John 2:19 “Jesus answered and said unto them, ‘Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.’”
Many people have heard of prophets. Jesus was more than a prophet. He had power. Here He simply said, “You can try to kill me, but at a time I choose I will revive again.” What is awesome about this promise is the fact that He did it. Jesus was not Houdini and this was more than an optical allusion. There were no trap doors, fake beatings, mock crosses, or blood capsules. He really allowed them to do their worst and then He came forth alive!
Do you see the hidden message in this promise; that applies to all His promises? God can do anything! He also demonstrated that He always keeps His promises. Jesus, as a man, was living the example He wants you to follow. Claim the promise, live according to what God has said, and it shall come to pass.
There will be times when you are tempted to doubt God’s promises. The devil and his minions will tell you it is out dated, unnecessary, or even impossible. The next time this happens, remind them of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus took the most frightening concept known to man, faced it head on, and thereby perpetually proved that God’s power is not limited. “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Proverbs 15:1
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
I have to admit I have proven both of these promises true over and over. I have been in situations where I get caught up in the moment and say something that is the equivalent to pouring gas on a fire. In my early days as a Christian, I was zealous and rather foolish. Several times I would slap people around with scripture only to find the got angry. I thought they were ashamed of God's word, until the Lord "slapped" me by showing me what I was really doing. Good words, even great words, can be spoken in a manner that is grievous. Lord help us to guard our own mouth.
It never ceases to amaze me how easy it is to deescalate a situation by simply saying I'm sorry. Just the other day I almost ran a truck off the road because he was in my blindspot. He was driving way too fast and crossing solid lines to get in another lane to pass me, and he even honked like an angry man. I was tempted to honk back, as if to express that I was in the right and he should be more cautious when driving. Technically speaking and by the world's reasoning I could stand my ground, but instead I simply moved back into my lane, gave a sheepish smile, along with a friendly wave as if to say "My bad." Immediately, his demeanor softened and he waved back as if to say, "That's ok."
We could go into the psychology of how and why it works, but who cares. The promise to you and I is that it will work. God is granting us an awesome power! We have the ability to "positively" manipulate others. Not for our own pleasure, but for His glory. When we humble ourselves, leaving God to play the role of our defense, then other people are encouraged to act more Godly. Other people's bad thoughts and evil intentions toward you are annihilated by this promise. Do you trust God enough to answer softly, even when you are right?
I have to admit I have proven both of these promises true over and over. I have been in situations where I get caught up in the moment and say something that is the equivalent to pouring gas on a fire. In my early days as a Christian, I was zealous and rather foolish. Several times I would slap people around with scripture only to find the got angry. I thought they were ashamed of God's word, until the Lord "slapped" me by showing me what I was really doing. Good words, even great words, can be spoken in a manner that is grievous. Lord help us to guard our own mouth.
It never ceases to amaze me how easy it is to deescalate a situation by simply saying I'm sorry. Just the other day I almost ran a truck off the road because he was in my blindspot. He was driving way too fast and crossing solid lines to get in another lane to pass me, and he even honked like an angry man. I was tempted to honk back, as if to express that I was in the right and he should be more cautious when driving. Technically speaking and by the world's reasoning I could stand my ground, but instead I simply moved back into my lane, gave a sheepish smile, along with a friendly wave as if to say "My bad." Immediately, his demeanor softened and he waved back as if to say, "That's ok."
We could go into the psychology of how and why it works, but who cares. The promise to you and I is that it will work. God is granting us an awesome power! We have the ability to "positively" manipulate others. Not for our own pleasure, but for His glory. When we humble ourselves, leaving God to play the role of our defense, then other people are encouraged to act more Godly. Other people's bad thoughts and evil intentions toward you are annihilated by this promise. Do you trust God enough to answer softly, even when you are right?
Friday, April 15, 2011
Luke 15:31 #3
“And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.”
The last promise in this verse deals with our innermost fear of being alone. There are times when we all need a little personal down time, but it is rare that a person truly desires to be completely alone. Only the most damaged, who have lost all hope of a fruitful relationship, desire to live in isolation. That is why He promised that we too, can ever be with Him.
I remember the one time I was taken to daycare. I was five and my mom dropped me off because she had some things to do and it wouldn’t work out for me to go with her. I pleaded for her not to, but she left anyway. Needless to say I had a lousy day. I didn’t like all the strange people, their strict rules, and especially being forced to nap when I wasn’t tired. The first recess after nap-time, I climbed the chain-link fence and walked to a nearby gas station where I made a collect call to my mom. Like I said, it was the one time I was put in daycare.
Being around strangers doesn’t satisfy. It is possible to be lonely in a crowded room of strangers. As humans we will go to great lengths to be around those we know; possibly endangering ourselves along the way. As you make this journey through life God has promised you the comfort of His presence. Just because you can’t feel it doesn’t mean He isn’t with you. The next time you start to feel alone remember that God has promised that He will not drop you off at the daycare.
The last promise in this verse deals with our innermost fear of being alone. There are times when we all need a little personal down time, but it is rare that a person truly desires to be completely alone. Only the most damaged, who have lost all hope of a fruitful relationship, desire to live in isolation. That is why He promised that we too, can ever be with Him.
I remember the one time I was taken to daycare. I was five and my mom dropped me off because she had some things to do and it wouldn’t work out for me to go with her. I pleaded for her not to, but she left anyway. Needless to say I had a lousy day. I didn’t like all the strange people, their strict rules, and especially being forced to nap when I wasn’t tired. The first recess after nap-time, I climbed the chain-link fence and walked to a nearby gas station where I made a collect call to my mom. Like I said, it was the one time I was put in daycare.
Being around strangers doesn’t satisfy. It is possible to be lonely in a crowded room of strangers. As humans we will go to great lengths to be around those we know; possibly endangering ourselves along the way. As you make this journey through life God has promised you the comfort of His presence. Just because you can’t feel it doesn’t mean He isn’t with you. The next time you start to feel alone remember that God has promised that He will not drop you off at the daycare.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Luke 15:31 #2
“And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.”
In high school I had a particular friend Tony. He was an all right guy most of the time, but once in a while I wanted to beat him up. One day he, my buddy Eric and I were playing basketball at the park when Tony says, “I feel sorry for you guys because you are both poor and I am rich.” If ever I wanted to flatten his nose surely it was then.
Instead, I would invite myself over to his house and eat as much of his food as possible. This also proved to be a challenge because he was the kind of guy who would only share what he really didn’t want all for himself. If his mom bought certain cookies, he would eat them secretly and offer me some other type. This behavior resulted in a superficial friendship that did not last over the years.
God is not a stingy, immature, kid who rubs your face in your own inadequacy. Contrariwise, He freely offers to you all that He has, just as He did the son who remained by his side. God is not interested in keeping His very best for himself while offering you some stripped down salvation. He proved this by giving His only son, Jesus. Could there be any greater evidence that God truly offers you all that He has? Like any gift that is offered it is up to you to receive. Are you willing to enjoy His benefits?
In high school I had a particular friend Tony. He was an all right guy most of the time, but once in a while I wanted to beat him up. One day he, my buddy Eric and I were playing basketball at the park when Tony says, “I feel sorry for you guys because you are both poor and I am rich.” If ever I wanted to flatten his nose surely it was then.
Instead, I would invite myself over to his house and eat as much of his food as possible. This also proved to be a challenge because he was the kind of guy who would only share what he really didn’t want all for himself. If his mom bought certain cookies, he would eat them secretly and offer me some other type. This behavior resulted in a superficial friendship that did not last over the years.
God is not a stingy, immature, kid who rubs your face in your own inadequacy. Contrariwise, He freely offers to you all that He has, just as He did the son who remained by his side. God is not interested in keeping His very best for himself while offering you some stripped down salvation. He proved this by giving His only son, Jesus. Could there be any greater evidence that God truly offers you all that He has? Like any gift that is offered it is up to you to receive. Are you willing to enjoy His benefits?
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Hebrews 12:1
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
Some promises are buried a little below the surface and that is exactly what we see in this verse. We know this is a promise because God never commands what we are not able to perform. The nugget we are going to mine out today has to do with the fact that we can let go.
During childhood I heard too many jokes, most of them being vulgar or racially motivated. One particular race was often the punch line of jokes indicating their lack of “intelligence.” This verse reminds me of the joke about the 3 people who were traveling across a hot desert. Each brought an item to help along their journey. The first two brought water and food, while the “dumb” one brought a car door; in case he got hot he would roll down the window.
The reality is we can be that foolish. There are times when we cling to emotional, physical, and mental baggage that serve no purpose to help on our journey. We “think” it will help, but really it is a hindrance. I am talking about the things in your life that make it difficult for you to truly be happy or at peace, yet they are things which you have no clear conviction from God to carry them around. God is telling you, “Let it go.”
God intends for His children to soar above the problems of this world that would weigh them down. Instead of flopping around like a wild bird that caught a plastic bag on its leg, which is wrapped around stick that has picked up a bunch of long wet grass, try stopping long enough to let Him close enough to set you free. You might make some progress bound but it is a lot easier if you are not carry around unnecessary weight. Do you ever feel spiritually worn out and don’t know why? Ask God and He will show you what you can drop.
Some promises are buried a little below the surface and that is exactly what we see in this verse. We know this is a promise because God never commands what we are not able to perform. The nugget we are going to mine out today has to do with the fact that we can let go.
During childhood I heard too many jokes, most of them being vulgar or racially motivated. One particular race was often the punch line of jokes indicating their lack of “intelligence.” This verse reminds me of the joke about the 3 people who were traveling across a hot desert. Each brought an item to help along their journey. The first two brought water and food, while the “dumb” one brought a car door; in case he got hot he would roll down the window.
The reality is we can be that foolish. There are times when we cling to emotional, physical, and mental baggage that serve no purpose to help on our journey. We “think” it will help, but really it is a hindrance. I am talking about the things in your life that make it difficult for you to truly be happy or at peace, yet they are things which you have no clear conviction from God to carry them around. God is telling you, “Let it go.”
God intends for His children to soar above the problems of this world that would weigh them down. Instead of flopping around like a wild bird that caught a plastic bag on its leg, which is wrapped around stick that has picked up a bunch of long wet grass, try stopping long enough to let Him close enough to set you free. You might make some progress bound but it is a lot easier if you are not carry around unnecessary weight. Do you ever feel spiritually worn out and don’t know why? Ask God and He will show you what you can drop.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Luke 15:31
"And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine."
This particular promise has 3 aspects to it. I want to begin with the least obvious first. Do you remember growing up and the nickname(s) you were given? I am not talking about the cruel ones slapped on you by kids at school, not even the funny ones given by cousins. I am talking about the one given by those who truly loved you. It was a name of endearment. Things like princess, bobo, bubba, and sissy. Everyone in the family knew who was assigned to that name, hence it was indicative of their status.
Did you know that God has a nickname for you? In this parable we see the boy is labeled with the title of “Son.” That one word indicates not only status, but, belonging. With it comes many privileges as well as security. Most importantly, all the host of Heaven knows who is assigned that name. It is why when asked, “How are you?” I reply, “Better than most.” With God, you are special. All blood washed people are considered the sons and daughters of God, hence their special place of belonging.
Equally beautiful is the concept of being equal. God does not use titles that allow us to exalt ourselves above other sons or daughters. God doesn’t play favorites. That is why I always follow up my “How are you?” response with, “Just as good as the rest!” In this parable He subtly reminds you that you can have a part in His family that will put you on equal status with all other believers. That means you are just as important as a preacher, Sunday school teacher, missionary, or any other position you might try to exalt above yourself. It can best be summarized as, “There is no big I and little you.” in His family.
This particular promise has 3 aspects to it. I want to begin with the least obvious first. Do you remember growing up and the nickname(s) you were given? I am not talking about the cruel ones slapped on you by kids at school, not even the funny ones given by cousins. I am talking about the one given by those who truly loved you. It was a name of endearment. Things like princess, bobo, bubba, and sissy. Everyone in the family knew who was assigned to that name, hence it was indicative of their status.
Did you know that God has a nickname for you? In this parable we see the boy is labeled with the title of “Son.” That one word indicates not only status, but, belonging. With it comes many privileges as well as security. Most importantly, all the host of Heaven knows who is assigned that name. It is why when asked, “How are you?” I reply, “Better than most.” With God, you are special. All blood washed people are considered the sons and daughters of God, hence their special place of belonging.
Equally beautiful is the concept of being equal. God does not use titles that allow us to exalt ourselves above other sons or daughters. God doesn’t play favorites. That is why I always follow up my “How are you?” response with, “Just as good as the rest!” In this parable He subtly reminds you that you can have a part in His family that will put you on equal status with all other believers. That means you are just as important as a preacher, Sunday school teacher, missionary, or any other position you might try to exalt above yourself. It can best be summarized as, “There is no big I and little you.” in His family.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Spring Break Is Over
I finally recooperated from spring break. That is the reason for the double post. My hope is to get caught back up seeing I am about 4 posts behind where I should be. I'd appreciate your prayers for God's inspiration.
Matthew 20:4
“And said unto them; Go ye into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right, I will give you. And they went their way.”
I’ll never forget the first time I worked with my grandpa. I was about 15 years old and minimum wage was $4.25 an hour at that time. He had a job pouring a large concrete slab in the customer’s backyard. My job was to push a wheelbarrow full of liquid concrete (mud) from the truck, through a gate, and into the backyard where I dumped it into the forms that had been set up. It was one of the most physically challenging jobs I had done in my life. It was also the most rewarding. I earned $50 for 2 hours of work.
Grandpa could have paid me minimum wage. He could have even got away with paying me $20, since I was still a kid. Instead, I was paid what was right. That is exactly what God has promised you. He is not bound by man made laws that determine minimum compensation. There is no need for the government or a union to “protect” you either. God is the benevolent employer who always compensates adequately. Can you think of a better boss to have?
I’ll never forget the first time I worked with my grandpa. I was about 15 years old and minimum wage was $4.25 an hour at that time. He had a job pouring a large concrete slab in the customer’s backyard. My job was to push a wheelbarrow full of liquid concrete (mud) from the truck, through a gate, and into the backyard where I dumped it into the forms that had been set up. It was one of the most physically challenging jobs I had done in my life. It was also the most rewarding. I earned $50 for 2 hours of work.
Grandpa could have paid me minimum wage. He could have even got away with paying me $20, since I was still a kid. Instead, I was paid what was right. That is exactly what God has promised you. He is not bound by man made laws that determine minimum compensation. There is no need for the government or a union to “protect” you either. God is the benevolent employer who always compensates adequately. Can you think of a better boss to have?
Jeremiah 31:16
“Thus saith the Lord; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord, and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.”
There is a running joke in my family about “experience.” My uncle Bill is a patriarch and ran a family landscaping business. Many of his brothers and nephews worked many sweaty hours in the hot Arizona sun so they might obtain financial reward. One particular summer my cousin, Doug, came over from California to work. One particular Friday everyone was paid except him. When he asked Uncle Bill about his pay, he was told that he got experience, thus no pay. Being the loving family that we are, he was lead to believe this to the point that he called his mom, overwhelmed with tears and anger. When the joke had played itself out, Doug was eventually given his due pay.
I am not saying God has a morbid sense of humor and will toy with your emotions, but He has promised to reward you for your work. The devil and many in the world would have you think that there is no reward for serving God; emphasizing everything you “have to give up.” He will even try to convince you that all you are getting is some type of dull “experience”, but God has said “thy work shall be rewarded.” The next time you feel like doing God’s work is a waste of time, think of the reward that He has promised and take courage. You will need patience because God did not promise when the reward would come, only that it would.
There is a running joke in my family about “experience.” My uncle Bill is a patriarch and ran a family landscaping business. Many of his brothers and nephews worked many sweaty hours in the hot Arizona sun so they might obtain financial reward. One particular summer my cousin, Doug, came over from California to work. One particular Friday everyone was paid except him. When he asked Uncle Bill about his pay, he was told that he got experience, thus no pay. Being the loving family that we are, he was lead to believe this to the point that he called his mom, overwhelmed with tears and anger. When the joke had played itself out, Doug was eventually given his due pay.
I am not saying God has a morbid sense of humor and will toy with your emotions, but He has promised to reward you for your work. The devil and many in the world would have you think that there is no reward for serving God; emphasizing everything you “have to give up.” He will even try to convince you that all you are getting is some type of dull “experience”, but God has said “thy work shall be rewarded.” The next time you feel like doing God’s work is a waste of time, think of the reward that He has promised and take courage. You will need patience because God did not promise when the reward would come, only that it would.
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