Philippians 1:27-30
27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. 28 Don't be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.
As I write this it is a bit ironic because my wife and oldest daughter are watching American Idol and the performer is singing "The Boxer" by Simon & Garfunkel. He is singing about a fighter who is beaten and bearing scars, but he still remains standing. As I hear those words, I read these verses...
"Don't be intimidated by your enemies..."
"For you have been given the privilege of suffering for him."
"We are in this struggle together..."
There are days, lately, that I have begun to feel a little bit more of the struggle and fight of being on the front line of "fighting together for the faith." I am in no way saying that I have been persecuted like too many of our brothers and sisters around the world, but lately I'm simply feeling the struggle of living out my faith.
What does this struggle mean to you? Have you felt the presence of the enemy in your life? How are you in this struggle with? Who do you look to as an example to inspire you?
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Terra Nova
New Ground For Your Spiritual Journey
Showing posts with label spiritual growth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spiritual growth. Show all posts
Friday, April 23, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Daily Meditation - Philippians 1:1-2
April 19, 2010
Philippians 1:1-2
As we begin spending time in this letter, we need to set the stage.
Paul is writing to the Church in the city of Philippi. This city was given special privilege by Octavian. After 31 BC he ordered the citizens of Philippi to surrender their land to his veterans. Apparently citizens in Philippi had supported Antony and Cleopatra rather than Octavian, so their land was taken and given to Octavian’s soldiers. The city was then given the title “Colonia Iulia Augusta Philippensis” which basically meant that people who lived there lived as though they were on Italian soil - they had some breaks when it came to taxes and such.
Philippi was a favored city and the citizens were very proud of their colony. As you read this letter from Paul, look for allusions to this fact.
To better understand the establishment of the church in Philippi, one must go to Acts 16. While we could spend much time reflecting on this passage, I refer to it only to provide context for Paul’s words in our passage. Lydia is the first convert. She is a probably a Gentile who was more than sympathetic to Judaism, but she was also a very successful businesswoman.
Upon establishing the church in Lydia’s house, Paul soon ran into trouble with the law. He cast out a demon from a young slave girl who would tell fortunes. Her owners realized that they lost a major source of income and got the city into an uproar against Paul. In the end, the city was embarrassed because they improperly treated Paul who was a Roman CItizen (something highly prized in a favored city like Philippi!).
As you read verses one and two, here are some things to consider:
Paul calls himself (and Timothy) “slaves of Christ Jesus.” Despite our modern concept of slave, this term does refer to ownership and servitude, yet Paul uses it to introduce himself. When you are introducing yourself to others, what images do you want them to have of you? What matters to you when it comes to how others think of you? Would you consider yourself a slave of Christ? How do you see this play out in your daily life?
Next, Paul refers to the people in the church at Philippi as “God’s holy people.” The Greek really says to the “saints” at Philippi. Throughout the New Testament the word “saint” (haigos) is always in the plural, referring to a group of people. How do you see yourself as part of the “Saints” of Terra Nova? What does that mean when it comes to how you view yourself and others in our church?
What connections do you see between Paul and Timothy being “slaves of Christ Jesus” and the members of the church being called “Saints in Christ Jesus”?
Lastly, Paul calls special attention to the overseers and deacons. This is the leadership of the church. In what ways do you view the leadership of the church? Do you pray for them? Do you support them by helping out and encouraging them?
As you go through your day today, allow this passage to guide you. What key thoughts impress you as you slowly read the passage? What is God saying to you through the Holy Spirit?
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Philippians 1:1-2
As we begin spending time in this letter, we need to set the stage.
Paul is writing to the Church in the city of Philippi. This city was given special privilege by Octavian. After 31 BC he ordered the citizens of Philippi to surrender their land to his veterans. Apparently citizens in Philippi had supported Antony and Cleopatra rather than Octavian, so their land was taken and given to Octavian’s soldiers. The city was then given the title “Colonia Iulia Augusta Philippensis” which basically meant that people who lived there lived as though they were on Italian soil - they had some breaks when it came to taxes and such.
Philippi was a favored city and the citizens were very proud of their colony. As you read this letter from Paul, look for allusions to this fact.
To better understand the establishment of the church in Philippi, one must go to Acts 16. While we could spend much time reflecting on this passage, I refer to it only to provide context for Paul’s words in our passage. Lydia is the first convert. She is a probably a Gentile who was more than sympathetic to Judaism, but she was also a very successful businesswoman.
Upon establishing the church in Lydia’s house, Paul soon ran into trouble with the law. He cast out a demon from a young slave girl who would tell fortunes. Her owners realized that they lost a major source of income and got the city into an uproar against Paul. In the end, the city was embarrassed because they improperly treated Paul who was a Roman CItizen (something highly prized in a favored city like Philippi!).
As you read verses one and two, here are some things to consider:
Paul calls himself (and Timothy) “slaves of Christ Jesus.” Despite our modern concept of slave, this term does refer to ownership and servitude, yet Paul uses it to introduce himself. When you are introducing yourself to others, what images do you want them to have of you? What matters to you when it comes to how others think of you? Would you consider yourself a slave of Christ? How do you see this play out in your daily life?
Next, Paul refers to the people in the church at Philippi as “God’s holy people.” The Greek really says to the “saints” at Philippi. Throughout the New Testament the word “saint” (haigos) is always in the plural, referring to a group of people. How do you see yourself as part of the “Saints” of Terra Nova? What does that mean when it comes to how you view yourself and others in our church?
What connections do you see between Paul and Timothy being “slaves of Christ Jesus” and the members of the church being called “Saints in Christ Jesus”?
Lastly, Paul calls special attention to the overseers and deacons. This is the leadership of the church. In what ways do you view the leadership of the church? Do you pray for them? Do you support them by helping out and encouraging them?
As you go through your day today, allow this passage to guide you. What key thoughts impress you as you slowly read the passage? What is God saying to you through the Holy Spirit?
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Friday, March 19, 2010
I Finally Stopped and Listened to God
Lately, God has really been asking me to spend more time with Him in quiet meditation and prayer and study. I have to admit that I have not really been listening to invitation until this week. But this week I have finally slowed down enough to listen. Here are some things I’m learning.
First, relying on my own power to do His work is silly and leads to either arrogance or humiliation (and sometimes one leads to the other!). I have been spinning my wheels trying to be “all that and a bag of chips” while forgetting the still small voice of the Spirit. This week as I have started to do more listening I am realizing how quickly that slippery slope falls.
Discipline in your spiritual life is not about gaining points with God, it’s about choosing to cultivate your relationship with Him. I have been forced to ask myself how important is my relationship with God? Answering that question is less easy when you do it through the rubric of how you spend your time, what you feed your soul with, and where your money goes. As I evaluated these things, I realized I was heading in a direction I ultimately didn’t want to go. I have had to work hard this week on re-disciplining myself.
Second, I realized that God wants to work in and through me. God really loves me and wants an intimate relationship with me. I don’t have to convince Him I’m worth His time. I don’t have to prove something to Him before He will look my way. I don’t even have to get His attention. I already have it! Instead, I just need to turn my attention toward Him.
Last, I have learned that I am not nearly as great as I often think I am nor am I as terrible as I sometimes think I am. It is quite amazing how much of a role external forces play in my self-perception. When I am being praised I feel great. When I sense someone is not happy with me, I see myself as a loser. One minute I have the confidence of a champion in battle, the next I’m a whimpering puddle of pathetic self-loathing. All because of what I think someone else thinks of me.
As I have spent more time simply being in the presence of God, I am sensing a much more healthy and consistent self-understanding in myself. As I learn to listen to the Spirit’s still small voice, I begin to quit worrying about what others might think or say and seek only to be obedient to Him. My self-concept is no longer shaped by what others think (or what I think they think!), but by my creator and and savior. When my priorities are shifted toward simply cultivating my relationship with God, I am free to see myself as God sees me. This protects me from utter conceit and arrogance as well as self-defeating attitudes of worthlessness.
I share all of this hoping to encourage each of you. I understand what it is to have times of spiritual dryness and even drought. I know what it is like to get busy and simply forget about cultivating your relationship with God. I know that it is hard to be disciplined about spending time alone in God’s presence. I know where it leads when we get on that slippery slope. But I also know that God isn’t looking for a bunch of perfect people, He is inviting us to be with Him and enjoy His company.
This week, I’ve been re-introduced to keeping company with God...and I am enjoying it so much! I would love for you to share in this feeling.
First, relying on my own power to do His work is silly and leads to either arrogance or humiliation (and sometimes one leads to the other!). I have been spinning my wheels trying to be “all that and a bag of chips” while forgetting the still small voice of the Spirit. This week as I have started to do more listening I am realizing how quickly that slippery slope falls.
Discipline in your spiritual life is not about gaining points with God, it’s about choosing to cultivate your relationship with Him. I have been forced to ask myself how important is my relationship with God? Answering that question is less easy when you do it through the rubric of how you spend your time, what you feed your soul with, and where your money goes. As I evaluated these things, I realized I was heading in a direction I ultimately didn’t want to go. I have had to work hard this week on re-disciplining myself.
Second, I realized that God wants to work in and through me. God really loves me and wants an intimate relationship with me. I don’t have to convince Him I’m worth His time. I don’t have to prove something to Him before He will look my way. I don’t even have to get His attention. I already have it! Instead, I just need to turn my attention toward Him.
Last, I have learned that I am not nearly as great as I often think I am nor am I as terrible as I sometimes think I am. It is quite amazing how much of a role external forces play in my self-perception. When I am being praised I feel great. When I sense someone is not happy with me, I see myself as a loser. One minute I have the confidence of a champion in battle, the next I’m a whimpering puddle of pathetic self-loathing. All because of what I think someone else thinks of me.
As I have spent more time simply being in the presence of God, I am sensing a much more healthy and consistent self-understanding in myself. As I learn to listen to the Spirit’s still small voice, I begin to quit worrying about what others might think or say and seek only to be obedient to Him. My self-concept is no longer shaped by what others think (or what I think they think!), but by my creator and and savior. When my priorities are shifted toward simply cultivating my relationship with God, I am free to see myself as God sees me. This protects me from utter conceit and arrogance as well as self-defeating attitudes of worthlessness.
I share all of this hoping to encourage each of you. I understand what it is to have times of spiritual dryness and even drought. I know what it is like to get busy and simply forget about cultivating your relationship with God. I know that it is hard to be disciplined about spending time alone in God’s presence. I know where it leads when we get on that slippery slope. But I also know that God isn’t looking for a bunch of perfect people, He is inviting us to be with Him and enjoy His company.
This week, I’ve been re-introduced to keeping company with God...and I am enjoying it so much! I would love for you to share in this feeling.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Out of Sync
Have you ever been through a time where you just feel out of sync with the rhythm of your life? It's not that there is anything particularly wrong or some big sin in your life, you just feel "off"?
For some strange, unknown reason that is how I have felt lately. Prayer is work and too often it feels pointless. Spending time in Scripture is a drudgery. I feel very undisciplined and a bit aimless.
Yet...
I've been working with a couple whose marriage was literally about to end and in 2 weeks time God truly did a miracle. I say miracle because that was the only hope they had.
Terra Nova continues to grow in spite of my weakness (or maybe because of my weakness...).
I'm seeing people I love dearly find new ground in their spiritual journey and it thrills me.
Maybe we are prone to get stuck in the morass of difficult times so that we are forced to realize that it is not our strength or our abilities or our greatness that provokes God to move and act. It is actually quite the opposite. It is in our weakness that God is strong.
Don't let your spiritual inabilities get you down. Don't let "off" times make you feel like less of a Christian or less loved by God.
God loves you because you are you, not because of how consistent you have a quiet time or pray. God loves you because you are His creation, not because of all you have accomplished. This means that even when you are under-performing (in your mind) you are still extremely loved by God. He still is quite fond of you.
Rest in that. I know I am trying to.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Thursday, July 16, 2009
What the Church Can Learn from "Public Enemies"
I went to see the movie “Public Enemies” with the guys from my family last week. I won’t give a critical review of the film, but I did notice something that made me think. The movie was about John Dillenger – public enemy #1 in the 1930’s. It traced his heyday of bank robberies and narrow escapes from the law. He became a sort of hero (many would call him an “antihero” today) in those hard times.
Here’s what caught my eye. In a poignant scene, Johnny is talking to a Syndicate (mafia) boss. They are in a hidden room filled with telephones and guys taking bets on horse races. Johnny is ready for another big score and is a little frustrated that his mafia connections are letting him down. As he confronts the mafia guy, the mob boss finally says:
“Johnny, what did you score in that last heist? $74,203? Yeah! Well this operation in this room brings that in every day now! This is a river of money from all over the U.S. Helping you is too risky because what you are doing is making the Feds pass laws to make interstate crimes a Federal issue. When that happens, this river could dry up!”
That is a paraphrase – I wasn’t taking notes in the movie theater!
Here’s what ran across my mind. Johnny was stuck in an old way of doing things. He couldn’t move forward with the times. He couldn’t think outside of his one way of doing things – robbing banks. When you already have the answer to the question – no matter what the question is – you will eventually be wrong. Johnny’s answer was “rob a bank.” It didn’t matter what the question was. But the question was changing…
In our life as a church (we don’t rob banks or run a gambling syndicate…or anything illegal!) we have to constantly ask ourselves if we are doing the most effective thing to accomplish our goal. Our goals are not nice clothes, lots of money, and fast cars – like John Dillenger. Our goals are helping people find hope in Jesus and live lives of meaning and significance.
Are we doing the best things possible to accomplish our goals? Are we becoming more known for a method and not for the message? Are we more married to a method of doing “church” than to the message of Jesus?
These are questions we must constantly ask ourselves.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Here’s what caught my eye. In a poignant scene, Johnny is talking to a Syndicate (mafia) boss. They are in a hidden room filled with telephones and guys taking bets on horse races. Johnny is ready for another big score and is a little frustrated that his mafia connections are letting him down. As he confronts the mafia guy, the mob boss finally says:
“Johnny, what did you score in that last heist? $74,203? Yeah! Well this operation in this room brings that in every day now! This is a river of money from all over the U.S. Helping you is too risky because what you are doing is making the Feds pass laws to make interstate crimes a Federal issue. When that happens, this river could dry up!”
That is a paraphrase – I wasn’t taking notes in the movie theater!
Here’s what ran across my mind. Johnny was stuck in an old way of doing things. He couldn’t move forward with the times. He couldn’t think outside of his one way of doing things – robbing banks. When you already have the answer to the question – no matter what the question is – you will eventually be wrong. Johnny’s answer was “rob a bank.” It didn’t matter what the question was. But the question was changing…
In our life as a church (we don’t rob banks or run a gambling syndicate…or anything illegal!) we have to constantly ask ourselves if we are doing the most effective thing to accomplish our goal. Our goals are not nice clothes, lots of money, and fast cars – like John Dillenger. Our goals are helping people find hope in Jesus and live lives of meaning and significance.
Are we doing the best things possible to accomplish our goals? Are we becoming more known for a method and not for the message? Are we more married to a method of doing “church” than to the message of Jesus?
These are questions we must constantly ask ourselves.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Evaluate Input to Optimize Outcome
This past week our text on Sunday was 1 John 2:27-3:10. As I reflected on the passage it became clear that John was saying, in essence, take a good look at the lives of the people (and things and companies) that are shaping your life. If they don't look like what you want to look like, don't follow them!
I wonder who and what are shaping my life. I know a lot of the people who give input into my life. I wonder if there are others that I am just not aware of. Authors, writers, directors, marketers, web page hosts. What corporations and organizations shape my life?
I have decided that I am much more than one of Pavlov's dogs. I will not simply drool everytime I hear McDonald's commercials or see a Golden Arch. I will not reach for my wallet everytime I see a shirt that might make me look more cool. I will not let hidden writers and directors shape my life.
I will evaluate every person (and thing) that has input into my life. I want to know that they are shaping me into what I want to become based on God's dream for my life.
In a phrase, I will "evaluate input to optimize outcome."
I don't put water in my car's fuel tank. I don't feed my kids junk all the time. I don't allow those I love to breath in foul air or eat spoiled food. I evaluate what goes in those things and people I treasure.
Do I treasure my soul enough to evaluate who has input on it? Do you?
Under the Mercy,
Jason
I wonder who and what are shaping my life. I know a lot of the people who give input into my life. I wonder if there are others that I am just not aware of. Authors, writers, directors, marketers, web page hosts. What corporations and organizations shape my life?
I have decided that I am much more than one of Pavlov's dogs. I will not simply drool everytime I hear McDonald's commercials or see a Golden Arch. I will not reach for my wallet everytime I see a shirt that might make me look more cool. I will not let hidden writers and directors shape my life.
I will evaluate every person (and thing) that has input into my life. I want to know that they are shaping me into what I want to become based on God's dream for my life.
In a phrase, I will "evaluate input to optimize outcome."
I don't put water in my car's fuel tank. I don't feed my kids junk all the time. I don't allow those I love to breath in foul air or eat spoiled food. I evaluate what goes in those things and people I treasure.
Do I treasure my soul enough to evaluate who has input on it? Do you?
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Morning Musings
Lately I have been following the Book of Common Prayer for my daily Scripture readings. This morning it directed me to Psalm 101. Verse 3 of this passage said,
This verse really made me think. What do I look on with approval that I shouldn't? What vile things enter my line of sight on a regular basis? Do I look away? Do I permit these things in my view?
What do I look at on a regular basis? What media do I allow into my home? What shows and movies do I watch that might be considered "vile"?
I know this is all very subjective. What is vile to me may not be vile to you (and vice versa). I am in no way imposing my standards on you, but I would like to challenge you - what do you consider vile in your heart of hearts? Do you allow it in your sight? What images need to be purged from your sight? Are you willing to actually stop looking at them?
I am asking God to soften my heart so that I am sensitive to things that are vile to Him. I wonder what I will see that I didn't used to notice, but now I will consider vile?
Under the Mercy,
Jason
I will not look with approval
on anything that is vile.
This verse really made me think. What do I look on with approval that I shouldn't? What vile things enter my line of sight on a regular basis? Do I look away? Do I permit these things in my view?
What do I look at on a regular basis? What media do I allow into my home? What shows and movies do I watch that might be considered "vile"?
I know this is all very subjective. What is vile to me may not be vile to you (and vice versa). I am in no way imposing my standards on you, but I would like to challenge you - what do you consider vile in your heart of hearts? Do you allow it in your sight? What images need to be purged from your sight? Are you willing to actually stop looking at them?
I am asking God to soften my heart so that I am sensitive to things that are vile to Him. I wonder what I will see that I didn't used to notice, but now I will consider vile?
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Betrayal
Mark 14:32-72
This is a long passage and filled with such significant events, it is really hard to not spend hours on this, but I will only mention one thing that strikes me today (other things will be relevant at other times). Without diminishing the role of Jesus in this portion of the Gospel, I want to focus my attention on 2 "supporting roles" in the narrative. Judas & Peter.
Judas makes it known to all that he knows Jesus by kissing Him and greeting Him. Peter denies he knows Jesus - even to the point of calling down curses. What a contrast.
But the contrast is summed up simply in verse 72: "And he (Peter) broke down and wept."
I wonder how many times in my life I am more than willing to publicly acknowledge Jesus with a kiss while I'm actually betraying Him. I wonder how many times I am brought to tears by my own sinfulness and betrayal. I'm afraid the answer is not all that pretty...
I need to break down and weep a little more often at my own falleness while allowing Christ's grace and forgiveness to take me in my brokeness and embrace me. This is one of the most difficult places (and yet the most holy place) to be. It involves honesty with myself and God. May you find that place of honesty in your walk with Jesus.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
This is a long passage and filled with such significant events, it is really hard to not spend hours on this, but I will only mention one thing that strikes me today (other things will be relevant at other times). Without diminishing the role of Jesus in this portion of the Gospel, I want to focus my attention on 2 "supporting roles" in the narrative. Judas & Peter.
Judas makes it known to all that he knows Jesus by kissing Him and greeting Him. Peter denies he knows Jesus - even to the point of calling down curses. What a contrast.
But the contrast is summed up simply in verse 72: "And he (Peter) broke down and wept."
I wonder how many times in my life I am more than willing to publicly acknowledge Jesus with a kiss while I'm actually betraying Him. I wonder how many times I am brought to tears by my own sinfulness and betrayal. I'm afraid the answer is not all that pretty...
I need to break down and weep a little more often at my own falleness while allowing Christ's grace and forgiveness to take me in my brokeness and embrace me. This is one of the most difficult places (and yet the most holy place) to be. It involves honesty with myself and God. May you find that place of honesty in your walk with Jesus.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Love God; Love People
Mark 12:28-44
I just watched "Jesus" get through to Hollywood on American Idol...that has to be the greatest irony I've ever seen!
As I read this passage, I also have fresh in my mind the Inauguration. Barack Obama inspired the nation (me at least) to step out and make a difference.
I wonder if Jesus could inspire the nation with His words, "Love God and love people"? Could He bring the best out of the nation by telling them about a poor woman giving out of her poverty? Could we truly hear from Jesus what it would take to make a difference? That's what Jesus did for the disciples when He told them that all of the commandments could be summarized and obeyed by loving God and loving people.
This is what Terra Nova is all about. We are seeking every way possible to reach out to others and help them find new ground for their spiritual journey. That is how we love people. We sacrifice out of our riches or our poverty to help others and worship God.
I had to take time and reflect on what it means to give out of my poverty and truly love God and love people after reading today's passage.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
I just watched "Jesus" get through to Hollywood on American Idol...that has to be the greatest irony I've ever seen!
As I read this passage, I also have fresh in my mind the Inauguration. Barack Obama inspired the nation (me at least) to step out and make a difference.
I wonder if Jesus could inspire the nation with His words, "Love God and love people"? Could He bring the best out of the nation by telling them about a poor woman giving out of her poverty? Could we truly hear from Jesus what it would take to make a difference? That's what Jesus did for the disciples when He told them that all of the commandments could be summarized and obeyed by loving God and loving people.
This is what Terra Nova is all about. We are seeking every way possible to reach out to others and help them find new ground for their spiritual journey. That is how we love people. We sacrifice out of our riches or our poverty to help others and worship God.
I had to take time and reflect on what it means to give out of my poverty and truly love God and love people after reading today's passage.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Bucking the System
Mark 2
Jesus is making it clear that He will not be like the other rabbis. He is bringing something new to the table. In chapter 1 people noted that He taught with "authority." In chapter 2 He takes this to a new level.
While I love the story of the man let down through the roof (and there is a ton of theological fodder for discussion there!), it is the next section that caught my attention today. I love how Jesus - with a crowd following Him - picks a hated tax collector as another disciple. Then Jesus goes to his house for a party! Jesus hung out with the rif-raf! My favorite verses of this section are 15-17 where Pharisees get their proverbial panties in a wad over Jesus' eating companions and Jesus makes it clear He is not going to do life by their rules.
God sent Him to reach out to those who thought they weren't good enough. He reaches out to those who think God has (or will) overlook them. A little later in the chapter Jesus really gets the Pharisees goads when He says that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. WHAT???!!! You mean the rules are less about sin management and more about helping us connect with God?
There are 2 ways to read this...
1) You are one of those who doesn't think God notices you. Or worse, He doesn't approve of you and never will. This passage reminds us that this line of thinking just doesn't work with God.
2) You are one of the Pharisees and you don't even realize that you are condemning the people Jesus is having dinner with (and He is not condemning them, just you!).
How ever you need to take this passage, I hope you will be open to God's voice today. Who knows, it might come from the cigar store instead of the Christian book store...
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Jesus is making it clear that He will not be like the other rabbis. He is bringing something new to the table. In chapter 1 people noted that He taught with "authority." In chapter 2 He takes this to a new level.
While I love the story of the man let down through the roof (and there is a ton of theological fodder for discussion there!), it is the next section that caught my attention today. I love how Jesus - with a crowd following Him - picks a hated tax collector as another disciple. Then Jesus goes to his house for a party! Jesus hung out with the rif-raf! My favorite verses of this section are 15-17 where Pharisees get their proverbial panties in a wad over Jesus' eating companions and Jesus makes it clear He is not going to do life by their rules.
God sent Him to reach out to those who thought they weren't good enough. He reaches out to those who think God has (or will) overlook them. A little later in the chapter Jesus really gets the Pharisees goads when He says that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. WHAT???!!! You mean the rules are less about sin management and more about helping us connect with God?
There are 2 ways to read this...
1) You are one of those who doesn't think God notices you. Or worse, He doesn't approve of you and never will. This passage reminds us that this line of thinking just doesn't work with God.
2) You are one of the Pharisees and you don't even realize that you are condemning the people Jesus is having dinner with (and He is not condemning them, just you!).
How ever you need to take this passage, I hope you will be open to God's voice today. Who knows, it might come from the cigar store instead of the Christian book store...
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Monday, January 5, 2009
From Obscurity to the Headlines
Mark 1
As I read the first chapter of Mark I am amazed at the flurry of activity. Jesus went from a no-name, back woods hick to a sought after prophet...in what seems to be a very short time. Obviously, the healings and casting out demons helped, but you have to admit, this one chapter is amazing.
My favorite verse (FV) is 17. I love it when Jesus calls Simon and Andrew and simply says, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of people." It's simply, direct and to the point. And the men (probably only teenagers actually!) walk away from the family business and become disciples of a little known rabbi.
While I could go on and on about the implications of Simon and Andrew hearing the rabbi say that they have what it takes to follow Him, I think it is clear that this call was more than a summons...it was a declaration of their identity as "good enough" to follow Jesus. Something we all need to hear! These two fishermen (later called "uneducated" by the Sanhedrin - Acts 4:13) were told by Jesus that they could do it. And they did.
How many of us need to hear those words today? How many of us need to hear Jesus call us and say, "I have a mission for you and you are the one I'm calling!"? All of us need to know that Jesus, even in the midst of a flurry of activity, sees our true identity as His child.
Revel in that today.
Enjoy it.
No matter how "less than" you feel, you are not in the eyes of Jesus. You are known. Now live like that.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
As I read the first chapter of Mark I am amazed at the flurry of activity. Jesus went from a no-name, back woods hick to a sought after prophet...in what seems to be a very short time. Obviously, the healings and casting out demons helped, but you have to admit, this one chapter is amazing.
My favorite verse (FV) is 17. I love it when Jesus calls Simon and Andrew and simply says, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of people." It's simply, direct and to the point. And the men (probably only teenagers actually!) walk away from the family business and become disciples of a little known rabbi.
While I could go on and on about the implications of Simon and Andrew hearing the rabbi say that they have what it takes to follow Him, I think it is clear that this call was more than a summons...it was a declaration of their identity as "good enough" to follow Jesus. Something we all need to hear! These two fishermen (later called "uneducated" by the Sanhedrin - Acts 4:13) were told by Jesus that they could do it. And they did.
How many of us need to hear those words today? How many of us need to hear Jesus call us and say, "I have a mission for you and you are the one I'm calling!"? All of us need to know that Jesus, even in the midst of a flurry of activity, sees our true identity as His child.
Revel in that today.
Enjoy it.
No matter how "less than" you feel, you are not in the eyes of Jesus. You are known. Now live like that.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Friday, December 19, 2008
Who Am I?
Yesterday I talked about discipleship being about helping people understand that they are deeply loved by God and then allowing them to live out of that reality. This morning I was reading 1 Timothy 1:18-20 and it struck me that this is exactly what Paul is doing for Timothy in this letter. He is reminding him of who he is and then asking him to live out of that reality.
This made me think a little bit.
* Who am I?
* Do I really believe that I am who God says I am?
* Am I living as though I believe it?
* What is keeping me from living this way?
Some things I noticed that keep me from living in this reality (and instead building a false self and a false reality) are...
What is keeping you from living in the reality of who God says you are? What false reality have you built that is a misrepresentation of who you really are in Christ? What is keeping that false reality up? Are you willing to be honest enough with yourself (and someone else) to deal with this?
I'm going to try. I hope you will join me.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
This made me think a little bit.
* Who am I?
* Do I really believe that I am who God says I am?
* Am I living as though I believe it?
* What is keeping me from living this way?
Some things I noticed that keep me from living in this reality (and instead building a false self and a false reality) are...
- Fear of rejection and failure
- Emotional weakness due to lack of self-care
- Simple laziness
- Distractions...which comes from a lack of (look, a bird) focus.
What is keeping you from living in the reality of who God says you are? What false reality have you built that is a misrepresentation of who you really are in Christ? What is keeping that false reality up? Are you willing to be honest enough with yourself (and someone else) to deal with this?
I'm going to try. I hope you will join me.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Our Definition of Spirituality
I have been really wrestling with what it would look like to be a "spiritual" person. For decades (maybe centuries) we have defined a good Christian by certain practices - read your Bible, pray, go to church, be a moral person. While there is nothing wrong with these practices, I have noticed that these have become the end goal in modern Christianity.
We are to develop friendships with "non-Christians" and then share Jesus with them. Then we are supposed to bring them to church where the preacher (or the programs the church has developed) will train them to do the things I listed above. BOOM! We have a new Christian.
When I look through Jesus' life, this doesn't seem to be the same thing He tried to accomplish with the people He met and developed friendships with. He would love them and then teach them about how they could love God by being who God made them to be. After experiencing God's love, they would then naturally be inspired to love those around them.
I don't want to make this too simplistic, but it seems like Jesus goal in discipleship was not to create Bible-reading, praying, church-going, moral people. His goal was to help those people around Him find out how deeply they were loved by God the Father and then let them become the person God created them to be.
I realize this might seem risky - what if they mess it up? What if they get a screwed up notion about who they are in Christ? What if they blow it? But Jesus didn't seem to mind. He took Peter under His wing and Peter still left hanging in Gethsemene. Jesus poured Himself into Judas but Judas still betrayed Him. John was "the one whom Jesus loved" but he still asked if he could be the #2 guy or call down fire on a city that didn't treat Jesus well.
Casting a vision that helps people see what their true identity is in Christ is risky. They might abuse it. They might not follow all the rules we think they should. What do we do then?
I guess we just keep loving them and listening to them and do like Jesus did...let them be who God calls them to be and try to be wise about when to step in and when to let them go. Maybe all of this is really a challenge for us to decide if we are more focused on the outward appearance or the inward relationship. Maybe discipleship is as much about our own understanding of our relationship with God as it is other people's.
We are to develop friendships with "non-Christians" and then share Jesus with them. Then we are supposed to bring them to church where the preacher (or the programs the church has developed) will train them to do the things I listed above. BOOM! We have a new Christian.
When I look through Jesus' life, this doesn't seem to be the same thing He tried to accomplish with the people He met and developed friendships with. He would love them and then teach them about how they could love God by being who God made them to be. After experiencing God's love, they would then naturally be inspired to love those around them.
I don't want to make this too simplistic, but it seems like Jesus goal in discipleship was not to create Bible-reading, praying, church-going, moral people. His goal was to help those people around Him find out how deeply they were loved by God the Father and then let them become the person God created them to be.
I realize this might seem risky - what if they mess it up? What if they get a screwed up notion about who they are in Christ? What if they blow it? But Jesus didn't seem to mind. He took Peter under His wing and Peter still left hanging in Gethsemene. Jesus poured Himself into Judas but Judas still betrayed Him. John was "the one whom Jesus loved" but he still asked if he could be the #2 guy or call down fire on a city that didn't treat Jesus well.
Casting a vision that helps people see what their true identity is in Christ is risky. They might abuse it. They might not follow all the rules we think they should. What do we do then?
I guess we just keep loving them and listening to them and do like Jesus did...let them be who God calls them to be and try to be wise about when to step in and when to let them go. Maybe all of this is really a challenge for us to decide if we are more focused on the outward appearance or the inward relationship. Maybe discipleship is as much about our own understanding of our relationship with God as it is other people's.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Tangled Mess
If you are a leader in the church, you are supposed to have your act together. That's what everyone expects...yet they expect you to be real and able to identify with them. This is not an easy place to be. Too often I end up looking like my Christmas decorations. In the box with the ornaments for the tree was a nice little tin can with a wreath painted on it. It was a perfect little Christmas tin (I think someone gave us fudge in it several year ago). I opened it up and the picture above was what I found. It made me think of my own life - I try to keep it nice and neat on the outside, but on the inside I am more often than not, a tangled mess.
My staff and I are starting to read together a book called Messy Spirituality by Michael Yaconelli. I don't know about you, but my spiritual life is not quite as clean cut and neat as I would like to think that it is. Maybe everyone else doesn't have any problems, but I get distracted, disinterested, and often discouraged with my own ability (or inability) to keep up on my spiritual disciplines.
If you are a church leader or simply a follower of Jesus, let me encourage you - You are deeply loved even in the midst of your tangled mess. You may not have it all together and you may not be the "best" at praying or devotional reading or worship. But you are deeply loved by Jesus. While He wants you to grow in your ability to relate to Him, your tangles don't scare or offend Him.
I never did get the tangled mess of ornament hooks unraveled, but when I needed one, I could always pull one out. Maybe there is another lesson there...Don't try to untangle your whole life, just work on the hook/part you need right now. You will get to the rest as you need them.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
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Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Blogs...
I haven't blogged recently (or twittered for that matter). I think some of these tools are simply a chance for us to think we are more important than we are. In the grand scheme of things there is really only one or two blogs or twitters that I pay attention to (don't have time for much more right now) and I could easily ignore or delete those with no problem.
One of the biggest traps we can fall into today is distraction. I can get so distracted with breaking news and urgent stuff that I can't slow down and enjoy life. As a pastor, if I can't (or won't) take time to simply be in the presence of God, I can't lead. My congregation needs me to be centered and focused on ultimate things. This is one area that the Catholics are doing it well - the spiritual leaders of the communities are not allowed to get entangled with the urgency of certain things so that they can focus on being the true spiritual leaders of the community.
Henri Nouwen called this moving from relevance to prayer. It is more important to be a man or woman of prayer than to be relevant. And actually, relevance will come as a by-product of time with God - who is ultimate reality and therefore always relevant!
Over the last few weeks I've noticed that I can't slow down and simply listen to God like I need to. That will change this week...
Under the Mercy,
Jason
One of the biggest traps we can fall into today is distraction. I can get so distracted with breaking news and urgent stuff that I can't slow down and enjoy life. As a pastor, if I can't (or won't) take time to simply be in the presence of God, I can't lead. My congregation needs me to be centered and focused on ultimate things. This is one area that the Catholics are doing it well - the spiritual leaders of the communities are not allowed to get entangled with the urgency of certain things so that they can focus on being the true spiritual leaders of the community.
Henri Nouwen called this moving from relevance to prayer. It is more important to be a man or woman of prayer than to be relevant. And actually, relevance will come as a by-product of time with God - who is ultimate reality and therefore always relevant!
Over the last few weeks I've noticed that I can't slow down and simply listen to God like I need to. That will change this week...
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Cost of Discipleship
Each morning I’ve been reading a selected reading from a Devotional Classic. This book has readings from some of the greatest thinkers and writers in the history of Christianity. One such modern thinker is Dallas Willard. The piece he wrote was an appendix to one of his books; he has since developed it into a book. I wanted to share a couple of thoughts with you from this.
The Great Omission from the Great Commission is DISCIPLESHIP. Our modern church has created a culture where someone could be a Christian without being a disciple. This was not even in the realm of possibility when Jesus sent His disciples out to share the Gospel. Now the Church talks about making converts, but not disciples.
Willard says, “But in place of Christ’s plan, historical drift has substituted: ‘Make converts (to a particular faith and practice) and baptize them into church membership.’” The bottom line is that becoming a Christian in today’s world seems to require nothing of you; it is barely a blip on your screen. But discipleship would totally change your screen.
A disciple, says Willard, “is one who, intent upon becoming Christlike and so dwelling in his ‘faith and practice,’ systematically and progressively rearranges his affairs to that end.”
My question for you today is this: have you had to rearrange any part of your life because of following Jesus? Next month we will study Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount calling it His “Inauguration Speech for the Kingdom of God.” In it He outlines some things that, if followed, would be truly life altering. Are we ready to consider this? Are we willing to make changes in our lifestyle if God calls us to?
I’ve been chewing on this for a week or so…I hope you will too!
Under the Mercy,
Jason
The Great Omission from the Great Commission is DISCIPLESHIP. Our modern church has created a culture where someone could be a Christian without being a disciple. This was not even in the realm of possibility when Jesus sent His disciples out to share the Gospel. Now the Church talks about making converts, but not disciples.
Willard says, “But in place of Christ’s plan, historical drift has substituted: ‘Make converts (to a particular faith and practice) and baptize them into church membership.’” The bottom line is that becoming a Christian in today’s world seems to require nothing of you; it is barely a blip on your screen. But discipleship would totally change your screen.
A disciple, says Willard, “is one who, intent upon becoming Christlike and so dwelling in his ‘faith and practice,’ systematically and progressively rearranges his affairs to that end.”
My question for you today is this: have you had to rearrange any part of your life because of following Jesus? Next month we will study Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount calling it His “Inauguration Speech for the Kingdom of God.” In it He outlines some things that, if followed, would be truly life altering. Are we ready to consider this? Are we willing to make changes in our lifestyle if God calls us to?
I’ve been chewing on this for a week or so…I hope you will too!
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Monday, September 1, 2008
Building your house on the "rock"
With Hurricane Gustav crashing into the Gulf Coast, I have spent some time this morning praying for the people there. As I prayed, I was reminded of Jesus' parable about the wise builder building his house on the rocks not the sand. While I don't mean to imply anything about New Orleans or the Gulf Coast, I couldn't help but look at my life and ask what I've built my life on - sand or stone?
What is the foundation of my life? Do I live on principles of sand? When storms hit, what will stand up to them? Have I surrounded myself with men and women who will stand with me in the face of "hurricanes"?
When my foundation is God's Truth, I can stand. Even when His Truth is counterintuitive, I can trust it.
- Give and you will recieve
- You must lose your life to find it
- The last will be first
And the list goes on.
Have you taken time to think about the principles upon which you have based your life? Are your feet on the sand or rocks? The first big storm in your life will tell.
What is the foundation of my life? Do I live on principles of sand? When storms hit, what will stand up to them? Have I surrounded myself with men and women who will stand with me in the face of "hurricanes"?
When my foundation is God's Truth, I can stand. Even when His Truth is counterintuitive, I can trust it.
- Give and you will recieve
- You must lose your life to find it
- The last will be first
And the list goes on.
Have you taken time to think about the principles upon which you have based your life? Are your feet on the sand or rocks? The first big storm in your life will tell.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
"Faithing Our Pracitces"
Last week I mentioned the 3-Fold way of connecting with God. I want to reflect on it a bit further.
My biggest fear as a pastor and teacher is that I simply create a to-do and not-to-do list for people in my community. Then, each week I add to the list making them feel guilty for not being able to add one more thing to their already busy lives. As I have thought more about the 3-Fold way, I want to make sure that this is not just another "thing to do" on my (and your) list.
I ran across a quote by Dr. Elizabeth Julian, RSM (a Catholic Nun) that asked why not move away from practicing our faith and instead begin to faith our practices. She went on to say,"I believe there is liturgy in the landscape waiting to be experienced, and all are welcome at the table."
What if, instead of adding more spiritual practices to my day, I learned to use what I already do to connect me with God (theosis)? When I shower, allow my mind to think of katharsis and the cleansing of my soul. When I drink my morning coffee, thank God for all the different ways His light comes into my life through beauty, wonderful tastes, and the simple pleasure of the gift of coffee. When I drive to the office or go to a meeting, I learn to see the landscape around me as God sees it...teaming with life and beauty. I join God in caring for the people I encounter each day. Shop owners. Clerks. The sick. The elderly. Kids.
There is an ancient Celtic prayer that was to be said as you splashed cold water on your face 3 times in the morning...
May you find ways to awaken to God within your normal daily routine. May your eyes be opened to catch glimpses every day of God's Kingdom all around you. May your heart be warmed by the very presence of God that you might take on His nature of love and warm all those around you.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Quotes above found in "Finding our Way Again" by Brian McLaren
My biggest fear as a pastor and teacher is that I simply create a to-do and not-to-do list for people in my community. Then, each week I add to the list making them feel guilty for not being able to add one more thing to their already busy lives. As I have thought more about the 3-Fold way, I want to make sure that this is not just another "thing to do" on my (and your) list.
I ran across a quote by Dr. Elizabeth Julian, RSM (a Catholic Nun) that asked why not move away from practicing our faith and instead begin to faith our practices. She went on to say,"I believe there is liturgy in the landscape waiting to be experienced, and all are welcome at the table."
What if, instead of adding more spiritual practices to my day, I learned to use what I already do to connect me with God (theosis)? When I shower, allow my mind to think of katharsis and the cleansing of my soul. When I drink my morning coffee, thank God for all the different ways His light comes into my life through beauty, wonderful tastes, and the simple pleasure of the gift of coffee. When I drive to the office or go to a meeting, I learn to see the landscape around me as God sees it...teaming with life and beauty. I join God in caring for the people I encounter each day. Shop owners. Clerks. The sick. The elderly. Kids.
There is an ancient Celtic prayer that was to be said as you splashed cold water on your face 3 times in the morning...
"Let me awaken to you Father, Son, & Holy Spirit."
May you find ways to awaken to God within your normal daily routine. May your eyes be opened to catch glimpses every day of God's Kingdom all around you. May your heart be warmed by the very presence of God that you might take on His nature of love and warm all those around you.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Quotes above found in "Finding our Way Again" by Brian McLaren
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