THIS CHAPTER RULES!!!
1:5ff - When the gospel is truly heard and has taken root in people internally, God's people are always growing and always reaching out and always bearing fruit. That is what the truth does when it is inside of us. We cannot contain it...cannot keep it inside. May we meditate on the gospel of Jesus Christ - the good news that Paul so incredibly describes at the end of this chapter...and may we let that life-altering truth drive us to live as Christ...to be his church...to take his kingdom into the darkest corners of this world.
1:9-10 - I think these are great goals to live you life by. These are a couple of verse that throw down some great goals for any Christian to aspire towards. Be filled with God's knowledge and wisdom...that's a good thing. To walk in a manner worthy of Jesus...another good goal. To bear fruit in everything we do...again, this is good stuff. This is who I want to be - how about you?
1:15-20 - He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Enough said - WOW! You ever want to introduce somebody to who Jesus is...take them to Colossians 1. Beautiful!
1:21-22 - We were at war with God. We were the rebellious dissenters who destroyed His kingdom and turned our backs on Him. And He sent Jesus (who contained the fullness of God, see v.19) to give his life for our debt. His sacrifice bridged the gap...ended the war...made it possible that we could come into the presence of God holy and blameless. Is that not incredible? Holy and blameless would be some of the last words I would use to describe myself, but that is what I am through the blood of the God/man Jesus Christ. Praise the lord!
1:24ff - Youth ministry can be brutal and disappointing...there are times when it is really hard...there are times when it is utterly heart-breaking. Can I rejoice in those sufferings for the students' sake. I must not forsake my calling...I do this not for a paycheck or because I like to feel important in the church, but so that I can present mature youth believers from our youth ministry to this world. I fight this fight so that I can send world-changing warriors of God into the front lines of the spiritual battle that is raging across this fallen world.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Philippians Chapter 4 - September 30, 2008
Guess who's back? Sorry.
4:5 - Do not worry, meaning - do not show a lack of trust in God by getting all worked up over things you cannot control. Instead, turn to God, talk to God, trust in God - replace your worries over things you cannot control by trusting the God who is in control.
4:7 - How does peace guard your heart? What are your thoughts?
4:8 - The key to a mind of purity, is to stay focused on good/godly things. Full your thoughts with things that are right and true and honorable and positive, and force the bad out. This is how we start to take captive our thoughts...this is how we begin to make our minds obedient to Jesus Christ. It's not easy. It takes a concerted effort on your part day in and day out...you must fight for control of your mind, by filtering what comes in.
4:11 - A very hard lesson to learn and live by.
4:13 - One of the all-time most inappropriately used verses. I have heard this voice used to motivate someone who was about to max out on bench press! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, so I'm going to try to bench this 600lb. bar! I don't think that is the picture Paul is painting for us here. He is saying that with God we can get through anything. Maybe a better way to word the verse for us is, "I can deal with anything on this earth through Christ who strengthens me." Good or bad the secret of being content is to be God-centered. I also like that Paul talks about how he has learned how to face plenty - isn't that funny? Plenty isn't a problem is it? Look around fellow Americans...is plenty a problem. When we have too much or enough - we tend to forget about God and fell like we are doing fine on our own. So Paul learned that even when he has everything he needs and more - he can stay content through a continued focus on God. Good advice for us.
4:5 - Do not worry, meaning - do not show a lack of trust in God by getting all worked up over things you cannot control. Instead, turn to God, talk to God, trust in God - replace your worries over things you cannot control by trusting the God who is in control.
4:7 - How does peace guard your heart? What are your thoughts?
4:8 - The key to a mind of purity, is to stay focused on good/godly things. Full your thoughts with things that are right and true and honorable and positive, and force the bad out. This is how we start to take captive our thoughts...this is how we begin to make our minds obedient to Jesus Christ. It's not easy. It takes a concerted effort on your part day in and day out...you must fight for control of your mind, by filtering what comes in.
4:11 - A very hard lesson to learn and live by.
4:13 - One of the all-time most inappropriately used verses. I have heard this voice used to motivate someone who was about to max out on bench press! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, so I'm going to try to bench this 600lb. bar! I don't think that is the picture Paul is painting for us here. He is saying that with God we can get through anything. Maybe a better way to word the verse for us is, "I can deal with anything on this earth through Christ who strengthens me." Good or bad the secret of being content is to be God-centered. I also like that Paul talks about how he has learned how to face plenty - isn't that funny? Plenty isn't a problem is it? Look around fellow Americans...is plenty a problem. When we have too much or enough - we tend to forget about God and fell like we are doing fine on our own. So Paul learned that even when he has everything he needs and more - he can stay content through a continued focus on God. Good advice for us.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Philippians Chapter 3 - September 25, 2008
3:2ff - There are those who mutilate/destroy the flesh through violence...through unhealthy obsession...through self-hatred...through cruel judgement, but in reality the flesh is meaningless. The spiritual aspect of our existence is what is important...the flesh is passing away and of little consequence. But I also believe that when you live confidently through the Spirit of God, you will have a healthier physical too...when you remove stress and live out the joy of the Lord - life is better.
3:8 - In comparison to Christ everything else is dull - a waste - a loss. Question: If our faith isn't costing us anything...is it really faith?
3:10 - I would like to hear comments on this...what is the power of the resurrection? What kind of power does the resurrection of Christ bring tot he table?
3:11 - Faith described here carries with it this idea of continually fighting and continually growing and changing that seems to fly in the face of the once saved always saved doctrine. Thoughts?
3:13 - Mature believers live not for this world, but for the world to come. Like a child always focused on the new - the future...never looking back with regret. Can I do that? Can I brush off the weight of this world and look to the world beyond?
3:19 - Think of what we allow ourselves to be controlled by! Think about it. Our bellies. Our appetites. Our loins. Our selfishness. These things are pieces of blood and flesh and ego...there has to be more to this life...there has to be. There has to be a higher calling.
3:20 - "But our citizenship is in heaven..." - is that a hard concept for you to accept? Why?
3:21 - Jesus Christ as an answer for 3:19, "there has to be more than this," offers us the power to make the body and mind ours subjects instead of our slave masters. Jesus, I want in... I want on board!
3:8 - In comparison to Christ everything else is dull - a waste - a loss. Question: If our faith isn't costing us anything...is it really faith?
3:10 - I would like to hear comments on this...what is the power of the resurrection? What kind of power does the resurrection of Christ bring tot he table?
3:11 - Faith described here carries with it this idea of continually fighting and continually growing and changing that seems to fly in the face of the once saved always saved doctrine. Thoughts?
3:13 - Mature believers live not for this world, but for the world to come. Like a child always focused on the new - the future...never looking back with regret. Can I do that? Can I brush off the weight of this world and look to the world beyond?
3:19 - Think of what we allow ourselves to be controlled by! Think about it. Our bellies. Our appetites. Our loins. Our selfishness. These things are pieces of blood and flesh and ego...there has to be more to this life...there has to be. There has to be a higher calling.
3:20 - "But our citizenship is in heaven..." - is that a hard concept for you to accept? Why?
3:21 - Jesus Christ as an answer for 3:19, "there has to be more than this," offers us the power to make the body and mind ours subjects instead of our slave masters. Jesus, I want in... I want on board!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Philippians Chapter 2 - September 24, 2008
2:1 - I like how Paul starts that out, 'If there is encouragement." It's like an uber guilt trip. If you have ever been encouraged by God or received any blessing from God or been strengthened by His Spirit - GO LIVE FOR HIM! God has given us everything we have...God has given us a purpose for existence...a mission to live out...a hope for the future - maybe because of that we can come together as His people and live for Him.
2:7 - Jesus is God. When he was walking around on earth he was God, yet he still took a position of extreme humility and made himself nothing. We often do the opposite and try to make our "nothing" selves into gods.
2:12,13 - Discipleship may begin at belief, but it does not stop at belief. Belief is worked out, struggled out and fought for with fear of God's perfection in comparison to our own imperfection. Not to save ourselves - but because belief demands action and the holiness of God demands humble service.
2:17 - Drink offerings in the OT were additional offerings that were poured out on top of another offering that had already been made. Paul is saying that he is willing to sacrifice even more than he already had. He has risked much to take the Gospel to the people of Philippi and he wanted to know that if he was killed...his death would serve as an additional sacrifice that would bring join to the Philippians. Joy because they knew he was with Jesus and joy because their faith (that Paul had given much to build up) had stayed strong and continued to grow. I love that Paul looks at his life as a tool for the glory of God and not a vehicle for his own enjoyment.
2:19ff - Timothy rocks.
2:7 - Jesus is God. When he was walking around on earth he was God, yet he still took a position of extreme humility and made himself nothing. We often do the opposite and try to make our "nothing" selves into gods.
2:12,13 - Discipleship may begin at belief, but it does not stop at belief. Belief is worked out, struggled out and fought for with fear of God's perfection in comparison to our own imperfection. Not to save ourselves - but because belief demands action and the holiness of God demands humble service.
2:17 - Drink offerings in the OT were additional offerings that were poured out on top of another offering that had already been made. Paul is saying that he is willing to sacrifice even more than he already had. He has risked much to take the Gospel to the people of Philippi and he wanted to know that if he was killed...his death would serve as an additional sacrifice that would bring join to the Philippians. Joy because they knew he was with Jesus and joy because their faith (that Paul had given much to build up) had stayed strong and continued to grow. I love that Paul looks at his life as a tool for the glory of God and not a vehicle for his own enjoyment.
2:19ff - Timothy rocks.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Philippians Chapter 1 - September 23, 2008
*You could spend days on this one chapter...it is so rich! I'm gonna put some of my highlights, you put yours and we'll hopefully do chapter 1 justice.
1:3-5 - Every day he is praying for his brothers and sisters in Christ and he is excited about praying for them...he is passionate about covering God's people in prayer. Is that my prayer life? Or am I too busy praying for myself?
1:6 - God did not start His work in my life (Changing my heart and attitude, saving me, building up my faith, etc) just to leave me hanging. God finishes what He begins and He will be faithful to complete the good work He has started in you and me. When we are going through times of struggle, we have to cling to the fact that God has not left us behind...He has not quit on us. He will finish what He started, so we need to do the same. Finish the race...stay focused...trust in Him.
1:13 - Through his trials Paul sees God at work in the bigger picture. It is amazing what we can see when we take our eyes off ourselves.
1:14 - When we live boldly, we inspire other Christians to live boldly.
1:18 - Paul's grace in incredible...do I look at other churches and ministers critically and judgementally, or with an understanding that even in their imperfection when Christ is preached it is a good thing?
1:21-24 - He longs for heaven, but he is ready and willing to stay behind and live to encourage his brothers and sisters in Christ. I would say that most human beings cling to life like this is what it is all about...we often act like life is all that matters and we live like there is no tomorrow, serving ourselves. Pretty stark contrast from the aspirations of Paul who willingly lives only to turn people towards Christ and who longs for the day when his life is over and he can return home to his Father.
1:27 - Whether our prayers are answered positively or negatively...nothing should change about our faith.
1:29 - A clear sign of our faith in Christ and the power and victory we receive through him, is that we willingly suffer with him and for him.
1:3-5 - Every day he is praying for his brothers and sisters in Christ and he is excited about praying for them...he is passionate about covering God's people in prayer. Is that my prayer life? Or am I too busy praying for myself?
1:6 - God did not start His work in my life (Changing my heart and attitude, saving me, building up my faith, etc) just to leave me hanging. God finishes what He begins and He will be faithful to complete the good work He has started in you and me. When we are going through times of struggle, we have to cling to the fact that God has not left us behind...He has not quit on us. He will finish what He started, so we need to do the same. Finish the race...stay focused...trust in Him.
1:13 - Through his trials Paul sees God at work in the bigger picture. It is amazing what we can see when we take our eyes off ourselves.
1:14 - When we live boldly, we inspire other Christians to live boldly.
1:18 - Paul's grace in incredible...do I look at other churches and ministers critically and judgementally, or with an understanding that even in their imperfection when Christ is preached it is a good thing?
1:21-24 - He longs for heaven, but he is ready and willing to stay behind and live to encourage his brothers and sisters in Christ. I would say that most human beings cling to life like this is what it is all about...we often act like life is all that matters and we live like there is no tomorrow, serving ourselves. Pretty stark contrast from the aspirations of Paul who willingly lives only to turn people towards Christ and who longs for the day when his life is over and he can return home to his Father.
1:27 - Whether our prayers are answered positively or negatively...nothing should change about our faith.
1:29 - A clear sign of our faith in Christ and the power and victory we receive through him, is that we willingly suffer with him and for him.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Luke Chapter 24 - September 22, 2008
*We will kick off Philippians tomorrow.
5: "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" This verse jumped out at me. The angels throw a little sass in the faces of these women...what are you looking for? Didn't you listen to Jesus when he said he was going to die and rise again? He isn't dead - you'll find nothing here. It seems to me that we humans have this crazy compulsion to look for life in places of death. How many times have I ignored the teaching of my master and turned to the world for fulfillment, finding only emptiness? I see generation after generation of high school students that leave behind the message of Jesus, the truth, to chase after lies. Why do we seek life among the dead?
27: Jesus explains to them how he fulfills prophecy from the OT...it is pretty amazing - over 300 prophecies fulfilled. The statistics for that happening by coincidence are basically impossible. You can check them out at http://mb-soft.com/believe/txh/proph.htm. Enjoy.
49: Jesus tells them to wait. Don't go off half-cocked and emotionally charged. We shouldn't go into anything huge without prayer. He tells his disciples to wait for the power to descend on them and boy does it! This segues into beginning of Acts when they are praying and waiting and the Holy Spirit descends on them. This is really good advice for us too - cover everything you do in prayer and open yourself to the guiding of the Spirit.
5: "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" This verse jumped out at me. The angels throw a little sass in the faces of these women...what are you looking for? Didn't you listen to Jesus when he said he was going to die and rise again? He isn't dead - you'll find nothing here. It seems to me that we humans have this crazy compulsion to look for life in places of death. How many times have I ignored the teaching of my master and turned to the world for fulfillment, finding only emptiness? I see generation after generation of high school students that leave behind the message of Jesus, the truth, to chase after lies. Why do we seek life among the dead?
27: Jesus explains to them how he fulfills prophecy from the OT...it is pretty amazing - over 300 prophecies fulfilled. The statistics for that happening by coincidence are basically impossible. You can check them out at http://mb-soft.com/believe/txh/proph.htm. Enjoy.
49: Jesus tells them to wait. Don't go off half-cocked and emotionally charged. We shouldn't go into anything huge without prayer. He tells his disciples to wait for the power to descend on them and boy does it! This segues into beginning of Acts when they are praying and waiting and the Holy Spirit descends on them. This is really good advice for us too - cover everything you do in prayer and open yourself to the guiding of the Spirit.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Luke Chapter 23 - September 12, 2008
23:3 - We have seen throughout the gospels, that Jesus can destroy anybody in an argument, yet when he is on trial he refuses to defend himself. This is just another example of Jesus forsaking his wisdom and power because of his great love for us. He could easily have defended himself and won his freedom, but instead he stayed his tongue and willingly headed to the cross. I hope in this life that I can follow in the footsteps of my master and willingly humble myself for the good of His kingdom.
23:12 - I think they became friends because they were both agreed that the charges of the Jewish religious leaders were ridiculous. Their point of unity was the absurdity of the prosecution...this is just more evidence of the innocence of Jesus.
23:39 - The thief on the cross shows us the characteristics of a true believer. A: He believes so strongly that he is willing to defend the name of Jesus. B: He fully understands his guilt and Jesus' innocence. C: He faithfully understands that even in death Jesus is the only one who has the power to save him. I never thought I would say this, but I aspire to e a thief...this thief anyway.
23:49 - Anybody else notice that the women are the only disciples of Jesus left? There is power in the quiet, unmovable faith of a godly woman.
23:50 - Another man to emulate from this passage (besides Jesus, of course) is Joseph. I want to be described like him in my life - good, righteous, goes against the crowd, seeks the kingdom of God, and honors and respects Jesus.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Luke Chapter 22 - September 11, 2008
*Because the eye of the storm is bearing down upon us...I almost didn't write this blog today. But Abraham Lincoln once said, "If you are a racist - I will attack you with the north." And that is the principle I live my life by...so here it is...
22:3 - Remember the parable that Jesus told about cleaning out your house and not finding a strong man to guard it...the hooligans will come back with friends and take over your new clean house? Remember that? I think Judas is an example of this. He had cleaned out his house...he was walking in the way of Jesus...he was a disciple, but maybe he never really invited Jesus in. Maybe those doubts and fears and questions came back as Jesus started talking about leaving and dying, leaving Judas open to Satanic possession. We must remember that we cannot fight the evil one through our own power...we must rely on the strength of God and invite Him to clean us and dwell within us.
22:45 - As Jesus' modern day disciples, we cannot allow ourselves to "fall asleep" in this life. We cannot let our guard down...every day we are surrounded by temptation and desperation and failure and we must be ready. The disciples did not heed Jesus' warnings to pray and they scattered like dust in the wind when Jesus was arrested.
22:52 - We need to make sure we walk in places of light...make sure your life is a quest to walk into the light and not a descent into dark places that will feed our desires.
22:61 - Imagine that look. Peter looks up after he has denied his master three times and sees Jesus staring back at him. I want to live my life to stay away from that look. How many times has he looked on me in disappointment? How many time have bitterly wept in failure?
22:3 - Remember the parable that Jesus told about cleaning out your house and not finding a strong man to guard it...the hooligans will come back with friends and take over your new clean house? Remember that? I think Judas is an example of this. He had cleaned out his house...he was walking in the way of Jesus...he was a disciple, but maybe he never really invited Jesus in. Maybe those doubts and fears and questions came back as Jesus started talking about leaving and dying, leaving Judas open to Satanic possession. We must remember that we cannot fight the evil one through our own power...we must rely on the strength of God and invite Him to clean us and dwell within us.
22:45 - As Jesus' modern day disciples, we cannot allow ourselves to "fall asleep" in this life. We cannot let our guard down...every day we are surrounded by temptation and desperation and failure and we must be ready. The disciples did not heed Jesus' warnings to pray and they scattered like dust in the wind when Jesus was arrested.
22:52 - We need to make sure we walk in places of light...make sure your life is a quest to walk into the light and not a descent into dark places that will feed our desires.
22:61 - Imagine that look. Peter looks up after he has denied his master three times and sees Jesus staring back at him. I want to live my life to stay away from that look. How many times has he looked on me in disappointment? How many time have bitterly wept in failure?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Luke Chapter 21 - September 10, 2008
21:4 - While I consider myself rich by worldwide standards - there are many times when I feel poor with regards to my readiness to be a ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We've probably all been there - I'm not good enough, holy enough, smart enough, prepared enough, etc. The poor widow encourage me to give everything out of the poverty of my character and righteousness and let the power and grace of God make that enough. God can take my pitiful offerings of ministry and use them to do great things through His power, like the 5 loaves and 2 fish.
21:12ff - Persecution at its most intense is the ultimate catalyst for powerful witness and testimony. When is the gospel more powerful and real than when it is lived out faithfully in the face of extreme hatred and persecution? Never. I think one of the problems we have with Christian burn-out in the States, is that lack of persecution and challenge leads to stale Christianity. It is so easy to be a "christian-by-name" here that you don't even have to rely on God - that is dangerous.
21:14 - Very comforting...you don't have to know all the answers...Jesus will give you the words that you need, when you need them...so step out in faith and live boldly.
21:32 - One of the hardest and most confusing verses around (F.Y.I. all the people he was addressing are dead and Jesus hasn't come back yet). Does this mean Jesus was wrong? No. I believe that when he references "this generation" he is actually continuing to talk about the future generation that he brings up in verse 25 (go read it again). He is saying that all the end times stuff will happen before that generation passes, so through the course of one human generation. When will that be? Don't know, but you should live like it's tomorrow.
21:36 - WAKE UP! Be on the lookout...don't get sidetracked by the things of this world...live like this is your last day on earth, because it could be.
21:12ff - Persecution at its most intense is the ultimate catalyst for powerful witness and testimony. When is the gospel more powerful and real than when it is lived out faithfully in the face of extreme hatred and persecution? Never. I think one of the problems we have with Christian burn-out in the States, is that lack of persecution and challenge leads to stale Christianity. It is so easy to be a "christian-by-name" here that you don't even have to rely on God - that is dangerous.
21:14 - Very comforting...you don't have to know all the answers...Jesus will give you the words that you need, when you need them...so step out in faith and live boldly.
21:32 - One of the hardest and most confusing verses around (F.Y.I. all the people he was addressing are dead and Jesus hasn't come back yet). Does this mean Jesus was wrong? No. I believe that when he references "this generation" he is actually continuing to talk about the future generation that he brings up in verse 25 (go read it again). He is saying that all the end times stuff will happen before that generation passes, so through the course of one human generation. When will that be? Don't know, but you should live like it's tomorrow.
21:36 - WAKE UP! Be on the lookout...don't get sidetracked by the things of this world...live like this is your last day on earth, because it could be.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Luke Chapter 20 - September 9, 2008
20:8 - Jesus refused to answer their question that was really a trap, because they refused to answer his trap question. They came to argue with the sole purpose of destroying his credibility and bringing him down...there was no way to change their heart on any issue, so Jesus ended the conversation. We need to remember the wisdom of walking away from a useless argument.
20:16-17 - They understood exactly what Jesus was talking about in the story and they react with, "Surely not!" Meaning - surely our leadership will no be so corrupt and disobedient to bring about the destruction of Israel. But the master sent his son to make things right with the tenants and the tenants killed him - just like in the story. They brought destruction on themselves.
20:17ff - There is an old Jewish midrash (commentary) on Esther 3:6 that applies here..."If the stone falls on the pot, alas for the pot. If the pot falls on the stone, alas for the pot." This is a parallel to what Jesus is saying. Basically, woe to anyone who stands in opposition to God. If you attack the rock that is Jesus Christ you will be broken...and if you ignore the rock that is Jesus, you will be crushed. Don't stand in opposition tot he Son of God.
20:27 - They don't even believe in the resurrection, but they are so bent on destroying Jesus that they make up some absurd hypothetical question about the resurrection. Jesus answers them anyway, because even though they come out of malice, he sees an opportunity to point people to the true nature of God. We must always keep our eyes open for opportunities to point others towards God (Even annoying, hateful others).
20:47 - Serious warning to those who like to "play church" or pretend to be godly and holy when they only seek their own selfish gain. I for one would like to miss out on the greater condemnation part! Let's be real...love God...love others and live humbly.
20:16-17 - They understood exactly what Jesus was talking about in the story and they react with, "Surely not!" Meaning - surely our leadership will no be so corrupt and disobedient to bring about the destruction of Israel. But the master sent his son to make things right with the tenants and the tenants killed him - just like in the story. They brought destruction on themselves.
20:17ff - There is an old Jewish midrash (commentary) on Esther 3:6 that applies here..."If the stone falls on the pot, alas for the pot. If the pot falls on the stone, alas for the pot." This is a parallel to what Jesus is saying. Basically, woe to anyone who stands in opposition to God. If you attack the rock that is Jesus Christ you will be broken...and if you ignore the rock that is Jesus, you will be crushed. Don't stand in opposition tot he Son of God.
20:27 - They don't even believe in the resurrection, but they are so bent on destroying Jesus that they make up some absurd hypothetical question about the resurrection. Jesus answers them anyway, because even though they come out of malice, he sees an opportunity to point people to the true nature of God. We must always keep our eyes open for opportunities to point others towards God (Even annoying, hateful others).
20:47 - Serious warning to those who like to "play church" or pretend to be godly and holy when they only seek their own selfish gain. I for one would like to miss out on the greater condemnation part! Let's be real...love God...love others and live humbly.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Luke Chapter 19 - September 8, 2008
19:8 - Zacchaeus' faith immediately became evident through action. Do I live my life in the same way? Is my faith evident through my words and actions? Is my belief real enough to cause action?
Ten Minas - Jesus uses this parable to reference the future after the cross. He is the nobleman, going to another place to receive his kingdom. There are people that despised Jesus...they didn't buy in to him or his message and they were happy to see him die on the cross (religious leaders - they were probably even praying to God to condemn Jesus, because they hated him...strangely enough God allowed Jesus to be condemned because he loved them - ironic). The people that were followers of Christ were going to react in different ways. Some would take his message and the spirit within them and build upon Jesus kingdom...because they bought in...they trusted him...they loved him. Other servants do nothing with his truth - these are no real servants because it means they do not truly follow their king. They are servants out of convenience and do nothing to build on his kingdom. Justice will be swift when everything is made
right. To those who worked to build the kingdom and act on their beliefs - infinitely more will be given. Those who pretended to be followers of Christ and did nothing with his gifts, will be known as wicked wastrels. Those who always rejected Jesus - will receive rejection from the judge and ruler Jesus. Who are we?
19:26 - There must have been hundreds or thousand of people following Jesus at this time because they covered the entire road with their cloaks. It must have been beautiful to see...thousands praising the son of God and cheering him into the city. Unfortunately, Jesus knew that very few of these people would stick with him through the end. They wanted a conquering king, not a sacrificial lamb. We never learn our lessons...look at the crusades and inquisition and the middle east, look at what happens when religion is used to rule a country. The power of the way of Jesus does not work in the political realm, because the power of the way of Jesus is in self-sacrifice and humility. That is how Christians are going to change the world...through sacrificial living...through unconditional love...through humble service.
19:41ff - Jesus weeps because so few of God's people turn out to support their Messiah. He says, "If you had only known what it truly takes to make peace in this world!" See, they believe that their Messiah was going to be a bringer of war...someone who would crush their enemies through force. Jesus walked the path he walked because the peace that we needed could only be bought through his death.
Ten Minas - Jesus uses this parable to reference the future after the cross. He is the nobleman, going to another place to receive his kingdom. There are people that despised Jesus...they didn't buy in to him or his message and they were happy to see him die on the cross (religious leaders - they were probably even praying to God to condemn Jesus, because they hated him...strangely enough God allowed Jesus to be condemned because he loved them - ironic). The people that were followers of Christ were going to react in different ways. Some would take his message and the spirit within them and build upon Jesus kingdom...because they bought in...they trusted him...they loved him. Other servants do nothing with his truth - these are no real servants because it means they do not truly follow their king. They are servants out of convenience and do nothing to build on his kingdom. Justice will be swift when everything is made
right. To those who worked to build the kingdom and act on their beliefs - infinitely more will be given. Those who pretended to be followers of Christ and did nothing with his gifts, will be known as wicked wastrels. Those who always rejected Jesus - will receive rejection from the judge and ruler Jesus. Who are we?
19:26 - There must have been hundreds or thousand of people following Jesus at this time because they covered the entire road with their cloaks. It must have been beautiful to see...thousands praising the son of God and cheering him into the city. Unfortunately, Jesus knew that very few of these people would stick with him through the end. They wanted a conquering king, not a sacrificial lamb. We never learn our lessons...look at the crusades and inquisition and the middle east, look at what happens when religion is used to rule a country. The power of the way of Jesus does not work in the political realm, because the power of the way of Jesus is in self-sacrifice and humility. That is how Christians are going to change the world...through sacrificial living...through unconditional love...through humble service.
19:41ff - Jesus weeps because so few of God's people turn out to support their Messiah. He says, "If you had only known what it truly takes to make peace in this world!" See, they believe that their Messiah was going to be a bringer of war...someone who would crush their enemies through force. Jesus walked the path he walked because the peace that we needed could only be bought through his death.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Luke Chapter 18 - September 5, 2008
18:8 - What a great challenge for us! When Jesus returns will he find people of faith? Will there be a legacy of believers that have been left behind by my generation and the generations to come. The responsibility is ours. I want to make sure there is faith, true faith, on earth when Jesus returns.
18:13 - We have to remember that the only thing we have to boast about is God's great mercy. The Pharisee probably believer that God was lucky to have him on His side...the dishonest tax collector understood that the mercy of God was the only truly good thing about his life. Which camp do we fall into?
18:17 - How does a child approach life - with innocence, joy and total trust in his protectors. To receive the kingdom of God we must seek innocence...see the joy and blessings poured out on us every day...and trust completely in God.
18:24 - I covered this in my blog over Matthew chapter 19.
18:34 - The disciples were clueless to the importance of what Jesus was saying. In our own discipleship journey, I think there are times when we forget or ignore the power of Jesus sacrifice. We allow ourselves to get blinded by our own misconceptions of importance and preoccupations with meaninglessness and we forget just how necessary and life-changing his death is for our life.
18:39 - Even when he is being rejected and persecuted by the people around him, he continues to cry out to Jesus because he knows that Jesus offers the only path to healing and life. This blind man is a great example for us to follow. I hope that I can be a man who chases after Christ regardless of how I am perceived by my peers.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Luke Chapter 17 - September 4, 2008
17:1 - We are always going to be tempted...temptation will always be there...we live in a sin filled world. Just make absolutely sure by the life you live and the things you say and do that you are not the tool of temptation for another person. Check out Romans chapter 1, at the very end of the chapter...the vilest sinners who have descended the most deeply into sin are those who convince others to sin with them - tempters.
17:3 - It is clear from scripture that if we love each other as Christians, we will hold each other accountable. We also need to understand that the rebuking needs to be done with compassion and humble mercy. We often like to bring the rebuke without the love and that doesn't bring any God honoring healing.
17:5-6 - This seems like a wacky verse, but it makes a simple point. The disciples come up to Jesus and they want to take it to the next level...they want to have their faith ramped up...they want to have more faith than anybody. Jesus kinda shoots their competitiveness down. He is saying that it isn't the amount of faith that matters...even a mustard seed sized faith can do miraculous things...no, what matters is that faith is present in your life. We are often crippled in life and ministry because we are waiting to get enough faith to do something...Jesus says you just have to have faith, any kind of faith - so ACT!
17:10 - Something we need to get straight here. God isn't going to send a little thank you note and invite us to dinner because we actually served. Don't get all high and mighty when you have been serving the lord. David doesn't throw a party when I get to work on time...that's what I'm supposed to do - that's my job. We are servants...we are created to serve...try not to get overly impressed with yourself and keep on doing what you were created to do!
17:18ff - Powerful close to this story. All the lepers were healed, but only one understood the power of faith and the mercy of Jesus Christ. Only one was spiritually healed (The only kind of healing that really mattered). The others simply got what they wanted and went on with life. There are people all over the world receiving good gifts from God every second...and the goodness of those gifts is only fully realized when those gifts lead them to the feet of God.
17:28ff - Life was going on as if nothing were wrong...right before the fire balls began to rain down on Sodom, people were buying and selling and building up and storing away. We need to remember how fragile our reality is and refuse to get caught up completely in the here and now. There is a bigger more important reality that we must remain plugged into.
17:33 - Again with the priorities. If you live for this world and this life, you will be sorely disappointed when the things of earth all pass away.
17:3 - It is clear from scripture that if we love each other as Christians, we will hold each other accountable. We also need to understand that the rebuking needs to be done with compassion and humble mercy. We often like to bring the rebuke without the love and that doesn't bring any God honoring healing.
17:5-6 - This seems like a wacky verse, but it makes a simple point. The disciples come up to Jesus and they want to take it to the next level...they want to have their faith ramped up...they want to have more faith than anybody. Jesus kinda shoots their competitiveness down. He is saying that it isn't the amount of faith that matters...even a mustard seed sized faith can do miraculous things...no, what matters is that faith is present in your life. We are often crippled in life and ministry because we are waiting to get enough faith to do something...Jesus says you just have to have faith, any kind of faith - so ACT!
17:10 - Something we need to get straight here. God isn't going to send a little thank you note and invite us to dinner because we actually served. Don't get all high and mighty when you have been serving the lord. David doesn't throw a party when I get to work on time...that's what I'm supposed to do - that's my job. We are servants...we are created to serve...try not to get overly impressed with yourself and keep on doing what you were created to do!
17:18ff - Powerful close to this story. All the lepers were healed, but only one understood the power of faith and the mercy of Jesus Christ. Only one was spiritually healed (The only kind of healing that really mattered). The others simply got what they wanted and went on with life. There are people all over the world receiving good gifts from God every second...and the goodness of those gifts is only fully realized when those gifts lead them to the feet of God.
17:28ff - Life was going on as if nothing were wrong...right before the fire balls began to rain down on Sodom, people were buying and selling and building up and storing away. We need to remember how fragile our reality is and refuse to get caught up completely in the here and now. There is a bigger more important reality that we must remain plugged into.
17:33 - Again with the priorities. If you live for this world and this life, you will be sorely disappointed when the things of earth all pass away.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Luke Chapter 16 - September 3, 2008
* Some of the most difficult teachings in all of the gospels fall in this chapter - YAY!
16:8ff - The master commends the dishonest manager? Does that mean that God is going to commend people that are self-seeking and dishonest? Not really. There are two main options here. Jesus could be using a negative example to make his point about how Christians must also be shrewd with their resources (shrewd not unethical). I don't like this option as much as the next one. The other option is about what the shrewd manager may have really been doing. In this time period, managers were allowed to set their own prices...they could really crank up the debt someone owed and take a large cut off the top for themselves to make money personally. The second option is that the man was cancelling the debt that the customers owed to him...he was them his own cut off the top. He was a shrewd man that understood that being in the good graces of these people would be more beneficial to him in the long run, than getting his money on the spot. So although he was a dishonest manager, he sets a good example for us by making a sacrifice in the short-term that would pay off int he long term. I believe this fits well with what Jesus says next, because if we make sacrifices in our lives now (being living sacrifices) we will be paid off a million fold when everything is made right in the end.
16:13 - Pretty clear cut - you cannot serve two masters. I believe this applies to every area of our lives, not just money. As Christian we need to ask ourselves, "Where does my allegiance lie? What is it that drives me?" We either serve God with our lives or we serve something else.
16:15 - There are those who will do anything...will say anything to be right...to justify themselves in front of other people...to look good before man. We've probably all been that person a time or two. But what other people think of us means very little if God is disgusted with our life choices and our motivations.
16:25ff - I believe that the main focus of this parable is that you reap what you sow...you get what you deserve...God gives you what you want. The rich man while on earth chose to serve only himself...he lived the extravagantly and completely ignored the needs of the suffering man outside his door. Every day he walked by in his purple robe with a smoked turkey leg in his hands as Lazarus was having his sores licked by street dogs. He showed no mercy or love for his fellow man and in the after life he received no mercy or love. He rejected God and God's ideals, so why would he receive God in the end. He got what he wanted...nothing to do with God's kingdom.
16:31 - People often cry out for "proof" to justify belief, but often they have made up their minds, and even miraculous proof would fall on blind eyes and deaf ears. For thousands of years the Jews had been waiting for the Messiah and when he came - the religious leaders rejected him.
16:8ff - The master commends the dishonest manager? Does that mean that God is going to commend people that are self-seeking and dishonest? Not really. There are two main options here. Jesus could be using a negative example to make his point about how Christians must also be shrewd with their resources (shrewd not unethical). I don't like this option as much as the next one. The other option is about what the shrewd manager may have really been doing. In this time period, managers were allowed to set their own prices...they could really crank up the debt someone owed and take a large cut off the top for themselves to make money personally. The second option is that the man was cancelling the debt that the customers owed to him...he was them his own cut off the top. He was a shrewd man that understood that being in the good graces of these people would be more beneficial to him in the long run, than getting his money on the spot. So although he was a dishonest manager, he sets a good example for us by making a sacrifice in the short-term that would pay off int he long term. I believe this fits well with what Jesus says next, because if we make sacrifices in our lives now (being living sacrifices) we will be paid off a million fold when everything is made right in the end.
16:13 - Pretty clear cut - you cannot serve two masters. I believe this applies to every area of our lives, not just money. As Christian we need to ask ourselves, "Where does my allegiance lie? What is it that drives me?" We either serve God with our lives or we serve something else.
16:15 - There are those who will do anything...will say anything to be right...to justify themselves in front of other people...to look good before man. We've probably all been that person a time or two. But what other people think of us means very little if God is disgusted with our life choices and our motivations.
16:25ff - I believe that the main focus of this parable is that you reap what you sow...you get what you deserve...God gives you what you want. The rich man while on earth chose to serve only himself...he lived the extravagantly and completely ignored the needs of the suffering man outside his door. Every day he walked by in his purple robe with a smoked turkey leg in his hands as Lazarus was having his sores licked by street dogs. He showed no mercy or love for his fellow man and in the after life he received no mercy or love. He rejected God and God's ideals, so why would he receive God in the end. He got what he wanted...nothing to do with God's kingdom.
16:31 - People often cry out for "proof" to justify belief, but often they have made up their minds, and even miraculous proof would fall on blind eyes and deaf ears. For thousands of years the Jews had been waiting for the Messiah and when he came - the religious leaders rejected him.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Luke Chapters 14 and 15 - September 2, 2008
14:5 - Rules, dogma and theological opinions should be put aside for the sake of people...helping people reach newness and healing. People are more important than rules. They are more important than budgets. They are more important than our plans. People are the sons and daughters of the most high God. Rules/laws are made to help people live better, holier lives...not to make them slaves.
14:12 - I think that we sometimes get caught up in being generous with those who we know will repay us our generosity. We are kindest and most giving to our friends, because they will pay us back with gifts and words of thanks. True generosity is shown when we break out of that mold and give to those who have no ability to return the favor. True generosity is shown when we give to those who hate us...when we give to those who have no idea who we are.
14:18ff - There are a million excuses for us in this world to ignore God's invitation to drink from His cup...to live the life He has called us too. We are too busy. We are preoccupied. We will do it after school. We will answer the call after we've had some fun. If we feast on the things of this world, we will be left empty and unsatisfied...we will miss out on the great banquet that we are being called to take part in. Choose wisely.
14:26 - Hate everybody you love, including yourself!? That seems so harsh. But this is what you have to understand. When you put everything else behind
God on your list of priorities...you actually become better at all the other relationships. When I show hatred to myself in that I put God before myself - I actually have a more fulfilling, joy-filled life. When I show hatred towards my family by putting God before them - I am a better, more focused, more committed husband and father. Hatred does not imply that we sinfully destroy every relationship we have on earth...it means we consider all relationships nothing in comparison to our relationship with God...which in turn makes every other relationship more holy and God-honoring. Pretty cool, huh?
14:34 - A dangerous warning to all Christians...if you carry the name of Christ, you are the salt of the earth. Wherever you go, you should make a difference...you should add a godly flavor into everything you do. If not, we are not fit to carry the name of Christ...a Christian who doesn't actually follow Christ is as useless as salt with no taste.
15:6 - I love that line, "Rejoice with me for I have found the sheep that was lost!" That should be that attitude of the church when lost, broken, incredibly sinful people walk in the door - "Yes, they've come to the right place!" We do the grace of God no justice when we react with judgement and fear. Who are we as undeserving sinners in the hands of a merciful God, to call judgement upon others. Rejoice when the lost are found!
15:17ff - We have to notice that the prodigal son returns in humble repentance. He knows how wrong he has been and he returns to his father on his knees, begging only to be treated as a slave. When we have strayed from God, we should always return in humility...understanding that there is nothing we can do to save ourselves as we fall broken at His feet. A belief that we have to earn our way back into God's good graces will only sending us spiraling further and further into sin and further and further away from God.
15:31 - I have been the brother in my life. I have been the Christian wondering why some people get to sin-it-up and then at the last minute turn to God, receiving the same thing I get after all my hard work! I came to the realization that it all depends on how you look at what truly living looks like. I had the flawed belief that the life of sin was more fun and enjoyable than the life of the Christian. I have found that, that is absolutely not true. The one who has been in Christ has been at the banquet table the entire time...given access to the Holy Spirit...given purpose and meaning and true joy. The life long Christian has been offered over and over the chance to eat the bread of life and drink from living water. The prodigal has wallowed in sin and hopelessness and discovered the hard way that there is nothing in this world that can truly satisfy outside of God. Why should I be jealous of a broken lost man who falls at the feet of God with nowhere else to turn? I should rejoice that such a man is now going to sit at the table with me and experience the life he was created to live.
14:12 - I think that we sometimes get caught up in being generous with those who we know will repay us our generosity. We are kindest and most giving to our friends, because they will pay us back with gifts and words of thanks. True generosity is shown when we break out of that mold and give to those who have no ability to return the favor. True generosity is shown when we give to those who hate us...when we give to those who have no idea who we are.
14:18ff - There are a million excuses for us in this world to ignore God's invitation to drink from His cup...to live the life He has called us too. We are too busy. We are preoccupied. We will do it after school. We will answer the call after we've had some fun. If we feast on the things of this world, we will be left empty and unsatisfied...we will miss out on the great banquet that we are being called to take part in. Choose wisely.
14:26 - Hate everybody you love, including yourself!? That seems so harsh. But this is what you have to understand. When you put everything else behind
God on your list of priorities...you actually become better at all the other relationships. When I show hatred to myself in that I put God before myself - I actually have a more fulfilling, joy-filled life. When I show hatred towards my family by putting God before them - I am a better, more focused, more committed husband and father. Hatred does not imply that we sinfully destroy every relationship we have on earth...it means we consider all relationships nothing in comparison to our relationship with God...which in turn makes every other relationship more holy and God-honoring. Pretty cool, huh?
14:34 - A dangerous warning to all Christians...if you carry the name of Christ, you are the salt of the earth. Wherever you go, you should make a difference...you should add a godly flavor into everything you do. If not, we are not fit to carry the name of Christ...a Christian who doesn't actually follow Christ is as useless as salt with no taste.
15:6 - I love that line, "Rejoice with me for I have found the sheep that was lost!" That should be that attitude of the church when lost, broken, incredibly sinful people walk in the door - "Yes, they've come to the right place!" We do the grace of God no justice when we react with judgement and fear. Who are we as undeserving sinners in the hands of a merciful God, to call judgement upon others. Rejoice when the lost are found!
15:17ff - We have to notice that the prodigal son returns in humble repentance. He knows how wrong he has been and he returns to his father on his knees, begging only to be treated as a slave. When we have strayed from God, we should always return in humility...understanding that there is nothing we can do to save ourselves as we fall broken at His feet. A belief that we have to earn our way back into God's good graces will only sending us spiraling further and further into sin and further and further away from God.
15:31 - I have been the brother in my life. I have been the Christian wondering why some people get to sin-it-up and then at the last minute turn to God, receiving the same thing I get after all my hard work! I came to the realization that it all depends on how you look at what truly living looks like. I had the flawed belief that the life of sin was more fun and enjoyable than the life of the Christian. I have found that, that is absolutely not true. The one who has been in Christ has been at the banquet table the entire time...given access to the Holy Spirit...given purpose and meaning and true joy. The life long Christian has been offered over and over the chance to eat the bread of life and drink from living water. The prodigal has wallowed in sin and hopelessness and discovered the hard way that there is nothing in this world that can truly satisfy outside of God. Why should I be jealous of a broken lost man who falls at the feet of God with nowhere else to turn? I should rejoice that such a man is now going to sit at the table with me and experience the life he was created to live.
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