While walking in the desert one day, John the Baptist unknowingly entered a rift in time. He felt something odd happen, but was basically unaware of what was occurring. He knew it wasn't the Holy Spirit moving, but he felt like the essence of who he was had began to be transformed in time and space.
As he continued to walk, he came upon some young men walking also. He noticed they were dressed oddly and had a different appearance than the Jews, Greeks, or Romans that he knew of. They carried bundles of goods on their backs, so he assumed them to be nomads. When he asked them who they were, they replied that they were hikers. John was not aware of the land of Hike, but he didn't doubt their testimony.
The hikers asked John some questions about his appearance and what he was doing in the desert. After answering as honestly as he could, one of the men from the land of Hike said he wished he had smoked some of what John had smoked, then the men offered to help John by taking him to a church not too far from where they were. Though they thought that John was crazy, they sensed a passion and an honesty in him. They had seen the movie "K Pax" and knew that you could never be too sure of things... They had little faith, but great imagination.
Soon they arrived at the church and the senior pastor began to talk with John the Baptist. And even though John was a little disoriented and not certain about what was happening around him, he did know that his mission was to prepare hearts for Jesus Christ. So John began to witness and share the purpose of his mission. He soon asked if he could go on about his way and tell the good news to the people in the land of Hike.
The senior pastor was amazed by John's passion and his zeal for Jesus. But he also had concerns about John's ministry. After all, one could not let just anyone go into the world and do ministry. There were criteria to meet. If John were to be an ambassador of this church there were some changes that needed to be made.
The senior pastor first told John the Baptist that he would have to change his name to something less political. The church was non-denominational and couldn't have anyone calling themselves a Baptist. This could deter people with a predisposed bias of denomination from joining the church. And membership was already down a little. And when membership is down, so are the finances. So a name change was to be in order.
Next was the clothing issue. The senior pastor noted that he was all for individuality, but camel skin was just a bit to much for the tithing members. The pastor explained that the members expected anyone doing ministry to dress a certain way and that this dress code was very important for the image of the church. We can't have all of us Christians looking like freaks or slobs. Jesus died for more than that, the pastor explained...All John the Baptist could think about were the flowing robes of the Pharisees.
The pastor then explained that John would certainly have to brush his teeth and chew some tic-tacs to get the locust smell off of his breath. People won't come to the altar if they are uncomfortable or inconvenienced he explained.
Next on the list one must do in order to perform ministry was to get out of the desert and into town. John would need to establish residency in a certain area of town. And even though the church is open to everyone, we want to focus on just those in our "district", so to speak. So the pastor told John that he could go to the desert twice a month, but that he needed to focus on people in the "right neighborhoods" the rest of the time.
The senior pastor went on to explain to John the Baptist that he would need to be better educated, learn more doctrine and dogma, become more of a conformist, meet with committees, take a few tests, so on and so forth. When the pastor asked if John would consider all of this, he thought John would be discouraged, thank the pastor for his time, then wander back into the desert. But instead, John said that he wasn't certain what all of this meant, but that he was willing to die for his ministry if need be, if God so asked him to do so.
The pastor told John that Jesus wouldn't ask anyone to die and that there was no need to be fanatical. God wants us to be comfortable, he told John. And certainly a little more "middle of the road", the pastor explained.
Well John wasn't sure about all of this, that's for certain. He looked at the pastor almost blankly. The pastor sensed John's uncertainty and handed him a Bible. He told John that he could find the answers to some of his questions in this Bible, and that the rest could be discovered through tradition and faith in the the senior pastor.
So John took the Bible from the pastors desk, blew off the dust, and went into a quiet place to begin to read.
A few hours later John came back into the pastor's office to speak with the pastor. Before John could get a complete sentence out, the pastor explained that it was 4:30 and that the office was closing for the day. Actually for the week; it was a holiday. The pastor then asked John what he would do in the meantime and told John that he would have him put on the prayer list for next week.
John looked at the senior pastor and told him that he believed the Bible was truly the inspired word of God and that it was the absolute truth. He told the pastor that he wasn't sure what book he had been reading and that he didn't think that the people in the land of Hike knew the same Jesus that he knew.
John became louder and louder as his voice trembled with great passion. The pastor tried to tell John that he was much more educated on church issues and that John meant well, but was a little naive. This frustrated John so greatly that he turned and walked out of the senior pastors office and right out of the door of the church.
"Where will you go, what will you do?" yelled the pastor from across the parking lot.
John stopped and calmly walked back to the pastor. He then told the pastor that he was going back to the serenity of the desert to pray. After that, he would try to find his way out of the land of Hike and back into Jerusalem. When he would arrive in Jerusalem, he would look for King Herod.
"The Bible said that I am to be beheaded. And after my visit here, I think the sooner may well be the better."
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Are You A Follower?
As Christians, we call ourselves followers of Christ. But what does that mean, "to follow Christ?"
I count about twenty times that Jesus said, "follow me." I understand that some of these are the same occurrence and told in more than one gospel, but none the less, there are many times that Jesus has said, "follow me" to someone. In some instances He literally meant, to go to the same place as or walk the same footsteps as, but what about the other instances? What about when He told some fishermen that they would become fishers of men if they would, "follow Him?" What about when Jesus said the dead could bury the dead, it was more important to, "follow me." What about the time He simply told a tax collector, "follow me", saying nothing about the dead or fishing or anything else. Why was Jesus wanting everyone to follow Him?
Did Jesus like the attention? Was Jesus afraid of being alone? Did Jesus just think, "the more, the merrier?" Maybe Jesus was more of a political figure than we realize, and by having followers, He appeared to be more influential.
But Jesus popularity craze doesn't really fit His profile. Too many times He wandered off alone. Too often He was found alone praying or teaching. He exorcised demons and told them not to say who He was. He cured the sick and asked not to be recognized. He tried to get away from His disciples many times, like when He slipped away to a quiet corner of a boat; only to be disturbed due to a storm and His followers lack of faith. No, Jesus was no egomaniac. There was something important about this "follow me" business.
Jesus knew that He was the only way to the Father. He knew that only by admission of sin in our lives(not for Jesus, mind you), truly believing in who He is, and confessing that He is Christ to the world could the way to Father be found. Jesus was going to see the Father and he was taking along everyone who wanted to go! That is where Jesus was going and that is why he says,"to follow."
But the journey is not just a matter of literal footsteps. Mark 8:34 says"Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Jesus was telling those who would listen that the way to the Father was not an easy path. He said we must deny ourselves; doesn't sound very democratic, does it? Jesus said that we must take up our cross AND "follow me."
Jesus uses the term, "take up his cross" very precisely here. In that time period, cruifiction was a method of punishment used by the Romans. The Romans made those about to be executed to carry their own cross as a sign of submission. So Jesus is saying that we must deny ourselves; and to submit to Him. Not so that he can punish us as the Romans, but so that He can save us, give us eternal life with the God.
Jesus was saying that there would be tough times and that there would be times that things looked very bleak. By carrying our own cross, not only are we showing submission, but we also acknowledge that we are willing to give our lives up for the sake of God's work, just as Jesus did. By carrying our own cross, we are showing that we will "follow" Jesus regardless of the turmoil in our lives or the cruelty that we face.
This "follow me" stuff is a little different that the"feel good religion"we hear all too often, isn't it? I can't remember the last time I heard anyone speaking of taking up my own cross, at least other than using it as a dramatic term referring to perseverance. I can't recall anyone being bold enough to say what Jesus REALLY meant in Mark 8:34, at least not from the pulpit. Maybe that is one of the contributing factors in why so few people know what it really means to "follow Jesus". Maybe that is why we see so little REAL discipleship, because it's a tough sell having to tell people that there may not be instant gratification by serving God. I don't think your popularity will rise if you tell everyone that following Jesus may mean a rough road that may cost you your life.
My challenge today is for you to read Jesus words and dig deep into what He is saying. My challenge is for you to truly be a follower of Christ. Know that God may not ask you to surrender your life, but also know that He may. Think about Mark 8:34 Read it over and over, then decide if you are a TRUE follower or just a cheap, common imitation. I pray you discover what all of this "follow me" stuff means to you and your ministry. I hope that by becoming a true follower of God that you will make an impact on those around you, becoming more and more like Jesus.
I count about twenty times that Jesus said, "follow me." I understand that some of these are the same occurrence and told in more than one gospel, but none the less, there are many times that Jesus has said, "follow me" to someone. In some instances He literally meant, to go to the same place as or walk the same footsteps as, but what about the other instances? What about when He told some fishermen that they would become fishers of men if they would, "follow Him?" What about when Jesus said the dead could bury the dead, it was more important to, "follow me." What about the time He simply told a tax collector, "follow me", saying nothing about the dead or fishing or anything else. Why was Jesus wanting everyone to follow Him?
Did Jesus like the attention? Was Jesus afraid of being alone? Did Jesus just think, "the more, the merrier?" Maybe Jesus was more of a political figure than we realize, and by having followers, He appeared to be more influential.
But Jesus popularity craze doesn't really fit His profile. Too many times He wandered off alone. Too often He was found alone praying or teaching. He exorcised demons and told them not to say who He was. He cured the sick and asked not to be recognized. He tried to get away from His disciples many times, like when He slipped away to a quiet corner of a boat; only to be disturbed due to a storm and His followers lack of faith. No, Jesus was no egomaniac. There was something important about this "follow me" business.
Jesus knew that He was the only way to the Father. He knew that only by admission of sin in our lives(not for Jesus, mind you), truly believing in who He is, and confessing that He is Christ to the world could the way to Father be found. Jesus was going to see the Father and he was taking along everyone who wanted to go! That is where Jesus was going and that is why he says,"to follow."
But the journey is not just a matter of literal footsteps. Mark 8:34 says"Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Jesus was telling those who would listen that the way to the Father was not an easy path. He said we must deny ourselves; doesn't sound very democratic, does it? Jesus said that we must take up our cross AND "follow me."
Jesus uses the term, "take up his cross" very precisely here. In that time period, cruifiction was a method of punishment used by the Romans. The Romans made those about to be executed to carry their own cross as a sign of submission. So Jesus is saying that we must deny ourselves; and to submit to Him. Not so that he can punish us as the Romans, but so that He can save us, give us eternal life with the God.
Jesus was saying that there would be tough times and that there would be times that things looked very bleak. By carrying our own cross, not only are we showing submission, but we also acknowledge that we are willing to give our lives up for the sake of God's work, just as Jesus did. By carrying our own cross, we are showing that we will "follow" Jesus regardless of the turmoil in our lives or the cruelty that we face.
This "follow me" stuff is a little different that the"feel good religion"we hear all too often, isn't it? I can't remember the last time I heard anyone speaking of taking up my own cross, at least other than using it as a dramatic term referring to perseverance. I can't recall anyone being bold enough to say what Jesus REALLY meant in Mark 8:34, at least not from the pulpit. Maybe that is one of the contributing factors in why so few people know what it really means to "follow Jesus". Maybe that is why we see so little REAL discipleship, because it's a tough sell having to tell people that there may not be instant gratification by serving God. I don't think your popularity will rise if you tell everyone that following Jesus may mean a rough road that may cost you your life.
My challenge today is for you to read Jesus words and dig deep into what He is saying. My challenge is for you to truly be a follower of Christ. Know that God may not ask you to surrender your life, but also know that He may. Think about Mark 8:34 Read it over and over, then decide if you are a TRUE follower or just a cheap, common imitation. I pray you discover what all of this "follow me" stuff means to you and your ministry. I hope that by becoming a true follower of God that you will make an impact on those around you, becoming more and more like Jesus.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Consuming Fire
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29
This week we read about unshakable foundations in regards to our lives that are also considered houses. In this passage of scripture, we look at not only houses that are unshakable, but an entire kingdom! We will receive that kingdom if we know God with our hearts. We should worship and respect God for this. We should view God with awe!
That is because,"our God is a consuming fire." It doesn't say that God is a little warm or even that we serve a white-hot God, but that our God is a consuming fire.
To me that speaks of a fire that can destroy anything; a fire that can consume any matter that it comes into contact with. Hotter than molten rock or the surface of the sun, God is comparably that powerful. Actually even more powerful, our words are limited in our description, but His power is not!
I remember how hot the fire was that destroyed the Twin Towers on 9-11. I remember a fire so hot that it melted massive steel beams, glass, concrete, and various other materials. I remember the devastation from that consuming fire. But even that fire wasn't all consuming; it was eventually extinguished. But God's fire, His power, will never be extinguished.
And as mighty as the Twin Towers were, they were still laid to waste by heat;and so will everything that is not built on the foundation of God, an unshakable kingdom. Nothing will stop that. Our God is a consuming fire...
My challenge today is not to scare you into submission, but to really think about how powerful our God is. My hope is that this will inspire you to buid on solid rock in the neighborhood that is an unshakable kingdom. And I also want to challenge you to serve God with all that you have. Even in the small and seemingly insignificant ways. But serve a God that is a consuming fire with passion that is like-wise. Don't give a luke warm effort in service and worship to a God that has power to melt the sun. I challenge you to live as though you have the power, in God, to melt away any material that you come into contact with! Your ministries and communities will not be the same if you live your life with this philosophy. And even if your purpose seems small, it will be hot enough to burn away anything that opposes you, by the power of a consuming God who is treated with respect and awe; and one that has an unshakable kingdom.
This week we read about unshakable foundations in regards to our lives that are also considered houses. In this passage of scripture, we look at not only houses that are unshakable, but an entire kingdom! We will receive that kingdom if we know God with our hearts. We should worship and respect God for this. We should view God with awe!
That is because,"our God is a consuming fire." It doesn't say that God is a little warm or even that we serve a white-hot God, but that our God is a consuming fire.
To me that speaks of a fire that can destroy anything; a fire that can consume any matter that it comes into contact with. Hotter than molten rock or the surface of the sun, God is comparably that powerful. Actually even more powerful, our words are limited in our description, but His power is not!
I remember how hot the fire was that destroyed the Twin Towers on 9-11. I remember a fire so hot that it melted massive steel beams, glass, concrete, and various other materials. I remember the devastation from that consuming fire. But even that fire wasn't all consuming; it was eventually extinguished. But God's fire, His power, will never be extinguished.
And as mighty as the Twin Towers were, they were still laid to waste by heat;and so will everything that is not built on the foundation of God, an unshakable kingdom. Nothing will stop that. Our God is a consuming fire...
My challenge today is not to scare you into submission, but to really think about how powerful our God is. My hope is that this will inspire you to buid on solid rock in the neighborhood that is an unshakable kingdom. And I also want to challenge you to serve God with all that you have. Even in the small and seemingly insignificant ways. But serve a God that is a consuming fire with passion that is like-wise. Don't give a luke warm effort in service and worship to a God that has power to melt the sun. I challenge you to live as though you have the power, in God, to melt away any material that you come into contact with! Your ministries and communities will not be the same if you live your life with this philosophy. And even if your purpose seems small, it will be hot enough to burn away anything that opposes you, by the power of a consuming God who is treated with respect and awe; and one that has an unshakable kingdom.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
What Have You Done For Me Lately?
What have you done for God lately?
"Well, I went to church Sunday. I even sang out loud during a couple of the praise songs. And even though it is good for me to go to church for the social aspect, not to mention the business connections, I think God is happy just that I was there. It's just a bonus that I benefit from going to church. So I guess in a round about way, I went to church for God; at least partially."
"And what about Easter? We just celebrated a holiday for Jesus. We celebrated His death and resurrection. We gave Him an entire day to commemorate His horrible death so that we can have salvation. I realize that we benefited from the celebration, but it was mostly for Jesus. It's not my fault that we got candy and presents, colored eggs, ham and mashed potatoes. I don't make the rules, I just follow them. And God doesn't want a non-conformist. It may make Him and His religion look bad. So I participated in Easter by eating; for Jesus sake. That's something for God."
"Christmas was another holiday that we celebrate God. Jesus Birthday! Again, not my fault that I received more than I gave on the twenty-fifth of December. I didn't design the holidays. Santa Claus is not my fault so I will count celebrating Christmas as something I did for God also."
"Two holidays a year and an hour most Sundays for God. Sounds like God gets quite a bit from me. And that's not counting when I say grace before meals; at least meals that involve my children. I feel that kids need to be raised to be thankful to God. Even if it isn't a fabulous meal, they should learn to be thankful. So that's something else that I do for God, teach my children to be thankful."
"So what more does God want from me?" I pray, go to church, celebrate holidays, encourage my children. Heck, I even stand up for Christianity when the conversations at work turn religious. And I sincerely do feel that Christianity is the best religion!"
"And I don't think God wants me to be a fanatic. The Bible teaches moderation, after all. If God wanted me to adhere to all of the strict, outdated rules and rituals then I would be considered a a fundamental extremist. Shoot, I may as well be a Muslim if that were the case, and I'm sure God doesn't want that. He needs all the Christians that he can get these days."
"So I think that the answer to the question of What have I done for God has been sufficiently answered. I think I do plenty, and that should be good enough to get me into Heaven. And I understand that is God's main objective."
...and God says, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers. Matthew 7;21-23
"Well, I went to church Sunday. I even sang out loud during a couple of the praise songs. And even though it is good for me to go to church for the social aspect, not to mention the business connections, I think God is happy just that I was there. It's just a bonus that I benefit from going to church. So I guess in a round about way, I went to church for God; at least partially."
"And what about Easter? We just celebrated a holiday for Jesus. We celebrated His death and resurrection. We gave Him an entire day to commemorate His horrible death so that we can have salvation. I realize that we benefited from the celebration, but it was mostly for Jesus. It's not my fault that we got candy and presents, colored eggs, ham and mashed potatoes. I don't make the rules, I just follow them. And God doesn't want a non-conformist. It may make Him and His religion look bad. So I participated in Easter by eating; for Jesus sake. That's something for God."
"Christmas was another holiday that we celebrate God. Jesus Birthday! Again, not my fault that I received more than I gave on the twenty-fifth of December. I didn't design the holidays. Santa Claus is not my fault so I will count celebrating Christmas as something I did for God also."
"Two holidays a year and an hour most Sundays for God. Sounds like God gets quite a bit from me. And that's not counting when I say grace before meals; at least meals that involve my children. I feel that kids need to be raised to be thankful to God. Even if it isn't a fabulous meal, they should learn to be thankful. So that's something else that I do for God, teach my children to be thankful."
"So what more does God want from me?" I pray, go to church, celebrate holidays, encourage my children. Heck, I even stand up for Christianity when the conversations at work turn religious. And I sincerely do feel that Christianity is the best religion!"
"And I don't think God wants me to be a fanatic. The Bible teaches moderation, after all. If God wanted me to adhere to all of the strict, outdated rules and rituals then I would be considered a a fundamental extremist. Shoot, I may as well be a Muslim if that were the case, and I'm sure God doesn't want that. He needs all the Christians that he can get these days."
"So I think that the answer to the question of What have I done for God has been sufficiently answered. I think I do plenty, and that should be good enough to get me into Heaven. And I understand that is God's main objective."
...and God says, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers. Matthew 7;21-23
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock
Why do you call me,'Lord,Lord,'and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug deep down and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built his house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
Luke 6:46-49
Yesterday we focused on the first part of this passage; about hearing God's word but not putting it into action. We focused on hearing and following with our hearts, not just our ears. We discussed the cost of discipleship, albeit briefly. What I want to focus on today is our relationship with Jesus.
We scratched the surface on this yesterday, and today we will look a little deeper. The scripture compares one who hears God's words with their heart, who has a relationship with Jesus, with one who hears God's words with only their ears. The comparison is that of a wise man who built his house upon the rock with the fool who built his house upon the sand; just like the song we learned as kids.
The wise man builds his house upon rock. Luke even writes that he dug down deep and placed his foundation upon rock. Then a storm came and his house withstood the torrent, because it was well built. It could not even be shaken!
Notice that the passage says WHEN the storm came, not IF the storm came. This leads me to believe that Jesus was telling those who may decide to follow Him that there will be struggles and trials and all will not always go smoothly. But we can persevere if He is our foundation, our rock to build our life upon.
But this requires digging deep down; requires work sometimes, just as the wise man dug down to the rock for his foundation. Our relationship with Jesus is not just a thing for appearance, not just a superficial thing. And if our relationship is to withstand trials and tribulations, then we need the foundation of Christ or we will be destroyed.
Just the the man who heard Jesus words and didn't put them into practice, we will be utterly destroyed. And Jesus used very straight language in this lesson. He said the man who didn't put His words into practice, the man who didn't have a relationship with Him, his house was met with COMPLETE destruction; nothing partial about it.
And so it goes with our relationship with God. We must have a real relationship in order to weather the storms in life. We must know Christ for our salvation. We may fool ourselves into thinking that we can do it some God's way and some our way, but that will lead to our destruction; and not partial destruction, but complete. Just because we do part of what God wants doesn't mean that we will be partially saved from destruction. Its an all or nothing deal; He is Lord of all or nothing at all.
So I ask that you examine your relationship with God. Then consider what your foundation is built on. Have you dug deep and found the rock that is to be your foundation or have you just built your relationship on the surface? Have you tried to take the easy way out like the man who built his house on top of the ground? After all a house is a house. No one sees the foundation anyway. And afterall, my house looks like everyone elses. Doesn't it count for something that you at least look like a Christian, just like a house on the ground looks like a house with a rock foundation? If you put in just a little effort shouldn't you get just a little something back?
God's grace is too great to dole out, and it is something that can never be earned. But this is a subject for another day; but something to consider in the price of discipleship.
Back to the subject of houses; where does all of this put you? Do you hear, accept, and practice the words of God? Do you have a solid foundation that will save you from complete destruction? Or do you still believe that Jesus teaches that you can have it some your way and some His way? Is your relationship with him superficial? Have you taken the time and effort to dig deep or is that just too high of a price for you? Is it just easier and more instantly gratifying to just have a house that looks like everyone elses in the neighborhood?
I pray that this will lead you to establish your foundation with Christ. And if you have that foundation, I pray that you will continue to put His words into action. I pray that when the storms pass that we will all be standing on solid ground, having endured through Jesus; not watching pieces of our house become carried away by the torrents of life, ending in complete destruction.
Luke 6:46-49
Yesterday we focused on the first part of this passage; about hearing God's word but not putting it into action. We focused on hearing and following with our hearts, not just our ears. We discussed the cost of discipleship, albeit briefly. What I want to focus on today is our relationship with Jesus.
We scratched the surface on this yesterday, and today we will look a little deeper. The scripture compares one who hears God's words with their heart, who has a relationship with Jesus, with one who hears God's words with only their ears. The comparison is that of a wise man who built his house upon the rock with the fool who built his house upon the sand; just like the song we learned as kids.
The wise man builds his house upon rock. Luke even writes that he dug down deep and placed his foundation upon rock. Then a storm came and his house withstood the torrent, because it was well built. It could not even be shaken!
Notice that the passage says WHEN the storm came, not IF the storm came. This leads me to believe that Jesus was telling those who may decide to follow Him that there will be struggles and trials and all will not always go smoothly. But we can persevere if He is our foundation, our rock to build our life upon.
But this requires digging deep down; requires work sometimes, just as the wise man dug down to the rock for his foundation. Our relationship with Jesus is not just a thing for appearance, not just a superficial thing. And if our relationship is to withstand trials and tribulations, then we need the foundation of Christ or we will be destroyed.
Just the the man who heard Jesus words and didn't put them into practice, we will be utterly destroyed. And Jesus used very straight language in this lesson. He said the man who didn't put His words into practice, the man who didn't have a relationship with Him, his house was met with COMPLETE destruction; nothing partial about it.
And so it goes with our relationship with God. We must have a real relationship in order to weather the storms in life. We must know Christ for our salvation. We may fool ourselves into thinking that we can do it some God's way and some our way, but that will lead to our destruction; and not partial destruction, but complete. Just because we do part of what God wants doesn't mean that we will be partially saved from destruction. Its an all or nothing deal; He is Lord of all or nothing at all.
So I ask that you examine your relationship with God. Then consider what your foundation is built on. Have you dug deep and found the rock that is to be your foundation or have you just built your relationship on the surface? Have you tried to take the easy way out like the man who built his house on top of the ground? After all a house is a house. No one sees the foundation anyway. And afterall, my house looks like everyone elses. Doesn't it count for something that you at least look like a Christian, just like a house on the ground looks like a house with a rock foundation? If you put in just a little effort shouldn't you get just a little something back?
God's grace is too great to dole out, and it is something that can never be earned. But this is a subject for another day; but something to consider in the price of discipleship.
Back to the subject of houses; where does all of this put you? Do you hear, accept, and practice the words of God? Do you have a solid foundation that will save you from complete destruction? Or do you still believe that Jesus teaches that you can have it some your way and some His way? Is your relationship with him superficial? Have you taken the time and effort to dig deep or is that just too high of a price for you? Is it just easier and more instantly gratifying to just have a house that looks like everyone elses in the neighborhood?
I pray that this will lead you to establish your foundation with Christ. And if you have that foundation, I pray that you will continue to put His words into action. I pray that when the storms pass that we will all be standing on solid ground, having endured through Jesus; not watching pieces of our house become carried away by the torrents of life, ending in complete destruction.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Lord, Lord
"Why do you call me,'Lord,Lord,'and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug deep down and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built his house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
Luke 6:46-49
I don't know about you, but when I read the first part of this passage, it causes me to cringe. I think of the times I pray and the times I read my Bible and the times I try to share the good news about Jesus; then I consider all of the times that I lose my temper, say too much, use bad language, judge others, criticize those around me, neglect those with real needs, so on and so forth. It reminds me that when I do those things that I am ignoring the word of God; that I am being contrary, rebellious, and stubborn, regardless of how I rationalize things. I know the word of God yet I am quick to allow it to go by the wayside in my heart; the difference between just hearing the words or understanding the words to be the truth.
And what Jesus is saying is that we should follow Him all of the way or none of the way. He is not talking about making a mistake or sinning in as much as He is talking about being a real disciple, a real follow who has made Him Lord of our life.
And that causes me to think about how it would be if I called my wife, wife; because we have a marriage certificate. Yet I would still keep a girlfriend or two. I may or may not come home to eat my supper. She would still be my wife, technically, but we would share no hopes or ideas. We would not build a future together nor support the other in our time of need. But we would have a piece of paper that says that we are married, so she would be by spouse, if not but technically.
And while I am not talking about fidelity, but rather about relationships, I am referring to infidelity in the fact that we are not faithful to God when we hear the words of Jesus, yet ignore their meaning and application. We cannot serve two masters, God and ourselves. He cannot be Lord of our lives if we try to be our own lords in our own lives. If we call to Him as Lord, then we must make Him Lord...
all the time...
Another explanation comes to my mind; If I say that Tom is my friend, even my best friend, yet we spend little time together, we wouldn't have much of a relationship. If I didn't trust Tom and make him look like less than he is, I wouldn't be much of a friend. If Tom offers me more than just words in our friendship, yet I continue to behave in the opposite manner, how can we co0nsider ourselves as friends?
We could make more analogies, but I am certain that you understand the point being made here. Whether it is our children, our family, our spouses, our friends, or our co-workers we need to tend to our relationships in order for the relationship to be genuine and real. More importantly, we need to tend to our relationship with Jesus; not just in words, but in our hearts and in our actions.
Jesus goes on to tell of how a relationship with Him leads to actions, such as building a house. He goes on to warn about those who fool themselves into thinking that they have a relationship and have a false sense of security. We will focus on that aspect of this passage in tomorrows blog. Today, I challenge you to focus first on your relationship with God. Are you hearing His words with your ears or with your heart? I also want to challenge you to make God Lord of all or nothing at all. Consider the cost of your discipleship first, then make a decision and stand firm on it. If you call yourself a Christian and claim to have a relationship with Him, then be certain to act like it all of the time, regardless of circumstance. If you cannot afford the cost of discipleship and decide not to make Jesus Lord of all, then never let the words, "Lord, Lord" exit your mouth; unless you become ready to make Him Lord of all that you are...the world will be better with one less hypocrite and at least everyone will know where you stand. If you want to do things a little God's way and a little your own way, then I must tell you that you have already decided that God cannot be Lord of all in your life. There is no need in pretending any longer, you have heard the words with your ears but they have not penetrated your heart. Your relationship with Jesus is a fraud.
Pray on these words and take time to listen. Then put what you hear into action...and my prayer is that your action will be to accept Christ and follow Him where he leads.
Luke 6:46-49
I don't know about you, but when I read the first part of this passage, it causes me to cringe. I think of the times I pray and the times I read my Bible and the times I try to share the good news about Jesus; then I consider all of the times that I lose my temper, say too much, use bad language, judge others, criticize those around me, neglect those with real needs, so on and so forth. It reminds me that when I do those things that I am ignoring the word of God; that I am being contrary, rebellious, and stubborn, regardless of how I rationalize things. I know the word of God yet I am quick to allow it to go by the wayside in my heart; the difference between just hearing the words or understanding the words to be the truth.
And what Jesus is saying is that we should follow Him all of the way or none of the way. He is not talking about making a mistake or sinning in as much as He is talking about being a real disciple, a real follow who has made Him Lord of our life.
And that causes me to think about how it would be if I called my wife, wife; because we have a marriage certificate. Yet I would still keep a girlfriend or two. I may or may not come home to eat my supper. She would still be my wife, technically, but we would share no hopes or ideas. We would not build a future together nor support the other in our time of need. But we would have a piece of paper that says that we are married, so she would be by spouse, if not but technically.
And while I am not talking about fidelity, but rather about relationships, I am referring to infidelity in the fact that we are not faithful to God when we hear the words of Jesus, yet ignore their meaning and application. We cannot serve two masters, God and ourselves. He cannot be Lord of our lives if we try to be our own lords in our own lives. If we call to Him as Lord, then we must make Him Lord...
all the time...
Another explanation comes to my mind; If I say that Tom is my friend, even my best friend, yet we spend little time together, we wouldn't have much of a relationship. If I didn't trust Tom and make him look like less than he is, I wouldn't be much of a friend. If Tom offers me more than just words in our friendship, yet I continue to behave in the opposite manner, how can we co0nsider ourselves as friends?
We could make more analogies, but I am certain that you understand the point being made here. Whether it is our children, our family, our spouses, our friends, or our co-workers we need to tend to our relationships in order for the relationship to be genuine and real. More importantly, we need to tend to our relationship with Jesus; not just in words, but in our hearts and in our actions.
Jesus goes on to tell of how a relationship with Him leads to actions, such as building a house. He goes on to warn about those who fool themselves into thinking that they have a relationship and have a false sense of security. We will focus on that aspect of this passage in tomorrows blog. Today, I challenge you to focus first on your relationship with God. Are you hearing His words with your ears or with your heart? I also want to challenge you to make God Lord of all or nothing at all. Consider the cost of your discipleship first, then make a decision and stand firm on it. If you call yourself a Christian and claim to have a relationship with Him, then be certain to act like it all of the time, regardless of circumstance. If you cannot afford the cost of discipleship and decide not to make Jesus Lord of all, then never let the words, "Lord, Lord" exit your mouth; unless you become ready to make Him Lord of all that you are...the world will be better with one less hypocrite and at least everyone will know where you stand. If you want to do things a little God's way and a little your own way, then I must tell you that you have already decided that God cannot be Lord of all in your life. There is no need in pretending any longer, you have heard the words with your ears but they have not penetrated your heart. Your relationship with Jesus is a fraud.
Pray on these words and take time to listen. Then put what you hear into action...and my prayer is that your action will be to accept Christ and follow Him where he leads.
Friday, May 7, 2010
We Are The Salt
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses it's saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." Matthew 5:13
As Christians, we are to be the salt of the world. We are to melt the ice, preserve the vitality of nourishing foods, and add flavor to what is drab.
We should strive to melt the ice of the cold, frozen hearts in the world. We are to display God's love and bring warmth by sharing the truth; by giving hope to what seems dead. When we do our best to develop and nurture our relationships with those around us, we are being the salt and keeping the ice at bay.
As Christians, we can help preserve what is nourishing by sharing the truth and spreading the gospel of Jesus. And just as salt cures meat, God's love can cure our human flesh; keeping it from spoiling or going bad. The love of Christ, or the salt,can prevent decay in the world around us.
And finally, as Christians we should add flavor to what is less tasty. Just as sin can be unsavory, we should counter that with faith, hope, and love. Too often we feel that our relationship with God is more of a list of "thou shalt nots" rather than being a lifestyle full of freedom and excitement. If we are to add flavor, we need to have a little "gusto", for lack of a better word. Mousy little attitudes and long, sullen faces won't bring much flavor to that which is dull and unsavory.
If we fail to fulfill our purpose and our missions through our relationships and our ministries, then we are not of much good; and as salt that loses it's essence and has no meaningful usage, so we become in our own lives. And as the unsalty substance has no purpose except to be trampled by man, our lives will have no purpose; and all we know and see will have become trampled on, cold, spoiled rotten, and unsavory.
Pray that God will reveal how you can maintain your saltiness. Ask what relationships in your life need tending to. Ask how you can personally help nourish and preserve that which is good. Pray for strength to add flavor to the world around you.
As Christians, we are to be the salt of the world. We are to melt the ice, preserve the vitality of nourishing foods, and add flavor to what is drab.
We should strive to melt the ice of the cold, frozen hearts in the world. We are to display God's love and bring warmth by sharing the truth; by giving hope to what seems dead. When we do our best to develop and nurture our relationships with those around us, we are being the salt and keeping the ice at bay.
As Christians, we can help preserve what is nourishing by sharing the truth and spreading the gospel of Jesus. And just as salt cures meat, God's love can cure our human flesh; keeping it from spoiling or going bad. The love of Christ, or the salt,can prevent decay in the world around us.
And finally, as Christians we should add flavor to what is less tasty. Just as sin can be unsavory, we should counter that with faith, hope, and love. Too often we feel that our relationship with God is more of a list of "thou shalt nots" rather than being a lifestyle full of freedom and excitement. If we are to add flavor, we need to have a little "gusto", for lack of a better word. Mousy little attitudes and long, sullen faces won't bring much flavor to that which is dull and unsavory.
If we fail to fulfill our purpose and our missions through our relationships and our ministries, then we are not of much good; and as salt that loses it's essence and has no meaningful usage, so we become in our own lives. And as the unsalty substance has no purpose except to be trampled by man, our lives will have no purpose; and all we know and see will have become trampled on, cold, spoiled rotten, and unsavory.
Pray that God will reveal how you can maintain your saltiness. Ask what relationships in your life need tending to. Ask how you can personally help nourish and preserve that which is good. Pray for strength to add flavor to the world around you.
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