Read: John 11
My Key Verse: John 11:51-52 "He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one."
My Reflections: How awesome is God! How amazing that he would put the truth right in the mouths of those who were responsible for Jesus' death.
Jesus did not come to end the time of the Jews as God's people. He came through the Jews and should have been welcomed and received and celebrated, yet the very ones with the most to gain could not see past their political positions and rejected their very Messiah.
Caiaphas was the high priest...the one person on earth supposedly closest to the God of Israel, but he was more like the ones described in Isaiah 29:13...but as unlikely as it might seem, God gave this man a prophesy about Jesus. Of course, through the hardness of his heart, he completely misinterprets the voice of God and uses it as an excuse to plot the death of the innocent Jesus, but nonetheless God put the truth in this man's mouth.
It reminds me in the OT when the pagan king hired the sorcerer, Balaam (remember the guy with the talking donkey) to curse the Israelites, but instead God intervenes and Balaam pronounces this huge blessing on Israel. That's funny...I don't care who you are!
My Prayer: In this, God, I see your sovereignty demonstrated. I see your hand controlling the nations...accomplishing your will through those who listen to you and even those who won't. I'm so glad to know that you hold my life in your hands. I'm so glad to say with Paul, "if God is for us, who can be against us." You are the creator, you are the Lord of all, you are mighty to save your people and to accomplish what you will. I pray that I will be one who listens to you every day and gladly submits myself to your will without twisting your word to suit my on agenda.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
21-day challenge Day #10: John 10
Read: John 10
My Key Verse: John 10:13
My Reflections: Wow, this is another one of those chapter that is just so chock full of spiritual significance--I'm almost at a loss to pick just one. But one verse jumped out at me in a totally new way so here goes...
"The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep." John 10:13
Jesus is describing himself as the Good Shepherd, a particularly good analogy considering how unintelligent and easily led sheep are. He is setting up a contrast between himself, the owner and "compassionate father" of the sheep, and a hired servant...a person who has little invested in the flock and would abandon it to save himself.
I know that this passage is only speaking of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, but the term hired hand catches my eye because of the times I've heard church pastors referred to as "hired hands" or "hired guns." Even without the label being affixed, many church members see a paid pastor as the one whose "job" is to do ministry. I hate this thought process. Ephesians 4 is very clear that my job is to prepare and equip God's people to do ministry.
But even more, I hate the thought that I would ever find myself in the position of sacrificing "the flock" (God's Church) for self-preservation or self-betterment or even using God's Church for any selfish ambitions or personal gain. I am not the Good Shepherd, but I hope to be a good shepherd. That is what God has called me to.
My Prayer: God please continue to develop in me the unconditional love for your church. Help me never take lightly the responsibility you've given me as a leader and let me never be a "hired hand." Help me love your church more than I love myself... Help me grow to be a good shepherd.
My Key Verse: John 10:13
My Reflections: Wow, this is another one of those chapter that is just so chock full of spiritual significance--I'm almost at a loss to pick just one. But one verse jumped out at me in a totally new way so here goes...
"The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep." John 10:13
Jesus is describing himself as the Good Shepherd, a particularly good analogy considering how unintelligent and easily led sheep are. He is setting up a contrast between himself, the owner and "compassionate father" of the sheep, and a hired servant...a person who has little invested in the flock and would abandon it to save himself.
I know that this passage is only speaking of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, but the term hired hand catches my eye because of the times I've heard church pastors referred to as "hired hands" or "hired guns." Even without the label being affixed, many church members see a paid pastor as the one whose "job" is to do ministry. I hate this thought process. Ephesians 4 is very clear that my job is to prepare and equip God's people to do ministry.
But even more, I hate the thought that I would ever find myself in the position of sacrificing "the flock" (God's Church) for self-preservation or self-betterment or even using God's Church for any selfish ambitions or personal gain. I am not the Good Shepherd, but I hope to be a good shepherd. That is what God has called me to.
My Prayer: God please continue to develop in me the unconditional love for your church. Help me never take lightly the responsibility you've given me as a leader and let me never be a "hired hand." Help me love your church more than I love myself... Help me grow to be a good shepherd.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
21-day challenge Day #9: John 9
Read: John 9
My Key Verse: John 9:25 He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"
My Reflections: Simple results. No attempt at theology...no well-reasoned out explanations. The religious leaders of the Jews wanted an explanation of how Jesus was able to heal this man, but the man didn't know (and didn't care.) He simply knew that his life had been completely transformed forever and that Jesus was the one who did it.
And so this man with no religious training or education becomes a powerful evangelist. He has an incredible story to tell and he tells it as he knows it.
If we could all be that confident in the difference that Jesus has made in our lives, and tell it in simple non-theological terms, our stories could have a huge impact on convincing the unconvinced that Jesus is real and alive and powerful.
My Prayer: God, help me to always be ready to give the reason for my hope...to simply explain that I was lost and now I'm not...that I was on a collision course with death and that Jesus gave me life and hope and a purpose to live. Thank you, Father, for never giving up on me when I was running. Please give me chances to share my story and see people trust you.
My Key Verse: John 9:25 He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"
My Reflections: Simple results. No attempt at theology...no well-reasoned out explanations. The religious leaders of the Jews wanted an explanation of how Jesus was able to heal this man, but the man didn't know (and didn't care.) He simply knew that his life had been completely transformed forever and that Jesus was the one who did it.
And so this man with no religious training or education becomes a powerful evangelist. He has an incredible story to tell and he tells it as he knows it.
If we could all be that confident in the difference that Jesus has made in our lives, and tell it in simple non-theological terms, our stories could have a huge impact on convincing the unconvinced that Jesus is real and alive and powerful.
My Prayer: God, help me to always be ready to give the reason for my hope...to simply explain that I was lost and now I'm not...that I was on a collision course with death and that Jesus gave me life and hope and a purpose to live. Thank you, Father, for never giving up on me when I was running. Please give me chances to share my story and see people trust you.
21-day challenge Day #8: John 8
Read: John 8
My Key Verse: John 8:33 "They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"
My Reflections: Jesus offered freedom, but the Jews were offended by the thought that they even needed freedom. They claim to have never been slaves, but the history of the Israelite people is one of slavery. They were slaves to the Egyptians, they were slaves to Moabites, Philistines, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, etc. But even more than that, they were slaves to their tendency to give their loyalty to every other god but the God of Abraham that they so readily claim. Little-g gods like Baal, Asherah and Molech... and like Power, Wealth and Position.
The Jews were in prideful denial and that was their major obstacle when they had the chance to accept the Son of God. To admit we need a Savior is to admit that we are lost.
That is still a major obstacle in peoples lives--especially people who claim to believe in God. Their pride convinces them that they are self-sufficient and have no need of surrendering their lives to God.
My Prayer: Help me God, to always be keenly aware of my in-sufficiency...without the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus, I am lost...condemned by my own inability to ever measure up to your expectation of holiness. Thank you Jesus for loving us even though we aren't worthy and will never fully return your love. Imperfect and desperately in need of being saved, we love you!
My Key Verse: John 8:33 "They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"
My Reflections: Jesus offered freedom, but the Jews were offended by the thought that they even needed freedom. They claim to have never been slaves, but the history of the Israelite people is one of slavery. They were slaves to the Egyptians, they were slaves to Moabites, Philistines, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, etc. But even more than that, they were slaves to their tendency to give their loyalty to every other god but the God of Abraham that they so readily claim. Little-g gods like Baal, Asherah and Molech... and like Power, Wealth and Position.
The Jews were in prideful denial and that was their major obstacle when they had the chance to accept the Son of God. To admit we need a Savior is to admit that we are lost.
That is still a major obstacle in peoples lives--especially people who claim to believe in God. Their pride convinces them that they are self-sufficient and have no need of surrendering their lives to God.
My Prayer: Help me God, to always be keenly aware of my in-sufficiency...without the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus, I am lost...condemned by my own inability to ever measure up to your expectation of holiness. Thank you Jesus for loving us even though we aren't worthy and will never fully return your love. Imperfect and desperately in need of being saved, we love you!
Monday, November 26, 2007
21-day challenge Day #7: John 7
Read: John 7
My Key Verse: John 7:46 "No one ever spoke the way this man does," the guards declared.
My Reflections: Jesus is speaking in the most visible location at the most attended event in the region. He waits until the very busiest day to give his message that carries the most weight.
The Pharisees have had enough and send temple guards to arrest him, but the guards return emptyhanded. They don't talk about the riot that would have happened if they'd grabbed Jesus in that setting--that may have been excusable. They chalk it up to belief.
"No one ever spoke the way this man does," they tell their bosses. In a time of high profits and social unrest (hmmm...sounds familiar) they are struck by the message they hear. Not really a feel good message, but one of confrontation mixed with hope--but a hope couched in terms they'd never heard before.
It made an impression. It gave hardened military men reason for pause...reason to doubt their orders from their superiors. Who was this Galillean that some called the Prophet and some called the Christ and who spoke of himself as Bread from heaven and the Well of life?
My Prayer: My God, don't ever let me forget that the draw is Jesus. Not programs or experiences or sermons...those things have their place, but lifting up a winsome Jesus who confronted the moral complacency of his time... the lack of social justice... and the self-pleasing, self-centered religion. Jesus, the rebel, still draws people to himself...people on the fringe; people who have little hope; people who society has labeled losers; people who've experienced wealth and power and found that they don't satisfy. Help me lift up Jesus.
My Key Verse: John 7:46 "No one ever spoke the way this man does," the guards declared.
My Reflections: Jesus is speaking in the most visible location at the most attended event in the region. He waits until the very busiest day to give his message that carries the most weight.
The Pharisees have had enough and send temple guards to arrest him, but the guards return emptyhanded. They don't talk about the riot that would have happened if they'd grabbed Jesus in that setting--that may have been excusable. They chalk it up to belief.
"No one ever spoke the way this man does," they tell their bosses. In a time of high profits and social unrest (hmmm...sounds familiar) they are struck by the message they hear. Not really a feel good message, but one of confrontation mixed with hope--but a hope couched in terms they'd never heard before.
It made an impression. It gave hardened military men reason for pause...reason to doubt their orders from their superiors. Who was this Galillean that some called the Prophet and some called the Christ and who spoke of himself as Bread from heaven and the Well of life?
My Prayer: My God, don't ever let me forget that the draw is Jesus. Not programs or experiences or sermons...those things have their place, but lifting up a winsome Jesus who confronted the moral complacency of his time... the lack of social justice... and the self-pleasing, self-centered religion. Jesus, the rebel, still draws people to himself...people on the fringe; people who have little hope; people who society has labeled losers; people who've experienced wealth and power and found that they don't satisfy. Help me lift up Jesus.
21-day challenge Day #6: John 6
Read: John 6
My Key Verses: John 6:67-68 "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
My Reflections: Jesus made statements that were hard to accept regarding what was necessary to have life. Statements about eating flesh and drinking blood may have been the biggest obstacle for his Jewish listeners, or maybe they understood his symbolism but couldn't get past the exclusiveness of his requirements. Either way, verse 66 says that many disciples abandoned him at this point. He looks to his leadership...his main 12 disciples and questions why they have stayed while so many have left.
It's Peter that answers him. Peter...who has absolutely no filter between cerebrum and mouth; Peter...often in err but never in doubt; Peter...100%, whole-hearted, fully committed, let's-get-to-it...
Peter speaks openly and honestly -- "Lord, to whom shall we go?" Those are words of desperation. "We have no where else to turn..." "We have painted ourselves into this corner..." "We believe in You and now that we've tasted, there is no other food."
Desperation can be scary but its a good place to be with God. Desperation doesn't fear failure..."what is there to lose?" Desperation won't stop at half-way..."this may be our only shot." Desperation is focused..."I must hold on or die."
I think that if I allowed myself more time to consider the state of my life, the state of human existence and the holiness of God, I would find myself more desperate. I would find myself longing just to get a glimpse of the One who is the Holy One of God...straining to hear a whisper from the One who has the words of eternal life.
My Prayer: God disturb my casual contentment. Wake me up to the urgency that exists all around me. Prune away the things in my life that hold me back from giving you my complete loyalty. Help me rid my life of anything that smacks of dualism...I want every aspect of my life to be built on my relationship to You. You and only You have the words of eternal life. Wreck me with your ridiculous love for me and for every person that I come across. I am waiting and listening.
My Key Verses: John 6:67-68 "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
My Reflections: Jesus made statements that were hard to accept regarding what was necessary to have life. Statements about eating flesh and drinking blood may have been the biggest obstacle for his Jewish listeners, or maybe they understood his symbolism but couldn't get past the exclusiveness of his requirements. Either way, verse 66 says that many disciples abandoned him at this point. He looks to his leadership...his main 12 disciples and questions why they have stayed while so many have left.
It's Peter that answers him. Peter...who has absolutely no filter between cerebrum and mouth; Peter...often in err but never in doubt; Peter...100%, whole-hearted, fully committed, let's-get-to-it...
Peter speaks openly and honestly -- "Lord, to whom shall we go?" Those are words of desperation. "We have no where else to turn..." "We have painted ourselves into this corner..." "We believe in You and now that we've tasted, there is no other food."
Desperation can be scary but its a good place to be with God. Desperation doesn't fear failure..."what is there to lose?" Desperation won't stop at half-way..."this may be our only shot." Desperation is focused..."I must hold on or die."
I think that if I allowed myself more time to consider the state of my life, the state of human existence and the holiness of God, I would find myself more desperate. I would find myself longing just to get a glimpse of the One who is the Holy One of God...straining to hear a whisper from the One who has the words of eternal life.
My Prayer: God disturb my casual contentment. Wake me up to the urgency that exists all around me. Prune away the things in my life that hold me back from giving you my complete loyalty. Help me rid my life of anything that smacks of dualism...I want every aspect of my life to be built on my relationship to You. You and only You have the words of eternal life. Wreck me with your ridiculous love for me and for every person that I come across. I am waiting and listening.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
21-day challenge Day #5: John 5
Read: John 5
My Key Verse: John 5:6 "When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
My Reflections: A man lying on a mat, an invalid for 38 years and Jesus asks him if he wants to get well. Was Jesus being clueless, insensitive, sarcastic... Jesus was being perceptive. Some people don't really want to get well. I think about the movie, the Shawshank Redemption, and the description the "Red" gives of being "institutionalized." Getting so used to the bars that you rely on them. Maybe some people get so used to their physical or emotional illnesses that the illness becomes their refuge. "If I've failed to live up to what was expected of me, it's because of _______." An excuse to underperform. A reason to not be responsible. So Jesus asks him if he even wants to get well. Perhaps for the first time, the man was confronted by the opportunity to be well...I wonder if it was an easy decision to trade a life of no expectations for health?
My Prayer: God, what are the things in my life that you've been longing to heal me of, and yet I hang onto them because of some comfort factor. I'm like the vagrant invited in to the feast, given new, clean, expensive clothing to wear, and yet I hang onto my rags just in case. There are so many things I sill need to learn as a leader and a pastor. Please be paient with me, Father and keep showing me how far I still have to go. Help me let go of my crutches, my excuses to underperform and let me soar to the heights that you created me for.
My Key Verse: John 5:6 "When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
My Reflections: A man lying on a mat, an invalid for 38 years and Jesus asks him if he wants to get well. Was Jesus being clueless, insensitive, sarcastic... Jesus was being perceptive. Some people don't really want to get well. I think about the movie, the Shawshank Redemption, and the description the "Red" gives of being "institutionalized." Getting so used to the bars that you rely on them. Maybe some people get so used to their physical or emotional illnesses that the illness becomes their refuge. "If I've failed to live up to what was expected of me, it's because of _______." An excuse to underperform. A reason to not be responsible. So Jesus asks him if he even wants to get well. Perhaps for the first time, the man was confronted by the opportunity to be well...I wonder if it was an easy decision to trade a life of no expectations for health?
My Prayer: God, what are the things in my life that you've been longing to heal me of, and yet I hang onto them because of some comfort factor. I'm like the vagrant invited in to the feast, given new, clean, expensive clothing to wear, and yet I hang onto my rags just in case. There are so many things I sill need to learn as a leader and a pastor. Please be paient with me, Father and keep showing me how far I still have to go. Help me let go of my crutches, my excuses to underperform and let me soar to the heights that you created me for.
Friday, November 23, 2007
21-day challenge Day #4: John 4
Read: John 4
My Key Verse: John 4:27 "Just then his disciples returned and were suprised to find him talkin with a woman. But no on asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you taking with her?"
My Reflections: Jesus and his disciples journey through Samaria. While there, they stop at a town, the disciples go into town to by food and Jesus stays and strikes up a conversation at a well with a Samaritan woman who has a checkered past and disgraceful present. Jesus reaches across all these barriers (gender, race, sinful lifestyle) to teach this woman and in so doing opens the door to teaching the entire town.
A key insight for me comes in v. 27 when the disciples return. They were surprised...but they weren't really. The fact that their Rabbi was breaking all of the norms and going against culture and religion maybe gave them pause for just a moment, but then they see that Jesus is working and they don't question. They don't interfere. They come back to find him doing something they would never have dreamed of own their own, and yet probably within a very short time, they're assisting in the evangelism of a small Samarian town. Why? Because instead of questioning or listing all of the reasons it was inappropriate or just making excuses as to why they couldn't get involved, they recognized Jesus at work and joined in.
My Prayer: God forgive me of all my notions of who is worthy or deserving of my time. Perhaps I'm not racist (or class-ist or IQ-ist) in my head, but my actions don't always show my theology. Open my eyes, Father, to the fields that are ready for harvest. Open my heart to the people who don't clean up as well as I do, but who are hungry for your life-changing message of hope and grace to guide them out of their chaos. Increase my love for all of those I've labeled needy and excluded from my circle of care. And help me lead those around me to greater efforts to remove the focus from our own lives and comfort and invest our time and effort in those whom you are calling us to minister to. In the name of him who reached across all barriers of time, space and sin to save an unworthy world, Jesus Christ, Amen.
My Key Verse: John 4:27 "Just then his disciples returned and were suprised to find him talkin with a woman. But no on asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you taking with her?"
My Reflections: Jesus and his disciples journey through Samaria. While there, they stop at a town, the disciples go into town to by food and Jesus stays and strikes up a conversation at a well with a Samaritan woman who has a checkered past and disgraceful present. Jesus reaches across all these barriers (gender, race, sinful lifestyle) to teach this woman and in so doing opens the door to teaching the entire town.
A key insight for me comes in v. 27 when the disciples return. They were surprised...but they weren't really. The fact that their Rabbi was breaking all of the norms and going against culture and religion maybe gave them pause for just a moment, but then they see that Jesus is working and they don't question. They don't interfere. They come back to find him doing something they would never have dreamed of own their own, and yet probably within a very short time, they're assisting in the evangelism of a small Samarian town. Why? Because instead of questioning or listing all of the reasons it was inappropriate or just making excuses as to why they couldn't get involved, they recognized Jesus at work and joined in.
My Prayer: God forgive me of all my notions of who is worthy or deserving of my time. Perhaps I'm not racist (or class-ist or IQ-ist) in my head, but my actions don't always show my theology. Open my eyes, Father, to the fields that are ready for harvest. Open my heart to the people who don't clean up as well as I do, but who are hungry for your life-changing message of hope and grace to guide them out of their chaos. Increase my love for all of those I've labeled needy and excluded from my circle of care. And help me lead those around me to greater efforts to remove the focus from our own lives and comfort and invest our time and effort in those whom you are calling us to minister to. In the name of him who reached across all barriers of time, space and sin to save an unworthy world, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
21-day challenge Day #3: John 3
Read: John 3
My Key Verse: John 3:30
My Reflections: (I’m doing the unthinkable…I’m skipping over John 3:1-21, possibly the most theologically rich passage in the bible, definitely containing the most well know verse of scripture. It’s just a little too familiar.)
I write this less that 24 hours after reading about a church in Atlanta that is crumbling because of sex scandals, resulting from a culture of “pastor worship” that was created there since the 1960’s.
Complete honesty time: I struggle with the need to be appreciated…to be impressive…to be valued. I understand where it comes from. (picture me on a counselor’s couch and him saying, “Tell me about your relationship with your father…) I’d like to think that it doesn’t surface all of the time, but I’m sure to those who know me best, who work with me and/or live with me, this is no great revelation.
I should have a life-size poster of John the Baptist in my office with the caption from verse 30 above it, “He must become greater; I must become less.” If there has ever been a mantra that I should start my day with, it’s this: He must increase and I must decrease (that’s right…I’m rollin’ KJV).
In the previous verse, John made it clear that “the bride belongs to the bridegroom.” As I follow my calling, there’s no room for self-importance…there’s no room for a Corbett Fan Club…I don’t need a bigger podium to stand upon. I just need to lift up Jesus; to lift up his name; to point people to him. My job is to make the name of Jesus famous, and to humble myself constantly so that no one is ever confused about who is the focus.
My Prayer: God, you know me, you made me, you gave me every gift and talent that I possess. You have shaped me into the man that I am. Speak to my heart every single day and show me my place. If there is a place of influence that I'm to occupy, then Lord help me to grow in humility and grace as I fill that role. Help me see your vision for my life and to walk in step with your Spirit...not lagging behind, not running ahead. I don't want to be controlled by self-doubt or insecurity, or by their cousins, pride and overconfidence. I just want to be the man you created me to be and to enjoy the blessing of being a part of the church, the bride of Jesus...your vehicle for reconciling the whole world to you. In the name of the one and only Savior, the one and only Lord, Jesus Christ...Amen.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
21-day challenge Day #2: John 2
Read: John 2
My Key Verse: John 2:10 “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
My Reflections: My subtitle to this passage would be “Jesus serves expensive wine to drunk people.” Changing water into wine at a wedding in Cana was the first miraculous sign that is described in the gospels. Some might think it not a very auspicious start for the beginning of a revolutionary movement aimed at reconciling the world to God.
The wedding is in full swing, when the unthinkable happens…the wine runs out—an unpardonable offense in a culture that placed such great emphasis on hospitality. Jesus instructs some servants to fill up six large containers with water, and when they take a cup of the “water” to the dinner coordinator, the guy is shocked at the quality of the wine…it's superb. He points out that most would serve the best wine first and then serve the cheap stuff after people were too drunk to know the difference. But he didn’t know that the expensive wine he was tasting had been plain water just moments before.
So, people are drunk, but they need more wine. Jesus provides that wine, and in a setting where any low-quality swill would have been sufficient, he gives “the best.” Gourmet wine. And why not? After all, in v11, John says that, through this miracle, Jesus “revealed his glory.” This isn’t just wine at a party…this is the glory of God. This is an act whereby the Son of the living God demonstrates power over all of creation. Cheap wine was not an option.
So why is it an option with me? Not talking about wine…don’t really care for it, cheap or expensive. But when I have an opportunity to help reveal the glory of God, why am I sometimes guilty of giving less than my best? Why is halfway good enough? Why do I “wing” things that deserve my attention, effort and time? It’s cheap wine and I’m guilty all too often.
- I’m guilty of it with my family.
- I’m guilty of it with my preparations for Sunday.
- I’m guilty of it with my interactions with the staff and leadership here at NC3.
My Prayer: God, here is my prayer: no more cheap wine. No more halfway. No more winging it. But you know me, Lord. You know that everything I’m saying goes against my nature most of the time. When you decided to give, you gave your very best. You gave your Son…your very own self. When we, who are as worthy as a bunch of drunken wedding guests, needed forgiveness, you took our punishment upon yourself, sending Jesus to the cross to die. We needed a sacrifice…you gave your perfect Son. We deserved punishment…you allowed him to be killed in our place. We needed redemption…you raised us along with him from the dead. So forgive me for offering you my left-overs…my spare time. No more cheap wine, God. No more cheap wine. In the name of Jesus, who is more than worthy of all of our praise and adoration, Amen.
Monday, November 19, 2007
A Great Political Ad
This goes out to my very great and semi-fascist (jk) friend who sends me all of his Republican Party crap. (FWIW, I am a registered republican, but I have found I have great disdain for both major parties as well as most of the little ones. Politics stinks!)
Thanks to Jason Powell and Justin Moore for the link.
Thanks to Jason Powell and Justin Moore for the link.
21-day challenge Day #1: John 1
Read: John 1
My Key Verse: John 1:4-5 “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.”
My Reflections: Maybe I’m having a bad day, but I feel like I’m surrounded by chaos. There’s chaos in my own life, from being 20 min late b/c of lost keys this morning to just not having any time to spend with my wife because of the busyness of our schedules. Even more than that, I feel like chaos is defining the lives of many of my close friends. Two very good friends are in the midst of major marital problems and it breaks my heart. I see people completely losing sight of our purpose and the vision of life that God has given.
“The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it.” Even those of us who call ourselves Christians are prone to living in darkness. I’m not talking about moral debauchery…I don’t have to be. At least when people who consider themselves Christians go out and party stupid, they feel guilty about it. They know that their behavior doesn’t reflect the presence of Jesus Christ in their life. But people who go to Community Group on Friday instead of the bar, still allow darkness to permeate their lives. It’s not on purpose. It’s almost sinister, the way it happens.
It happens when we take our eyes off of Jesus. It happens when we forget why we exist. It happens when the blessings from God—houses, jobs, children, autos, toys—begin to be our reason for living instead of wonderful blessings to enjoy along the way. It happens when our decisions become more about “What I Want” and less about “What God Wants For Me.”
We all want to live our lives. We all want more. We all want to be happy and healthy and comfortable and secure… but we’ve forgotten the source. Jesus came for us. He came to save. He came to teach. He came to love and restore. He came to forgive and remove the shame. “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.”
My Prayer: God, I want that life. I don’t want chaos to be the rule of my existence. I want to walk in the “unforced rhythms of grace.” I want every aspect of my life—the way I love my wife, the way I interact with my kids, the way I do my job—every bit of it to be filtered through the light that is in my life because of Jesus Christ. I want the peace of God that defies our understanding to be a constant in me, and then I want to be a gentle reminder to everyone I that I touch that there is a better way to do life…a better way that does not consist of darkness or chaos. Today, God, I pray that you will re-infuse me with your vision for my life and more than ever, allow me to be an instrument of your peace. Yours is the power and the kingdom and the glory, forever. Amen
My Key Verse: John 1:4-5 “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.”
My Reflections: Maybe I’m having a bad day, but I feel like I’m surrounded by chaos. There’s chaos in my own life, from being 20 min late b/c of lost keys this morning to just not having any time to spend with my wife because of the busyness of our schedules. Even more than that, I feel like chaos is defining the lives of many of my close friends. Two very good friends are in the midst of major marital problems and it breaks my heart. I see people completely losing sight of our purpose and the vision of life that God has given.
“The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it.” Even those of us who call ourselves Christians are prone to living in darkness. I’m not talking about moral debauchery…I don’t have to be. At least when people who consider themselves Christians go out and party stupid, they feel guilty about it. They know that their behavior doesn’t reflect the presence of Jesus Christ in their life. But people who go to Community Group on Friday instead of the bar, still allow darkness to permeate their lives. It’s not on purpose. It’s almost sinister, the way it happens.It happens when we take our eyes off of Jesus. It happens when we forget why we exist. It happens when the blessings from God—houses, jobs, children, autos, toys—begin to be our reason for living instead of wonderful blessings to enjoy along the way. It happens when our decisions become more about “What I Want” and less about “What God Wants For Me.”
We all want to live our lives. We all want more. We all want to be happy and healthy and comfortable and secure… but we’ve forgotten the source. Jesus came for us. He came to save. He came to teach. He came to love and restore. He came to forgive and remove the shame. “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.”
My Prayer: God, I want that life. I don’t want chaos to be the rule of my existence. I want to walk in the “unforced rhythms of grace.” I want every aspect of my life—the way I love my wife, the way I interact with my kids, the way I do my job—every bit of it to be filtered through the light that is in my life because of Jesus Christ. I want the peace of God that defies our understanding to be a constant in me, and then I want to be a gentle reminder to everyone I that I touch that there is a better way to do life…a better way that does not consist of darkness or chaos. Today, God, I pray that you will re-infuse me with your vision for my life and more than ever, allow me to be an instrument of your peace. Yours is the power and the kingdom and the glory, forever. Amen
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Taking the 21-day Challenge
In conjunction with some of our friends in the area, especially CCC and the NewThing Network, Pastor Kevin issued a 21-day journaling challenge. Basically you're invited to join him (and the rest of our leadership) in 21 days of journaling through the book of John. The challenge...simply read a chapter everyday and journal about your thoughts and prayers stemming from your reading.
Journaling is a practice that I love and respect, but all too often don't make time for. Well time has to be made. I was not originally going to post my journaling, but I said I would Sunday morning, so I will.
Join me. It doesn't have to be online...just find an old notebook or legal pad, open up God's word and get ready to have your life changed.
Let me know in the comments if you're going to pick up this challenge. I'm pumped!
Journaling is a practice that I love and respect, but all too often don't make time for. Well time has to be made. I was not originally going to post my journaling, but I said I would Sunday morning, so I will.
Join me. It doesn't have to be online...just find an old notebook or legal pad, open up God's word and get ready to have your life changed.
Let me know in the comments if you're going to pick up this challenge. I'm pumped!
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