Genesis 40
Joseph's attitude is amazing. Whether he is sold into slavery or thrown into prison, he gives his best. He rises into positions of leadership in both places. I don't ever remember a word of complaint from Joseph instead he finds favor with those over him because of what he does. If God can use Joseph wherever he ends up, I imagine God can do the same with us.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 29
- Genesis 39
"The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered". If I had been sold into slavery, even if things were going well as a slave, would I be able to say that the Lord was with me? Would I be able to say I was prospering? I might be so fixated on the actions of my brothers, or where I was living, that I missed how my life was prospering. Is it possible that sometimes we become so fixated on what is wrong that we miss all that is right?
"The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered". If I had been sold into slavery, even if things were going well as a slave, would I be able to say that the Lord was with me? Would I be able to say I was prospering? I might be so fixated on the actions of my brothers, or where I was living, that I missed how my life was prospering. Is it possible that sometimes we become so fixated on what is wrong that we miss all that is right?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tuesday, April 28
Genesis 37
The depth of Joseph's brother's feelings towards him are hard to imagine. I have never been so upset with anyone that I thought about killing him, have you? There might a have been a church member or two over the years I prayed would move away, of course none of those were members of FUMC! But there is no doubt that anger has at times shaped how I viewed a person or situation. I am not thinking about righteous anger over an injustice against another person. I am thinking about those moments when I just lose my temper, get frustrated or feel envious.
There is a reason that in scripture we read "to be slow to anger", "be angry but do not sin", or "do not let the sun go down on you anger". We have moments of emotion when anger surges into our lives, we just can't let that anger dwell within us. If we do, anger will consume us. Anger will lead us to actions that are far from what God desires.
The depth of Joseph's brother's feelings towards him are hard to imagine. I have never been so upset with anyone that I thought about killing him, have you? There might a have been a church member or two over the years I prayed would move away, of course none of those were members of FUMC! But there is no doubt that anger has at times shaped how I viewed a person or situation. I am not thinking about righteous anger over an injustice against another person. I am thinking about those moments when I just lose my temper, get frustrated or feel envious.
There is a reason that in scripture we read "to be slow to anger", "be angry but do not sin", or "do not let the sun go down on you anger". We have moments of emotion when anger surges into our lives, we just can't let that anger dwell within us. If we do, anger will consume us. Anger will lead us to actions that are far from what God desires.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 27
Genesis 12
A startling aspect of this chapter is the faith that Abram shows in leaving everything to follow God and then the lack of faith when he has to go to Egypt. Isn't it amazing how one day we can have great faith and the next day struggle so desperately with doubt?
I wanted you to read this chapter about Abram before starting the story of Joseph. Abram is Joseph's great grandfather. The promise he makes to Abram of "I will make you into a great nation" is part of the story of Joseph. As you read the story of Joseph consider how God works to protect the family line of Abram through Joseph.
A startling aspect of this chapter is the faith that Abram shows in leaving everything to follow God and then the lack of faith when he has to go to Egypt. Isn't it amazing how one day we can have great faith and the next day struggle so desperately with doubt?
I wanted you to read this chapter about Abram before starting the story of Joseph. Abram is Joseph's great grandfather. The promise he makes to Abram of "I will make you into a great nation" is part of the story of Joseph. As you read the story of Joseph consider how God works to protect the family line of Abram through Joseph.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Saturday, April 25
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, 5:12-22
Paul writes about God's will in both of these passages. Notice that he speaks of God's will not in terms of a decision we have to make, such as where to live or work, but in terms of the manner we live. God's will is described in terms of our prayer life, our joy, our thankfulness, and in avoiding sexual immorality. Could it be that as we put the right practices into our lives, God's will in our actions becomes readily evident?
Paul writes about God's will in both of these passages. Notice that he speaks of God's will not in terms of a decision we have to make, such as where to live or work, but in terms of the manner we live. God's will is described in terms of our prayer life, our joy, our thankfulness, and in avoiding sexual immorality. Could it be that as we put the right practices into our lives, God's will in our actions becomes readily evident?
Friday, April 24, 2009
Friday, April 24
- 1 Peter 2:13-17, Ephesians 5:15-20
Both of these passages speak of God's will. The passage in 1 Peter suggests a rather simple act as doing God's will. It reads, "For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men." Rather simple and straightforward. Do good. That is not too hard to figure out. It seems that when it comes to spirituality we often make it far more complicated than it needs to be. When you encounter a situation, a basic step to following God's will is simply to do good.
Both of these passages speak of God's will. The passage in 1 Peter suggests a rather simple act as doing God's will. It reads, "For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men." Rather simple and straightforward. Do good. That is not too hard to figure out. It seems that when it comes to spirituality we often make it far more complicated than it needs to be. When you encounter a situation, a basic step to following God's will is simply to do good.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thursday, April 23
Romans 12
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
When we allow our minds to be renewed, then we can grasp the will of God. As long as we stay conformed to this world and its values, we will struggle to understand how God wants us to live. How are we transformed? Through the power of God as in prayer we invite God to bring that transformation. Also, through sacrificial living, as we give up the way we want to live and live as God wants us to live.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
When we allow our minds to be renewed, then we can grasp the will of God. As long as we stay conformed to this world and its values, we will struggle to understand how God wants us to live. How are we transformed? Through the power of God as in prayer we invite God to bring that transformation. Also, through sacrificial living, as we give up the way we want to live and live as God wants us to live.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Wednesday, April 22
Romans 8
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose"
We experience evil and the consequences of sin every day. Sometimes it is the sin that comes from our lives, other times, we experience the consequences of the sin of others. The hope this verse provides is that God is always active, and that evil/sin is not the final word. The Christian faith declares that God's will be done even in the face of the evil of this world. That God has the ability and desire to work around the misdeeds of humanity to bring about good for God's creation. This is the will of God and nothing can thwart God's will.
The challenge for us is to have faith that God is working for us when things aren't going well.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose"
We experience evil and the consequences of sin every day. Sometimes it is the sin that comes from our lives, other times, we experience the consequences of the sin of others. The hope this verse provides is that God is always active, and that evil/sin is not the final word. The Christian faith declares that God's will be done even in the face of the evil of this world. That God has the ability and desire to work around the misdeeds of humanity to bring about good for God's creation. This is the will of God and nothing can thwart God's will.
The challenge for us is to have faith that God is working for us when things aren't going well.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Tuesday, April 21
Matthew 26
"Yet not as I will, but as you will."
Yesterday, we read how Jesus taught us to pray for God's will to be done. Today, we read how he lives out God's will even as he prays "may this cup be taken from me." This death is not what Jesus wants, but he is willing to submit to his will to God's. Am I willing to do what God wants, when the will of God is opposite of what I want? Are you?
Let's consider this in the day to day decisions that we make. My friend offends me, am I willing to forgive him as God desires? I encounter the poor, do I respond to their need in Jesus' name? Do I love my neighbor as myself? Am I conformed to this world or has my life been transformed by God's grace? Am I patient with an other's immaturity? Will I hold a friend in loving accountability? Can I turn the other cheek? The irony for me is that when I think of God's will I tend to focus on big decisions like which college to choose. I forget all the scriptural teachings that challenge me to live out God's will in daily living. It seems that every day I am confronted with situations that call me to follow God's will in situations where I have already learned the will of God through scripture. Can I or you be like Jesus in following God's will when it is not what we want to do?
"Yet not as I will, but as you will."
Yesterday, we read how Jesus taught us to pray for God's will to be done. Today, we read how he lives out God's will even as he prays "may this cup be taken from me." This death is not what Jesus wants, but he is willing to submit to his will to God's. Am I willing to do what God wants, when the will of God is opposite of what I want? Are you?
Let's consider this in the day to day decisions that we make. My friend offends me, am I willing to forgive him as God desires? I encounter the poor, do I respond to their need in Jesus' name? Do I love my neighbor as myself? Am I conformed to this world or has my life been transformed by God's grace? Am I patient with an other's immaturity? Will I hold a friend in loving accountability? Can I turn the other cheek? The irony for me is that when I think of God's will I tend to focus on big decisions like which college to choose. I forget all the scriptural teachings that challenge me to live out God's will in daily living. It seems that every day I am confronted with situations that call me to follow God's will in situations where I have already learned the will of God through scripture. Can I or you be like Jesus in following God's will when it is not what we want to do?
Monday, April 20, 2009
Monday, April 20
Matthew 6
This week's readings involve the will of God. Today's reading does not speak about the nature of God's will, rather in verse 10 Jesus teaches us to pray for God's will to be done. When our prayer is for God's will to be done, we are submitting our lives to God. We are telling God that we would rather do what God wants than what we want.
One question to consider is whether we are willing to submit our desires to God's? I think there is a temptation to submit certain aspects of our lives while retaining control of other aspects. For example, we might be willing to forgive those who have harmed us, except for that one person who.... Or we might give generously but the thought of tithing.... Take a few moments today to examine your life. Where are you holding back?
This week's readings involve the will of God. Today's reading does not speak about the nature of God's will, rather in verse 10 Jesus teaches us to pray for God's will to be done. When our prayer is for God's will to be done, we are submitting our lives to God. We are telling God that we would rather do what God wants than what we want.
One question to consider is whether we are willing to submit our desires to God's? I think there is a temptation to submit certain aspects of our lives while retaining control of other aspects. For example, we might be willing to forgive those who have harmed us, except for that one person who.... Or we might give generously but the thought of tithing.... Take a few moments today to examine your life. Where are you holding back?
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Saturday, April 18
- Psalm 51
This Psalm is David's response to the exposure of his sin. He does not try to excuse or justify his actions. When he is confronted, he lays his sin before God.
In 1 Samuel 13 Saul is the king and has failed to follow the direction of God. Samuel tell him in verse 13-14 "You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord's command."
David is the "man after his own heat". After reading the crossroad moments of David's life, this statement is difficult to believe. David committed adultery with Bathsheba when he should have been with the army. David put Uriah in a position to die because he was too honorable to sleep in his own house. Nathan has to trick David into recognizing the evil of his actions. Are these the actions of a man after God's own heart? No, but his willingness to confess his sin and have God create in him a "clean heart" is. David is a model for us, not because of his sinful behavior but because of his willingness to confess and repent of his behavior.
This Psalm is David's response to the exposure of his sin. He does not try to excuse or justify his actions. When he is confronted, he lays his sin before God.
In 1 Samuel 13 Saul is the king and has failed to follow the direction of God. Samuel tell him in verse 13-14 "You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord's command."
David is the "man after his own heat". After reading the crossroad moments of David's life, this statement is difficult to believe. David committed adultery with Bathsheba when he should have been with the army. David put Uriah in a position to die because he was too honorable to sleep in his own house. Nathan has to trick David into recognizing the evil of his actions. Are these the actions of a man after God's own heart? No, but his willingness to confess his sin and have God create in him a "clean heart" is. David is a model for us, not because of his sinful behavior but because of his willingness to confess and repent of his behavior.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Friday, April 17
- 2 Samuel 12
Nathan's telling of a gripping story to engage the king was brilliant. David could easily see the sin in the life of another (we can always see the sin in others), what the story allowed him to see was his own sin (We tend to justify our own sin). By the time he says, "You are the man", David recognizes himself and what he has done. Nathan then lays out all that God has done for him: anointed him king, delivered him from Saul, gave him the house of Israel, and would have given him more, yet David response was to despise the word of the Lord.
Think for a moment how much you have been given. For me; a wonderful wife, two children and a son-in-law that are great, a grandchild on the way, a calling to be a pastor, a great church to serve, I was born in the greatest country in the world, I live in tremendous prosperity (maybe not compared to the richest Americans but compared to the vast majority of the people who have ever lived)... that is me. What would you write. Then the big question is, what is my/your response to following the word the the lord?????
Nathan's telling of a gripping story to engage the king was brilliant. David could easily see the sin in the life of another (we can always see the sin in others), what the story allowed him to see was his own sin (We tend to justify our own sin). By the time he says, "You are the man", David recognizes himself and what he has done. Nathan then lays out all that God has done for him: anointed him king, delivered him from Saul, gave him the house of Israel, and would have given him more, yet David response was to despise the word of the Lord.
Think for a moment how much you have been given. For me; a wonderful wife, two children and a son-in-law that are great, a grandchild on the way, a calling to be a pastor, a great church to serve, I was born in the greatest country in the world, I live in tremendous prosperity (maybe not compared to the richest Americans but compared to the vast majority of the people who have ever lived)... that is me. What would you write. Then the big question is, what is my/your response to following the word the the lord?????
Thursday, April 16, 2009
April 16
2 Samuel 11
The first line of this chapter is a clue that something is wrong. "at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men" Why isn't the David, the king, going out with his men? Think how David's life would have been different if he had been where he was supposed to be. Ever find yourself in a place you shouldn't be? The web is amazing in the opportunities if offers, but therein lies a danger. There are many websites where we shouldn't be. Sites that lead as quickly to the destruction of relationships, as David standing on his roof when he should be with his army.
Another thought that strikes me from this passage is the integrity of Uriah. He won't go in to sleep with his wife while the ark and his men are in tents. Even when he is drunk, he does the right thing. The comparison of his action and David's is striking.
The first line of this chapter is a clue that something is wrong. "at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men" Why isn't the David, the king, going out with his men? Think how David's life would have been different if he had been where he was supposed to be. Ever find yourself in a place you shouldn't be? The web is amazing in the opportunities if offers, but therein lies a danger. There are many websites where we shouldn't be. Sites that lead as quickly to the destruction of relationships, as David standing on his roof when he should be with his army.
Another thought that strikes me from this passage is the integrity of Uriah. He won't go in to sleep with his wife while the ark and his men are in tents. Even when he is drunk, he does the right thing. The comparison of his action and David's is striking.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April 15
- 2 Samuel 9
We are skipping a huge section of the David story. I would encourage you to spend time to read the story. What has happened is that David has now become king after defeating Saul. He has conquered Jerusalem and returned the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem.
After years of warfare David turns his attention a family member of his former enemy Saul. Consider what David does. He asks if there is anyone "left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?" The normal behavior was to destroy all the family of your rival. David does the opposite of what is normal and seeks out a family member of his rival to bless.
On a regular basis we come to moments of decision. We can respond in the normal behavior of our culture or we can choose a different way. What would it mean for you to chose a different way in a decision you are facing?
We are skipping a huge section of the David story. I would encourage you to spend time to read the story. What has happened is that David has now become king after defeating Saul. He has conquered Jerusalem and returned the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem.
After years of warfare David turns his attention a family member of his former enemy Saul. Consider what David does. He asks if there is anyone "left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?" The normal behavior was to destroy all the family of your rival. David does the opposite of what is normal and seeks out a family member of his rival to bless.
On a regular basis we come to moments of decision. We can respond in the normal behavior of our culture or we can choose a different way. What would it mean for you to chose a different way in a decision you are facing?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tuesday, April 14
April 14 - 1 Samuel 17
A couple of thoughts to ponder:
- The power of fear. Fear has gripped the entire army. Goliath has challenged them daily, the king has offered a great reward (I really like the no taxes part) and the army is terrified. Fear warps our perspective. What do you fear? It would seem that fear is warping our country.
- David is the new guy on the scene. He doesn't see a giant, he sees an opportunity. What gives you confidence, is it your size, appearance, intelligence, faith?
- Saul tries to make David like him. Put on his tunic, his armor, use his weapons. He rejects all Saul offers to be himself.
- David stands against the giant in the name of the Lord. Is there an action you should be taking in the name of the Lord but fear is driving you instead.
- Imagine. One stone is thrown, the giant is dead and the enemy runs in terror. One young boy stood tall, now we begin to see what God saw in his heart.
A couple of thoughts to ponder:
- The power of fear. Fear has gripped the entire army. Goliath has challenged them daily, the king has offered a great reward (I really like the no taxes part) and the army is terrified. Fear warps our perspective. What do you fear? It would seem that fear is warping our country.
- David is the new guy on the scene. He doesn't see a giant, he sees an opportunity. What gives you confidence, is it your size, appearance, intelligence, faith?
- Saul tries to make David like him. Put on his tunic, his armor, use his weapons. He rejects all Saul offers to be himself.
- David stands against the giant in the name of the Lord. Is there an action you should be taking in the name of the Lord but fear is driving you instead.
- Imagine. One stone is thrown, the giant is dead and the enemy runs in terror. One young boy stood tall, now we begin to see what God saw in his heart.
Monday, April 13, 2009
1 Samuel 16: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20samuel%2016&version=31
(I think clicking on this will take you to the passage. If it doesn't today, I will have it set up by Tuesday.)
Saul has been a failure as king in that he did not follow God's direction. He is still king, but God is directing Samjel to anoint a new king, that is David.
Read the chapter before thinking about any of these comments/questions.
God instructs Samuel to anoint a new king even as Saul continues to reign. What is Samuel's first response? Samuel is at a point of decision, which is greater his fear for his life or his commitment to serve God? Consider you own faith journey, how often has fear shaped your response to God?
Spend a few moments considering verse 7 and the standard by which God judges.
Notice in verses 17-18 the important role an attendant plays in being used by God to get David before the king. The unnamed attendant is a key to the story. When we are open to the direction of God, we never know how God might be using us.
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can post them here or send me an email at kend@fumcg.org
(I think clicking on this will take you to the passage. If it doesn't today, I will have it set up by Tuesday.)
Saul has been a failure as king in that he did not follow God's direction. He is still king, but God is directing Samjel to anoint a new king, that is David.
Read the chapter before thinking about any of these comments/questions.
God instructs Samuel to anoint a new king even as Saul continues to reign. What is Samuel's first response? Samuel is at a point of decision, which is greater his fear for his life or his commitment to serve God? Consider you own faith journey, how often has fear shaped your response to God?
Spend a few moments considering verse 7 and the standard by which God judges.
Notice in verses 17-18 the important role an attendant plays in being used by God to get David before the king. The unnamed attendant is a key to the story. When we are open to the direction of God, we never know how God might be using us.
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can post them here or send me an email at kend@fumcg.org
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Saturday, April 11
Saturday, April 11 - Mark 16
"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"
Believing is not always easy. One insight we gain from reading Mark is that the disciples struggle with belief. Even in this closing chapter, they still struggle. For some reason in the church we are afraid to admit to one another when we struggle with believing. We seem to think that doubts make us less of a Christian. What if in sharing our struggles with one another, we discovered we were not alone? What if in sharing we encouraged and strengthened each other?
Lent ends today. This is the last devotional like this I am going to write. I am going to try something different beginning the day after Easter. On Easter I am beginning a sermon series on the moments in life when we have to make a decision that changes the direction of our lives. How do we make those decisions? How do we hear God give us direction? I will be giving daily scriptures to read that deal with biblical characters dealing with such decisions. The scriptures will be listed in the bulletin. On this blog I will add a few questions to consider while reading the passages. As this is something new, I would appreciate feedback as to whether this is helpful or not.
"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"
Believing is not always easy. One insight we gain from reading Mark is that the disciples struggle with belief. Even in this closing chapter, they still struggle. For some reason in the church we are afraid to admit to one another when we struggle with believing. We seem to think that doubts make us less of a Christian. What if in sharing our struggles with one another, we discovered we were not alone? What if in sharing we encouraged and strengthened each other?
Lent ends today. This is the last devotional like this I am going to write. I am going to try something different beginning the day after Easter. On Easter I am beginning a sermon series on the moments in life when we have to make a decision that changes the direction of our lives. How do we make those decisions? How do we hear God give us direction? I will be giving daily scriptures to read that deal with biblical characters dealing with such decisions. The scriptures will be listed in the bulletin. On this blog I will add a few questions to consider while reading the passages. As this is something new, I would appreciate feedback as to whether this is helpful or not.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Friday, April 10
Friday, April 10 - Mark 15
"The chief priests accused him of many things"
What if God decided to accuse us? I am afraid the list against me would be very long. What is amazing about God is that doesn't want to accuse me but forgive me. While humanity was trying to accuse Jesus, he was going through this so that we might receive forgiveness. I think I should remember this next time I want to accuse someone of acting unjustly towards me.
"The chief priests accused him of many things"
What if God decided to accuse us? I am afraid the list against me would be very long. What is amazing about God is that doesn't want to accuse me but forgive me. While humanity was trying to accuse Jesus, he was going through this so that we might receive forgiveness. I think I should remember this next time I want to accuse someone of acting unjustly towards me.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Thursday, April 9
Thursday, April 9 - Mark 14
"You will all fall away."
I can't imagine what Jesus is feeling as he says these words. He knows he will soon die. For the last three years he has poured his life into these disciples, yet they are about to all fall away. Whether it is Peter who denies him three times or the other disciples who disappear, they all fail him. What is hard to imagine is that he is going to the cross so that the disciples can be forgiven for what they are about to do. He goes to the cross for their sin and ours. The love that he expresses through his death is astounding. God's love and forgiveness always from God's generosity. God's love and forgiveness never comes because we deserve it.
"You will all fall away."
I can't imagine what Jesus is feeling as he says these words. He knows he will soon die. For the last three years he has poured his life into these disciples, yet they are about to all fall away. Whether it is Peter who denies him three times or the other disciples who disappear, they all fail him. What is hard to imagine is that he is going to the cross so that the disciples can be forgiven for what they are about to do. He goes to the cross for their sin and ours. The love that he expresses through his death is astounding. God's love and forgiveness always from God's generosity. God's love and forgiveness never comes because we deserve it.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wednesday, April 8
Wednesday, April 8 - Mark 13
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
There are many people who want to know when Jesus will return. They attempt to use the book of Revelation as their guide. They then write books and give sermons saying the time is coming. The problem with that is Jesus says no one knows. He doesn't even know. What he does tell us to do is the last word of this chapter "Watch!". We are to live as if every day is the last day. In doing so we don't have to speculate or worry, we are always prepared.
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
There are many people who want to know when Jesus will return. They attempt to use the book of Revelation as their guide. They then write books and give sermons saying the time is coming. The problem with that is Jesus says no one knows. He doesn't even know. What he does tell us to do is the last word of this chapter "Watch!". We are to live as if every day is the last day. In doing so we don't have to speculate or worry, we are always prepared.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tuesday, April 7
Tuesday, April 7 - Mark 12
"I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on."
In the last few days I have witnessed several incredible acts of generosity towards Jayla Cooper's family. Jayla was a nine year old girl who died last week. We held her funeral service at the church on Sunday afternoon. During Jayla's illness so many people expressed kindness and generosity towards her family. But there were several people who's generosity towards the family was stunning. It wasn't the dollar amount but the manner in which they gave so completely of themselves to serve the family. I thought of that group of people this morning as I read this passage. They lived out Jesus' words about the widow and "put in everything."
"I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on."
In the last few days I have witnessed several incredible acts of generosity towards Jayla Cooper's family. Jayla was a nine year old girl who died last week. We held her funeral service at the church on Sunday afternoon. During Jayla's illness so many people expressed kindness and generosity towards her family. But there were several people who's generosity towards the family was stunning. It wasn't the dollar amount but the manner in which they gave so completely of themselves to serve the family. I thought of that group of people this morning as I read this passage. They lived out Jesus' words about the widow and "put in everything."
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday, April 6
Monday, April 6 - Mark 11
"I tell you the truth, kif anyone says to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him....And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
I notice within myself the temptation to pay attention to verses that appeal to me and overlook passages that challenge me. The above passage is a good example. I love the verse that talks about prayer moving mountains. My temptation is to focus on that verse and ignore the words a few verses later that require my forgiveness. It is much easier to focus on what I want God to do for me, than what God wants me to do.
"I tell you the truth, kif anyone says to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him....And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
I notice within myself the temptation to pay attention to verses that appeal to me and overlook passages that challenge me. The above passage is a good example. I love the verse that talks about prayer moving mountains. My temptation is to focus on that verse and ignore the words a few verses later that require my forgiveness. It is much easier to focus on what I want God to do for me, than what God wants me to do.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Sunday, April 5
Sunday, April 5 - Mark 10
"At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth."
The rich young man wanted to know what he must do to have eternal life. He followed all of the law already, but even though he followed the law it was his wealth that had a grip on his heart. I wonder what Jesus would ask me to give up?
"At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth."
The rich young man wanted to know what he must do to have eternal life. He followed all of the law already, but even though he followed the law it was his wealth that had a grip on his heart. I wonder what Jesus would ask me to give up?
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Saturday, April 4
Saturday, April 4 - Mark 9
"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
The father who says this has the faith to bring his child to Jesus, but he still has doubts. He confesses this to Jesus and in doing so asks for help. He has faith and doubt.
Faith is not the absense of doubt. Doubt is part of faith. I think my greatest moments of faith are when I acted in faith even when I had doubts about what I was doing.
"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
The father who says this has the faith to bring his child to Jesus, but he still has doubts. He confesses this to Jesus and in doing so asks for help. He has faith and doubt.
Faith is not the absense of doubt. Doubt is part of faith. I think my greatest moments of faith are when I acted in faith even when I had doubts about what I was doing.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Friday, April 3
Friday, April 3 - Mark 8
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up the cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it."
Jesus seems to constantly ask me to act in ways that do not feel natural. It is natural to want to strike back when I have been hurt, yet he says to turn the other check. It is natural to not forgive when I have been deeply injured, but he teaches to forgive. It is natural to want to keep for myself, he teaches to share. It is natural to want to save my life, and he I must lose it to save it. Maybe this is the reason it is so difficult at times to be a Christian. Jesus keeps asking me to do things that don't feel natural. They require intentional effort.
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up the cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it."
Jesus seems to constantly ask me to act in ways that do not feel natural. It is natural to want to strike back when I have been hurt, yet he says to turn the other check. It is natural to not forgive when I have been deeply injured, but he teaches to forgive. It is natural to want to keep for myself, he teaches to share. It is natural to want to save my life, and he I must lose it to save it. Maybe this is the reason it is so difficult at times to be a Christian. Jesus keeps asking me to do things that don't feel natural. They require intentional effort.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Thursday, April 2
Thursday, April 2 - Mark 7
"What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.'"
The people Jesus is dealing with are focused on what they put into their bodies, what they eat and when they eat it. Jesus turns this around and tells them what is important is what is coming out of their bodies. Thus, when I am rude, speak out of frustration or speak poorly about my neighbor, that is when I am living outside the boundaries of how Jesus calls me to live. My actions and words reflect my inner being.
"What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.'"
The people Jesus is dealing with are focused on what they put into their bodies, what they eat and when they eat it. Jesus turns this around and tells them what is important is what is coming out of their bodies. Thus, when I am rude, speak out of frustration or speak poorly about my neighbor, that is when I am living outside the boundaries of how Jesus calls me to live. My actions and words reflect my inner being.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Wednesday, April 1
Wednesday, April 1 - Mark 6
"Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half of my kingdom....The head of John the Baptist...The King was greatly distressed."
The story implies that in a moment of excitement the King made a great proclamation. A dance was so wonderful that the dancer would receive up to half his kingdom. Must have been an amazing dance! Of course, what she asks for, the head of John the Baptist, is stunning. Hard to imagine to carrying such hatred that when you could get anything, you choose to take some one's head. Almost as equally stunning that the King goes through with the beheading.
I don't know which part of the story is more powerful for me. The power of our words to shape our future, even when we are overstating things. Or the power of vengeance to shape our lives. I do know that vengeance leads nowhere good and I need to be careful of the words I speak.
"Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half of my kingdom....The head of John the Baptist...The King was greatly distressed."
The story implies that in a moment of excitement the King made a great proclamation. A dance was so wonderful that the dancer would receive up to half his kingdom. Must have been an amazing dance! Of course, what she asks for, the head of John the Baptist, is stunning. Hard to imagine to carrying such hatred that when you could get anything, you choose to take some one's head. Almost as equally stunning that the King goes through with the beheading.
I don't know which part of the story is more powerful for me. The power of our words to shape our future, even when we are overstating things. Or the power of vengeance to shape our lives. I do know that vengeance leads nowhere good and I need to be careful of the words I speak.
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