"She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
How well I remember the times in my childhood when I got caught doing foolish things. Too often I would simply act without thinking only to regret it later. My parents were wise because they would make me go to my room and think about what I had done. It was during this time, guilt and frustration with myself began its work to bring me to a place of repentance.
As I got older I felt an overwhelming urge to explain why I had done something bad. It was if I was trying to appease a deep-seated emotion if I could somehow make sense out of my mistake. I imagine you are not much different than I am, so we are tempted to explain or justify our mistakes to God. Don’t bother. He is not interested in your excuse. He is interested in repentance, which is an expression of Love.
In the story preceding this verse we see a guilty woman forced to think about her shameful act. Like this woman, we all have been caught at one time or another. However, like this woman we too can claim Jesus’ promise of “neither do I condemn thee.” Jesus, knowing the contrition of her heart, simply said, “I forgive you.” Do you realize it is that easy?
The other half of the promise is that He will equip you to do better. When he said “go and sin no more” it implies that she now had the ability to perform that which He commanded. When you are forgiven you are freed to do better. Is there anything in your life that you know isn’t right with God? Do you wish you could do better? God is promising to forgive and empower you.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Jude 24
“Now unto him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.”
This one is taken from the middle of a thought in the text of Jude. I especially like how it deals with our natural fears. This verse reminds me of when I taught my children how to ride a bike. They were excited to give it a try but ever fearful of falling and injuring themselves. My daughter Ashlyn was so scarred that she would not ride unless I ran beside her hanging onto the seat. She knew as long as I held onto the bike she would not fall. Traveling through life according to God’s will, he has promised to run beside your bike holding you up.
Whenever kids fight, parents usually ask questions trying to see who was at fault. Most often the response is “not me.” When we stand before an all knowing God, “not me” will not justify us. The only justification will be Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can assume responsibility, thereby presenting us faultless to the Father. The other good news is that he will do it with joy that exceeds anything you have ever known. His exceeding joy is an indication of how much he loves you.
This one is taken from the middle of a thought in the text of Jude. I especially like how it deals with our natural fears. This verse reminds me of when I taught my children how to ride a bike. They were excited to give it a try but ever fearful of falling and injuring themselves. My daughter Ashlyn was so scarred that she would not ride unless I ran beside her hanging onto the seat. She knew as long as I held onto the bike she would not fall. Traveling through life according to God’s will, he has promised to run beside your bike holding you up.
Whenever kids fight, parents usually ask questions trying to see who was at fault. Most often the response is “not me.” When we stand before an all knowing God, “not me” will not justify us. The only justification will be Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can assume responsibility, thereby presenting us faultless to the Father. The other good news is that he will do it with joy that exceeds anything you have ever known. His exceeding joy is an indication of how much he loves you.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Jeremiah 18:4-6
"And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.[5] Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,[6] O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel."
Have you ever felt like God has no concern for you? Maybe you have even thought God was disappointed because you have made a wreck of your life. I want to assure you that even if God is not pleased with your current status He is still willing and able to fix your situation.
As a child I was rambunctious and gave myself little challenges. One particular time I was fascinated with jumping, so I decided to jump as high as I could to see if I could brush my head on the ceiling. After several “not even close” attempts I wanted to see if I could at least get as high as the light on the ceiling fan. I decided to jump next to it because I did not want to hit it. Well, the crash of glass, that used to be around the bulb, revealed my miscalculation, shame and embarressment. My mom’s immediate arrival only compounded my shame.
After making sure I was not injured, she asked, “What happened?” I really didn’t want to answer that. I had been an idiot and admitting it publicly seemed a little too much. When I explained, she simply laughed and then began to clean up. The next day there was a new glass fixture over the bulb. It was if nothing had gone wrong.
In Jeremiah we see a scene where a life (vessel) was wrecked. God (potter) simply remade the life. Notice there was no complaint but rather patient love. How is your life? Do you realize no amount of marring is too difficult for God. No matter how many years it has been marred God can still make it new. Are you willing to answer God’s question, “What happened?” If so, God will make a new vessel out of you.
Have you ever felt like God has no concern for you? Maybe you have even thought God was disappointed because you have made a wreck of your life. I want to assure you that even if God is not pleased with your current status He is still willing and able to fix your situation.
As a child I was rambunctious and gave myself little challenges. One particular time I was fascinated with jumping, so I decided to jump as high as I could to see if I could brush my head on the ceiling. After several “not even close” attempts I wanted to see if I could at least get as high as the light on the ceiling fan. I decided to jump next to it because I did not want to hit it. Well, the crash of glass, that used to be around the bulb, revealed my miscalculation, shame and embarressment. My mom’s immediate arrival only compounded my shame.
After making sure I was not injured, she asked, “What happened?” I really didn’t want to answer that. I had been an idiot and admitting it publicly seemed a little too much. When I explained, she simply laughed and then began to clean up. The next day there was a new glass fixture over the bulb. It was if nothing had gone wrong.
In Jeremiah we see a scene where a life (vessel) was wrecked. God (potter) simply remade the life. Notice there was no complaint but rather patient love. How is your life? Do you realize no amount of marring is too difficult for God. No matter how many years it has been marred God can still make it new. Are you willing to answer God’s question, “What happened?” If so, God will make a new vessel out of you.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Isaiah 40:31
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings of eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
There are several promises in this one. The one I want to focus on this time is a conditional promise. This verse begins by telling us that if we wait upon the Lord then something would be granted to us. He has promised a renewing.
The idea of waiting is not always a logical solution, especially if you are in a real dire situation. As humans we have an innate, God-given tendency to fight or flight when we feel endangered. This concept of waiting reminds me an activity we did as kids.
The heaviest person would sit upright in a kitchen chair. Then four others would clasp their hands together except their index fingers, making what resembled a handgun. Next, the four people would pick a spot to place their index fingers. The four different spots to choose from was behind each bent knee and under each armpit of the person sitting in the chair. Lastly, the four people would simultaneously try to lift the person off the chair. After much groaning and giggling the person in the chair remain seated, while the other realized their apparent lack of strength.
After this, the same four people would hold their arms in the air above their heads for a period of time (3-4mins). When the time was accomplished they would immediately try again to lift the person in the chair. This resulted in much less groaning and the person being lifted high above the chair. Those lifting would then testify to the ease with which the task was accomplished. Like that fun activity demonstrates, God is promising to grant you superceding strength if you will be willing to wait.
There are several promises in this one. The one I want to focus on this time is a conditional promise. This verse begins by telling us that if we wait upon the Lord then something would be granted to us. He has promised a renewing.
The idea of waiting is not always a logical solution, especially if you are in a real dire situation. As humans we have an innate, God-given tendency to fight or flight when we feel endangered. This concept of waiting reminds me an activity we did as kids.
The heaviest person would sit upright in a kitchen chair. Then four others would clasp their hands together except their index fingers, making what resembled a handgun. Next, the four people would pick a spot to place their index fingers. The four different spots to choose from was behind each bent knee and under each armpit of the person sitting in the chair. Lastly, the four people would simultaneously try to lift the person off the chair. After much groaning and giggling the person in the chair remain seated, while the other realized their apparent lack of strength.
After this, the same four people would hold their arms in the air above their heads for a period of time (3-4mins). When the time was accomplished they would immediately try again to lift the person in the chair. This resulted in much less groaning and the person being lifted high above the chair. Those lifting would then testify to the ease with which the task was accomplished. Like that fun activity demonstrates, God is promising to grant you superceding strength if you will be willing to wait.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Apologies
I want to apologize to any one who has been expecting some posts from me. I have been away from the computer all week. I will make up for it next week by posting 2 more besides Tue & Fri.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Micah 7:18
"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy"
Inside this verse is a small nugget of promise that can be easily overlooked. I want to take time to point out the fact that God bestows mercy on you and I. What is more important is the fact that he delights in it! That means God enjoys doing this. Each time I think of this verse it reminds me of my childhood growing up.
Christmas is a time of traditions, family, friends, and food. One memory that stands out in my mind is my Grandma “Willie.” While she did not have much extra money to spend she made it her aim to sacrifice all year so that she had opportunity to buy each of her children and grand children a gift. Seems like any normal grandma right? She was normal in that regard and even bought some really crazy gifts like only grandmas can do; like the olive green turtle-neck shirt she bought me for those cold phoenix winters where the average daily temperature was about 70 degrees. It was so ugly my dad refused to let me wear it. (Thanks Dad).
What made my grandma a little unlike most grandmas was the manner in which she presented the gift. She made sure you opened the gift in front of her. Year after year I have memories of her sitting on the edge of the couch riddled with excitement like a playful puppy, barely able to contain her joy as you opened the gift she had sacrificed so much for. A gift that was as unique as the person who opened it. This gift was a clear representation of her love for you and because of that she sat on the edge of the couch completely enjoying the moment.
Like my grandma, God sits in heaven on the edge of his throne, riddled with excitement, as he presents to you his mercy. Don’t let the devil tell you it is any other way. Simply put, God enjoys bestowing mercy on his creation.
Inside this verse is a small nugget of promise that can be easily overlooked. I want to take time to point out the fact that God bestows mercy on you and I. What is more important is the fact that he delights in it! That means God enjoys doing this. Each time I think of this verse it reminds me of my childhood growing up.
Christmas is a time of traditions, family, friends, and food. One memory that stands out in my mind is my Grandma “Willie.” While she did not have much extra money to spend she made it her aim to sacrifice all year so that she had opportunity to buy each of her children and grand children a gift. Seems like any normal grandma right? She was normal in that regard and even bought some really crazy gifts like only grandmas can do; like the olive green turtle-neck shirt she bought me for those cold phoenix winters where the average daily temperature was about 70 degrees. It was so ugly my dad refused to let me wear it. (Thanks Dad).
What made my grandma a little unlike most grandmas was the manner in which she presented the gift. She made sure you opened the gift in front of her. Year after year I have memories of her sitting on the edge of the couch riddled with excitement like a playful puppy, barely able to contain her joy as you opened the gift she had sacrificed so much for. A gift that was as unique as the person who opened it. This gift was a clear representation of her love for you and because of that she sat on the edge of the couch completely enjoying the moment.
Like my grandma, God sits in heaven on the edge of his throne, riddled with excitement, as he presents to you his mercy. Don’t let the devil tell you it is any other way. Simply put, God enjoys bestowing mercy on his creation.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Psalms 100:5
“For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”
Have you ever wondered what is right or wrong? Or maybe you have questioned religion. Does it bother you to see so many different religious groups claiming to be the right one? Are you confused by the vast number of various bible translations? Have you ever thought, “Who cares about all that religion and stuff? They can’t even agree with themselves! How do they know who is right or wrong?”
This problem reminds of a game I played in my high school Spanish class. It was called telephone. The students would sit in a semi-circle facing the teacher. He would then whisper something in the first student’s ear so that they could whisper the same thing in the next person’s ear. Then each student would pass the message along to the next student until the last student would say the message out loud. More often than not, the teacher ended up laughing while the first student starred intently trying to figure out who mixed up the message.
In this Psalm God lets us know we don’t have to rely on the “telephone” because it will more than likely end up in confusion. He has promised that his truth would last from the moment he created it unto the very last day of time. That means, God himself, has and will continue to preserve his truth! Even the generation that you live in can know and understand God’s truth just as it was revealed to Adam. The question then remains, “Where are you getting your truth from?”
Have you ever wondered what is right or wrong? Or maybe you have questioned religion. Does it bother you to see so many different religious groups claiming to be the right one? Are you confused by the vast number of various bible translations? Have you ever thought, “Who cares about all that religion and stuff? They can’t even agree with themselves! How do they know who is right or wrong?”
This problem reminds of a game I played in my high school Spanish class. It was called telephone. The students would sit in a semi-circle facing the teacher. He would then whisper something in the first student’s ear so that they could whisper the same thing in the next person’s ear. Then each student would pass the message along to the next student until the last student would say the message out loud. More often than not, the teacher ended up laughing while the first student starred intently trying to figure out who mixed up the message.
In this Psalm God lets us know we don’t have to rely on the “telephone” because it will more than likely end up in confusion. He has promised that his truth would last from the moment he created it unto the very last day of time. That means, God himself, has and will continue to preserve his truth! Even the generation that you live in can know and understand God’s truth just as it was revealed to Adam. The question then remains, “Where are you getting your truth from?”
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Phillipians 4:6-7
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. "
This is a particularly favorite promise of mine, mostly because of the simplicity of it. God is basically saying, “What is bothering you?” Make sure you pay special attention. God does not put a pre-requisite on your request. In God’s economy there is no “big” or “small” request. Be careful for nothing means that whatever is bothering you is important to God.
I have learned through the years that God even cares about where you put your car keys. I have to admit, that at first, I felt silly asking God to help me find my keys. The truth of the matter was that I was late and could not find the keys, so in desperation I knelt at my bed and asked the Lord to show me where they were. You know God answered my prayer!
Some requests are more serious in nature, like the time my wife and I lost our first child only 9 weeks into the pregnancy. That was the hardest thing I have ever faced. I truly did not understand why God would let this happen. I experienced many emotions and really faced serious doubts about God and His love. By faith, I simply knelt at my couch and just cried. It hurt too bad to talk or think. Somewhere in the midst of my pouring out God fulfilled this promise. I can’t explain how but God definitely brought healing to my heart and mind. He did not change the situation but He did give me real peace. Have you got any situations that lack real peace?
This is a particularly favorite promise of mine, mostly because of the simplicity of it. God is basically saying, “What is bothering you?” Make sure you pay special attention. God does not put a pre-requisite on your request. In God’s economy there is no “big” or “small” request. Be careful for nothing means that whatever is bothering you is important to God.
I have learned through the years that God even cares about where you put your car keys. I have to admit, that at first, I felt silly asking God to help me find my keys. The truth of the matter was that I was late and could not find the keys, so in desperation I knelt at my bed and asked the Lord to show me where they were. You know God answered my prayer!
Some requests are more serious in nature, like the time my wife and I lost our first child only 9 weeks into the pregnancy. That was the hardest thing I have ever faced. I truly did not understand why God would let this happen. I experienced many emotions and really faced serious doubts about God and His love. By faith, I simply knelt at my couch and just cried. It hurt too bad to talk or think. Somewhere in the midst of my pouring out God fulfilled this promise. I can’t explain how but God definitely brought healing to my heart and mind. He did not change the situation but He did give me real peace. Have you got any situations that lack real peace?
Monday, April 5, 2010
Revelations 1:17
"And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:"
Much can be written about what it will be like to see Jesus face to face. I anticipate many emotions washing over my soul, but the reality is there is a great deal of the unknown. That is precisely why the Lord said "Fear not." He knows our feeble minds are susceptible to many of the devil's cunningly devised lies that are designed to elicit fear of what we don't know. It is important to note that He did not promise he would explain the unknown, but rather He simply promised there would be a place of safety where we could live without fear.
The Lord further validates His promise be letting us know He is going before and bringing up the rear. It reminds me of the times my friends and I would walk through the desert at night. I was afraid to be the first because I knew many potential dangers lay out there under the guise of darkness. Besides washes, holes, and cacti, there was always the posibility of a rattle snake, scorpion, or coyote presenting itself with all of its dangers; any of which could cause death. It was always my policy to "allow" my friends to go first so I had time to evade any danger they may have stumbled upon.
It was also my policy to be sure I wasn't last. The last guy always has the creepy feeling of something sneeking up from behind. Since I had no idea what could happen or what was out there, my mind never lacked imagination to create many horrific scenes. As a result of these natural fears I made sure I walked in the middle of the pack. Here I was certain somebody else would "get it" before I did and I could then learn from their mistakes. Well, Jesus is promising you that you may walk in just such a place. He will go before you to make sure the way is clear and safe (I am the first). Just as impressive, He has also promised to protect you from suprise attacks from behind (and the last).
The key to realizing this promise is be certain you are following Jesus. When you are in unknown territory and you begin to experience fear, ask yourself "Can I see Jesus going before me or am I following a crowd?" The answer can lead you to that place of safety.
Much can be written about what it will be like to see Jesus face to face. I anticipate many emotions washing over my soul, but the reality is there is a great deal of the unknown. That is precisely why the Lord said "Fear not." He knows our feeble minds are susceptible to many of the devil's cunningly devised lies that are designed to elicit fear of what we don't know. It is important to note that He did not promise he would explain the unknown, but rather He simply promised there would be a place of safety where we could live without fear.
The Lord further validates His promise be letting us know He is going before and bringing up the rear. It reminds me of the times my friends and I would walk through the desert at night. I was afraid to be the first because I knew many potential dangers lay out there under the guise of darkness. Besides washes, holes, and cacti, there was always the posibility of a rattle snake, scorpion, or coyote presenting itself with all of its dangers; any of which could cause death. It was always my policy to "allow" my friends to go first so I had time to evade any danger they may have stumbled upon.
It was also my policy to be sure I wasn't last. The last guy always has the creepy feeling of something sneeking up from behind. Since I had no idea what could happen or what was out there, my mind never lacked imagination to create many horrific scenes. As a result of these natural fears I made sure I walked in the middle of the pack. Here I was certain somebody else would "get it" before I did and I could then learn from their mistakes. Well, Jesus is promising you that you may walk in just such a place. He will go before you to make sure the way is clear and safe (I am the first). Just as impressive, He has also promised to protect you from suprise attacks from behind (and the last).
The key to realizing this promise is be certain you are following Jesus. When you are in unknown territory and you begin to experience fear, ask yourself "Can I see Jesus going before me or am I following a crowd?" The answer can lead you to that place of safety.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Proverbs 8:17
"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."
I especially love the simplicity of these two promises. Today's thought will focus on the first promise which is His promise to reciprocate our Love. I want to first state that God does love all of His creation regardless of their actions, or feelings toward Him. This is why it is even possible for us to think about loving God; because He loved us first.
Have you ever been afraid to really love someone? The reality is that anyone who has suffered rejection or betrayal from a loved one knows exactly what I am talking about. After the intense pain, even depression, anger takes over until hardness finally prevails as a protective defense. The result of this process has given rise to the current culture in America. People are scarred to give their heart to another. Why is that? Could it be they are afraid it could happen again? God is promising you that your love for Him will not bring you rejection, heartache, and despair. Rather, He has promised to love you back in like manner.
Can you see the endless possibilities of love you can experience? God is promising no act of love will go unnoticed. This is why I enjoy the glorious mundane. Daily activities become infinite possibilities to express my love to God simply by doing them as unto Him rather than unto men. The question remains. Are your daily activities performed as an act of love to God or are they "just what you do?" The answer may explain the degree to which you feel loved by God.
I especially love the simplicity of these two promises. Today's thought will focus on the first promise which is His promise to reciprocate our Love. I want to first state that God does love all of His creation regardless of their actions, or feelings toward Him. This is why it is even possible for us to think about loving God; because He loved us first.
Have you ever been afraid to really love someone? The reality is that anyone who has suffered rejection or betrayal from a loved one knows exactly what I am talking about. After the intense pain, even depression, anger takes over until hardness finally prevails as a protective defense. The result of this process has given rise to the current culture in America. People are scarred to give their heart to another. Why is that? Could it be they are afraid it could happen again? God is promising you that your love for Him will not bring you rejection, heartache, and despair. Rather, He has promised to love you back in like manner.
Can you see the endless possibilities of love you can experience? God is promising no act of love will go unnoticed. This is why I enjoy the glorious mundane. Daily activities become infinite possibilities to express my love to God simply by doing them as unto Him rather than unto men. The question remains. Are your daily activities performed as an act of love to God or are they "just what you do?" The answer may explain the degree to which you feel loved by God.
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