Philippians 1:8-19

As I look at today's text I can't help but ask myself a couple of questions...

• Is my determination to share the Gospel anywhere near as focused as Paul's when he says that even his imprisonment is a chance for the advancing of the message?
• Do I see setbacks and obstacles as simply new opportunities or do they discourage me?

As you meditate on today's text, think about your commitment to the Gospel.  Paul was facing people who were trying to make him look bad, but as long as the Gospel was being proclaimed, he didn't care.  Maybe you don't have anyone trying to get you trouble by talking about God with others, but what is going on in your life that you might need to work on your attitude and focus in light of what God wants to do in and through you?

Let God's Word transform your mind today.

Jason

Some Suggested Resources:

Ecclesiastes 11 - Still pretty depressed!

So this chapter doesn't really lift your spirits either. Yet the more I read, the more I realize how much the Teacher is telling us to live in the present. Verse 9 says, "You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your hearts give you joy in the days of your youth."

One thing I have noticed in my life is that I live a lot of it in the past or fretting about the future. It is rare that I truly live in the present with God. I worry about what will happen (usually without remembering that God will be present there). I dwell on what has happened - again forgetting God's presence. How many of us truly live in the present?

What would living in the present look like? It would only be of value if I submit myself to God and simply live through and in Him. I want to see with God's eyes. I want to act out of submission to His will. I want to live in the now without worrying about what is to come because I completely trust Him and Him in me.

I guess the best word I can think of to describe living in the now is contentment. Being satisfied with what is. I know that I am not living this, but I hope to get there soon.

Things I will do to live in the present:
Visualize Christ with me in the now.
See the beauty of each moment.
Trust God's will in each event.
Seek the moving of the Spirit in all things.
Try to see with my inner eyes as much as my physical eyes.

I know this sounds a bit mystical and possibly even silly, but it is what I thought of as I read this passage.

Living in the Now,
Jason

Ecclesiastes 5

Contentment. As I read this passage it makes me think of Paul's words in Philippians 4:12

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

The King tells us in Ecclesiastes that those who love money never have enough, those who are wealthy are never satisfied. He finally finds something good in life (v. 18) - be satisfied with what you have. When I can simply find joy in serving God wherever He puts me, I will make much progress in being content. The key is what I am working for. If I am working for wealthy and power...there will always be more to get. If I am working to glorify God, I can find joy in the smallest thing.

What am I working for? What is my goal in life. Money and wealth will disappear. I can't take it with me...just like Monopoly - when the game is over it all goes back in the box. When I define my goals, I can realize whether or not I will find joy.

Lord, show me my true motives. Show me what it is that I am truly working for. Know my heart and see if there is any wicked way in me.

Under the Mercy,
Jason

Ecclesiastes 4

More meaninglessness. But in today's reading the king seems to be alluding to a much more personal quest. He refers to seeing (not participating in) the toils of the oppressed. He saw great achievements grow only out of pride. He saw that being alone is empty. He saw that even the youth who garners great influence ends up being the old king watching a younger person see the same rise of power. Chasing after the wind...

What do I learn from these musings?

1. What am I doing to help those who are oppressed? Do I sit back and wonder about happiness or do I step in and make a difference?


2. Am I doing life alone? Even in a marriage one can be alone. Even in a family one can be alone. Am I alone or am I allowing others in?


3. Am I placing too much stock in gaining influence? Am I looking to rise to power or do I realize power comes and goes with a fickle crowd? I have not been called to power, I have been called to service. This is not a "station in life" this is a holy vocation. Am I living it out?

I realize that I need to open myself up to those around me more. As I approach a time of vulnerability (I'm having surgery Friday), will allow those around me into my world even though I am not "in power"? As I look at my own "career" as a pastor, I will relinguish my need/desire for power and influence and simply seek to be God's servant for this community.

Under the Mercy,
Jason

Ecclesiastes 3 - A Time For Everything

This is a very famous chapter. It is hard to say anything new about it, but will say that the thing that stuck to me was verse 11

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

I can feel the tension and angst in the writer's pen. He knows there is something bigger and more beautiful than he can comprehend, but it is just out of reach. He is almost mad at God for allowing us to know that there is more, but not letting us see it.

I know this is a frustration with me. I want to "see" eternity. It is something I know is there...it is in my heart. But I just can't grasp it.

The writer ends up saying that ultimately we just have to accept it and find contentment in working then dying.

The writer refuses to believe that there is more because he can't see it or prove it. How many people have you run into that are in a similar situation. They want there to be more, but they don't want to have faith...they want it proven beyond a shadow of a doubt.

This makes me think of John 20:29. Jesus shows Thomas His wounds and Thomas believes. Jesus responds by saying:

"Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

May you be one of those how have not seen, yet believed.

Under the Mercy,
Jason

Solomon: Today he would be considered "EMO"!

Ecclesiastes 1
Life is nothing but a vicious cycle and nothing will ever change.

My life has no meaning because in 100 years it won't matter that I existed.

Ultimately we have no control over anything.

These are, in essence, what Solomon says throughout the first chapter of Ecclesiastes. "Meaningless, meaningless, utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." (v. 2). He then talks about how water just flows into the ocean, yet the ocean is never full. The streams' sources just seem to get the water back.

I love that Solomon uses this analogy because today we understand the water cycle - streams, evaporation, clouds, rain, streams. Yet this was a mystery 3000 years ago. It perplexed Solomon (the wisest man to walk the earth!). He even notices that your eyes never get filled with seeing. What an image! Today we take in far more than they did then - TV, internet, buildings, billboards, etc. Yet our eyes never get full and say that you have to clear some things out before we can take in any more.

In essence, I hear a man who is depressed because he realizes that no matter how much he does, it will never be enough. He can't party hard enough, meditate long enough, learn enough, accomplish enough to feel like he done everything. He can't get no satisfication...but he tries and he tries...

This is the voice of modern humanity. If we changed the verbage a bit, I bet we could find similar angst in today's music, poetry, art, and even science. We understand the water cycle, but we can't identify the smallest possible particle - molecules, no - atoms, no - electrons, no - nanoparticles, no...

We can't wrap our hands around the biggest things. Planets, stars, solar systems, galaxies, star systems. It keeps getting bigger.

I truly believe that Postmodernism grew out of the angst of Modernism's search to aleviate all mystery. They failed. Just like Solomon.

Key Question: WHY do you need to know?

Whatever it might be - answers to science issues, answers to philosophical issues - when our goal is to know everything, our goal is really to be God. When our goal is to be God, we will be sorely disappointed and empty.

When our goal is to glorify God, it changes our perspective and our mindset. We are then able to embrace mystery and enjoy it because it reminds us how great and mighty and HUGE God is. And it reminds us that we don't have to be Him...we just need to be us. That is when we find contentment. That is when we rest. That is when find peace.

Under the Mercy,
Jason

What Can I Take for Sophie to See Today?

I have two very distinctive children. Thing One is more impulsive, outgoing, and loud. Thing Two is much more demure, quiet, and girly. While my oldest is running around neighing like a horse, my youngest (5 3/4...you have to add the 3/4!) is picking out which necklace to wear, which lip gloss to put in her purse, and which sweater to wear. My youngest also has a couple of little friends who ride the bus home with her. One of them is named "Sophie." It is not uncommon for Thing Two to ask, "What should I take today to show Sophie?"

While most everyone reading this entry (both of you) is older than 5 and 3/4, I wonder - if we were honest - how many of us would say that we ask a similar question each day. I'm sure the name might be different, but most of try to impress someone each day. It might be the way we dress. It might be the car we drive. It might be the work that we do. It might even be the coffee we bring in to the meeting.

Not to be too obvious and cliche with where this is going, but what if we started inserting God into the sentence? How would that change your day? How would it change the way you drive or the coffee you drink or the words you choose?

Maybe tomorrow morning we should all start the day with the question, "What should I take today to show Jesus?"

Just something I was thinking about tonight.

Under the Mercy,

Jason

Satisfying the Crowd

Mark 14
I know that this chapter details one of the most important events in the ministry of Jesus, but one phrase stood out to me that had little theological significance in relation to Jesus' death. Verse 15 says, "Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified."

In the midst of reading about how Jesus, in order to save all mankind, sacrificed Himself, we see that the one man who could have demonstrated love to Jesus, instead wanted to satisfy the crowd. It is interesting when you think about the fact that Pilate was ultimately satisfying the crowd because with his actions came salvation to all. Obviously, he had no idea at the time.

I wonder how many times each week I hand Jesus over to be flogged in order to satisfy the crowds. How many times do I release evil and betray Christ? I'm a decent guy. I don't kill people for a living. I don't cheat on my taxes. I try to demonstrate love no matter what my situation, but I know there are times when I simply do not because I have a deep desire to be liked and accepted. I seek the approval of man way more often than I seek the approval of God.

Today, I will watch this in my attitudes as well as my actions. I will check my intentions as I do things. Is my desire to satisfy the crowds at the expense of my relationship with Jesus, or will I seek first God and His Kingdom?

We'll see...

Under the Mercy,
Jason

2 Dinners

Mark 14:1-31
Mark 14 is a long chapter so we will divide it into at least 2 days of reading. It is also filled with some of the most important events in the ministry of Jesus.

In the first 31 verses we see Jesus at 2 dinners. The first is at Simon the leper's house. He was probably healed by Jesus and is having this dinner in honor of this. At this dinner a woman does something seemingly inappropriate - uses a very expensive perfume to anoint Jesus. Not only is it expensive, it seems like a very odd thing to do at a dinner. She is simply expressing her love and affection for the Jesus.

I find it odd that out of all the people that ran into Jesus we only read of a few who were willing to worship Him in such a dramatic fashion. I wonder if that would be the case today? Do any of us truly worship Jesus in such an overt fashion? Do I? Unfortunately, I would say it is a rarity in my life...that will change. My favorite verse of this section is verse 6 - she has done a beautiful thing. I want Jesus to say that about my worship.

This act of worship is set against Judas leaving the party to meet with the Pharisees to betray Jesus. Not a beautiful thing.

The second dinner is the Passover Meal where Jesus institutes what we call Communion. It is interesting that after this meal there is talk of betrayal as well. Even Peter will fall prey.

Today, I will take time throughout the day to reflect on ways I can worship Jesus more overtly, not caring what others might think. I hope you will too.

Under the Mercy,
Jason

I'M ANGRY?

Mark 12:1-27
I realized this morning that I never actually posted an entry yesterday...sorry!

In today's reading you can sense the tension rising between Jesus and the religious leaders. He compares them to a group of tenants who refuse to pay the owner what is due him - even to the point of killing the owner's son. I found it interesting that the leaders knew He was talking about them even though the rest of the parables they didn't always understand. So they try to trap Jesus with questions...kind of like reporters baiting political leaders today.

Jesus handles the first question of paying taxes with such amazing mental dexterity! As I read this it made me wonder if Christians today are truly being creative enough in how we respond to the world around us. When we face moral and political issues, do we fall into the default line of thinking that we have been told or do we truly engage the issue and think of all the implications of our answers? I saw a video piece the other day where anti-abortion demonstrators were asked what we should do to women who get abortions if we make it illegal - put them in jail? fine them? give them the death penalty? I was amazed at the inability to answer this question. Almost everyone of the demonstrators said they hadn't really thought about that.

How sad.

I'm thoroughly against abortion, but I hope I am able to think through the issue to the point that I am "prepared to give an answer for the hope that I have."

Jesus does a similar thing regarding the Sadducees' question about marriage at the resurrection.

My Favorite Verse in this section was verse 15 where Jesus asks, "Why are trying to trap me?" He sees through their question and gets to the heart of the matter. He knows what is coming, and He is ready to face how this will end in a few days.

The more I spend time with Jesus in the Gospels, the more I love my Rabbi!

Under the Mercy,
Jason

Divorce, Riches & the Kingdom of God

Mark 10:1-31
Today's passage reads like a tabloid: Divorce, Kids, Riches!

So far, I have simply been reminded of how so many people came to Jesus looking for direction in life - a new way to live that made sense of reality. Even in this section, the Pharisees are testing Him, but they are asking questions that everyone was thinking - though not because they were trying to trick Jesus. The disciples are realizing that Jesus loves kids and wants to bless them. Then a rich man asks how to enter Heaven.

Not to make this post too long, but I do want to comment on the first section regarding divorce. This is a major issue in churches. Current statistics say that the divorce rate among Christians is the same as divorce rates among non-Christians. I think Jesus' sentiment is appropriate for today's culture. "Moses wrote that law because of your hard hearts."

God created us to be in a lifelong relationship. Our own sinfulness is the cause of divorce; it is not God's intention. Grace offered to those who have been through a divorce is vital among the community of faith, but we must make it clear that divorce is not "good." Our role is not to judge, but to love.

The next big section pertained to the rich man asking about what he must do to inherit eternal life (my favorite verse). In essence, Jesus tells him that to inherit eternal life he must give himself wholly to God and quit placing his faith in the things of this world. The man walks away sad because he has a lot of stuff.

Some random thoughts...
1) Being good isn't enough. We must completely give ourselves to God. We must ask ourselves what is most important to us - our stuff or our faith.

2) Jesus looked at him and loved him. That verse makes me happy.

3) How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. When we have so much, it is really hard to put our faith in Christ. I have never had to pray for "this day, our daily bread" and I think my faith is a little weaker because of this.

4) With God, all things are possible. The disciples were blown away that the rich would have difficulty getting into God's Kingdom. They lived in the paradigm that said if you were rich it was because God was blessing you, so you must be okay in God's eyes. Jesus' words turned their world upside down...and they still do today.

May you see God's blessings in your life as you turn your life back over to God daily. That is what I am trying to do.

Under the Mercy,
Jason

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...

1. Fear of rejection and failure


2. Emotional weakness due to lack of self-care


3. Simple laziness


4. Distractions...which comes from a lack of (look, a bird) focus.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it's a start.

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

"Happily Ever After...and other crap."

This is an excerpt from an email I wrote to someone who is dealing with a lot of tough issues. I think the questions she was asking are questions the vast majority of people today are asking...so I am posting a portion of my reply.

Too many pastors and Christians try to make every story end with "and now I'm closer to God and everything is much better." This is simply our desire for a fairy tale ending..."And they lived happily ever after." There's a reason they call that a fairy tale.

Life is hard. Dealing with depression and other issues is not a walk in the park or something you decide to "get over." It is and will be a lifelong issue for you. That doesn't mean you won't experience victory over it, that just means you will always be vulnerable in this area. For some people it addictions to drinking or drugs or co-dependent relationships or success or people-pleasing or sex or food (the list could go on). For you, it is propensity toward depression and cutting. Like the recovering alcoholic who should not take the first sip, you must guard your heart and your body from slipping back into old patterns. This will be an issue for many years to come.

All that being said, you need to know also that this in no way means you can't have a healthy, fun-filled, vibrant life! You are a beautiful young lady full of life and vitality. Don't ignore that aspect of you.

Being closer to God is a difficult concept to talk about because it means something different to every person. For some it is an emotional high that they have to hit (almost like a drug trip...). For others it is a life of successes and victories. For still others it is a life sequestered from the world. None of these really hits the mark. They are all more like an American dream, not God's dream for our lives.

God's dream for our lives is holiness. He wants us to live a life of holiness in a world that is dying to connect with Him - even when they can't articulate that. Being close to God involves both a mental decision (act of the will) and your heart. The great news is that no matter where you go (emotionally, spiritually, or physically) God is there. You can't be "far" from God. The difficulty lies in our feelings about our relationship with God.

As the Prodigal Son "came to himself" when he was in the far country, so also, there are many times we need to come to ourselves and return to the embrace of the Father. We, however, must realize that we never ceased being a son/daughter - even in the far country. Whether you feel it or not, you are a precious daughter of God. Whether you want to be or not, you are God's beloved. Whether you read your Bible every day and pray or not, you are safe and secure in the Hand of God. You may feel your relationship with God is not strong, but from God's perspective He will never let go.

Under the Mercy,
Jason

"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...

"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

A Vision of Maturity

It's been a crazy week and I haven't posted a thing...shame on me. It's Saturday night and I'm winding down and getting ready for tomorrow morning. I'm really excited about our Gathering tomorrow.

I want to throw something up for discussion (if anyone actually reads this). I'm working on creating a picture of a "mature" follower of Christ. This is simply a tool to help people catch a glimpse of what they are shooting for in their walk with Christ. Just as a weightlifter might have an image in his or her mind of what they want their body to look like, so also I want to build an image of what a growing follower of Jesus might look like.

As I've been studying Acts 4-7, I've picked up at least 5 characteristics that I think a sold-out follower of Jesus should exude.

1. Radical Obedience.
In Acts 4 & 5 Peter and John are arrested and examined by the religious leaders of the day. In chapter 5 they are even flogged to teach them a lesson. Their response to all the threats by these religious leaders is classic: "You decide, should we obey God or you?" That is some radical obedience. Even in the face of physical pain and ridicule, they chose to follow God. I have to ask myself what the world is asking me to do to which I must respond: "You decide, should I obey God or you?"

2. Sincere Lover of People.
Barnabas ("Son of Encouragement") demonstrated throughout the book of Acts that he was truly an encourager - to Paul, to John Mark, and others. He sold his assets to help those less fortunate. He stepped up and vouched for Paul. He stood up for John Mark. Barnabas was truly a lover of people. As a Christ-follower, I need to step up and love - even when it isn't convenient.

3. Passionate about God and His Kingdom.
In Acts 5 Annanias and Sapphira lie to God and the Church. They drop dead on the spot. In a sense, they were trying to do what the religious institution of the day had been doing for years. They were trying to buy their influence while maintaining their own self-indulgence. They wanted the best of both worlds, but God said you needed to choose: God's Kingdom or the world. It can't be both. Do I exude that kind of passion for God or am I satisfied with status quo?

4. Broken
In Acts 6 we read about the appointing of the first deacons. There were several characteristics of these men listed, but it seems all of them can be traced back to a sense of their own brokeness before God. They were wise, faithful men who knew that all that they had came from God. That can only be said of a man (or woman) who has been broken. Most "deep" people have experienced a brokeness in their life.

5. Generous
Throughout Acts we see men and women selling off goods to give to the poor. We see churches taking up collections to help famine victims. Stephen made the ultimate sacrifice when he forgave those who were killing him. A mature follower of Jesus knows that he or she is not an "owner" but merely a steward of God's blessings. This mindset allows her to be generous.

These are the beginning point for casting a vision of what a fully-formed follower of Christ might look like. Though we never reach perfection, we can move in that direction. But if we don't even know what we are shooting for, we might be going in circles.

Let me know how these characteristics affect you and your vision of growing in Christ.

Under the Mercy,
Jason

Evangelism and A Biblical Worldview

I'm reading a good book right now called "UnChristian" by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons. The basic premise of the book is simply what a new generation really thinks about Christianity and why it matters. It is a good read for any person who considers themselves to be a Christian.

In the book Kinnaman talks about how the perception is that Christians are only concerned with converting outsiders and don't really care about them beyond another "notch in thier salvation belt." Some of the ways this seems evident is the emphasis on making a decision after an emotional appeal to "accept Jesus as your savior." While this is important within the spiritual process of deciding to follow Christ, it is not the goal. The goal should be spiritual transformation of people, not just decisions and baptisms. Kinnaman's finding demonstrated that there was no real difference in the lifestyles or beliefs of "Christians" or "Outsiders" in America.

So what is "spiritual transformation"? It is a shift in the way you think, the way you love, and the way you listen. It involves embracing a Christian worldview which Kinnaman defines this way:

1) believing Jesus lived a sinless life
2) God is the omnipotent, omniscient creator and ruler of hte universe
3) Salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned
4) Satan is real
5) A Christian has a responsibility to share his or her faith in Christ with other people
6) The Bible is accurate in all of the principles it teaches
7) Unchanging moral truth exists
8) Such moral truth is defined by the Bible.

I like this concept of moving toward a new worldview not just a decision at an isolated event that may or may not actually change the way a person lives their lives.

Christianity has reached a point where people do not really like us. While sometimes that may be okay - we represent love and peace when many people would rather hate and promote war - in this instance people's dislike of us is often justified. We are simply not easy people to be around.

If our goal is to help people experience true spiritual transformation which involves renewing thier minds over a lifetime, then we might need to shift some of the ways we practice evangelism. I will be exploring these thoughts over the next few days and weeks.

Jason