has God been good to me?
What am I looking forward to?
P.S. If you are really feeling brave, share your list with your spouse, or parents, or a close friend.
*It is interesting that the words Jesus addressed to the wind and the waves (vs. 39) are exactly the same as he addressed to the demon-possessed man in Mark 1:25.
My prayer today is that you may be able to tell certain voices, thoughts, or storms in your life to “Be quiet, be still!”
3.24.2009
3 pieces
Mark is a staightforward Gospel. It simply tells the story of Jesus - in power and servanthood. There is much packed into each chapter. Today, three things jumped out at me.
1. Jesus saw the faith of four men who brought a friend to him to be healed. Mark is telling this story, giving a picture of Jesus carrying the authority of God. But he also is giving a picture of how important it is that we, in our faith, carry our family, our friends, our neighbors to Jesus. This is why INVEST & INVITE is such a vital action. We are to invest & invite so that our family, friends, neighbors can experience life change with Jesus. Who are you investing in? Who are you inviting for Easter? (Remember, this man's friends didn't have to heal the man - they didn't have to explain anything to him - they simply brought him to Jesus.)
2. Jesus called Matthew. Maybe this jumped out at me because my name is Matthew. Or maybe it is because I realized how Matthew was such a bad choice for the job. Or maybe it was both - how my name is Matthew and I am a bad choice for the job (trust me, I know me better than you know me.). Humanly, it didn't make sense for Jesus to call Matthew. But he did. And Jesus calls you and me, regardless of what it looks like from a human perspective. Then, Jesus went to a party at Matthew's house - full of tax collectors and sinners. Hmmm. Have you gone to a 'Matthew party' lately? Maybe we should throw a 'Matthew party' for our neighbors. No preaching, no DVD, no worship music...just people hanging out talking about life.
3. The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. I love this thought. How often do we simply follow rules because we think this is what makes God happy? The command about the Sabbath was given because that is how we were created to live. Click here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjW63LuqYm8) and watch this preview. Rob has some great thoughts about life rhythm.
What jumped at you today?
1. Jesus saw the faith of four men who brought a friend to him to be healed. Mark is telling this story, giving a picture of Jesus carrying the authority of God. But he also is giving a picture of how important it is that we, in our faith, carry our family, our friends, our neighbors to Jesus. This is why INVEST & INVITE is such a vital action. We are to invest & invite so that our family, friends, neighbors can experience life change with Jesus. Who are you investing in? Who are you inviting for Easter? (Remember, this man's friends didn't have to heal the man - they didn't have to explain anything to him - they simply brought him to Jesus.)
2. Jesus called Matthew. Maybe this jumped out at me because my name is Matthew. Or maybe it is because I realized how Matthew was such a bad choice for the job. Or maybe it was both - how my name is Matthew and I am a bad choice for the job (trust me, I know me better than you know me.). Humanly, it didn't make sense for Jesus to call Matthew. But he did. And Jesus calls you and me, regardless of what it looks like from a human perspective. Then, Jesus went to a party at Matthew's house - full of tax collectors and sinners. Hmmm. Have you gone to a 'Matthew party' lately? Maybe we should throw a 'Matthew party' for our neighbors. No preaching, no DVD, no worship music...just people hanging out talking about life.
3. The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. I love this thought. How often do we simply follow rules because we think this is what makes God happy? The command about the Sabbath was given because that is how we were created to live. Click here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjW63LuqYm8) and watch this preview. Rob has some great thoughts about life rhythm.
What jumped at you today?
3.23.2009
Boldly Go
In one chapter we learn of the way prepped by John the Baptist, the baptism of Christ, his time and temptation in the desert, the calling of the first disciples, Jesus driving out demons and healing many AND Christ's need for solitude. Wow! That's a lot in one little chapter. It certainly gives us a good overview of the preparation of Jesus' early ministry and the beginning of His ministry.
I think I would love to have met John the Baptist. He sure seems like we was an "out there" kind of guy, or in today's language, John was definitely an "outside of the box" thinker and doer! Can you imagine being given the call to prepare the way for the Son of God? Talk about responsibility and courage. As I read this, I wondered what parallels I could draw from John's ministry.
I certainly am not preparing the way for Christ's ministry, but aren't we all really preparing the way for Christ's return? According to Matthew 28:19-20 we are to be discipling, preaching and baptizing....that's what John the Baptist was doing. And he was obviously sold out, bought in, and 100% committed to the cause of Christ. I believe it was that passion that led to the fervor with which he preached the coming of Christ and the need for repentance. We, too, should be doing the same. Yes, I do believe that with many people we have to "earn the right" to share the gospel--we have to build a relationship and earn credibility. But how often do we wait too long? Come up with one excuse after another of why it's not time? We are each and everyone called to spread the Good News.
There's a lot in this passage and I realized I have focused on one small part. Feel free to share your thoughts on other aspects of today's reading. Personally, God used verses 1-8 today to remind me of a commandment He gave me to not only live out my faith, but to share it openly and honestly as well. I'm not going to start eating locusts or wearing camel's hair clothing, but I think I could take a few tips from John's boldness and commitment.
Father,
May we be very aware today of the chances you give us to share your love and Truth. As people pass by us, may we not let the opportunities pass us by. Give us courage to speak when You want us to speak. Help us to remember that we are being watched by neighbors, co-workers, family and even strangers and daily we have a chance to live in obedience to you.
Amen.
3.19.2009
You want something... but don’t get it.
James starts chapter 4 with this question and answer,
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from YOUR DESIRES that battle within you? You want something but you don’t get it…”
You want something… but you don’t get it….
This little phrase really slapped me in the face as I read ☺ and it is so true.
How do I act when I want something, and I don’t get it?
This passage makes more sense when we look at the end of chapter 3. James writes about two kinds of wisdom: heavenly and earthly. Both are identifiable by the fruit they produce. Wisdom from heaven is pure, peace loving, considerate, full of mercy. Earthly wisdom is full of disorder, selfish ambition, bitterness, and envy.
I don’t want to brag, but looking at that list I am full of “heavenly” wisdom…
At least, when it is easy to be.
Yet when I really, really want something, and then I do not get it... envy, bitterness, disorder, manipulation, quarrels etc.…
As we read James 3 and 4 we must ask ourselves these questions: How do I treat others when I do not get what I want? Do I connive, manipulate, or enforce my will?
Do I seek God’s will, and heavenly wisdom? Do I pray with the right motives? Do I remain humble and submit myself to God?
Because I am usually wise, until I want something and don’t get it.
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from YOUR DESIRES that battle within you? You want something but you don’t get it…”
You want something… but you don’t get it….
This little phrase really slapped me in the face as I read ☺ and it is so true.
How do I act when I want something, and I don’t get it?
This passage makes more sense when we look at the end of chapter 3. James writes about two kinds of wisdom: heavenly and earthly. Both are identifiable by the fruit they produce. Wisdom from heaven is pure, peace loving, considerate, full of mercy. Earthly wisdom is full of disorder, selfish ambition, bitterness, and envy.
I don’t want to brag, but looking at that list I am full of “heavenly” wisdom…
At least, when it is easy to be.
Yet when I really, really want something, and then I do not get it... envy, bitterness, disorder, manipulation, quarrels etc.…
As we read James 3 and 4 we must ask ourselves these questions: How do I treat others when I do not get what I want? Do I connive, manipulate, or enforce my will?
Do I seek God’s will, and heavenly wisdom? Do I pray with the right motives? Do I remain humble and submit myself to God?
Because I am usually wise, until I want something and don’t get it.
3.18.2009
the tongue.
Can you roll your tongue?
Can you control your tongue? James takes some time to talk about how important, but how difficult it is to control the tongue. You will definitely hear a sermon sometime in the next year on this subject. I've been wanting to do a series on this for the past year or two - but it just hasn't come together yet. At the end of his comments about the tongue, James makes a statement that is so very convicting to me: Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty spring. What is he saying here? Is he saying that our heart, our motives can be made known by the words we choose to use? I think it was Scooby Doo who said "rhut rho." And I think Jesus said something to the effect of "Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." How do you assimilate these verses? What do you take from these instructions from James? And is it ok to quote James, Jesus and Scooby Doo in the same blog entry?
Can you control your tongue? James takes some time to talk about how important, but how difficult it is to control the tongue. You will definitely hear a sermon sometime in the next year on this subject. I've been wanting to do a series on this for the past year or two - but it just hasn't come together yet. At the end of his comments about the tongue, James makes a statement that is so very convicting to me: Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty spring. What is he saying here? Is he saying that our heart, our motives can be made known by the words we choose to use? I think it was Scooby Doo who said "rhut rho." And I think Jesus said something to the effect of "Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." How do you assimilate these verses? What do you take from these instructions from James? And is it ok to quote James, Jesus and Scooby Doo in the same blog entry?
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