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.