Jesus Came...To Give Life

December 25, 2011

John 10:7-10 

“Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.  All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them.  I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

To Give Life…

How do we know what is true?  How do we know what is real?  So often we are told one thing and discover something else.  The world is full of half-truths and it is not always clear what is real and what is fake.  Jesus came to clear things up.  “Very truly, I tell you”.  There is no falseness in Jesus.  In Jesus you don’t find half-truth.  Jesus is simply true.  Following Jesus brings us clarity in life.  Jesus came to give life, to make life clear, and to have a meaningful life.

Yet many do not discover this life.  What seems as if it should be crystal clear often feels cloudy and uncertain.  It is because there is a gate.  Jesus uses the shepherd analogy to illustrate choice.  Jesus is the gateway to life.  Yet in order to discover this life we must enter in.  “Whoever enters by me will be saved.”  Other gates lead to death and destruction.  Other gates appear to be good and meaningful, but never live up to their appearance.  It is faith that allows life to become clear.  It is belief and acceptance of Christ as savior and Lord that leads us to green pastures.  Jesus speaks the truth and invites us to believe it.  Will we?

Jesus came to give us life.  Real life.  Meaningful life.  Life that does not end.  Life that matters.  What’s more, he came to give us this life abundantly.  Jesus isn’t about keeping people out.  He does not treat life as a scarce resource to be guarded and hoarded.  He gives life abundantly to all who believe.  Following Jesus isn’t a mystery.  Living well is possible.  We simply need to believe and trust our creator, savior, and Lord.  I wonder, do we know and live in this life?

Jesus Came...To Us

December 18, 2011

John 1:10-14 

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him.  He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.  But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.  They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.  So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

To Us…

What does Jesus look like?  I wonder if we would we recognize him if we saw him.  The simple reality is that the world God created did not recognize the creator when he came.  His own people, even Christian people, not only didn’t recognize him, but rejected him.  What got in the way?  What blinded these people?  What blinds us?  We must be careful, intentional, and open minded in our approach to Christ.  We must not let things, traditions, and opinions keep us from seeing the Lord who has come to us.

For those who believe God provides an experience and a relationship that surpasses anything else in all creation.  He remakes us.  He forgives us.  He provides us with an inheritance that cannot fade away.  We become God’s own children.  God does this for those who believe.  This belief isn’t just agreement.  It is faith.  It is belief that fundamentally changes how we approach all other things.  Belief like this can never be casual.  It is not something we can take for granted.  From belief comes new life.  From new life comes a new way of living.  In this new way of living we become like Jesus.

The creator has come to us.  He has made his home among us.  He still comes to us.  He still makes his home in our hearts and minds.  Those who believe are the very children of God.  It is a glorious life.  A life connected to God in powerful ways.  How has the love and faithfulness of God impacted your life?  What does it mean to be God’s child?  How have we seen his glory?  Let’s think on these things so that we might fully know our Lord and Savior.

Jesus Came...to Serve

December 11, 2011

Matthew 20:25-28 

But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.  But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

To Heal…

How seriously do we take the mission of Jesus?  Jesus is clear as to his purpose in coming to us.  He came to give.  He came to give his life for us.  He came to do what we could not do for ourselves.  The life Jesus lived was a life of service. 

Can we say the same about ourselves?  Christmas is filled with so much stuff.  Activity after activity.  Shopping trip after shopping trip.  One more dish to make, place to go, or gift to wrap.  Some of these things are good.  They are acts of service.  They are time and money given to our families, those in need, and in service to the Lord.  Others are not so good.  They are obligations that add little to our lives and do little to bring joy to others.  Perhaps focusing on what is good while stepping away from the bad can enhance our relationship with God in meaningful ways.  Is this what Jesus was talking about when he said “among you it will be different”?

Have you ever watched a child open a Christmas gift they did not care for?  Its 10 seconds of attention before that child is on to something else.  Do we ever treat Christ this way at Christmas?  What gift do we give to our Lord and Savior?  How much attention are we willing to offer the one who created Christmas in the first place?  What if worship was at the center of Christmas?

How can our families, our church, and our lives be different?  How can we serve as Jesus served?  In giving ourselves to good things, things that glorify God, we can find the true meaning of service.  Perhaps in service we can see the true meaning of Christmas.

Jesus Came...To Heal

December 4, 2011

Matthew 8:14-17 

When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever.  But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.  That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick.  This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, “He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.”

To Heal…

Jesus does amazing things.  Where he sees sickness, he brings healing.  Peter’s mother-in-law simply needed a touch on the hand and she was well.  Others required a simple command from the lips of Jesus to turn from chaos to wholeness.  All those who were sick found healing in Jesus Christ.

After Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount he cleansed a leper (the worst and most disgusting disease of the day) and healed a Roman Centurion’s (outsider) servant sight unseen.  Jesus backed up his words and message with action.  The way of Jesus is a way that moves all people from sickness, chaos, and trouble into health, peace, and wholeness.  Jesus came to us in order to make us well in every sense of the word.

Jesus is the Messiah.  The words of the prophet Isaiah are lived out as Jesus overcomes the diseases he encounters.  The ministry of Jesus is true.  The prophecy has been fulfilled.  This is cause to celebrate.  It is cause to rejoice.  The one that was expected has arrived.  The Messiah is with us.

Yet it is not long before the religious leaders of the day begin to be troubled by all this healing.  Even as Jesus lived out the well-known prophecy of Isaiah those who claimed to follow God did not recognize him.  They felt threatened by him.  Jesus offers healing to the faithful.  He came to guide people in the best way to live.  Are we seeking the healing of Christ?  Are we living in faith? Jesus continues to do amazing things.  Can we recognize them when the happen?

Jesus Came...For the Sick

November 27, 2011

Mark 2:15-17

And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him.  When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”  When Jesus heard this, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”

For the Sick…

Jesus got in trouble.  He got in trouble with the religious people of his day because he didn’t act the way they thought he should act.  He spent time in places they did not approve of.  He spoke and ate with people that religious people were not supposed to be seen with.  What’s more, many followed Jesus.  Jesus was setting an example that his disciples were to follow.  Jesus got in trouble because he changed the way faith was lived out by those dedicated to serving the Lord.

Jesus still does this…and he still gets in trouble.  Following Jesus changes how we look at the world.  He changes how we understand our lives.  Jesus changes how we spend our time and money.  Let’s be honest, this is not a change we particularly enjoy.  Following Jesus requires sacrifice.  Jesus was willing risk his reputation among the “religious” people in order to help the sick.  Jesus was willing to be looked down on to save the sinner.  Jesus came to give his life as a sacrifice for all of us…for every sinner.

Sacrifice isn’t easy.  Yet we are alive and able to worship today because of the sacrifice of Jesus and the faithful who followed his teaching.  Who are the sick around us?  Don’t think about the physically sick.  Think of lives gone wrong.  Think of those who need hope, love, peace, and life.  Think of those who need the reality of Jesus.  What sacrifice are we willing to make for them?  How can sacrifice and salvation shape our lives this Christmas season?

Discovering God: Week 9

November 20, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

-          Read Exodus 40:1-33

-          Read Exodus 40:34-38

-          Read Isaiah 42:5-9

Devotional Thoughts

Preparing to Worship (Exodus 40:1-33)

The tabernacle is ready.  At a specific time and specific place God directed Moses to set up His tabernacle.  The directions are detailed.  They are followed with reverence and awe.  Specific people dressed in specific clothes.  Every single part of this tabernacle, the preparation of it, and the worship in it had meaning.  The people expected to meet God.  They carefully prepared for this significant event.  With humble hearts and open minds they readied themselves for the glory of God.  How prepared and ready are we to worship?  What does reverence and awe look like in our lives?  How prepared are we for the presence of the Lord?

Witnessing God's Glory (Exodus 40:34-38)

When everything was ready the cloud that had guided the people settled on the tabernacle.  The glory of the Lord filled the place.  So powerful was this glory that Moses could not even get close to it.  At night fire was in the cloud.  This was a constant and visible testimony to God's presence.  The cloud of God's glory became the guide of the people.  When God moved, the people moved with Him.  All could see.  All stood as witnesses to God's glory.  All knew the presence of the Lord.   A gathering of God's people (church) is to be a place where God's presence is found, witnessed, and known.  It is a place guided by the Lord.  It is a place of dedication, awe, and inspiration.  This is God's desire.  Does this describe our church?  Are we able to see the glory of God that surrounds and fills His people?  What holds us back?  If something holds us back, what can we do to change it?

Being a "Light to the Nations" (Isaiah 42:5-9)

The call of God continued long after the people arrived in the Promised Land.  From generation to generation the people had a mission.  They were to be God's people.  God provided for them, gave them life, and kept them safe.  God has called the people to righteousness.  The people were to be a "light to the nations" or a living testimony of God's glory.  They were to care for the poor and those in need.  They were not to give glory to anyone or anything other than God.  God is always true to His people.  His people are not always true to Him.  Today we can change.  One heart rededicated to being God's person matters.  Each of us matter.  Let us be God's people.

Discovering God: Week 8

November 13, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

-          Read Exodus 24:9-18

-          Read Exodus 25:1-9

-          Read Exodus 24:1-8

Devotional Thoughts

On the Mountain with God (Exodus 24:9-18)

The elders and Moses went up to be with God.  In His presence they were safe as they ate and drank.  They were in relationship of the one true God.  From here God called Moses up to mountain to receive His instruction.  Moses trusted the elders to watch over the people in his absence.  On the mountain settled the glory of the Lord.  From the cloud, God called to Moses and Moses went to Him.  40 days and 40 nights Moses was with God.  The glory of the Lord was powerful.  From a distance it looked like fire devouring the mountain top.  Moses was with God in the presence of His glory.  Can we imagine such an experience?  How amazing must it have been to experience the glory of the Lord?  This was a mountain top experience.  We still have these today.  God’s glory is part of our lives.  In order for Moses to experience it he had to answer the call, climb the mountain, and wait on the Lord.  What if we were willing to do the same?

An Offering (Exodus 25:1-9)

God gave Moses instruction.  The worship Moses was able to do on the mountain would be shared with the whole of the people.  A tabernacle was to be built following very specific instructions from God.  This would be a place of worship where the presence of God would dwell among the people.  The people are given an opportunity to join in this work.  An offering is to be taken from all "whose hearts prompt them to give".  It is not a forced gift.  It is an opportunity to connect with God personally and as a community.  The people responded and the tabernacle was built.   What is your heart prompting you to do?  How willing are we to give in worship to God?

“We Will Do” (Exodus 24:1-8)

Moses told all the people what God had revealed to him.  God clearly communicated His message and His way to His people.  God still does this.  In response the people offered sacrifices.  They gave of themselves and what they had to honor God.  They voluntarily agreed to the covenant God offered them.  They promised to do what the Lord directed.  They promised to be obedient.  They chose this.  A significant moment in our salvation is making a choice.  It is saying “we will do” and aligning our life with God.  How have you made this choice?  How has your life changed because of it?

Discovering God: Week 7

November 6, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

-          Read Exodus 32:1-10

-          Read Exodus 32:11-35

-          Read Exodus 33:12-34:35

Devotional Thoughts

A Golden Calf (Exodus 32:1-10)

While Moses is with God on the mountain, the people God delivered, provided for, and guided got impatient and convinced Aaron to make "gods" for them.  They sacrificed their gold and jewels in order that Aaron could create a golden calf.  To this calf they turned to worship.  In the name of this calf they had a festival and a party.  They had greater faith in the "god" they made for themselves than for the God who brought them out of slavery.  God tells Moses this.  God is angry.  God gets angry.  God's wrath burned against this stiff-necked people.  Rebelling against God is not a good idea.  God does not rejoice in rebellion.  Do we have a rebellious spirit in us?  How does it come out?  How often do we choose what we know over what God is doing?

Broken Tablets (Exodus 32:11-35)

God was ready to start new with just Moses.  He was ready and able to end this Israelite experiment.  Moses interceded on the people’s behalf.  Moses was able to change God's mind.  God listens to the prayers of His people.  So Moses goes down to the people with God's law written on stone tablets in his hands.  God's called one with God’s good guidance faced a rowdy group of partiers worshipping a golden calf.  Moses felt the same anger God felt.  In his anger he broke God's tablets, he destroyed the calf and forced the people to eat the dust of it, and he called for the deaths of nearly 3000 of the worst offenders.  Rebellion comes at a price.  This rebellion cost the people their gold, the lives of their family, and their connection with God.  Without Moses interceding again they would have been wiped out.  The people made this choice.  With that choice came consequences.  What do your choices say about your relationship with God? 

A Renewed Relationship (Exodus 33:12-34:35)

Moses returns to the mountain.  There he meets God again.  The very glory of God is shown to Moses and Moses is forever changed by it.  New tablets are made.  Moses asks for forgiveness on behalf of the people.  Forgiveness is given.  God initiates a covenant relationship with His people.  He clearly states what following Him requires and what it will bring.  God has not abandoned those who rebelled against Him.  The glory of God is seen most clearly in His grace.  How have you experienced God's grace in your life?  

Discovering God: Week 6

October 30, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

-          Read Exodus 15:22 – 16:3

-          Read Exodus 16:4 – 36

-          Read Exodus 17:1 – 7

Devotional Thoughts

Grumbling in the Desert (Exodus 15:22 – 16:3)

Three days earlier Moses led the people to safety on dry ground after God displayed his power over nature when he parted the Red Sea, and his power over the mightiest army on earth when he crushed it beneath the waves.  For three days Moses led the people through the desert.  The people have been unable to find water to drink.  They begin to complain to Moses.  In three days they have forgotten the power of God.  Moses follows God’s instructions and throws a piece of wood in some bitter water, making it sweet. God provided.  The people continue on in the desert and begin to complain that they have no food to eat. They have forgotten God’s provision again.  How easy it is for our faith to be so strong, and then trials come which cause us to doubt God.  Have you walked through the desert without water?

Manna in the Desert (Exodus 16:4 – 36)

God heard the complaining of his people. God responded with grace and told them he was going to provide bread from heaven.  This bread appeared every morning for forty years while the people traveled through the desert.  Each person gathered exactly what he needed, no more, no less. God's provision is always complete.  God knows exactly what we need.  God knows how to provide exactly what we need.  Some of the people tried to gather too much, and the bread rotted and became infested with maggots.  Do you sometimes want more than what God provides? Are you content with God's grace in your life?  God gave instructions to the people concerning the bread to test them to see if they would be obedient. God's grace is not to be taken for granted.  Do you value it, or do you live in disobedience?

Water from the Rock (Exodus 17:1 – 7)

The people once again find themselves without water.  Their complaining has now turned to quarreling. They begin to desire their old life in Egypt over the hardships of the desert.  How quickly they have forgotten the slavery they were under in Egypt.  In the Christian journey there are many trials. It is better though to suffer in the desert with God, than to remain in slavery to the old paths of sin and destruction.  God provides water again.  Do you test God's patience with your unbelief?

Discovering God: Week 5

October 23, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

• Read Exodus 15:1-3
• Read Exodus 15:4-13
• Read Exodus 15:17-18

Devotional Thoughts

Starting the Song (Exodus 15:1-3)

The Red Sea is parted.  Moses leads the people to safety on dry ground.  The people watch as the greatest army in the world is crushed by the waves.  They are saved.  They are free.  God has delivered them.  The people stood in awe.  Have you ever stood in awe of God?  Perhaps you saw something or experienced something that just made you fully aware of God's majesty and power.  How did you respond?  Why is it that some songs we sing to the Lord bring tears to our eyes?  The Israelites stood safely on the bank of the Jordan and sang.  They put their experience into song.  They put their awe into their voices as they sang.  What the Lord had done would not be forgotten.  The song would live on.  Generations would know and remember what happened that day.   What song are you singing?  How will you pass on what God has done to the next generation?  Are you willing to sing?

A Song of Deliverance (Exodus 15:4-13)

The lyrics of the song tell the story of how God delivered His people.  It tells the story of Pharaoh's army.  How they boasted of their power.  How they sought to destroy and consume God's people.  It tells of how God's power was greater.  How God consumed and destroyed this army that thought it was so powerful.  The song of deliverance gives full glory, power, and credit to God.  By God's action, the people were saved.  The Lord is the trustworthy guide for His people and His people recognize this.  Who or what has power and authority in your life?  Are you like Pharaoh's army, confident in your own power and disdainful of God?  Are you fearful of those who have power?  Do you see God who is greater by far than all other powers?  Sing the song of salvation.  God's power is with us.

A Song of Praise (Exodus 15:17-18)

The people heard the promise of God.  If God's power could overcome the Egyptians than God is certainly able to lead them to the Promised Land.  The people praise the Lord for who He is, what He has done, and what He will do.  Can we do the same?  Praise is an expression of trust and faith.  Praise bubbles up from real encounters with our real Lord.  Praise is central to the life of a Christian.  What can you praise God for today?

Discovering God: Week 4

October 16, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

• Read Exodus 5:1-21
• Read Exodus 8:19
• Read Exodus 14:5-31

Devotional Thoughts

Increasing Conflict (Exodus 5:1-21)

Moses arrives in Egypt.  He meets with the Pharaoh and asks for his people to be let go.  The Pharaoh is upset by this.  He begins to make the lives of the Israelites harder.  They will have to do more work in order to receive the same benefit.  The Israelite people are unable to stand up before this and the Egyptians begin to punish them.  The Israelites are called “lazy” and the work remains unreasonable.  The Israelites now blame Moses for their hardship.  They do not see a man sent from God to deliver them.  Instead, they see a man responsible for their pain.  People do not like conflict.  People do not like change.  Pharaoh’s reaction and the reaction of the Israelite people are understandable.  We do the same thing.  Yet in all the blame throwing, punishment, and pain the only one who turns to God is Moses.  When we face conflict…what is our reaction?

A Hard Heart (Exodus 8:19)

Moses does not give up on God’s call.  He continues to appear before Pharaoh.  The plagues begin to happen.  The reality of God’s power and authority is made evident.  Yet Pharaoh refuses to change.  He refuses to see.  He has a hard heart.  There is not much you can do with a hard heart.  Pharaoh will continue to try and fight against God at an extreme cost to his land and his people.  It is a losing fight.  What is the condition of your heart today?  Are you willing to bend in conflict?  How has God changed your heart recently? 

God’s Deliverance (Exodus 14:5-31)

The Pharaoh will make one last attempt to overcome God.  He sends an army after the Israelites.  The Israelites appear to be trapped.  They come to Moses with blame and complaint.  Moses tells them to not be afraid and to stand firm.  It is God who will fight for them.  It is God who does fight for them.  The Red Sea is parted and the Israelites are safely led to the other side.  Pharaoh’s army is crushed under the waves.  God wins.  God delivered His people just as He said He would.  How hopeless does your conflict appear?  Can God deliver you?  The answer is yes.  We just need to be still and be faithful.  What would that look like for you today?

Discovering God: Week 3

October 9, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

• Read Exodus 3:4; 10
• Read Jeremiah 1:4-10
• Read Isaiah: 42:5-7

Devotional Thoughts

Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:4; 10)

God said "Moses, Moses" and Moses said "Here I am".  When Moses saw the burning bush he turned aside.  He stepped away from his other duties and tasks to investigate.  When he discovered God in the bush he did not run.  When he heard God speak his name he did not shy away.  Those who God calls and works through all begin here...with the words "Here I am".  From that simple acknowledgement of the call a relationship is formed.  In verse 10 God says "So come, I will send you".  From the open door of “Here I am” comes "I will send you".  When God calls he calls us specifically.  There is a special ministry for all God’s people.  Finding the ministry He has called you too gives purpose, joy, and meaning to life.  Can you say "Here I am" to God?  What is the ministry God is calling you to do?

God Knows Me (Jeremiah 1:4-10)

Moses was the first prophet to God's people.  After Moses, God continued to call people into His service.  Jeremiah is such a prophet.  Jeremiah's call and sending begins with recognition of how intimately God knows us.  God had a good plan for Jeremiah long before Jeremiah was even born.  Jeremiah arrived and accepted his call at the exact right time and at the exact right place.  God gave Jeremiah all he needed to do what God called him to do.  God still does this.  Each of us has a call to minister.  God has put us in the place we need to be for that ministry.  God will give us what we need to do the ministry He has called us to.  Do you believe this?  What is your ministry?  What might happen if you said yes to God’s call today?

Called to be Light (Isaiah 42:5-7)

The Lord who created everything has come to His people.  They are to be a light to the nations (all people).  They are to show the entire world who God is.  They are to live in righteousness.  God has protected them, guided them, and will not abandon them.  We are God's people.  Together we have a calling.  We are the living example of God's love.  We are walking, talking testimonies of God's faithfulness.  We are His people...called by His name.  It is an honor.  How are we living out this call?  Are we making disciples?  Are we public with our faith?  Let us accept the call and be God’s people.

Discovering God: Week 2

October 2, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

• Read Exodus 2:1-10
• Read Exodus 2:11-15
• Read Exodus 3:13 - 4:17

Devotional Thoughts

Overcoming Imposed Faults (Exodus 2:1-10)

Moses was born into a Hebrew family.  His family worked to save him and succeeded by God’s grace.  When Pharaoh's wife saw Moses she didn’t just see a Hebrew baby...she saw a child worthy of life and love.  Moses was born with a death sentence over his head, but he grows up as a child of Pharaoh and knowing his true family.  Have you ever been judged based on something beyond your control?  Sometimes we impose faults on ourselves that have nothing to do with reality.  Moses's family did not let the Egyptian oppression stop them.  They acted in faith.  They were true to God and to themselves.  It is important that we work to keep the judgment of others from limiting our ability to live in faith.

Overcoming Actual Faults (Exodus 2:11-15)

Moses had a desire to deliver his people long before God formally called him to do it.  He killed an Egyptian because that Egyptian was hurting a Hebrew man.  He used violence to make a wrong right and acted outside the will of God.  When he finds two Hebrew men fighting the next day and confronts them, they call his actions out.  They were simply doing as Moses did...how could they be in the wrong?  Moses modeled an action he believed wrong.  Moses acted against his own morality and against God.  Moses comes face to face with his fault in the form of sin.  This time he has earned the death sentence the Pharaoh puts on his head.  So he runs away.  Failing to face our faults allows them to control us.  Do we know what running feels like?  Do you have something in your past you are ashamed of?  Is that keeping you from doing what you know God wants you to do?  Face it in faith.  Moses becomes the deliverer.  God still calls him.  God is still calling you.

Overcoming Internalized Faults (Exodus 3:13 – 4:17)

God calls Moses to be His deliverer.  Moses balks.  Time after time Moses responds to God's call with the word "but".  He begins making excuses.  He begins trying to find a way out of God's call.  The Lord responds to each "but" and empowers Moses to overcome each imagined obstacle.  Finally, Moses simply asks the Lord to find someone else.  Moses can’t see himself as God's chosen one.  He has too many faults, too many troubles, too many reasons why he cannot do what God desires.  God sees Moses as a deliverer, but Moses can’t see himself the same way.  When we internalize our faults they keep us from seeing ourselves as God sees us.  Are we like Moses?  When God calls do we make excuses?  Are we letting a false view of ourselves outweigh God's view?  Perhaps taking a risk and choosing to act despite our faults will lead us to a greater relationship and understanding of God.  Perhaps God will do things in our lives we cannot even imagine right now.

Discovering God: Week 1

September 25, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

Read Exodus 1: 8-14

Read Exodus 2: 23-25

Read Exodus 3: 7-10

Devotional Thoughts

The Beginning (Exodus 1:8-14)

400 years pass between Joseph taking God's people to Egypt and the beginning of the Exodus.  In 400 years God's people went from welcomed guests to oppressed slaves.  Exodus is the story of God's deliverance, God's power, and the people's discovery of the LORD.  This story begins with great oppression.  This is often true of us.  When we feel held back, pressed down, hurt, or afraid we are often more willing and able to seek God.  From oppression, pain, and slavery God will bring freedom, identity, and purpose.  This is how God revealed Himself.  Could He do this for you?

A Cry For Help (Exodus 2:23-25)

God's people groaned and cried out under the oppression of the Egyptians.  They expressed their struggle and pain.  They cried out.  They did not bury their trouble.  They did not hide from the reality of their pain.  They cried out.  Their cries rose to God.  The people chose to cry out to God.  This is not a complaint.  It is a searching for and seeking after one who can help.  It is not done for human ears...it is a cry for the ears of God.  It is a cry that God heard from a people God cares about.  He "took notice" of them.  He "looked favorably" on them.  God welcomes the honest cries of His people.  He responds with care.  Do you need to cry out to God?  What would that look like?  How does knowing that God hears you cry change things?

The Lord's Response (Exodus 3:7-10)

God hears.  God knows.  God responds.  God has come down to snatch His people from the hands of their oppressors.  The time has come for God to take action.  He has seen what the people are going through.  He has waited for the right time to act in their best interest.  He has come to the right person (Moses).  God will lead the people to a place of freedom and plenty.  To those who have nothing, God brings a great gift.  To those who have suffered greatly, God brings the opportunity for great success.  Where the people see only pain and suffering, God sees a path to greatness.  What does God see when He observes you?  Are you willing to wait on the Lord's response?  How might the God of love and care respond to your cry today?

Devotionals: God Provides (June 26th)

Restore: God Provides

June 26, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

Read Job 1:1-2:10

Read Job 7:1-21

Read Job 19:19-27

Read Job 42:1-6

Read Job 42: 7-17

Devotional Thoughts

A Series of Unfortunate Events (Job 1:1-2:10)

Job had it all. He was a successful businessman, he was a good father, he was respected in the community, he was wealthy, and he had a strong and active faith in God. Imagine what it was like for Job to lose everything. First Job lost his livestock, then his servants, then his children, and then his health. Job was reduced to suffering and sorrow. He was a shadow of his former self. Perhaps the level of suffering is best summed up by Job's wife who says "Why do you persist in your integrity? Curse God and die!"

Have you ever had your joy turn to sorrow? Have you ever experienced changes in life that lead you down a more difficult road? Do you know what it feels like to lose something/someone important to you? Do you know what it feels like to be abandoned by those you love? Do you know what suffering is? The great question of the Book of Job is "Why do bad things happen to good people?" How can God allow it (as he does in Job)? Perhaps the story of Job can clue us into the reality of suffering and the nature of God.

A Sorrow Filled Heart (Job 7:1-21)

This is a difficult chapter to read. It is very emotional. It is very powerful in its language and tone. You can almost feel the pain in Job's heart, mind, and soul as he expresses what is in his heart to God. Job doesn't have nice things to say to God. Job's hurt is so great that he cannot see the God who loves him. All he can see is his hurt. He has no peace. He has no rest. Job's heart is filled with suffering and sorrow that cannot be expressed fully. Even the best efforts of a very wise man can only scratch the surface of describing Job's pain. Yet Job expresses his reality to God. In that expression there is hope. God can work when we open our hearts and express what is found there…even when it isn't particularly complimentary to God. Perhaps spending time expressing your heart to God will do some good.

Hope in Hurt (Job 19:19-27)

Job's hurt is physical, mental, spiritual, and social. Job hurts in about every way a person can hurt. Here he spends quite a bit of time reflecting on the wrong done to him. He connects this wrong to God's action. God has wronged me. The people around me have wronged me. I particularly like 19:17 "My breath is repulsive to my wife". Job looks around and sees no help or hope. Ever been there? Have you ever felt allow and drifting in a sea of trouble and pain? If so, perhaps Job's next words will be helpful.

"I know my redeemer lives" says Job. I know the one who can set things right again. I know I will be redeemed. Job acknowledges that it may not happen in his lifetime, but he has hope in his redeemer. This hope gives Job the strength to endure. This hope sustains us when everything around us brings nothing but destruction. In Job's darkest moment he never forgot God and he never gave up hope. In our darkest moments we need to do the same. Suffering is not the death of hope…it is hope's chance to shine.

A Change of Perspective (Job 42:1-6)

The story continues. Job and his friends continue their argument and reach no conclusion. Another party enters the discussion and brings no resolution. When there are no more words to say, God speaks. God spoke out of a whirlwind. God spoke from a place of power. He gave Job his chance to confront the Lord…to have his day in court. To the revealed reality of God all of Job's cries of injustice faded away. Upon seeing God and hearing God's words, Job could say nothing in his own defense. The answer to the question "Why do bad things happen to good people?" is "Trust God". It doesn't make intellectual sense, yet it is Job's answer. It is ours as well.

Job offers a confession. "I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me." Trusting God allows us to not only hear about God, but to see Him at work. This suffering caused Job's faith to grow and develop. He knew God far better at the conclusion than he did at the beginning. Why Job had to suffer is not clear. What is clear is that Job's suffering brought him closer to God.

A Man Restored (Job 42:7-17)

Job's friends had been misrepresenting God throughout the book. God now turns his attention to them. Their ideas about God changed along with Job. Now it is the prayer of Job which restores those who once condemned him. God places Job in the place or righteousness. God provided a spiritual reawakening of a community through Job.

God also provided for Job. He gave Job a blessing of health, property, and family that was twice what Job had before his suffering started. Job who is often remembered for his suffering ends his story with blessing. Job lived a long a full life. Job's momentary pain became a lifetime of blessing.

Devotionals: God Forgives (June 19th)

Restore: God Forgives

June 19, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

Read Luke 15:11-16

Read Luke 15:17-19

Read Luke 15:20-24

Read Luke 15:25-30

Read Luke 15:31-32

Devotional Thoughts

I Want It Now! (Luke 15:11-16)

It is impossible to express strongly enough how hurtful, selfish, and morally wrong the son in this parable is. At a young age (18 perhaps) he basically tells his father "I wish you were dead" and asks for his inheritance now. Not only does this disrespect his father, it also disrespects why way society functioned. Anyone who heard this parable when Jesus spoke it would have been filled with anger and loathing for this son.

The son wastes all that his father gave him. He ends up in a pig pen wishing he had the luxury of the pigs he fed. This is the ultimate low in that society. In failing to honor his father and the morals of society (God-given morals) the son found ultimate destruction. The one who took what he wanted without regard for others ends up with nothing…and no one to care for him. This is a picture of sin and its consequences. I wonder if we can relate in some way to this son. I wonder if we have ever had this attitude. With the son's sinful and dishonorable attitude came destruction.

A Tough Realization (Luke 15:17-19)

Lessons from the pig pen – when the pigs have it better than you it is time to reexamine your life and choices. The son "came to himself". In other words, he woke up to reality. It is possible for a person to ignore and reject the idea that their choices have consequences. When the same problems continue to crop up in different situations in a person's life the odds are strong the problem is with the person…not the situation. Realizing this is a wake up moment. There is an opportunity to understand what happened and make changes. The son had one of these moments in his pig pen.

The son realizes that life with his father wasn't so bad after all. In fact the hired hands had it pretty good compared to this. He realized what he had lost and decided to confess his sin and accept the consequences. This act was the first step towards the restoration of the son. I wonder if we ever need a wake-up call. What needs confessed? What needs restored?

The Return (Luke 15:20-24)

So the son heads home…and the father sees. From a long way off the father sees his son returning to him. Here the father's attitude can be seen in comparison with the son's attitude. The father greets the son with compassion, love, and grace. He does not demand repayment. He does not condemn. Instead the father loves. Love is greater than sin.

A celebration begins. The father hears the son's honest confession, but restores the son to his proper place in the family. What's more, the father spares no expense to celebrate the safe return of his son. The father did not have to do this. He chose too. What does love like this look like today?

It's Not Fair! (Luke 15:25-30)

The father had two lost sons. One left, the other stayed. Now the one that stayed raises his head and speaks. He refuses to join the celebration. He heard about and saw the love and grace of the father and became angry. It simply was not fair. Sometimes love isn't fair. Grace is never fair. It is a gift to the undeserving. This son was not a fan of grace.

So this son confronts his father much in the same way as the other son demanded his inheritance. He refused to listen to his father and instead focused on his own hurt. Somehow the love of the father for his wayward youngest son was not shared by his hard working oldest son who had stayed home. Instead of love, this son expressed only condemnation and selfishness. This son was the scribes and Pharisees that confronted Jesus. This son represents those who want to control and keep for themselves to love and grace of God. This attitude is just as hurtful, selfish, and morally wrong as the attitude the prodigal son had. If we can't identify with the prodigal son perhaps we can identify with the oldest son.

A Father's Heart (Luke 15:31-32)

Again the love and grace of the father is made known. He does not take offense to both son's attitude and actions. He always seeks to restore his children to right relationship with him. Instead of condemning and punishing his older son, the father explains and reassures. The father offers wisdom to his son. The youngest son will have to deal with the consequences of his actions. Yet that should not stop those who love him from rejoicing at his return. The person is more important than the action.

So we celebrate. So God celebrates when a lost child comes home. At the father's heart is love, grace, and a willingness to stand with his hurting children. It is a model for us to follow. It is a picture of God's relationship with us…His people. The father's heart is beautiful and just the sort of heart the world needs. I wonder how our hearts compare with his.

Devotionals: God Rebuilds (June 12th)

Restore: God Rebuilds

June 12, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

Read Nehemiah 1:1-11

Read Nehemiah 2:11-20

Read Nehemiah 4:1-23

Read Nehemiah 8:1-12

Read Nehemiah 12:27-43

Devotional Thoughts

Seeing the Need (Nehemiah 1:1-11)

Nehemiah was an important man. As cupbearer to the king, Nehemiah had authority and access to power and privilege. Yet he was also part of God's people. When he hears about the struggles of his people, Nehemiah mourns. Nehemiah did not let his present position blind him to his heritage and faith.

Nehemiah turns to prayer. In his prayer he acknowledges his and his people's role in the current trouble. God's people had failed to follow God and live under the covenant that had been established. Nehemiah does not want this to continue so he asks God to help him do something about it.

Where walls had been broken, where gates had been burned, where faith had crumbled, and where hope was scarce Nehemiah saw a need and an opportunity for God to work. He decided to risk all he had to join God in rebuilding his people. What rebuilding work is needed today? How willing are we to join in God's rebuilding work?

Deciding to Do (Nehemiah 2:11-20)

Nehemiah secures the kings approval and goes to Jerusalem. He has already made enemies of leaders who did not want to see Israel restored. When he arrives he inspects the walls. He looks at the destruction and the desolation. No one knows why he is here and doing this. Where others see ruin, Nehemiah sees possibilities. From the rubble of once strong walls, Nehemiah sees what is needed to make new walls.

After his tour, Nehemiah speaks with the leaders of Israel. He acknowledges the destruction and he presents and idea. "Let's rebuild." "Let's not suffer disgrace anymore." He told the people how God was working and the people agreed. The work of rebuilding began. Nehemiah was the catalyst to do the work that needed doing. His action helped others take needed action. God was behind all of this. How can our actions influence others for good?

Facing the Trouble (Nehemiah 4:1-23)

Not everyone was happy about this rebuilding process. Trouble came from outside leaders who began to ridicule the rebuilding efforts. They used their power and influence to cast doubt. When that didn't work and the rebuilding continued the threat of force was employed. Rebuilding creates trouble. People don't like change. Rebuilding changes the mind, heart, and reality of those doing the rebuilding work. Do not be surprised when you find trouble in your rebuilding efforts.

Nehemiah did not let the trouble makers win. He faced trouble rather than running from it. He united the people in common purpose and developed a plan to move forward. Throughout all of this, Nehemiah was focused on God. Focusing on God is a reliable way to face whatever trouble may come.

Rediscovering God (Nehemiah 8:1-12)

As the walls of Jerusalem were being rebuilt the book of Moses was discovered. This was a holy book which the prophet Ezra read to the people. The people heard these words and returned to obedience to the word of God. In rebuilding the walls the faith of the people was also being rebuilt. Important things that had been ignored and forgotten were remembered and embraced. God was rebuilding His people.

The people were upset. They prayed with their heads to the ground. In Ezra's reading their disobedience became obvious. Nehemiah saw the weeping and the grief and went to the people. From tears came joy. The people had heard and understood God's word. They began to celebrate. They recognized God's rebuilding work in their hearts and responded with joy. This is always an appropriate response to God's work.

Celebrating God's Work (Nehemiah 12:27-43)

Now it is time for another tour of the walls and the city. When Nehemiah arrived he toured the ruins of once great walls alone. Now the gates and walls are lined with people. Leaders, singers, priests and scribes are recognized. There is a sort of pomp and circumstance as the work of rebuilding is being shown off. The ruins had been replaced with strong walls. The gates had been rebuilt and rehung. The disgrace of the people has turned to honor. God has restored His people. God has enabled the people to rebuild what had once lain in ruins. God was at work and the people believed God would continue to be at work. It was time to celebrate.

The celebration had God at the center. Sacrifices were offered. God was honored. The restored faith of God's people was put on display. Everybody joined in. Women and children, the young and the old, and all the people knew great joy. So great was the celebration that it could be heard far away. How well do we celebrate God's work? What role does the joy of the Lord play? Let us remember to celebrate God's work with great joy.

Devotionals: Jesus Heals (June 5th)

We apologize for the lateness of this post. Each week in June we will be posting short devotionals designed to go with the message taught on Sunday morning. This post goes with the message taught on Sunday June 5^th.

Restore: Jesus Heals

Sunday June 5, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

• Read Matthew 7:24-29
  
• Read Matthew 8:1-17
  
• Read Matthew 8:24-9:8
  
• Read Matthew 9:18-34
  
• Read Matthew 9:35-38
  

Devotional Thoughts

Hearers and doers (Matthew 7:24-29)

This is the end of the Sermon on the Mount. It is the final point of application that Jesus makes. He uses two examples. The first is labeled wise because he builds his life on the teachings of Jesus. In fact, the wise man actually does what Jesus taught him to do. The second is labeled foolish because he hears the teaching of Jesus but does not put it into practice. The wise man endures the storms of life while the foolish man is destroyed by those same storms.

Jesus is a wise man. He does not just say these things and walk off. Jesus goes out and actually does what he was talking about. He becomes a healer. In this, he demonstrates the heart of God. Consider your life and your attitude towards God and others. Are you like the wise man or the foolish man? How does your life reflect the heart of God?

Jesus the Healer (Matthew 8:1-17)

In this passage Jesus heals a leper, a paralyzed servant of a roman centurion, Peter's mother-in-law, and all who came to Peter's house. Jesus heals the outcast, the foreigner, and a friend. He did not have to be physically present to heal. The faith of those seeking healing was vital to Jesus' healing work.

Who can Jesus heal? Everyone! Jesus does not have a method or a series of hoops to jump through. He doesn't charge a fee or put conditions on healing. Jesus sees people who need him and does something about it. What healing do you need? Do you believe Jesus can provide it? Seek out Jesus as the people in the scripture do. You may be surprised by what you find.

The Troubled Healer (Matthew 8:24-9:8)

Not everyone is happy with how Jesus is being a hearer and doer of God's word. Jesus heals two people in terrible trouble (possession) and the whole turn turned out to ask him to leave. Jesus heals a paralyzed man and is called a blasphemer by local scribes (religious leaders). Good deeds punished and rejected by those who refused to recognize the work of God.

With wise action comes the mockery of fools. When Jesus begins to work his healing in our lives there will be no shortage of people who doubt God's work. Being a hearer and a doer of God's work will sometimes be very uncomfortable. Let us press on and recognize that God's work is far greater and far more important than the approval of others.

The People Hear and are Amazed (Matthew 9:18-34)

Jesus heals a woman who touches his cloak, he raises to life the dead child of a synagogue leader, he causes two blind men to see, and he enables a mute to speak. After each action the word spread. Even when Jesus asked the two formerly blind men to stay quiet, they told everybody. Jesus was becoming a sensation. Crowds gathered and were amazed. Opponents tried to sway the crowd by suggesting the Jesus was a demon himself. In all that happened one thing was clear…what Jesus was doing was a Big Deal.

How often are we amazed by Jesus? How do we react to stories of God at work? I wonder sometimes how much glory we give God for his work in our lives and in our church. Have you ever had a hint of skepticism creep into your thoughts when you hear a testimony of healing (physical, mental, relational, or emotional)? I wonder where that comes from. Let us be more intentional in recognizing and celebrating God at work. Let us give him the glory openly and loudly. Let us stand amazed by the healing work of God. The work of God is a Big Deal. Let us do nothing to stand in His way.

Becoming a Laborer Like Jesus (Matthew 9:35-38)

Jesus did not stop his healing ministry. He continued travelling, teaching, and healing. Sick people of all types went or were brought to him. In every case Jesus cured those people. Imagine all that attention and work. Everywhere Jesus turned there were more sick, harassed, and helpless people. His compassion was for them. Jesus cared. He cared about the condition of all the people he met. He worked for the good of all the people he met. In this we have an example to follow. The condition of the world and the people in it today is not something to avoid or ignore. Recognizing need is an opportunity to take action as Jesus did. Through faith, the healing ministry of Jesus continues through us.

As Jesus worked he recognized the extent of the need. The phrase "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few" is a reflection of the reality Jesus saw. Jesus began to ask God for more workers. Not long after this Jesus will send out his disciples to do the same work he is doing. Jesus is still sending out disciples. You and I are some of them. What will we do when we recognize the opportunity for God to work? How are we joining in the healing ministry of Jesus? Let's choose to be his disciples today.

Focus 40: Day 40 - April 23, 2011

Who is Looking at You?

Elijah said to Elisha, "What can I do for you before I'm taken from you? Ask anything." Elisha said, "Your life repeated in my life. I want to be a holy man just like you." -2 Kings 2:9 MSG

Elijah and Elisha are two of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament. Elijah faced down a king, a queen, and all the worshipers of Baal. He spoke for God to a people resisting God. His life was not easy. He was not always happy. Yet he was true, faithful, and God used him in incredible ways.

Now Elijah is getting ready to ascend into heaven. These are the last moments he has to share with Elisha. In those moments Elijah asks "What can I do for you?" In his last moments, Elijah is concerned about Elisha. He is not so caught up in what is coming that he forgets about the rest of the world. Elijah's desire is to be a blessing to Elisha. This is truly a heartfelt moment.

Now that Elisha has this opportunity he asks to be like Elijah. Elisha saw something in Elijah that he desired. He didn't just look at all the hardship, stress, pain, and unpleasantness that Elijah went through. He saw the man Elijah was and wanted to be like him. He saw the God Elijah served and wanted to serve him.

Very soon a chariot of fire descended from heaven and Elijah was taken up to be with God. Elisha mourned the loss of his friend and mentor. Then he picked up Elijah's mantle and immediately began to serve the Lord as Elijah had done.

Our lives are filled with all kinds of relationships. Some see us at our best. Others know us better. These relationships matter. God can use them for good. The odds are good that your relationship with Christ came because of a relationship you had. Another person showed you the goodness and greatness of following God. Think about that person.

Others are looking at you. God can use your life and your relationships to draw people to him. We have a responsibility to follow God as he directs in our lives. We also have a responsibility to pass on the faith to the next generation. When others see us do they see God at work? Do they see the goodness and greatness of following God?

Few things are as touching or as meaningful as sharing your life with another.

Who is looking at you? What relationship is God using in your life to pass on the faith?

Spend some time in prayer for the relationships you have. Seek God's will in those relationships. Make an effort to extend your hand to those around you in love.

Lord, show me those who need me. Give me an opportunity to share my life in a meaningful way with another. Make me aware of how you are at work in my relationships. Help all of us draw closer to you this day.

Pastor John Mattern, First Church of God, Greensburg, Indiana.