When Kelly ended this post with the question, "You?" I took it as license to copy her idea:
1. Living at home in Rockford, MI to save money on room and board in college.
2. Trying to figure out which crowd to hang out with at said conservative Bible college: the TR's, the group that when to Mars Hill when Rob Bell was still up and coming, the international students and their friends, or group that went to my old church (I had started attending an OPC church with my parents).
3. Not really fitting in with any of them but still desperately trying.
4. Doing home construction on the side when I didn't have to study, in the dead of winter in Michigan.
5. Had been playing the bongo's for a while and had just started picking up my dad's guitar and learning how to play.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Safely Through Another Week??
Kelly and I, as well as Chad, talk often about the old songs we grew up with in church, because we're MK's and PK's. For the most part, I grew up in a megachurch, but it was the Christian Reformed brand of megachurch, which couldn't be quite as progressive as many other megachurches were being in the 90's. So while we did the Marantha praise songs, as they were called, we also still sang a lot of hymns. One that we did not sing but I still remember being automatically turned off by the title and hoping to never ever sing, was "Safely Through Another Week." Here are the lyrics: (I dare you to go here and listen to it!)
Safely through another week God has brought us on our way;
Let us now a blessing seek, on th’approaching Sabbath day;
Day of all the week the best, emblem of eternal rest,
Day of all the week the best, emblem of eternal rest.
Mercies multiplied each hour through the week our praise demand;
Guarded by almighty power, fed and guided by His hand;
Though ungrateful we have been, only made returns of sin,
Though ungrateful we have been, only made returns of sin.
While we pray for pardoning grace, through the dear Redeemer’s Name,
Show Thy reconciled face, shine away our sin and shame;
From our worldly cares set free, may we rest this night with Thee,
From our worldly cares set free, may we rest this night with Thee.
Here we come Thy Name to praise, let us feel Thy presence near,
May Thy glory meet our eyes, while we in Thy house appear:
Here afford us, Lord, a taste of our everlasting feast,
Here afford us, Lord, a taste of our everlasting feast.
When the morn shall bid us rise, may we feel Thy presence near:
May Thy glory meet our eyes, when we in Thy house appear:
There afford us, Lord, a taste of our everlasting feast,
There afford us, Lord, a taste of our everlasting feast.
May Thy Gospel’s joyful sound conquer sinners, comfort saints;
May the fruits of grace abound, bring relief for all complaints;
Thus may all our Sabbaths prove till we join the church above,
Thus may all our Sabbaths prove till we join the church above!
OK, so, by FAR the worst line in the while song is the title line.
Why? Because why do I care so much about "th'approaching Sabbath day" if what I'm living for, my goal for the week, is to make it through safely? If each day is safe and easy, my simple routine where none of my feathers get rustled, then the importance of a day of rest and re-connection decreases.
The attitude of the rest of the song is more fitting to the person who struggles with personal issues, toils to make ends meet, wrestles with his cross, suffers pain for the glory of God. For that person, "a taste of our everlasting feast" every Sunday would sure take on more meaning. That person treasures the day he meets with his brothers and sisters in Christ, hears from God, meets with God, and is strengthened for more Kingdom work for the next week.
Only pray to be brought safely through the week if you're also praying to be challenged and developed into the person God wants you to be.
Safely through another week God has brought us on our way;
Let us now a blessing seek, on th’approaching Sabbath day;
Day of all the week the best, emblem of eternal rest,
Day of all the week the best, emblem of eternal rest.
Mercies multiplied each hour through the week our praise demand;
Guarded by almighty power, fed and guided by His hand;
Though ungrateful we have been, only made returns of sin,
Though ungrateful we have been, only made returns of sin.
While we pray for pardoning grace, through the dear Redeemer’s Name,
Show Thy reconciled face, shine away our sin and shame;
From our worldly cares set free, may we rest this night with Thee,
From our worldly cares set free, may we rest this night with Thee.
Here we come Thy Name to praise, let us feel Thy presence near,
May Thy glory meet our eyes, while we in Thy house appear:
Here afford us, Lord, a taste of our everlasting feast,
Here afford us, Lord, a taste of our everlasting feast.
When the morn shall bid us rise, may we feel Thy presence near:
May Thy glory meet our eyes, when we in Thy house appear:
There afford us, Lord, a taste of our everlasting feast,
There afford us, Lord, a taste of our everlasting feast.
May Thy Gospel’s joyful sound conquer sinners, comfort saints;
May the fruits of grace abound, bring relief for all complaints;
Thus may all our Sabbaths prove till we join the church above,
Thus may all our Sabbaths prove till we join the church above!
OK, so, by FAR the worst line in the while song is the title line.
Why? Because why do I care so much about "th'approaching Sabbath day" if what I'm living for, my goal for the week, is to make it through safely? If each day is safe and easy, my simple routine where none of my feathers get rustled, then the importance of a day of rest and re-connection decreases.
The attitude of the rest of the song is more fitting to the person who struggles with personal issues, toils to make ends meet, wrestles with his cross, suffers pain for the glory of God. For that person, "a taste of our everlasting feast" every Sunday would sure take on more meaning. That person treasures the day he meets with his brothers and sisters in Christ, hears from God, meets with God, and is strengthened for more Kingdom work for the next week.
Only pray to be brought safely through the week if you're also praying to be challenged and developed into the person God wants you to be.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Pax Romana Today
If you remember anything from history class in school your probably have heard of the Pax Romana. The Roman Empire was established across a great part of the world right around the time of Jesus. As part of their contribution to the world, as any trip to Spaceship Earth will tell you, they united the world like never before by building a road system. It's similar to how the United States was changed when the interstate highway system was developed. Into that world, Christ was born. And people came from far and wide, FAST. It didn't take long for him to have a following of thousands. After he left, on Pentecost, there were people from all over the world who happened to be in Jerusalem, and their lives were changed.
Today, far, far more than the Roman road system, or the interstate highway, we have the information super highway, and more and more churches are using it to spread the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. Since the world has gone mobile and to the web, the church should be so also. And many ARE. It is absolutely amazing how the church today is capturing the web and technology for God's purpose and His Kingdom. Later this week, I'll blog about one example. For now, let's just be thankful for the ingenuity and creativity that God has given man, and for how he's enabled the church to use the information superhighway (this term is SO late 90's) to spread His fame.
Today, far, far more than the Roman road system, or the interstate highway, we have the information super highway, and more and more churches are using it to spread the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. Since the world has gone mobile and to the web, the church should be so also. And many ARE. It is absolutely amazing how the church today is capturing the web and technology for God's purpose and His Kingdom. Later this week, I'll blog about one example. For now, let's just be thankful for the ingenuity and creativity that God has given man, and for how he's enabled the church to use the information superhighway (this term is SO late 90's) to spread His fame.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Running Mind Dump
I am trying to muster up the discipline to get into a running routine. Our schedules make it somewhat challenging. I managed to put Aidan in our jogging stroller, strap him in, don my ipod with the workout playlist, and set off into the afternoon sun. Thoughts...
--I always enjoy running, I just don't like doing it early in the AM and evenings don't work well for the most part.
--I listened to a live version of "The Way it Is" by Bruce Hornsby--twice. It's absolutely, hands down, one of the best jams ever. The ending is sooooooo intense! Wish there were more Christian jam bands. The closest I've found is Waterdeep's live albums from the 90's.
--It is possible to listen to Bruce Hornsby and have a God-moment.
--I kept running beside the stroller every now and then to check on Aidan, and eventually he fell asleep. There was a powerful moment where I thought about me as Aidan's dad--working hard, exerting myself, running, not necessarily on his behalf (this is where the metaphor breaks down). I thought about God, who never slumbers or sleeps. Our heavenly Father is always working, sustaining, providing, busy, being Daddy, even when we're sleeping.
--My mind also wandered to Rob Bell's first Nooma video where he had his son strapped in and held him close to his chest, and was the strength and encouragement that helped him through the middle of the raging storm.
--It all made me want to do more running with Aidan. Today a friend at church talked about he and his wife's recent trip to Africa where they climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. An amazing adventure. I'm so excited that I will get to take Aidan on more adventures! Even going out running with him is so fun!
--what if I rested in my sonship of Jesus the way Aidan rests in his sonship to me?
--I always enjoy running, I just don't like doing it early in the AM and evenings don't work well for the most part.
--I listened to a live version of "The Way it Is" by Bruce Hornsby--twice. It's absolutely, hands down, one of the best jams ever. The ending is sooooooo intense! Wish there were more Christian jam bands. The closest I've found is Waterdeep's live albums from the 90's.
--It is possible to listen to Bruce Hornsby and have a God-moment.
--I kept running beside the stroller every now and then to check on Aidan, and eventually he fell asleep. There was a powerful moment where I thought about me as Aidan's dad--working hard, exerting myself, running, not necessarily on his behalf (this is where the metaphor breaks down). I thought about God, who never slumbers or sleeps. Our heavenly Father is always working, sustaining, providing, busy, being Daddy, even when we're sleeping.
--My mind also wandered to Rob Bell's first Nooma video where he had his son strapped in and held him close to his chest, and was the strength and encouragement that helped him through the middle of the raging storm.
--It all made me want to do more running with Aidan. Today a friend at church talked about he and his wife's recent trip to Africa where they climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. An amazing adventure. I'm so excited that I will get to take Aidan on more adventures! Even going out running with him is so fun!
--what if I rested in my sonship of Jesus the way Aidan rests in his sonship to me?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Much More Eloquently
My small but still rambling post yesterday was supposed to communicate the same point as this, but John Piper does it so much more eloquently.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Quick thought on President Obama's Inauguration
There's tons to be said, but it's late and my bedtime.
Obviously today was a turning point, a historical day. As if you hadn't heard that word 100 times today. It represents a triumph of sorts and we are right to feel hopeful. President Obama and his many colleagues may be instrumental in turning around some of the downturns our country has taken. But ultimately, Obama is not our hope. After watching/reading lots of footage today, many people seem to be resting their hopes on one man. While he is a great man deserving honor and respect, obedience and cooperation--and our prayers (1 Tim. 2),--he is a man. Obama's ability--any ruler's ability--to be successful in his role, depends on his relationship and obedience to Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.
Interesting times have yet to unfold before us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus. Let us seek Him together so that our land may be healed (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Obviously today was a turning point, a historical day. As if you hadn't heard that word 100 times today. It represents a triumph of sorts and we are right to feel hopeful. President Obama and his many colleagues may be instrumental in turning around some of the downturns our country has taken. But ultimately, Obama is not our hope. After watching/reading lots of footage today, many people seem to be resting their hopes on one man. While he is a great man deserving honor and respect, obedience and cooperation--and our prayers (1 Tim. 2),--he is a man. Obama's ability--any ruler's ability--to be successful in his role, depends on his relationship and obedience to Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.
Interesting times have yet to unfold before us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus. Let us seek Him together so that our land may be healed (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Monday, January 19, 2009
To Die is Gain
One good thing about having gone to a Bible College is that there is a good amount of students who go on to follow the call of Jesus to give their lives away for the sake of the gospel. Many go (or return) overseas as missionaries. One such couple I knew has been ministering in Africa for a few years now and posted this over the weekend. I thought it tied in really well with yesterday's sermon at Grace.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sons of Korah
I keep telling people about these guys. There is just a lot of good music in the Land Down Under. Sons of Korah features some great musicianship, using quality instruments. They create moving and emotional settings of the Psalms. On the DVD, the narrative of 1 Samuel 12 is very moving. Here's a sample:
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Desires
I'm wrestling this morning with thoughts and ideas--I needed an outlet to write some of them down, so...here you go. This is sort of a public journal entry.
Much of our lives we spend wanting things that we don't have. My friend Beth once called it "Iwantitis." Such as, "I want a better car. I want a bigger house. I want to live somewhere else. I want to take these vacations. I want a PS3. I want an HDTV. I want friends. I want to be liked. I want people to call me up and invite me to ________." None of these desires are inherently sinful. They are basically part of a desire for a better life. We were born with desire. We were born with a hunger for relationship and community.
Psalm 37 says "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him..." Matthew 6:33 "Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you." We know these passages of Scripture, but we're so encircled with our consumeristic culture. How radically different our desires are when compared to what I was reading in devotions this morning from Acts 5:
"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name."
or 4:32: "All the believers were in one heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had."
I have a lot more prayer and settling to do around this idea. For starters,
God, redeem my desires. I feel an angst and unrest this morning about many things, but this is one of them. Maybe the unrest is from you and shouldn't go away. Maybe the tension of my desires at war should be there so that I will constantly need You. It's easy to quote these Scriptures, but hard to give up those desires that we see people all around us fulfilling. When our friends make purchases like those above, and we don't have the means, we're disappointed. We're sad because we want what we can't have. Yet You are ready and willing to give us Yourself. I am left praying Tozer's prayer 'I want to want thee.' I want those other things too. Rearrange my desires...."
(Wow. That was really hard to write that last three-word sentence.)
Let these words, the heart of David (Ps. 73:23-27), sink into my bones, and may You be my desire.
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever."
Much of our lives we spend wanting things that we don't have. My friend Beth once called it "Iwantitis." Such as, "I want a better car. I want a bigger house. I want to live somewhere else. I want to take these vacations. I want a PS3. I want an HDTV. I want friends. I want to be liked. I want people to call me up and invite me to ________." None of these desires are inherently sinful. They are basically part of a desire for a better life. We were born with desire. We were born with a hunger for relationship and community.
Psalm 37 says "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him..." Matthew 6:33 "Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you." We know these passages of Scripture, but we're so encircled with our consumeristic culture. How radically different our desires are when compared to what I was reading in devotions this morning from Acts 5:
"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name."
or 4:32: "All the believers were in one heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had."
I have a lot more prayer and settling to do around this idea. For starters,
God, redeem my desires. I feel an angst and unrest this morning about many things, but this is one of them. Maybe the unrest is from you and shouldn't go away. Maybe the tension of my desires at war should be there so that I will constantly need You. It's easy to quote these Scriptures, but hard to give up those desires that we see people all around us fulfilling. When our friends make purchases like those above, and we don't have the means, we're disappointed. We're sad because we want what we can't have. Yet You are ready and willing to give us Yourself. I am left praying Tozer's prayer 'I want to want thee.' I want those other things too. Rearrange my desires...."
(Wow. That was really hard to write that last three-word sentence.)
Let these words, the heart of David (Ps. 73:23-27), sink into my bones, and may You be my desire.
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever."
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Holy Spirit
Note to self and readers: read acts 1-5 again and note all the references to the Holy Spirit. Note what happened when the Holy Spirit came or filled someone. Acts 4:31: After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
I think I could use a bit more Holy Spirit in my life.
I think I could use a bit more Holy Spirit in my life.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Clinging
Today during one of the worship services I was holding our five month old Aidan while we were singing Lead Me to the Cross. I was holding him close and found myself thinking about Jesus and the little children in the gospels. I put myself into the picture as that little child. I realized that Aidan was in the posture that Jesus is talking about--he had total confidence and trust in my his daddy, that I loved him, protected him, cared for him. He was also holding onto my shirt very tightly, as babies tend to do when they grab things.
I was overwhelmed by the thought of being like him in my relationship to Jesus. Clinging to Him. I was thinking about it and singing the chorus, "Bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down; rid me of myself, I belong to You..."
This week I felt the sense of the struggle to stay engaged with Christ, to really cleave to Him. I found myself busy and distracted, all the things that tend to come along with picking back up in the new year. Some really good and encouraging things happened too. In all of it, I found myself losing grip of Christ, losing him a little, but still far closer than I was before.
There are many prayers on my heart and mind right now, but among them all is "I need You Jesus. I need you. You are everything. Be what I need."
I was overwhelmed by the thought of being like him in my relationship to Jesus. Clinging to Him. I was thinking about it and singing the chorus, "Bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down; rid me of myself, I belong to You..."
This week I felt the sense of the struggle to stay engaged with Christ, to really cleave to Him. I found myself busy and distracted, all the things that tend to come along with picking back up in the new year. Some really good and encouraging things happened too. In all of it, I found myself losing grip of Christ, losing him a little, but still far closer than I was before.
There are many prayers on my heart and mind right now, but among them all is "I need You Jesus. I need you. You are everything. Be what I need."
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Where Love Comes From
1 Timothy 1:5 says that love comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.
Paul is onto something here. I struggle to have all three of things; in fact, it's impossible without a the Holy Spirit's help. Yet, He wants us to pursue love; he boils the commandments of the law down to love. You can't really love God and others without having a pure heart. If your conscience has been seared and damaged over the years, then you don't even realize what agape love is. And God knows whether our belief and trust in Him is "unhypocritical." Want to love better? Ask God for these things to become more evident in your life.
Paul is onto something here. I struggle to have all three of things; in fact, it's impossible without a the Holy Spirit's help. Yet, He wants us to pursue love; he boils the commandments of the law down to love. You can't really love God and others without having a pure heart. If your conscience has been seared and damaged over the years, then you don't even realize what agape love is. And God knows whether our belief and trust in Him is "unhypocritical." Want to love better? Ask God for these things to become more evident in your life.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Back in the Saddle
After a busy Christmas week with our Christmas Eve services, and then preaching last Sunday, I REALLY appreciated our pastor's call to close the offices for the week over the New Year. Most of the staff as we've talked in the last day or two has mentioned sleeping 8-10 hours each night, spending time relaxing, and just taking a breather. It's obvious that we're a bit refreshed.
It was a great week for me too, as I was one of those who slept in until 9ish, spent time relaxing with Aidan, and even played video games a little. The highlight of the week for me was reading the book of Luke, spending 2-3 hrs each day at Starbucks or Panera just soaking in the Scriptures. That, coupled with my spiritual preparation for last weekend's sermon, has left me feeling like I want to be more intentional about connecting with God, experiencing him, reading His Word, praying, etc.
Now stepping back into the office again tomorrow morning, beginning with a 6am small group, I want to keep all that intentionality and heart toward God, and have it directly impact my ministry throughout the week. I want to know God more in and through the details of my work at Grace, to know that my work is done for his glory. I think anyone doing any job or staying at home with the kids or retiring or whatever--we could all develop this sense of connecting to God and allowing Him to redeem our daily lives.
I love my job. I love the people I work with. I love seeing people's lives CHANGED, redeemed, made whole. I love seeing relationships restored, seeing people find the answer and the Truth that I read about last week. As you get back into the routine of life post-holiday, I hope you too will more quickly turn to our Heavenly Father for whatever it is that you need each day.
It was a great week for me too, as I was one of those who slept in until 9ish, spent time relaxing with Aidan, and even played video games a little. The highlight of the week for me was reading the book of Luke, spending 2-3 hrs each day at Starbucks or Panera just soaking in the Scriptures. That, coupled with my spiritual preparation for last weekend's sermon, has left me feeling like I want to be more intentional about connecting with God, experiencing him, reading His Word, praying, etc.
Now stepping back into the office again tomorrow morning, beginning with a 6am small group, I want to keep all that intentionality and heart toward God, and have it directly impact my ministry throughout the week. I want to know God more in and through the details of my work at Grace, to know that my work is done for his glory. I think anyone doing any job or staying at home with the kids or retiring or whatever--we could all develop this sense of connecting to God and allowing Him to redeem our daily lives.
I love my job. I love the people I work with. I love seeing people's lives CHANGED, redeemed, made whole. I love seeing relationships restored, seeing people find the answer and the Truth that I read about last week. As you get back into the routine of life post-holiday, I hope you too will more quickly turn to our Heavenly Father for whatever it is that you need each day.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Where Your Treasure Is...
I've always enjoyed the music of Iona, a sort of celtic progressive rock band from the UK. In the 90's they came out with this song.
Reading Luke this past week showed me that this song's words are true. The basic point is that God treasured us enough to save us by sending his treasured Son Jesus. Jesus commands our hearts. He wants us to desire and treasure Him and His kingdom more than anything. For God and us, it's true--where your treasure is, there is your heart.
Reading Luke this past week showed me that this song's words are true. The basic point is that God treasured us enough to save us by sending his treasured Son Jesus. Jesus commands our hearts. He wants us to desire and treasure Him and His kingdom more than anything. For God and us, it's true--where your treasure is, there is your heart.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Thoughts While Reading Luke, Final chapters
Chapter 20
--the parable of the tenants—Wow. An interesting allegorical summary of the Old Testament. Over and over again people have rejected Your word.
--Again and again in Luke we see the “masses”, the poor, the oppressed, etc. flocking to hear Jesus, and the religious leaders aimed at killing him, but having problems doing it because all the people hang on his every word. The religious leaders missed the point. They missed the Messiah when he was standing right in front of them, because they had different expectations.
Chapter 21
--God, please increase my faith to be more like that of the widow!
--People have done lots and lots of study about how much of this chapter refers to the invasion of Jerusalem in AD 70 and how much of it refers to the 2nd coming. No matter what, I want to be among those faithful to you!
--This chapter would be quite scary without verse 28—Hang on to Jesus!
Ch 22
--The last supper was for You a looking ahead, to us it is a look back. You accomplished a thing that is so great we can’t really grasp it.
--You redirected the meal for the disciples instead of looking back to the Old Testament, you said we should all now remember YOU. Remember Your redemption of us.
--what a hard lesson for Peter. It seems only fitting that after he denied you and you looked into his eyes, he went and “wept bitterly.” It must have been utter anguish. Yet Lord, there are many of us who find it easier to deny knowing you, who would probably cave in if put under pressure. Thank you Lord, that you are for us and are merciful to us.
--How amazing that you were killed just for speaking the truth of who You are.
Chapter 23
--The angry mob gets their way.
--“Father, Forgive them…” How amazing. I’m totally in awe at your ability to forgive these people. Your point all along was that they didn’t know what they were doing. They couldn’t believe who You are. Thank you for revealing yourself, thank you for forgiveness.
--Love the criminal’s conversion. Thank you Jesus that all can be saved—this story is proof that you are able to bring us to the truth of who you are, that you are the Savior and King.
--They rested on the Sabbath—the women in this story are so awesome—so faithful to You God!
Chapter 24
--The unspeakable joy is palpable here. How glorious it must have been for these people, one by one, who loved You so much and believed in you, to begin to realize that you had come back to life. It would be absolutely uncontainable! No wonder those two felt like their “hearts were burning.”
--He opened their minds so they could understand—Yes!
--I LOVE how this book ends—with the disciples’ example of what our lives are to be—uncontainable joy because we believe in Him and have been saved, which leads us to worship and be witnesses of the truth.
--One book’s ending is another’s beginning—when you ascended, you left us with this work, this life to live, this task of building your kingdom. Lord, may you find me busy doing what the disciples were doing. Let me understand and know the presence of your Holy Spirit within me, strengthen me to walk in love for You. Thank you for Your Word. Thank you for your life and your work.
--the parable of the tenants—Wow. An interesting allegorical summary of the Old Testament. Over and over again people have rejected Your word.
--Again and again in Luke we see the “masses”, the poor, the oppressed, etc. flocking to hear Jesus, and the religious leaders aimed at killing him, but having problems doing it because all the people hang on his every word. The religious leaders missed the point. They missed the Messiah when he was standing right in front of them, because they had different expectations.
Chapter 21
--God, please increase my faith to be more like that of the widow!
--People have done lots and lots of study about how much of this chapter refers to the invasion of Jerusalem in AD 70 and how much of it refers to the 2nd coming. No matter what, I want to be among those faithful to you!
--This chapter would be quite scary without verse 28—Hang on to Jesus!
Ch 22
--The last supper was for You a looking ahead, to us it is a look back. You accomplished a thing that is so great we can’t really grasp it.
--You redirected the meal for the disciples instead of looking back to the Old Testament, you said we should all now remember YOU. Remember Your redemption of us.
--what a hard lesson for Peter. It seems only fitting that after he denied you and you looked into his eyes, he went and “wept bitterly.” It must have been utter anguish. Yet Lord, there are many of us who find it easier to deny knowing you, who would probably cave in if put under pressure. Thank you Lord, that you are for us and are merciful to us.
--How amazing that you were killed just for speaking the truth of who You are.
Chapter 23
--The angry mob gets their way.
--“Father, Forgive them…” How amazing. I’m totally in awe at your ability to forgive these people. Your point all along was that they didn’t know what they were doing. They couldn’t believe who You are. Thank you for revealing yourself, thank you for forgiveness.
--Love the criminal’s conversion. Thank you Jesus that all can be saved—this story is proof that you are able to bring us to the truth of who you are, that you are the Savior and King.
--They rested on the Sabbath—the women in this story are so awesome—so faithful to You God!
Chapter 24
--The unspeakable joy is palpable here. How glorious it must have been for these people, one by one, who loved You so much and believed in you, to begin to realize that you had come back to life. It would be absolutely uncontainable! No wonder those two felt like their “hearts were burning.”
--He opened their minds so they could understand—Yes!
--I LOVE how this book ends—with the disciples’ example of what our lives are to be—uncontainable joy because we believe in Him and have been saved, which leads us to worship and be witnesses of the truth.
--One book’s ending is another’s beginning—when you ascended, you left us with this work, this life to live, this task of building your kingdom. Lord, may you find me busy doing what the disciples were doing. Let me understand and know the presence of your Holy Spirit within me, strengthen me to walk in love for You. Thank you for Your Word. Thank you for your life and your work.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Thoughts While Reading Luke, Part Four
Chapter 14
--how do I try to exalt myself and take honor rather than being humble?
--How often do I choose to go about my business instead of coming to feast at the table of the Lord?
--verse 27—God, I’ve been wrestling with this one recently. On the one hand, I think that I have taken up my cross, only by your grace working in me, because of the things I have done so far in my walk with you. But when I read this, I wonder how much I’ve really let it cost me. I guess I’m saying that it has cost me some, but not as much as others. Help me Lord to “take my next step” in following you harder. Fill me with the Holy Spirit—be my strength.
--33-35—wow. I remember Chan’s words on this. I don’t want to be considered so useful that I’m not even helpful to a pile of crap.
Chapter 15
--Lost sheep, lost coin, lost son. Love these stories!
--It matters to you, God, when people turn from sin. It means people choosing life, your will, You, over sin and death. Thank you for finding me, your lost lamb.
--Lord, please get rid of the elder brother in me. I hope that of all the places I could be that you find me humbling myself before you realizing I need you.
Chapter 16
--This chapter is a bit tough to understand without further study. I love how the parable of the rich man and Lazarus ends though—Jesus is making a point to his followers.
Chapter 17
--Confront sin, then forgive! How often to we harbor negativity towards another? How often do we fail to confront others?
--“the Kingdom of God is within you.”
--Jesus’ description of his second coming is quite scary unless you are his faithful follower. Jesus, may you find us faithful to you and ready for your coming.
Chapter 18
--“always pray and not give up.” How comparatively rarely I pray and how easily I give up! I need to practice prayer!
--29-30—Have I given it all up for you God? I feel so afraid to pray that I would seek less and less my own comfort. But your promise here makes it worth it. God I pray that I would run after you with more abandon and passion, that I would seek your kingdom harder. I pray that for those around me as well. I pray that we would see you as the prize, see the blessing of knowing You as worth all of our sacrifice.
Chapter 19
--LOVE the story of Zacchaeus—His life was changed on the spot—and look how it changed his heart and his perspective! Thank you Jesus for seeking and saving the lost.
--The story of your entering into Jerusalem and what you did when you got there—one can feel the suspense rising in the story. Let me remember that you weep over those who continually reject you, that you wish people would turn to you.
--how do I try to exalt myself and take honor rather than being humble?
--How often do I choose to go about my business instead of coming to feast at the table of the Lord?
--verse 27—God, I’ve been wrestling with this one recently. On the one hand, I think that I have taken up my cross, only by your grace working in me, because of the things I have done so far in my walk with you. But when I read this, I wonder how much I’ve really let it cost me. I guess I’m saying that it has cost me some, but not as much as others. Help me Lord to “take my next step” in following you harder. Fill me with the Holy Spirit—be my strength.
--33-35—wow. I remember Chan’s words on this. I don’t want to be considered so useful that I’m not even helpful to a pile of crap.
Chapter 15
--Lost sheep, lost coin, lost son. Love these stories!
--It matters to you, God, when people turn from sin. It means people choosing life, your will, You, over sin and death. Thank you for finding me, your lost lamb.
--Lord, please get rid of the elder brother in me. I hope that of all the places I could be that you find me humbling myself before you realizing I need you.
Chapter 16
--This chapter is a bit tough to understand without further study. I love how the parable of the rich man and Lazarus ends though—Jesus is making a point to his followers.
Chapter 17
--Confront sin, then forgive! How often to we harbor negativity towards another? How often do we fail to confront others?
--“the Kingdom of God is within you.”
--Jesus’ description of his second coming is quite scary unless you are his faithful follower. Jesus, may you find us faithful to you and ready for your coming.
Chapter 18
--“always pray and not give up.” How comparatively rarely I pray and how easily I give up! I need to practice prayer!
--29-30—Have I given it all up for you God? I feel so afraid to pray that I would seek less and less my own comfort. But your promise here makes it worth it. God I pray that I would run after you with more abandon and passion, that I would seek your kingdom harder. I pray that for those around me as well. I pray that we would see you as the prize, see the blessing of knowing You as worth all of our sacrifice.
Chapter 19
--LOVE the story of Zacchaeus—His life was changed on the spot—and look how it changed his heart and his perspective! Thank you Jesus for seeking and saving the lost.
--The story of your entering into Jerusalem and what you did when you got there—one can feel the suspense rising in the story. Let me remember that you weep over those who continually reject you, that you wish people would turn to you.
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