Luke 17
Every time I read the story of the 10 who had leprosy, I hope I am like the one who returned to give thanks. I pray that I can have a sense of gratitude about life. I know how tempting it is to simply assume what I should have or how life should be. It is very easy once we have something to have a sense of entitlement to it, whether it is healing, a relationship or a possession. I hope that I always remember life is a gift.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
January 29
Proverbs 29
"The good-hearted understand what it's like to be poor; the hardhearted haven't the faintest idea." (Verse 7 in the Message)
Compassion often arises from knowing. When we have a personal connection with a person or situation, the more readily we respond to the need. When we don't have the personal connection we are more likely to justify why we should not help the person. That is one reason the personal connection becomes so important in working with the poor. I don't think God calls us to just write a check, but to share life with the poor. In sharing life with the poor, they can learn from us and we can learn from them. Both sides, the rich and the poor, have much to learn from each other.
"The good-hearted understand what it's like to be poor; the hardhearted haven't the faintest idea." (Verse 7 in the Message)
Compassion often arises from knowing. When we have a personal connection with a person or situation, the more readily we respond to the need. When we don't have the personal connection we are more likely to justify why we should not help the person. That is one reason the personal connection becomes so important in working with the poor. I don't think God calls us to just write a check, but to share life with the poor. In sharing life with the poor, they can learn from us and we can learn from them. Both sides, the rich and the poor, have much to learn from each other.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
January 28
Matthew 14
I am not sure which is the more stunning miracle; walking on water and inviting Peter to join him or feeding 5000 men and their families. Matthew makes sure we realize the amazing power of God in Jesus' life in this chapter. I don't think there is any place in the scripture where we are invited to walk on water. There are many places where we are invited to feed the hungry.
One emerging ministry of our church that I love is the way we feed people. It is just an estimate, but we feed 70,000+ meals last year between the work in Kenya and Grapevine. I give thanks to God for that and pray that we stay open as individuals and as a congregation to other opportunities to feed the hungry.
I am not sure which is the more stunning miracle; walking on water and inviting Peter to join him or feeding 5000 men and their families. Matthew makes sure we realize the amazing power of God in Jesus' life in this chapter. I don't think there is any place in the scripture where we are invited to walk on water. There are many places where we are invited to feed the hungry.
One emerging ministry of our church that I love is the way we feed people. It is just an estimate, but we feed 70,000+ meals last year between the work in Kenya and Grapevine. I give thanks to God for that and pray that we stay open as individuals and as a congregation to other opportunities to feed the hungry.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
January 27
Luke 6
In verses 32-35 Jesus is challenging us to go beyond normal behavior. Normal behavior is to love those who love us, be good to those who are good to us, and lend to those who can repay. His point is that even the worst of people do those acts. But if we love our enemies, do good to our enemies, or lend to those who won't repay, those are extraordinary actions. Few do such acts because they are very difficult. They are the type of actions to which Jesus calls us.
In verses 32-35 Jesus is challenging us to go beyond normal behavior. Normal behavior is to love those who love us, be good to those who are good to us, and lend to those who can repay. His point is that even the worst of people do those acts. But if we love our enemies, do good to our enemies, or lend to those who won't repay, those are extraordinary actions. Few do such acts because they are very difficult. They are the type of actions to which Jesus calls us.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
January 25
Luke 16
"Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things, and they were scoffing at Him."
What does it mean to be a lover of money? I need money. I have responsibilities in regards to my family and financial commitments I have made. I earn money and try to handle it responsibly. Where is the line that I cross from using money to loving money? John Wesley used a saying, "Make all you can, save all you can, give all you can". Is that the key?
"Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things, and they were scoffing at Him."
What does it mean to be a lover of money? I need money. I have responsibilities in regards to my family and financial commitments I have made. I earn money and try to handle it responsibly. Where is the line that I cross from using money to loving money? John Wesley used a saying, "Make all you can, save all you can, give all you can". Is that the key?
Saturday, January 23, 2010
January 23
Luke 10:25-28
If you go to the "Hole in the Gospel" daily website www.sixweekquest.com they have daily readings. Today is the 14th day. For each of the days they have a person's face. I was struck today by how much the face on the picture looks like Leslie Scribner. Leslie lived in Grapevine. In recent years he walked around town pulling toys. Many people knew him as the "toyman" even though they had never met him. He was struck and killed by a car recently while walking. Today we are holding his funeral service at our church.
What has been amazing to me is how the community has responded. Individuals who did not know him are paying for his funeral service. Toy drives are being held in his memory. I believe this type of action is what Jesus meant when he said to "love our neighbor as ourselves". It is a love that reaches out to another, even in death.
If you go to the "Hole in the Gospel" daily website www.sixweekquest.com they have daily readings. Today is the 14th day. For each of the days they have a person's face. I was struck today by how much the face on the picture looks like Leslie Scribner. Leslie lived in Grapevine. In recent years he walked around town pulling toys. Many people knew him as the "toyman" even though they had never met him. He was struck and killed by a car recently while walking. Today we are holding his funeral service at our church.
What has been amazing to me is how the community has responded. Individuals who did not know him are paying for his funeral service. Toy drives are being held in his memory. I believe this type of action is what Jesus meant when he said to "love our neighbor as ourselves". It is a love that reaches out to another, even in death.
Friday, January 22, 2010
January 22
Proverbs 31
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute."
"That is not fair!" As children we used that line when someone received something we wanted. One of the thoughts I have had over the years is that I am generally only concerned about the issue of fairness when I am on the lower end of what is fair. I don't usually exclaim, "that's not fair" when I received more than someone else. When I receive the extra, I can find reasons to justify why I really deserved it and the other person did not.
This Proverb challenges us to speak to unfairness for those who are destitute. Since we are not destitute, we have the resources and power in life to help bring about change. That change will only occur if we are willing to speak and act on behalf of the destitute
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute."
"That is not fair!" As children we used that line when someone received something we wanted. One of the thoughts I have had over the years is that I am generally only concerned about the issue of fairness when I am on the lower end of what is fair. I don't usually exclaim, "that's not fair" when I received more than someone else. When I receive the extra, I can find reasons to justify why I really deserved it and the other person did not.
This Proverb challenges us to speak to unfairness for those who are destitute. Since we are not destitute, we have the resources and power in life to help bring about change. That change will only occur if we are willing to speak and act on behalf of the destitute
Thursday, January 21, 2010
January 21
1 Timothy 6:17-21
"Tell those rich in this world's wealth.....Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."
Last week we saw how rich we are. We don't think of ourselves as rich, Bill Gates is rich. But wealth is a matter of perspective. When Pastor Catherine was here from Kenya she was driven around Grapevine to see the areas of poverty in which we are working. She said, "I don't see any poor people." Because of her Kenyan perspective, there are no poor people in Grapevine. My perspective is that I am not rich because I can drive a mile from my house and be in a neighborhood of $1,000,000+ homes, I could never live in that neighborhood. I am too poor.
Yet, what we saw last week was that even the average American income of $50,000 puts us in the top 1% of income earners in the world. That needs to become my perspective. Being in the top 1% of the world means that I am rich.
Whenever the Bible talks about the "rich", it is talking about me. In 1 Timothy, the words of instruction are for me "to be in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." Those are words directly to me.
"Tell those rich in this world's wealth.....Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."
Last week we saw how rich we are. We don't think of ourselves as rich, Bill Gates is rich. But wealth is a matter of perspective. When Pastor Catherine was here from Kenya she was driven around Grapevine to see the areas of poverty in which we are working. She said, "I don't see any poor people." Because of her Kenyan perspective, there are no poor people in Grapevine. My perspective is that I am not rich because I can drive a mile from my house and be in a neighborhood of $1,000,000+ homes, I could never live in that neighborhood. I am too poor.
Yet, what we saw last week was that even the average American income of $50,000 puts us in the top 1% of income earners in the world. That needs to become my perspective. Being in the top 1% of the world means that I am rich.
Whenever the Bible talks about the "rich", it is talking about me. In 1 Timothy, the words of instruction are for me "to be in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." Those are words directly to me.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
January 20
Luke 6:17-38
"You're blessed when you've lost it all, God's Kingdom is there for the finding." (verse 20 from the Message)
The bible warns us of the dangers of money. One of the dangers is that when we have money we tend to be independent from God. We have the resources to make our own plans, and to resolve our problems. We live and act as if we can take care of ourselves. The advantage the poor have is that they have no such illusions. They know they need help. They know they need a savior.
One of the places you can hear the difference is in prayer. When you hear a very poor person pray, their prayer expresses utter dependence upon God. When we who are not poor pray, we ask God to help but more often than not we have a plan in place. We seldom have the desperation of one who has lost it all.
"You're blessed when you've lost it all, God's Kingdom is there for the finding." (verse 20 from the Message)
The bible warns us of the dangers of money. One of the dangers is that when we have money we tend to be independent from God. We have the resources to make our own plans, and to resolve our problems. We live and act as if we can take care of ourselves. The advantage the poor have is that they have no such illusions. They know they need help. They know they need a savior.
One of the places you can hear the difference is in prayer. When you hear a very poor person pray, their prayer expresses utter dependence upon God. When we who are not poor pray, we ask God to help but more often than not we have a plan in place. We seldom have the desperation of one who has lost it all.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
January 19
Luke 4:16-30
This passage records the first public words of Jesus in his home town of Nazareth. His quotes Isaiah in defining what his mission is:
to preach good news to the poor
to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
recovery of sight to the blind
to release the oppressed
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor
What is God calling you to do in life? It may not be as clear for you as it was for Jesus, but consider this, his mission was to help others in difficult situations. How could you begin to help others today?
This passage records the first public words of Jesus in his home town of Nazareth. His quotes Isaiah in defining what his mission is:
to preach good news to the poor
to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
recovery of sight to the blind
to release the oppressed
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor
What is God calling you to do in life? It may not be as clear for you as it was for Jesus, but consider this, his mission was to help others in difficult situations. How could you begin to help others today?
Monday, January 18, 2010
1/18 - Isaiah 41
Isaiah 41
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God."
Fear comes at us from many directions. We fear issues like war or the economy that are beyond our control. We fear moments that are part of our daily life, such as sounds in the middle of the night. We fear what the future will hold or the consequences of our past. We fear for our safety so that we lock or alarm everything.
Yet, in scripture we are told not to fear. I am called to have faith in the place of fear. That is one of those thoughts that is much easier said than done. Of course when I think about it, most of my fears are never realized. Most of my fears arise from ideas I hear in the media that have nothing to do with me. Life would probably be much easier if everything I had a tingling of fear, I intentionally turned my thoughts towards God.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God."
Fear comes at us from many directions. We fear issues like war or the economy that are beyond our control. We fear moments that are part of our daily life, such as sounds in the middle of the night. We fear what the future will hold or the consequences of our past. We fear for our safety so that we lock or alarm everything.
Yet, in scripture we are told not to fear. I am called to have faith in the place of fear. That is one of those thoughts that is much easier said than done. Of course when I think about it, most of my fears are never realized. Most of my fears arise from ideas I hear in the media that have nothing to do with me. Life would probably be much easier if everything I had a tingling of fear, I intentionally turned my thoughts towards God.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
January 16
Ezekiel 16
Prostitution is an image used in the Old Testament. Generally when it is used, it is similar to this passage. The people of Israel are compared to a prostitute. Instead of being loyal to a husband, like Israel should be loyal to God, the prostitute gives herself to everyone as Israel follows after many gods. Instead of remaining loyal to the Lord God, they make agreements with other countries. The people of Israel give themselves to many things other than God. Is there anything you give yourself to other than God?
Prostitution is an image used in the Old Testament. Generally when it is used, it is similar to this passage. The people of Israel are compared to a prostitute. Instead of being loyal to a husband, like Israel should be loyal to God, the prostitute gives herself to everyone as Israel follows after many gods. Instead of remaining loyal to the Lord God, they make agreements with other countries. The people of Israel give themselves to many things other than God. Is there anything you give yourself to other than God?
Friday, January 15, 2010
January 15
Isaiah 58
The chapter opens with a description of the actions of the people. They worship, study, pray, and fast. But they have a complaint, God is not answering their prayers. God responds in telling them why their prayers are not answered. They may be doing the right acts towards God but while fasting they quarrel, fight, hit each other and exploit their workers. They have the right actions towards God but their relationships with people are all wrong. How can you love God and not love the people of God? What God wants is for them to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and help the oppressed. What God wants of them, and of us, is that our relationship with God transforms how we treat others.
The chapter opens with a description of the actions of the people. They worship, study, pray, and fast. But they have a complaint, God is not answering their prayers. God responds in telling them why their prayers are not answered. They may be doing the right acts towards God but while fasting they quarrel, fight, hit each other and exploit their workers. They have the right actions towards God but their relationships with people are all wrong. How can you love God and not love the people of God? What God wants is for them to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and help the oppressed. What God wants of them, and of us, is that our relationship with God transforms how we treat others.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
January 14
James 1:22-27
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
What does James mean by pure? I think he means that we are living out our faith in such a manner that we are not expecting anything in return when we help another. He wants giving and helping because that is our way of life. He wants us to have no motive behind our generosity. So when we are helping widows and orphans in distress, we know we are not going to receive anything in return for our action. Isn't ironic that he has to teach us to be careful that our "charitable or loving" actions are not self-centered or self-serving?
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
What does James mean by pure? I think he means that we are living out our faith in such a manner that we are not expecting anything in return when we help another. He wants giving and helping because that is our way of life. He wants us to have no motive behind our generosity. So when we are helping widows and orphans in distress, we know we are not going to receive anything in return for our action. Isn't ironic that he has to teach us to be careful that our "charitable or loving" actions are not self-centered or self-serving?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
January 13
Proverbs 19
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord"
If you have not looked at the six week quest daily devotional, please click on the link. Once on the page click on the link that ranks where you rank in the world in terms of wealth. If you are a youth living at home, use your parent's income.
http://www.sixweekquest.com/pages/day4
One of the interesting things about wealth is how we compare ourselves. If I compare myself to Bill Gates, I am destitute. If I compare myself to a poor person in Kenya, I am very wealthy. Using a tool like this website gives us a better worldview of where we fit in the world.
The average household income in Grapevine is $87,314. If you are an average Grapevine resident that puts you in the top o.74% in the world. That means that you are wealthier that 99.24% of the people in the world! If that is true, then this passage speaks directly to you.
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord"
If you have not looked at the six week quest daily devotional, please click on the link. Once on the page click on the link that ranks where you rank in the world in terms of wealth. If you are a youth living at home, use your parent's income.
http://www.sixweekquest.com/pages/day4
One of the interesting things about wealth is how we compare ourselves. If I compare myself to Bill Gates, I am destitute. If I compare myself to a poor person in Kenya, I am very wealthy. Using a tool like this website gives us a better worldview of where we fit in the world.
The average household income in Grapevine is $87,314. If you are an average Grapevine resident that puts you in the top o.74% in the world. That means that you are wealthier that 99.24% of the people in the world! If that is true, then this passage speaks directly to you.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
January 12
Matthew 6:25-34
In the Message translation of verse 29 it says, "What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so that you can respond to God's giving." What a powerful image, to trade out thoughts on getting to giving. The irony is that we would all agree that getting more stuff does not make our lives better. Yet, we are so indoctrinated with "getting" in our culture, that we keep acquiring without even thinking through our actions. So I had a thought, what if I tried to go a period of time without buying anything except food or gas? Maybe during lent I gave up buying? My first thought was of the stuff I need to buy before lent begins.....I think I need to ask for God's help in this.
In the Message translation of verse 29 it says, "What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so that you can respond to God's giving." What a powerful image, to trade out thoughts on getting to giving. The irony is that we would all agree that getting more stuff does not make our lives better. Yet, we are so indoctrinated with "getting" in our culture, that we keep acquiring without even thinking through our actions. So I had a thought, what if I tried to go a period of time without buying anything except food or gas? Maybe during lent I gave up buying? My first thought was of the stuff I need to buy before lent begins.....I think I need to ask for God's help in this.
Monday, January 11, 2010
January 11
Isaiah 49:1-12
The scriptures we will be reading for the next six weeks are connected to the "Hole In the Gospel". There is a website connected with the study that has daily scriptures and questions for you to consider. They give a single verse to read each day. I have expanded what they give to read. Here is the link: www.sixweekquest.com The link is also on the church website.
This passage speaks of the time the when Israel will be restored. In verse 10, "They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or sun beat upon them". As I was reading this, I could not help but think of how fortunate I am to live in a place where I am never hunger or thirsty. If I am hot or cold, I can simply change the thermostat and the temperature is as I desire. I am among the most blessed people who have ever lived on this planet! I give God praise that I live in this time, in this place.
The scriptures we will be reading for the next six weeks are connected to the "Hole In the Gospel". There is a website connected with the study that has daily scriptures and questions for you to consider. They give a single verse to read each day. I have expanded what they give to read. Here is the link: www.sixweekquest.com The link is also on the church website.
This passage speaks of the time the when Israel will be restored. In verse 10, "They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or sun beat upon them". As I was reading this, I could not help but think of how fortunate I am to live in a place where I am never hunger or thirsty. If I am hot or cold, I can simply change the thermostat and the temperature is as I desire. I am among the most blessed people who have ever lived on this planet! I give God praise that I live in this time, in this place.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
January 9
Matthew 4:12-17
This passage contains Jesus' basic message. "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand". This is a message that still rings true today. It is a call for us to change our lives in response to the presence of God.
Change is not easy. Even when we know that the change would be good for us we struggle to make simple changes. That is why we needed a savior. To save us from ourselves.
This passage contains Jesus' basic message. "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand". This is a message that still rings true today. It is a call for us to change our lives in response to the presence of God.
Change is not easy. Even when we know that the change would be good for us we struggle to make simple changes. That is why we needed a savior. To save us from ourselves.
Friday, January 8, 2010
January 8
Matthew 4:1-11
There are so many thoughts that come with this passage.
- The Spirit leading Jesus to be tested by the devil
- Jesus' preparation of fasting for 40 days.
- Jesus' use of scripture to turn the temptation away.
The idea that resonated with me this morning is how the devil used three different types of temptations on Jesus. The devil was looking for the point at which Jesus was vulnerable to the temptation.
We are not all vulnerable to the same temptation. What tempts you may be of no temptation to me. What tempts me may not tempt you. The crucial point in this is to understand where we are vulnerable. As an alcoholic knows he can't go into a bar, we need to understand the points where we need to flee and ask for God's help.
There are so many thoughts that come with this passage.
- The Spirit leading Jesus to be tested by the devil
- Jesus' preparation of fasting for 40 days.
- Jesus' use of scripture to turn the temptation away.
The idea that resonated with me this morning is how the devil used three different types of temptations on Jesus. The devil was looking for the point at which Jesus was vulnerable to the temptation.
We are not all vulnerable to the same temptation. What tempts you may be of no temptation to me. What tempts me may not tempt you. The crucial point in this is to understand where we are vulnerable. As an alcoholic knows he can't go into a bar, we need to understand the points where we need to flee and ask for God's help.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
1/7 - Matthew 3:13-17
Matthew 3:13-17
What powerful words of affirmation for Jesus, "This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased." I don't know if Jesus needed to hear those words as he began his ministry, but they are a wonderful gift from God. When we hear such words, generally we hear them from people not God, they help shape our lives.
What I want you to consider is not what others might say to you but what you have the opportunity to say to others. You will have the opportunity to speak words today that can help build others up. Words that encourage and strengthen their lives. The question is whether or not we will take that opportunity?
What powerful words of affirmation for Jesus, "This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased." I don't know if Jesus needed to hear those words as he began his ministry, but they are a wonderful gift from God. When we hear such words, generally we hear them from people not God, they help shape our lives.
What I want you to consider is not what others might say to you but what you have the opportunity to say to others. You will have the opportunity to speak words today that can help build others up. Words that encourage and strengthen their lives. The question is whether or not we will take that opportunity?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Matthew 3:1-12
Your 10 & 10 word this morning comes from the Heritage Campus; Ken is back at it tomorrow.
In a press conference this week, Cowboy coach Wade Phillips said of his two runningbacks, Marion Barber and Felix Jones, that 'they both run the same plays, but...er, um, well, you know...they run them differently, which..well, um, you know...makes it hard for defenses.' A similar statement could be made about Jesus and John the Baptist. They both ran the same play--in fact, Jesus, in the next chapter, takes up the message of John the Baptist verbatim: 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near'--but what a difference there is between these two! So much difference that John, after having the opportunity to see Jesus at work for a while, sends a representative to ask him pointedly: 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?' Jesus was not cutting the Messiah mustard as far as John was concerned.
John the Baptist, impressive as he is--'the greatest man ever to be born of a woman' according to Jesus--is no Jesus, but he does effectively prepare the way for Jesus. Especially relevant this week are his words to the Pharisees, 'Produce fruit in keeping with repentance...' May our joint study of A Hole in Our Gospel, which begins this Sunday, be such a call for us, one that leads us deeper into the joy of knowing and living out the life of Jesus. RS.
In a press conference this week, Cowboy coach Wade Phillips said of his two runningbacks, Marion Barber and Felix Jones, that 'they both run the same plays, but...er, um, well, you know...they run them differently, which..well, um, you know...makes it hard for defenses.' A similar statement could be made about Jesus and John the Baptist. They both ran the same play--in fact, Jesus, in the next chapter, takes up the message of John the Baptist verbatim: 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near'--but what a difference there is between these two! So much difference that John, after having the opportunity to see Jesus at work for a while, sends a representative to ask him pointedly: 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?' Jesus was not cutting the Messiah mustard as far as John was concerned.
John the Baptist, impressive as he is--'the greatest man ever to be born of a woman' according to Jesus--is no Jesus, but he does effectively prepare the way for Jesus. Especially relevant this week are his words to the Pharisees, 'Produce fruit in keeping with repentance...' May our joint study of A Hole in Our Gospel, which begins this Sunday, be such a call for us, one that leads us deeper into the joy of knowing and living out the life of Jesus. RS.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
January 5
Matthew 2:19-23
Nazareth was an obscure little town in the days of Jesus. The town is of so little significance that it is never mentioned in the Old Testament. No one thought any thing good could come from Nazareth. Goes to show what people think. Just because we judge a town or a person in a particular way, that does not mean that God views the town/person the same way. Our task is to learn to see the world the way God does.
Nazareth was an obscure little town in the days of Jesus. The town is of so little significance that it is never mentioned in the Old Testament. No one thought any thing good could come from Nazareth. Goes to show what people think. Just because we judge a town or a person in a particular way, that does not mean that God views the town/person the same way. Our task is to learn to see the world the way God does.
Monday, January 4, 2010
January 4
Matthew 2:13-18
I wonder how Mary and Joseph feel every time an angel shows up. Angels come to tell Mary she will bear a child while a virgin, to tell Joseph to marry her even though he is not the father, and in this passage to tell them to flee Herod. Seems like every time an angel appears, their lives change radically.
Of course, an angel doesn't need to come when life is moving smoothly. God speaks in our lives when radical change is needed. Angels arrive, or more often for us, the Holy Spirit moves within us, when God seeks to change the direction of our lives.
I wonder how Mary and Joseph feel every time an angel shows up. Angels come to tell Mary she will bear a child while a virgin, to tell Joseph to marry her even though he is not the father, and in this passage to tell them to flee Herod. Seems like every time an angel appears, their lives change radically.
Of course, an angel doesn't need to come when life is moving smoothly. God speaks in our lives when radical change is needed. Angels arrive, or more often for us, the Holy Spirit moves within us, when God seeks to change the direction of our lives.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
January 2
Luke 8:40-56
"Don't be afraid, just believe..."
These are the words Jesus spoke to Jairus regarding his daughter. Jairus had sought Jesus to heal his daughter. Before they could get to her, Jairus receives word that his daughter has died. In that moment Jesus tells him, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."
Fear drives out faith. It is instinctive to have fear in certain situations. The issue is how we respond to the fear. Do we allow the fear to shape our lives or does faith shape us?
"Don't be afraid, just believe..."
These are the words Jesus spoke to Jairus regarding his daughter. Jairus had sought Jesus to heal his daughter. Before they could get to her, Jairus receives word that his daughter has died. In that moment Jesus tells him, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."
Fear drives out faith. It is instinctive to have fear in certain situations. The issue is how we respond to the fear. Do we allow the fear to shape our lives or does faith shape us?
Friday, January 1, 2010
January 1
Luke 8:29-39
What has always bothered me about this story is the people of the region of Gerasenes asking Jesus to leave after he had cast out the demon. This seems to imply that they were more upset about the loss of the herd of pigs than they were about the transformation of "Legion". Every time I read this story I wonder how often I have valued material wealth over human beings.
What has always bothered me about this story is the people of the region of Gerasenes asking Jesus to leave after he had cast out the demon. This seems to imply that they were more upset about the loss of the herd of pigs than they were about the transformation of "Legion". Every time I read this story I wonder how often I have valued material wealth over human beings.
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