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Thought Of The Day
Thanks for stopping by. Everyday we will be reading a chapter in the Bible together and then focusing on one thought from the scripture that we can apply to our lives. I hope you will make it a point to stop by on a regular basis. |
| Monday, August 2, 2010 |
 Scripture and Prayer of the day | |
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Scripture: "Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God." Matthew 3:8 PRAYER: Lord, as I begin this day I praise You for being Almighty God. Help me today to abandon my prideful tendency to defend my sin and diminish your Holiness. Remind me of my need to walk in good deeds that reflect a grateful heart that is overcome with the height, depth, and width of Your love and forgiveness. Thank You for loving me for who Christ is rather than who I am. Empower me to demonstrate a changed life that bears the marks of fruitful repentance. I praise You for being merciful and patient with me. In Jesus name, Amen. | |
| posted at 10:09AM | comments |
| Monday, July 19, 2010 |
| Prayer from Psalm 119:35 | |
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"Make me walk in the path of yoour commandments for I delight in it." Psalm 119:35 Prayer for the day: Heavenly Father, help me to walk in Yur path today. Remind me of the joy that has always been mine when I have chosen to follow You. Let me never forget the heartache, and disillusionment that comes from my disobedience. Thank you for Your patience and love for me. Lord I praise You that Your mercies are new with each new day. I am reminded this morning of Your promise that if I will delight myself in You, You will give me the desires of my heart. (Psalm 37:4-5) With a thankful heart, I love and praise You for who You are. In jesus name, amen. | |
| posted at 09:56AM | comments |
| Tuesday, July 13, 2010 |
| Hold You To It | |
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I was watching "Deadliest Catch" the other night and one of the fisherman had a conversation with his 11 year old daughter that was priceless. Apparently, this fisherman has been struggling for years with an addiction to chewing tobacco. It appears that his 11 year old recognizes the harmful affects of this habit, and has asked her dad to quit. He finally made a promise to her that he would. Well on the episode the other night, she called him to check on him. They were enjoying a great conversation, then she asked him about the chewing tobacco. He had to admit that he had not kept his promise. His daughter showed him no slack. "Daddy, you promised!" she said. He made the promise again, and is striving to keep his word. As I watched the episode, I thought about our Heavenly Father. God gives us so many promises in His Word, and the great thing about it is, He never breaks His promise. What He says He will do, He does. With that in mind, I decided we would take our daily scripture reading in a new direction. For the next few weeks we will be "praying the scriptures." In other words, I will choose a portion of scripture for us to read, then I will provide a small prayer for us to pray that relates directly to that scripture and how it applies to our lives. As we travel on this journey of "scripture praying" I am excited to hear from you how God keeps His promises as we pray and say to Him, "Heavenly Daddy, you promised." Today's scripture: Psalm 119:1 "Blessed are the blameless in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord." Prayer: Heavenly Father, i acknowledge that anything good that is accomplished in my life comes from you. I am grateful that you answer prayer and that you have chosen to work through people like me. I don't deserve this honor, but I thank you for it. Please help me to be consistent in the area of living a blameless life. Keep me close to you and clean. May my thoughts and my actions be Christ centered. I realize I will be happiest and most blessed as I follow your way, so please help me stay on the path you have set before me. As I live blameless, may others see you in me. I love you Lord. Amen | |
| posted at 02:52PM | comments |
| Monday, July 5, 2010 |
| Thought from John 15:18-27 | |
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Today's devotion is a little different in that there's no story attached to it. As you know, I have been challenging all of us to "complete the puzzle" weekly. What I mean by this is that it seems we have everything in place to really grow as a church. - We have our hospitality team doing a wonderful job of making people feel welcome and providing delightful refreshments. (By the way, a special thanks to Cece Stanley who decorated the tables and refreshment area yesterday especially for the Fourth of July. It looked awesome!) - We have our new guest registration/information booth ready to be used to welcome and inform people of all the happenings in the church. - We have our life growth classes to help people develop a stronger understanding of the Bible and walk with God. - Our praise band/team is doing a wonderful job leading worship. - We have small groups going for people of all ages from Junior High - Adults. - Our children's ministry is still finding creative ways to teach and reach kids. Our set up and tear down teams are doing a phenomenal job of getting ready for the people we believe God wants to send. Every piece of the puzzle is in place, except one. That piece of the puzzle each one of us holds weekly. We need people to be invited and join us for a service so that with God's power and love we can impact their lives. That's where all of us comes in. I am challenging all of us to invite at least one person to church every week. I know it's not always easy, but guess what? Jesus knew this long before any of us did. Take a look at what He told His disciples in John 15:18-27: 18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.'[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. 23He who hates me hates my Father as well. 24If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'[c] 26"When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. 27And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning. Jesus didn't candy coat it. It was going to be tough. Many people would hate the disciples and seek to kill them. In spite of all this, Jesus says "You must tell others about me." The same holds true today. It is not always easy to share Christ with others. Some will mock us, others will reject us. There are even a few who will grow hostile toward us. This however does not change our responsibility nor Jesus command. "You also must testify." So what do you say? Will you join me in completing the puzzle and watching what God does as a result of our faithfulness? | |
| posted at 12:02PM | comments |
| Thursday, July 1, 2010 |
| Thought from John 15:9-17 | |
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Hey don't forget to finish the puzzle this week! Plenty of people in San Diego need the touch of God's love on their lives! Scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2015:9-17&version=NIV My daughter Cailey is 16 years old. The other day she said something to me that sent streaks of fear running through my entire body. It's one of those things that every parent hopes they will never have to hear, and if they do, it is just devastating. We were in the car driving to Chula Vista. Cailey was looking out the window and very quiet. My super dad senses kicked in, and I realized she was in deep thought and something was bothering her. "What's up baby? What are you thinking about?" I asked. She turned to me and it was obvious from the concerned look on her face that she did not want to share what was on her mind, but knew she had to. "Dad" she said ( I braced myself) "I want to start driving!" I managed to keep a composed outward appearance, but inside I was screaming "NOOOOOOOOOO!" My daughter can' even ride a bike (I know I'm a terrible parent for never teaching her) and now she wants to drive.....A CAR!!!!!!! I searched the deepest corners and crevices of my mind for an escape clause, or reasonable delay tactic, but my usually sharp and quick thinking mind let me down this time. I responded in what I think was a deep state of shock with the words "Okay babes, find out how much the classes are and you can get started." "Really?" she said "Okay I'll find out. Dad I think I'll be a good driver because I've been watching you drive for a long time and I'll just do like you do." (flashback to my response to her revelation that she wanted to drive, because the exact same emotions rushed through my body again) Like it or not, everything she knew about driving, she had learned from me. Ugh! In our scripture reading today we find a similar situation. Obviously, it's not about driving, but it is about learning from somebody and then doing the same. Jesus is instructing His disciples and he says: 9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other." We are given the commandment to love each other as Christ loves us. Two thoughts come to mind immediately: 1. He does not ask us to do something He has not done Himself. 2. He has given us a beautiful example of perfect love. It is now up to us to follow through on His commandment of loving each other as He loved us. As we look at the life of Jesus we find His love can be summarized as a love that was: selfless, sacrificing, and unconditional. So the question we must ask ourselves is, do we display these same qualities of love to all those around us? What a difference that is made in our world if we do! When Jesus left this earth, He left the "keys" to this car called life behind. It's time for us to move over from the passengers seat to the drivers seat and drive as he drove through life....with love as His GPS. | |
| posted at 10:23AM | comments |
| Tuesday, June 29, 2010 |
| Thought from John 15:1-8 | |
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Scripture Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015:1-8&version=NIV The other day I had a lot of work to do on my computer and I needed internet access. At our house we have set up wireless internet, so I hopped on the laptop and opened up the internet. There was only one problem, it wouldn't connect. A screen popped up on my computer that read "Unable to connect to internet." I ran a network diagnostic, followed all instructions, rebooted my computer, yet still I could not connect. My thought at this point was "I guess my router has died, so I'll have to go get a new one." I went to go unplug the old router, so I could take it to the store and get a similar one. Guess what? It was already unplugged! I'm not sure how it got unplugged, but it was definitely unplugged. As a result, I could not get on the internet and I could not get anything accomplished. I plugged it back in and presto, all systems were a go. I know, I know, doesn't take a genius to figure it out, but hey at least I finally did. In our scripture reading today we find Jesus teaching us a similar lesson about life in general. In John 15:1-8 we read: 1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He 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. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." Jesus made it very clear. If we are connected to Him we can do great things, but disconnected from Him we can do nothing. When we are encouraged to spend time in the Bible and praying, it's not so that we fulfill some religious duty, but rather to stay connected to Him. In essence, He is the power source of our life. There is a lot for us to accomplish in our lives, and we have a wireless connection set up with God, called prayer. In order to insure that we are able to accomplish all that we can, let's make sure that our router (life) is plugged into the power source. | |
| posted at 10:42AM | comments |
| Monday, June 28, 2010 |
| Thought from John 14:25-27 | |
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Scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2014:25-27&version=NIV I love watching the show "Deadliest Catch." It's a documentary on the crab fisherman up around Alaska. Believe it or not, this is a very dangerous job, and every year lives are lost. On one particular episode, the fisherman were on the deck of the ship, and one of the greenhorns (name for rookie fisherman) got knocked over board. Now understand, the water these guys are fishing in is literally freezing. Once a man is knocked in the water, it is estimated that they only have minutes before their body will completely shut down, and they will die. I'll never forget watching that episode for one reason. The captain of the boat. When the man was knocked over board, everybody started scrambling, but the captain of the ship remained incredibly calm. His voice came over the speaker as he gave commands for the rescue, but it was such a calming voice. He even talked to the guy in the water, trying to keep him focused and calm as they threw a rescue ring to him and eventually brought him back onto the boat. Thankfully, they got to the guy in time, and he survived. I give great credit to the captain of the boast who remained calm in the midst of what could be a tragedy. His calming presence kept everyone focused on what needed to be done, and as a result a life was saved. In our scripture today we find some comforting words from Jesus regarding this idea of having peace in the midst of life's unexpected difficulties. In John 14:25-27 we read: "25"All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Jesus does not promise us a life without difficulties and trials, but He does promise us peace in the midst of such circumstances. The Bible teaches us elsewhere that this peace passes all human understanding. What a wonderful promise this is. So whether it is now, or sometime in the future, the next time you are "knocked overboard" in life, listen for the calming voice of life's captain, our Heavenly Father. Listen closely to His instruction, and he will bring you peace, while at the same time rescuing you and perhaps even saving your life. | |
| posted at 10:29AM | comments |
| Thursday, June 24, 2010 |
| Thought from John 14:23-24 | |
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So whose the lucky person who received your puzzle piece this week? If you haven't completed it yet there is still time! Scripture Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014:23-24&version=NIV As you probably know I have a 16 year old daughter. Every once in a while, she will come up to me, give me a big hug and say "I love you dad!" My response of course is "Awwww thanks baby...what do you want?" "Nothing" she replies "Can't I just give you a hug and tell you I love you without wanting something?" "Yes you can, that would be great" I say "But, what do you want?" Guess what? There are actually times where she does not want anything. She simply takes action to let me know that she loves me. I have to tell you, those times are precious! They mean more to me than just about anything, because they are a genuine expression of love from a sincere heart. In our scripture today, Jesus teaches us a similar lesson. In John 14:23-24 we read: "23 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me." Jesus makes it very clear. If we love Him, we will follow His commands. Our obedience to Him should not be done out of obligation, or fear, or even guilt. Our obedience should flow from a sincere heart as a genuine expression of our love for Him. As you go through the day today, be careful to obey His commands. By doing so you will be throwing your arms around your Heavenly Father and saying "I love you." | |
| posted at 10:22AM | comments |
| Thursday, June 24, 2010 |
| Thought from John 13:31-35 | |
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It's 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, do you know where your puzzle piece is? Hopefully, it is already in the hands of somebody you invited, but if not, you still have time to complete the puzzle. Scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2013:31-38&version=NIV I find the show "Hell's Kitchen" very entertaining. When casting the participants of the show, I don't think they look for the best Chef's, I think they look for the ones with odd or unusual personalities. If that be the case, the casting director was spot on this season! In case you are not familiar with the show, here's how it works. It's sort of a "Survivor" mixed with "The Apprentice" feel, but in a fancy restaurant, run by world renowned chef (and hot tempered I might add) Gordon Ramsey. The season starts with two teams of eight, and they cook a dinner service with the Chef Ramsey breathing down their neck, while yelling and throwing angry tantrums. At the end of the night, the team who performs the worst nominates two people to be "fired" and then Chef Ramsey chooses which one has to leave "Hell's Kitchen." Last night, both teams were bad, but the red team was by far the worst. They spent most of the night fighting among themselves and arguing. There is an obvious dislike and distrust among all of the team members, and it definitely affects their performance. Last night Chef Ramsey said to the red team: "You don't even appear to like each other. You'll never be successful if you don't put aside your differences and start working together as a team." As I watched the show last night, I'm sad to say that it was easy to draw a parallel between the red team, and many Christians as a whole. Let me first point out that I am thrilled we as a church family do not have this problem, but we must always keep our guard up lest it creep in. Among many Christians however, there is so much fighting going on, the real enemy (Satan) just sits back and allows them to devour each other. In essence, his job and goal is made easy. As a result, the unchurched world is turned off of "organized religion" and God in many cases. Jesus addresses this issue in our scripture reading today. In John 13:31-38 we read: "31 When he was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. 32If God is glorified in him,[a] God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. 33 "My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." It's important to remember the setting here. Jesus is speaking to the disciples at the "Last Supper." These are some of the last instructions he will give them before he is arrested, tortured, and crucified. Obviously, these are going to be important, because last words always are. Look what Jesus says: "A new commandment I give you that you love one another." It's not a thought, a suggestion, nor a request. It is a command. We are to love one another. As I said earlier, I am thrilled that our church family does this so well. We have a loving, giving, family that is so enjoyable to be a part of. Let's keep our guard up however, so that this never changes. As God continues to bring new people to our family, let's welcome them and love them just as Jesus commanded. Just as Chef Ramseys in the kitchen are very high, Jesus standards in life are high. He said "Love each other as I have loved you." How did Jesus love? His love was selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. This is how we are to love each other. We're not talking about keeping ourselves from getting kicked out of "Hell's Kitchen." We're talking about keeping others from going to a literal Hell. The stakes are enormous, and the standards have been set. It's time to love each other as Christ loved us. | |
| posted at 10:07AM | comments |
| Wednesday, June 23, 2010 |
| Thought from John 13:31-35 | |
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It's 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, do you know where your puzzle piece is? Hopefully, it is already in the hands of somebody you invited, but if not, you still have time to complete the puzzle. Scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2013:31-38&version=NIV I find the show "Hell's Kitchen" very entertaining. When casting the participants of the show, I don't think they look for the best Chef's, I think they look for the ones with odd or unusual personalities. If that be the case, the casting director was spot on this season! In case you are not familiar with the show, here's how it works. It's sort of a "Survivor" mixed with "The Apprentice" feel, but in a fancy restaurant, run by world renowned chef (and hot tempered I might add) Gordon Ramsey. The season starts with two teams of eight, and they cook a dinner service with the Chef Ramsey breathing down their neck, while yelling and throwing angry tantrums. At the end of the night, the team who performs the worst nominates two people to be "fired" and then Chef Ramsey chooses which one has to leave "Hell's Kitchen." Last night, both teams were bad, but the red team was by far the worst. They spent most of the night fighting among themselves and arguing. There is an obvious dislike and distrust among all of the team members, and it definitely affects their performance. Last night Chef Ramsey said to the red team: "You don't even appear to like each other. You'll never be successful if you don't put aside your differences and start working together as a team." As I watched the show last night, I'm sad to say that it was easy to draw a parallel between the red team, and many Christians as a whole. Let me first point out that I am thrilled we as a church family do not have this problem, but we must always keep our guard up lest it creep in. Among many Christians however, there is so much fighting going on, the real enemy (Satan) just sits back and allows them to devour each other. In essence, his job and goal is made easy. As a result, the unchurched world is turned off of "organized religion" and God in many cases. Jesus addresses this issue in our scripture reading today. In John 13:31-38 we read: "31 When he was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. 32If God is glorified in him,[a] God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. 33 "My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." It's important to remember the setting here. Jesus is speaking to the disciples at the "Last Supper." These are some of the last instructions he will give them before he is arrested, tortured, and crucified. Obviously, these are going to be important, because last words always are. Look what Jesus says: "A new commandment I give you that you love one another." It's not a thought, a suggestion, nor a request. It is a command. We are to love one another. As I said earlier, I am thrilled that our church family does this so well. We have a loving, giving, family that is so enjoyable to be a part of. Let's keep our guard up however, so that this never changes. As God continues to bring new people to our family, let's welcome them and love them just as Jesus commanded. Just as Chef Ramseys in the kitchen are very high, Jesus standards in life are high. He said "Love each other as I have loved you." How did Jesus love? His love was selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. This is how we are to love each other. We're not talking about keeping ourselves from getting kicked out of "Hell's Kitchen." We're talking about keeping others from going to a literal Hell. The stakes are enormous, and the standards have been set. It's time to love each other as Christ loved us. | |
| posted at 10:38AM | comments |
| Tuesday, June 22, 2010 |
| Thought from John 13:18-30 | |
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Good morning! Hey here's a question....have you completed the puzzle yet this week? I have been hearing back from our church family about some exciting encounters while inviting people to church, and I am getting pumped. I hope you are too. Today's scripture is found in John 13:18-30. Before we read the scripture let me tell you about a gift or talent that my wife has. Depending on who you are, it can either be considered a cool gift or a scary gift. Christy is great at reading people. I don't know how many times we have met somebody or been introduced to one of our kids friends, and she will say, "That person is no good." or "They can't be trusted." Quite honestly, I used to think she was just judgmental, but over the years she has proven to be right over and over again. It works the other way as well. There are times when I think a person is a punk, and she will say "I like them." I've given up trying to figure out how she does it and just accepted the fact that she has a gift and I need to listen. In our scripture we find the similar gift being used that teaches us an important lesson. In John 13:18-30 we read: "I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.' 19 "I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. 20 I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me." 21 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me." 22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. 23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him which one he means." 25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?" 26 Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him, 28 but no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night." Can you see it? In verse 29 we see that nobody would suspect Judas of betraying Jesus. He was the trustworthy one. So much so he was the one chosen to watch over their money. Yet, Jesus knew exactly who Judas really was and what he was going to do. So the lesson for today? "You can fool others, but you can't fool Jesus." He knows exactly who you are, what you are thinking, what you are saying, and what you are doing at all times. He knows you better than you know yourself. I guess you could consider that the "bad news." The "good news" is, He still loves you and wants the best for your life. Why not yield yourself to His ways and His teachings today? | |
| posted at 09:54AM | comments |
| Monday, June 21, 2010 |
| Thought from John 13:1-17 | |
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Let's start with a quick question...Have you finished the puzzle yet? in other words, have you invited somebody to church this week? i received word that jose Codallos and Robert Sandoval have been teaming up to invite people from their place of employment. Be praying for one young lady imparticular who seems very interested. Great work guys, keep it up! As you invite people to church, drop me a note and let me know how it goes. I would love to hear and share with others so we can begin praying for these people being invited. yesterday was Father's Day and I had a great time over at my dad's house. I have to be honest, one of my favorite parts of Father's Day is that my wife absolutely insists that I do nothing but sit, relax, and allow her to serve me. She fixes my plate, gets me dessert, then says "you go relax, I'll help clean up." Well, I don't want to offend her, so I do as she says! In actuality, she does a great job of serving me on a regular basis, not just Father's Day, and I have to tell you, it's really nice. I think she would tell you the same thing about me, that it's really nice when I serve her with a willing spirit. I'm not sure what the exact dynamic is, but there's just something that draws you toward people who are willing to serve you with a glad heart. In our scripture today we find Jesus modeling this principle and teaching us a valuable lesson. In John 13:1-17 we read: " 1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. 2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7 Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8" No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." 9 "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" 10 Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." Jesus willingly served His disciples, who we techinically, at that time and in that culture, "beneath Him." They were His underlings, yet He gladly serves them by washing their feet (even Judas who would betray Him)then tells them to do the same for others. Not open up a foot washing business,but rather look for ways to serve others. Think for a moment and ask yourself two questions. 1. Do I look for opportunities to willingly serve others? 2. How would my life and relationships look different if I started willingly serving others? imagine your friendships, marriage, work place, neighborhoods, or anywhere else where you served willingly. You know what I think? I think you would become very respected, very popular, and people would gladly hear what you have to say. Ultimately, I think it would lead to an opportunity to introduce others to Christ, or at the very least, wet their appetite enough for them to start searching. We love to talk about changing our world. perhaps we don't need to spend so much time seeking positions of power and authority in order to make the change. perhaps the best way to change our world is to simply become servant to all. | |
| posted at 10:28AM | comments |
| Wednesday, June 16, 2010 |
| Thought from John 12:37-46 | |
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A quick question before we get into the lesson for the day: Have you put the last puzzle piece in this week? If not, there's still time! Scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2012:37-46&version=NIV I remember back in high school there was a girl I wanted to go out with. (I'll make this a short story because I know my darling wife reads these and I don't want her to think I'm still dwelling on "what's her name") Long story short, there came a point when this girl actually asked me to go to a party with her after a football game. At that moment, I was faced with a tough choice. Do I go on a date with this awesome girl, or do I stick to my commitment that I had made to God of not going to parties in order to be a "living example" to my friends? I ultimately chose to stick to my commitment, and not go to the party. The girl actually said she really respected me for standing on my morals! Of course, respect didn't lead to a date, but hey, God had someone faaaarrrrrr better in store for me! (how's that for buttering up my wife!) In our scripture today we find Jesus addressing these types of situations. In John 12:37-46 we read: "37 Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: "Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" 39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: 40 "He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them." 41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke about him. 42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved praise from men more than praise from God. 44 Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." Look again at verse 43: "for they loved praise from men more than praise from God." The problem pointed out here is that these people were more concerned with the opinions and thoughts of other people than they were with God's opinions and thoughts of them. This is an easy trap to fall into, but one that we need to be careful to avoid. As much as all of us want to feel accepted and loved by others, we are so much better off living in such a way that pleases God, who loves and accepts us for who we are, as opposed to what He wants us to be. Think about it. Would you rather live your life in order to gain the love and approval of others, or to thank the One who already loves and accepts you? As Jesus says in the closing remarks of this scripture, it's time to "step out of the darkness and into the light." | |
| posted at 09:53AM | comments |
| Tuesday, June 15, 2010 |
| Thought from John 12:20-27 | |
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Scripture Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2012:20-27&version=NIV When my son Caleb came back home after a year long tour he needed a job. he began to apply everywhere possible. As he went in for interviews, I noticed a common practice among employers that I had never seen before. I don't know if it is because of some new "full disclosure" law or just because people are so desperate for work, but at his interviews, the employers were laying it all on the line. Not only did they talk about all the great things about the job, but they also talked about the not so great things. For example: "You'll have to work weekends or split shifts" or "There is also a lot of cold calling" or "You probably won't make much money to start." Like I said, I'm not sure why, but employers today seemed to be painting a very clear picture. As I thought about it, I thought "It's actually a very wise move because it will weed out the not so good workers." In our scripture today we find Jesus doing a similar thing. He had performed miracles and people ere wanting to be around him. It seemed glamorous and cool to watch miracles and be around such a powerful person. But look at what Jesus says in John 12:20-27: "20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. 23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. 27 "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour." Jesus made it very clear, that while there is great reward in following Him, there is also things we must give up. To completely follow Him means to put Him first and not our own needs, interests, etc... Even He was faced with a choice of backing out of the terrible death He would die for us. Look again at verse 27: "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour." I guess the best way to summarize today's lesson is by an old saying: "Jesus was willing to die for us, all He asked in return is that we live completely for Him." | |
| posted at 11:49AM | comments |
| Monday, June 14, 2010 |
| Thought From John 12:12-16 | |
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Scripture Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2012:12-16&version=NIV I am a big fan of the show "Lost." for years I found it very intriguing, entertaining, and puzzling. At the end of just about every episode something would happen that would make me want to come back next week to watch the result. I guess you could say the shows writers had mastered the art of the cliff hanger. This season was of special interest to me because it was the shows final season. It had been promoted as the season where all of our questions would be answered. All of these events that we had watched over the years that left us. well, "lost" were finally going to be explained. It was all going to come together, and we were going to have our "aaa ha" moment. week after week I watched this final season. Week after week I became more confused than ever. So when the final show aired, I was pumped. This is going to be the "aaa ha" moment of all "aaa ha" moments. The show aired, went through two hours of events, and as the final credits rolled I thought to myself "What just happened?! I'm more confused than ever!" My only frustration with the show was it left me, LOST!!!!!!!! I still don't get it! I can't begin to tell you how frustrated I felt. I guess in time I'll get over it. In our scripture today, we find the disciples dealing with a similar type of feeling only with one distinct difference. In John 12:12-16 we read: "12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, 15 "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." 16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him." Notice verse 16. The disciples didn't understand everything at first, but eventually they understood it all. If you are like me there have been times in your life where you wonder "what's up with this God?" Things just don't seem to make sense, and no answer seems to be in sight. It is a time of confusion and frustration which I do not wish upon anyone. The good news is this: Unlike the writers of "Lost" the author of all creation and eternity does have a plan. He has a perfect story that is unfolding, and He leaves no loose ends. In His timing, everything will come together and make sense. So if you find yourself in a circumstance which is confusing or frustrating, take heart. While you may not understand it at the moment, God is working His purpose and plan in your life. In due time you will understand. The last thing God wants to do is leave you "Lost." | |
| posted at 12:06PM | comments |
| Thursday, June 10, 2010 |
| Thought From John 12:12-19 | |
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I haver a new love in my life. Now before you jump to conclusions, let me explain. The new love in my life is "Extreme MooseTracks" ice cream. I took one bite of this chocolate ice cream, filled with mini peanut butter cups, held together by a rich, thick ribbon of fudge, and I was hooked! Do you know who I have to thank for this new love? Scott Anderson. he is the one who told me about the "Extreme MooseTracks." When he was describing it, he was so passionate, so convincing, so persistent, that I finally had to give it a try. Now, my life will never be the same! In our text todday, we find a similar type of scenario happening, only it's not ice cream that is being promoted, it's Jesus. In John 12:12-19 we read: "12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, 15 "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." 16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. 17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!" The people had seen Jesus perform a miracle or miraclers in their lives or the lives of others, and now the news was spreading. As a matter of fact, there was such an excitement building over Jesus that the Parisees were saying to each other "Everyone is following Him." Here's my question for all of us. Are we so excited about Jesus and what He has done in our lives, that we just can't help but tell others? Is there an enthusiasm and excitment building over Jesus because of what others see in our lives? The Bible says "taste and see that the Lord is good." and I believe we have been given a taste. Now it's time to spread the love!!!!! | |
| posted at 12:07PM | comments |
| Wednesday, June 9, 2010 |
| Thought From John 12:9-11 | |
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Scripture Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2012:9-11&version=NIV I would love to say that every mission trip I have ever been on has been just a bundle of joy, but that would be untrue. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed every trip. I also feel like I have grown as a person on every trip as God taught me new and valuable lessons. But something happened on one trip that just blew my mind, and it almost made me blow my cool! I'll not mention any names or locations in order to protect the innocent. From the time our mission team was picked up by a certain missionary in a faw away land, I had a feeling it was going to be, ummmm, shall I say, a unique trip. this particular missionary had served faithfully for years in the country God led him to, and by all accounts had done a good job. People seemed to respect him, and lives seemed to be changing through God's love. But this particular missionary was burned out, and a little grumpy. No, scratch that. He was VERY grumpy and quite bitter. From the get go he was making comments that took our whole mission team back. As a matter of fact, some of his sayings were so hateful and crazy, we actually made a shirt with the "Top 10" sayings when we got back home. Still one of my most prized possessions! Long story short, it didn't take long for this missionary to decide who he didn't like from our group. I could give you a list of all who attended, and ask you to guess, but the sake of time, I'll just tell you. Chances are you wouldn't get it right. (hmmm did I just give it away?) Okay, sit down, this is going to be a shocker. The person our wonderful missionary chose to despise the most was....ME! Now in order to be fair, I must acknowledge that Sarina Cordova was a close second! That's right, me and Sarina, can you imagine? All kidding aside, by the time the trip was over we had come to the conclusion that the happier you showed yourself to be, the more this missionary despised you. In all honesty, the only thing Sarina and I did was laugh and have a good time. (okay, we might have been a little loud and obnoxious, but only in a joyful way!) Truly, the reason the missionary despised us was because we displayed a high level of...happiness. If you don't believe me, ask anybody who went on the trip. (names available upon request) The reason why you may not believe me is because it seems so ridiculous. How could anybody dislike someone else for being happy, right? That's no reason to despise a person. In our scripture reading today we find a similar situation taking place. from this passage we find both a reminder and very important warning for all of us to heed. In John 12:9-11 we read: "9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him." Did you see it? The religious leaders despised Lazarus, because he had been raised from the dead. (as if he had a choice!) As a result of Jesus work in his life, Lazarus was now despised by some. Here's the reminder/warning for all of us. As a result of having Christ in our lives, there will be some who dislike or despise us. Being a follower of Christ does not guarantee you to make the "most popular" list. as a matter of fact it lands you on just the opposite one. One would think that following Christ and allowing His love to shine through you would endear everyone to you. But such is not the case. Often times it simply paints a bulls-eye on you. Jesus knew this would be the case which is why, over and over in scripture we find passages instructing us to do things like "love our enemy," "pray for those who persecute you." "do not grow weary in doing what is right." Admittedly, this is not the most challenging devotion, and certainly not the most encouraging. Nonetheless, I believe it is an important reminder to us all. We have an enemy, Satan who will stop at nothing to discourage us, if not destroy us. He most often works through others to try and get the job done. Think of it this way: If he's trying to stop you, you must be doing something right! Here's an idea: Keep a list of all the ways people attack you just for being a Christian. When your list grows to ten, well my friend, you can now have a t-shirt of your very own! | |
| posted at 02:37AM | comments |
| Tuesday, June 8, 2010 |
| Thought from John 12:1-8 | |
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Scripture Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2012:1-8&version=NIV There is one phrase my wife Christy does not understand. The phrase is "that's good enough." The reason she does not understand it is she is a perfectionist. Case and point: She works as a second grade teacher at a private school. At the end of the year they give out award certificates to each of the students, acknowledging a character quality and academic achievement. Now if I were the teacher, I would go to office depot, purchase some blank certificate paper with blue border, run them through the copier one at a time, making sure to change the name of the student, and be done with it. That would be: "Good Enough!" But not my wife! She spends at least an hour and half on each students certificate. Designing it from scratch on the computer. Adding just the right touch for each student, and personalizing the design to reflect the student who is receiving it. She says "I want every student to feel special, and to know I recognize what they have accomplished this year. She doesn't give her students "good enough" she gives them her best. In our scripture today we find another lady who gives her best. From this story we learn a valuable principle. In John 12:1-8 we read: "1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages. 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. " It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." Here we find Mary anointing Jesus with a very expensive perfume. No doubt it was the best she had. One would think that everyone would admire Mary for giving her best to Jesus, but this was not the case. Judas was furious. Not because he really cared about the poor being fed as he indicated, but because he wanted to keep some of the profit from the sale of the perfume for himself. I'm not one to accuse or judge, but I am afraid most of us are guilty of having the spirit of Judas from time to time. Instead of giving Jesus our best, we want to hold back or rob some of it for ourselves. While we give Him what would seem "good enough" we don't give Him the best of our: time, energy, devotion, attention, talents.....and the list could go on and on. You fill in the blank for your life. As I read this passage, I personally was convicted. "That's good enough" just doesn't seem good enough all of the sudden. Would you join me in giving Jesus our best? After all, doesn't He deserve a personalized response to all that He has accomplished in our lives as well as all He continues to do? | |
| posted at 10:59AM | comments |
| Friday, June 4, 2010 |
| Thought from John 11:45-57 | |
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Scripture Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2011:45-57&version=NIV This morning I was awakened by my wonderful daughter Cailey. Today is the last day of school, and she was up late making a cake for a friend of hers. As a result, she was running a little late and woke me to ask if I could iron her dress. Not a problem, I am always happy to help out. So she hands me this wrinkled mess and I get to work. As I am ironing, I am thinking about the day ahead of me. I have many things to get accomplished myself, plus Cailey wants to go to a couple of graduations. I'll be playing taxi for her (which is waaaaay better than her getting her license!) and running her from place to place, while trying to get my own stuff done. I finally get the dress finished, and I head down stairs. It's time to go, but Cailey has made a mess of a couple of things, so I instruct her to pick things up. She cops major attitude! I say "Let's go, quit throwing tude, and get things done, you're gonna be late." Her response? More attitude! To which I respond with: "You are about one attitude away from not getting to go anywhere." Then as a good parent would do, i lecture her for a good ten minutes, and list out everything I have done for her in the past week, including ironing her dress. I then close the lecture by saying "When you have a bad attitude, i don't feel like doing anything for you!" Have you ever been there? Where somebody's attitude effects your ability or desire to do anything for them? Well in our scripture today we find a similar situation. Jesus has raised Lazarus from the dead. The religious leaders, instead of being excited, are furious. The attention is being taken off of them, and given to Jesus. They don't like this, and cop attitude. Read John 11:45-57: "45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. "What are we accomplishing?" they asked. "Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place[a] and our nation." 49 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." 51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. 53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the Jews. Instead he withdrew to a region near the desert, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples. 55 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple area they asked one another, "What do you think? Isn't he coming to the Feast at all?" 57 But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that if anyone found out where Jesus was, he should report it so that they might arrest him." Look at Jesus response in verse 54 to the attitude thrown by the religious leaders: "Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the Jews. Instead he withdrew to a region near the desert, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples." The poor and selfish attitude of the religious leaders hindered Jesus work. Unfortunately, the same can be said today. Far too often, our attitude, whether it be anger, selfishness, pride, or any other, gets in the way of what Christ wants to accomplish in our lives. By the way, by the time Cailey got to school she had apologized, so I'll still be playing taxi for her today. If I, as a super flawed human, can forgive and continue to do things for my wonderful daughter, how much more can Almighty God forgive and do in our lives, if we are willing to check ourselves and attitude? Just remember, as they say "Attitude is a little thing that makes a huge difference!" | |
| posted at 10:37AM | comments |
| Tuesday, June 1, 2010 |
| John 11:17-44 | |
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Today's Scripture Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2011:17-44&version=NIV When I was growing up my friends and I used to play a lot of football. I'm not talking about the organized pop warner youth football, nor am I talking about the latest version of "Madden" on the Xbox. (Come to think of it, in those days there was no XBox, and Madden was a despised coach of the Oakland Raiders!) I'm talking about a bunch of kids getting together in the middle of the street (yes I said street!) and going at it! i think about it now and truly wonder how we kept from being more seriously injured) On occasion, kids from our neighborhood would challenge kids from another neighborhood to a friendly game of football. Naturally we did not want either team to have home field (or should I say "home street") advantage, so we would meet at a neutral sight and battle it out for bragging rights at school on Monday. One particular Saturday, there was a big game happening at Mar Vista Middle School. Unfortunately, I had a previous obligation so I was not going to be able to make it to the entire game. Now, believe it or not, back in the day I was quite the offensive threat. I had speed, agility, great hands for catching the ball, and I was pretty tough to tackle. So my teammates told me to get there as soon as I could. Long story short, by the time I arrived, our team was losing by four touchdowns, and their spirits were low. I'll never forget pulling up on my bike. One of my teammates yelled, Chuck's here, and the other 6 or 7 players cheered in unison. My presence alone brought a renewed energy and hope to the situation. The first play from scrimmage, I ran a fly pattern down the sideline, our quarterback threw the ball and I caught it in stride, running into the endzone, and just like that our team was on the board. The rest of game was like a story written for T.V. I intercepted a pass and ran it in for another touchdown. Our team made play after play after play, and by the end of the game, we had erased the four touchdown deficit, and actually defeated the other team by two touchdowns. What once seemed like a hopeless situation had been turned into a great victory. In our scripture today we find Jesus taking a hopeless situation and turning it into a great victory. We find Jesus appearing on the scene soon after His friend Lazarus has died. In John 11:17-43 we read: " 17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Bethany was less than two miles[a] from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" 27 "Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." 28 And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for you." 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. 32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34"Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" 37 But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead 38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39"Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." 40 Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" 41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." Jesus encounters a hopeless situation, Lazarus is dead. His sisters, Mary and Martha had sent for Jesus while Lazarus was still alive but very ill, in hopes that Jesus would heal him. But now that Lazarus was dead, all hope was gone. Have you ever been there? have you ever found yourself in a place of hopelessness? Perhaps it is a marriage in desperate trouble, a rebellious child, a broken relationship, a financial crisis, or any number of other things. The bottom line is the situation has left you hopeless. Well take heart because this is where Jesus does His best work! He takes great joy in bringing hope back to the hopeless. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that if Jesus can bring a dead man back to life, then he can bring whatever "dead and hopeless situation" you are facing back to life as well! | |
| posted at 11:23AM | comments |
| Friday, May 28, 2010 |
| Thought from John 11:1-15 | |
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Scripture Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2011:1-15&version=NIV A few months ago I as challenged by one of our church members to complete a puzzle on the computer. The puzzle had several levels to complete, each level getting more difficult than the one before. The goal of the puzzle was to use the computer mouse to maneuver a small dot through a series of mazes. On each level, the walls of the maze got closer and closer together, demanding a higher level of concentration. I was on the final level, going very slow and steady. Concentrating on the small dot and the ever so close walls when suddenly a hideous face accompanied by a blood curdling scream jumped on the computer screen, causing me to jump out of my pants! (not literally, but you get the picture...it scared me to death) The church member broke into a hysterical laugh that suddenly made everything very clear. They had just played a sick (and scary) practical joke on me. What took me by surprise did not shock them at all. They knew exactly what was happening. What kind of deranged mind could find any kind of enjoyment in this? Ummmm, actually I did. I proceeded to play the same joke on as many people as I could. There was something very empowering about knowing exactly what was going on and what was about to happen. In our scripture reading today, we find Jesus empowered by a knowledge of things that others did not know nor understand. In John 11:1-15 we read: 1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." 4 When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." 5 Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days. 7 Then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea." 8 "But Rabbi," they said, "a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?" 9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world's light. 10 It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light." 11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up." 12 His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better." 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. 14 So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." Jesus knew Lazarus had died without anybody telling Him. What took some people by surprise, didn't shock Jesus at all. he knew exactly what was going on. The big difference here is that Jesus wasn't using His knowledge to instill a sense of fear and despair in the lives of others, but rather hope and comfort. He used this situation to once again prove that He is faithful and always in control. Even when we don't understand what is going on or why things are happening, Jesus does. So the next time something jumps out at you unexpectedly as you concentrate on just getting through this maze called life, fear not. Jesus knows exactly what is going on, and He is with you. The good news is....practical jokes....well their not His style! | |
| posted at 12:39AM | comments |
| Thursday, May 27, 2010 |
| Thought from John 10:25-30 | |
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Scripture Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2010:25-30&version=NIV Remember Linus and his security blanket from the Charlie Brown cartoon? well I hate to admit it but I can relate. No, I didn't have a blanket that I carried around with me everywhere I went, but I did have a little stuffed monkey that I called "Chango." As an 8 year old, I had to go into the hospital to get my tonsils taken out and get tubes put in my ears to help me hear. Back in those days, this was still a pretty serious procedure, so they kept people in the hospital for a couple of days. I remember that first night when mom and dad had to leave, how scared I felt. Please understand, hospitals back in my day had not yet figured out the meaning of "kid friendly." The room I was in was a cold, sterile, colorless ward with 6 beds including my own. Yes there were other kids in the room with me, but there's nothing like hearing one kid start to cry to remind you how scared you are. Soon the fear spread to a mini epidemic, as all 6 kids were scared and sniffling. The night nurse tried to calm us, but it was useless. Luckily for me, my parents (the super heroes that they are) thought ahead. When we checked into the hospital, they gave me "Chango" and told me when they left, he would be there to keep me safe. Though still a bit frightened and sad, i was able to dose off to sleep, clutching tightly to "Chango" knowing he would keep me safe. The next day as I was heading to the operating room I asked if I could take "Chango" with me. Permission was granted, and guess what? "Chango" brought me through the operation. From that hospital stay forward, "Chango" was my security. As long as he was around, I knew I was safe. I won't tell you how old I was before I finally stopped sleeping with "Chango" but I'm quite certain it is very normal for high school students to sleep with stuffed animals! The point is, having security is nice. The feeling of safety brings about a certain peace that is wonderful. In our passage today we find Jesus explaining a different kind of security that we have as His followers. In John 10:25-30 we read: "25 Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[a]; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one." Did you see it in verse 28? "No one can snatch them out of my hand" In other words, once we have repented of our sin, and trusted Christ as our Savior, there is nothing nor anybody who can cause us to "lose our salvation." In technical terms this is called "Eternal Security." Once we are part of God's family, nothing can change that. This truth is so powerful! One of Satan's favorite tricks is to make us focus on our failures and shortcomings He wants us to think we could not possibly be part of God's family if we have so many flaws. Now I'm not saying we should ignore our flaws and just keep on sinning or doing whatever we want. What I am saying is, Jesus is our security. He is our assurance of safety. We can find great peace in knowing that Jesus will never let us go. May the power of this truth flood your soul with peace and joy! | |
| posted at 01:56AM | comments |
| Wednesday, May 26, 2010 |
| Thought from John 10:1-18 | |
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Scripture Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2010:1-18&version=NIV On our last mission trip we visited Mark & Alisha Hamlin in Ireland. We had a wonderful time renovating the church building they meet in, and getting to know the church people. Some of the church members were ranchers. (primarily cows and sheep) On one particular evening we found out that they were shearing sheep and we asked if we could come watch. Permission was granted, and so off we went to watch the sheep being sheared. I have to admit, I had an image in my mind of what this would look like. Cute little sheep getting a haircut, and piles of light fluffy wool filling the barn. This was going to be adorable! Well we arrived and instantly I knew this was not going to be what I expected. We got out of the vehicles and the first thing I noticed was it stunk really bad. The reason I noticed this is, I can't smell anything usually. So if it stunk to me it must have reeeeaaaalllly smelled bad to everyone else. As we turned the corner to where the sheep were, I noticed the second thing. The sheep were not cute, cuddly, creatures. As a matter of fact, they were kind of ugly and covered in filth. One by one the rancher would grab the sheep and shear them. The filthy wool was piled up into huge stacks. (again, I smelled the stinch!) Every time a sheep was grabbed, it would kick and struggle to try and get free. I thought to myself "it would go a lot easier if you just relaxed and let the rancher do his work on you, ya dumb animal." In the course of watching, one of the ranchers explained to us that sheep were actually very dumb creatures. They would never make it in the wild on their own, which was why they needed a "shepherd." Think about what I have said now. Sheep are: filthy, stinky, ugly, dumb, and helpless creatures who could never make it on their own. With that in mind read John 10:1-18. " 1 "I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. 7 Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." All these years I thought it was so cool to be considered one of the sheep, and Jesus was the Good Shepherd. I loved the imagery of being a cute, cuddly, little creature. How could the Lord not love me? Well, I'm no rocket scientist, but I think I figured out that being referred to as a sheep is not necessarily a compliment! Remember what I said about being filthy, dumb, defenseless etc...? But listen, this makes God's love for us even that more precious. He loves us in spite of us, not because of us. All of our filth, impurity, dumb actions, and smelly ways, should repulse Him, but Almighty God loves us anyway. Take a moment right now to thank Him for His love, and from this day forward live with a spirit of gratitude. Don't struggle and fight to be free of His work in your life, but rather relax and be still. Allow God to shear the heavy burdens you have been carrying around in your life. After all, He is the Good Shepherd, and He loves His sheep! | |
| posted at 06:46PM | comments |
| Monday, May 24, 2010 |
| Thought from John 9:14-34 | |
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Scripture Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%209:14-34&version=NIV Yesterday as I was preaching I felt a little tickle in my throat. It was a bit uncomfortable but I continued. Throughout the day it became steadily worse, and this morning I woke up with no voice at all. (I know I know, Christy's dream come true! Her prayers have been answered!) Not having a voice is a real drag and it is not something I would choose for myself. Yet after reading the scripture today I wonder if sometimes I do choose not to have a voice. In John 9:13-34 we find the blind man who has been healed brought before the religious leaders of the day. These leaders are trying to discredit Jesus. They are very powerful men, an could make a persons life miserable, or take their life all together if they choose. They bring the healed man in to question him as a way of discrediting Jesus, but the man actually boldly defends Jesus instead. In John 9:14-34 e read: 13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14 Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a Sabbath. 15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. "He put mud on my eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now I see." 16 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath." But others asked, "How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?" So they were divided. 17 Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened." The man replied, "He is a prophet." 18 The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man's parents. 19 "Is this your son?" they asked. "Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?" 20 "We know he is our son," the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind. 21 But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself." 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ[a] would be put out of the synagogue. 23 That was why his parents said, "He is of age; ask him." 24 A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God,[b]" they said. "We know this man is a sinner." 25 He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" 26 Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" 27 He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?" 28 Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! 29We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from." 30 The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. 32 Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."34 To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out." This man chose to boldly defend Jesus and tell the truth about what had happened in his life regardless of the consequences. So often we have opportunity opportunity to share of defend Christ to others, but I for one find myself choosing to remain silent sometimes. I come up with any number of reasons why it's okay to be silent, but the bottom line is, there is no excuse. Having a voice is a blessing (I'm really figuring that out today) and we should use it every time we get the opportunity to share Christ with others. Let's not catch a case of spiritual laryngitis! | |
| posted at 11:48AM | comments |
| Friday, May 21, 2010 |
| Thought 5 from John 9:1-12 | |
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Scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%209:1-12&version=NIV A few years ago I went on a mission trip to Cambodia. At the end of the trip went to a place called the "Russian Market" to do some souvenir shopping. This place was a fascinating maze of shops. There was no rhyme or reason to the layout, and it was quite easy to get turned around or lost within it's walls. Many of the shops sold these beautiful silk scarfs at an average price of $5 per scarf. A pretty good deal considering you would easily pay $10 for the same scarf here in the States. During this trip however, one of the missionaries we were with found a shop that was selling the scarfs for $1 a piece! My mind immediately began to race. I did some quick math. I could buy all of my souvenirs for my wife and daughter for $5...they would never know! Not only that, but I could easily fit 100-200 scarfs in my extra bag. If I bought this amount, I could then go back to the States and sell them for $10, making a $9 profit per scarf. That would be an extra $1800.00! I casually went up to the missionary and said "Hey where did you get those scarfs?" "Oh come with me, I'll show you" he replied "Thanks man" I said then we headed down an aisle toward my pot of gold. There was only one problem. This was the Russian Market. Remember what I said about the maze of shops and being easy to get turned around? Well we fell victim to it's perplexing layout. we walked, turned left, turned right, stepped sideways, did the hokie pokie and turned ourselves around, but could not find the shop. After about a half hour of looking, we ran out of time and had to leave. Thus I paid full price for my souvenirs, and the birth of "Chuck's Silky Scarfs Shop" was never realized. Such a disappointment. In our scripture today we find a similar type of situation taking place. As you know we have been reading the scripture where Jesus heals a blind man. Take one final look at the scripture, especially the last verse. "1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."6 Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7 "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself insisted, "I am the man." 10 "How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded. 11 He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see." 12 "Where is this man?" they asked him. "I don't know," he said." The blind man is healed, and people are amazed. They ask him where this man is that healed him, and the blind man says "I don't know." Unfortunately, this is quite typical in the life of many Christians. When we have an encounter with Jesus, as we discussed, our lives will be different in a positive and powerful way. As a result, others will notice this and want what we have. (Just as I wanted the same great deal on scarfs) Inevitably, people will ask us "How do I get what you have?" Often times, when Christians are asked this, their answer is similar to the blind man. In other words, they know what has happened in their life, but they don't know how to share their faith with others. How sad to miss out on this opportunity of showing others the way to a life of fulfillment on earth, and eternal life in heaven. I want to encourage you to be ready to share your faith with anybody who asks. For me to miss out on a great deal for scarfs was a shame. For others to miss out on the great deal of Heaven, well that's a tragedy! | |
| posted at 11:05AM | comments |
| Thursday, May 20, 2010 |
| Thought 4 from John 9:1-12 | |
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Scripture Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%209:1-12&version=NIV I don't know if you do the "Facebook" thing or not, but I find it fascinating. I've been able to keep up with current events, share in peoples victories and trials, enjoy hearing the thoughts and opinions of many, heck I've even been able to spy on my daughter!!!! It's a wonderful sight. One of the best aspects of this sight is catching up with and reconnecting with friends from the past. Through Facebook, I have been able to get in contact with friends reaching all the way back to elementary school. It is so cool to see where these friends from my past are today, and to hear a little bit about the journey that got them there. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. There is one thing that I have noticed, and it somewhat saddens me on behalf of my long time friends. As I reconnect with one after the other of them I see a common thread in all of them....THEY ARE LOOKING REALLY OLD! I feel so guilty that I have aged so graciously, while the years have taken their toll on everyone of them! I know when they see me they must think: "He looks just like he did in 6th grade!" Because, there's no way I have aged the way the rest of them have! Hopefully you realize that I am just kidding. Of course I have aged!We are talking 30-40 years ago! There are obvious differences in the way I look, and that is to be expected. It is a natural part of aging. In our text today we find an interesting principle when it comes to obvious change. I am not talking about the change that comes from aging, but there is a natural change that takes place in this passage. See if you can spot it, and also pinpoint the cause of the change. In John 9:1-12 we read: "1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7 "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself insisted, "I am the man." 10"How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded. 11 He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see." 12 "Where is this man?" they asked him. "I don't know," he said." The change is pretty obvious to spot, a blind man can now see. The cause of the change? Again, the answer is pretty obvious...Jesus. So what principle can we learn from this? "When we have a personal encounter with Christ, there will be an obvious difference made in our lives." This difference will catch the attention of others, and they will be drawn to the source of the change as a result. So the question really is, what difference does God make in my life? Has he helped me overcome some terrible habit? has He raised my level of integrity? Has He allowed me to maintain a good attitude regardless of circumstances? Has He given me a love for people that overflows into their lives? Has He developed a character in me that leads to good work ethics at my job? (You get the idea) What difference has He made? Am I drawing others to Christ as a result of my own personal encounter with Jesus? If not than I really need to do some soul searching, because there is never an encounter with Jesus recorded in scripture where the other person was not drastically impacted. Perhaps I have not had an encounter. Perhaps instead, I merely bumped into Jesus, then brushed by Him and continued on my own path. Perhaps I need to back track a little ways, and go back to that place where I bumped into Jesus, then park my life there for a while so I can experience the joys of a full on encounter. Bottom line is there will be an obvious difference and my life will never be the same. Facebook has been a great way to catch up with old, and I do mean old friends! I want to encourage you to spend some time in the "Good Book" (the Bible) so that you can catch up with and reconnect with the greatest friend of all. His name is Jesus and He wants to hang out with you again...wrinkles and all! he most likely will not keep you from aging, nor will He give you an instant facelift. he will however give you a "life lift" so that others will continually say..."Your life has never looked better!" | |
| posted at 01:58AM | comments |
| Wednesday, May 19, 2010 |
| Thught 3 from John 9:1-12 | |
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Scripture Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%20John%209:1-12&version=NIV I love the movie "Shawshank Redemption." It's about an innocent man who is convicted of a crime he did not commit. He ends up going to prison but eventually escapes. (DISCLAIMER: It is an "R" rated movie and the language is rough in spots) Just before the man escapes he gives a note to another inmate who has become his friend. The note contains specific instructions for the inmate to follow if he ever gets out of prison on parole. Long story short, the inmate with the note eventually does get out of prison, but he doesn't follow the instructions right away. Instead he tries to make it on his own, outside the prison walls. He soon finds that life is a lot more difficult and complicated than he had anticipated. After many struggles and trials, he finally reads the note again and follows the instructions. They lead to an old bricked wall in the middle of an abandoned field where the inmate uncovers a large sum of money and further instructions on how to find his friend. Eventually, they reunite in a tropical paradise, enjoying their freedom together. In our scripture today, we find a man faced with a choice that each of us face daily. The choice is whether or not to follow the instructions of God. In John 9:1-12 we read: "1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7 "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" 9Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself insisted, "I am the man." 10 "How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded. 11 He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see." 12 "Where is this man?" they asked him. "I don't know," he said. Verse 7 is the key to today's lesson. Most of us know that Jesus could have healed the blind man with just a spoken word. So why rub mud on his eyes and make him go and wash it off. I suppose nobody knows for sure, but I think it's safe to say that Jesus was giving this man an opportunity to participate in something miraculous. His obedience played a vital role in the miracle. Again, I think it is safe to say that his obedience was a result in the faith that he had in Jesus to be able to heal him. In other words, faith led to his actions, his actions led to God's healing. As I said, everyday we are faced with the choice of following God's instruction or not. It is so important for us to understand that a choice to obey is actually a choice to participate in God's supernatural work and His powerful impact in our world. Obedience to God is like a two way invitation. We invite God to work powerfully in our lives, and He invites us to join Him in His work. Obedience to God, simply put, is our demonstration of faith in a loving God who always has our best in mind. We may not always understand His ways, but we trust His ways because He is God, and God is good....ALL THE TIME! So as this day unfolds, hour by hour and you are faced with the choice of obedience, let me encourage you to choose yes. You may not find a bag of money hidden under a rock in a field, but I guarantee you this, the life God has waiting for you is far greater than any paradise man could ever possibly imagine! | |
| posted at 12:50AM | comments |
| Tuesday, May 18, 2010 |
| Thought 2 From John 9:1-12 | |
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Scripture link for today: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%209:1-12&version=NIV I remember when I was a kid our family was heavily involved with Southwest Little League. My dad was a manager, my mom was a team mom, they both served on the board, and just about every day of the week we were down at the fields during the season. One of the benefits of having parents so active in the league was most people got to know you and showed you a little bit of favoritism. This really worked in my favor when it came to ball shagging. Let me explain. Every day, kids who were not playing would line up about half hour before the game started outside the umpire room. The umpires would come out and choose two kids to help them with the game. One would work the scoreboard, putting up the scores after each inning. They were paid .25 cents in snack bar tickets. Then there was the ball shagger. He would chase down any foul ball, and bring it back to the umpire. This was the golden ticket because it paid a whopping .50 cents in snack bar tickets! Well, the umpires all knew me and my parents, so when they would come out of the room, they would most often choose me over the other kids. So ball shagging I would go. Now here's what you have to understand. Ball shagging was not near as glamorous as I have made it sound. By committing to ball shagging, this meant I had to stay at that field during the entire game. I could not leave until the game was finished. This never really crossed my mind until inevitably, in the middle of the game, a friend of two would come up and invite me to join them in a rousing game of hide-n-seek, or dirt clod wars, or hawk hunting, or any number of really cool things there were to do at the fields besides play baseball, or shag balls! I was always so tempted to go and do something a little more fun, but I stuck to my guns and shagged balls, keeping that golden ticket in mind. Guess what? At the end of every game, the umpire would give me my ticket and say "Thanks Chuck, good job." I would run to the snack bar, and splurge! All the hard work, and chasing down stray balls was worth it. Missing out on some silly games with friends was worth it. For now, before me lay the snack bar....my ultimate reward! (and you would be amazed at how much .50 bought back in those days!) In our scripture today, I want us to see a second principle that Jesus not only teaches us, but models for us. As you read the passage again, pay close attention to what He says in verse 4: " 1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7 "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself insisted, "I am the man." 10 "How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded 11 He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see." 12 "Where is this man?" they asked him. "I don't know," he said." Jesus knew His time on earth was limited, so while He was here He had the Heavenly Father's work to do. His sole purpose and goal was to reach people and build God's Kingdom. How great it would be if we all took on this mindset. Don't get me wrong, I know there are jobs to work, bills to pay, and things which we must do here on earth. But can we all agree that we allow ourselves to be far too distracted by other activities, and unfortunately forget about God's Kingdom on a regular basis. I believe God has everyone of us on this earth for a limited time, but for a definite purpose. The purpose being advancing and building His Kingdom. Far too often however we allow ourselves to be pulled away because of the other"cool games being played elsewhere." Again, I want to emphasize that I understand there are certain things we must do in our lives, but as you examine yours, can you identify the distractions that are pulling you away from God's purpose for you? It would be tough to give certain things up because we enjoy them. Quite frankly, sometimes they are more fun than "Kingdom Building" but that's when we have to keep our eyes on the golden ticket. One day our "game" will be over and we will stand before Almighty God. I don't know about you, but I want to hear Him say "Good job Chuck, here's your reward." We're in the middle of a game, and God has chosen you for a purpose. I'm not sure how many innings are left, but I do know that there's a job to do. So what do you say? Let's go shag those foul balls! | |
| posted at 12:09PM | comments |
| Monday, May 17, 2010 |
| Thought #1 from John 9:1-12 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%209:1-12&version=NIV We are going to park here with this encounter of a blind man and Jesus. This small story is rich with application to our lives, so I don't want to rush by it. Over the next several days we will be drawing principles from this story that can make a huge difference in our lives. Take the time to read John 9:1-12, and see how many lessons you can find that are applicable to your life. 1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7 "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself insisted, "I am the man." 10 "How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded. 11 He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see."12 "Where is this man?" they asked him. "I don't know," he said. I remember when Caleb was about 4 years old he tripped and split his lip open on a coffee table. It was a deep enough cut that we took him to the emergency room to be checked out. The doctor came in and examined the cut,, then told me Caleb was going to need stitches. "No problem doc, you're the boss." I said "I'll just go wait our in the lobby until you're finished with him." "Actually Mr. Rheam, I think it would be best if you helped." replied the doctor "I need you to hold his head still while I stitch him up." Now at this point I have to admit, I thought maybe somebody was playing a joke on me. There was no way this doctor could really expect me to help him stitch up my son. I looked for the hidden cameras, but none were to be found. Oh Man...this guy was serious! The doctor advised me to talk with Caleb and get him to lay down. Then I would my sons head flat to the bed while he (the doctor) stitched him up. Sounded simple enough.....BUT....then I saw the needle! This was going to numb the lip so Caleb would not feel the pain of the stitching. There was only one problem...the needle was two feet long! (okay, a bit of an exaggeration, but it was huge!) I held Caleb's head in place. The doctor took the need and jabbed it right into the middle of the wound. (it was one of those moments where I tried to look away, but some unknown force inside you keeps you staring right at the traumatic scene) Caleb screamed with pain, and his body jerked violently as he tried to escape. I held him firmly to the bed, his little head turned to the side. he screamed with agony, then the doctor began to sow him up. Caleb started calling out "Daddy....daaaaaddy." It was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do. At one point, Caleb's little tear filled eyes made contact with my tear filled eyes (stupid allergies!) and he gave me a look as if to say "Why Daddy? I love you so much, what did I do to deserve this torture." This went on for what seemed like an eternity. At one point, I thought to myself, "If this jerk of a doctor doesn't hurry up, I'm gonna punch him in the lip and split it open then let Caleb stitch him up! See how he likes it!" Fortunately, soon after this thought, the doctor exclaimed "Okay, all done!" I swept Caleb up into my arms and hugged him tightly. "Okay buddy, it's alright, it's okay." he cried himself to sleep on my shoulder. Bottom line though is this...I had to allow pain into Caleb's life for the greater good. without the pain, there would not have been proper healing. He didn't understand it at the time, but I allowed him to experience pain for his own good. In other words, as a loving dad, I wouldn't allow him to experience pain just for the sake of experiencing it, there was a purpose behind the pain. In our scripture today, this is the first principle that we learn regarding pain and hardship in our lives. Jesus and His disciples come across a man born blind. We see the following dialogue between Jesus and the disciples: ""Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." Jesus explains the blindness was not a punishment, ,but rather an opportunity for God to work in this man's life. Often times we misinterpret difficult or painful experiences in our lives as God's judgment or abandonment, when in reality, it is an opportunity for God to do something great in our lives. The next time you find yourself experiencing a difficult situation, instead of asking God "Why?" try asking God "What?" "What do you want me to learn from this God?" "What do you want to accomplish in and through me God?" "What should I do with this burden God so that you will be glorified?" I'm not suggesting we invite difficulty into our lives, nor do I think we have to "enjoy" them. I'm simply suggesting that rather than looking for solutions, we should look for the Savior, who in turn can turn our suffering into glorious victory. Once we have found the Savior in the midst of the suffering, we can be confident that we will find rest in His wonderful, powerful, loving arms. | |
| posted at 10:44AM | comments |
| Thursday, May 13, 2010 |
| Thought from John 8:31-36 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%208:31-36&version=NIV Call me crazy but I like the show "Celebrity Apprentice." My favorite part of the show is the "board room." It is so interesting to watch Donald Trump lay into all these celebrities about the poor performance they had on the most recent task. What is especially funny to me is the way most of the celebrities genuinely seem to be intimidated by Trump. You can tell that none of them are used to hearing, nor do they want to hear the words "You're Fired." At one point in the board room, once all the facts are sorted out, Mr. Trump dismisses several of the celebrities to go back to their penthouse suite. This means they are safe, at least for another week. The looks of relief on everyones faces when they are dismissed never ceases to amaze me. Nothing feels better than freedom! In our text today we find a strong message encouragement from Jesus. He is talking to a group of Jews, and rebuking them, but in the midst of His rebuke is a wonderful message of hope for us. In John 8:31-36 we read: 31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 33They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants[a] and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" 34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Read verse 36 again. "If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed!" Bottom line is we all struggle with sin. Many of us are held captive by that sin. The wonderful message from Jesus is that He will set us free from our sin. In other words, He will help us overcome whatever sin we have in our lives, if we allow Him to. The great news is, once He sets us free, we are really free. (We can go back to the penthouse suite and relax!) What sin is holding you prisoner today? Jesus holds the key to your freedom, all you have to do is ask. | |
| posted at 08:49AM | comments |
| Monday, May 10, 2010 |
| Thought from John 8:12 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%208:12&version=NIV My wife Christy called me the other day and said "I think there is something wrong with the t.v. in our room. There was a crackling noise, then smoke started coming out of the back of it, so I turned it off and unplugged it." (is she a mechanical genius or what? What a diagnosis!) Needless to say, the t.v. was fried. Somebody gave us their old t.v. as a replacement, so I took the fried t.v. and set it in the hall by the kitchen until I can figure out what to do with it. Last night, I woke up very thirsty around 2:30 in the morning. I stumbled out of bed and toward the kitchen to refresh my self with an ice cold water. Guess what? I forgot all about the t.v. in the hallway. As I made my way toward the kitchen, in my pitch dark house I received a sudden reminder. It came in the form of a stubbed big toe, followed by a sudden gust of gravity which hoisted me forward and downward at an alarming rate. (in other words I busted my toe then fell flat on my face!) I had walked through my house countless times in the dark and never had a problem, but this time, the unseen stumbling block got the best of me. In our scripture reading today, we have one simple yet profound verse. In John 8:12 we read: "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Often times we walk through this life and get quite q routine going. We become experts at the daily grind, and it's easy to forget about our enemy, Satan, who loves to place stumbling blocks in our way, usually in our blind spots. They may come in the form of a relationship, a habit, a temptation, an opportunity to compromise, or any number of other ways. This is why it is so important to continue to depend on Jesus to be the light in our life. By depending on His wisdom, guidance, and direction, we are far less likely to stumble over whatever traps Satan tries to set. The light of Christ will expose the stumbling blocks out in front of us so that we can avoid them. Take time right now to pray and ask God to light your path today, exposing any potential stumbling blocks that you need to avoid. Take it from me. Moving one step to the right, and avoiding the fall is well worth the effort! | |
| posted at 12:55PM | comments |
| Friday, May 7, 2010 |
| Thought from John 8:1-11 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%208:1-11&version=NIV When I was in Bible college I liked to have a good time. I'm not talking about anything illegal, immoral, or indecent, just good clean fun. (ok, maybe a little mischievous, but still clean!) Unfortunately, the college I attended was filled with very straight laced individuals who tore the word "fun" out of their dictionary, and completely removed it from their vocabulary. As a result, I was labeled a "rebel" and a "liberal" at the college. (I know I know, its still hard for me to imagine too!) I remember one occasion I almost left Bible college, but somebody showed me compassion, and it kept me going. Our college was up in the Los Angeles area, and it was during the "night stalker" killing rampage that was going on. Richard Ramirez ( the night stalker) had been spotted in our area. One evening, a female friend of mine called me and said she had come home and her front door was open, she thought somebody was inside. I told her to go back to her car and I would come check things out. I got to her apartment, she stood just inside the door while I checked things out. All was clear, so I left. End of story. Well, sort of! Somebody reported back to the head honchos of the school that I was in the apartment alone of my female friend (technically I was) which was a huge no no at Bible College. I was called before the "DC" (discipline committee) to plead my case. I knew this was it for me. I was a rebel. The administration could not stand me. They had me on a technicality, and now I would be kicked out of school. All for being a "knight in shining armor." What a tragic end to a promising career! I stood before the "DC" and shared my version of the story. The questions were harsh and fast. It was all a bit of a blur, then they sent me out so they could decide my fate. I no sooner had sat down in the hall than they called me back in. This couldn't be good. It only took them a minute to decide my guilt and expel me! I walked in, stood before them and prepared to hear my sentence. Larry Stonebraker, the dean of men did all the speaking. "Chuck, it is the consensus of the DC that you are have willingly broken the rules of our institution. The punishment of this particular offense calls for you to be expelled. The committee has recommended that you be asked to leave our college." (at this point my heart sank...what was I going to do with my life!) "However" (huh? did he say however? as in, something different is going to happen?) "For some reason I believe in you. You have a wild streak in you, but I can see you have a good heart. I think given some direction and maturity, you can make a good minister some day. Therefore, i have decided to take a chance on you, and personally mentor you while you stay in school. Don't make me regret this!" Wow! I was given a second chance! Larry Stonebraker showed me compassion that day and it made all the difference in the world. As a matter of fact the running joke at my graduation was that I gone form the "DC" (discipline committee) to being in "RA" (residential attendant - head of a dorm) And of course, I am celebrating my 23rd year of ministry today. I shutter to think what my life might have become had it not been for the willingness of one man to show me compassion. In our scripture reading today, we find Jesus modeling this very principal. In john 8:1-11 we read: "1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"11 "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." A couple of things I find interesting about this passage: 1. The crowd was so quick to condemn, as most of us usually are. We see somebody caught in a sin or offense, and rather than be broken hearted for them, we are disgusted by them and want to punish and condemn. 2. Jesus wrote in the sand, and reminded everyone their that they were sinners. That's something that we tend to forget at times isn't it? We forget that we are just as guilty, maybe not of the same sin, but sin just the same. 3. Jesus compassion is displayed in two ways. First he doesn't condemn the woman. Second, he points her in a new direction. Away from the destructive nature of sin. "Go and sin no more." As we go through this life, we will come across people who are prisoners of their own sin. The key to releasing them from their cell is compassion as Jesus displayed it. Not condoning their sin, but not condemning the individual. Rather taking the time to reach out to them, and point them in a better direction. Away from the destructive forces of sin, and toward the healing, transforming grace of God. A little compassion can make a huge difference in the life of another. Believe me, I know! It made a world of difference in me. | |
| posted at 09:21AM | comments |
| Thursday, May 6, 2010 |
| Thought from John 7:25-44 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%207:25-44&version=NIV I'm not going to lie to you, Christy (my wife) and I get into arguments. Most of the time they are minor disagreements, but on occasion they are the verbal version of the UFC Championships! (unfortunately, we are quite evenly matched so we both walk away from these emotionally bruised and beaten up) Now I'm not proud of this fact, and it is something we both work on continually. We don't argue near as much as we used to, but as they say, "old habits are hard to break." The reason I bring this up is point out one of the main causes of our arguments. Most of the time, when we argue, it is because one of us took action on something in a way that the other did not agree with. It doesn't even have to be that the action was wrong, it's just different. I have mentioned before that Christy and I are both very strong people, with very strong opinions. She is always convinced she is right, and I KNOW I'm always right. So in a situation where the same task or responsibility can be handled in a number of different ways, we most often disagree with how it should be done. Unfortunately, the whole "let's agree to disagree" slogan has not found it's roots in our relationship yet. So we spend a lot of time, energy, and words, trying to convince the other person to think like we do. In a nutshell, I have a picture in my mind of who Christy should be and how she should act. When she doesn't match that picture, friction develops. The same is true with Christy and her picture of me. A few years ago however, Christy came up with this saying that was brilliant. It has revolutionized this part of our relationship, and drastically decreased the amount of arguments because of this problem. During one of our arguments she looked at me and said: "How about I let you be you, and you let me be me?" I was stopped dead in my tracks and speechless. (which is a minor miracle in itself) It made absolute sense! Let each other be who God made us to be. Quit trying to fit each other into the mold we thought they should fit into. Wow, what a concept. Ever since then, whenever one of us has enough sense to use that phrase, it acts as sort of a white flag and the conflict is soon ended. In our reading to day we find the same type of problem happening with Jesus. He was starting to reveal Himself as the true Messiah, yet so many people had a picture in their mind of who the Messiah was and how He would come, that they could not accept Jesus claims. As a matter of fact, not only did they reject His claims, they wanted to get rid of Him. Take a look at John 7:25-44 "25At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, "Isn't this the man they are trying to kill? 26Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Christ[a]? 27But we know where this man is from; when the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from." 28Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, "Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, 29but I know him because I am from him and he sent me." 30At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come. 31Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this man?" 32The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering such things about him. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees sent temple guards to arrest him. 33Jesus said, "I am with you for only a short time, and then I go to the one who sent me. 34You will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come." 35The Jews said to one another, "Where does this man intend to go that we cannot find him? Will he go where our people live scattered among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks? 36What did he mean when he said, 'You will look for me, but you will not find me,' and 'Where I am, you cannot come'?" 37On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38Whoever believes in me, as[b] the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." 39By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. 40On hearing his words, some of the people said, "Surely this man is the Prophet."41 Others said, "He is the Christ." Still others asked, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? 42Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family[c] and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?" 43Thus the people were divided because of Jesus. 44Some wanted to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him." How tragic to be so close to the Messiah, yet miss out on having His power and love in their life all because He did not fit the "picture" of what they thought the Messiah would say or do. Unfortunately, far too many people fall victim of this same mistake today. They create God in their image, deciding what God will or won't do. What He can or can't do. Then when God doesn't fit the picture, friction builds up, they begin to fight God on an issue or circumstance and often times they simply push Him away. What is your picture of God? What do you base your picture of God on? I challenge you to dig into the Bible, where God reveals His character and nature for all to know. Chances are, the picture you have of God is quite different than who He really is. Our wildest imagination cannot begin to imagine the greatness of Almighty God. Our deepest intellect cannot begin to comprehend the ways of God. So the best thing for us to do, is simply "let God be God" in our lives. You know what I've noticed? When I allow Christy to be Christy, and she allows me to be me, there is a lot more peace in our lives. Our days are much more productive, and our relationship is much more fulfilling. If this can happen by to human beings yielding to each other, imagine how much greater the result when the human being (that's you and me) decides to yield to God. what are you fighting God on today? isn't it time you wave the white flag? | |
| posted at 01:28AM | comments |
| Wednesday, May 5, 2010 |
| Thought From John 7:10-24 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%207:10-24&version=NLT When I was youth pastor at Midway Baptist Church we had a gang ministry. It was challenging, but at the same time rewarding. There are two kids I want to tell you about today. Angel was a kid with a chip on his shoulder. His gang name was "camel" because he literally looked like "Joe Camel" off the cigarette ad. He always gave us trouble, was disrespectful, and in my opinion a hopeless cause. Jesus on the other hand was a good kid. He was always polite, respectful, and courteous. He never seemed to fit the "mold" of a gang member. I knew he would eventually get out of the gang, and do something productive with his life. Flash forward 20 years to 2010. Angel is now a pastor in Tijuana! I got an email from him about a month ago explaining how he had finally surrendered his life completely to God and had been radically transformed. He is on fire for the Lord and impacting lives with God's love. Jesus, I found out is doing life in prison. He became more and more involved with the gang. Eventually he killed several people. One of his friends told me he wants nothing to do with religion or God. I tell you these two stories to make a point. My judgement of these two young men was way off! Often times our judgement is. We need to be careful in drawing conclusions based on our judgement alone. In our scripture reading today, Jesus is teaching this very principal. Pay close attention to the last sentence in in John 7:10-24: "10 But after his brothers left for the festival, Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view. 11 The Jewish leaders tried to find him at the festival and kept asking if anyone had seen him. 12 There was a lot of grumbling about him among the crowds. Some argued, “He’s a good man,” but others said, “He’s nothing but a fraud who deceives the people.” 13 But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders. 14 Then, midway through the festival, Jesus went up to the Temple and began to teach. 15 The people[a] were surprised when they heard him. “How does he know so much when he hasn’t been trained?” they asked. 16 So Jesus told them, “My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. 17 Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. 18 Those who speak for themselves want glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies. 19 Moses gave you the law, but none of you obeys it! In fact, you are trying to kill me.” 20 The crowd replied, “You’re demon possessed! Who’s trying to kill you?” 21 Jesus replied, “I did one miracle on the Sabbath, and you were amazed. 22 But you work on the Sabbath, too, when you obey Moses’ law of circumcision. (Actually, this tradition of circumcision began with the patriarchs, long before the law of Moses.) 23 For if the correct time for circumcising your son falls on the Sabbath, you go ahead and do it so as not to break the law of Moses. So why should you be angry with me for healing a man on the Sabbath? 24 Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.” "Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly." In other words, don't draw conclusions on just what you see. Within every person is the potential to be someone great. So as you go through your daily routine, and people cross your path, work hard not to make a judgement based merely on what you see. Remember, underneath the outward facade that you see is a person who is valued by God, thus we should value them as well. | |
| posted at 11:56AM | comments |
| Tuesday, May 4, 2010 |
| Thought from John 7:1-13 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%207:1-13&version=NIV Back in 1998 Christy and I purchased a three bedroom condo in East Chula Vista for $149,000.00. Six months after purchasing the condo, a church in Texas called us to go and be their pastor. We felt God was moving in this direction so we accepted the position. Immediately, I contacted a realtor and asked her to list our property. She told me she recommended that we hold on to our property because the value would continue to increase. We could rent it for what we paid monthly, then when the timing was right, we could make a huge profit. Well never let it be said that I won't listen to others. (don't say it because it reminds me of what a terrible mistake I made in this situation!) I didn't take her advice, I listed the property, and we sold it for $181,000.00. That was a profit of $32,000.00 in a little over six months, I showed her! Long story made short, 2 years later we moved back to San Diego. The very same condos were selling for $495,000.00! I saw our realtor when we returned, and she was glad to say "I told you so!" Had I listened, I would have made a great profit instead of just a good one. It was all about the timing. In our scripture reading today we find the same principle being taught. In John 7:1-13 we read: "1After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. 2But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, 3Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. 4No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." 5For even his own brothers did not believe in him. 6Therefore Jesus told them, "The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right. 7The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. 8You go to the Feast. I am not yet[a] going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come." 9Having said this, he stayed in Galilee. 10 However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. 11Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, "Where is that man?" 12 Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others replied, "No, he deceives the people." 13But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews." When Jesus says in this passage "the right time has not yet come" He is referring to God the Father's timing. From a human stand point, it made sense for Jesus to go ahead and reveal Himself, and His power. he could shut the religious leaders up, and take control over the people. Jesus however was not ruled by human reasoning or timing. He was ruled by God's timing. As we know, the Bible says that when the time was right, Jesus did reveal Himself, and we have a home in Heaven as a result. The results of God's timing far surpass the results of following human timing. Very often in life we are faced with situations and circumstances that are out of our control. During these times we have a tendency to rush to a conclusion or try to find an answer. We see things that should be done or needs to be done from our point of view and we get frustrated that God can't see it or won't do it. We would do well in these moments to learn from Jesus, and wait on God's timing. Thought it is tough at times, we can be assured of this. The "profit" of waiting on God's timing will far surpass any "profit" we can muster up on our own. Remember "it's all about the timing." | |
| posted at 11:17AM | comments |
| Monday, May 3, 2010 |
| Thought From John 6:66-71 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%206:66-71&version=NIV I love the game of basketball. As a player and as a coach I had a similar approach to the game, which was giving 100% in practice and in the games. A really cool coaching term which describes this philosophy is "leave everything on the court." I can honestly say I played this way, which in my opinion, made it reasonable that I expect the same from my players as a coach. When I don't feel as though I am getting 100%, I...well lets just say I "persuade them with words in a elevated tone." (okay okay, I'm a screamer!) One particular year our team was getting beat and I felt the need to "persuade" them throughout the game. As it turns out, we came from behind and won the game. One of my players was walking to practice with me the next day and while laughing he said "It's a good thing we won coach because we had all decided if we lost that we were going to quit because of your yelling." This kid was a good ball player, but obviously not a bright one! I was not amused by his little veiled threat. Practice that day was shorter than normal because I was furious. The bunch of wimps were going to quit because I yelled at them? Somebody call the whaaaaambulance! After fuming for a while I finally called them all over and ended practice with a speech that went something like this: "I understand all of you wanted to quit because I yelled at you for not giving 100% yesterday. I'm sorry, I thought I was dealing with young men, not little boys! Here's the deal, you have tonight to decide whether you want to be part of this team. I can promise you this...I am going to be tougher than ever on you. If you show up tomorrow, I am going to run the wimpiness out of you if it kills me! You will not have fun and you will learn what it means to really want to quit. if you can survive tomorrow then I will allow you to be part of this team. I will not coach losers, I want to coach champions. To a champion, quitting is never an option. I promise you that tomorrow, if you show up, I will push you to the limit and test to see if you have the heart of a champion. If you don't show, no hard feelings." Then I walked off in dramatic fashion, leaving the team stunned and speechless. It was awesome! I have to admit however, I wondered if anybody would be at practice the next day. I feared that I might have quite possibly cut my own throat, and the season short. When I walked into the gym the next day, I was met with a beautiful sight. Every single player was there, on time, suited up, and ready to endure whatever I could dish out. I kept my promise, and made their life miserable for about 94 minutes, but nobody quit. We went on to have a successful season, and I still keep in contact with those guys. On one occasion, we were remembering and laughing about that incident. (it's funny to me now) One of the guys told me, "You know what coach, you taught me something that has helped me in life. The heart of a champion never quits. It's really helped." In our scripture reading today, we find the disciples faced with a similar decision. Jesus has laid it out for them. It's going to be tough to be a follower of His. (worth it, but very tough) Upon hearing this, many of the people following Jesus, decide to walk away. This is where we pick up the encounter Jesus has with His chosen twelve. In John 6:66-71 we read: "From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 'You do not want to leave too, do you?' Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.' Then Jesus replied, 'Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!' (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)" Look at Peter's response when Jesus asks "Do you want to quit?" Peter says "Lord to whom shall we go?" In other words, "Jesus, there is no other option. As tough as it may be, we know you are the one to follow." As Christians, we need to understand that it will not always be easy to follow Jesus. As a matter of fact, at times it will be down right difficult. When those difficult times come, we are faced with a choice. My prayer is that quitting will not be an option for you. Develop the heart of a champion and like Peter, decide there is no other option but to follow Christ. When you do, then Jesus can mold you into the winner you were intended to be! | |
| posted at 02:00AM | comments |
| Thursday, April 29, 2010 |
| Thought from John 6:60-66 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%206:60-66&version=NIV Waaaaaay back in the day I played football for Southwest high school. In between my sophomore and junior year a new coach took over the program. His name was Carl Parrick. Coach Parrick was a no nonsense hard nosed football kind of guy. His philosophy was to practice hard so you play hard. I'll never forget the difference between the first couple of weeks under coach Parrick and the first couple of weeks under my previous coach. It was like night and day. Perhaps a more appropriate contrast would be Heaven and Hell! Our previous coach was a good guy who wanted us to enjoy our high school career. His practices were structured, yet lacked intensity. (after all, it was high school football, not the Superbowl!) Coach Parrick's practices on the other hand were structured with an overload of intensity. Most high school programs have one week called "hell week" which was usually the toughest of the year at the beginning of the season. Coach Parrick prided himself on having "hell weeks." The goal of the first two weeks was to either make you or break you. Coach promised us that during those two weeks we would hate him, the rest of the coaches, the drills, each other, and the game of football itself. HE KEPT HIS PROMISE! I have never been worked so hard in my life! Coach made another promise as well. He told us it was going to be tough but if we could make it through these two weeks, it would make us a better football team. I still remember coach standing in front of all of us and saying "Sitting in front of me, I see a championship team. My job is to mold you into the champions I know you can be." Again, he kept his promise. Our team had not won many games sense the beginning of the football program. Within two years of coach Parrick taking over, the team was league champs. It was tough, but it was worth it. In our scripture today, we pick up the story just after Jesus has had some tough teaching for His followers to hear. He pretty much lays it on the line for them and tells them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. He explains that following Him is going to be difficult at times. Take a look at the response from the listening audience. Pay especially close attention to vs 66. John 6:60-66 reads: "60On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" 61Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you? 62What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit[a] and they are life. 64Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." How sad that so many turned and walked away from Jesus. Not sad for Jesus, but rather sad for those who walked away. They missed out on the adventure of a lifetime. They settled for a mediocre existence instead of having a phenomenal and fulfilling life. The going got tough, and they took off, leaving incredible potential un-reached. I read this and I ask myself "What's it going to take to make you quit Chuck?" It's a fair and necessary question for all of us to ask ourselves. Hopefully you will join me in determining that nothing will cause you to quit your pursuit of and your submission/obedience to Jesus. Will it be tough at times? Absolutely! No doubt, there will be times when quitting seems to be a viable option. But during these difficult times of following Jesus, I want you to remember: "He sees a champion in you, and it's His job to mold you into the champion you were meant to be." | |
| posted at 01:42AM | comments |
| Wednesday, April 28, 2010 |
| Thought from John 6:25-59 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%206:25-59&version=NIV I remember as a kid I had some friends spend the night at my house. We played on the same Little League team and the next day we had a game. Around 9 p.m. one of my friends had a brilliant idea. We should all walk a couple of blocks over to an old cemetery to see if we could find any ghosts. Seemed like a perfectly logical thing for a group of 9 year old boys to do. So we got ready and started out the door. The door cracked open and immediately my dad yells out "What are you guys doing?" So I went back to his room and explained our plans of becoming the original "Ghost Busters." NOT A CHANCE! My dad told me to get the guys and get back in the house. We were not going anywhere. I pleaded (nice way of saying argued) with him but got nowhere. Frustrated and angry, I went and told my friends we couldn't go, then I spent the rest of the night pouting. Why did my dad tell me I couldn't go? To make my life miserable? No Because he never wanted me to have fun? No The reason he did what he did is that my dad loved me enough to keep me within the boundaries of what I needed (rest and safety) instead of what I wanted. In our scripture reading today we find Jesus doing the same thing. Read John 6:25-59: "25When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" 26Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." 28Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" 29Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." 30So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'[a]" 32Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." 34"Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread." 35Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." 41At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." 42They said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, 'I came down from heaven'?" 43"Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered. 44"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.'[b] Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. 47I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." 52Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" 53Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. 57Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever." 59He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum." The crowd followed Jesus for what they wanted, but He gave them what they needed. That is a love of a loving Father. This is an important lesson to learn as we travel through life. God will always give us what we need, but not always what we want. | |
| posted at 08:51AM | comments |
| Tuesday, April 27, 2010 |
| Thought from John 6:22-24 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%206:22-24&version=NIV I knew today was going to be one of those weird, nothing goes right days. How you ask? Because of the way it started. I woke up this morning, said goodbye to Christy as she left for work, then decided I could use another 15-20 minutes sleep. An hour later I woke to realize I had set my alarm for p.m. instead of a.m. I had places to go and people to meet so I quickly showered, shampooed, and shined. I threw some clothes on and started for the door. There was only one problem....I couldn't find my car keys. I looked on the counter....not there. I looked on the dresser...not there. I looked on my bedstand....not there. I looked in the living room, bathroom, kitchen....NOT THERE! Then it dawned on me...."Oh my gosh, somebody broke into our house last night and stole my keys!" After that brief moment of nonsense, I snapped back into reality. Once again, I was on the hunt for my keys. I looked everywhere I could think of, some places twice. Yet I couldn't find them. Finally in desperation I took the seat cushions off the couch, and there they were. At last, the hunt was over. Why was I searching so frantically for my keys? Quite frankly, because if I didn't find them, I would have to walk! It's not that I wouldn't get to where I needed to go, it would just be a lot more work, at a lot slower pace, making things much more difficult. In our passage today, we find some people searching as well. Take a look at John 6:22-24: 22The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. Whether they meant to or not, the crowd great wisdom in their actions by searching for Jesus. It is something everyone one of us should put into practice. Why search for Jesus? Quite frankly, because without Him, life is much more difficult. Jesus truly is the "key" to a meaningful and fulfilled life. | |
| posted at 07:42PM | comments |
| Monday, April 26, 2010 |
| Thought from John 6:16-21 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%206:16-21&version=NIV Have I ever mentioned that I'm not a handyman? Well if there was ever any doubt, I put it to rest when I tried to install crown molding in my house....BY MYSELF! I mean come on, how hard could it be right? So I went out, bought a cool new miter saw (and the safety goggles that go with it) pick up the crown molding that my wife chose, grab my nail gun and get to work. Seems logical to start in a corner, so that's what I did. Quick cut, nail, nail, nail, and presto...first piece done. I'm a natural! I'll have this project complete within the hour....and then the wheels fell off! The next piece I cut had to match up at a corner with another piece going in a different direction. First attempt failed. (no problem, I have extra) Second attempt, even worse! (ooops, adjusted the miter saw the wrong direction. No biggie, still have enough) Third attempt, not even close! (what am I missing here? better be careful I'm running low) Fourth attempt, close but no cigar! (Okay, no room for mistakes, I have just enough to finish) Fifth attempt, I was sooo close last time, what happened? (aaaannnd time to go back to Home Depot to pick up more crown molding!) This hour long project had suddenly turned into four hours, and I still only had one piece hanging. I bought more crown molding, and decided to start in the other direction, leaving the complicated corner for last. Guess what? There were complicated corners in either direction! By days end, I had about three pieces actually hanging, and lots of fire wood! Day two of this project was no better than the first. I actually got to a point where I convinced myself that it was impossible to complete the task. "Our house looks better without crown molding anyway!" Well, my wife wasn't so convinced. She wanted her crown molding, and I had to figure out how to get it done. Enter Tim Foster. (otherwise known as "my hero") I was talking to him about the crown molding and he said he could come help. Tim came over and within a couple of hours the entire project was complete. I will forever be indebted! In our scripture today we find the disciples struggling, and getting nowhere in a hurry. Then Jesus enters the picture and they learn a valuable lesson as a result. In John 6:16-21 we read: "16When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. 20But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." 21Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading." The disciples had been rowing for a great deal of time. While they had made a little progress, the winds and waves were overwhelming them. They were getting tired and overwhelmed. But look what happens in verse 21: "Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading." Did you see it? Once they allowed Jesus into their situation, the IMMEDIATELY reached their destination. So let me ask you. Is there something in your life that you are struggling with? It may be a relationship, a decision, a tragic situation, a betrayal, a project, or any number of things. Regardless of what it is, the bottom line is that you have been working hard and seem to make no progress. You are tired, discouraged and feeling a bit overwhelmed. Let me to encourage you to invite Jesus into the situation, and allow Him to take control. As the saying goes "Let go and let God." If crown molding is your issue, I would recommend you give Tim Foster a call. For all other issues, I would encourage you to call on the Lord. When you do, you'll be amazed at how quick you reach your destination. | |
| posted at 01:31AM | comments |
| Friday, April 23, 2010 |
| Thought from John 6"1-15 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%206:1-15&version=NIV When I was a kid I played Little League baseball. I wasn't a prodigy, but I like to think I was above average in talent, after all I did make the all start team! After my 12 year old year I had a choice to make. I could continue my baseball career in what was called "Pony" league, or I could "retire" at the ripe old age of 12. Well, here's how Pony league worked. 13 year olds from all over the area came and tried out on a given day. The managers would take notes, then have a draft. Pretty much everyone was picked up, but not everyone was going to play much. Here is how my brain worked. I had finished the previous season at Southwest Little League as an All Star. (I believe there were 16 players chosen, and I was number 15.) When we got to the all star tournament, our team played one game and lost. Although I rubbed that cool black stuff under my eyes, and wore a uniform, I never got in the game. (didn't have the proper skill set) Now moving up to Pony league, there are going to be all stars from several different leagues all coming to play. Most, if not all the players are going to be better than me. I don't have much to offer a team, soooooooo......I retired! (and that's how close I came to making it to the big leagues!) Unfortunately, when it comes to impacting the world for God or being involved with what God is doing in and through the church, many people feel the same way. They feel as though they don't have much to offer, and there are so many others with far greater skill sets, that they could not possibly be of any use, soooooooo...they just sit back and don't get involved. As we learn from our scripture today, nothing could be further from the truth. In John 6:1-15 we read: "1Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick. 3Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. 4The Jewish Passover Feast was near. 5When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" 6He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages[a] would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" 8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 9"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" 10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. 11Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. 12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." 13So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. 14 After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." 15Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. A huge crowd, a lack of food, a little boy, a small sack lunch.... the perfect setting for Jesus to do His thing. Most would say the little boy didn't have enough to offer or make a difference. Most would have thought to themselves, "This will barely feed me and mom always taught me if I don't have enough for everyone then... blaa blaa blaa." But the boy gives what little he has, and the rest is history. Here's what we learn from this story: When we give Jesus what little we have (talents, time, abilities, money, ideas, etc...) He takes it and turns what seems to be... - normal then turns it into the supernatural. - little and turns it into much. - insignificant and turns it into the miraculous So what do you say? There's a new season upon us at CenterPointe church and we want you as an active part of our team. Would you be willing to give what you have to Jesus and watch what happens? BATTER UP! | |
| posted at 10:14AM | comments |
| Wednesday, April 21, 2010 |
| Thought from John 5:31-46 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%205:31-46&version=NLT Have you ever had somebody you really wanted to impress? I'm not talking about a casual acquaintnence, I'm talking about somebody really important or powerful. I had just such a person when I was in Bible college. His name was Dr. Eli Harju. (his name alone just sounds important doesn't it?) He was a professor at the college I attended, but not just any professor. He had taught some of the all time great preachers and pastors in the country. (back then I think he was already 187 years old!) Yes, Dr. harju was like the Yoda of Bible college professors, and "teach us he did." During my senior year, I had Dr. Harju for pulpit speech. He lectured us all semester on the key elements of an effective sermon. The entire semester grade came down to one thing. We had to preach a sermon to Dr. Yoda and the rest of the young Jedi preachers. (Dr. Harju and the entire pulpit speech class for those who are having a hard time following the analogy) I prepped for this sermon like I have never prepped before. Not only was my entire grade riding on this one sermon, but I was preaching to Dr. Harju. (at the time, there was a part of me who suspected that he may have actually helped write part of the Old Testament!) The day came when it was my turn to speak. I was as nervous as I have ever been preaching. (this may surprise you but I actually had sweat stains in my armpits!) I started my sermon with a catchy illustration, moved into the scripture passage, shared three points and poem, concluded with a tear jerking story and prayed. Then I stood there, in front of my peers, waiting for Dr. Harju to share his verdict. (I think this particular episode in my life explains why I have a soft spot for the American Idol contestants as they await Simon's critique) After what seemed like days, Dr. Harju looked up at me, and I'll never forget the words he spoke..."you're gonna make a fine preacher someday." As the words rolled off his toungue, a bright light shone down from the heavens, and an angelic choir began to sing "aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh." Okay, maybe not, but it was still cool to hear that praise from the man himself! You know what I mean? You've had a similar experience in your life haven't you? Of course you have. Now let me ask you a question. Do you find yourself wanting to impress God in this way? If you are like me, you have to answer the question with a shameful "not very often." While this is a sad reality, it is definitely not a new one. In our scripture today we find Jesus, in the midst of defending His identity, pointing out that this problem was present even back in His day. In John 5:31-46 we read: "31 “If I were to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid. 32 But someone else is also testifying about me, and I assure you that everything he says about me is true. 33 In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about me was true. 34 Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved. 35 John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message. 36 But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, 38 and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me—the one he sent to you. 39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. 41 “Your approval means nothing to me, 42 because I know you don’t have God’s love within you. 43 For I have come to you in my Father’s name, and you have rejected me. Yet if others come in their own name, you gladly welcome them. 44 No wonder you can’t believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don’t care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God. 45 “Yet it isn’t I who will accuse you before the Father. Moses will accuse you! Yes, Moses, in whom you put your hopes. 46 If you really believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. Read vs. 44 again: "For you gladly honor each other, but you don’t care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God." Even back in Jesus day, people were often more interested in impressing each other than they were impressing God. Unfortunately, this struggle continues in the lives of most Christians even today. But it doesn't have to be the case. You see, "impressing God" is not done by huge acts of bravery, or miraculous deeds. Impressing God is done through a heart that pursues Him, then follows Him. Here's the greatest part of this truth....God's not running away. He waits patiently for you to catch Him. So as you live out the rest of this day, this week, this year, this life, do so with the goal of impressing God. "Pursue and follow you must." | |
| posted at 02:19AM | comments |
| Tuesday, April 20, 2010 |
| Thought from John 5:16-30 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%205:16-30&version=NIV Once again we have a passage of scripture, rich with principles and knowledge that is powerful and useful in our lives. There are several lessons we could focus on from our scripture today. As you read the passage, let me encourage you to look for the answers to a couple of questions: 1. Which verse finds Jesus acknowledging that He is God? 2. Why does Jesus say He does the things He does? 3. What does Jesus say is the key to Him doing what He does? The answers to each of these questions also teach us some powerful principles that we can apply to our lives. After you discover the answers, try to make personal application in your life, where you find yourself at this moment. Just before doing that however, lets take a brief trip down memory lane shall we? In 1981 I witnessed what I consider to be the greatest game ever played in the history of the N.F.L. It was the divisional playoff game between the Miami Dolphins and our own San Diego Chargers. It was an epic battle, that went into a couple of overtime quarters. The heat on that particular day was excruciating, and as the game went on you could see fatigue start to set in on both teams. While there were many exceptional plays, and great efforts were given by both teams, there was one performance that stood out from the rest. Kellon Winslow, the tight end for the Chargers played the game of his life. I don't have the spacenor the words to describe it adequately here, but suffice it to say, it was a near super human effort. His body was drained of fluids and energy due to the heat, and it was beaten and bruised from the natural course of the game. Several times he would be knocked to the ground, and nobody expected him to get up, but rise he did. Ultimately the Chargers won the game, in large part to Winslow, who refused to quit until His job was won. In our passage today, there is a verse which describes Jesus with the same sort of attitude. See if you can pick it out. In John 5:16-30 we read: "16So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him. 17Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." 18For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. 19Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. 21For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. 24"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. 25I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. 27And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. 28"Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. 30By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. Did you see it? Look again at vs. 17 where Jesus explains: ""My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." What a great comfort and encouragement these words are! This means that God never takes a break. He never quits working His plan. While there are times when we feel confused, hurt, sorrowful, frustrated, and perhaps even abandoned, we can take heart in knowing that God is still at work. He is planning His work and working His plan. Everything is under His control. He has not given up on us nor abandoned us, He is at work always. So regardless of what life throws at you today, be strong and be encouraged. God is leading our team on this final drive down the field called life. He wants us to get set on the line of scrimmage and run the play that He has called. Here's the best news yet...we know who wins! GOD DOES! Which means we do. Are you ready? Hutt...hutt..hike! | |
| posted at 02:34AM | comments |
| Monday, April 19, 2010 |
| Thought from John 5:1-15 | |
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Todays scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%205:1-15&version=NLT When I was about 9 years old I had a friend who lived across the street from me named Patrick Ramey. For the most part we were great friends and got along, but boys will be boys, and every once in a while we would get into a scuffle. ( a nice way of saying "fight") Now at the time, I was bigger and stronger than Patrick. By all acounts, I should have been able to whoop up on him every time. Patrick however, was a clever fighter. He had one patented move that got me every time. I would charge him like a bull after a red matadors cape. Just as I got close to Patrick, he would duck his head, absorb a slight impact, then raise his torso upward in a fast, jerking motion. The momentum of my charge and his move sent me flipping over the top of Patrick, and landing flat on my back. They say the definition of foolishness to keep repeating the same action, but expect different results. Well, when it came to fighting Patrick, I was foolish! Time and time again, within one fight, I would charge him, he would duck, then flip, and there I'd go, flying though the air, landing flat on my back. As a result, Patrick always won our fights! (It was then that I realized my destiny was not to be the Ultimate Fighter Champion) In our scripture today, we Jesus gives a valuable piece of counsel to a man regarding repeating certain actions. See if you can pick out which advice I am talking about. In John 5:1-15 we read: " 1 Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda,[a] with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches.[b] 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” 7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.” 8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” 9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, 10 so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!” 11 But he replied, “The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’” 12 “Who said such a thing as that?” they demanded. 13 The man didn’t know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. 14 But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” 15 Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him." There are so many different principles that can be applied to our lives from this encounter. I encourage to read over this passage several times to see if you can pick them out. But for today, let's focus on the advice Jesus gives the man in verse 14: "But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” Jesus heals this man who has been disabled for his entire life. Later, when Jesus encounters him in the Temple He tells the man, "Quit sinning, or worse things will happen." Worse than what? Worse than being disabled his entire life! That's serious stuff. I find it interesting that Jesus tells this man, who had just been healed. he was made all better. He has put His trust in Christ, and experienced the miraculous love and power of Jesus in his life. Surely he, if anyone, would follow Christ and his teachings. He does not need to be reminded to avoid sin, not after all the great things Giod has done in his life...right? Ummm...WRONG! Often times, it is after experiencing great victories and miracles in our lives that we are most vulnerable. We let down our guard, and our prayer life slides back a bit, because the amazing things we have experienced becomes our primary focus, rather than the source of these miracles. (God) The lesson taught here by Jesus is "Sin always has a price to pay and a consequence to endure." We can never forget that! Regardless of how far we think we have come, and how great things seem to be going at the time, we are always just one act away from the destuctive force of sin. So as we begin each new day let us do so with caution and with the awareness that our enemy the devil is looking to pick a fight. His patented move is called sin. Let's not charge toward it, expecting this time to be different. Let's counter his move with prayer, and obedience to Almighty God. As a result, it will be Satan who finds himself flat on his back, instead of us. | |
| posted at 02:07AM | comments |
| Friday, April 16, 2010 |
| Thought from John 4:46-54 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%204:46-54&version=NIV I read a true story once about a young boy who grew up in the outback of Australia. As the story goes, this young boy (7-8 years old) was out in his back yard running and playing as young boys are prone to do. Suddenly, the boy heard his dad's voice yell out to him. "SON! Stop running and moving. Look at daddy, do what I say and stand still...don't move." Upon hearing his dad's voice, this young boy stopped and did exactly what his dad had told him to do. He stood perfectly still. Meanwhile, his dad was slowly walking toward the boy, and as he did, he pulled a pistol out and aimed it right toward his son. "Don't move son, stay still." ( I don't know about you, but if I'm the son, I'm thining this punishment is a little harsh for just running around the back yard a little more than I should have!) The young boy stayed perfectly still as he watched his dad aim the gun in his direction, then with a steady hand, pull the trigger. There was a blast from the gun, and the boy felt the bullet pierce the ground just behind him. The dad ran toward him and swooped him up in his arms then stepped back and pointed. The little boy looked and saw a now dead snake (well part of a dead snake) lying in the grass just behind where he had been standing. The snake was poisonous and one of the most deadly in Australia. The dad had seen the snake and knew he had to take action. Had the boy not followed his dad's instruction, that may well have cost him his life. Why did the boy follow his dad's instruction? Trust. In our scripture today we find the principle of trust being lived out. It teaches us a valuable lesson on where our trust should be placed. In John 4:46-54 we read: 46Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. 48"Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never believe." 49The royal official said, "Sir, come down before my child dies." 50 Jesus replied, "You may go. Your son will live."The man took Jesus at his word and departed. 51While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour." 53Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and all his household believed. 54. This was the second miraculous sign that Jesus performed, having come from Judea to Galilee. Pay close attention to what verse 50 says: "The man took Jesus at his word and departed." This is a beautiful picture of trust and faith. Jesus told the man his child would be okay, and the man took Jesus at His word. That's trust, but it doesn't stop there. Trust progresses into faith when it turns into action. ("and he departed.") We would do well to learn from this man. He put His trust in Jesus, then acted on that trust by being obedient to what Jesus said. As a result, his child was healed at the very moment that Jesus said it would happen! I'm not certain what trial or difficulty you are facing today, but I do know this: There is no problem so big that God can't handle it. The only thing hindering God doing the miraculous in our lives is a small faith, which is the result of a lack of trust. The question is not "Is God able?" The question is "Do I believe that God is able?" As for me, I'm choosing to believe. I will seek to hear my heavenly dad's voice. When he speaks and instructs I will obey. I will stand still, look toward my God and say "Fire away." | |
| posted at 01:38AM | comments |
| Thursday, April 15, 2010 |
| Thought from John 4:43-45 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%204:43-45&version=NIV I don't know much about cars and how they run. Wait, that is an understatement. The truth is I know nothing about cars and how they operate! If anything goes wrong and the car stops running, I check the tire pressure, make sure there is windshield wiper fluid, verify that the key is turned to the "on" position, then I'm fresh out of ideas! Just such an occasion happened many years ago when I was driving my apple red, Hyundai Excel. As I was driving I noticed the temperature gauge began to rise, soon there was smoke (or steam) coming out from under the hood, and my keen automotive sense told me there was something wrong. Of course I drove it another mile or two so I could make it back to the church I was working for, which in hindsight was not the best of ideas! Luckily, I didn't damage the car any further. Nonetheless, I pulled into the parking lot as steamed rolled out from underneath the hood. I got out and did what any true man would do. I popped and lifted the hood, stared for a couple of minutes, wiggled some wires (I had no idea what they did) then shook my head, stepped back and repeated this cycle. (this way anybody watching me would think I had some sort of mechanical ability!) After about ten minutes of getting nowhere fast, up walked Tom Simpson. Now you really need to know Tom to appreciate this story, but time does not permit. In a nutshell, Tom was a good mechanic and an incredible prayer warrior. I had actually witnessed Tom attend to a car that would not start, He started by praying that God would start the car, then turned the key, and BLAM....the car started! It was amazing. So up walks Tom, and he says "Hey Chuck, looks like you have some car problems, mind if I take a look at it?" Mind? I was thrilled! Tom, the "car whisperer" was going to attend to my car! Of course I would let him take a look. I knew in no time my car would be up and running good as new. You know what? It was! In our scripture today we read a similar principle being lived out in the lives of those who had observed Jesus. In John 4:43-45 we read: "43After the two days he left for Galilee. 44(Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.) 45When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, for they also had been there." Pay close attention to the first part of verse 45. Do you see what it says? "When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem..." We live in a world where being a Christ follower is less and less popular. People in general are becoming somewhat antagonistic toward Christians. Many have told me, "I try to witness to my friends, but they don't want anything to do with Him." So how are we to change such an attitude? Based on my story about Tom, and most importantly, on the scripture we just read, perhaps the best answer for changing the cynical attitude toward Jesus is to allow them to see what Jesus has done in our life. If indeed others see the wonderful and miraculous changes in our lives. If they see a peace in the midst of storms, a strength in the midst of trials, a joy in the midst of troubled times. Perhaps then they will "welcome Him" into their lives as well. Prayer for the day: God thank you for all you have done and continue to do in my life. Help me to live in such a way today, that others will see You, and as a result, they will place the welcome mat out in their life, inviting You in. | |
| posted at 02:50AM | comments |
| Wednesday, April 14, 2010 |
| Thought from John 4:39-42 | |
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Todays scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%204:39-42&version=NIV I remember as a kid watching the movie "Brian's Song." It was the true story of Chicago running back Brian Piccolo. At the end of the movie, Piccolo dies of cancer. As an eight year old I recall being devastated and weeping over this ending. year after year, the movie would be shown on t.v. and year after year I would watch it, then cry a river at the end. To this day I can't hear the theme music from the movie without getting a little choked up. The thing that made it so powerful was that it was a true story. These are my favorite types of movies. Knowing they are based on true stories does something inside of me. I can't explain it but it's true. For example, watching: Hoosiers - makes me want to go coach a championship team We Were Soldiers - makes me want to thank every military person I see. We Are Marshall - makes me believe that anything is possible Toy Story - makes me want to be a good friend. (I know it's not a true story, but a very cool movie!) You get the idea! There is power behind a every story that is told, especially when it is a true story. we find this principle lived out in our scripture today. In John 4:29-32 we read: Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world." Did you see what the scripture says their? Read it again: "Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony..." In other words, many Samaritans believed because of her story! That's the power of a personal story. God can use anyones story to touch the heart of others and draw them to Him. That's right, God can use your story! So often we feel inadequate or ashamed because of where we have been. Satan tries to get us to believe that because we have had our failures and setbacks in life that we could not possibly be of any use to God. Here's the deal though. You are not the first to experience failures and setbacks, nor will you be the last. As a result, your setback, when handed over to God, can become a powerful tool in reaching others. They hear your story, and relate. They find hope in the fact that you have overcome the failure or setback, and want to know how. Then, BOOM! You get to share with them the awesome love and mighty power of God! How cool is that? So don't get bogged down with guilt, shame, and feelings of inadequacy. Hand your story over to God, let Him "edit" it, then be loud and proud as you tell your story! | |
| posted at 09:57AM | comments |
| Tuesday, April 13, 2010 |
| Thought From John 4:27-38 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%204:27-38&version=NIV I remember as a kid going to the strawberry fields to pick strawberry's. Don't worry, this isn't one of those "when I was younger I had it so rough" kind of stories. Actually, quite the contrary. This is one of those favorite childhood memories. My mom would take us down to the strawberry fields and pay for a couple of empty flats. Then we would get to go through the fields and pick our own strawberries. (At the time it seemed like such a cool thing to get to do, but as I'm writing this I'm thinking, "That farmer pulled a 'Tom Sawyer' on us! He was a genius!") Nonetheless, we had a great time picking strawberries. Then we would take them home and mom would make strawberry short cake...MMMMMMM Mmmmmmm! I have to admit that I never really gave much thought to how much work went into getting those strawberries. I mean, in order for me to enjoy that strawberry shortcake, somebody had to plow the fields, fertilize, plant the seed, water the seed, keep bugs and insects away from the plants as they grew, keep watch on the plants, then when they were ready, allow us in to pick the ripe strawberries. yes, there is a lot that goes into a harvest, but when the time is right, and the fruit is ready, it is easy pickin's. In John 4:27-38, Jesus uses the analogy of harvesting to teach a very important principle. Look especially at verse 35-38: 27Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?" 28Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29"Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ[a]?" 30They came out of the town and made their way toward him. "31Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something." 32But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about." 33Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?" 34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. 38I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor." I want us to see a couple of things: 1. It takes a lot of work and effort by a lot of people in order to see souls come to know Christ as Savior. You may not always be the one getting to do the fun stuff, (picking the fruit) but your role is just as important. Preparing the soil - Praying for friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc.. Planting the seed - Sharing the gospel with people Watering/Fertilizing - Living a life that is consistent with what you say you believe. Keep bugs out - Answering questions and doubts people have. Refuting false teaching and beliefs. Harvesting - Leading someone to Christ. All of these roles are vital, and we need to be in a position where we are able to and willing to do any of them. 2. Jesus said the harvest is plentiful. There are plenty of people need to be saved and ready to be saved. This is why it is so important that we do our part. I'm not quite ready to put on overalls, wear a straw hat, and drive a tractor through the city, but I am ready to participate in the greatest and most important harvest of them all. Will you join me? | |
| posted at 11:41AM | comments |
| Monday, April 12, 2010 |
| Thought From John 4:1-26 | |
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Todays scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%204:1-26&version=NIV I recently received a t-shirt that is black, with the words "Not A Fan" written on the front of it. It is actually a promotional piece for a sermon series. The whole premise behind the saying and the series is that we should not just be fans of Jesus, but rather followers. The difference is that a fan just sits and watches while a follower gets involved. It's a great concept and I will probably preach the series one day soon. It never fails though. Every time I wear the shirt, inevitably people will ask me. "Not a fan of what?" It serves as a great opportunity for me to share the good news of Jesus with them. here is what I have discovered however. When people ask me the question "Not a fan of what?" they are very interested in conversing with me. Once I tell them what it really means however, and they find out I am a pastor, often times they become uncomfortable, and I see them squirming, trying to find a quick exit. (I have to admit when I see this I get a bit amused, and the evil person inside of me prolongs the conversation just to see them sweat!) In other words, once they find out who I am and what I am about, they are no longer interested in me or our conversation. While it doesn't necessarily hurt my feelings, it still isn't fun to feel "rejected" by others. In our scripture passage today we find a great principle taught to us through the encounter Jesus had with a Samaritan woman. As you read the following scripture, remember that Jesus was a Jew and the Jews and Samaritans did not get along. Also remember that in those days, women were considered second class citizens, and men were brutally rude to them. yet here we find Jesus initiating a conversation with a Samaritan woman. (this is a whole other lesson in itself!) The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. When the Lord learned of this, he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?" Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back." "I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem." Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he." Okay, let's get this straight. A Samaritan.......A woman.....she's had several husbands......she comes to the well in the heat of the day hoping nobody else will be there, which means she is an outcast....yet Jesus engages her in conversation? THAT'S RIGHT!!!! Unfortunately, Christians often times are guilty of making others feel "rejected" because of who they are or what they have done. This simply isn't the heart of God. We learn in this passage of scripture: 1. Every single person is precious in Jesus eyes. 2. Jesus is not near as concerned about where you have been as He is with where you are going. This means that you, regardless of where you have been or what you have done, are precious in the eyes of God. He desires to have a relationship with you. (I don't know about you, but it is such a relief to me that God loves me in spite of me!) This also means that everyone else is precious to God, and we are to treat them as such. So the next time you encounter somebody who doesn't "measure up" in the opinion of most, make it a point to engage them in conversation. This is God providing you the opportunity to share His love with others, and help them realize how special they are in the eyes of God. | |
| posted at 11:46AM | comments |
| Thursday, April 8, 2010 |
| Thought From John 3:1-21 | |
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Today's scripture reading link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203:1-21&version=NIV When I first found our new meeting location, I met the Rec center director named Joseph. Now this is going to sound a little weird, but I noticed right away that Joseph was "cut." I'm not talking about some kind of wound on his body, I'm talking about the fact that he was, well muscle bound! Not just muscle bound though, he had muscles, minus the flab. It was obvious that this guy worked out. (again, I know this sounds weird, but what can I say, I'm an observant guy!) I couldn't help myself, I asked Joseph, "So where do you work out?" (which I later realized sounded like a cheap pick up line!) He told me where he worked out then we began this whole conversation about workout programs, but remember, it all started because it was obvious to me that he worked out. The same type of thing happened to Jesus in John 3:1-16. This is the record of Jesus and his encounter with Nicodemus. Focus especially on the first couple verses: "Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." Nicodemus, was a religious leader of his day. He was part of a group who opposed Jesus. Yet, Nicodemus risks his reputation, his position, and his life to come and meet Jesus. Why? Because he saw something in Jesus that made it obvious that He was connected with God the Father. As a result of this encounter, Nicodemus hears the gospel and gets saved. Not only that, but the record of his encounter has been used over the years to lead thousands if not millions to be saved. The principle here for us to strive for is this. We should live our lives in such a way that it is obvious to others that we are connected to God. There should be something different in us that draws people to God. The question we must ask ourselves is, "When is the last time somebody came to be asking me about God because they could tell there was something different about me?" | |
| posted at 08:36AM | comments |
| Wednesday, April 7, 2010 |
| Thought From John 2:12-25 | |
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Today's scripture link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%202:12-25&version=NIV (Hopefully it works today!) Early on in my ministry I had a problem. (actually that is an understatement...I had many problems!) This particular problem was a character flaw. It manifest itself mainly in my appointments that I set. Often times I would set an appointment with somebody, then I would forget to show up. Either that, or I would have a legitimate reason why I could not make it, but I wouldn't call to let them know I wasn't coming. As a result, there was an unfortunate joke that began to circulate. Anytime somebody did not show up for an appointment, people would say that the person who was left hanging got "Chucked." Laugh if you will, but I did not find this to be funny at all. As a matter of fact, it was the birth of the joke that really made me realize what a terrible flaw I had in my character. If people could not trust me or take my word seriously, how in the world could I effectively pastor them? We find this principle in the life of Jesus as we read John 2:12-25. Focus in on vs. 19-22 "Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days. The Jews replied, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?" But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken." Do you see what it says? The disciples recalled what Jesus had said, and now He had done what He said He would do. This is why they were able to trust him to the point of putting their lives on the line for their faith. Being trustworthy is a powerful attribute to have in one's life. It is key if we ever expect to be a positive influence to others or make a positive difference in their life. It's like the saying goes: "Make sure to say what you mean and mean what you say." It will not be easy, but living a life of integrity is well worth the effort. So make sure to follow through on what you say, and don't make empty promises that will not be kept. Take it from me, having a joke named in your honor is not all it's made out to be! | |
| posted at 06:14PM | comments |
| Tuesday, April 6, 2010 |
| Thought From John 2:1-11 | |
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We are going to try something new today. My wife gave me the great idea of including a link to Biblegateway everyday, so you can click and read the passage we will be learning from. Every day I will put the link at the beginning of the devotional so you have the ability to read the passage online if you would like. Today's passage is John 2:1-11 (copy and paste the following) http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/search=john%202&version=NIV I remember as a teenager my brother and I had a curfew of 11:00 p.m. One night we were running a bit late (30 minutes or so) but we did not stop to call our parents and tell them we were on our way home. Let me briefly pause to explain to the younger readers. Waaaaaaay back when I was a teenager, nobody had cell phones. As a matter of fact, there was no such thing as a cell phone! That's right...we had to stop at a pay phone and put coins in the little slot if we wanted to make a call. I know this is blowing some of your minds, but it's true! Anyway, back to my point. We didn't stop and call our parents. We finally made it home about 40 minutes late. As soon as we opened the front door, we heard stomping foot steps from upstairs. We had no sooner closed the door behind us than our dad, eyes piercing our souls, and nostrils flaring, came out and in a thunderous voice proclaimed "YOU TWO ARE ON RESTRICTION!!!!!!!!!!!" Then as quick as he had appeared, he disappeared back into the dark hallways of his upper dwelling. The wasn't a whole lot for me and my brother to say or do. We knew we had a curfew. We knew we were supposed to call if we were going to be late. We had not done either of those things so there was a price to pay. I guess it was easy for us to accept the consequences because ultimately we knew our parents loved us. While we didn't necessarily agree with nor understand all of their rules, we knew they were their because our parents loved us and felt those boundaries would help us achieve the best life possible. We also knew that breaking the rules produced punishment, but following the rules produced rewards. Believe it or not, my brother and I were generally good kids. We followed the rules most of the time and as a result we received more freedom, extended curfews, and extra money to help us go and have a good time. Did you know that God is the same way with His children? In John 2:1-11 we read: "On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now." This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him." There are so many great lessons to be learned from this small passage but today I want us to focus on the servants. Mary, the mother of Jesus tells them to do whatever Jesus says to do. Check out the servants. Jesus tells them to fill the jars, and the Bible says they filled them "to the brim." I love that! They were taking Jesus word seriously, and making sure there was no slack in their obedience. They filled those jars aaaalllllll the way up! I wonder how often our obedience to Jesus word is "all the way to the brim?" (Just a thought, but back to our point) Once the servants had done what Jesus said to do, the results were amazing. The wine was the best served at the wedding. The point is this: God blesses obedience. It's not a profound thought. It's not a deep theological thought. It's not a new thought. It is however one of the most powerful truths that we can apply to our lives. Whether it's in relationships, careers, finances, or any other area of daily living, if we will be obedient to how God says to do it, He will bless it! Remember also, that if we decide to break "the rules" and do things our own way, there is a consequence for that as well. I tell my kids all the time "Your actions determine how tough or how generous I will be with you." God affords us the same freedom. Our actions determine how tough or how generous He is with us.... Obedience = Blessing; Disobedience = Correction. This being true, I think I'm going to strive and fill my obedience "to the brim!" | |
| posted at 01:55PM | comments |
| Monday, April 5, 2010 |
| Thought From John 1 | |
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We will be reading through the book of John over the next few weeks. This is a great book that has a lot of wonderful principles to be learned and applied to our lives. Many of these principles will be learned through the encounters that Jesus had with others. I hope you will continue to join us daily for these lessons, and that you enjoy learning valuable life lessons. As you know, yesterday around 3:40 p.m. Southern California was shook by a decent sized earthquake. Who am I kidding? It was a huge earthquake! Definitely the largest quake I have ever experienced and I have lived in San Diego most of my life. Even though it was a significant quake, I cam honestly say it didn't completely freak me out. Don't get me wrong, I was a little shaken (pardon the pun) but never panicked or got hysterical. I went outside to see if there was any damage to the outside of my home, spoke to a few neighbors for a moment, then went back inside my house with every intention of going back to sleep. (I do love my Sunday naps!) Soon after I had settled back in to my comfy couch, we had an after shock. Just a quick rumble, but enough to be noticeable. At this point, my wife, who is not a California native, had enough! She looked at me and said "Should you go to the store and buy some extra water and supplies just in case?" My response was "I'll go later babe, I'm tired." Well, long story short, two after shocks later, I was on my way to the store! My wife went from politely asking, to gently suggesting, to just giving me the "look" that said it all! And you know what? She was right. Living in California, especially along the San Andreas fault, we should be prepared. It really is foolish not to make the effort to be ready for what most experts say is inevitable, which is a huge and devastating earthquake. We have no idea when it will happen, but we are assured that it will eventually happen. In John 1 we find the religious leaders questioning John the Baptist regarding who he was. John's response to them, also teaches us a valuable principle that we should apply to our lives: John 1:23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' "Make straight the way of the Lord" means to prepare the way for the Lord to appear. This is our lesson for the day. We know the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ our Lord will return one day. We do not know when He will return, but we are assured that indeed He will. Just as I was being foolish in choosing napping over being prepared for a possible devastating quake, (especially when we have warning signs in the form of a quake and after shocks) it is equally foolish for us not to be prepared for the return of Jesus. (the signs are all around us that He could return at any time.) We should prepare in our own life by pursuing God and His Word, then living our life in a way that honors and glorifies Him. We should prepare others by sharing the gospel to everyone God puts in our path, so that as many as possible are ready for the Lord's return. How about we use this recent quake as a wake up call. Let's "shake" up whatever we have to in our lives and the lives of those around us in order to be "prepared" for the way of the Lord. | |
| posted at 01:54AM | comments |
| Monday, April 5, 2010 |
| God Rocked It! | |
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No, I'm not talking about the 7.2 quake that woke me during my Sunday afternoon power nap! (although experiencing an earthquake on Easter, just like the earth shook when the stone was rolled away from the tomb was kind of cool!) I'm talking about the Easter service Sunday morning. I felt good going into the morning. - I watched over 90% of our church family jump in and get involved in the planning, promoting, and carrying out of the service. - Hundreds of volunteer hours were invested into rehearsals, stuffing eggs, passing out flyers, designing/printing flyers, etc... - We put over 5000 promotional pieces out into the community. - We prayed diligently for weeks that God would bless the day. So I felt like no matter what, it was going to be a good day. Well, it was far more than a "good" day. It was a great...outstanding...phenomenal...awesome...and whatever adjective you can think of day! When all was said and done, we had over three times the crowd (close to 400 people) that we normally have on a Sunday morning, Somewhere between 20-30 people raised their hands indicating they accepted Christ as their Savior! Countless people came up to me afterward and thanked me for the wonderful family service/egg hunt experience they had. As a matter of fact, I've already had two families contact me and tell me they will be at our services next Sunday! Take a moment right now to thank God for all He did today before continuing this email would you? Okay, now for the rest of the story... I'm sure you saw the overall cool experience that everyone had today, from the opening song to the last egg being picked up, but let me share with you a couple of cool things that not everyone got to experience. 1. When we arrived at the Memorial Bowl to set up it was chilly....no, it was cold! Cloudy and windy, with no relief in sight. I was really concerned that it would keep a lot of people away from our outdoor service. About 50 minutes before the service was to start, our whole ministry team gathered together to pray. It was still cold so part of our prayer was "God if you could warm it up some, that would be great!" Are you ready for this? Within five minutes of praying, the sun broke through the clouds, and by the time the service started, the sun was beaming and it was a beautiful Spring day. How cool is that? 2. The wind had died down to nothing during the service. Just as the ending drama (which was excellent and powerful!) was going to be performed however, the wind suddenly picked up on stage. It was so strong that it was about to blow over our black backdrops, and knock things over, causing a huge distraction and disrupting the spirit. Nice try Satan! Some of our people literally held the black backdrops down in place during the drama, and as a result, the impact was profound! This was by far the biggest and greatest day in our churches history, and the cool part is I believe it is just a glimpse of what God will do through our church ministry. We got a taste of what can happen in and through our church if all of us will continue to pitch in and do our part. I don't know about you but I am fired up and excited about the future!!!!! It's a thrill and joy to be your pastor! Chuck | |
| posted at 12:02AM | comments |
| Friday, April 2, 2010 |
| A Walk To The Cross Day 5 | |
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Today we end our journey to the cross...at the cross. There we see our Lord Jesus, hanging on the cross, in agony. He has taken on the sin of all mankind so that they might inherit eternal life. It's important to remember that Jesus gave his life, it was not taken from Him. As if this were not enough, His words while hanging there all hold such powerful meaning. Today as we end this walk to the cross, we will end it with the words of Christ that he spoke as His life ended. In John 19:30 we read: "...Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." On the cross, in the midst of suffering, jesus proclaims "It is finished." The work that God the Father had sent Him to do was now complete, and He was headed home. There are all sorts of lessons to be learned by these few words, but I want to focus on one. Jesus continued to do His Father's work until it was complete. We are to do the same thing. God has put us on this earth for a purpose, and He has a plan for us. We are to continue to perform His purpose in our lives until it is complete. How will we know when God's plan and purpose is complete in our lives? he will call us home. So as long as we are on this earth, we need to understand we are here for a purpose. As the saying goes, "Please be patient with me God is not finished with me yet." So pursue God, seek His plan and purpose, then continue to work the plan, until It is finished. | |
| posted at 10:55AM | comments |
| Thursday, April 1, 2010 |
| A Walk To The Cross Day 4 | |
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ACRIFICE.....that is the lesson for today. Jesus teaches us through His example that in order to really make a difference in the lives of others, we must be willing to sacrifice. Read the following passages of scripture and think about the sacrifice Christ made for you: Isaiah 53:3-6 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our sins; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the sin of us all." Matthew 27:27-31 "Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him." Jesus our Lord had the power to wipe everyone out. He had the power to do whatever He wanted to do, and He did it. He sacrificed. He allowed Himself to be falsely accused, arrested, beaten, tortured, and nailed to a cross...why? His love for God the Father and His love for us. When you stop and think of the sacrifice Jesus made for us, what is it that He asks us to give that seems unreasonable? I'm not trying to lay a guilt trip here, I'm trying to be reasonable. Honestly, think about it. Is it really too much for Jesus to expect us to give our time to serve others? Is it too much to ask for 10% of our earnings in order to continue to operate ministries to share the gospel? Is it really too much to ask for a commitment to Church, not allowing other activities to crowd out time for worship? Is it really too much to ask us to share His love with others? SACRIFICE...it means it costs us something. It's what Christ did for us. Can we honestly say we are doing it for others? | |
| posted at 10:28AM | comments |
| Wednesday, March 31, 2010 |
| A Walk To The Cross Day 3 | |
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Let me ask you a question: Does God always "make sense" to you? Please understand, I am not asking you if you trust God, nor am I asking if you think God is ever wrong. Hopefully the answer to the first question is "yes" and the answer to the second question is "no." What I'm asking is, does He always make sense to you? In other words, when God instructs you in His Word, or allows something in your life to happen, do you always completely understand? If you are like me, the answer is "no, I don't always 'get it." The bottom line is, as scripture tells us "God's ways are not our ways." Thus, there will be times when God does things, or says things from His Word that really doesn't make sense to us. I have found that it is during these times that we face what some call a "crisis of faith." When things don't make sense, we have to make a conscious choice to trust and follow God. As we continue our "Walk to the cross" I want us to see some encouraging words that just might help us when we face these "crisis of faith" moments in our lives. Yesterday, we left Jesus in the garden praying. Today, our next step toward the cross comes at the arrest of Jesus. The Bible tells us while He was praying, Judas shows up with a crowd of people and soldiers. After a brief dialogue, the soldiers start to arrest Jesus, and Peter, although misguided, to his credit leaps into action. He pulls his sword out and attacks one of the soldiers, cutting off his ear. (some commentaries suggest that it was only because Peter was a fisherman, and not a trained soldier, that he cut off the ear, when in reality he was aiming at the head) Jesus responds to Peter's action with gentle words of rebuke. Matthew 26: 52-54 "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" John 18:11 Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" Peter's response was a natural response. It's what most of us would have done. But Jesus uses this opportunity to teach Peter and the others a valuable lesson, knowing full well, that one day each of them would face a similar "crisis of faith" when their lives would literally be on the line. From His response, Jesus teaches us all a few lessons regarding times when God doesn't "make sense." 1. God is always in control of the situation - "Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" 2. God has a plan for everything/everything is part of His plan - "...how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" 3. Our way is not always the best way, God's way is - ""Put your sword away!" 4. God's plan does not revolve around our my life, rather my life should revolve around God's plan - "Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" So the next time you are face a situation or instruction where God confuses you, fret not. Remember, what doesn't make any sense to us, makes perfect sense to God, and in the grand scheme of things, that's all that really matters. | |
| posted at 04:27PM | comments |
| Tuesday, March 30, 2010 |
| A Walk To The Cross Day 2 | |
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Let me ask you something. If you knew you only had a few hours left to live, what would you do? Regardless of what your answer might be I think it is safe to say you would not waste that time. In other words, whatever you chose to do, it would be something you considered to be important and necessary. with that in mind, let's take our next step in our "Walk to the cross" by reading what Jesus did immediately following the upper room experience that we read about yesterday. In Matthew 26:36-44 we read: "Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, Sit here while I go over there and pray. He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. He went away a second time and prayed, My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing." Just hours before His terrible death on the cross, and Jesus finds time, no He makes time to pray. If this does not demonstrate and confirm the power and importance of prayer, I don't know what would. I know we hear if over and over again..."You need to pray." Most of us would agree with the statement, but the sad truth is, agreeing with the statement is where many people stop. Far too often we find ourselves saying "Man I need to pray more." So I won't spend a lot of time trying to convince you of something you already know. Rather I want to point out one small detail of passage that perhaps you have never seen before. As we read the story, we find that even those disciples closest to Jesus could not stay awake and pray. How could this be? I mean, Jesus was going to be arrested and crucified in a few hours, and all they can do is sleep? Are you serious? But wait a minute....They didn't know what was about to happen. Could it be, the reason they could so easily fall asleep is because to them, this night was just like any other night? In other words, to be taken to a secluded place and told to pray was nothing new. For Jesus to go off by Himself to pray was nothing new. As a matter of fact, this happened all the time. Prayer was a regular, and central part of Jesus life. Wow! If you weren't convinced already, I hope you are now as to the importance of prayer in our lives. I want to encourage all of us to approach prayer as Jesus did. Not as a religious act or obligation, but rather as an opportunity. An opportunity to talk with the creator of the universe. An opportunity to find wisdom, strength, and power in our lives and in life situations that are thrust upon us. Making prayer a priority is not an option, it is a necessity in claiming the victorious life God has planned for you. Remember, when Jesus instructed the disciples on prayer He said "When you pray" not "if you pray." So let's pray. pray for this coming Easter service. Pray for our church family. Pray for our country. Pray for our leaders. pray about anything and everything that is important to you in life. And as the acronym says, when praying...P.U.S.H. Pray Until Something Happens | |
| posted at 12:40PM | comments |
| Monday, March 29, 2010 |
| A Walk To The Cross Day 1 | |
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For this week's blogs, I thought it would be interesting to take a "walk to the cross" with Jesus. There is much to be learned from the actions of Jesus during the week leading up to His crucifixion. By no means will this be an exhaustive look into this week, but rather an overview. It's important to remember that Jesus was aware of the weeks events before they happened. So when we see Him modeling certain actions during this last week, it is obvious that these are actions that we should be taking in our own lives. Today we read from John 13:1-5, 12-17 "It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him......When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 'You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." Can you believe it? All of the disciples are sitting down to enjoy a great passover feast. Jesus knows that in a few short hours he will be arrested, tried, tortured, and crucified. Yet He takes this moment to teach us all a valuable lesson: A true follower of Christ looks for opportunity to serve others. I think it's safe to say that if we knew what Jesus knew regarding the upcoming events, we could easily justify not serving others. Let's face it, we have an easy enough time coming up with excuses now for why we don't serve others more. Bottom line is that Jesus demonstrated the type of heart and action we are to have for others. After serving them, Jesus tells the disciples, "You do the same for each other." Here's the question we all must ask ourselves: "Do I look for opportunities to serve others?" The answer is easily found by examining our lives and asking: "Who am I currently serving?" "Am I serving all I can?" "What keeps me from serving more?" As we take this first step on this journey to the cross, may each of us learn from the example of Jesus, and become servants to all. Look for an opportunity to serve somebody this week, and when they ask you why you are doing so simply reply, "Because I'm following my leader." When they ask you who your leader is, well, the door has just swung wide open to share Christ with them! If you allow it to be, this could be an awesome week where you impact the life of another physically and spiritually. So remember..."Serve then Share!" | |
| posted at 05:33PM | comments |
| Thursday, March 18, 2010 |
| Tough Day | |
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I received word yesterday morning that Pastor Don Hamer had passed away. I was stunned and shocked by the news and it seems that all others shared my disbelief as the news began to spread. Don was a man who had a vibrant relationship with the Lord. He made no secret of his love for God and Don pursued the Lord with a passion unmatched by anyone I know. The joy of the Lord overflowed from his life into all who were near him. One could not help but have their spirits lifted, and their hearts encouraged while in the presence of this great man of faith. I spent a good part of the afternoon reading posts written in memory of Don on a website. I readily admit that as I read these posts, some brought a smile to my face, some reminded me of long forgotten good times, some made me laugh, some even caused a tear or two to be released. One thing became abundantly clear however as I read through these posts...Don had a profound impact on countless lives while here on earth. To know Don was to love him, and be loved by him. He taught with his actions, which backed up his words. This is why all who knew him both admired and respected this beloved man. He will be greatly missed, but Don's mission will live on in the lives of all those who knew him and were influenced by him. News of his passing brought to mind the scripture found in Proverbs 27:1: "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." Life truly is a fragile gift to be appreciated not neglected. We should spend our days investing our life, rather than squandering it. I couldn't help but reflect on my life and ask the question: "How will you be remembered Chuck?" I said goodbye to a friend, teacher, and mentor yesterday. Even as he left this earth however, Don had one final challenge to give, one final lesson to teach: "Live your life in such a way, that when your days on this earth are through, you leave a legacy in the lives of others, rather than a void." | |
| posted at 01:00AM | comments |
| Wednesday, March 17, 2010 |
| Thought From Proverbs 31 | |
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Back in college I developed a strong appetite for Butterfinger candy bars. I have to admit, I still have cravings now and again, but one incident sort of ruined me on Butterfingers. It was a hot summer day, and we were out canvassing neighborhoods for a church. My friend and I stopped at a gas station to fuel up, both the car and our bodies! Back in those days (man I'm sounding old) there was no AM/PM stores connected to the gas stations. All refreshments were retrieved from vending machines. I scrounged around and found enough change (that's right, I said change. The dollar bill option had not yet been installed on vending machines! Man I am old!) and scrolled down the rows of the machine. Suddenly, a bright light shone down from the heavens and illuminated "C4." There in the midst of the heavenly rays was a Butterfingers candy bar. (ok, that's a little dramatic, there was no bright light from heaven, but I did spot the Butterfingers!) I paid the proper amount, pressed "C4" and watched with great exhilaration, as the Butterfingers dropped from its hanging position, to the dispenser bottom below, where I quickly grabbed it. I quickly unwrapped the bar partially, and took a huge bite. It was delicious! Well...sort of. You see, unknown to me, a bunch of ants had eaten through the wrapper, and they too were feasting on the Butterfingers bar. MY BUTTERFINGERS BAR! By the time I noticed it, I had already swallowed a portion of the bite I had taken. So there is no doubt, that on that day, I was introduced to the wonderful delicacy of "Chocolate covered ants!" Honestly, I don't know if I actually tasted the ants or if it was all just in my head, but I spit the rest of that candy bar out in great disgust, gagging all the way. Regardless of how great the bar looked on the outside, it was ruined by what was on the inside. In Proverbs 31:30 we read: "Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised." First let me say, that in my wife's case, beauty does last. But, the point that the author of this Proverbs is making is, that what is on the outside is not near as important as what is on the inside. As a matter of fact, if the inside is rotten with sin, it will soon manifest itself on the outside. There is nothing wrong with trying to look our best nor with trying to stay in good physical condition. However, let's just be sure we are giving as much if not more attention to being healthy and looking good on the inside! Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank you for your wonderful love for me. I pray that you will transform me, and make me beautiful from the inside out. | |
| posted at 02:11AM | comments |
| Tuesday, March 16, 2010 |
| Thought From Proverbs 30 | |
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Legend has it that George Washington, when confronted with whether or not he had chopped down a cherry tree, said "I cannot tell a lie" and confessed to the act. Well, I know somebody (who shall remain nameless because you may know him as well) who if for once in his life was telling the truth would say "I cannot tell the truth! It never fails. Anytime a conversation is started, regardless of the topic, this guy has been there, done that, and...you guessed it, better than anyone else. He has stories about everything from playing professional football, to single handedly taking down a drug cartel! I'm ashamed to admit it, but it has actually become a game of sorts to see who can get him to tell the biggest lie whenever he is around. The sad part is, he honestly thinks people believe his fictional tales, hen in reality, nobody takes him serious. I mean it's impossible to believe anything the guy says because he has spun far too great a web of lies over the course of his life. In Proverbs 30:5 we read: "Every word of God is flawless..." This is such a comforting and encouraging truth! God's Word is flawless. In other words, every word found in the Bible can be trusted because God has never lied, and He is incapable of lying. How wonderful to know that God's Word comes from a heart that loves us and from a heart that is pure without blemish or deception of any kind. It is absolute truth, thus can be depended on for wisdom, instruction, correction, and guidance. May we never take for granted the incredible gift of God's Holy Word! Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank you for the wonderful Gift of Your Holy Word. Give me the discipline to listen daily to what you have to say and the discernment to know what you want me to do. | |
| posted at 12:28AM | comments |
| Monday, March 15, 2010 |
| Thoughts from Proverb 29 | |
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There is a new t.v. show on Sunday nights that I absolutely love. It's called "Undercover Boss." The basic premise is that the CEO's of major corporations go "undercover" in their organizations, to see how different aspects of the organization run. They are treated as a new hire in various positions from entry level to management. During their undercover experience, CEO's are treated as anyone else in the organization, which is very intriguing because it's so opposite of "real life." Normally, the more you know and have, combined with your position or status gains you better treatment. In Proverbs 29:13 we find an encouraging verse which reads: "The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both." What this verse basically tells us is, regardless of what your status is in society, ultimately, in God's eyes we are are all equal. We are all dependent on Almighty God for life and everything that goes with it. It is not our talent, personality, position, money, possessions, or abilities that gains God favor. It is simply a heart for Him. So in this world where we learn early on that "life is not fair." take hope in knowing that in God's eyes, we are all precious, and He loves us all equally. In order to enjoy the benefits and joy of His great love, all we need to do is seek after Him. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me even though at times I am unlovable. Help me to recognize and enjoy your love daily, then share it with others as you give me opportunity. | |
| posted at 12:34AM | comments |
| Friday, March 12, 2010 |
| Thoughts from Proverbs 28 | |
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Every once in a while my daughter Cailey's room gets a little, well, let's just say a bit messy. When these times occur, either my wife or I tell her "You need to get your room cleaned, or you're not going to do anything this weekend." (as a matter of fact I woke this morning to the sound of just such a conversation taking place between Cailey and Christy) At this point, Cailey has a decision to make. She can either follow our instruction, which in the long run frees her up to enjoy life on the weekend, or she can ignore us, but soon find that she is trapped all weekend in the midst of her mess. We give her the choice, and put full responsibility on her for the consequences. If she chooses not to clean her room, but then wants to go somewhere, she usually comes to one of us making all sorts of promises about how clean she will get the room later, but at that point, it's too late, and we're not interested in words, we need to see action. In Proverbs 28:9 we read: "If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable." God has laid His guidelines out for us in the Bible. If we choose to follow His instruction , we are free to enjoy an incredible life, but if we choose to ignore them, and live how we want, there are consequences. Let's be wise enough to listen to God, because in the long run, it's a far better path to follow, with the reward of a fulfilled life at the end, instead of getting stuck in the middle of the mess we created on our own. Prayer: God, help me listen and yield to your instruction. | |
| posted at 08:52AM | comments |
| Thursday, March 11, 2010 |
| Thought From Proverb 27 | |
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I'm sad to say I'm not always a nice guy. I'm thinking particularly about a time in high school, during journalism class. We were all assigned the same writing topic and had to compose an article. These articles would be judged, and the winning author would have their work of art posted at the Del Mar Fair. I worked furiously on my article, looking for new angles to approach from, and using a plethora of words that were not normally in my vocabulary. This, I thought, would be my finest hour. After reading my article at the fair, thousands would seek me out, and beg for more. My friend, David, was also a decent writer. (he was actually far better than me, but my pride still does not allow me to admit it!) He asked me to look over his article and give him an honest critique. (notice I said honest) I read his work, and quite frankly, it was not that good. As a matter of fact, I knew that for perhaps the first time, I had actually written a better article. There were one or two thoughts in his writing that were clever (which as you will see in a moment, I stole) but otherwise a very dull and uninspired piece. I finished reading his rough draft, looked him straight in the eyes, and honestly, lied to him! "Man, this looks great! You've got this wrapped up. How do you think of these things man?" I went on to tell them one or two things I felt weakened the article (i.e. the two things I stole and put in my paper) then walked away knowing hands down, that I had secured victory, by insuring his defeat with my advice. As it turns out, I was partially correct. David did not win the competition...but neither did I! (that's a story for another time) In Proverbs 27:6 we read: "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemies kisses are deceitful." In other words, a true friend will give correction where needed, even if it stings us a bit. A true friend is willing to tell us the truth when it hurts, because ultimately it is for our own good. They have our best interest in mind and not their own. Just like I told my buddy David that his article was terrific, because it was in my best interest, often times we give advice to others that really serves our purpose. We don't want them to be mad at us, or we are trying to get that promotion, or we are trying to look better ourselves, or....well you get the idea. Let's strive to be the kind of friend that is loyal and honest, even when it hurts the other person. (although hurting should not be our intent. In Proverbs 27:17 we read: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." When iron sharpens iron, sometimes sparks fly! But ultimately, it is for the good of the individual. Let's be true friends, and put others first. Let's also be the kind of person who recognizes and appreciates great friends who are willing to be honest with us! | |
| posted at 09:22AM | comments |
| Wednesday, March 10, 2010 |
| Thoughts From Proverbs 26 | |
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I have been out of town at a missions conference so I was unable to blog. I also send these thoughts out via email everyday. If you would like to be added to the list, please email me at Chuck@smcchurch.com. Here's the thought for today: Before we look at the thought for the day, let me remind you that this week is time change. Remember to move your clock ahead one hour this Saturday night. My son just informed me that former teen actor Cory Haim has passed away. It appears to be an overdose of drugs. This is another example of a tragic end to a promising life. As a young start, corey had everything going for him. he was sought after for many roles, and seemed to have the world at his finger tips. Unfortunately, he also had an addiction to drugs. Throughout his life he battled this addiction, and sadly it seems that drugs finally got the better of him. It's easy to stand in judgement of others who struggle with sin that we personally have no problem with, but let's face it. We all struggle in one area or another. Ours may not be drugs, but the Bible is clear that we all have our own "dark secrets" called sin that continually tempt us and try to lure us down a path of destruction. In Proverbs 26:11 we read: "As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly." It is not a pretty picture to imagine a dog returning to his vomit and consuming it again. (if you have ever seen this you know exactly what I mean!) But Proverbs teaches us this is exactly the picture of anybody who continues to return to the same sin. Eventually, it will get the best of you unless you take preventative measure to avoid and overcome this sin. Let's not be foolish, what do you say? Prayer: Heavenly Father, you know I struggle with (name your sin). I need your strength to overcome it because I can't on my own. Help me be wise and avoid this sin at any cost. Give me strength and wisdom so I do not return to my "vomit." May my life glorify you. Amen | |
| posted at 01:04PM | comments |
| Monday, March 1, 2010 |
| Thought On Proverbs 20 | |
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I love basketball. Unfortunately I was not born with the body of a basketball player, so I have had to settle for being a coach. (which by the way I love as well) I remember one particular game several years ago when we were in a tight game against a rival team. We were playing on the opposing team's court and it was obvious they were getting "home team calls" from the referee. By the end of the game, three of my best players had fouled out (because of very questionable calls by the ref) and we had lost the game by a few points. I'm not one to blame the ref for any loss, but in this case....IT WAS HIS FAULT!!!! As the ref walked by our bench to leave, I said to him "You killed us tonight ref." He stopped, and started staring at me...wait, glaring at me would be a better description. I'm not sure what happened next because I had a slight blackout, but the next thing I remember, I was yelling at the top of my lungs, and walking toward the ref, thinking in my mind, I'm going to deck this guy. (I had sized him up ahead of time and knew I could take him) Fortunately, the athletic director, Jerry Webb, was at the game and saw me going toward the ref, so he stepped in between us and calmed me down. As I came out of my angry trance, I looked around to find parents and players just staring at me. I felt like such a fool. For one moment of fulfilling my own need for revenge, I had ruined months if not years of respect that I had built up with these people. Not a proud moment in my life to say the least. In Proverbs 20:3 we read: "It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel." Let's face it, any fool can pick a fight or retaliate. It takes a real person of control to avoid one. Often times it is a lot harder to walk away, than it is to stay and fight, but here is what I have learned. When I discipline myself to walk away when I can and should, I always am thankful and thought of more highly by others. Regardless of what area of life it is in, (marriage, work, friendships, etc...) it is almost always more profitable in the long run to avoid a fight. Let's all strive to be peacemakers instead of brawlers. So next time you have the opportunity to have a fight (verbally or physically) bring honor to yourself and to God by simply walking away. Walking away might bruise the ego, but staying and fighting could destroy the relationship! | |
| posted at 12:46PM | comments |
| Friday, February 26, 2010 |
| Thought on Proverbs 19 | |
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When my brother and I were about 8-9 years old, we had tons of fun. I remember one New Years Day, we woke up and saw a parade going on t.v. We thought to ourselves, how fun would that be?! Having our own parade right here on our street. So we went to work on it! After-all, how hard could it be? We gathered all of the noise makers from the night before. (My mom and dad would have us yell, scream, and use obnoxious noise makers of all types at midnight to celebrate the new year)and called a few friends to tell them the exciting news that we were going to be having a parade in about 20 minutes if they wanted to join us. Twenty minutes passed, and the parade started. I would love to say that it received national coverage. That it changed the neighborhood forever, and lifted the spirits of millions because of it's enormity. But the bottom line is the parade consisted of me, my brother and about five noise makers. It lasted all of about 1.5 minutes! What looked easy and fun on t.v. was apparently much more difficult to pull of than we had thought! In Proverbs 19:2 we find some great advice when it comes to action or even decision making: "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way." Basically, we learn that before we make a decision or take action on something, we should get all the facts. Do our homework and count the cost, otherwise we doomed to fail. Regardless of what action we are facing or decision we are trying to make, let's not be hasty, but rather take our time and seek the right answers by seeking God. | |
| posted at 08:52AM | comments |
| Wednesday, February 24, 2010 |
| Thought on Proverb 18 | |
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Ever notice that life is tough at time? And by "at time" I mean it seems daily there is some sort of struggle we have to deal with. It's like the saying goes "anything worth having is worth working for." Well we discover early on in life, that in order to enjoy it, it takes work! A healthy marriage takes work Finding and keeping a job takes work Owning a house takes work Maintaining friendship takes work Raising a child takes work And the list could go on and on. Heck, even having a hamster takes work! There is another saying that goes something like "If you are not moving forward you are moving backwards." In Proverbs 18:9 there is a verse that seems to echo this sentiment: "One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys." I went to middle school with a kid named Mario. (I'll leave his last name out for privacy rights. Well, and my own protection!) Mario had a brother Javier, and they both played with Gene and I in Little League. They were really nice guys and we got along great. But at school....well they had a different reputation. You see their entire family was wrapped up heavy in the gangs, and everyone knew you did not mess with those two, or even worse, cross them. Mario, dressed the part. He wore the white t-shirt, blue bandana, greased back hair, dark shades. Javier on the other hand, dressed sort of "preppie" for lack of a better term. Jeans, and polo shirts. Their appearance was different, but they were in the same family, and messing with them produced the same results. Neglecting or being lazy in any area of life will produce the same result as if we put an all out frontal assault on it. The end result is destruction. So the next time you feel like "taking it easy" in some area of your life, ask yourself the question. Am I okay with this area of my life being ruined? If the answert is no, well then hop up and get to work! | |
| posted at 10:51AM | comments |
| Monday, August 4, 2008 |
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| posted at 08:11PM | comments |
