Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. (Jn 21:12)
I broke fast and returned to eating meat, sweets, dairy, leavened bread and coffee. I feel alright, but certainly less energetic and heavy from overheating during this Easter feast. My desire is to return to healthy eating, paying attention to true hunger, seeking God's presence as true food and drink. But the time of fasting is over. The time of feasting is upon us. How might I feast and choose health?
After Jesus' resurrection he appeared at the tomb and later to the disciples behind their locked doors. He breathed upon them the Holy Spirit creating a new man in them each. Thomas was not there and doubted them all that Jesus was alive. So a second time Jesus appeared and showed Himself to Thomas and all those in the room. Thomas believed after seeing. "Blessed are those who believe without seeing," Jesus reminded them and us.
On the beach, after a night of unfruitful labor on the sea of Galilee, the apostles met Jesus a third time. At this meeting Jesus was not recognized at first. When He told them to cast their nets to the right side of the boat, they caught so much fish they could not pull the net aboard. When that miraculous catch occurred they knew who the stranger on the beach was. It was the Lord. They rushed to be rejoined with Him. Upon reaching the beach they saw Jesus with a fire already cooking a few fish. He told them to bring some of the fish to add to the fire. Then Jesus bid them, "Come and have breakfast."
I am reminded of their first meeting with Jesus. After John the baptizer acknowledged Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Messiah, they ran to speak to Him.
Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”
They said, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”
“Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” (Jn 1:38-39)
And now at the end of John's account of the good news, having seen all that Jesus was doing, they are invited to feast with Jesus over breakfast. There is such rich symbolism here. There is the simplicity of the meal and yet it does satisfy. There are fish and bread reminiscent of the fish and bread enjoyed at the miraculous feeding of the 5000 (Jn 6:8-14). The fish may represent the church, 153 gathered into the new community of light and life in Jesus Christ. And the net that holds them does not break. The net may represent the proclamation of good news about God's love for the world in Jesus His only begotten. The gospel does not break. And the bread is abundant because they are in the presence of Jesus, the Bread of Life. He has the words of eternal life. His words are Life and Spirit.
This all sounds like foolish fairy tales to those outside the net, to those beyond the warmth of the fire preparing the fish for the feast. In the same way that ancients sacrificed animals and burned up the meat as a meal to gods, fish are cooked at the feast with Jesus as a pleasing meal, a sacrifice. All those within the net are dedicated to a life of sacrifice. Disciples of Jesus live sacrificially as a pleasing offering to God. Our very lives are an offering on the holy fire in a perpetual feast before the Lord of Life!
The fast is over and the feast is upon us. The darkness is over and the dawn of a new age is upon us. The reign of God is upon all who are in the gospel net and given over to the holy fire of the Spirit of Jesus. And yet fasting remains a spiritual means by which we may enjoy the feast where true food and drink is found.
"Come and have breakfast," bids our Lord. Come and break away from fasting, from living only by earthly foods and drinks and comforts. No longer deny yourselves the wonders of life in Christ by ignoring His invitation, running after the things of this world. To ignore His invitation is an empty way of life, like a night of fishing with nothing to show for your labor. But when you come to the feast, when you break fast from wandering aimlessly through this world on its meager and short term resources, you find the abundance of the kingdom of heaven in Christ.
Lord, help us to seek Your kingdom above all. Strengthen us in prayer. Feed us on Your words. Revive us with You presence. And give us open hearts to receive eternal life. Amen.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Three Things
"So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." (Romans 7:21-25 NIV)
Well, this is the last night of the fast. I get up very early tomorrow, if I manage to sleep, and lead the Sunrise Service. I enjoy the service. Easter is my favorite holiday. So I get to enjoy it all the more by getting into the day of celebration early.
I have thought about what I have learned through this Daniel Fast during Lent and the best I can tell you is that I have become painfully aware of how much my cravings control me. I know that Life is found in Jesus Christ, but I keeping running emotionally to the comforts I enjoy instead of coming to Him in prayer.
I have discovered that I have a willing mind, a wishy washy spirit and a body that is weak. Like Paul this fast has uncovered the sinful powers at work in me. Wretched man that I am! Who will save me fome this body of death?
Thanks be to God for victory in Christ.
Paul then says, there is no condemnation for those who are under the realm of Christ. Sin no longer rules, but Christ rules. And the One who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to our weak bodies through the Spirit of Christ! I just have to remain faithful and keep open to the Spirit of Christ within me.
Easter is a day to celebrate that Jesus is alive. Christ is risen! And so all who are under His Lordship are new creations. We each are being transformed into His likeness. The more I focused on my failings and my weak fleshly attitudes, the more I despaired of any transformation. But the more I rejoiced in Christ, the more I was lighter, happier and able to enjoy the fast. My mantra was, "don't focus on what you cannot have, but on what God is offering." God is offering life everlasting through faith in Christ.
The other thing I learned was the power of community. Each week we got together to share how we were doing with the fast. One person not taking the fast gave me a book to encourage me. Often during lent the community shared thoughts that lifted my spirits and kept me engaged in the fast. We shared recipes and shopping ideas on where to get quality foods for the Daniel fast. We shared victories, difficulties and our laughter and tears. There were others who checked my blogging through the seven weeks. I suspect this group of 15 people touchEd 200 people or more as we set ourselves aside for God.
Some would say such a fast was not realistic. To deny oneself meat, dairy, coffee, bread with yeast or leavening and sweets is too extreme. I found out that eating this way was easier than I suspected. I got bored with it about the fifth week or so. I had one day where I was really struggling. I waited on the Lord to renew my strength. I blogged about it. And I found that others were struggling too, which helped me in some way to know I was not alone. I hade three persons email me offering words of encouragement and prayer.
That night I joined a group of youth studying the doctrine of the Christian faith. They were talking about the belief that Jesus rose from the dead. There were two in the group who were not yet convinced that Christianity was the truth. They struggled with it. For belief in Jesus as the risen savior of the world meant acknowledging that other faiths are not the full truth.
As I watched teen after teen witness to their faith, I felt hope. The joy of seeing a new generation of Christians sharing their faith with those seeking the truth revived me. The power of the community of Christ renewed my soul.
I finally found that the power of God was at work. Certainly He is working in each of us in ways we are not conscious, but I got a glimpse. Within the first two weeks of the fast I became aware that God was working powerfully in the lives of others around me. God was answering prayers in mighty ways. I witnessed a breakthrough in a marriage, a job opening for someone out of work, a deepened friendship with one who was simply an acquaintance, and financial funding come through for someone's dreams. God is moved to action when we set ourselves apart for Him. It's not just something in the bible people did a long time ago. Fasting can open our lives to God's power in fresh ways.
It's not that we manipulate God through fasting. I think rather that fasting awakens us to see what God is doing and becaue we are awakened, God does even more. He is moved by our heart to be His. And He delights to bless us, His children when we come to Him through prayer and fasting.
Tomorrow I break the fast with eggs and bacon. I may get sick to my stomach. I may gain back some weight. But one thing that will not change is my awareness of God's love and patience with us, the greatness of the community of believers and the power of God for those who are seeking His kingdom and righteousness.
The fast is over, but new life is ever moving forward. Christ is alive. The time for fasting is over. The time for feasting has come! Glory be to God.
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Keep me ever growing and ever awakening to Your goodness, glory and love. Keep me feasting on Your presence. Amen
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." (Romans 7:21-25 NIV)
Well, this is the last night of the fast. I get up very early tomorrow, if I manage to sleep, and lead the Sunrise Service. I enjoy the service. Easter is my favorite holiday. So I get to enjoy it all the more by getting into the day of celebration early.
I have thought about what I have learned through this Daniel Fast during Lent and the best I can tell you is that I have become painfully aware of how much my cravings control me. I know that Life is found in Jesus Christ, but I keeping running emotionally to the comforts I enjoy instead of coming to Him in prayer.
I have discovered that I have a willing mind, a wishy washy spirit and a body that is weak. Like Paul this fast has uncovered the sinful powers at work in me. Wretched man that I am! Who will save me fome this body of death?
Thanks be to God for victory in Christ.
Paul then says, there is no condemnation for those who are under the realm of Christ. Sin no longer rules, but Christ rules. And the One who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to our weak bodies through the Spirit of Christ! I just have to remain faithful and keep open to the Spirit of Christ within me.
Easter is a day to celebrate that Jesus is alive. Christ is risen! And so all who are under His Lordship are new creations. We each are being transformed into His likeness. The more I focused on my failings and my weak fleshly attitudes, the more I despaired of any transformation. But the more I rejoiced in Christ, the more I was lighter, happier and able to enjoy the fast. My mantra was, "don't focus on what you cannot have, but on what God is offering." God is offering life everlasting through faith in Christ.
The other thing I learned was the power of community. Each week we got together to share how we were doing with the fast. One person not taking the fast gave me a book to encourage me. Often during lent the community shared thoughts that lifted my spirits and kept me engaged in the fast. We shared recipes and shopping ideas on where to get quality foods for the Daniel fast. We shared victories, difficulties and our laughter and tears. There were others who checked my blogging through the seven weeks. I suspect this group of 15 people touchEd 200 people or more as we set ourselves aside for God.
Some would say such a fast was not realistic. To deny oneself meat, dairy, coffee, bread with yeast or leavening and sweets is too extreme. I found out that eating this way was easier than I suspected. I got bored with it about the fifth week or so. I had one day where I was really struggling. I waited on the Lord to renew my strength. I blogged about it. And I found that others were struggling too, which helped me in some way to know I was not alone. I hade three persons email me offering words of encouragement and prayer.
That night I joined a group of youth studying the doctrine of the Christian faith. They were talking about the belief that Jesus rose from the dead. There were two in the group who were not yet convinced that Christianity was the truth. They struggled with it. For belief in Jesus as the risen savior of the world meant acknowledging that other faiths are not the full truth.
As I watched teen after teen witness to their faith, I felt hope. The joy of seeing a new generation of Christians sharing their faith with those seeking the truth revived me. The power of the community of Christ renewed my soul.
I finally found that the power of God was at work. Certainly He is working in each of us in ways we are not conscious, but I got a glimpse. Within the first two weeks of the fast I became aware that God was working powerfully in the lives of others around me. God was answering prayers in mighty ways. I witnessed a breakthrough in a marriage, a job opening for someone out of work, a deepened friendship with one who was simply an acquaintance, and financial funding come through for someone's dreams. God is moved to action when we set ourselves apart for Him. It's not just something in the bible people did a long time ago. Fasting can open our lives to God's power in fresh ways.
It's not that we manipulate God through fasting. I think rather that fasting awakens us to see what God is doing and becaue we are awakened, God does even more. He is moved by our heart to be His. And He delights to bless us, His children when we come to Him through prayer and fasting.
Tomorrow I break the fast with eggs and bacon. I may get sick to my stomach. I may gain back some weight. But one thing that will not change is my awareness of God's love and patience with us, the greatness of the community of believers and the power of God for those who are seeking His kingdom and righteousness.
The fast is over, but new life is ever moving forward. Christ is alive. The time for fasting is over. The time for feasting has come! Glory be to God.
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Keep me ever growing and ever awakening to Your goodness, glory and love. Keep me feasting on Your presence. Amen
Friday, April 6, 2012
Banquet
"Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come." (Mat 23:1-3)
Jesus continues His confrontation with the religious gatekeepers at the temple. Mind you these men meant good. They meant to protect the people from a false Messiah. After all Jesus came out of nowhere...Nazareth in Galilee. As far as we know He had no formal training. The company He kept was suspect to the holy men of the temple. Jesus disciples were the rabble. They were poor, diseased, leprous and lame. They were sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors and thieves.
The chief priests and scribes had good reasons for confronting Jesus and the commotion around Him. They were causing a scene. Under Roman occupation where Governor Pilate executed Jews with regulatory, one must not draw attention to oneself. These men were afraid of what the Romans might do. Their security seemed precarious. If they upset the crowds by treating Jesus too harshly, a riot may break out. They feared the crowds too. It was situation that must be handled delicately.
Jesus tells his opponents another parable about a wedding banquet which of course speaks to the situation. God has announced good news. "Repent, for the kingdom of God is upon you!" But the religious leadership do not believe, nor do they see a need to repent. As those who observe the law of Moses and teach others to do the same, they see no need for confessing their sins and turning to Jesus for a fresh start with God. That is why Jesus says to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you." (Mat 21:31b)
Not until I began studying the bible during this Daniel Fast did I notice the amount of material having to do with food and dining. In this parable a man throws a big party for His son's wedding. Weddings in ancient Israel were a whole community kind of thing. Everybody turned out to enjoy the party. The foods was plenteous, provided the family had the means. The wine flowed freely. Depending on how far relatives needed to travel the festivities may last 3-4 weeks in length. To turn down an invitation was something few people would have done. These kind of parties were a rare luxury for most. I'd go to eat and enjoy the festive feel in the air. Wouldn't you?
Jesus is saying to us that God's kingdom is like a great party with lots of food, drink and joy abounding! A festive spirit is a natural thing as people gather to celebrate love at weddings. I see that Jesus' invitation to believe the good news and repent is an invitation to live in the joy and love of the Kingdom of heaven! It is something to enjoy now through the Spirit, not only after I die.
When it comes to food and drink and dancing and other festive activities, Jesus isn't really depicting heaven as a booze and gluttony fest. This isn't a pagan gathering where hedonism (pleasures of the flesh) is being celebrated. Rather, by way of analogy, our relationship with God is where true joy, real festivity occurs. There is an enduring joy in knowing Him personally and walking in His love each day. And there's no hangover. There's no eating yourself sick. There is simply life abundant in the presence of the Life!
In a few days this fast will end. Tonight is Good Friday. We remember that Jesus' passion came to its crescendo at the cross. Then all is silent. I look forward to eating myself sick on Easter. I wonder if I haven't heeded the invitation to the party God is throwing for His Son, Jesus?
Lord Jesus, in You there is life everlasting. You offer it to me freely and without price. But I give you excuses. "I have too much work to do at church. I'm too tired right now, I'd rather just veg out. Honestly my time in prayer seems to be a waste of time." Like the religious leaders of old, I too refuse to enter into the kingdom of heaven. I'm too busy with the mind numbing, body defiling things of earth. Forgive me. Clothe me in Your Spirit that I may be properly fit for the party of all time. Amen
Jesus continues His confrontation with the religious gatekeepers at the temple. Mind you these men meant good. They meant to protect the people from a false Messiah. After all Jesus came out of nowhere...Nazareth in Galilee. As far as we know He had no formal training. The company He kept was suspect to the holy men of the temple. Jesus disciples were the rabble. They were poor, diseased, leprous and lame. They were sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors and thieves.
The chief priests and scribes had good reasons for confronting Jesus and the commotion around Him. They were causing a scene. Under Roman occupation where Governor Pilate executed Jews with regulatory, one must not draw attention to oneself. These men were afraid of what the Romans might do. Their security seemed precarious. If they upset the crowds by treating Jesus too harshly, a riot may break out. They feared the crowds too. It was situation that must be handled delicately.
Jesus tells his opponents another parable about a wedding banquet which of course speaks to the situation. God has announced good news. "Repent, for the kingdom of God is upon you!" But the religious leadership do not believe, nor do they see a need to repent. As those who observe the law of Moses and teach others to do the same, they see no need for confessing their sins and turning to Jesus for a fresh start with God. That is why Jesus says to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you." (Mat 21:31b)
Not until I began studying the bible during this Daniel Fast did I notice the amount of material having to do with food and dining. In this parable a man throws a big party for His son's wedding. Weddings in ancient Israel were a whole community kind of thing. Everybody turned out to enjoy the party. The foods was plenteous, provided the family had the means. The wine flowed freely. Depending on how far relatives needed to travel the festivities may last 3-4 weeks in length. To turn down an invitation was something few people would have done. These kind of parties were a rare luxury for most. I'd go to eat and enjoy the festive feel in the air. Wouldn't you?
Jesus is saying to us that God's kingdom is like a great party with lots of food, drink and joy abounding! A festive spirit is a natural thing as people gather to celebrate love at weddings. I see that Jesus' invitation to believe the good news and repent is an invitation to live in the joy and love of the Kingdom of heaven! It is something to enjoy now through the Spirit, not only after I die.
When it comes to food and drink and dancing and other festive activities, Jesus isn't really depicting heaven as a booze and gluttony fest. This isn't a pagan gathering where hedonism (pleasures of the flesh) is being celebrated. Rather, by way of analogy, our relationship with God is where true joy, real festivity occurs. There is an enduring joy in knowing Him personally and walking in His love each day. And there's no hangover. There's no eating yourself sick. There is simply life abundant in the presence of the Life!
In a few days this fast will end. Tonight is Good Friday. We remember that Jesus' passion came to its crescendo at the cross. Then all is silent. I look forward to eating myself sick on Easter. I wonder if I haven't heeded the invitation to the party God is throwing for His Son, Jesus?
Lord Jesus, in You there is life everlasting. You offer it to me freely and without price. But I give you excuses. "I have too much work to do at church. I'm too tired right now, I'd rather just veg out. Honestly my time in prayer seems to be a waste of time." Like the religious leaders of old, I too refuse to enter into the kingdom of heaven. I'm too busy with the mind numbing, body defiling things of earth. Forgive me. Clothe me in Your Spirit that I may be properly fit for the party of all time. Amen
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Figs, Fruit and Accountability
"Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered." (Mat 21:18-19)
This odd little occurrence that makes Matthew's record about Jesus seems hardly like good news. Jesus cursed a tree and it withered and died. The way Matthew rememebrs Jesus using this event is to teach about the power of faith. Jesus told the disciple if they have faith they can tell a mountain to move and it will. He ends by saying, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Mat 21:22)
Whether Jesus meant what he said literally is debated by commentators. I tend to think he used the prophet's oratory device known as hyperbole. He overstated things to make an impact. It would be like when we say, "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse." Regardless Jesus meant for his students to know that faith without doubting results in mighty prayers. Wonders and signs of God's reign, of His divine power at work, happen when we have faith and pray without doubting.
I don't often have doubts in God's abilities when I pray. I tend to doubt that my requests fit within His plans for a particular person. At the bedside of a person dying of cancer, I pray for healing and help. I sometimes doubt that God will do it. He may find their lives best suited for heaven than earth at that point. But I pray knowing that God can do it. I don't know if that practical common sense approach is doubt that impedes God's hand or not. I doubt it. (pun intended) Perhaps my prayers would be more fruitful and my life in Christ more pleasing to Him if I prayed without the common sense.
Jesus cursed the fig tree because it wasn't bearing fruit. He was hungry and came expectantly to the fig tree to eat of its fruit. The disappointment and following curse has nothing to do with the tree, I suspect. It has to do with an unfruitful religious system in Jerusalem. The fig tree incident points to the following section of encounters with common sense thinking Pharisees and Sadducees and Herodians, chief priests and teachers of the law, scribes, etc. They cannot accept Jesus as Messiah. They did not accept John the Baptist and they do not accept Jesus. They question His authority. They try and discredit Him publicly by asking tricky questions. Jesus outfoxes their sly schemes and tells a few parables depicting the situation. One is about a vineyard owner.
The owner of the vineyard (God) put servants in charge (Israel) while he is away to another country. He sends representatives (prophets) to collect on the harvest, but the people entrusted with the vineyard beat and abuse them, even kill them. So the owner sends His son (Jesus Messiah) thinking surely they would treat him with respect and give an accounting for the harvest. But they killed the son as well. This parable of course is a little history lesson on Israel. They persecuted the prophets and soon they will kill Jesus.
As I continue this Daniel Fast during Holy Week, I remember Jesus and His suffering. My sufferings are nothing compared to His. I wonder if my life is fruitful. I wonder if the Master will be pleased when He comes to bring me to account for all that's been entrusted to me? Might this fast teach me to live with less so I can give more? When is enough enough? What is practical? What moves mountains?
Lord, when You come to me looking for fruit, may I be found pleasing in Your eyes. I know You hunger for works that brings glory to God and blesses others. Enable me to grow. Prune me that I might be even more fruitful. Keep my eyes fixed on You and Your command to believe and love. Amen
This odd little occurrence that makes Matthew's record about Jesus seems hardly like good news. Jesus cursed a tree and it withered and died. The way Matthew rememebrs Jesus using this event is to teach about the power of faith. Jesus told the disciple if they have faith they can tell a mountain to move and it will. He ends by saying, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Mat 21:22)
Whether Jesus meant what he said literally is debated by commentators. I tend to think he used the prophet's oratory device known as hyperbole. He overstated things to make an impact. It would be like when we say, "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse." Regardless Jesus meant for his students to know that faith without doubting results in mighty prayers. Wonders and signs of God's reign, of His divine power at work, happen when we have faith and pray without doubting.
I don't often have doubts in God's abilities when I pray. I tend to doubt that my requests fit within His plans for a particular person. At the bedside of a person dying of cancer, I pray for healing and help. I sometimes doubt that God will do it. He may find their lives best suited for heaven than earth at that point. But I pray knowing that God can do it. I don't know if that practical common sense approach is doubt that impedes God's hand or not. I doubt it. (pun intended) Perhaps my prayers would be more fruitful and my life in Christ more pleasing to Him if I prayed without the common sense.
Jesus cursed the fig tree because it wasn't bearing fruit. He was hungry and came expectantly to the fig tree to eat of its fruit. The disappointment and following curse has nothing to do with the tree, I suspect. It has to do with an unfruitful religious system in Jerusalem. The fig tree incident points to the following section of encounters with common sense thinking Pharisees and Sadducees and Herodians, chief priests and teachers of the law, scribes, etc. They cannot accept Jesus as Messiah. They did not accept John the Baptist and they do not accept Jesus. They question His authority. They try and discredit Him publicly by asking tricky questions. Jesus outfoxes their sly schemes and tells a few parables depicting the situation. One is about a vineyard owner.
The owner of the vineyard (God) put servants in charge (Israel) while he is away to another country. He sends representatives (prophets) to collect on the harvest, but the people entrusted with the vineyard beat and abuse them, even kill them. So the owner sends His son (Jesus Messiah) thinking surely they would treat him with respect and give an accounting for the harvest. But they killed the son as well. This parable of course is a little history lesson on Israel. They persecuted the prophets and soon they will kill Jesus.
As I continue this Daniel Fast during Holy Week, I remember Jesus and His suffering. My sufferings are nothing compared to His. I wonder if my life is fruitful. I wonder if the Master will be pleased when He comes to bring me to account for all that's been entrusted to me? Might this fast teach me to live with less so I can give more? When is enough enough? What is practical? What moves mountains?
Lord, when You come to me looking for fruit, may I be found pleasing in Your eyes. I know You hunger for works that brings glory to God and blesses others. Enable me to grow. Prune me that I might be even more fruitful. Keep my eyes fixed on You and Your command to believe and love. Amen
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Cleansing Temples
"Then Jesus went into the temple and threw out all those who were selling and buying there. He pushed over the tables used for currency exchange and the chairs of those who sold doves. He said to them, “It’s written, My house will be called a house of prayer.. But you’ve made it a hideout for crooks.” People who were blind and lame came to Jesus in the temple, and he healed them." (Mat 21:12-14)
After Jesus entered the holy city of Jerusalem to the triumphant shouting of the crowds, He entered the temple. He saw that it had a marketplace used for buying and selling animals for sacrifice. It had tables for exchanging foreign currencies into the temple shekel. The temple was a place of prayer, not profiting and haggling. He drove them out.
The New Testament uses the concept of the temple and applies it to our community of faith. The church is a holy temple built with living stones. (1Pt 2:5) And the temple metaphor is used to point to one's own body. "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." (1Co 6:19-20)
When I think of my body as a temple for the Holy One, I begin to understand the need for holy living. Holiness means to be set aside 100% for God's purposes. As I teeter between self-focused decisions and God-centered actions I realize I have some cleaning up to do. This Daniel Fast has cleansed me physically and uncovered the spiritual mess that needs attention. The unholy things (not particularly evil, but not God-centered) are things like cravings for foods outside this fast. Eating more than I need to satisfy an emotional need is something that doesn't belong in the temple.
The comedian Jim Gaffigan (http://www.jimgaffigan.com/) often talks about food in his stand up performances. He says something like, "Have you ever eaten so much it made you sick? Isn't that great? It makes me feel so...American." Of course the ridiculousness of his statements makes us laugh at a sad and pitiful truth. We have too much, too easy and it's killing us.
The Daniel Fast has made me look at a lot of stuff surrounding my life. The walls of my home are cluttered with books, DVDs, CDs, VHS Cassettes. In the basement I have drawers and boxes full of Vinyl LPs and audio Cassettes. I even went through a period with the mini disc which never caught on here in the states. And on my iPod is 18,000 tracks and growing. I am an entertainment junkie. Might the Lord take a look inside His temple and see a need for cleansing? Would He drive out that which does not belong in His holy dwelling?
I remember a meditation once where Jesus was invited to come into a man's house, a metaphor for his heart. Jesus wanted a tour of the place. The man showed Him what he had tidied up visitors: the living room and the dining room and the kitchen and the main bathroom. He wanted to see the family room. It wasn't ready. The man needed to hide the ashtrays and empty beer cans and coke bottles, and clean the snack foods that had fallen under the coach cushions. Jesus looked and the man felt His sadness. He asked to see the bedroom. The man scurried to make his bed. If Jesus was going to live in the man's house, He needed to know it was clean. He hadn't swept up the dust bunnies in months. Jesus wanted to look at my computer and see what files the man had stored and what sites he visits on the internet. The man was ashamed to show Him. If he truly wanted Jesus to live in him and be his Lord, this was non-negotiable. And finally Jesus asked to see the closets. The man felt he could not let Him in there. But Jesus insisted. If He was going to make the man holy as He is holy, he had to freely give Him access to all of his interior home. There Jesus found bitter resentments, brokenness, sadness, rage, childhood fear and phobias and nervous habits.
Jesus turned to face the man. The man was mortified. He felt paralyzed, vulnerable and ashamed. He expected to hear Jesus say, "I cannot live here with You." Instead He placed His gentle hands on him, lifted his gaze to meet His loving eyes and said, "Are You ready to start cleaning up this place? I'll help. What shall we tackle first?"
Lord Jesus, Thank You for loving me enough to cleanse my heart. I open my heart to You. Make it Your temple, Your holy dwelling. And keep me vigilant to keep it that way. Amen
After Jesus entered the holy city of Jerusalem to the triumphant shouting of the crowds, He entered the temple. He saw that it had a marketplace used for buying and selling animals for sacrifice. It had tables for exchanging foreign currencies into the temple shekel. The temple was a place of prayer, not profiting and haggling. He drove them out.
The New Testament uses the concept of the temple and applies it to our community of faith. The church is a holy temple built with living stones. (1Pt 2:5) And the temple metaphor is used to point to one's own body. "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." (1Co 6:19-20)
When I think of my body as a temple for the Holy One, I begin to understand the need for holy living. Holiness means to be set aside 100% for God's purposes. As I teeter between self-focused decisions and God-centered actions I realize I have some cleaning up to do. This Daniel Fast has cleansed me physically and uncovered the spiritual mess that needs attention. The unholy things (not particularly evil, but not God-centered) are things like cravings for foods outside this fast. Eating more than I need to satisfy an emotional need is something that doesn't belong in the temple.
The comedian Jim Gaffigan (http://www.jimgaffigan.com/) often talks about food in his stand up performances. He says something like, "Have you ever eaten so much it made you sick? Isn't that great? It makes me feel so...American." Of course the ridiculousness of his statements makes us laugh at a sad and pitiful truth. We have too much, too easy and it's killing us.
The Daniel Fast has made me look at a lot of stuff surrounding my life. The walls of my home are cluttered with books, DVDs, CDs, VHS Cassettes. In the basement I have drawers and boxes full of Vinyl LPs and audio Cassettes. I even went through a period with the mini disc which never caught on here in the states. And on my iPod is 18,000 tracks and growing. I am an entertainment junkie. Might the Lord take a look inside His temple and see a need for cleansing? Would He drive out that which does not belong in His holy dwelling?
I remember a meditation once where Jesus was invited to come into a man's house, a metaphor for his heart. Jesus wanted a tour of the place. The man showed Him what he had tidied up visitors: the living room and the dining room and the kitchen and the main bathroom. He wanted to see the family room. It wasn't ready. The man needed to hide the ashtrays and empty beer cans and coke bottles, and clean the snack foods that had fallen under the coach cushions. Jesus looked and the man felt His sadness. He asked to see the bedroom. The man scurried to make his bed. If Jesus was going to live in the man's house, He needed to know it was clean. He hadn't swept up the dust bunnies in months. Jesus wanted to look at my computer and see what files the man had stored and what sites he visits on the internet. The man was ashamed to show Him. If he truly wanted Jesus to live in him and be his Lord, this was non-negotiable. And finally Jesus asked to see the closets. The man felt he could not let Him in there. But Jesus insisted. If He was going to make the man holy as He is holy, he had to freely give Him access to all of his interior home. There Jesus found bitter resentments, brokenness, sadness, rage, childhood fear and phobias and nervous habits.
Jesus turned to face the man. The man was mortified. He felt paralyzed, vulnerable and ashamed. He expected to hear Jesus say, "I cannot live here with You." Instead He placed His gentle hands on him, lifted his gaze to meet His loving eyes and said, "Are You ready to start cleaning up this place? I'll help. What shall we tackle first?"
Lord Jesus, Thank You for loving me enough to cleanse my heart. I open my heart to You. Make it Your temple, Your holy dwelling. And keep me vigilant to keep it that way. Amen
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Opression
"And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." (Mat 5:40-41)
Apparently it was the custom of the Roman government to give their military the authority to force a person to carry a load for no more than a mile. If the load needed to go further, the soldiers would commandeer another person. You may remember Simon of Cyrene being forced to carry the cross for Jesus. (Mat 27:32) Jesus taught his disciples to be the person who gives more than what is asked or commanded. As disciples of Jesus Christ we are to display an extravagant generosity. This communicates our trust in God. In Christ we have everything we need; even more than enough.
I experienced the oppression of the government yesterday in what I believe to be a bit of a racket. The county and a local junkyard have quite a business going profiting from the unfortunate who happen to be in a car accident.
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| AJ's accident on I-74 West on 4/2/12 |
The police arrived and got traffic moving again. The EMT's came and checked out the slight injuries to AJ and his girlfriend. Michele and I drove to the scene and got them home. The police officer asked if we were using our own wrecker. We told him we had Triple A. He complained that Triple A takes an hour. His concern was safety, being out on the interstate with fast moving traffic. I agreed to have the county haul the truck off to a junkyard. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
The junkyard is an officially contracted police impound lot. Not only did I have to pay a wrecker fee at top dollar, I also was charged a daily fee for the truck sitting on the impound lot. You can park downtown in a parking garage all day cheaper than their fee. In addition they charged another fee to tarp the truck, something I never asked for, nor was I consulted or informed about the additional fee.
When I discovered that my fees had skyrocketed I quickly got over to the lot to see if they wished to purchase the wreck. I knew a local junk dealer would pay by the pound. If they would offer something competitive, they could have it. Instead what I found was they expected me to give them the ownership of the vehicle and call it even for the charges I owed. This was clearly an inequitable arrangement.
I made a call to another junkyard. They offered me twice what the fees totaled. When I informed the police impound of my decision to sell it to another junkyard they informed me I had to pay them an additional fee to have them move the wreck from the lot out to me. That's when I had had enough. I flat out told them they were a bunch of thieves. I was furious! They claimed that all the fees were their contracted obligation to the county and there was nothing they could do.
They made me sit and wait two hours before they got around to releasing the vehicle to the wrecker to take AJ's truck away to a competitor's junkyard. I knew they were sticking it to me for calling them on their little racket with the county government.
The driver to the wrecker who waited with me told me it's the same everywhere. He agreed the fees were unfair, that the county and the impound lot were taking advantage of people who are having enough trouble with a wrecked vehicle. He also was used to this particular lot taking a very long tome to release vehicles in their possession even after all fees had been paid. We both agreed, "They've got you over a barrel and they know it. What can you do?"
I sat in my car and prayed. I prayed for justice. I prayed that God would act to change this unfair system where the county and the junk dealer profit from others' misfortunes. I stayed angry for most of the night. Prayer did not change how I felt, except that I was sure God had heard my prayer. I leave it in His capable hands.
Things could have been different. The world is filled with injustice and unfairness. Why was I so angry at the cashier? She is only an employee of a system that profits from the disadvantaged. She did not deserve my raised voice and accusations of thievery. If only I had been centered on Christ, perhaps I might have remembered His teaching to walk the additional mile for an oppressor.
Prayer is the key to living victoriously free of the corruption of this earth. Studying the scripture puts the Word in my heart and prayer uncovers the Word and presents it to my mind when I need to be reminded. With the Daniel Fast in its seventh week you would think I'd have a better prayer life and more peace. Sad to say, I do not. There is so much more God offers that I have not yet begun to enjoy. Some days I feel like an adolescent when it comes to the things of the Spirit. Fortunately salvation is about cooperation, not my perfection. If I cooperate with the Holy One living in me, He will lead me into the perfection of Christ. I cannot will myself there. Only the Son of God can set me free. And that is what He is doing.
Father, forgive me for I know not what I do. You have heard my prayer for justice. I know You will make all things right and You will take care of me. I need not fret or worry. With You I have more than enough. I can let go of this slight, this inequity. Like the victim of thievery whose tunic was taken gave away his cloak as well, give me a generous heart in the face of oppression. You can do this work in me. Help me to cooperate with Thy Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Donkeys
“Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” (Mat 21:2-3)
Saturday I had the joy of hearing one of our lay speakers, Bob Dralle, speak. He spoke on the triumphant entry as noted above. He mentioned three kinds of people who responded to Jesus that day. The man who gave up his donkey was the first. The crowds who shouted "Hosanna" as they laid their cloaks and palm fronds on the ground for Jesus to ride over were the second group. The third group were the people of Jerusalem who were stirred with curiosity about the identity of this man being hailed with a parade fit for a king or conquering hero.
Bob mentioned that the man who gave up the donkey was giving up something major. It would be like a working family who gave up their car which they use to get to work. To give a donkey was to hamper one's ability to work and gain needed provision for the family. What would cause him to give his donkey away to two strangers?
Bob said he figured this man was the kind of guy who had spent a lot of time listening to God. He's the kind of person who each day as he begins asks, "What would You have me do today, Lord?" This kind of approach to life takes lots of practice. It takes daily attentiveness to one's relationship with God through prayer, study and meditation follwed with the appropriate actions that come from the Lord's direction.
The man met two strangers (Jesus' disciples) taking his donkey. He asked what they were doing. They replied as Jesus instructed, "The Lord needs them." The man listened to the Lord, in whom he daily gave his trust and obedience. And inside he heard God say, "It's OK. These guys work for me. Let them take the donkey." Gladly, he let them go trusting in the Lord and His work.
Bob Dralle asked us if we wanted to be like the man with the donkey. Are we ready to give it away when the Lord needs it? Self denial is a pathway to building a heart for God that can do just that.
Learning to live without, opens us to living more deeply and richly in our life with the Lifegiver. Self-denial gives this opportunity if we take advantage of it. We can practice self-denial and bemoan what we have denied ourselves and miss the prize. We can also practice self-denial and use that as a means for self-congratulations! "Hey, look what I am doing!" Jesus warned us about practicing our piety before others as a means of getting their attention and accolades. (Mat 6:16) Basically Jesus is saying if the applause of others is what you want, that is what you will get... and not much else.
Sounds kind of hollow when we think about it. We all know how quickly fame fades. Hollywood icons have to constantly keep their faces on the covers of scandal rags to keep people talking about them. Who is sleeping with who? What fight happened with this famous couple? Who's hooking up and who's getting divorced? I am fairly certain that publicists run the lives we see of the stars. They have created an art and an industry in keeping fame alive as long as possible. Without it the crowd soon forgets as they cheer for the next fad.
Jesus saw his fame fade within the week. Soon the curious crowd and the cheers of Hosanna faded and changed to mockery, insults and cries for his crucifixion.
As I continue this week, I want so much to be the guy who gave away his donkey. I say this with tears in my eyes. I really do long to be one who has practiced listening enough to hear the Lord direct my day.
Lord, help me to remember You, to seek You and to hear and obey You. I need Your grace this last week of the fast. Thank You for being faithful to aid me with Your strength all week long. Amen.
Saturday I had the joy of hearing one of our lay speakers, Bob Dralle, speak. He spoke on the triumphant entry as noted above. He mentioned three kinds of people who responded to Jesus that day. The man who gave up his donkey was the first. The crowds who shouted "Hosanna" as they laid their cloaks and palm fronds on the ground for Jesus to ride over were the second group. The third group were the people of Jerusalem who were stirred with curiosity about the identity of this man being hailed with a parade fit for a king or conquering hero.
Bob mentioned that the man who gave up the donkey was giving up something major. It would be like a working family who gave up their car which they use to get to work. To give a donkey was to hamper one's ability to work and gain needed provision for the family. What would cause him to give his donkey away to two strangers?
Bob said he figured this man was the kind of guy who had spent a lot of time listening to God. He's the kind of person who each day as he begins asks, "What would You have me do today, Lord?" This kind of approach to life takes lots of practice. It takes daily attentiveness to one's relationship with God through prayer, study and meditation follwed with the appropriate actions that come from the Lord's direction.
The man met two strangers (Jesus' disciples) taking his donkey. He asked what they were doing. They replied as Jesus instructed, "The Lord needs them." The man listened to the Lord, in whom he daily gave his trust and obedience. And inside he heard God say, "It's OK. These guys work for me. Let them take the donkey." Gladly, he let them go trusting in the Lord and His work.
Bob Dralle asked us if we wanted to be like the man with the donkey. Are we ready to give it away when the Lord needs it? Self denial is a pathway to building a heart for God that can do just that.
Learning to live without, opens us to living more deeply and richly in our life with the Lifegiver. Self-denial gives this opportunity if we take advantage of it. We can practice self-denial and bemoan what we have denied ourselves and miss the prize. We can also practice self-denial and use that as a means for self-congratulations! "Hey, look what I am doing!" Jesus warned us about practicing our piety before others as a means of getting their attention and accolades. (Mat 6:16) Basically Jesus is saying if the applause of others is what you want, that is what you will get... and not much else.
Sounds kind of hollow when we think about it. We all know how quickly fame fades. Hollywood icons have to constantly keep their faces on the covers of scandal rags to keep people talking about them. Who is sleeping with who? What fight happened with this famous couple? Who's hooking up and who's getting divorced? I am fairly certain that publicists run the lives we see of the stars. They have created an art and an industry in keeping fame alive as long as possible. Without it the crowd soon forgets as they cheer for the next fad.
Jesus saw his fame fade within the week. Soon the curious crowd and the cheers of Hosanna faded and changed to mockery, insults and cries for his crucifixion.
As I continue this week, I want so much to be the guy who gave away his donkey. I say this with tears in my eyes. I really do long to be one who has practiced listening enough to hear the Lord direct my day.
Lord, help me to remember You, to seek You and to hear and obey You. I need Your grace this last week of the fast. Thank You for being faithful to aid me with Your strength all week long. Amen.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Our Goal
"So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." (2Co 5:9)
I awakened this morning with this thought in mind: "We make it our aim to please Him." I had to look it up. A biblegateway.com keyword search found the verse. Paul is talking about being away from the body or in the body. To be away from the body is to be with the Lord. To be in the body requires faith to gain confidence that, no matter what, the Lord is with us. He has given us the Holy Spirit as a foretaste of, or to use Paul's words a guaranteeing "deposit" on, our heavenly home.
Because Paul knows he will spend eternity with the Lord, he lives his life according to what pleases the Lord. He urges the church to live consistently with the kind of things we will experience in heaven. Sin will be no more in heaven, therefore we do not sin. When we fail we seek reconciliation with God and continue on trying to live a life pleasing to our Father in heaven.
Paul wants the church to recognize that when Christ Jesus died on the cross, we all died with Him. And when Christ rose from the grave, we all were raised into new life as new creations with Him. We are to understand that we died to our old bodies controlled and harassed by selfishness and sinful urges and raised into a new body free from the power of sin by the greater power of divine grace. With grace at work in us we can resist sin at every turn. Christ have made us free. We are not helpless. His victorious power displayed in His perfect sinless life and upon the cross is a power that now resides in the heart of everyone who has faith in Jesus.
So why then do so many believers fail to lead lives pleasing to God? Why is the divorce rate inside the church as bad as it is outside the church? Why do pastor's commit adultery and run off with another cheating their spouses? Why is pornography consumed by both men and women in the church at alarming rates? Why are there scandals and ugly politics ruining the reputation of God's children?
The answer is simple. We are looking at what is seen as a means for self pleasure and not at what is unseen as a means to gain the enduring life God offers through faith. We are living like Jesus' death and resurrection is of no value other than a consolation that we will get into heaven when we die for simply believing God forgives.
Paul writes at the end of 2 Corithians 4, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2Co 4:17-18) There is real life is inside of each one of us. If only we would go there for fulfillment, we would learn that walking by faith in the unseen Lord who lives in us is true to who we are and who we are becoming. This is eternal life: to deepen our knowledge and experience of Christ within us through the Spirit.
Saying it and living it are two very different things. All week I've struggled with the old self, the former person I used to be, a slave to my body's cravings. I am not perfected. Yet Paul's words compel me to believe in Christ's all surpassing power within me to become who He raised me up to be. I am dead to the old self and alive to Christ. I live not as a slave to my former self, but I live for Christ who died for me. This ideal keeps me in the game. This thought changes me. I am not alone in this struggle. Christ, the victorious One is in me. He will give me the victory at every turn when I yield to Him.
So I make it my goal in life to please Him and not myself. In gratitude I long to please God my savior.
Foods that I long for must wait. I long to please Jesus more than I long for certain foods. Deep down that is my heart's truest desire. I often fail to live according to this desire to please God because I focus on what is immediately seen or experienced.
There is real wisdom to this discipline of self-denial. It forces our bodies to yield to the Christ made new creature within us. We begin to see and experience in a very real way the war going on inside between the old fallen creation and the new creation. I am being made new every single day. What a thought! While my aging body reminds me of deteriorating health and abilities, the Spirit within me reminds me that I am the new creation, a new man in Jesus Christ. As I live to please Him, I am growing into my new life that lasts forever. I am growing out of the old mortality because it is begin swallowed up by Life! (2Co 5:4)
Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for me and rising for me. Thank You for making me a new creation! Help me, empowered by Your grace through the Holy Spirit, to live a life pleasing to You. Help me to forever keep this goal in mind that my heart and my mind and my body might be set free to pursue Your holiness unfettered. In Your Name, Lord. Amen
I awakened this morning with this thought in mind: "We make it our aim to please Him." I had to look it up. A biblegateway.com keyword search found the verse. Paul is talking about being away from the body or in the body. To be away from the body is to be with the Lord. To be in the body requires faith to gain confidence that, no matter what, the Lord is with us. He has given us the Holy Spirit as a foretaste of, or to use Paul's words a guaranteeing "deposit" on, our heavenly home.
Because Paul knows he will spend eternity with the Lord, he lives his life according to what pleases the Lord. He urges the church to live consistently with the kind of things we will experience in heaven. Sin will be no more in heaven, therefore we do not sin. When we fail we seek reconciliation with God and continue on trying to live a life pleasing to our Father in heaven.
Paul wants the church to recognize that when Christ Jesus died on the cross, we all died with Him. And when Christ rose from the grave, we all were raised into new life as new creations with Him. We are to understand that we died to our old bodies controlled and harassed by selfishness and sinful urges and raised into a new body free from the power of sin by the greater power of divine grace. With grace at work in us we can resist sin at every turn. Christ have made us free. We are not helpless. His victorious power displayed in His perfect sinless life and upon the cross is a power that now resides in the heart of everyone who has faith in Jesus.
So why then do so many believers fail to lead lives pleasing to God? Why is the divorce rate inside the church as bad as it is outside the church? Why do pastor's commit adultery and run off with another cheating their spouses? Why is pornography consumed by both men and women in the church at alarming rates? Why are there scandals and ugly politics ruining the reputation of God's children?
The answer is simple. We are looking at what is seen as a means for self pleasure and not at what is unseen as a means to gain the enduring life God offers through faith. We are living like Jesus' death and resurrection is of no value other than a consolation that we will get into heaven when we die for simply believing God forgives.
Paul writes at the end of 2 Corithians 4, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2Co 4:17-18) There is real life is inside of each one of us. If only we would go there for fulfillment, we would learn that walking by faith in the unseen Lord who lives in us is true to who we are and who we are becoming. This is eternal life: to deepen our knowledge and experience of Christ within us through the Spirit.
Saying it and living it are two very different things. All week I've struggled with the old self, the former person I used to be, a slave to my body's cravings. I am not perfected. Yet Paul's words compel me to believe in Christ's all surpassing power within me to become who He raised me up to be. I am dead to the old self and alive to Christ. I live not as a slave to my former self, but I live for Christ who died for me. This ideal keeps me in the game. This thought changes me. I am not alone in this struggle. Christ, the victorious One is in me. He will give me the victory at every turn when I yield to Him.
So I make it my goal in life to please Him and not myself. In gratitude I long to please God my savior.
Foods that I long for must wait. I long to please Jesus more than I long for certain foods. Deep down that is my heart's truest desire. I often fail to live according to this desire to please God because I focus on what is immediately seen or experienced.
There is real wisdom to this discipline of self-denial. It forces our bodies to yield to the Christ made new creature within us. We begin to see and experience in a very real way the war going on inside between the old fallen creation and the new creation. I am being made new every single day. What a thought! While my aging body reminds me of deteriorating health and abilities, the Spirit within me reminds me that I am the new creation, a new man in Jesus Christ. As I live to please Him, I am growing into my new life that lasts forever. I am growing out of the old mortality because it is begin swallowed up by Life! (2Co 5:4)
Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for me and rising for me. Thank You for making me a new creation! Help me, empowered by Your grace through the Holy Spirit, to live a life pleasing to You. Help me to forever keep this goal in mind that my heart and my mind and my body might be set free to pursue Your holiness unfettered. In Your Name, Lord. Amen
Friday, March 30, 2012
Barrabas
“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.
“Barabbas,” they answered.
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
They all answered, “Crucify him!” (Mat 27:21-22)
Yesterday I was part of our after school program's chapel service. The kids were lead through a short version of the stations of the cross. Our first station was Jesus before the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. The governor didn't want to execute Jesus because he found nothing in the accusations against Him deserving death. The politics of the situation, however, led him to sentence Jesus to death by crucifixion. He even tried to let Jesus go by an old custom to show clemency to a prisoner during the Jewish holy season of Passover. He offered to release Jesus, a man who claimed himself King of the Jews, or Barabbas, a thief or murderer or possibly a zealot who killed Romans. The crowd called out for the release of Barabbas.
The thought occurred to me that Barabbas represents something for us all. He is brute force. He is self will. He represents our desire to do what we will. Barabbas wanted liberty for Israel from the hand of oppressive Rome and he was willing to use any means necessary to fight them.
Jesus represents the path of obedience to God. Jesus did not want to die. He asked God to let the cup pass from him the night before. Then He prayed, "not my will, but Thy will be done." (Mat 26:39) The way of Barabbas is the sword and fist. The way of Jesus is the cross; to suffering for the gospel and dying at the hands of evil men silent and humble like a lamb led to slaughter.
Adam and Eve had a choice between obedience to God or following their own inclinations. They chose to follow their inclination to eat of the forbidden fruit at the seductions of the serpent. They lost paradise.
All of us make these kind of choices all the time. Will I do it God's way or my own way? Often we don't even ask the question. We don't pray and wait for God to direct our steps. We just act on impulse and inclinations. God save us!
The choice of the crowd reminded me of my inclinations of late during this fast. I want to eat what I want to eat. I'm bored with this fast. My inclination is to cancel my vow to God to fast all through Lent. I even had a dream last night that I ate fried chicken on Good Friday! The very day my Lord died for me and in my subconscious I am abandoning Him for fatty foods. God would have me honor Him with this time of staying close to Him through self-denial. He offers me life through the way of the cross. Those who deny themselves find their life. Those who try and grab what they think they want out of life end up losing. (Mat 10:39)
Lord, forgive my selfish inclinations. The heart is full of sinful thoughts and disobedient desires. Thank You for acting to save me from this sinful heart. I hold out my heart to You. Wash me clean with Your blood and fill me with Your grace that I might have the strength to persevere unto life eternal. Amen
“Barabbas,” they answered.
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
They all answered, “Crucify him!” (Mat 27:21-22)
Yesterday I was part of our after school program's chapel service. The kids were lead through a short version of the stations of the cross. Our first station was Jesus before the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. The governor didn't want to execute Jesus because he found nothing in the accusations against Him deserving death. The politics of the situation, however, led him to sentence Jesus to death by crucifixion. He even tried to let Jesus go by an old custom to show clemency to a prisoner during the Jewish holy season of Passover. He offered to release Jesus, a man who claimed himself King of the Jews, or Barabbas, a thief or murderer or possibly a zealot who killed Romans. The crowd called out for the release of Barabbas.
The thought occurred to me that Barabbas represents something for us all. He is brute force. He is self will. He represents our desire to do what we will. Barabbas wanted liberty for Israel from the hand of oppressive Rome and he was willing to use any means necessary to fight them.
Jesus represents the path of obedience to God. Jesus did not want to die. He asked God to let the cup pass from him the night before. Then He prayed, "not my will, but Thy will be done." (Mat 26:39) The way of Barabbas is the sword and fist. The way of Jesus is the cross; to suffering for the gospel and dying at the hands of evil men silent and humble like a lamb led to slaughter.
Adam and Eve had a choice between obedience to God or following their own inclinations. They chose to follow their inclination to eat of the forbidden fruit at the seductions of the serpent. They lost paradise.
All of us make these kind of choices all the time. Will I do it God's way or my own way? Often we don't even ask the question. We don't pray and wait for God to direct our steps. We just act on impulse and inclinations. God save us!
The choice of the crowd reminded me of my inclinations of late during this fast. I want to eat what I want to eat. I'm bored with this fast. My inclination is to cancel my vow to God to fast all through Lent. I even had a dream last night that I ate fried chicken on Good Friday! The very day my Lord died for me and in my subconscious I am abandoning Him for fatty foods. God would have me honor Him with this time of staying close to Him through self-denial. He offers me life through the way of the cross. Those who deny themselves find their life. Those who try and grab what they think they want out of life end up losing. (Mat 10:39)
Lord, forgive my selfish inclinations. The heart is full of sinful thoughts and disobedient desires. Thank You for acting to save me from this sinful heart. I hold out my heart to You. Wash me clean with Your blood and fill me with Your grace that I might have the strength to persevere unto life eternal. Amen
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Dull
"The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin. The people went around gathering it, and then ground it in a hand mill or crushed it in a mortar. They cooked it in a pot or made it into loaves. And it tasted like something made with olive oil. (Nm 11:4-8)
I'm in a funk. Everything seems dull and empty to me. That's an overstatement, but I am somewhere in that vicinity. I am not feeling depressed or sad. I just feel...dull. And I am looking for something to spice up my mood. Food is often a choice to alter my mood. A great big fat fried tenderloin sandwich from the Friendly Tavern sounds great right now. But I just ate fruit. My stomach is full.
In general I sense that I have "bottomed out" on this Daniel Fast. I am not as enthused as I once was. I appreciate learning to eat differently. I have enjoyed the fresh foods and the renewed energy. No, my need is deeper. I don't need food. I need God. But in my prayers, God is silent. I know He is there and listening. Somehow that doesn't help this feeling of dullness to lift. I am in a familiar place where I want to run to old habits for solace. I am fully aware that diversion is not the answer. Waiting on God patiently is the answer.
I have to laugh at myself. I have stopped blogging because I don't feel like I have anything to offer. I am not inspired, not impassioned, not feeling anything. "Do the right thing, Scott, and your feelings will follow!" So here I am writing again. All I have to say is, "I'm with the rabble."
The rabble was the group of complainers and grumblers who made life miserable for Moses and tended to affect negatively all of the children of Israel as they made their way through the wilderness. They grumbled for water, for food, for Egypt where their life in slavery was at least something they knew and understood. This wandering around the desert for 40 years was just not a good time. It was scary. It was uncertain. It required trust in God to lead and provide. It was a daily test. At least in slavery they knew they what to expect. Following the cloud of the Lord with Moses was an adventure with many dangers and unexpected challenges. The barren wilderness made them want to surrender their freedom and return to slavery.
I am amazed at myself. I am with the rabble. I want to return to slavery to salted fatty foods. I want food fixes to my spiritual cravings. I am resisting the call to wait on the Lord. I'd rather not. I want out of this place and I'm feeling fidgety enough to go back.
The rest of the story in Numbers 11 is that God gives the rabble exactly what they are pining for...meat. Moses told them God would give them meat everyday for a month. They would eat meat until it comes running out their nostrils and they loathe the sight of it! (Nm 11:18-20) As they ate, a plague stuck them and many died.
Sarah Stout, our nutrionist, reminds us each week of the health threats in all the processed foods we tend to eat. We are obese, diabetic, heart unhealthy and cancerous. Our aggressiveness may also be tied to diet. Americans are slowly eating themselves to death.
If there's one thing I've gained from the Daniel Fast it's open eyes. I see the health risks and yet, like the rabble, I want to return to those foods that enslaved me and harmed me. I am an alcoholic in recovery. I know all too well the power of substances as a means for comfort and security. While I haven't had a drink in 14 years, I know I'm in a place where I could fall.
Thank the Lord of His word that reminds me who I am and where I am heading. I am heading to promise and fulfillment in Christ. Should I turn back I would perhaps die wandering around looking for something elusive that I never find. But thanks be to God, I know Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. (Jn 14:6) Those who wait on the Lord renew their strength. (Isa 40:31)
Lord, It is Your grace I need every hour. Keep me close and don't let me fail You and those I love. I am fully confident this dullness will pass and Your hand will keep me safe from my old habits. Thank You for loving me through this wilderness. Even though I may grumble, I know You are seeing more in me than I can see in myself. The wilderness is a place to learn lessons and pursue Your perfection through trusting You every step of the way. I have not suffered to the point of shedding blood. (Heb 12:4) Jesus, keep my eyes set upon You. Amen.
Sing with me:
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/n/ineedteh.htm
I'm in a funk. Everything seems dull and empty to me. That's an overstatement, but I am somewhere in that vicinity. I am not feeling depressed or sad. I just feel...dull. And I am looking for something to spice up my mood. Food is often a choice to alter my mood. A great big fat fried tenderloin sandwich from the Friendly Tavern sounds great right now. But I just ate fruit. My stomach is full.
In general I sense that I have "bottomed out" on this Daniel Fast. I am not as enthused as I once was. I appreciate learning to eat differently. I have enjoyed the fresh foods and the renewed energy. No, my need is deeper. I don't need food. I need God. But in my prayers, God is silent. I know He is there and listening. Somehow that doesn't help this feeling of dullness to lift. I am in a familiar place where I want to run to old habits for solace. I am fully aware that diversion is not the answer. Waiting on God patiently is the answer.
I have to laugh at myself. I have stopped blogging because I don't feel like I have anything to offer. I am not inspired, not impassioned, not feeling anything. "Do the right thing, Scott, and your feelings will follow!" So here I am writing again. All I have to say is, "I'm with the rabble."
The rabble was the group of complainers and grumblers who made life miserable for Moses and tended to affect negatively all of the children of Israel as they made their way through the wilderness. They grumbled for water, for food, for Egypt where their life in slavery was at least something they knew and understood. This wandering around the desert for 40 years was just not a good time. It was scary. It was uncertain. It required trust in God to lead and provide. It was a daily test. At least in slavery they knew they what to expect. Following the cloud of the Lord with Moses was an adventure with many dangers and unexpected challenges. The barren wilderness made them want to surrender their freedom and return to slavery.
I am amazed at myself. I am with the rabble. I want to return to slavery to salted fatty foods. I want food fixes to my spiritual cravings. I am resisting the call to wait on the Lord. I'd rather not. I want out of this place and I'm feeling fidgety enough to go back.
The rest of the story in Numbers 11 is that God gives the rabble exactly what they are pining for...meat. Moses told them God would give them meat everyday for a month. They would eat meat until it comes running out their nostrils and they loathe the sight of it! (Nm 11:18-20) As they ate, a plague stuck them and many died.
Sarah Stout, our nutrionist, reminds us each week of the health threats in all the processed foods we tend to eat. We are obese, diabetic, heart unhealthy and cancerous. Our aggressiveness may also be tied to diet. Americans are slowly eating themselves to death.
If there's one thing I've gained from the Daniel Fast it's open eyes. I see the health risks and yet, like the rabble, I want to return to those foods that enslaved me and harmed me. I am an alcoholic in recovery. I know all too well the power of substances as a means for comfort and security. While I haven't had a drink in 14 years, I know I'm in a place where I could fall.
Thank the Lord of His word that reminds me who I am and where I am heading. I am heading to promise and fulfillment in Christ. Should I turn back I would perhaps die wandering around looking for something elusive that I never find. But thanks be to God, I know Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. (Jn 14:6) Those who wait on the Lord renew their strength. (Isa 40:31)
Lord, It is Your grace I need every hour. Keep me close and don't let me fail You and those I love. I am fully confident this dullness will pass and Your hand will keep me safe from my old habits. Thank You for loving me through this wilderness. Even though I may grumble, I know You are seeing more in me than I can see in myself. The wilderness is a place to learn lessons and pursue Your perfection through trusting You every step of the way. I have not suffered to the point of shedding blood. (Heb 12:4) Jesus, keep my eyes set upon You. Amen.
Sing with me:
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/n/ineedteh.htm
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
Refrain:
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.
Refrain
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Pruning
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful." (Jn 15:1-2)
I cut back a big bush along side the driveway at my home. It was getting so big it was scratching the cars as we pulled into park. You had to let people out in the street before you pulled into the drive. Elsewise they had difficulty getting out if they sat on the passenger side of the car.
We trimmed the bush way back, like 30% of its former size. I hoped I hadn't killed it. I hoped it would grow back in full at its reduced size. As I watch, parts are growing while others still seem to lie dormant. The thought crossed my mind that God and that bush know what to do to survive and thrive.
As I continue this fast I sometimes feel unimpressed with my progress or my spiritual life. My mistake is to make this about me. I have lost some weight. I feel more energy. I believe I am thinking more clearly. But I sense I've bottomed out on any deeper benefit.
I continue to pray for others, but I have no breakthroughs to report other than one encouraging story which might lead to a breakthrough. In sales an agreement to go deeper into a relationship with a company offering services is a breakthrough of sorts and that happened this week. It's not money in the bank, but it's encouraging.
As I wait and watch the bush and it's slow progress, I realize that I am making progress and my prayers are as well. It's slow and tentative. I moves in some ares, but others lie dormant. I think the bush and I can trust our bodies to God. The Father who prunes us knows how to make us thrive.
Dear Father in heaven, thank You for pruning me, cutting back on fruitful areas to make me more fruitful. I wait on You with hopeful expectation to see what You have planned for us. Help me to be content in my waiting. Help me to enjoy waiting on You so My strength might be renewed. In Christ, Amen.
I cut back a big bush along side the driveway at my home. It was getting so big it was scratching the cars as we pulled into park. You had to let people out in the street before you pulled into the drive. Elsewise they had difficulty getting out if they sat on the passenger side of the car.
We trimmed the bush way back, like 30% of its former size. I hoped I hadn't killed it. I hoped it would grow back in full at its reduced size. As I watch, parts are growing while others still seem to lie dormant. The thought crossed my mind that God and that bush know what to do to survive and thrive.
As I continue this fast I sometimes feel unimpressed with my progress or my spiritual life. My mistake is to make this about me. I have lost some weight. I feel more energy. I believe I am thinking more clearly. But I sense I've bottomed out on any deeper benefit.
I continue to pray for others, but I have no breakthroughs to report other than one encouraging story which might lead to a breakthrough. In sales an agreement to go deeper into a relationship with a company offering services is a breakthrough of sorts and that happened this week. It's not money in the bank, but it's encouraging.
As I wait and watch the bush and it's slow progress, I realize that I am making progress and my prayers are as well. It's slow and tentative. I moves in some ares, but others lie dormant. I think the bush and I can trust our bodies to God. The Father who prunes us knows how to make us thrive.
Dear Father in heaven, thank You for pruning me, cutting back on fruitful areas to make me more fruitful. I wait on You with hopeful expectation to see what You have planned for us. Help me to be content in my waiting. Help me to enjoy waiting on You so My strength might be renewed. In Christ, Amen.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Patience
"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." (Rom 8:24-25)
Maybe it's the tan from being out in the sun that brings a contrast between skin tone and hair, but my beard is really starting to look good to me. I began growing a full facial beard since the beginning of November. It was all part of supporting our director of youth ministries, Jon Ellegood, in his "No shave November" fun thingy. He didn't need to wait over four months for his beard to come in full. Granted with black hair the beard looks full much faster. Within three weeks his beard looked full. My blonde beard takes a very long time to come in full.
This is the first time I haven't given up on it. My chin beard grows fast and full, but the hair on the cheeks grows in patches. There are lots of bare spots. It s very discouraging and makes me feel somehow lesser. Several times during these four months or so I have considered giving up and shaving. But since I joked about keeping it through April I have hung on to it. I did No Shave November, Dirt-Faced December, Just Go With It January, Fuzzy February, Manly March and... wait for it... Amish April!
I am glad I kept with it. I am starting to like the way it looks. I may keep it longer since it took so long, but probably not. This week I've been struggling with the fast. I feel myself wanting to eat meats and ice cream and drink coffee. I have great natural substitutes, but I really miss feeding my cravings. I begin to say, "What will it hurt?" I haven't quit, but I've wanted to.
My beard finally coming into its own reminded me of what Paul says of hope. Who waits for what he already has? If we hold onto hope in yet gaining our God's promises, we wait for it patiently. Paul is speaking about the greatest promise: resurrection and the new creation. That is way better than a beard! And God offers a foretaste of this bright future through the gift of His presence in the Holy Spirit.
The desire for this future is great and yet I am tempted to partake of short term satisfactions in earthly delights. There's nothing wrong with enjoying this earth and it's goodness. God models that is enjoying His work of creation by seeing it was "very good." He rested and enjoyed the day of Sabbath. We are also to enjoy the work of our hands and celebrate life along with the Lifegiver. My spiritual efforts are lacking and my cravings are pointing to that fact.
But patience with myself and a willingness to wait out this time of self denial will bring a fulfillment of sorts for things hoped for. I hope for a closer walk with God. I hope for health and balance. I hope for God to act to bring breakthroughs into the lives of people around me. And I hope for God's will to be done in the life of His church that we might shine for Him and build His kingdom by adding new hearts.
Lord, teach me patience and humility to wait on You. I need Your grace to support my desire to keep this holy fast. With You all is possible. Amen
Maybe it's the tan from being out in the sun that brings a contrast between skin tone and hair, but my beard is really starting to look good to me. I began growing a full facial beard since the beginning of November. It was all part of supporting our director of youth ministries, Jon Ellegood, in his "No shave November" fun thingy. He didn't need to wait over four months for his beard to come in full. Granted with black hair the beard looks full much faster. Within three weeks his beard looked full. My blonde beard takes a very long time to come in full.
This is the first time I haven't given up on it. My chin beard grows fast and full, but the hair on the cheeks grows in patches. There are lots of bare spots. It s very discouraging and makes me feel somehow lesser. Several times during these four months or so I have considered giving up and shaving. But since I joked about keeping it through April I have hung on to it. I did No Shave November, Dirt-Faced December, Just Go With It January, Fuzzy February, Manly March and... wait for it... Amish April!
I am glad I kept with it. I am starting to like the way it looks. I may keep it longer since it took so long, but probably not. This week I've been struggling with the fast. I feel myself wanting to eat meats and ice cream and drink coffee. I have great natural substitutes, but I really miss feeding my cravings. I begin to say, "What will it hurt?" I haven't quit, but I've wanted to.
My beard finally coming into its own reminded me of what Paul says of hope. Who waits for what he already has? If we hold onto hope in yet gaining our God's promises, we wait for it patiently. Paul is speaking about the greatest promise: resurrection and the new creation. That is way better than a beard! And God offers a foretaste of this bright future through the gift of His presence in the Holy Spirit.
The desire for this future is great and yet I am tempted to partake of short term satisfactions in earthly delights. There's nothing wrong with enjoying this earth and it's goodness. God models that is enjoying His work of creation by seeing it was "very good." He rested and enjoyed the day of Sabbath. We are also to enjoy the work of our hands and celebrate life along with the Lifegiver. My spiritual efforts are lacking and my cravings are pointing to that fact.
But patience with myself and a willingness to wait out this time of self denial will bring a fulfillment of sorts for things hoped for. I hope for a closer walk with God. I hope for health and balance. I hope for God to act to bring breakthroughs into the lives of people around me. And I hope for God's will to be done in the life of His church that we might shine for Him and build His kingdom by adding new hearts.
Lord, teach me patience and humility to wait on You. I need Your grace to support my desire to keep this holy fast. With You all is possible. Amen
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Suit Up!
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Eph 6:10-11)
I haven't been focused on weight loss during this fast. I have tried to keep my head in spiritual matters and let the flesh be flesh. It is my spirit that hungers and thirsts for righteousness. I have had a number of persons mention that I've lost weight. I cannot deny that I feel lighter. So I finally stepped on the scales to see. I have dropped 15 pounds. I put on a pair of slacks that I had become too bulging around the middle to wear. They fit a little snug, but they fit. That feels good.
However last night I was watching a little TV and ate several rice snaps dipped in red pepper humus. It was the munching ritual I wrote about a few days ago. I gained a pound back.
Munching while watching TV is a family tradition going back three generations when the first TV was made available to the public. I was four years old when I accompanied my father to go and buy our first TV set in Oakland City, Indiana. I remember the pride and joy he and mom seemed to feel and we brought it home and hooked it up to the rabbit ear antennae. The munching ritual soon followed. We weren't the kind to eat dinner in front of the TV, but popcorn was eaten by the gallon!
I write about this because I am feeling stupid for the undisciplined munching that I did last night. Oh sure I can say to myself "It's all natural." And it is, but my body didn't need it. And now the devil is guilting me out over it.
The devil's schemes are fairly simple. Anything he can do to take our focus off of Jesus and move us down the easy path to destruction he will use. Why not use natural goods that are good for me in tasty delights that satisfy the salt and munching habit? And in addition, why not use the focus on weight loss to discourage me when one pound is gained? I will lose it today most likely. I know in my sane mind that we can fluctuate in weight 3-5 pounds in a given week. But in my head, the devil's playground, I feel like I have lost.
Balderdash!
Stand firm in the the might power of God! That's the encouragement of the apostle! It was the verse of the day on www.biblegateway.com. I have a tendency to be too quick to judge myself harshly. I try to protect myself from this kind of thinking by playing it loose as if I don't care. But I do care and I do suffer from poor self esteem when it's bad enough. You could say the devil is beating me down, although I am helping him when I drop my eyes away from Jesus and His glorious presence and power.
So this morning join me in suiting up in the power of God. Be strong! Be courageous! Stand firm against such attacks on our hearts and minds. Enjoy the discipline! And share in God's holiness through this continued fast and season of Lent.
Lord, my spirit is willing most days. My flesh is weak every day. I need You every day, every breath. Help me to live a disciplined life that is fruitful for You and the kingdom of heaven. In Jesus' name. Amen.
I haven't been focused on weight loss during this fast. I have tried to keep my head in spiritual matters and let the flesh be flesh. It is my spirit that hungers and thirsts for righteousness. I have had a number of persons mention that I've lost weight. I cannot deny that I feel lighter. So I finally stepped on the scales to see. I have dropped 15 pounds. I put on a pair of slacks that I had become too bulging around the middle to wear. They fit a little snug, but they fit. That feels good.
However last night I was watching a little TV and ate several rice snaps dipped in red pepper humus. It was the munching ritual I wrote about a few days ago. I gained a pound back.
Munching while watching TV is a family tradition going back three generations when the first TV was made available to the public. I was four years old when I accompanied my father to go and buy our first TV set in Oakland City, Indiana. I remember the pride and joy he and mom seemed to feel and we brought it home and hooked it up to the rabbit ear antennae. The munching ritual soon followed. We weren't the kind to eat dinner in front of the TV, but popcorn was eaten by the gallon!
I write about this because I am feeling stupid for the undisciplined munching that I did last night. Oh sure I can say to myself "It's all natural." And it is, but my body didn't need it. And now the devil is guilting me out over it.
The devil's schemes are fairly simple. Anything he can do to take our focus off of Jesus and move us down the easy path to destruction he will use. Why not use natural goods that are good for me in tasty delights that satisfy the salt and munching habit? And in addition, why not use the focus on weight loss to discourage me when one pound is gained? I will lose it today most likely. I know in my sane mind that we can fluctuate in weight 3-5 pounds in a given week. But in my head, the devil's playground, I feel like I have lost.
Balderdash!
Stand firm in the the might power of God! That's the encouragement of the apostle! It was the verse of the day on www.biblegateway.com. I have a tendency to be too quick to judge myself harshly. I try to protect myself from this kind of thinking by playing it loose as if I don't care. But I do care and I do suffer from poor self esteem when it's bad enough. You could say the devil is beating me down, although I am helping him when I drop my eyes away from Jesus and His glorious presence and power.
So this morning join me in suiting up in the power of God. Be strong! Be courageous! Stand firm against such attacks on our hearts and minds. Enjoy the discipline! And share in God's holiness through this continued fast and season of Lent.
Lord, my spirit is willing most days. My flesh is weak every day. I need You every day, every breath. Help me to live a disciplined life that is fruitful for You and the kingdom of heaven. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Temptations
"After Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights, he was starving. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “Since you are God’s Son, command these stones to become bread." (Mt 4:2-3)
I have mentioned this passage early in the fast. I then focused on Jesus' resistance of the devil's temptation by quoting the law of Moses. "We do no live on bread alone, but on every word out of the mouth of God." Today however I am coming at this story from the perspective of the tempter. I'd like to turn this soup into a steak. I'd like to turn this broccoli into a fried tenderloin sandwich.
The Harry Potter films popularize magic. With the wave of a wand or the chanting of a spell or the right potion one can move objects, change their shapes and and even cause another to become lovesick or worse. It's a good thing God has not entrusted me with His powers of the powers of fantasy magic. I would be selfishly enjoying making the world just the way I want it.
Ever see Bruce Almighty with Jim Carrey? He had God's power and made a royal mess of the world. Why? Because He is only a mortal and doesn't have God's perspective nor His ageless wisdom. He did exactly what I would do, serve myself. After I get me mine, then maybe I'll think of serving others.
Thank the Lord for salvation, for His example and His compassion given to us who trust in Him. Through Christ m selfish inclinations are redeemed. I become aware of the world and its need for love, hope, faith and salvation. I join God in His saving work through the church. I share good news. I encourage. I pray for the downhearted and broken. I attend to the needs of those whom God leads me to serve.
I am not bragging on me, but rather Christ within me! It is He who has done anything good. Apart from Him I can do nothing. With Him I can do all things....except turn this soup into steak or this broccoli into a fried tenderloin sandwich. I can do all things within God's holy will with Christ strengthening me and within my creaturely limits. I can't fly or breath under water except through technology, but God can make my heart less interested in savory meats and more interested in what He offers, freedom and life eternal.
Last night at our gathering of those keeping the Daniel Fast, one of our group pointed out that temptation comes when we are doing something good for God. When we are on the right track and doing fruitful work for the Lord, that's when the devil comes knocking. That's a neat thought. I'm on the right track. May I not be an easy pushover, but resolved in the way of holiness, purity and life.
Lord, You resisted the devil with scripture. Help me to enjoy freedom from my cravings an selfish tendencies. Place Your word in my heart and my mouth that I make resist the temptations to serve myself and not Your holy plan for my fast and my life. Amen! Lord Jesus, Amen!
I have mentioned this passage early in the fast. I then focused on Jesus' resistance of the devil's temptation by quoting the law of Moses. "We do no live on bread alone, but on every word out of the mouth of God." Today however I am coming at this story from the perspective of the tempter. I'd like to turn this soup into a steak. I'd like to turn this broccoli into a fried tenderloin sandwich.
The Harry Potter films popularize magic. With the wave of a wand or the chanting of a spell or the right potion one can move objects, change their shapes and and even cause another to become lovesick or worse. It's a good thing God has not entrusted me with His powers of the powers of fantasy magic. I would be selfishly enjoying making the world just the way I want it.
Ever see Bruce Almighty with Jim Carrey? He had God's power and made a royal mess of the world. Why? Because He is only a mortal and doesn't have God's perspective nor His ageless wisdom. He did exactly what I would do, serve myself. After I get me mine, then maybe I'll think of serving others.
Thank the Lord for salvation, for His example and His compassion given to us who trust in Him. Through Christ m selfish inclinations are redeemed. I become aware of the world and its need for love, hope, faith and salvation. I join God in His saving work through the church. I share good news. I encourage. I pray for the downhearted and broken. I attend to the needs of those whom God leads me to serve.
I am not bragging on me, but rather Christ within me! It is He who has done anything good. Apart from Him I can do nothing. With Him I can do all things....except turn this soup into steak or this broccoli into a fried tenderloin sandwich. I can do all things within God's holy will with Christ strengthening me and within my creaturely limits. I can't fly or breath under water except through technology, but God can make my heart less interested in savory meats and more interested in what He offers, freedom and life eternal.
Last night at our gathering of those keeping the Daniel Fast, one of our group pointed out that temptation comes when we are doing something good for God. When we are on the right track and doing fruitful work for the Lord, that's when the devil comes knocking. That's a neat thought. I'm on the right track. May I not be an easy pushover, but resolved in the way of holiness, purity and life.
Lord, You resisted the devil with scripture. Help me to enjoy freedom from my cravings an selfish tendencies. Place Your word in my heart and my mouth that I make resist the temptations to serve myself and not Your holy plan for my fast and my life. Amen! Lord Jesus, Amen!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Viewpoint
Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the LORD showed him the whole land—from Gilead to Dan, 2 all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3 the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. 4 Then the LORD said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.” (Dt 34:1-4)
This passage intrigues me today. I looked it up because I realized today just how close we are to reaching our goal the embrace of God through the completion of this fast. Easter is 19 days away! I feel like Moses on Nebo peering across the Dead Sea and The Jordan River Valley and seeing the Promised Land for the first time. By the description God would have to had given him supernatural sight or else the mountain was higher and the air clearer than it is now!
Moses looked from that viewpoint and saw the future of God's people. He also looked back and saw that God had promised to Abraham all those centuries ago an inheritance, with land, a multitude of descendants and blessings on the flock and the fields.
I too look ahead and see that Easter and the end of this special time is drawing near. New Life and resurrection are the next season. How will we live differently into the season of Easter? Will we maintain the holy habits we've practiced? Will we slip back into unhealthy habits? Will live like nothing happened? Will we seek new territory in God's promises?
And I look back. God has been faithful all the way through this fast. Even when I failed, He kept me. It doesn't seem like Ash Wednesday was that long ago, but it was near 30 days ago. God has acted powerfully in the lives around me and in my own heart.
If I like Moses died today from this view, I think I would die in peace.
Lord, I thank You for Your promises, Your faithfulness and Your willingness to provide. Amen
This passage intrigues me today. I looked it up because I realized today just how close we are to reaching our goal the embrace of God through the completion of this fast. Easter is 19 days away! I feel like Moses on Nebo peering across the Dead Sea and The Jordan River Valley and seeing the Promised Land for the first time. By the description God would have to had given him supernatural sight or else the mountain was higher and the air clearer than it is now!
Moses looked from that viewpoint and saw the future of God's people. He also looked back and saw that God had promised to Abraham all those centuries ago an inheritance, with land, a multitude of descendants and blessings on the flock and the fields.
I too look ahead and see that Easter and the end of this special time is drawing near. New Life and resurrection are the next season. How will we live differently into the season of Easter? Will we maintain the holy habits we've practiced? Will we slip back into unhealthy habits? Will live like nothing happened? Will we seek new territory in God's promises?
And I look back. God has been faithful all the way through this fast. Even when I failed, He kept me. It doesn't seem like Ash Wednesday was that long ago, but it was near 30 days ago. God has acted powerfully in the lives around me and in my own heart.
If I like Moses died today from this view, I think I would die in peace.
Lord, I thank You for Your promises, Your faithfulness and Your willingness to provide. Amen
Monday, March 19, 2012
Drugs and other Stuff
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.(Eph 5:15-18)
I was chatting with a friend over lunch today and we got on the subject of alcohol and drug addiction. We are working on a music project in the studio. Some say drug use makes artists more creative. My friend disagreed. He's heard mixes from engineers who were under the influence and they may only sound good to someone on drugs. They didn't cut it for him.
I used to be all about mood altering. I became an alcoholic after years of drinking. And I know I tend to use music and movies as mood altering or mood catering substances. I have a friend who has his movies categorized by mood, not genre, but the desired emotional state. If he wants to laugh he watches a comedy. If he is feeling melancholy there are films for that mood. His wife left him. But he's still got his movies.
There are all kinds of ways to cater to your mood. You can try to change your emotional state through activity or diversion. You can deepen your emotional experience by trying to stay in it. Listening to The Beach Boys works for me when I want to capture the "good vibrations" of a sunny day.
Food can be a mood altering or mood catering substance. Today, while watching my friend work over the sound board, I felt the need to munch. Mind you, I wasn't really all that hungry. I ended up eating several handfuls of mixed nuts and raisins. It was an emotional thing. I was idle and munching meant activity. It brought me comfort.
Being mindful of emotional needs is a good thing. Emotions point to needs for love, fairness, safety and purpose. But to feed the emotion with a substance short circuits any self discovery and leaves us stuck in unhealthy cycles. What was I really needing when I decided something to much was a good thing? I suppose it was because I was not doing anything in particular. It's a good thing it was natural food. You should see what I can do to a bag of Tostios corn chips.
Paul says to "be careful how you live." He was guarding the church against immorality, greed, obscenity and impurity. While eating mindlessly isn't any sin you will find in the bible, I think this passage is one of a few that apply to our fast. Eating these pure foods on the Daniel Fast should be a means of grace, not a substance to abuse.
Just as drunkenness leads to loose behavior, unbridled munching, even on pure foods, leads to a cycle of dependence on foods to comfort the emotional need of the moment. Much of my eating has been driven by not paying attention to what I truly need.
Lord, help me to slow down and listen to my body, Your temple, and discover how you want me to spend the moments of my day. When I am idle, let me learn to enjoy simply being with You. Let Your love be more than enough. In Jesus' name. Amen
I was chatting with a friend over lunch today and we got on the subject of alcohol and drug addiction. We are working on a music project in the studio. Some say drug use makes artists more creative. My friend disagreed. He's heard mixes from engineers who were under the influence and they may only sound good to someone on drugs. They didn't cut it for him.
I used to be all about mood altering. I became an alcoholic after years of drinking. And I know I tend to use music and movies as mood altering or mood catering substances. I have a friend who has his movies categorized by mood, not genre, but the desired emotional state. If he wants to laugh he watches a comedy. If he is feeling melancholy there are films for that mood. His wife left him. But he's still got his movies.
There are all kinds of ways to cater to your mood. You can try to change your emotional state through activity or diversion. You can deepen your emotional experience by trying to stay in it. Listening to The Beach Boys works for me when I want to capture the "good vibrations" of a sunny day.
Food can be a mood altering or mood catering substance. Today, while watching my friend work over the sound board, I felt the need to munch. Mind you, I wasn't really all that hungry. I ended up eating several handfuls of mixed nuts and raisins. It was an emotional thing. I was idle and munching meant activity. It brought me comfort.
Being mindful of emotional needs is a good thing. Emotions point to needs for love, fairness, safety and purpose. But to feed the emotion with a substance short circuits any self discovery and leaves us stuck in unhealthy cycles. What was I really needing when I decided something to much was a good thing? I suppose it was because I was not doing anything in particular. It's a good thing it was natural food. You should see what I can do to a bag of Tostios corn chips.
Paul says to "be careful how you live." He was guarding the church against immorality, greed, obscenity and impurity. While eating mindlessly isn't any sin you will find in the bible, I think this passage is one of a few that apply to our fast. Eating these pure foods on the Daniel Fast should be a means of grace, not a substance to abuse.
Just as drunkenness leads to loose behavior, unbridled munching, even on pure foods, leads to a cycle of dependence on foods to comfort the emotional need of the moment. Much of my eating has been driven by not paying attention to what I truly need.
Lord, help me to slow down and listen to my body, Your temple, and discover how you want me to spend the moments of my day. When I am idle, let me learn to enjoy simply being with You. Let Your love be more than enough. In Jesus' name. Amen
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Framed
"what are mere mortals that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?" (Psa 8:4)
Today my family and I went for a Sunday drive down to Brown County State Park. It was a gloriously beautiful afternoon with temperatures in the upper 70's and low 80's. This unusual warm snap in the middle of March has brought revival to the plants, trees, and sidewalks. Trees are in bloom. Bushes are flowering. People are outside enjoying God's green earth.
But in the park where concrete is at a minimum, the trees remain asleep. We sat at the West Vista Overlook and saw miles of brown. Only a few pines and evergreens brought color. It was still beautiful, though. Nature is beautiful and inspires poetry, song, life and love.
We've been eating natural, the way Adam and Eve did with fruits and nuts and plants. I don't know if they cooked or used olive oil, but we are enjoying all natural foods as we seek to walk intimately with God, as did the first couple. This fast has made me feel alive and aware. The toxins are leaving me. My mind is awakening. My body is gaining energy. I am lighter and livelier.
As I set there noticing the contrast between the blue sky above and brown landscape below, I was taken in by the picturesque clouds. My daughter Erika is in a creative writing group at church. I told her, "now would be a good time to read a poem." She asked "which one?" "Anything having to do with nature," I replied. She mentioned she had one she had written for our family's first dog, long since gone. That wasn't going to add to the moment. I told her to look at the clouds. They are perfect like the kind you see in paintings. And on the spot she composed this little, but powerful poem.
Blue Hills
by Erika Lynn Tyring
We, as creatures, cannot fathom God's creation
We feel we must compare it to things we know
We think these painted clouds belong on a canvas
But the world is God's canvas
And I am in His frame
The psalmist wrote of the majestic ways of our creator in Psalm 8. He wrote of the glory of the heavens with moon and stars. In the sight of such awe-inspiring beauty he wonders, "What are humans that God cares for us?" Why has God made us a little lower than angels and put us in charge of this planet, with its vast array of animal and plant life?
In another place the psalmist wonders at his own body. Humans are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psa 139:14) He is amazed at God's intimate knowledge of him. God sees all. God knows every word on his tongue even before he speaks. And yet... God cares. God cares. Even in the grave God is there.
A good, well chosen frame brings out the best in a work of art. The unframed painting is nice, but a frame makes it pop and draws out its content. God has His eyes on us. We are framed in Jesus Christ who brings out our best. Our Father God chooses to see us through Jesus and His love.
I walked the streets of Nashville and did a lot of praying as I saw ice cream shops and smelled fried chicken, steak and other treats. I wanted them. I considered just for today to break the fast and enjoy foods I have denied myself. The thought quickly left me as I prayed, "Lord, You are all I need."
I thanked God for the beauty of the earth and the joy of knowing His faithfulness. I interceded for a few friends and continued to enjoy the afternoon. I enjoyed the day, not simply for sunshine and vistas of natural beauty; but because, as Erika wrote, the unfathomable creator has us in His frame.
Dear Lord, How majestic are Your ways! Your hand on my life is too wonderful. Thank You. Keep me ever hungering for what You have to offer. Amen.
human beings that you care for them?" (Psa 8:4)
Today my family and I went for a Sunday drive down to Brown County State Park. It was a gloriously beautiful afternoon with temperatures in the upper 70's and low 80's. This unusual warm snap in the middle of March has brought revival to the plants, trees, and sidewalks. Trees are in bloom. Bushes are flowering. People are outside enjoying God's green earth.
But in the park where concrete is at a minimum, the trees remain asleep. We sat at the West Vista Overlook and saw miles of brown. Only a few pines and evergreens brought color. It was still beautiful, though. Nature is beautiful and inspires poetry, song, life and love.
We've been eating natural, the way Adam and Eve did with fruits and nuts and plants. I don't know if they cooked or used olive oil, but we are enjoying all natural foods as we seek to walk intimately with God, as did the first couple. This fast has made me feel alive and aware. The toxins are leaving me. My mind is awakening. My body is gaining energy. I am lighter and livelier.
As I set there noticing the contrast between the blue sky above and brown landscape below, I was taken in by the picturesque clouds. My daughter Erika is in a creative writing group at church. I told her, "now would be a good time to read a poem." She asked "which one?" "Anything having to do with nature," I replied. She mentioned she had one she had written for our family's first dog, long since gone. That wasn't going to add to the moment. I told her to look at the clouds. They are perfect like the kind you see in paintings. And on the spot she composed this little, but powerful poem.
by Erika Lynn Tyring
We, as creatures, cannot fathom God's creation
We feel we must compare it to things we know
We think these painted clouds belong on a canvas
But the world is God's canvas
And I am in His frame
The psalmist wrote of the majestic ways of our creator in Psalm 8. He wrote of the glory of the heavens with moon and stars. In the sight of such awe-inspiring beauty he wonders, "What are humans that God cares for us?" Why has God made us a little lower than angels and put us in charge of this planet, with its vast array of animal and plant life?
In another place the psalmist wonders at his own body. Humans are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psa 139:14) He is amazed at God's intimate knowledge of him. God sees all. God knows every word on his tongue even before he speaks. And yet... God cares. God cares. Even in the grave God is there.
A good, well chosen frame brings out the best in a work of art. The unframed painting is nice, but a frame makes it pop and draws out its content. God has His eyes on us. We are framed in Jesus Christ who brings out our best. Our Father God chooses to see us through Jesus and His love.
I walked the streets of Nashville and did a lot of praying as I saw ice cream shops and smelled fried chicken, steak and other treats. I wanted them. I considered just for today to break the fast and enjoy foods I have denied myself. The thought quickly left me as I prayed, "Lord, You are all I need."
I thanked God for the beauty of the earth and the joy of knowing His faithfulness. I interceded for a few friends and continued to enjoy the afternoon. I enjoyed the day, not simply for sunshine and vistas of natural beauty; but because, as Erika wrote, the unfathomable creator has us in His frame.
Dear Lord, How majestic are Your ways! Your hand on my life is too wonderful. Thank You. Keep me ever hungering for what You have to offer. Amen.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Oatmeal Again!?!
Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah. (Mat 1:17)
This morning I ate my oatmeal, but felt a little ungrateful. I wasn't satisfied. I still wanted something else. Perhaps an apple. Still hungry. I ate a handful of nuts. And I am still not satisfied. I slow down. I feel the food in my stomach. It feels full, so why am I not feeling satisfied? Something is incomplete.
I opened my bible and read the beginning of Matthew's account of the gospel. It begins with a genealogy of Jesus from Abraham the first to call on Yahweh, (The LORD) to Christ (The Anointed One). It's one of those boring unsatisfying lists. It's boring unless... you know the stories behind the names.
For instance five women are referred to in the genealogy. That is very uncharacteristic of Israel's lineage lists. Tamar was a daughter-in-law to Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Jacob prophesied on his death bed that the scepter would never leave Judah, meaning kings would come from his descendants. Tamar's husband, the son of Judah, died. So did his brother who took Tamar as his wife as was his lawful duty. Tamar was denied any sons. So she waited for one of Judah's sons to grow up and give her sons, but Judah never allowed this to happen, fearing that he would lose another child through a marriage to Tamar. So Tamar dressed up as a pagan shrine prostitute and tricked Judah into sleeping with her. This lead to the birth of twins of which the younger Perez becomes the ancestor of King David. His twin Zerah had burst his arm out through the womb first and a red string was tied around his wrist to mark the babe as firstborn, but then he pulled his hand back into the womb and out came Perez. (Gen 38)
Rahab, the prostitute of Jericho who hid the Israelite spies Joshua had sent, was spared during the siege on her city. She married an Israelite named Salmon and gave birth to Boaz. Boaz married Ruth the Moabitess who showed great love and loyalty to her Bethlehemite mother-in-law Naomi. Boaz and Ruth are the great grandparents of King David.
David committed adultery and murder in the case of the wife of Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba. She is not mentioned by name. And of course Mary, the mother of Jesus, was married to Joseph from the line of David. She was pregnant by some kind of spiritual hokey pokey. Joseph didn't buy it and was going to divorce his betrothed. Only when he was visited by an angel in a dream did he believe that she was innocent of adultery.
I can see all this scandalous stuff behind the names. Both men and women failing to meet God's holy requirements. And yet, God is at work in them and through them and their many generations. All through the lineage of good and bad kings God remains faithful to His work to redeem Israel and the world.
His work was complete in Christ, the messiah. Matthew notes 6 sets of 7 generations between Abraham and Jesus. I see the pattern of creation. In six days the Lord created the heavens and the earth, but on the 7th day God rested making the Sabbath a holy day. In some sense Matthew is noting through the ages a work of re-creation, of salvation. After 6 sets of 7 generations, God brings Messiah into the world. Messiah announces the year of the Lord's favor, an age of grace. It is akin to Sabbath. The work is complete and a holy time of joy and restful repose dawns.
Back to oatmeal...if I am not satisfied with a stomach full of wholesome food, my need is not physical. It's spiritual. Oftentimes in life we are not satisfied. Even when we have everything we need, we feel like something is missing. That something is the first thing. Truly it is the ultimate need for all humans. That need is God.
And this boring unsatisfying list of names points to the quiet and wonderful salvation work of our God. Underneath ordinary and imperfect lives, the Lord is piecing together His plan. I find that satisfying. When my eyes are too big for my stomach, when I am feeling unfulfilled, may I always be reminded that God is up to something wonderful underneath the names and the ordinary things. I find this hopeful, exciting and deeply satisfying.
Funny! I am not hungry anymore.
Lord, thank You for oatmeal and names and ordinary days and duties. Thank You for the wonderful works You do among us ordinary folks. Thank You for bringing Jesus and opening heaven to us all through this Sabbath generation, this age of grace. Amen.
This morning I ate my oatmeal, but felt a little ungrateful. I wasn't satisfied. I still wanted something else. Perhaps an apple. Still hungry. I ate a handful of nuts. And I am still not satisfied. I slow down. I feel the food in my stomach. It feels full, so why am I not feeling satisfied? Something is incomplete.
I opened my bible and read the beginning of Matthew's account of the gospel. It begins with a genealogy of Jesus from Abraham the first to call on Yahweh, (The LORD) to Christ (The Anointed One). It's one of those boring unsatisfying lists. It's boring unless... you know the stories behind the names.
For instance five women are referred to in the genealogy. That is very uncharacteristic of Israel's lineage lists. Tamar was a daughter-in-law to Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Jacob prophesied on his death bed that the scepter would never leave Judah, meaning kings would come from his descendants. Tamar's husband, the son of Judah, died. So did his brother who took Tamar as his wife as was his lawful duty. Tamar was denied any sons. So she waited for one of Judah's sons to grow up and give her sons, but Judah never allowed this to happen, fearing that he would lose another child through a marriage to Tamar. So Tamar dressed up as a pagan shrine prostitute and tricked Judah into sleeping with her. This lead to the birth of twins of which the younger Perez becomes the ancestor of King David. His twin Zerah had burst his arm out through the womb first and a red string was tied around his wrist to mark the babe as firstborn, but then he pulled his hand back into the womb and out came Perez. (Gen 38)
Rahab, the prostitute of Jericho who hid the Israelite spies Joshua had sent, was spared during the siege on her city. She married an Israelite named Salmon and gave birth to Boaz. Boaz married Ruth the Moabitess who showed great love and loyalty to her Bethlehemite mother-in-law Naomi. Boaz and Ruth are the great grandparents of King David.
David committed adultery and murder in the case of the wife of Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba. She is not mentioned by name. And of course Mary, the mother of Jesus, was married to Joseph from the line of David. She was pregnant by some kind of spiritual hokey pokey. Joseph didn't buy it and was going to divorce his betrothed. Only when he was visited by an angel in a dream did he believe that she was innocent of adultery.
I can see all this scandalous stuff behind the names. Both men and women failing to meet God's holy requirements. And yet, God is at work in them and through them and their many generations. All through the lineage of good and bad kings God remains faithful to His work to redeem Israel and the world.
His work was complete in Christ, the messiah. Matthew notes 6 sets of 7 generations between Abraham and Jesus. I see the pattern of creation. In six days the Lord created the heavens and the earth, but on the 7th day God rested making the Sabbath a holy day. In some sense Matthew is noting through the ages a work of re-creation, of salvation. After 6 sets of 7 generations, God brings Messiah into the world. Messiah announces the year of the Lord's favor, an age of grace. It is akin to Sabbath. The work is complete and a holy time of joy and restful repose dawns.
Back to oatmeal...if I am not satisfied with a stomach full of wholesome food, my need is not physical. It's spiritual. Oftentimes in life we are not satisfied. Even when we have everything we need, we feel like something is missing. That something is the first thing. Truly it is the ultimate need for all humans. That need is God.
And this boring unsatisfying list of names points to the quiet and wonderful salvation work of our God. Underneath ordinary and imperfect lives, the Lord is piecing together His plan. I find that satisfying. When my eyes are too big for my stomach, when I am feeling unfulfilled, may I always be reminded that God is up to something wonderful underneath the names and the ordinary things. I find this hopeful, exciting and deeply satisfying.
Funny! I am not hungry anymore.
Lord, thank You for oatmeal and names and ordinary days and duties. Thank You for the wonderful works You do among us ordinary folks. Thank You for bringing Jesus and opening heaven to us all through this Sabbath generation, this age of grace. Amen.
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