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?"
Continuing in the theme of advent this week which is "hope." I think of the man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. 38 years! That's longer than most of the people reading these words have even been alive. He had been unable to walk, be a member of society, or contribute to his family. There was no place for him but begging the good graces of others to provide for his needs. This is where Jesus finds him, in a pile of the sick and infirm, next to a fountain where they congregated. 38 years is a long time to be a certain way. Some would say that nothing could be done, that it would just be the way it is, that there was no hope. Shoot, we look at the personality traits of someone after knowing them less than a year and say things like, "that's just the way they are. There's no changing them." But, Jesus walks up on this man and simply asks, "Do you want to get well?" At the root of the question is one thing... hope. Do you still have hope or are you resigned to things just being as they have been the last 38 years? I think God still asks us this question. With whatever you have been told is true about you. With whatever you may have started to believe cannot be changed. With whatever struggle you are going through. "Do you want to get well?" Do you still have hope?
The man answered with excuses as to why he wasn't healed yet... notice the yet... and showed Jesus that there was still hope there after 38 years. Jesus restored the man's body with a little bit of hope. What can He do in your life today with a little bit of hope from you?
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Monday, November 28, 2016
28Nov16
Romans 13:12
The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent. It is a season where Christians focus in on the meaning behind the celebration of Christmas. Normally there are special candles that are lit in front of the church and some verses read, maybe even a liturgy that is followed by some. But, today's passage comes from the revised common lectionary for the first week of advent. The theme is hope. Hope, not in what we can accomplish. Hope, not in what the world may offer us. Hope, not in the potential for advancement. Hope. Real hope. Hope in what has been finished by God. Hope that the end of the story on this earth is only the beginning of a much bigger story. Hope that everything we go through, all of the trials we have, will lead us to a place where we are ready for the Day. When we live our lives for this hope, not some facsimile or fake the world has to offer us, we are able to put aside our deeds of darkness and step into the light. We are able to see that the night is nearly over and the time for our awakening is at hand. Have hope because God's plan is active in you today! The day is almost here!
The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent. It is a season where Christians focus in on the meaning behind the celebration of Christmas. Normally there are special candles that are lit in front of the church and some verses read, maybe even a liturgy that is followed by some. But, today's passage comes from the revised common lectionary for the first week of advent. The theme is hope. Hope, not in what we can accomplish. Hope, not in what the world may offer us. Hope, not in the potential for advancement. Hope. Real hope. Hope in what has been finished by God. Hope that the end of the story on this earth is only the beginning of a much bigger story. Hope that everything we go through, all of the trials we have, will lead us to a place where we are ready for the Day. When we live our lives for this hope, not some facsimile or fake the world has to offer us, we are able to put aside our deeds of darkness and step into the light. We are able to see that the night is nearly over and the time for our awakening is at hand. Have hope because God's plan is active in you today! The day is almost here!
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
23Nov16
Psalm 107:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
I am reminded of the Michael W. Smith song every time I hear this verse. It's kind of annoying the way a song can get stuck in your head that way. Some people even call it an "ear worm" the way it wriggles into your thoughts throughout the day. As we move into this long Thanksgiving weekend I hope that this little worm sticks with you. A little reminder of where everything we have, every good and perfect thing we experience, comes from; and are able to give thanks to God above. This enduring love that, in spite of our ability to choose wrong more than right, still accepts us and blesses us. Here's a challenge that was posed to me recently: "This year don't just thank God for what you currently have or are experiencing. Instead, think back to the moment you were the most thankful for something in your life. Share that." I don't doubt that most people will think back to a time when they had little and were given much in exchange. That's the story of salvation. Remember what real thankfulness feels like and give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Happy Thanksgiving!
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
I am reminded of the Michael W. Smith song every time I hear this verse. It's kind of annoying the way a song can get stuck in your head that way. Some people even call it an "ear worm" the way it wriggles into your thoughts throughout the day. As we move into this long Thanksgiving weekend I hope that this little worm sticks with you. A little reminder of where everything we have, every good and perfect thing we experience, comes from; and are able to give thanks to God above. This enduring love that, in spite of our ability to choose wrong more than right, still accepts us and blesses us. Here's a challenge that was posed to me recently: "This year don't just thank God for what you currently have or are experiencing. Instead, think back to the moment you were the most thankful for something in your life. Share that." I don't doubt that most people will think back to a time when they had little and were given much in exchange. That's the story of salvation. Remember what real thankfulness feels like and give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
22Nov16
James 4:17
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
I hear the same thing from people all the time when I talk to them about things going on in their lives. It starts something like this: "I know what you're going to say Chaplain. But..." It's a speech that is rehearsed because it's one they've been having with their own conscience for a while and found the ways to justify their actions to themselves. The problem is that they KNOW that what they are doing is wrong before they ever talk to me. They've already violated that moral compass in their lives. Now it's time to make excuses. But, you know what they say about excuses... everyone's got one. Excuses don't get far with God because He sees right to the heart. He knows that at some point you didn't do the right thing simply because you didn't want to. You didn't want to because it seemed to hard, or the reward seemed too sweet, or you just didn't trust God. What do I do for these people? I say a short prayer, take a deep breath, and remind them (sometimes for an hour or more) that they already know the right thing to do. I become a physical reminder. This morning I'm reminding you that you know the right thing to do... do it. No matter how hard it may seem. No matter how sweet the reward may seem. God will provide the strength; you just have to make the decision in the moment. As Shia Labeouf would say, "Do it! Just do it!" the right thing.
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
I hear the same thing from people all the time when I talk to them about things going on in their lives. It starts something like this: "I know what you're going to say Chaplain. But..." It's a speech that is rehearsed because it's one they've been having with their own conscience for a while and found the ways to justify their actions to themselves. The problem is that they KNOW that what they are doing is wrong before they ever talk to me. They've already violated that moral compass in their lives. Now it's time to make excuses. But, you know what they say about excuses... everyone's got one. Excuses don't get far with God because He sees right to the heart. He knows that at some point you didn't do the right thing simply because you didn't want to. You didn't want to because it seemed to hard, or the reward seemed too sweet, or you just didn't trust God. What do I do for these people? I say a short prayer, take a deep breath, and remind them (sometimes for an hour or more) that they already know the right thing to do. I become a physical reminder. This morning I'm reminding you that you know the right thing to do... do it. No matter how hard it may seem. No matter how sweet the reward may seem. God will provide the strength; you just have to make the decision in the moment. As Shia Labeouf would say, "Do it! Just do it!" the right thing.
Monday, November 21, 2016
21Nov16
2Timothy 2:6
It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.
Around Thanksgiving I start to think more about where my food come from. Maybe it's the pictures of the Pilgrims (no I don't still believe my thanksgiving meal was prepared by guys and gals in black smocks with tall buckled hats... not anymore). Maybe it's the cornucopias or the thought of unending trails of the most decedent food a man can have. But, whatever it is, I tend to think about farmers. The effort that was put into bringing that feast to my table has something to do with my amazing wife and her skills in the domestic sciences but, there were countless lives that went into my food before it hit the table. I wonder if they are getting the first share. God wants us to know that, while rest is important, so is the benefit of hard work. The most fresh, natural, and choicest product is at the hands of the farmer to take as they please. It is the reward of their labors. When we work for the benefit of God and others there is a primary production of relationship, healing, love, and joy. I'll take the first share of that any day. Are you deserving of the first share or are you waiting down the line to just pay for what someone else has produced? Are you enjoying the first share of your efforts or are you letting them pass by?
It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.
Around Thanksgiving I start to think more about where my food come from. Maybe it's the pictures of the Pilgrims (no I don't still believe my thanksgiving meal was prepared by guys and gals in black smocks with tall buckled hats... not anymore). Maybe it's the cornucopias or the thought of unending trails of the most decedent food a man can have. But, whatever it is, I tend to think about farmers. The effort that was put into bringing that feast to my table has something to do with my amazing wife and her skills in the domestic sciences but, there were countless lives that went into my food before it hit the table. I wonder if they are getting the first share. God wants us to know that, while rest is important, so is the benefit of hard work. The most fresh, natural, and choicest product is at the hands of the farmer to take as they please. It is the reward of their labors. When we work for the benefit of God and others there is a primary production of relationship, healing, love, and joy. I'll take the first share of that any day. Are you deserving of the first share or are you waiting down the line to just pay for what someone else has produced? Are you enjoying the first share of your efforts or are you letting them pass by?
Friday, November 18, 2016
18Nov16
Genesis 2:2
And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.
When I moved to Missouri to go to Seminary at the Assembly of God Theological Seminary I took a job as an associate pastor at Grace Chapel. I also worked full time as the general manager of the Red Robin. I worked from 0500-2300 most days and when I wasn't working that schedule it was only so that I could go to night school for 4 hours on Tuesday and Thursday. I would squeeze in study time wherever I could and then would spend all day Sunday at the church trying frantically to keep up and feel useful to them. Needless to say... I had no time. I was a father of three that never saw my family. I actually feel like (even with deployments) I spend more time with my family now than I did then. I had no friends outside of work. I barely recall anything from that two years outside of work, school, and work. I thought I was better than God. Yup, that's what being a work-a-holic ultimately boils down to. I thought I could handle it all, and from the outside I was. But, the quality of my life, the purpose for which I was made, the areas where my legacy are created, all suffered for my ambition. They all floundered in the overbooked spaces of my life because I thought I could do better than God did and continue to work every single day, every single, hour, every single second. I sacrificed so much at the altar of ambition because I refused to rest, because I had to be the best, and I thought I knew better than God. Even today I struggle with time management and forcing rest into my schedule... there's just so much to do! But, when you set a task and that task is done... rest. We were designed for it. God modeled it. Do it. Find time today... force yourself to rest. Say no to something that wants your time and take it back.
And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.
When I moved to Missouri to go to Seminary at the Assembly of God Theological Seminary I took a job as an associate pastor at Grace Chapel. I also worked full time as the general manager of the Red Robin. I worked from 0500-2300 most days and when I wasn't working that schedule it was only so that I could go to night school for 4 hours on Tuesday and Thursday. I would squeeze in study time wherever I could and then would spend all day Sunday at the church trying frantically to keep up and feel useful to them. Needless to say... I had no time. I was a father of three that never saw my family. I actually feel like (even with deployments) I spend more time with my family now than I did then. I had no friends outside of work. I barely recall anything from that two years outside of work, school, and work. I thought I was better than God. Yup, that's what being a work-a-holic ultimately boils down to. I thought I could handle it all, and from the outside I was. But, the quality of my life, the purpose for which I was made, the areas where my legacy are created, all suffered for my ambition. They all floundered in the overbooked spaces of my life because I thought I could do better than God did and continue to work every single day, every single, hour, every single second. I sacrificed so much at the altar of ambition because I refused to rest, because I had to be the best, and I thought I knew better than God. Even today I struggle with time management and forcing rest into my schedule... there's just so much to do! But, when you set a task and that task is done... rest. We were designed for it. God modeled it. Do it. Find time today... force yourself to rest. Say no to something that wants your time and take it back.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
17Nov16
Revelation 7:9
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands
God loves diversity. Diversity of personalities, cultures, colors, genders, sizes, and shapes. He started the world with diversity when He created it. He orchestrated it to display the vastness of His creativity. He will also end it with a massive display of unity in diversity. The picture of John the revelator in this passage fills my heart with the greatest joy I can think of. For those who choose Him there will be: No more discrimination, no more ostracizing, no more outsiders, no more loneliness, no more hating another person because they believe something different or hold to a different ideal. No more. The truth will have been revealed and our selfish nature will have to be put down before the great I AM who sits on the throne. His way will be the only way. What a picture! If only we could grasp a portion of this heaven here on earth... What is stopping you from seeing another person as God sees them?
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands
God loves diversity. Diversity of personalities, cultures, colors, genders, sizes, and shapes. He started the world with diversity when He created it. He orchestrated it to display the vastness of His creativity. He will also end it with a massive display of unity in diversity. The picture of John the revelator in this passage fills my heart with the greatest joy I can think of. For those who choose Him there will be: No more discrimination, no more ostracizing, no more outsiders, no more loneliness, no more hating another person because they believe something different or hold to a different ideal. No more. The truth will have been revealed and our selfish nature will have to be put down before the great I AM who sits on the throne. His way will be the only way. What a picture! If only we could grasp a portion of this heaven here on earth... What is stopping you from seeing another person as God sees them?
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
16Nov16
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Are you ever at peace? It takes a concentrated effort for me to sit and not be thinking about the next thing, about the upcoming requirements, about where the money will come from, or about how my kids are going to turn out. When I take the time and say to myself, "I will sit back, relax, and have some peace in my day" something invariably interrupts me, whether it my own thoughts or the world pressing in on me. Fear enters the picture. Fear that I won't have enough, be enough, say enough, corrupts my peace. The world says, "go here and have a nice 'peaceful' massage" or "hike to this peak and encounter peace." But, none of that is real. It doesn't last. It doesn't satisfy past the ability of my brain to shut off. And in the middle of all of this God says, "let ME bring you peace. Stop trying to manufacture what I give freely. Be content and let me be me." Faith allows us to live in that peace, to trust without fear, and to embrace joy in every moment. It just means lifting our eyes up and releasing our burdens. What is holding back God's peace in your life today?
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Are you ever at peace? It takes a concentrated effort for me to sit and not be thinking about the next thing, about the upcoming requirements, about where the money will come from, or about how my kids are going to turn out. When I take the time and say to myself, "I will sit back, relax, and have some peace in my day" something invariably interrupts me, whether it my own thoughts or the world pressing in on me. Fear enters the picture. Fear that I won't have enough, be enough, say enough, corrupts my peace. The world says, "go here and have a nice 'peaceful' massage" or "hike to this peak and encounter peace." But, none of that is real. It doesn't last. It doesn't satisfy past the ability of my brain to shut off. And in the middle of all of this God says, "let ME bring you peace. Stop trying to manufacture what I give freely. Be content and let me be me." Faith allows us to live in that peace, to trust without fear, and to embrace joy in every moment. It just means lifting our eyes up and releasing our burdens. What is holding back God's peace in your life today?
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
15Nov16
Psalm 8:3-4 ESV
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
From my childhood I have been told that God created everything by His very word. At times in my life I have questioned this fact but, strangely it is one of those things that I don't think about much. It's easy for me to accept that God could make everything out there. Everything outside of me. Everything that I see and am in awe of. He had, has, and will have, the power to handle all of creation. What I have trouble with, and think about frequently, is that God has the power to handle me. To handle those things in my life that I struggle with. The God that created the entire world, and existence itself, has the power to create a way for me. I feel like my life is mine to handle. But, why would I rely on my own strength when all I have the power to create is a really warped piece of pottery that even my mom would only use to hold loose change? Why not rely on the God who has the power to create the amazing, the awesome, the inspiring? Why is it so hard to accept that He can handle the storm in me when He calmed the raging seas? What part of creation inspires you? He cares for you so much more. Will you let Him work with you like He did with all the universe?
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
From my childhood I have been told that God created everything by His very word. At times in my life I have questioned this fact but, strangely it is one of those things that I don't think about much. It's easy for me to accept that God could make everything out there. Everything outside of me. Everything that I see and am in awe of. He had, has, and will have, the power to handle all of creation. What I have trouble with, and think about frequently, is that God has the power to handle me. To handle those things in my life that I struggle with. The God that created the entire world, and existence itself, has the power to create a way for me. I feel like my life is mine to handle. But, why would I rely on my own strength when all I have the power to create is a really warped piece of pottery that even my mom would only use to hold loose change? Why not rely on the God who has the power to create the amazing, the awesome, the inspiring? Why is it so hard to accept that He can handle the storm in me when He calmed the raging seas? What part of creation inspires you? He cares for you so much more. Will you let Him work with you like He did with all the universe?
Thursday, November 10, 2016
10Nov16
1Peter 3:8
"To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;"
Yesterday I had the privilege of teaching a bunch of my married Soldiers about their personalities and how different levels of stress can bring conflict between types of personalities and bring harmony to others. But, "knowing yourself" is really only the first step to creating harmony in the home. If you look at the verse for today you'll notice something about the challenge that is given... it's all for them. The other person. Everyone else. You see, my wife figured this out way before I did but, if you want a household that breeds love and exudes joy then you have to be selfless. You don't figure out your personality type so that you can manipulate those around you. You learn it so you can serve them, be sympathetic, kindhearted, and humble. You start the journey to selflessness. Putting your loved ones before you... because you love them. So, what is it that you could do today that would make your loved one feel the MOST loved? How much effort would it take to make that a reality for them? Worth it... absolutely! Always! Today focus on how you can be less and they can be more in your life.
"To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;"
Yesterday I had the privilege of teaching a bunch of my married Soldiers about their personalities and how different levels of stress can bring conflict between types of personalities and bring harmony to others. But, "knowing yourself" is really only the first step to creating harmony in the home. If you look at the verse for today you'll notice something about the challenge that is given... it's all for them. The other person. Everyone else. You see, my wife figured this out way before I did but, if you want a household that breeds love and exudes joy then you have to be selfless. You don't figure out your personality type so that you can manipulate those around you. You learn it so you can serve them, be sympathetic, kindhearted, and humble. You start the journey to selflessness. Putting your loved ones before you... because you love them. So, what is it that you could do today that would make your loved one feel the MOST loved? How much effort would it take to make that a reality for them? Worth it... absolutely! Always! Today focus on how you can be less and they can be more in your life.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
09Nov16
2 Kings 5:11
"But Naaman went away angry and said, 'I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.'"
When I was a teenager in Alaska it came time to get my own job. My father was the District manager for Kmart (the only store in our tiny town) and I thought, "no problem, I'll go in there and get a job and make bank." When I put in my application I thought I had a sure thing going. Then days went by without a cal. Weeks went by without a call. When I realized that I wasn't going to get the job I went to my dad and asked him why I didn't get the job. His response was, "they're not hiring and you have no experience." I thought to myself, "But, I am your son! I deserve this! It's my birthright!" But, I was so wrong. Entitlement encompasses two attitudes: (1) I am exempt from responsibility, and (2) I am owed special treatment. In other words, I don't have to carry my own burdens, and I should be treated differently. Naaman (you should stop and read the whole passage in 2 Kings 5) presents both of these characteristics in his response. First, in Naaman's mind, he was owed special treatment or at least a proper acknowledgment. Second, Naaman felt that he should be exempt from responsibility. He didn't want the responsibility to follow the prophets' orders by washing in the river. He thought he was special because of his position in the Roman army.
It took me a minute to figure it out, and I still battle the urge to deny, that I deserve... nothing. I have to come to grips with the fact that I know me. I know my faults, my failures, and my sin better than anyone else. I know that; and because I know that I am able to win or lose without feeling anger toward my opponent. I recognize that it is God who has graciously given me all I have. My first job was not Kmart. My first job was a grill cook at the only fast food restaurant in town... McDonalds. I loved it, learned a lot, and worked hard for the money that came with it. But, I deserved nothing. I deserve nothing. What do you think you deserve that may be causing anger to well up in your heart? What is, like Naaman, stopping you from being healed?
"But Naaman went away angry and said, 'I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.'"
When I was a teenager in Alaska it came time to get my own job. My father was the District manager for Kmart (the only store in our tiny town) and I thought, "no problem, I'll go in there and get a job and make bank." When I put in my application I thought I had a sure thing going. Then days went by without a cal. Weeks went by without a call. When I realized that I wasn't going to get the job I went to my dad and asked him why I didn't get the job. His response was, "they're not hiring and you have no experience." I thought to myself, "But, I am your son! I deserve this! It's my birthright!" But, I was so wrong. Entitlement encompasses two attitudes: (1) I am exempt from responsibility, and (2) I am owed special treatment. In other words, I don't have to carry my own burdens, and I should be treated differently. Naaman (you should stop and read the whole passage in 2 Kings 5) presents both of these characteristics in his response. First, in Naaman's mind, he was owed special treatment or at least a proper acknowledgment. Second, Naaman felt that he should be exempt from responsibility. He didn't want the responsibility to follow the prophets' orders by washing in the river. He thought he was special because of his position in the Roman army.
It took me a minute to figure it out, and I still battle the urge to deny, that I deserve... nothing. I have to come to grips with the fact that I know me. I know my faults, my failures, and my sin better than anyone else. I know that; and because I know that I am able to win or lose without feeling anger toward my opponent. I recognize that it is God who has graciously given me all I have. My first job was not Kmart. My first job was a grill cook at the only fast food restaurant in town... McDonalds. I loved it, learned a lot, and worked hard for the money that came with it. But, I deserved nothing. I deserve nothing. What do you think you deserve that may be causing anger to well up in your heart? What is, like Naaman, stopping you from being healed?
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
08Nov16
1 Samuel 8:7
And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
Election day. Go vote. Pray and vote. Vote your conscience. I'm not going to even attempt to tell you how to vote. However, I do want to point out something this morning... this was never the way it was supposed to be. God didn't set up a system of government with presidents or kings. He set up a system where the King of kings and Lord of lords reigned. That kingdom will reign forever. But, then we rejected Him. We decided that we wanted to be like everyone else. We decided that it really mattered a lot to us what others thought about us and who represented us. The Israelites went through a time where God reigned and He appointed judges, based on need, over His people. He directly influenced them through the use of individuals that He would call. It could have been anyone! He called out shepherds and cowards. He called out women and Soldiers. He called out the physically weak and even the left-handed. It was a time when God used anyone and everyone to bring about His will. Does it matter who is president tomorrow? Of course it does. But, God wants to continue, in His governmental style, to use you to bring about change in this world. Can He call on you or will you point to someone else and say, "nope, that's my leader."? Will you reject Him as your king and cling to whoever has the most ballots cast for them? Trust in God and be prepared for purpose.
And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
Election day. Go vote. Pray and vote. Vote your conscience. I'm not going to even attempt to tell you how to vote. However, I do want to point out something this morning... this was never the way it was supposed to be. God didn't set up a system of government with presidents or kings. He set up a system where the King of kings and Lord of lords reigned. That kingdom will reign forever. But, then we rejected Him. We decided that we wanted to be like everyone else. We decided that it really mattered a lot to us what others thought about us and who represented us. The Israelites went through a time where God reigned and He appointed judges, based on need, over His people. He directly influenced them through the use of individuals that He would call. It could have been anyone! He called out shepherds and cowards. He called out women and Soldiers. He called out the physically weak and even the left-handed. It was a time when God used anyone and everyone to bring about His will. Does it matter who is president tomorrow? Of course it does. But, God wants to continue, in His governmental style, to use you to bring about change in this world. Can He call on you or will you point to someone else and say, "nope, that's my leader."? Will you reject Him as your king and cling to whoever has the most ballots cast for them? Trust in God and be prepared for purpose.
Monday, November 7, 2016
07Nov16
Ephesians 4:29
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." One of the few lines I can remember from Hamlet (or was it Romeo and Juliet?). Such a simple turn of phrase is why Shakespeare was one of the greatest playwrights to ever live. But, something isn't just rotten in the state of Denmark. There's something rotten coming out of us! In the above verse we like to translate the author's Greek word into "unwholesome." That seems so upper-class to me. It sort of dresses up the real meaning a bit. I just picture an old woman in a fancy dress sipping on tea going, "Now Reginald, thy utterance has a hint of the unwholesome." But, what it really means is "rotten." Gross. Smelly. Moldy. Squishy. Moist. Death.
This is what Paul is warning us about. He is laying out clearly that death comes from our mouth and splatters on other people like a rotten tomato on a bad actor playing Hamlett (see what I did there?). Out of the heart the mouth speaks and when people's souls are hurting, and not healed by grace, they will spew rottenness from their mouths onto everyone around them. God expects better from those that He has called to be His representatives. God healed your soul so you could speak life into others. So, what comes from your mouth? Are you rotten or healed?
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." One of the few lines I can remember from Hamlet (or was it Romeo and Juliet?). Such a simple turn of phrase is why Shakespeare was one of the greatest playwrights to ever live. But, something isn't just rotten in the state of Denmark. There's something rotten coming out of us! In the above verse we like to translate the author's Greek word into "unwholesome." That seems so upper-class to me. It sort of dresses up the real meaning a bit. I just picture an old woman in a fancy dress sipping on tea going, "Now Reginald, thy utterance has a hint of the unwholesome." But, what it really means is "rotten." Gross. Smelly. Moldy. Squishy. Moist. Death.
This is what Paul is warning us about. He is laying out clearly that death comes from our mouth and splatters on other people like a rotten tomato on a bad actor playing Hamlett (see what I did there?). Out of the heart the mouth speaks and when people's souls are hurting, and not healed by grace, they will spew rottenness from their mouths onto everyone around them. God expects better from those that He has called to be His representatives. God healed your soul so you could speak life into others. So, what comes from your mouth? Are you rotten or healed?
Friday, November 4, 2016
04Nov16
Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace - who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with His blood - may He equip you with all you need for doing His will.
God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called. If you look at the people that were chosen in the Bible to impact the world and to change the course of history you will notice something... they were more blue jeans than blue blood. More stand-in than movie star. More plumber than executive. More enlisted than officer. Their collars were blue, their hands were calloused, and there's no evidence that Jesus chose them because they were smarter or nicer than the guys next door. God made them succeed. So no matter how worthless you may feel at the moment, how unequipped for this life, God still has something for you to do. And, if you're worried about who the next president is going to be and how "unequipped" or "unqualified" they may be... don't worry, God's got that too. Are you willing to start something bigger than you're capable of by yourself? Are you willing to step out and take the risk at the call of God?
Now may the God of peace - who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with His blood - may He equip you with all you need for doing His will.
God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called. If you look at the people that were chosen in the Bible to impact the world and to change the course of history you will notice something... they were more blue jeans than blue blood. More stand-in than movie star. More plumber than executive. More enlisted than officer. Their collars were blue, their hands were calloused, and there's no evidence that Jesus chose them because they were smarter or nicer than the guys next door. God made them succeed. So no matter how worthless you may feel at the moment, how unequipped for this life, God still has something for you to do. And, if you're worried about who the next president is going to be and how "unequipped" or "unqualified" they may be... don't worry, God's got that too. Are you willing to start something bigger than you're capable of by yourself? Are you willing to step out and take the risk at the call of God?
Thursday, November 3, 2016
03Nov16
Hebrews 9:27
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
We take tomorrow for granted. It's on our calendars, filled with events, anticipated with hope or fear. Tomorrow. Think about it for a second. It's a beautiful concept that while we are living in this moment, tomorrow can be anything. But, that's just it though. Tomorrow is a concept. It is a dream. It is something that may or may not be there. Yet, a lot of people live for tomorrow. For what may be or who they could become. But, one day, tomorrow will not come.
This morning I woke up to the news that a buddy of mine was in a car accident and died. He left behind a wife who is 8 months pregnant and another child. I will also be attending a memorial service for a Soldier in our Brigade this afternoon. Days like this are heavy reminders that we are not promised tomorrow. That, today is our chance. The man I want to be "someday" has to be here today. The father I want to be "someday" has to happen today. The Christian I want to be "someday" has to be today. The Soldier I want to be "someday" has to be today. Today. Not tomorrow. You only get this time on earth and then you start the real journey. What are you doing today?
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
We take tomorrow for granted. It's on our calendars, filled with events, anticipated with hope or fear. Tomorrow. Think about it for a second. It's a beautiful concept that while we are living in this moment, tomorrow can be anything. But, that's just it though. Tomorrow is a concept. It is a dream. It is something that may or may not be there. Yet, a lot of people live for tomorrow. For what may be or who they could become. But, one day, tomorrow will not come.
This morning I woke up to the news that a buddy of mine was in a car accident and died. He left behind a wife who is 8 months pregnant and another child. I will also be attending a memorial service for a Soldier in our Brigade this afternoon. Days like this are heavy reminders that we are not promised tomorrow. That, today is our chance. The man I want to be "someday" has to be here today. The father I want to be "someday" has to happen today. The Christian I want to be "someday" has to be today. The Soldier I want to be "someday" has to be today. Today. Not tomorrow. You only get this time on earth and then you start the real journey. What are you doing today?
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
02Nov16
Mark 10:43-44
"But whoever would be great among you must be your slave, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all."
Have you ever been a slave? You personally. Do you know how it feels or what comes from it? Read the verse above again. It carries serious weight in the grand scheme of what it means to be a Christian. Would you be willing to submit to slavery to serve someone else? Would you be willing to not just lay down your life but, lay down your freedom for the sake of another? The Greek word "slave" that is used here is not just a servant, it is not someone who voluntarily works for someone, it is someone who has been taken into service (whether initially by choice or not) and now has no other function in life but to serve their master. Their freedom is gone. Their choices are relinquished. They are no longer their own. But, that is the cost of Christ. That the level of selflessness that God calls us to in this life. You will only know true freedom when you become a slave. You will only find the will of the Father when you relinquish your own. Are you a slave of Christ or just someone who likes to sometimes do what He says? See the difference? One is His, claimed by Him, and the other is just a part-time employee.
"But whoever would be great among you must be your slave, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all."
Have you ever been a slave? You personally. Do you know how it feels or what comes from it? Read the verse above again. It carries serious weight in the grand scheme of what it means to be a Christian. Would you be willing to submit to slavery to serve someone else? Would you be willing to not just lay down your life but, lay down your freedom for the sake of another? The Greek word "slave" that is used here is not just a servant, it is not someone who voluntarily works for someone, it is someone who has been taken into service (whether initially by choice or not) and now has no other function in life but to serve their master. Their freedom is gone. Their choices are relinquished. They are no longer their own. But, that is the cost of Christ. That the level of selflessness that God calls us to in this life. You will only know true freedom when you become a slave. You will only find the will of the Father when you relinquish your own. Are you a slave of Christ or just someone who likes to sometimes do what He says? See the difference? One is His, claimed by Him, and the other is just a part-time employee.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
01Nov16
Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!
Last night I was reminded that the world loves to celebrate darkness. We like to point out the flaws in those around us. We like to tear down those who aren't within our select "group." We focus our thoughts on what is going wrong in our lives far more than where we are blessed. Darkness seems to be something we relish in. But, there are those of us who are light bringers. People who have committed ourselves to bringing hope into the world. Those of us who rest on the promise of the Almighty that, no matter how dark the night, no matter how hard the problem, no matter how strong the attack, there is a new hope waiting for the world. Every morning we can claim this. Every morning we can have the strength to overcome. Every morning you are loved. It never stops. So, are you a hope bringer this morning or are you focused on the night? Will you pick up the blessing God has left for you this morning or will you lavish in the darkness? Don't give up. It's a new day!
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!
Last night I was reminded that the world loves to celebrate darkness. We like to point out the flaws in those around us. We like to tear down those who aren't within our select "group." We focus our thoughts on what is going wrong in our lives far more than where we are blessed. Darkness seems to be something we relish in. But, there are those of us who are light bringers. People who have committed ourselves to bringing hope into the world. Those of us who rest on the promise of the Almighty that, no matter how dark the night, no matter how hard the problem, no matter how strong the attack, there is a new hope waiting for the world. Every morning we can claim this. Every morning we can have the strength to overcome. Every morning you are loved. It never stops. So, are you a hope bringer this morning or are you focused on the night? Will you pick up the blessing God has left for you this morning or will you lavish in the darkness? Don't give up. It's a new day!
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