The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
AS YOURSELF
Do you love yourself? Really? Perhaps the reason we sometimes struggle with loving others is because we don’t really love ourselves. Jesus said we were to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Implied in His command is a healthy and helpful love of self. Do you have one?
What do you love about yourself?
What do you not like about yourself?
If you could change one thing about your life (past or present) what would you change?
Does the answer you just wrote affect how you feel about yourself?
How can Psalm 103:10-12 give you peace about your past?
Sometimes we base our love of self on what we think about ourselves instead of what God thinks about us. God knows that on our own, our hearts aren’t good, but that didn’t stop Him from showing us grace. Read Romans 5:8. Before we had life, He showed us love. Why?
Look at Ephesians 1:1-10. Start listing the things God has done for you.
You are someone God has blessed, chosen, loved, adopted, redeemed, enriched, and enlightened. It’s true that God did all this because of His grace and not your goodness, but the fact that you have a Father who desires you and delights in you can help you accept who you are and who you aren’t.
Read 1 Samuel 16:6-7. How do we form our opinions differently than God forms His?
How have you based your self-worth on the appearances of your looks or your lifestyle?
God made you. God loves you. And He always will. He wants you to love yourself too. Not just yourself, but others as yourself. How has He shown you His love this week?
How have you loved yourself this week?
How have you loved your neighbor this week?
Keep it up and don’t get down. Especially on yourself.
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Daily Dig - Good Samaritan Day 2
The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
YOUR NEIGHBOR
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” In an effort to check off the commandment as completed, a lawyer asked Jesus to pinpoint exactly who was his neighbor. The parable reply pushed the man to admit that anyone with a need was his neighbor. The same holds true for us no matter where we are, but let’s talk today about the ones with needs who live next door.
Think of the people who live in the 4 houses surrounding your own. What are the needs of your neighbors to the north? Have you sat (or stood) for a recent chat with your neighbors to the south? How do you help your neighbor to the west? At least each Christmas do you reach out to your neighbor to the east?
I cringe myself as I write these questions. A busy life full of connections and commitments at church, school, and in the community seem to crowd out the time and the treasure of knowing our nearest neighbors. This week pick a neighbor in one direction – north, south, east, or west, and drop by with a sweet dessert (Publix bakery is fine) and a sincere hello. Your visit might make a long day shorter, a sad day sunnier, or a bad day better.
We should show love to the neighbors who live around us, and we should show love to the neighbors who live with us. If a neighbor is someone in need, and you live with someone besides yourself, you live with a neighbor. I definitely hope you walk across the road this week, but I also hope you walk across the room. Meeting the needs of those nearest to us is sometimes more challenging than helping those far away. But we must.
If you’re married, what does your spouse need that only you can provide?
How will you meet a need today?
If you have kids, what do their hearts need from you?
How will you meet a need today?
The needs of your grandkids?
How about your parents and in-laws?
Read Ephesians 5:15 – 6:4. Notice the many action verbs. Loving the “neighbors” in our families requires desire and effort.
Let’s be honest. Sometimes we like being needed. Sometimes we loathe it. But always we need to love -- the neighbors in the bed beside us, the ones in the room down the hall, or the house across the street. Won’t you be my neighbor?
Luke 10:25-37
YOUR NEIGHBOR
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” In an effort to check off the commandment as completed, a lawyer asked Jesus to pinpoint exactly who was his neighbor. The parable reply pushed the man to admit that anyone with a need was his neighbor. The same holds true for us no matter where we are, but let’s talk today about the ones with needs who live next door.
Think of the people who live in the 4 houses surrounding your own. What are the needs of your neighbors to the north? Have you sat (or stood) for a recent chat with your neighbors to the south? How do you help your neighbor to the west? At least each Christmas do you reach out to your neighbor to the east?
I cringe myself as I write these questions. A busy life full of connections and commitments at church, school, and in the community seem to crowd out the time and the treasure of knowing our nearest neighbors. This week pick a neighbor in one direction – north, south, east, or west, and drop by with a sweet dessert (Publix bakery is fine) and a sincere hello. Your visit might make a long day shorter, a sad day sunnier, or a bad day better.
We should show love to the neighbors who live around us, and we should show love to the neighbors who live with us. If a neighbor is someone in need, and you live with someone besides yourself, you live with a neighbor. I definitely hope you walk across the road this week, but I also hope you walk across the room. Meeting the needs of those nearest to us is sometimes more challenging than helping those far away. But we must.
If you’re married, what does your spouse need that only you can provide?
How will you meet a need today?
If you have kids, what do their hearts need from you?
How will you meet a need today?
The needs of your grandkids?
How about your parents and in-laws?
Read Ephesians 5:15 – 6:4. Notice the many action verbs. Loving the “neighbors” in our families requires desire and effort.
Let’s be honest. Sometimes we like being needed. Sometimes we loathe it. But always we need to love -- the neighbors in the bed beside us, the ones in the room down the hall, or the house across the street. Won’t you be my neighbor?
The Daily Dig - Good Samaritan Day 1
The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
LOVE
Since the guy asking the questions and the God answering them focused mostly on the second “big” commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” so will we. Found first in Leviticus 19:18, these few words are easier said than done. Let’s start with the LOVE.
This over-used, under-valued word has become a staple in our daily vocabulary. But what does it really mean? If you were asked to write the dictionary entry for the word “love,” what would be your definition?
What is the definition of love in 1 John 3:16?
Who “laid down their life” for you today? How? Why?
For whom did you “lay down your life” today? How? Why?
What does 1 John 4:10-11 give as the reason we should love?
In I Corinthians 12:31 Paul says that love is the most excellent way to live. Verses 4-8 are probably the best known verses about love in the Bible. Honestly, they are verses which are easier to know than show. Think about your attitudes and actions of the past few days. Rate yourself 1 to 10 (10 being the highest) on how well you have shown love in the 16 ways of 1 Corinthians 13.
_____ Patient
_____ Kind
_____ Not Envious
_____ Not Boastful
_____ Not Prideful
_____ Not Rude
_____ Not selfish
_____ Not Easily Angered
_____ Keeps No Record Of Wrongs
_____ Does Not Delight In Evil
_____ Rejoices With The Truth
_____ Always Protects
_____ Always Trusts
_____ Always Hopes
_____ Always Perseveres
_____ Never Fails
Don’t be discouraged. None of us are Perfect 10s. But do be determined love “more better” today than you did yesterday.
Read Psalm 107. How many times does the psalmist remind you that God’s love is unfailing? Memorize verse 1. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
God’s love for you is unfailing and forever. That’s good to know. That’s good to show. Just love.
Luke 10:25-37
LOVE
Since the guy asking the questions and the God answering them focused mostly on the second “big” commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” so will we. Found first in Leviticus 19:18, these few words are easier said than done. Let’s start with the LOVE.
This over-used, under-valued word has become a staple in our daily vocabulary. But what does it really mean? If you were asked to write the dictionary entry for the word “love,” what would be your definition?
What is the definition of love in 1 John 3:16?
Who “laid down their life” for you today? How? Why?
For whom did you “lay down your life” today? How? Why?
What does 1 John 4:10-11 give as the reason we should love?
In I Corinthians 12:31 Paul says that love is the most excellent way to live. Verses 4-8 are probably the best known verses about love in the Bible. Honestly, they are verses which are easier to know than show. Think about your attitudes and actions of the past few days. Rate yourself 1 to 10 (10 being the highest) on how well you have shown love in the 16 ways of 1 Corinthians 13.
_____ Patient
_____ Kind
_____ Not Envious
_____ Not Boastful
_____ Not Prideful
_____ Not Rude
_____ Not selfish
_____ Not Easily Angered
_____ Keeps No Record Of Wrongs
_____ Does Not Delight In Evil
_____ Rejoices With The Truth
_____ Always Protects
_____ Always Trusts
_____ Always Hopes
_____ Always Perseveres
_____ Never Fails
Don’t be discouraged. None of us are Perfect 10s. But do be determined love “more better” today than you did yesterday.
Read Psalm 107. How many times does the psalmist remind you that God’s love is unfailing? Memorize verse 1. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
God’s love for you is unfailing and forever. That’s good to know. That’s good to show. Just love.
TELL ME A STORY - The Good Samaritan
Tell Me A Story
Unpacking the Power of the Parables
The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
Neighbors. Growing up in rural Alabama, my closest neighbor lived one quarter of a mile down the road. In my subdivision today, I have neighbors right next door and across the street. But are we closer just because we’re close? What makes a neighbor neighborly? And who really counts as my neighbor anyway?
One day Jesus was asked that same question by a Jewish lawyer trying to weasel his way around God’s Word. The guy tried to test Jesus by asking, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus countered the lawyer’s query with a quiz of His own. “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”
The man quickly (and correctly) quoted two of God’s commands from the Law given through Moses. “He said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“Right on,” Jesus replied. “Live like that and you’ll get what you’re looking for.”
Instead of admitting he could never live so perfectly, the man arrogantly wanted to be sure – and to show - he had met the legal requirements for loving. So he inquired, “And exactly who is my neighbor?”
This lawyer wanted a general category, but instead Jesus gave him a story. The story of a specific man with a serious need. The story of the very ones who had all the reasons to help, but didn’t. The story of the one who had all the reasons not to help, but did. The story of the Good Samaritan.
“In reply Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So to, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said, “and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.”’
As Jesus finished his story, surely the man was already cringing at the certain-to-come follow-up question. “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” He couldn’t bring himself to even say the word “Samaritan,” so, “The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’” Jesus didn’t point out the man’s prejudice because He knew He had made His point. Jesus simply told him, “Go and do likewise.”
“Go and do.” Greek verbs whose tenses tell us “as you are going and going and keep on going in your life, be doing and doing and keep on doing this.” What’s ‘this’? ‘This’ is being a neighbor.
Start neighboring. Don’t stop neighboring. And neighbor everyone in need. Being a neighbor has nothing to do with where you live and everything to do with how you love. Love isn’t checking off a list, but this story shows us several stages of “going and doing likewise.”
AS YOU ARE GOING
Let’s stop right there and start. “Go.” “As you are going….” Note that none of our travelers that day were on a pre-determined mission of mercy. All three were simply trekking along the road of life. The eighteen mile descent from Jerusalem northeast to Jericho was steep, winding, and unsafe. People went that way because it was the only way. Jericho was a favorite residence of religious leaders, so many priests and Levites journeyed to and from the temple at their scheduled times of service. “A priest happened to be going down the same road….” “…A Levite, when he came to the place….” We’re not told why the Samaritan was on the highway, “but a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was….” Jesus didn’t say to be “on the go.” He said, “As you are going….” Each part of every day is part of our path of life. On each path we will meet people who need a neighbor. People who need us to see.
SEE
See What’s Going On
“A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw…” v. 31
“…A Levite, when he came to the place and saw him…” v. 32
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him…” v. 33
First, we must see – see what’s going on. Look up from your lane at the lives around you. The beaten man on the side of the road couldn’t easily be missed. All three travelers saw him, and all three saw his needs. “A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw…” v. 31 “…A Levite, when he came to the place and saw him…” v. 32 “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him…” v. 33
Like this victim’s, some needs are obvious and easily apparent. Many are camouflaged behind smiles or schedules. Others are hidden because of shame or fear. As you walk your path with God, ask to see others through His eyes, and He will show you their needs. In 2 Corinthians 5: 16 Paul talks about how he looks at others. He says that since he came to know Jesus and His love, “from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view.” Philippians 4:2 says, “Each one should look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” Don’t just look, see. You’ll be surprised at what you notice when you focused on the people, not just the path.
STOP
Stop What You’re Doing
On my husband Steve’s Facebook page he put a quote he heard many years ago which changed the way he lived. “DEVELOP THE ABILITY TO BE INTERRUPTED.” That’s why he spent yesterday afternoon and evening making student council posters in his unsweaty workout clothes. He never made it out the door because our middle-schooler needed his help. He stopped what he was doing so he could see what she needed.
Look at how the men in the parable responded to what they saw.
“A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side…” v. 31
“…A Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side…” v. 32
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him…” v. 33
They all saw. They all slowed. Only one stopped.
Stop what you’re doing. Jesus stopped going with Jairus to raise his dead daughter so he could heal a sick woman. He stopped his travel through Jericho and ate lunch with Zaccheus. He stopped listening to the report of a mission trip to make lunch for 5000 plus.
Perhaps fear that it might be a trap, concerns that they didn’t know what to do, thoughts that the man was beyond help, or just their own schedules and responsibilities kept them from stopping. Your agenda is not more important than God’s adventure. Don’t miss out because you’re in a hurry to get somewhere else. Stop and see what’s going on before you go on.
STEP IN
Step In & Do What Needs To Be Done
“Hop off your donkey and help”
And then step in and do what needs to be done.
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper.” V. 33
Hop off your donkey and help. Yes, you will be inconvenienced. Yes, it will cost you – time, energy, maybe even money. Pouring on oil and wine – cleansing and comfort – requires your own getting dirty in the effort, but stepping in is what we need to do. It’s what we ought to do. It’s what we want to do as we follow Jesus.
Who was a neighbor? The one who had mercy – who had mercy and help with mercy. Not the ones who should have helped but didn’t, but the one who could have given many reasons not to help but did. We have no excuses for not helping those who hurt us or those we don’t like. We should show mercy with mercy.
GO AND DO LIKEWISE!!
You’re going to keep going, so keep doing as you go. Don’t ask Who is my neighbor ? Ask to whom can I be a neighbor? See. Stop. Step In. And you’ll be a really Good Samaritan.
Unpacking the Power of the Parables
The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
Neighbors. Growing up in rural Alabama, my closest neighbor lived one quarter of a mile down the road. In my subdivision today, I have neighbors right next door and across the street. But are we closer just because we’re close? What makes a neighbor neighborly? And who really counts as my neighbor anyway?
One day Jesus was asked that same question by a Jewish lawyer trying to weasel his way around God’s Word. The guy tried to test Jesus by asking, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus countered the lawyer’s query with a quiz of His own. “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”
The man quickly (and correctly) quoted two of God’s commands from the Law given through Moses. “He said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“Right on,” Jesus replied. “Live like that and you’ll get what you’re looking for.”
Instead of admitting he could never live so perfectly, the man arrogantly wanted to be sure – and to show - he had met the legal requirements for loving. So he inquired, “And exactly who is my neighbor?”
This lawyer wanted a general category, but instead Jesus gave him a story. The story of a specific man with a serious need. The story of the very ones who had all the reasons to help, but didn’t. The story of the one who had all the reasons not to help, but did. The story of the Good Samaritan.
“In reply Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So to, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said, “and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.”’
As Jesus finished his story, surely the man was already cringing at the certain-to-come follow-up question. “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” He couldn’t bring himself to even say the word “Samaritan,” so, “The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’” Jesus didn’t point out the man’s prejudice because He knew He had made His point. Jesus simply told him, “Go and do likewise.”
“Go and do.” Greek verbs whose tenses tell us “as you are going and going and keep on going in your life, be doing and doing and keep on doing this.” What’s ‘this’? ‘This’ is being a neighbor.
Start neighboring. Don’t stop neighboring. And neighbor everyone in need. Being a neighbor has nothing to do with where you live and everything to do with how you love. Love isn’t checking off a list, but this story shows us several stages of “going and doing likewise.”
AS YOU ARE GOING
Let’s stop right there and start. “Go.” “As you are going….” Note that none of our travelers that day were on a pre-determined mission of mercy. All three were simply trekking along the road of life. The eighteen mile descent from Jerusalem northeast to Jericho was steep, winding, and unsafe. People went that way because it was the only way. Jericho was a favorite residence of religious leaders, so many priests and Levites journeyed to and from the temple at their scheduled times of service. “A priest happened to be going down the same road….” “…A Levite, when he came to the place….” We’re not told why the Samaritan was on the highway, “but a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was….” Jesus didn’t say to be “on the go.” He said, “As you are going….” Each part of every day is part of our path of life. On each path we will meet people who need a neighbor. People who need us to see.
SEE
See What’s Going On
“A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw…” v. 31
“…A Levite, when he came to the place and saw him…” v. 32
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him…” v. 33
First, we must see – see what’s going on. Look up from your lane at the lives around you. The beaten man on the side of the road couldn’t easily be missed. All three travelers saw him, and all three saw his needs. “A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw…” v. 31 “…A Levite, when he came to the place and saw him…” v. 32 “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him…” v. 33
Like this victim’s, some needs are obvious and easily apparent. Many are camouflaged behind smiles or schedules. Others are hidden because of shame or fear. As you walk your path with God, ask to see others through His eyes, and He will show you their needs. In 2 Corinthians 5: 16 Paul talks about how he looks at others. He says that since he came to know Jesus and His love, “from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view.” Philippians 4:2 says, “Each one should look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” Don’t just look, see. You’ll be surprised at what you notice when you focused on the people, not just the path.
STOP
Stop What You’re Doing
On my husband Steve’s Facebook page he put a quote he heard many years ago which changed the way he lived. “DEVELOP THE ABILITY TO BE INTERRUPTED.” That’s why he spent yesterday afternoon and evening making student council posters in his unsweaty workout clothes. He never made it out the door because our middle-schooler needed his help. He stopped what he was doing so he could see what she needed.
Look at how the men in the parable responded to what they saw.
“A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side…” v. 31
“…A Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side…” v. 32
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him…” v. 33
They all saw. They all slowed. Only one stopped.
Stop what you’re doing. Jesus stopped going with Jairus to raise his dead daughter so he could heal a sick woman. He stopped his travel through Jericho and ate lunch with Zaccheus. He stopped listening to the report of a mission trip to make lunch for 5000 plus.
Perhaps fear that it might be a trap, concerns that they didn’t know what to do, thoughts that the man was beyond help, or just their own schedules and responsibilities kept them from stopping. Your agenda is not more important than God’s adventure. Don’t miss out because you’re in a hurry to get somewhere else. Stop and see what’s going on before you go on.
STEP IN
Step In & Do What Needs To Be Done
“Hop off your donkey and help”
And then step in and do what needs to be done.
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper.” V. 33
Hop off your donkey and help. Yes, you will be inconvenienced. Yes, it will cost you – time, energy, maybe even money. Pouring on oil and wine – cleansing and comfort – requires your own getting dirty in the effort, but stepping in is what we need to do. It’s what we ought to do. It’s what we want to do as we follow Jesus.
Who was a neighbor? The one who had mercy – who had mercy and help with mercy. Not the ones who should have helped but didn’t, but the one who could have given many reasons not to help but did. We have no excuses for not helping those who hurt us or those we don’t like. We should show mercy with mercy.
GO AND DO LIKEWISE!!
You’re going to keep going, so keep doing as you go. Don’t ask Who is my neighbor ? Ask to whom can I be a neighbor? See. Stop. Step In. And you’ll be a really Good Samaritan.
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Daily Dig - Parable of the Sower - Day 3
The Parable Of The Sower
Matthew 13:1-23
Pull Up The Weeds (vs 7, 22 & Luke 8:14)
Only Eden was free of weeds. Since then all good gardeners have spent much time pulling up unwanted invaders so the productive plants can grow unhindered and uncrowded. The soil of our heart seems to easily sprout both the prickly and the pretty. It is our duty to be pulling out the weeds so God's Word can grow to maturity.
In this parable, Jesus listed three thorny weeds which can choke out God’s Word in our lives. “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature.” Luke 8:14
Life’s Worries
Now there’s a big weed! What have you ever worried about? Or perhaps the better question is, what haven’t you worried about? God knows are hearts are prone to fret, and He wants us to pull up that weed while it is still small. In Matthew 6:25-32 Jesus gives us specific instructions about worry.
What does He say we should NOT worry about?
And why does He say that we should not worry? (vs 32)
Matthew 6:33 tells us to spend our energy focusing on God instead of fretting about ourselves. What are you anxious about today? How will you seek God first in the middle of the mess?
If your heart is full of worry, copy Philippians 4:6-7 on a card and carry it with you today. Memorize God’s promise of peace and let Him guard your heart and mind from the weed of worry.
Life’s Riches
Being rich isn’t wrong, but wealth can become a weed which chokes out God’s Word. In Matthew 13:22 Jesus said that the deceitfulness of wealth can suffocate the good God is growing in our lives. How do you think wealth can be deceptive?
Read the Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:13-21. How has greed been a weed in your life? Have you pulled it up? Really? All the way from the root or have you just cut it off where it can’t be seen from the surface?
We all need to be richer toward God. How will you invest in the eternal today?
Life’s Pleasures
If pleasure was a problem back in the pre-modern day of Jesus, then we are certainly in trouble now! Life today is filled with more time and money than ever in history, and we seem to have no trouble spending both on pleasing ourselves. Having fun and feeling good aren’t bad unless our means of getting there are sinful and our motives are selfish.
What things bring you the greatest pleasures in life?
How do you put what brings you pleasure as a higher priority than your personal relationship with God?
How can you make your hobby more holy?
Have you ever noticed that much work is required for a productive garden but that weeds seem to grow no matter what the conditions? This fact of the farm reminds us to be diligent to dig out those weeds while they are still small when they are much easier (and much less painful) to pull!
Matthew 13:1-23
Pull Up The Weeds (vs 7, 22 & Luke 8:14)
Only Eden was free of weeds. Since then all good gardeners have spent much time pulling up unwanted invaders so the productive plants can grow unhindered and uncrowded. The soil of our heart seems to easily sprout both the prickly and the pretty. It is our duty to be pulling out the weeds so God's Word can grow to maturity.
In this parable, Jesus listed three thorny weeds which can choke out God’s Word in our lives. “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature.” Luke 8:14
Life’s Worries
Now there’s a big weed! What have you ever worried about? Or perhaps the better question is, what haven’t you worried about? God knows are hearts are prone to fret, and He wants us to pull up that weed while it is still small. In Matthew 6:25-32 Jesus gives us specific instructions about worry.
What does He say we should NOT worry about?
And why does He say that we should not worry? (vs 32)
Matthew 6:33 tells us to spend our energy focusing on God instead of fretting about ourselves. What are you anxious about today? How will you seek God first in the middle of the mess?
If your heart is full of worry, copy Philippians 4:6-7 on a card and carry it with you today. Memorize God’s promise of peace and let Him guard your heart and mind from the weed of worry.
Life’s Riches
Being rich isn’t wrong, but wealth can become a weed which chokes out God’s Word. In Matthew 13:22 Jesus said that the deceitfulness of wealth can suffocate the good God is growing in our lives. How do you think wealth can be deceptive?
Read the Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:13-21. How has greed been a weed in your life? Have you pulled it up? Really? All the way from the root or have you just cut it off where it can’t be seen from the surface?
We all need to be richer toward God. How will you invest in the eternal today?
Life’s Pleasures
If pleasure was a problem back in the pre-modern day of Jesus, then we are certainly in trouble now! Life today is filled with more time and money than ever in history, and we seem to have no trouble spending both on pleasing ourselves. Having fun and feeling good aren’t bad unless our means of getting there are sinful and our motives are selfish.
What things bring you the greatest pleasures in life?
How do you put what brings you pleasure as a higher priority than your personal relationship with God?
How can you make your hobby more holy?
Have you ever noticed that much work is required for a productive garden but that weeds seem to grow no matter what the conditions? This fact of the farm reminds us to be diligent to dig out those weeds while they are still small when they are much easier (and much less painful) to pull!
The Daily Dig - Parable of the Sower - Day 2
The Parable Of The Sower
Matthew 13:1-23
Pile Up The Rocks (vs. 6, 20-21)
Rocky terrain was the norm in Palestine, and seeds could not grow long and lasting roots on top of rocks. The farmer spent many long, hard hours removing rocks from the field and piling them along the edges. Rock removal wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for fertile soil. So too with us. We must make the effort to remove the things which keep God’s Word from making a difference in our lives. We must rid ourselves of the rocks.
Colossians 3:8, Ephesians 4:31, and 1 Peter 2:1 say we must get rid of what things?
How have these attitudes and actions created problems in your life?
Whom do you stay mad at the most and why?
Whom are you the most bitter at and why?
Whom do you envy the most and why?
Whom do you slander (talk badly about) the most and why?
By God’s grace and power, these actions and attitudes, which were a normal part of our lives before we became Christ-followers, can now be eliminated. And they should be. Three of the best “Rock Removal Tools” are found in Ephesians 4:32.
1.__________________________
How has someone’s kindness to you made a difference? How will you show kindness to the person you envy most?
2.__________________________
Think of the person you are mad at the most. What root causes could be the reasons for their wrong or offending actions toward you? Ask God to give you a heart of compassion, even as you deal with their choices.
3.__________________________
Bitterness might start out as a small stone, but it quickly grows into a big boulder which crowds out the good and much of God in our hearts. Forgiveness – letting go of my right to hurt you for hurting me – is the only way bitterness can be removed. Whom do you need to forgive? How will you begin to let go and let God handle the situation and heal your pain?
Keep piling up the rocks and cleaning out your heart!
Matthew 13:1-23
Pile Up The Rocks (vs. 6, 20-21)
Rocky terrain was the norm in Palestine, and seeds could not grow long and lasting roots on top of rocks. The farmer spent many long, hard hours removing rocks from the field and piling them along the edges. Rock removal wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for fertile soil. So too with us. We must make the effort to remove the things which keep God’s Word from making a difference in our lives. We must rid ourselves of the rocks.
Colossians 3:8, Ephesians 4:31, and 1 Peter 2:1 say we must get rid of what things?
How have these attitudes and actions created problems in your life?
Whom do you stay mad at the most and why?
Whom are you the most bitter at and why?
Whom do you envy the most and why?
Whom do you slander (talk badly about) the most and why?
By God’s grace and power, these actions and attitudes, which were a normal part of our lives before we became Christ-followers, can now be eliminated. And they should be. Three of the best “Rock Removal Tools” are found in Ephesians 4:32.
1.__________________________
How has someone’s kindness to you made a difference? How will you show kindness to the person you envy most?
2.__________________________
Think of the person you are mad at the most. What root causes could be the reasons for their wrong or offending actions toward you? Ask God to give you a heart of compassion, even as you deal with their choices.
3.__________________________
Bitterness might start out as a small stone, but it quickly grows into a big boulder which crowds out the good and much of God in our hearts. Forgiveness – letting go of my right to hurt you for hurting me – is the only way bitterness can be removed. Whom do you need to forgive? How will you begin to let go and let God handle the situation and heal your pain?
Keep piling up the rocks and cleaning out your heart!
The Daily Dig - Parable of the Sower - Day 1
The Parable Of The Sower
Matthew 13:1-23
Plow up the Hard Places (vs. 5, 12)
The soil of our heart must be continually ready to receive God’s Word. Jesus said that sometimes the seed of God’s Word falls on the “path” where the Satan easily snatches it away. The grain fields in Israel often had paths around them and through them. The dirt was hard and packed, not at all conducive to growth and productivity. I’d love to say that there are no “paths” in my life, but there are. And you probably have a few too. Hosea 10:12 tells us to “break up our unplowed ground.” We need to plow up the hard places in our hearts so God’s Word can take root and grow in every area of our lives.
So why do we have these “hard paths” in our lives? In Jesus’ time, the paths were shortcuts through the field. What “shortcuts” have you taken in your life that might have caused you to become hard?
Sometimes the paths in fields became more packed by constant use – habitual use. What habits have you developed in your relationships that are not creating an environment of growth?
In your relationship with God?
With your husband?
With your children or grandchildren?
With friends?
With people you work or serve with?
Often a difficult situation has caused our hearts to be callous and hard toward God and others. Who or what has hurt you? Don’t wait for your feelings to catch up with the fact that God knows and He really does care. He can use even the hardest and most hurtful of times for our good and for His glory. Read Romans 8: 28-39. What can separate you from God’s love?
Read Hebrews 3:13.
What can harden you?
How can encouragement help you not become hard?
Who will you encourage today?
Honestly ask God to show you where your heart might be hard to His Word. Pray for grace to receive His answer and know that He will be your strength.
Have fun plowing!!
Matthew 13:1-23
Plow up the Hard Places (vs. 5, 12)
The soil of our heart must be continually ready to receive God’s Word. Jesus said that sometimes the seed of God’s Word falls on the “path” where the Satan easily snatches it away. The grain fields in Israel often had paths around them and through them. The dirt was hard and packed, not at all conducive to growth and productivity. I’d love to say that there are no “paths” in my life, but there are. And you probably have a few too. Hosea 10:12 tells us to “break up our unplowed ground.” We need to plow up the hard places in our hearts so God’s Word can take root and grow in every area of our lives.
So why do we have these “hard paths” in our lives? In Jesus’ time, the paths were shortcuts through the field. What “shortcuts” have you taken in your life that might have caused you to become hard?
Sometimes the paths in fields became more packed by constant use – habitual use. What habits have you developed in your relationships that are not creating an environment of growth?
In your relationship with God?
With your husband?
With your children or grandchildren?
With friends?
With people you work or serve with?
Often a difficult situation has caused our hearts to be callous and hard toward God and others. Who or what has hurt you? Don’t wait for your feelings to catch up with the fact that God knows and He really does care. He can use even the hardest and most hurtful of times for our good and for His glory. Read Romans 8: 28-39. What can separate you from God’s love?
Read Hebrews 3:13.
What can harden you?
How can encouragement help you not become hard?
Who will you encourage today?
Honestly ask God to show you where your heart might be hard to His Word. Pray for grace to receive His answer and know that He will be your strength.
Have fun plowing!!
TELL ME A STORY
Unpacking the Power of the Parables
The Parable Of The Sower
Matthew 13:1-23
“Grandaddy, tell us a story.” During summer vacation I watched amused as all nine grandchildren clamored around my father on the couch, begging for another tale of his childhood. Perhaps they would hear of the “skunk surprise” he hid in the mailbox for the unsuspecting mailman or of afternoons spent skinny dipping and diving in the creek. Maybe he would tell them of the one week vacation he turned into three – without parental permission. No matter which subject he chose, they listened eagerly and attentively, not wanting to miss any details.
Why? Because they wanted to know the story. And because they wanted to know the storyteller.
My dad is good at telling stories, and perhaps one day he’ll write some down. But the greatest Storyteller of all time has already written us His story, and we should read them. Why? Because we want to know the story. And because we want to know the storyteller.
God knows everyone likes a good story, and He told many. We call some of them parables. One-third of Jesus’ recorded teachings are parables. “Parable” comes from the Greek words para and ballo, which together mean “to throw alongside.” A parable is a story which uses the things of earth to illustrate the things of heaven. Where something familiar describes something unfamiliar. The two are “thrown alongside” each other to help us grasp something great about God.
Jesus told over 20 parables, but over the next few weeks, we will look closely at just 8 of them. We’ll open the pages of the Book and unpack the power in each story, for Jesus wants us to know their meaning and their message. While on earth, Jesus spoke in parables to reveal the truth of God to ones who were seeking and to conceal the truth from those who were insincere. As His followers, may we have eyes that see, ears that hear, and hearts that understand as we listen to these stories of grace and truth.
The Parable of the Sower comes first. The pulpit for this parable was a boat, while the crowded congregation listened from the shore. Jesus said, "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear. Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
While this parable specifically describes four responses of those who hear “the message about the kingdom,” we can apply it generally to our own lives and consider our personal responses to God’s Word each time we hear it. God sows the seed of His Word onto our lives each time we read the Bible, hear a sermon, listen to a Christian song, attend a Bible study, and many other ways. Just as the seed of a plant contains life, so does the seed of God’s Word. Whether or not that life flourishes depends on the soil into which it has been flung.
So what about our soil? This story is called the Parable of the Sower, but it’s really the Parable of the Soils. What about you? How fertile is the soil of your heart? I remember when I was young I would often find little white boxes filled with dirt in my father’s truck. Although they looked very inviting to play with, I knew they were “soil samples” from different fields on the farm that were on their way to the lab to be analyzed for quality and fertility. Today is “soil sample” day. The analysis from this parable will show us our “soil” problems and how to solve them. Working in dirt can be messy, but the results will be marvelous! Let’s get on our gloves and get busy!
The Seed – God’s Word
The Soil – Our response to God’s Word
How To Get Good Soil:
Plow up the Hard Places (vs. 5, 12)
God’s Word speaks to all areas of our lives. He leaves nothing “unspoken” to.
Hosea 10:12 “Break up your unplowed ground.”
What areas of your life need plowing?
Pile up the Rocks (vs. 6, 20-21)
Rocks of rebellion, resentment, and rage
Boulders of bitterness
Stones of selfishness or stubbornness
Pebbles of pride
What do you need to pile up?
Pull up the Weeds (vs. 7, 22 & Luke 8:14)
Life’s Worries
Life’s Riches
Life’s Pleasures
What do you need to pull up?
Produce the Crop (vs. 8, 23)
By hearing the Word
By understanding the Word
By living the Word
What are you producing right now?
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Gotta Serve Somebody
“As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:2
The alarm goes off and you get up. Why? Why leave a soft bed to face a hard world? The answer lies somewhere in the combination of duty and desire. Each day as the sun rises and you arise, what are you really living for? Your reason for living determines what you will say and do throughout “the rest of your earthly life.”
Many people live for themselves, and although that can seem fun, it’s not very fulfilling. At the end of the day, eternity begs for something more substantial than, “I had a good time.” Some live for others – trying to make the world a better place. Although this is certainly commendable, working on the world without a focus on God, can bring only temporary good. Peter urges us to live not for our own desires but for God’s desires – His will.
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus told us to pray for God’s will to “be done on earth as it is in heaven.” In heaven, God’s will isn’t just the best way; it’s the only way. As Christ-followers, His will should be the only way for us.
So what is this will we are to be living for? Thankfully God tells us. His will is not a mystery we must solve or a hidden agenda we need to uncover. God’s will is that we love Him completely, love others unselfishly, and share His life with those around us. (Matthew 22:37-39 & 28:19-20) To do this, we have a guidebook – His Word – and we have a guide – His Spirit. If we listen, He will lead.
Obey what you know and trust Him to show you what you don’t know. Don’t get hung up on little things like the choice of Wendy’s or McDonald’s for your burger at lunch. Just pick one. Wait calmly. Order kindly. Thank God for you meal. And clean up your mess. Don’t get bogged down in the details of “where” and “what.” God is much more concerned with the “how.”
Ordinary activities will become extraordinary adventures when you live for God. Start your day with Him. Instead of showing God your schedule and requesting His blessing on your busyness, ask Him to arrange your agenda according to His desires. What might have been viewed as interruptions will then become intersections – places where God’s plan for you crosses God’s paths for others. Love Him. Love them. And share His life - by offering a helping hand, handling a business deal well, dealing graciously with a problem, or just listening to your kids.
Don’t waste today living for what you want.
Start living for what God wills.
Pretty soon you’ll find that what you want is what God wills.
The alarm goes off and you get up. Why? Why leave a soft bed to face a hard world? The answer lies somewhere in the combination of duty and desire. Each day as the sun rises and you arise, what are you really living for? Your reason for living determines what you will say and do throughout “the rest of your earthly life.”
Many people live for themselves, and although that can seem fun, it’s not very fulfilling. At the end of the day, eternity begs for something more substantial than, “I had a good time.” Some live for others – trying to make the world a better place. Although this is certainly commendable, working on the world without a focus on God, can bring only temporary good. Peter urges us to live not for our own desires but for God’s desires – His will.
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus told us to pray for God’s will to “be done on earth as it is in heaven.” In heaven, God’s will isn’t just the best way; it’s the only way. As Christ-followers, His will should be the only way for us.
So what is this will we are to be living for? Thankfully God tells us. His will is not a mystery we must solve or a hidden agenda we need to uncover. God’s will is that we love Him completely, love others unselfishly, and share His life with those around us. (Matthew 22:37-39 & 28:19-20) To do this, we have a guidebook – His Word – and we have a guide – His Spirit. If we listen, He will lead.
Obey what you know and trust Him to show you what you don’t know. Don’t get hung up on little things like the choice of Wendy’s or McDonald’s for your burger at lunch. Just pick one. Wait calmly. Order kindly. Thank God for you meal. And clean up your mess. Don’t get bogged down in the details of “where” and “what.” God is much more concerned with the “how.”
Ordinary activities will become extraordinary adventures when you live for God. Start your day with Him. Instead of showing God your schedule and requesting His blessing on your busyness, ask Him to arrange your agenda according to His desires. What might have been viewed as interruptions will then become intersections – places where God’s plan for you crosses God’s paths for others. Love Him. Love them. And share His life - by offering a helping hand, handling a business deal well, dealing graciously with a problem, or just listening to your kids.
Don’t waste today living for what you want.
Start living for what God wills.
Pretty soon you’ll find that what you want is what God wills.
The Answer For Hope
“In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
Some questions don’t have easy answers. (Why are those the ones our kids specialize in asking??) Some questions do. But though the answers may be easy, answering often isn’t. Questions about God can be this way. Responding to an inquiry can be a simple and unobtrusive way to share our faith, so “What might someone want to know?” and “How do I reply?” are both good questions to ask ourselves before we start answering others.
Peter suggests that people might ask how we can have hope when life is so hard. Keeping Christ first in our hearts shows up in our lives. Especially in the lousy of life. How you take the tough times might raise the eyebrows of some but will open the ears of others. Know why you do what you do. Be able to put it into words. Not theological treatises but simple truths. Hope is not just a wish for the bad to go away but a certainty that God is God and that God is good even if the bad hangs around. The guy who wrote Hebrews says our hope in Jesus is an anchor for our souls, steadfast and secure. (Hebrews 6:19)
So when someone asks, just answer. Don’t miss out because you’re afraid you might mess up. You can’t go wrong if you point to Jesus and you are polite. “Always be prepared to give an answer….but do this with gentleness and respect.” The people you’re talking with might not agree and might not be agreeable, but a gentle answer goes much farther than a great argument. Harshness and haughtiness are immediate turn offs. They might be wrong but remember you’re not the one who’s right. God is. His grace gave you the hope they’re questioning. Honor Him by respecting them.
Live so people will ask.
Answer so people will listen.
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
How have you responded when asked why you have hope when life seems hopeless?
RESPOND
Ask God to send someone today to ask you about Him.
When God graciously answers you, you gently answer them.
Some questions don’t have easy answers. (Why are those the ones our kids specialize in asking??) Some questions do. But though the answers may be easy, answering often isn’t. Questions about God can be this way. Responding to an inquiry can be a simple and unobtrusive way to share our faith, so “What might someone want to know?” and “How do I reply?” are both good questions to ask ourselves before we start answering others.
Peter suggests that people might ask how we can have hope when life is so hard. Keeping Christ first in our hearts shows up in our lives. Especially in the lousy of life. How you take the tough times might raise the eyebrows of some but will open the ears of others. Know why you do what you do. Be able to put it into words. Not theological treatises but simple truths. Hope is not just a wish for the bad to go away but a certainty that God is God and that God is good even if the bad hangs around. The guy who wrote Hebrews says our hope in Jesus is an anchor for our souls, steadfast and secure. (Hebrews 6:19)
So when someone asks, just answer. Don’t miss out because you’re afraid you might mess up. You can’t go wrong if you point to Jesus and you are polite. “Always be prepared to give an answer….but do this with gentleness and respect.” The people you’re talking with might not agree and might not be agreeable, but a gentle answer goes much farther than a great argument. Harshness and haughtiness are immediate turn offs. They might be wrong but remember you’re not the one who’s right. God is. His grace gave you the hope they’re questioning. Honor Him by respecting them.
Live so people will ask.
Answer so people will listen.
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
How have you responded when asked why you have hope when life seems hopeless?
RESPOND
Ask God to send someone today to ask you about Him.
When God graciously answers you, you gently answer them.
Help For Husbands
“Husbands…be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” 1 Peter 3:7
With rings, vows, and kiss exchanged, my brand-new husband joyfully escorted me down the aisle. At the steps outside the church, he said his first words as a married man, “That was easy!” (Fifteen years and three kids later, I smile and hope he still thinks so!)
He really was right. Getting married is easy. Being married can be a bit more challenging. Husbands have a huge job. Leading a family to know and follow God is a serious responsibility. The tasks of providing and guiding require great effort and energy. God knows wives can help husbands get along in life, so He helps husbands know how to get along with their wives! “Husbands, be considerate as you live with your wives…”
Be considerate. As you make the many choices of life – what to do, when to do it, where to go, whom to go with, what to say, how to say it – consider her. “Con” is a prefix that means “with.” The next part of consider is “side.” Live life with her at your side. Your wife won’t always be there physically, but you can continually keep her needs, desires, and feelings right beside your own. The two questions you should ask yourself before giving answers to others are, “Is this for God’s glory?” and “Is this best for my wife?”
“Be considerate… and treat her with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life…” Your wife needs your strength. She needs you to gently treat her as the precious treasure she is. God has given both of you His gracious gift of life. Live it together with Him.
By the way, if your wife doesn’t happen to be all you think she should be, please don’t wait for her to shape up before you step up. You will find her respect level rising as your consideration quotient increases.
Don’t try to not make her mad. Try to make her glad.
Consider what being considerate might do for both of you.
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
What and whom do you think about most when making decisions?
If you are a husband, would you consider yourself considerate of your wife?
RESPOND
Decide what you will do today to show how much you treasure your wife/husband.
With rings, vows, and kiss exchanged, my brand-new husband joyfully escorted me down the aisle. At the steps outside the church, he said his first words as a married man, “That was easy!” (Fifteen years and three kids later, I smile and hope he still thinks so!)
He really was right. Getting married is easy. Being married can be a bit more challenging. Husbands have a huge job. Leading a family to know and follow God is a serious responsibility. The tasks of providing and guiding require great effort and energy. God knows wives can help husbands get along in life, so He helps husbands know how to get along with their wives! “Husbands, be considerate as you live with your wives…”
Be considerate. As you make the many choices of life – what to do, when to do it, where to go, whom to go with, what to say, how to say it – consider her. “Con” is a prefix that means “with.” The next part of consider is “side.” Live life with her at your side. Your wife won’t always be there physically, but you can continually keep her needs, desires, and feelings right beside your own. The two questions you should ask yourself before giving answers to others are, “Is this for God’s glory?” and “Is this best for my wife?”
“Be considerate… and treat her with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life…” Your wife needs your strength. She needs you to gently treat her as the precious treasure she is. God has given both of you His gracious gift of life. Live it together with Him.
By the way, if your wife doesn’t happen to be all you think she should be, please don’t wait for her to shape up before you step up. You will find her respect level rising as your consideration quotient increases.
Don’t try to not make her mad. Try to make her glad.
Consider what being considerate might do for both of you.
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
What and whom do you think about most when making decisions?
If you are a husband, would you consider yourself considerate of your wife?
RESPOND
Decide what you will do today to show how much you treasure your wife/husband.
A Word To Wise Wives
“Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives…” 1 Peter 3:1
Women like to talk. Most men do too. But, in general, men like to talk about certain things, whereas women can talk about anything. And everything.
Gab may be a gift, but it’s one that should be used wisely. Especially if you’re a wife. Double especially if you’re a wife whose husband is not a believer. Everything in your heart wants him to open his. Perhaps the best way to help him open up is for you to shut up.
Actions speak louder than words. Maybe you’ve never considered this a divine principle, but Peter certainly confirms the theory with this verse. We can all talk a good talk. The people who don’t live with us, might just believe us. But it takes more than many words to win the one who shares your bathroom, your bed, and your bills.
This verse doesn’t say you shouldn’t speak. Or that you should never speak about God. It simply reminds us that those closest to us will listen best when we live better. “…that…they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.” Purity means “with nothing mixed in.” Live so cleanly that your husband can see clear through you. As you do good, God looks great. Your reverence for God is revealed in respect for your husband. Your submission to his leadership shouts loudly of your love – and God’s. As he notices the difference in how you relate to him, he might respond to God.
As a wife, what you say should be supported by what you do. Even if your actions back up our words, saying too much will build up resentment and resistance.
Speak less. Show God more. Your husband will see what you’re not saying.
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
If all you’ve said about God in the past month was erased, what would your husband (or wife) know about God by what you’ve done?
RESPOND
If your spouse is a Christian, thank God and commit to cherishing him/her even more.
If your spouse is not a Christian, ask God to save your spouse and commit to showing him/her Jesus more by what you do than by what you say.
Women like to talk. Most men do too. But, in general, men like to talk about certain things, whereas women can talk about anything. And everything.
Gab may be a gift, but it’s one that should be used wisely. Especially if you’re a wife. Double especially if you’re a wife whose husband is not a believer. Everything in your heart wants him to open his. Perhaps the best way to help him open up is for you to shut up.
Actions speak louder than words. Maybe you’ve never considered this a divine principle, but Peter certainly confirms the theory with this verse. We can all talk a good talk. The people who don’t live with us, might just believe us. But it takes more than many words to win the one who shares your bathroom, your bed, and your bills.
This verse doesn’t say you shouldn’t speak. Or that you should never speak about God. It simply reminds us that those closest to us will listen best when we live better. “…that…they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.” Purity means “with nothing mixed in.” Live so cleanly that your husband can see clear through you. As you do good, God looks great. Your reverence for God is revealed in respect for your husband. Your submission to his leadership shouts loudly of your love – and God’s. As he notices the difference in how you relate to him, he might respond to God.
As a wife, what you say should be supported by what you do. Even if your actions back up our words, saying too much will build up resentment and resistance.
Speak less. Show God more. Your husband will see what you’re not saying.
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
If all you’ve said about God in the past month was erased, what would your husband (or wife) know about God by what you’ve done?
RESPOND
If your spouse is a Christian, thank God and commit to cherishing him/her even more.
If your spouse is not a Christian, ask God to save your spouse and commit to showing him/her Jesus more by what you do than by what you say.
Baa Baa Black Sheep
“For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:25
Every family has at least one. Somewhere in the mix of cousins, siblings, aunts, and uncles, you’ll find them - the black sheep. Determination to do their own thing their own way has brought desperate tears and sleepless nights to those who love them and even to themselves. At some point they wandered astray or walked away and often don’t know how or if they can come home.
“We all, like sheep, have gone astray…” the prophet Isaiah said, and Peter repeats the solemn truth. God’s family doesn’t have just one black sheep. We all fit the bill. None of us are sitting pretty in the pen on our own. No whiteness or brightness here. We all wandered astray and walked away from the very God who created us.
But we have returned. Why? Because the Good Shepherd found us. He came and got us. He looked for His lambs and located us in all sorts of places. Some were over the edge barely hanging on. Others of us were flat on our backs, feet kicking wildly in a futile attempt to right ourselves and our ways. Many were hidden behind facades, traumatized by the past and terrified by the future. “But now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
You have Someone who is looking for you and looking out for you. “I am the Good Shepherd. I lay down my life for my sheep.” (John 10:14-15) Jesus laid down His life for you. He will lead you and love you. He knows that as a precious black sheep washed white by His blood, you still have a tendency to roam off His path and ramble on your own. If you’ve wandered, never wonder how or if you can come home. Just turn – return – to Him. The grace of His cross will light the way and you’ll find Him walking with you, welcoming you back.
Mary’s little Lamb grew up to be our Great Shepherd.
Our cups really do run over.
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
Think back to the specific time when Jesus found you and saved you. Where were you and how were you?
RESPOND
Praise Him for making you His own. If you’ve wandered a bit away, return today. Don’t miss another moment of closeness and connection with Jesus.
Every family has at least one. Somewhere in the mix of cousins, siblings, aunts, and uncles, you’ll find them - the black sheep. Determination to do their own thing their own way has brought desperate tears and sleepless nights to those who love them and even to themselves. At some point they wandered astray or walked away and often don’t know how or if they can come home.
“We all, like sheep, have gone astray…” the prophet Isaiah said, and Peter repeats the solemn truth. God’s family doesn’t have just one black sheep. We all fit the bill. None of us are sitting pretty in the pen on our own. No whiteness or brightness here. We all wandered astray and walked away from the very God who created us.
But we have returned. Why? Because the Good Shepherd found us. He came and got us. He looked for His lambs and located us in all sorts of places. Some were over the edge barely hanging on. Others of us were flat on our backs, feet kicking wildly in a futile attempt to right ourselves and our ways. Many were hidden behind facades, traumatized by the past and terrified by the future. “But now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
You have Someone who is looking for you and looking out for you. “I am the Good Shepherd. I lay down my life for my sheep.” (John 10:14-15) Jesus laid down His life for you. He will lead you and love you. He knows that as a precious black sheep washed white by His blood, you still have a tendency to roam off His path and ramble on your own. If you’ve wandered, never wonder how or if you can come home. Just turn – return – to Him. The grace of His cross will light the way and you’ll find Him walking with you, welcoming you back.
Mary’s little Lamb grew up to be our Great Shepherd.
Our cups really do run over.
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
Think back to the specific time when Jesus found you and saved you. Where were you and how were you?
RESPOND
Praise Him for making you His own. If you’ve wandered a bit away, return today. Don’t miss another moment of closeness and connection with Jesus.
In His Steps
“…Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21
When I was young, my family spent many spring afternoons searching fields on the farm for Indian arrowheads. Prime time for discovery followed deep plowing and a heavy rain. That was also the top time for getting stuck – up to your knees in the thick, dark mud. I soon learned the best way to navigate around the fields was to follow the freshly made footprints of my father.
In His Steps. Author Charles Sheldon used this phrase in 1896, to title his book which challenged Christians to ask the famous WWJD – “What Would Jesus Do?” question when facing the moral quandaries of life. Few people were in worse dilemmas than the ones to whom this verse was originally written – slaves. Beaten up and beaten down, slaves spent their lives caring for the needs of others with no one looking out for their own. Valued as property not as people, they were traded or mistreated at their masters’ whims. Slaves had every right and reason to rebel, yet they were called to remember Jesus’ example of humility and holiness and to follow in His steps. As those living in the luxury of freedom, we should be even more willing.
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.”
I failed to mention that my dad is 6 feet 4 inches tall and wears a size 14 shoe. I was often stretched to my limit as I tried to follow his big stride. Life’s choices are constant and challenging. The imitation of Christ will strain us and stretch us as well. A glance across the footprints of His life can leave us thinking, “What big shoes to fill.”
We’re not asked to fill His shoes. We’re told to follow His steps.
In the best of times and the worst of times, follow closely – all the time.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
“Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:17
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Respect. Along with Aretha, we all want it and we ought to give it – to everyone. But how? What does respect look like in our every day? Peter must have known those reading his letter might wonder at his words, so he shared some specifics.
Three to be exact. “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” Love other Christians. Fear the Lord. Honor the king. Sound simple? Not always.
“Love the brotherhood of believers…” Love your Christian family. All of them? We often struggle loving our blood relatives and now God wants us to add our “born-again kin”!Sometimes some people are just hard to like. Maybe that’s why God says “love.” The word used is agape – it’s not an affection based on feelings. It’s based on action – unselfishly putting someone else before yourself. That’s respect.
“Fear God…” Don’t be afraid. But be in awe. Serious awe. We can’t fathom God’s perfection. We can’t grasp His holiness. He is far beyond us and way bigger than us. He created all we see by simply speaking, and He holds everything together simply by desire. Reverence for who God is helps us realize who we are and who we aren’t. God not only demands our respect; He deserves it.
“Honor the king.” God rules over all, but He sets earthly authorities in place according to His plans and purpose. Our responsibility is to honor, or properly respect, the ones in charge. Even the ones we don’t like. Don’t balk. We have no room to fuss. Peter wrote, “Honor the king,” when Nero was the Caesar. Nero was not nice – at all. He murdered his mother, killed his first wife so he could marry someone else, but later murdered her also. To divert suspicion away from himself after the fire of Rome, he accused the Christians of arson, conducted mass arrests, and among other tortures, burned his victims alive in public. In spite of who Nero was, Peter knew God is best glorified when Christians are respectful and good citizens.
By the way, the verse tense used in this verse indicates that we should constantly maintain a respectful attitude. Respect is not a one-time choice. It’s a continual commitment.
Continually love your Christian family.
Continually look up to God.
Continually lift up your leaders.
Instead of looking for respect from others, try giving respect to others.
The outcome might surprise you.
Time for a Little R&R
REFLECT
Respect is an action based on an attitude. What does respect look like in your life?
RESPOND
Phone a Christian brother or sister and pass along encouragement.
Praise God for who He is as your Creator and Savior.
Pray for our President.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Respect. Along with Aretha, we all want it and we ought to give it – to everyone. But how? What does respect look like in our every day? Peter must have known those reading his letter might wonder at his words, so he shared some specifics.
Three to be exact. “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” Love other Christians. Fear the Lord. Honor the king. Sound simple? Not always.
“Love the brotherhood of believers…” Love your Christian family. All of them? We often struggle loving our blood relatives and now God wants us to add our “born-again kin”!Sometimes some people are just hard to like. Maybe that’s why God says “love.” The word used is agape – it’s not an affection based on feelings. It’s based on action – unselfishly putting someone else before yourself. That’s respect.
“Fear God…” Don’t be afraid. But be in awe. Serious awe. We can’t fathom God’s perfection. We can’t grasp His holiness. He is far beyond us and way bigger than us. He created all we see by simply speaking, and He holds everything together simply by desire. Reverence for who God is helps us realize who we are and who we aren’t. God not only demands our respect; He deserves it.
“Honor the king.” God rules over all, but He sets earthly authorities in place according to His plans and purpose. Our responsibility is to honor, or properly respect, the ones in charge. Even the ones we don’t like. Don’t balk. We have no room to fuss. Peter wrote, “Honor the king,” when Nero was the Caesar. Nero was not nice – at all. He murdered his mother, killed his first wife so he could marry someone else, but later murdered her also. To divert suspicion away from himself after the fire of Rome, he accused the Christians of arson, conducted mass arrests, and among other tortures, burned his victims alive in public. In spite of who Nero was, Peter knew God is best glorified when Christians are respectful and good citizens.
By the way, the verse tense used in this verse indicates that we should constantly maintain a respectful attitude. Respect is not a one-time choice. It’s a continual commitment.
Continually love your Christian family.
Continually look up to God.
Continually lift up your leaders.
Instead of looking for respect from others, try giving respect to others.
The outcome might surprise you.
Time for a Little R&R
REFLECT
Respect is an action based on an attitude. What does respect look like in your life?
RESPOND
Phone a Christian brother or sister and pass along encouragement.
Praise God for who He is as your Creator and Savior.
Pray for our President.
Be Good - For God's Sake!
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, thought they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12
Be Good!! This instruction, given often by my mom, I now repeat frequently to my own children. But why did my Mom want me (and why do I want mine) to be good? One honest reason - because we want people to think our children are wonderful and that we are not terrible! Like it or not, and whether it’s true or not, in the eyes of others, our kids’ behavior says a lot about us.
“Live such good lives among the pagans that…they may see your good deeds and glorify God…” Be Good!! It’s an instruction from our Father, who has replaced the terrible in us with His wonderful life. Now He wants us to live so that through our goodness the people around us will see His glory. In the eyes of others, His kids’ behavior says a lot about God.
As Peter wrote, perhaps he remembered what Jesus once said. “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) We have such a good God. We should live such a good life. Not so that the people around us will say, “Yeah you!” But so they will say, “Yeah God!”
As you shine God’s light through your good life, not everyone will like what you do or will like you. But don’t stop being good even if others accuse you of being bad. In the end, even they will come around and admit the truth. And God will be glorified the whole time.
So live a “such good” life – not of pride but of praise.
Don’t be a goody-two shoes. Just be good.
And people will see God.
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
Who is someone around you who shines God’s praises by his/her good life?
Who is someone around you who needs to see more of God through your life?
RESPOND
Be good. And give God the glory.
Be Good!! This instruction, given often by my mom, I now repeat frequently to my own children. But why did my Mom want me (and why do I want mine) to be good? One honest reason - because we want people to think our children are wonderful and that we are not terrible! Like it or not, and whether it’s true or not, in the eyes of others, our kids’ behavior says a lot about us.
“Live such good lives among the pagans that…they may see your good deeds and glorify God…” Be Good!! It’s an instruction from our Father, who has replaced the terrible in us with His wonderful life. Now He wants us to live so that through our goodness the people around us will see His glory. In the eyes of others, His kids’ behavior says a lot about God.
As Peter wrote, perhaps he remembered what Jesus once said. “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) We have such a good God. We should live such a good life. Not so that the people around us will say, “Yeah you!” But so they will say, “Yeah God!”
As you shine God’s light through your good life, not everyone will like what you do or will like you. But don’t stop being good even if others accuse you of being bad. In the end, even they will come around and admit the truth. And God will be glorified the whole time.
So live a “such good” life – not of pride but of praise.
Don’t be a goody-two shoes. Just be good.
And people will see God.
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
Who is someone around you who shines God’s praises by his/her good life?
Who is someone around you who needs to see more of God through your life?
RESPOND
Be good. And give God the glory.
First String
“You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called out of darkness into His wonderful light." I Peter 2:9
Growing up, I dreaded the days we divided into teams during PE. Quite gangly and not quite graceful, I was rarely chosen first. I was usually part of “the rest of ya’ll.” You remember the teacher’s snappy instructions. “Keith, Paul, Karen, you’re on one team. Brad, Suzy, Mike, you’re on the other. The rest of ya’ll divide up between the two teams. Let’s go! You’re wasting your playing time!”
“The rest of ya’ll.” Those who don’t stand out enough to be singled out. The ones who aren’t good enough to go first. Warm bodies but not winners. Only somewhat competent and even less confident, we need somebody to build us up or bail us out.
Jesus did both. For all of us. None of us are good enough to make His team on our own. By the cross He got us to where we are, and through Peter, He tells us who we are. “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God…” You are chosen. You’re important. You are special. You belong. Not because you’re good but because He’s grace.
And because He has good things for you to do. God has no second-string. Don’t be a benchwarmer, missing out on the action and the opportunities to “declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”
Suit up and step in. Play well and praise well. Because of His victory, we really are the champions!
Batter up!
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
Think about this: You are chosen by God. You’re important to God.
You are special to God. You belong to God.
RESPOND
Today, by what you do and what you say, declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.
Growing up, I dreaded the days we divided into teams during PE. Quite gangly and not quite graceful, I was rarely chosen first. I was usually part of “the rest of ya’ll.” You remember the teacher’s snappy instructions. “Keith, Paul, Karen, you’re on one team. Brad, Suzy, Mike, you’re on the other. The rest of ya’ll divide up between the two teams. Let’s go! You’re wasting your playing time!”
“The rest of ya’ll.” Those who don’t stand out enough to be singled out. The ones who aren’t good enough to go first. Warm bodies but not winners. Only somewhat competent and even less confident, we need somebody to build us up or bail us out.
Jesus did both. For all of us. None of us are good enough to make His team on our own. By the cross He got us to where we are, and through Peter, He tells us who we are. “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God…” You are chosen. You’re important. You are special. You belong. Not because you’re good but because He’s grace.
And because He has good things for you to do. God has no second-string. Don’t be a benchwarmer, missing out on the action and the opportunities to “declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”
Suit up and step in. Play well and praise well. Because of His victory, we really are the champions!
Batter up!
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
Think about this: You are chosen by God. You’re important to God.
You are special to God. You belong to God.
RESPOND
Today, by what you do and what you say, declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.
The Rock Church
“As you come to Him, the Living Stone, you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…” I Peter 2:4-5
High in the Honduran mountains, a hospital sits at the edge of a small village. Nothing about it appears extraordinary. It’s just a basic block building. But those blocks are special. They weren’t mass-produced in a nearby factory and delivered by semi-truck to the construction site. No, each block, a jumbled blend of sand and stones, was hand-mixed, hand-poured, and hand-set in the building. Many hours of heavy and hard labor, of block upon block, produced a place where the hurt can find help and the sick regain strength.
Peter knew about stones. And about rocks. At their first meeting, Jesus changed his name from Cephas to Peter – a rock. Jesus later said that on the rock-solid foundation of who He is, He would build His big church out of little stones like Peter. And like us.
God isn’t into mass production. He takes His time – and the times of our lives – to handcraft us into perfect shape. He chips and chisels until the fit is right. He puts us together not just to be a monument to Him but to be on mission for Him. We are not a building - like the stone-walled temple where priests sacrificed sheep to cover sin. We are a body – a forgiven people who connect with each other as we praise our Father and help our brother.
Not much about us appears extraordinary or super special, but we are. The Master Carpenter has breathed His life into our stone-cold hearts, and He is building us up to be a place where the wounded will be welcomed and the struggling find support.
Let Him build in you. Let Him build with you. You’ll discover your place in His perfect plan.
Rock on.
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
You are God’s building material. How readily accessible are you?
RESPOND
Praise your Father. Help your brother. Be the part of His church He is building you to be.
High in the Honduran mountains, a hospital sits at the edge of a small village. Nothing about it appears extraordinary. It’s just a basic block building. But those blocks are special. They weren’t mass-produced in a nearby factory and delivered by semi-truck to the construction site. No, each block, a jumbled blend of sand and stones, was hand-mixed, hand-poured, and hand-set in the building. Many hours of heavy and hard labor, of block upon block, produced a place where the hurt can find help and the sick regain strength.
Peter knew about stones. And about rocks. At their first meeting, Jesus changed his name from Cephas to Peter – a rock. Jesus later said that on the rock-solid foundation of who He is, He would build His big church out of little stones like Peter. And like us.
God isn’t into mass production. He takes His time – and the times of our lives – to handcraft us into perfect shape. He chips and chisels until the fit is right. He puts us together not just to be a monument to Him but to be on mission for Him. We are not a building - like the stone-walled temple where priests sacrificed sheep to cover sin. We are a body – a forgiven people who connect with each other as we praise our Father and help our brother.
Not much about us appears extraordinary or super special, but we are. The Master Carpenter has breathed His life into our stone-cold hearts, and He is building us up to be a place where the wounded will be welcomed and the struggling find support.
Let Him build in you. Let Him build with you. You’ll discover your place in His perfect plan.
Rock on.
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
You are God’s building material. How readily accessible are you?
RESPOND
Praise your Father. Help your brother. Be the part of His church He is building you to be.
HUNGER PAINS
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. ” I Peter 2:2-3
I’ve never been truly famished, but I have mothered three infants whose howls said they were sure to starve if not fed immediately. My babies would not be pacified (or allow anyone around them to have peace) until they got what they wanted – MILK! They craved it and cried for it. They desired it and they demanded it. Often.
Why? Because God built into babies a longing for what they need. When God grants His gift of eternal life and we are born again, He places in us the same desire. But a big difference exists between a “human baby” and a “holy baby.” A human baby cannot feed himself and must depend on someone else to bring the bottle. Spiritual children can choose their own diet and decide what to take in and what to pass up. As God’s children, we have a desire for the divine, but so often we temporarily satisfy our hunger pains with the shallow treats of this world.
Don’t settle for the shallow. Desire the deep sweetness of the Lord. The very fact that God saved us gives us a taste of His goodness. “O taste and see that the Lord is good,” David urges us in Psalm 34:8. But don’t stop with just a taste; keep on eating. Take in what He says and take note of what He does. Many of God’s gifts can be supplements to our spiritual nutrition, but there is no substitute for His words and our words – for Scripture and prayer. They must be the milk and the meat of our diet.
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation…”
Don’t let your craving for God be occasional but constant. And don’t be pacified until it is.
Want to want God.
He will satisfy your hungry heart. And life will be delicious.
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
What do you crave in life? To what lengths have you gone to satisfy those cravings?
RESPOND
Ask God to help you be hungry for Him.
Start taking in His Word.
The more you eat, the more you’ll want!
I’ve never been truly famished, but I have mothered three infants whose howls said they were sure to starve if not fed immediately. My babies would not be pacified (or allow anyone around them to have peace) until they got what they wanted – MILK! They craved it and cried for it. They desired it and they demanded it. Often.
Why? Because God built into babies a longing for what they need. When God grants His gift of eternal life and we are born again, He places in us the same desire. But a big difference exists between a “human baby” and a “holy baby.” A human baby cannot feed himself and must depend on someone else to bring the bottle. Spiritual children can choose their own diet and decide what to take in and what to pass up. As God’s children, we have a desire for the divine, but so often we temporarily satisfy our hunger pains with the shallow treats of this world.
Don’t settle for the shallow. Desire the deep sweetness of the Lord. The very fact that God saved us gives us a taste of His goodness. “O taste and see that the Lord is good,” David urges us in Psalm 34:8. But don’t stop with just a taste; keep on eating. Take in what He says and take note of what He does. Many of God’s gifts can be supplements to our spiritual nutrition, but there is no substitute for His words and our words – for Scripture and prayer. They must be the milk and the meat of our diet.
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation…”
Don’t let your craving for God be occasional but constant. And don’t be pacified until it is.
Want to want God.
He will satisfy your hungry heart. And life will be delicious.
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
What do you crave in life? To what lengths have you gone to satisfy those cravings?
RESPOND
Ask God to help you be hungry for Him.
Start taking in His Word.
The more you eat, the more you’ll want!
1-800-TERMINIX
“Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” I Peter 2:1
Roaches, termites, mice, and lice. None of these creatures make the welcome list for our houses or our heads. They are not graciously endured or casually overlooked. Instead, we take drastic measures to exterminate the ones we have and to repel the ones we don’t!
Peter encourages us to apply the same method of “pest control” to our hearts as we do to our homes – RID YOURSELVES! Concealed in the corners of our character are ungodly actions and attitudes that often scurry across our conversations and contaminate our relationships. Malice. Deceit. Hypocrisy. Envy. Slander. We’ve all been hurt by them, and we’ve all hurt others with them.
As Christ-followers, redeemed by His blood and rescued by His grace, these sins must not be allowed to infest our lives. They should not be tolerated; they should be terminated. We do not need to simply stash them away; we need to throw them away – making sure we eliminate them from our words and our will.
“Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
Don’t be bad. Don’t be sly. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not. Don’t wish you were something you aren’t. And don’t say things you shouldn’t.
As with household pests, getting rid of the unwanted is often a process requiring repeated deliberate effort. Do not despair. God’s power is the stronger than any sin. He will clean you up and clear you out. He will help you get it right by getting rid of the wrong! Just call Him!
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
What bugs you the most about yourself?
What about you bothers other the most?
RESPOND
Ask God to show you where malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander are infesting your heart.
Confess your sinful attitudes. Commit to serious action.
Roaches, termites, mice, and lice. None of these creatures make the welcome list for our houses or our heads. They are not graciously endured or casually overlooked. Instead, we take drastic measures to exterminate the ones we have and to repel the ones we don’t!
Peter encourages us to apply the same method of “pest control” to our hearts as we do to our homes – RID YOURSELVES! Concealed in the corners of our character are ungodly actions and attitudes that often scurry across our conversations and contaminate our relationships. Malice. Deceit. Hypocrisy. Envy. Slander. We’ve all been hurt by them, and we’ve all hurt others with them.
As Christ-followers, redeemed by His blood and rescued by His grace, these sins must not be allowed to infest our lives. They should not be tolerated; they should be terminated. We do not need to simply stash them away; we need to throw them away – making sure we eliminate them from our words and our will.
“Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
Don’t be bad. Don’t be sly. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not. Don’t wish you were something you aren’t. And don’t say things you shouldn’t.
As with household pests, getting rid of the unwanted is often a process requiring repeated deliberate effort. Do not despair. God’s power is the stronger than any sin. He will clean you up and clear you out. He will help you get it right by getting rid of the wrong! Just call Him!
Time For A Little R&R
REFLECT
What bugs you the most about yourself?
What about you bothers other the most?
RESPOND
Ask God to show you where malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander are infesting your heart.
Confess your sinful attitudes. Commit to serious action.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
All Things New
“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” Revelation 21:5
Happy New Year! The confetti has been cleaned up and the ball boxed back up, but the year is still very young. Our calendars are fresh and crisp – not tired and worn like the ones we replaced. Yes, it’s just another day in another month, but the New Year always seems to bring anticipation and excitement. A hope of what might be and an expectation of what will be.
God created the New Year. Way back when the He delivered the Israelite people from slavery in Egypt, God instructed Moses to invent the Jewish calendar and to make their freedom month the first month. He desired that the beginning of each year be a reminder of His rescue and a celebration of His strength. Recalling God’s faithfulness in the past gave them confidence to rely on Him for their future.
We can be sure of the same. Four thousand years have passed since God split the Sea and saved His people. Two thousand years have passed since God sent His Son and saved His people. He has never changed and He never will. And yet, in His constancy, He is constantly changing us – tenderly transforming our hearts to resemble His. He shapes our desires and molds our minds into His image. He sends the newness of each morning to remind us of our fresh start. As the sunrise fills the sky with brightness, His unfailing love warms us with hope and whispers to us grace.
“I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercy is fresh every morning. Great is His faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23
One day God will make a new heaven and new earth, but right now He’s busy making a new you!
Let the triumphs and the tragedies of yesterday rest in His peace.
Rely on His strength for today.
Count on His grace for tomorrow.
May this New Year find you full of fresh faith in your never-old God!
Time for a Little R&R
REFLECT
How was God faithful to you and to His promises in 2008?
RESPOND
Pause and worship. Praise Him for His goodness and thank Him for His love.
Happy New Year! The confetti has been cleaned up and the ball boxed back up, but the year is still very young. Our calendars are fresh and crisp – not tired and worn like the ones we replaced. Yes, it’s just another day in another month, but the New Year always seems to bring anticipation and excitement. A hope of what might be and an expectation of what will be.
God created the New Year. Way back when the He delivered the Israelite people from slavery in Egypt, God instructed Moses to invent the Jewish calendar and to make their freedom month the first month. He desired that the beginning of each year be a reminder of His rescue and a celebration of His strength. Recalling God’s faithfulness in the past gave them confidence to rely on Him for their future.
We can be sure of the same. Four thousand years have passed since God split the Sea and saved His people. Two thousand years have passed since God sent His Son and saved His people. He has never changed and He never will. And yet, in His constancy, He is constantly changing us – tenderly transforming our hearts to resemble His. He shapes our desires and molds our minds into His image. He sends the newness of each morning to remind us of our fresh start. As the sunrise fills the sky with brightness, His unfailing love warms us with hope and whispers to us grace.
“I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercy is fresh every morning. Great is His faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23
One day God will make a new heaven and new earth, but right now He’s busy making a new you!
Let the triumphs and the tragedies of yesterday rest in His peace.
Rely on His strength for today.
Count on His grace for tomorrow.
May this New Year find you full of fresh faith in your never-old God!
Time for a Little R&R
REFLECT
How was God faithful to you and to His promises in 2008?
RESPOND
Pause and worship. Praise Him for His goodness and thank Him for His love.
Good News of Great Joy!
“I bring you good news of great joy. Today in the city of David, a Savior has been born. He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:7
They could use some good news. Rome occupied their homeland, ruling with a heavy hand and a ruthless heart. Taxes were up. Spirits were down. Times were hard. Ancient prophesies of a Savior seemed only distant dreams. Promises of peace and joy appeared as empty words. Daily the priests offered the required sacrifices. Daily the people offered their desperate prayers. And God had been silent for 400 years.
Then a mother moaned. A baby cried. And the angels sang.
Good news of great joy!
God has come to taste our suffering.
God has come to take our sin.
Light pierced the darkness. Death’s shadow was dispelled. Our only Hope had left His heaven to embrace the earth. “The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory.”
Rejoice greatly!
Rejoice gratefully!
God is with us.
Merry Christmas.
They could use some good news. Rome occupied their homeland, ruling with a heavy hand and a ruthless heart. Taxes were up. Spirits were down. Times were hard. Ancient prophesies of a Savior seemed only distant dreams. Promises of peace and joy appeared as empty words. Daily the priests offered the required sacrifices. Daily the people offered their desperate prayers. And God had been silent for 400 years.
Then a mother moaned. A baby cried. And the angels sang.
Good news of great joy!
God has come to taste our suffering.
God has come to take our sin.
Light pierced the darkness. Death’s shadow was dispelled. Our only Hope had left His heaven to embrace the earth. “The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory.”
Rejoice greatly!
Rejoice gratefully!
God is with us.
Merry Christmas.
No Room
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
Joseph’s ancestors were from Bethlehem, but obviously they didn’t own a timeshare. With the local motel all booked and no immediate family offering a guest room or at least the pull-out-couch in the office, Joseph and Mary found themselves sleeping in a stable.
The events leading to their abnormal accommodations are not chronicled for us to read. We only know they ended up in the barn and that’s where Jesus ended up being born. All because there was “no room for them in the inn.”
How could the innkeeper deny the definitely due Mary? Where were the gentlemen who would give up their comfort for a laboring mother? And if we’re pointing fingers, let’s ask the obvious –- Could not God have reserved them a room?
Of course. But if He had, the shepherds would have been turned away at the door, their search for the Savior ending in dismay and not delight. The inn was not accessible, but the stable door stood wide open.
The shepherds came to worship. Then they went to witness. And God took care of Mary, even providing a manger bed as the Messiah’s bassinet.
“No room.” It’s a Christmas reminder that what we think ought-to-be isn’t always what God knows needs-to-be. And it’s a guarantee that He can use even the most bizarre for His very best.
Maybe being born in a barn isn’t so bad after all.
Time For A Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
How has God used a “no room” situation in your life to help you and others know Him better?
RESPOND
Take a moment and come to worship. As you go through this Christmas season, be a witness to God’s wisdom and His grace. And make sure you leave the door wide open so others can come in.
Joseph’s ancestors were from Bethlehem, but obviously they didn’t own a timeshare. With the local motel all booked and no immediate family offering a guest room or at least the pull-out-couch in the office, Joseph and Mary found themselves sleeping in a stable.
The events leading to their abnormal accommodations are not chronicled for us to read. We only know they ended up in the barn and that’s where Jesus ended up being born. All because there was “no room for them in the inn.”
How could the innkeeper deny the definitely due Mary? Where were the gentlemen who would give up their comfort for a laboring mother? And if we’re pointing fingers, let’s ask the obvious –- Could not God have reserved them a room?
Of course. But if He had, the shepherds would have been turned away at the door, their search for the Savior ending in dismay and not delight. The inn was not accessible, but the stable door stood wide open.
The shepherds came to worship. Then they went to witness. And God took care of Mary, even providing a manger bed as the Messiah’s bassinet.
“No room.” It’s a Christmas reminder that what we think ought-to-be isn’t always what God knows needs-to-be. And it’s a guarantee that He can use even the most bizarre for His very best.
Maybe being born in a barn isn’t so bad after all.
Time For A Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
How has God used a “no room” situation in your life to help you and others know Him better?
RESPOND
Take a moment and come to worship. As you go through this Christmas season, be a witness to God’s wisdom and His grace. And make sure you leave the door wide open so others can come in.
And It Came To Pass
“And it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.” Luke 2:1
It didn’t just happen. Or happen to happen. “It came to pass…” because of a Divine decree. A heavenly desire that at that exact time in that exact place, God would step into our world as one of us –- and all of Him. We can’t start to comprehend how it happened, but we should never stop celebrating that it happened.
Big reasons for rejoicing abound, but God is also in the details. Don’t miss Him. Every facet of His coming sparkles with God’s sovereignty. Every ingredient of Advent is a delicious reminder of His dominion. Caesar Augustus may have been king, but God was in charge.
He caused Caesar to call for a census. Rome used it for tax reform. God used it for town relocation. King David had been born Bethlehem, and King Jesus would be too. The prophet Micah proclaimed the promise centuries earlier. “But you, Bethlehem, although you are small among the villages of Judah, out of you will come one who will be ruler over all Israel…”
Only a command from a higher power would motivate a pregnant Mary and a protective Joseph to move the 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. So, at the will of the Highest, “it came to pass…”
“And so it was that while they were there, she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.”
And so it came to pass.
Time for a Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
Reflect on the events of your life during the past month.
Where do you see God in the details?
RESPOND
This Christmas, praise God for His power and for His presence in your life.
He’s still causing things to come to pass.
It didn’t just happen. Or happen to happen. “It came to pass…” because of a Divine decree. A heavenly desire that at that exact time in that exact place, God would step into our world as one of us –- and all of Him. We can’t start to comprehend how it happened, but we should never stop celebrating that it happened.
Big reasons for rejoicing abound, but God is also in the details. Don’t miss Him. Every facet of His coming sparkles with God’s sovereignty. Every ingredient of Advent is a delicious reminder of His dominion. Caesar Augustus may have been king, but God was in charge.
He caused Caesar to call for a census. Rome used it for tax reform. God used it for town relocation. King David had been born Bethlehem, and King Jesus would be too. The prophet Micah proclaimed the promise centuries earlier. “But you, Bethlehem, although you are small among the villages of Judah, out of you will come one who will be ruler over all Israel…”
Only a command from a higher power would motivate a pregnant Mary and a protective Joseph to move the 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. So, at the will of the Highest, “it came to pass…”
“And so it was that while they were there, she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.”
And so it came to pass.
Time for a Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
Reflect on the events of your life during the past month.
Where do you see God in the details?
RESPOND
This Christmas, praise God for His power and for His presence in your life.
He’s still causing things to come to pass.
Come Near
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” Luke 2:8
The shepherds on my coffee table nativity seem to have it all together. They appear well-rested, well-fed, and well-dressed. They fit easily into the company of the majestic magi and the angelically-approved holy family.
Not so in real life. Shepherds lived down at the bottom of the social ladder and plenty kept them from moving up. Shepherds looked unkept, acted uncouth, and smelled unclean. They weren’t allowed to worship in church or witness in court. They were plain, practical, and poor.
But on that first Christmas night, while others were nestled, all snug in their beds, the shepherds were busy keeping watch over their flocks, making sure no hungry lion or famished bear dropped by for a midnight snack. Suddenly God’s glory lit the dark sky and an angel proclaimed, “Joy To The World! The Lord Is Come! Today! He’s just been born. You will find him all wrapped up, lying in a manger." In the first-ever holiday rush, those fearful-turned-faithful shepherds left their sheep and their security to seek and find joy in the presence of the Savior.
When God came here, whom did He call to come near? The shepherds. The very ones kept far from God’s Presence at the temple came face to face with God’s Present in the manger. The outcasts were invited, and the ones considered not good enough, couldn’t get there fast enough.
They came with haste.
We shouldn’t be far behind them.
Time For A Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
What about who you are or what you’ve done makes you feel like you should stay far away?
RESPOND
Realize that no one is worthy to come near. Rejoice that Jesus came to invite you. Run to Him fast.
The shepherds on my coffee table nativity seem to have it all together. They appear well-rested, well-fed, and well-dressed. They fit easily into the company of the majestic magi and the angelically-approved holy family.
Not so in real life. Shepherds lived down at the bottom of the social ladder and plenty kept them from moving up. Shepherds looked unkept, acted uncouth, and smelled unclean. They weren’t allowed to worship in church or witness in court. They were plain, practical, and poor.
But on that first Christmas night, while others were nestled, all snug in their beds, the shepherds were busy keeping watch over their flocks, making sure no hungry lion or famished bear dropped by for a midnight snack. Suddenly God’s glory lit the dark sky and an angel proclaimed, “Joy To The World! The Lord Is Come! Today! He’s just been born. You will find him all wrapped up, lying in a manger." In the first-ever holiday rush, those fearful-turned-faithful shepherds left their sheep and their security to seek and find joy in the presence of the Savior.
When God came here, whom did He call to come near? The shepherds. The very ones kept far from God’s Presence at the temple came face to face with God’s Present in the manger. The outcasts were invited, and the ones considered not good enough, couldn’t get there fast enough.
They came with haste.
We shouldn’t be far behind them.
Time For A Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
What about who you are or what you’ve done makes you feel like you should stay far away?
RESPOND
Realize that no one is worthy to come near. Rejoice that Jesus came to invite you. Run to Him fast.
The Step-Dad
“Joseph was the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus…” Luke 1:16
Joseph’s t-shirt would have said “Life Is Good.” Things were fine today and tomorrow looked fabulous. He had a good job. He wouldn’t make it rich being a carpenter, but he could make it. He’d been able to build a home for him…actually for them. He was getting married! Married to Mary. She was a good girl, a Godly girl –- just a great girl! And she was going to be his.
She kind of was his already. The best way to describe it would be that they were legal but not lovers. But one day, hopefully soon, he could go get his bride and bring her home.
Then she turned up pregnant. How could she?? Why would she?? She was God’s. She was his. She wasn’t supposed to be anybody elses!! The emotions tumbled over each other in his heart. Anger. Betrayal. Shame.
“Stone her!!” some said. “Pile pain on the one who hurt you.” But Joseph couldn’t. His heart was broken but not bent on revenge. His dream would die, but Mary wouldn’t die with it.
He fell asleep. “It’s ok, Joseph, and it’s all good. You’re right. She’s mine, she’s yours, she’s not anybody elses, and she hasn’t been. The baby is mine – the promised Messiah – and you will name him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins. Wake up, Joseph, and step in. Step into a situation that looks worse than it really is. Step into a marriage that will always be marked by suspicion. Step into fatherhood and be a dad to the One who gave you life.”
And Joseph did. He stepped into the mess and married Mary. He stepped up his self-discipline and didn’t sleep with her until after Jesus was born. And he stepped out – out from his comfortable Nazareth to busy Bethlehem to exotic Egypt as he obeyed his Heavenly Father and protected the Father’s Son.
How appropriate that Joseph was Jesus' step-dad.
Time For A Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
What is God asking you to step into or step up to today?
RESPOND
Thank Him for being willing to step down from heaven for you and obediently step out for Him.
Joseph’s t-shirt would have said “Life Is Good.” Things were fine today and tomorrow looked fabulous. He had a good job. He wouldn’t make it rich being a carpenter, but he could make it. He’d been able to build a home for him…actually for them. He was getting married! Married to Mary. She was a good girl, a Godly girl –- just a great girl! And she was going to be his.
She kind of was his already. The best way to describe it would be that they were legal but not lovers. But one day, hopefully soon, he could go get his bride and bring her home.
Then she turned up pregnant. How could she?? Why would she?? She was God’s. She was his. She wasn’t supposed to be anybody elses!! The emotions tumbled over each other in his heart. Anger. Betrayal. Shame.
“Stone her!!” some said. “Pile pain on the one who hurt you.” But Joseph couldn’t. His heart was broken but not bent on revenge. His dream would die, but Mary wouldn’t die with it.
He fell asleep. “It’s ok, Joseph, and it’s all good. You’re right. She’s mine, she’s yours, she’s not anybody elses, and she hasn’t been. The baby is mine – the promised Messiah – and you will name him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins. Wake up, Joseph, and step in. Step into a situation that looks worse than it really is. Step into a marriage that will always be marked by suspicion. Step into fatherhood and be a dad to the One who gave you life.”
And Joseph did. He stepped into the mess and married Mary. He stepped up his self-discipline and didn’t sleep with her until after Jesus was born. And he stepped out – out from his comfortable Nazareth to busy Bethlehem to exotic Egypt as he obeyed his Heavenly Father and protected the Father’s Son.
How appropriate that Joseph was Jesus' step-dad.
Time For A Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
What is God asking you to step into or step up to today?
RESPOND
Thank Him for being willing to step down from heaven for you and obediently step out for Him.
What?!? or Whatever.
“Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this?’” Luke 1:18
“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered.” Luke 1:38
Gabriel, God’s number one messenger angel, had been busy.
“Go to earth and tell Zechariah I’m giving him a son.”
“Zechariah the priest? The old guy with the not-so-young wife?”
“The very one. He’s been praying for many years, and it’s finally time.”
So Gabriel zipped or flew or whatever angels do, down from God’s presence to Zechariah.
“God has heard your prayers, Zechariah. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son.”
“What?!? No way! How can I be sure?”
Gabriel was soon sent to earth again.
“Go to Nazareth and tell Mary I’m giving her a son, my Son.”
“Mary? The young girl engaged to the carpenter guy Joseph?”
“The very one. The people have been waiting for many years, and it’s finally time.”
So Gabriel zipped or flew or whatever angels do, down from God’s presence to Mary.
“Greetings, God’s special one. You’re going to have a son – God’s Son.”
“I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
Two similar messages. Two different responses.
Zechariah’s reaction was a skeptical “What?!?” Mary’s was a surrendered “Whatever.”
Our doubt doesn’t alter God’s design. Elizabeth still gave birth to John the Baptist, but Zechariah had to listen to her tell everyone everything without being able to say anything!
And God planted the Eternal One into the womb of an ordinary teenager. “Nothing is impossible with God,” Gabriel told the marveling Mary, and nothing has changed. God works His ways to accomplish His will, and amazingly, He invites us to join in. He usually doesn’t send celestial angels to tell us our part in His plan, but He speaks just as loudly through Scripture, our circumstances, and His Spirit.
The response is up to us. Will we answer with Zechariah’s halting “What?!?” or with Mary’s humble “Whatever.” This Christmas don’t miss out on what God is doing because of your doubting.
Trust His Word. Trust His ways. Trust His heart.
He will do more than you can ask or imagine.
Time for a little R&R
RECOGNIZE
Are you doubting anything God has shown you or said to you?
RESPOND
Confess your “What?!?” and commit yourself to Him for whatever He desires.
“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered.” Luke 1:38
Gabriel, God’s number one messenger angel, had been busy.
“Go to earth and tell Zechariah I’m giving him a son.”
“Zechariah the priest? The old guy with the not-so-young wife?”
“The very one. He’s been praying for many years, and it’s finally time.”
So Gabriel zipped or flew or whatever angels do, down from God’s presence to Zechariah.
“God has heard your prayers, Zechariah. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son.”
“What?!? No way! How can I be sure?”
Gabriel was soon sent to earth again.
“Go to Nazareth and tell Mary I’m giving her a son, my Son.”
“Mary? The young girl engaged to the carpenter guy Joseph?”
“The very one. The people have been waiting for many years, and it’s finally time.”
So Gabriel zipped or flew or whatever angels do, down from God’s presence to Mary.
“Greetings, God’s special one. You’re going to have a son – God’s Son.”
“I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
Two similar messages. Two different responses.
Zechariah’s reaction was a skeptical “What?!?” Mary’s was a surrendered “Whatever.”
Our doubt doesn’t alter God’s design. Elizabeth still gave birth to John the Baptist, but Zechariah had to listen to her tell everyone everything without being able to say anything!
And God planted the Eternal One into the womb of an ordinary teenager. “Nothing is impossible with God,” Gabriel told the marveling Mary, and nothing has changed. God works His ways to accomplish His will, and amazingly, He invites us to join in. He usually doesn’t send celestial angels to tell us our part in His plan, but He speaks just as loudly through Scripture, our circumstances, and His Spirit.
The response is up to us. Will we answer with Zechariah’s halting “What?!?” or with Mary’s humble “Whatever.” This Christmas don’t miss out on what God is doing because of your doubting.
Trust His Word. Trust His ways. Trust His heart.
He will do more than you can ask or imagine.
Time for a little R&R
RECOGNIZE
Are you doubting anything God has shown you or said to you?
RESPOND
Confess your “What?!?” and commit yourself to Him for whatever He desires.
Unto Us
“Joseph was the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called the Christ.” Matt. 1:16
“Unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given...He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
He came for you.
From eternity past, God planned for His coming. All of history was sovereignly orchestrated so that “when the time was right (Gal. 4:4),” Jesus burst onto the scene. Not to get glory. He left what was glorious. Not for fame. Here He would face shame. He wasn’t looking for praise. A myriad of angels had endlessly declared His holiness. He didn’t come for Himself. He came for you.
He came for the Tamars, the Rahabs, the Ruths, and the Bathsheebas. For those of us crippled by fear and haunted by failure. For those whose hearts have faced devastation and felt desperation.
He was given the name Jesus – “the Lord saves” – to declare His purpose and display His power. He is our only Savior. We call Him the Wonderful Counselor who brings purpose to our pain. He is our Mighty God - a fortress when we are afraid. We know Him as our Everlasting Father who provides when we are poor and as the Prince of Peace who stills our past and secures our future.
He came to us. He came for us.
He was purpose, protection, provision, and peace all wrapped up in swaddling clothes.
The best things really do come in small packages.
“Unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given...He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
He came for you.
From eternity past, God planned for His coming. All of history was sovereignly orchestrated so that “when the time was right (Gal. 4:4),” Jesus burst onto the scene. Not to get glory. He left what was glorious. Not for fame. Here He would face shame. He wasn’t looking for praise. A myriad of angels had endlessly declared His holiness. He didn’t come for Himself. He came for you.
He came for the Tamars, the Rahabs, the Ruths, and the Bathsheebas. For those of us crippled by fear and haunted by failure. For those whose hearts have faced devastation and felt desperation.
He was given the name Jesus – “the Lord saves” – to declare His purpose and display His power. He is our only Savior. We call Him the Wonderful Counselor who brings purpose to our pain. He is our Mighty God - a fortress when we are afraid. We know Him as our Everlasting Father who provides when we are poor and as the Prince of Peace who stills our past and secures our future.
He came to us. He came for us.
He was purpose, protection, provision, and peace all wrapped up in swaddling clothes.
The best things really do come in small packages.
The Peace Child
“A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ: …David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife…” Matthew 1:1&6
Go ahead and pin on the scarlet letter. Known best for her fling with the king, Bathsheeba’s name is almost always associated with adultery. Her infamous rooftop bath inspired a royal summons and an immoral rendezvous. Whether she was an eager participant or simply too timid to refuse, we’re not sure. But we are certain Bathsheeba turned up pregnant, and King David turned on the cover-up. When the “Come home from war and visit your wife!” didn’t work on her soldier husband Uriah, David resorted to a battlefield murder, then quickly married the grieving widow.
Soon after their son was born, David was confronted with his sin. He openly confessed and was graciously forgiven, but the consequences were severe. The baby died, and Bathsheeba was devastated. The sin of adultery, the shame of the pregnancy, sadness for her husband, sorrow for her son. Her past was not pretty. It was horrible and hard. Filled with regret and remorse, she desperately wanted to turn back time…but she could not.
Bathsheeba couldn’t relive her past. Only God could redeem it for the future. And He did. He blessed her with another baby and sent him a special name, Jedidiah -- “loved by the Lord.” Although David had several other wives and many other sons, God purposely chose this little one to become the next king and be part of His holy heritage.
We know the baby as Solomon – David and Bathsheeba’s “peace” child. His birth was a comforting confirmation that God’s current grace does not depend on our previous performance. What used to be doesn’t determine what has to be. Our former follies and earlier errors come crashing into love at the manger and grace at the cross. And we are given peace.
Bathsheeba “had been Uriah’s wife.” David had been God’s special sovereign. Together they made a royal mess. But God took their history and made it His story. He gave them a baby who brought peace to their past and hope for their future.
He’s given us one too.
Time for a Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
We all have time times we want to turn back time. What “if onlys” and “I wish I hadn’ts” are heavy on your heart today?
RESPOND
Let God get you past your past. Openly confess your sin – Ask for His grace – Receive His peace.
Go ahead and pin on the scarlet letter. Known best for her fling with the king, Bathsheeba’s name is almost always associated with adultery. Her infamous rooftop bath inspired a royal summons and an immoral rendezvous. Whether she was an eager participant or simply too timid to refuse, we’re not sure. But we are certain Bathsheeba turned up pregnant, and King David turned on the cover-up. When the “Come home from war and visit your wife!” didn’t work on her soldier husband Uriah, David resorted to a battlefield murder, then quickly married the grieving widow.
Soon after their son was born, David was confronted with his sin. He openly confessed and was graciously forgiven, but the consequences were severe. The baby died, and Bathsheeba was devastated. The sin of adultery, the shame of the pregnancy, sadness for her husband, sorrow for her son. Her past was not pretty. It was horrible and hard. Filled with regret and remorse, she desperately wanted to turn back time…but she could not.
Bathsheeba couldn’t relive her past. Only God could redeem it for the future. And He did. He blessed her with another baby and sent him a special name, Jedidiah -- “loved by the Lord.” Although David had several other wives and many other sons, God purposely chose this little one to become the next king and be part of His holy heritage.
We know the baby as Solomon – David and Bathsheeba’s “peace” child. His birth was a comforting confirmation that God’s current grace does not depend on our previous performance. What used to be doesn’t determine what has to be. Our former follies and earlier errors come crashing into love at the manger and grace at the cross. And we are given peace.
Bathsheeba “had been Uriah’s wife.” David had been God’s special sovereign. Together they made a royal mess. But God took their history and made it His story. He gave them a baby who brought peace to their past and hope for their future.
He’s given us one too.
Time for a Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
We all have time times we want to turn back time. What “if onlys” and “I wish I hadn’ts” are heavy on your heart today?
RESPOND
Let God get you past your past. Openly confess your sin – Ask for His grace – Receive His peace.
Our Daily Bread
“A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ: …Boaz was the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth…” Matthew 1:1&5
The situation was really rather pitiful. Ruth arrived in Bethlehem as a poor immigrant - a young widow with nothing but a bitter, broken mother-in-law. Their hope had been buried along with their husbands, and their future was sadly bleak. Naomi had urged her to return home and rebuild her life, but instead Ruth had clung to her mother-in-law and committed to her God.
They didn’t need much – just enough to survive. So Ruth headed to the fields to find some leftover grain for food. By heavenly happenstance, she ended up in a field belonging to Boaz – a close relative of the family. It didn’t take long for Boaz to notice the new girl! “Stay in my fields and come share my lunch,” he told Ruth. “Leave her alone and let her have extra grain,” he told his workers.
During the remaining harvest season, Boaz saw Ruth’s hard work and she saw his soft heart. In a daring move of womanly wisdom, she made a midnight marriage proposal, asking for his protection and provision. As Boaz heard her request, no doubt he recalled the words he had spoken only a few months before, “May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."
“Take refuge. Come find what you need.” The poor come pleading. The needy come knocking. Ruth was both. She brought nothing to the table but needed everything on it, and Boaz was the one who could provide. He was a “kinsman redeemer,” a family member who could care for the broken and the begging.
Boaz proclaimed his desire for her hand in marriage and cleverly conducted business to take her home as his bride. God added to their blessings a bouncy baby boy named Obed, who grew up and had a son named Jesse, who grew up and had a son named David. Yes, that David – King David. Ruth - the grandmother of King David and an ancestor of the King of Kings.
Is it any wonder that her story took place in Bethlehem - “the house of bread”? For in that same place, on the first Christmas night, the only One who could redeem us, graciously came to us as the Bread of Life.
Come to Him and find what you need.
Time for a Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
What do you need? Really, what do you need today?
RESPOND
Come as Ruth did, acknowledging what you don’t have and asking for what He does. He will provide.
The situation was really rather pitiful. Ruth arrived in Bethlehem as a poor immigrant - a young widow with nothing but a bitter, broken mother-in-law. Their hope had been buried along with their husbands, and their future was sadly bleak. Naomi had urged her to return home and rebuild her life, but instead Ruth had clung to her mother-in-law and committed to her God.
They didn’t need much – just enough to survive. So Ruth headed to the fields to find some leftover grain for food. By heavenly happenstance, she ended up in a field belonging to Boaz – a close relative of the family. It didn’t take long for Boaz to notice the new girl! “Stay in my fields and come share my lunch,” he told Ruth. “Leave her alone and let her have extra grain,” he told his workers.
During the remaining harvest season, Boaz saw Ruth’s hard work and she saw his soft heart. In a daring move of womanly wisdom, she made a midnight marriage proposal, asking for his protection and provision. As Boaz heard her request, no doubt he recalled the words he had spoken only a few months before, “May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."
“Take refuge. Come find what you need.” The poor come pleading. The needy come knocking. Ruth was both. She brought nothing to the table but needed everything on it, and Boaz was the one who could provide. He was a “kinsman redeemer,” a family member who could care for the broken and the begging.
Boaz proclaimed his desire for her hand in marriage and cleverly conducted business to take her home as his bride. God added to their blessings a bouncy baby boy named Obed, who grew up and had a son named Jesse, who grew up and had a son named David. Yes, that David – King David. Ruth - the grandmother of King David and an ancestor of the King of Kings.
Is it any wonder that her story took place in Bethlehem - “the house of bread”? For in that same place, on the first Christmas night, the only One who could redeem us, graciously came to us as the Bread of Life.
Come to Him and find what you need.
Time for a Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
What do you need? Really, what do you need today?
RESPOND
Come as Ruth did, acknowledging what you don’t have and asking for what He does. He will provide.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)