Mark 11:24-25
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
How often has forgiveness (Mt. 6:14), or the lack of it, stood in the way of my prayers? Have I ever prayed for physical healing yet harbored hatred in my heart? Have I ever prayed for unity and refused fellowship with a brother or sister? Have I ever prayed for provision and yet horded my blessings? How often has my sin or unwillingness to extent forgiveness for another's sin stood in the way of God's desire for my life?
If I truly understand the forgiveness extended to me at the cross I cannot possible withhold forgiveness from a brother or sister who is covered by the same blood of forgiveness as I. And if I truly understand the sinful state of rebellion against God from which I was called, I cannot withhold compassion and even sorrow for someone at odds with me.
Who do I need to forgive?
Father - give me Your heart of forgiveness and help me to also ask for forgiveness. Let my prays of confession and forgiveness be lifted up and answered first, before my prayers of provision and supplication. Teach me to respond to others as You have responded to me. Amen.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Jesus, love languages & children
Mark 10:13-16
Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
In this passage Jesus defended children, called them, took them up in His arms, touched them and blessed them. I can identify each of the five love languages in these actions (service, words of affirmation, quality time, intentional touch and tangible gifts). First, Jesus serves these children by defending them; doing for them what they could not do for themselves. Second, Jesus uses his words to affirm them, calling them to him while brushing back the crowds and even His disciples. Third, Jesus takes the children up into His lap. I like to thing this is quality time. He didn't just call them to be near Him but truly with Him. Fourth, Jesus touches them. This intentional touch conveyed not only Jesus blessing but also His desire to meet what we know today is one of a child's deepest needs - to be touched. Finally, Jesus blessed them. I like to think this is a tangible blessing, not simply a quaint benediction that we might put on a wall plaque or deliver at the end of a funeral or wedding. I believe this blessing opened these children uniquely to the treasures of heaven and to the favor of God the Father.
So as a youth pastor, as a father, as a man, how do I bless the children God puts in my life?
Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
In this passage Jesus defended children, called them, took them up in His arms, touched them and blessed them. I can identify each of the five love languages in these actions (service, words of affirmation, quality time, intentional touch and tangible gifts). First, Jesus serves these children by defending them; doing for them what they could not do for themselves. Second, Jesus uses his words to affirm them, calling them to him while brushing back the crowds and even His disciples. Third, Jesus takes the children up into His lap. I like to thing this is quality time. He didn't just call them to be near Him but truly with Him. Fourth, Jesus touches them. This intentional touch conveyed not only Jesus blessing but also His desire to meet what we know today is one of a child's deepest needs - to be touched. Finally, Jesus blessed them. I like to think this is a tangible blessing, not simply a quaint benediction that we might put on a wall plaque or deliver at the end of a funeral or wedding. I believe this blessing opened these children uniquely to the treasures of heaven and to the favor of God the Father.
So as a youth pastor, as a father, as a man, how do I bless the children God puts in my life?
Monday, May 2, 2011
What am I mindful of?
Mark 8:31-33 (ESV)
And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33 But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
I would guess that Jesus' response to Peter left him surprised and confused. Peter's words were probably motivated by good intentions, love for the Master and a desire to see Jesus ministry continue but they were not guided by truth. Whatever is not guided by Truth is a lie and therefor comes from Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44). Jesus wasn't rejecting Peter but the lies that he professed.
Am I ever guilty of choosing good intentions, good will or a gracious response at the expense of truth? If so, my intentions, will and grace are not good, they are wicked lies and leave my hearers worse off in the end. Am I more mindful of the temporary or of the eternal, of this world or His kingdom? Am I seeing the world through the selfless, sacrificial eyes of Jesus or my own. Am I willing to deny myself, take up His cross and follow Jesus Christ in truth?
Jesus - give me eyes to see Your plan, ears to hear Your will, a mind to perceive Your truth and a heart strong enough to deny myself, take up Your cross and follow You. Amen.
And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33 But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
I would guess that Jesus' response to Peter left him surprised and confused. Peter's words were probably motivated by good intentions, love for the Master and a desire to see Jesus ministry continue but they were not guided by truth. Whatever is not guided by Truth is a lie and therefor comes from Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44). Jesus wasn't rejecting Peter but the lies that he professed.
Am I ever guilty of choosing good intentions, good will or a gracious response at the expense of truth? If so, my intentions, will and grace are not good, they are wicked lies and leave my hearers worse off in the end. Am I more mindful of the temporary or of the eternal, of this world or His kingdom? Am I seeing the world through the selfless, sacrificial eyes of Jesus or my own. Am I willing to deny myself, take up His cross and follow Jesus Christ in truth?
Jesus - give me eyes to see Your plan, ears to hear Your will, a mind to perceive Your truth and a heart strong enough to deny myself, take up Your cross and follow You. Amen.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Grow or Go?
Mark 5:18-20
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
When Jesus Christ touches someone's life and they come to know Him as Savior and Lord, there are two natural next steps; to enter the community of faith to be ministered to (grow) and re-entering the world to do ministry (go). While these do not have to be exclusive (after all, to follow Jesus would have been to follow Him into ministry), in this case, Jesus clearly chooses "go" for the man who was previously Demon possessed. I bet this is a surprise for most Christians today.
For the most part, the church waits for a newer believer to grow in knowledge, conduct and even reputation before bestowing upon them a ministry or role within the church. Most churches would discourage re-entry into the life and society from which one was saved. Some believers have become convinced that before going into ministry or out on the mission field they must be mature in faith and well equipped for the task. While this may be true for pastors (1 Tim. 3:6), Jesus decision here contradicts these modern understanding of ministry. Furthermore, so does the result of the formerly possessed man's ministry; "all the people were amazed."
So, is "going" more important than "growing?" I don't thing this is the case. In fact I have to believe that when a believer chooses ministry the naturally choose growth as well. We can't follow in the footsteps of Jesus without becoming more like him. Conversely, to choose growing rather than going may actually impede growth. We'll never experience His power through us, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, His provision and protection or the real-life spiritual battle that is all around us. Ultimately, when we choose to go, we choose to grow. We should never let a lack of spiritual knowledge or a track record of the past prevent us stepping out in faith and sharing what Christ has done for us.
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
When Jesus Christ touches someone's life and they come to know Him as Savior and Lord, there are two natural next steps; to enter the community of faith to be ministered to (grow) and re-entering the world to do ministry (go). While these do not have to be exclusive (after all, to follow Jesus would have been to follow Him into ministry), in this case, Jesus clearly chooses "go" for the man who was previously Demon possessed. I bet this is a surprise for most Christians today.
For the most part, the church waits for a newer believer to grow in knowledge, conduct and even reputation before bestowing upon them a ministry or role within the church. Most churches would discourage re-entry into the life and society from which one was saved. Some believers have become convinced that before going into ministry or out on the mission field they must be mature in faith and well equipped for the task. While this may be true for pastors (1 Tim. 3:6), Jesus decision here contradicts these modern understanding of ministry. Furthermore, so does the result of the formerly possessed man's ministry; "all the people were amazed."
So, is "going" more important than "growing?" I don't thing this is the case. In fact I have to believe that when a believer chooses ministry the naturally choose growth as well. We can't follow in the footsteps of Jesus without becoming more like him. Conversely, to choose growing rather than going may actually impede growth. We'll never experience His power through us, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, His provision and protection or the real-life spiritual battle that is all around us. Ultimately, when we choose to go, we choose to grow. We should never let a lack of spiritual knowledge or a track record of the past prevent us stepping out in faith and sharing what Christ has done for us.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
What is discipleship?
Mark 4:8
"But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirty-fold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”
Jesus says that good soil receives the seed and yields a crop that springs up, increases and produces fruit. For the first time I noticed that the sign of healthy soil is the health, produce and product of the crops they yield. In other words, if I truly receive the seed of God's Word and allow it to grow in me, I will produce fruit and that fruit will also produce fruit. That fruit will be marked by strength (springing up), growth (increase) and multiplication (producing fruit).
It is not enough to produce fruit. I must produce fruit that will seed and produce more fruit. I must tend to those crops and nurture them until they produce fruit as well. This is the process of discipleship. Discipleship is planting a seed, nurturing that seed, growing that seed, helping that seed produce fruit and then guiding that seed to plant more seed.
Do these habits mark my ministry? Am I seeing a seed through to the end? Am I content to simply produce growth or fruit? Do I passionately pursue multiplication and seed planting in the next generations? Am I intentional or accidental in the way that I approach my seed scattering? Am I a nurturer of seeds or ignorant of my seeds? There are so many questions to ask.
Lord - teach me to plant seeds that also plant seeds. Amen
"But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirty-fold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”
Jesus says that good soil receives the seed and yields a crop that springs up, increases and produces fruit. For the first time I noticed that the sign of healthy soil is the health, produce and product of the crops they yield. In other words, if I truly receive the seed of God's Word and allow it to grow in me, I will produce fruit and that fruit will also produce fruit. That fruit will be marked by strength (springing up), growth (increase) and multiplication (producing fruit).
It is not enough to produce fruit. I must produce fruit that will seed and produce more fruit. I must tend to those crops and nurture them until they produce fruit as well. This is the process of discipleship. Discipleship is planting a seed, nurturing that seed, growing that seed, helping that seed produce fruit and then guiding that seed to plant more seed.
Do these habits mark my ministry? Am I seeing a seed through to the end? Am I content to simply produce growth or fruit? Do I passionately pursue multiplication and seed planting in the next generations? Am I intentional or accidental in the way that I approach my seed scattering? Am I a nurturer of seeds or ignorant of my seeds? There are so many questions to ask.
Lord - teach me to plant seeds that also plant seeds. Amen
Monday, April 18, 2011
What type of sinner are you?
Mark 2:17
"When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”"
To clarify, what Jesus was saying here is that He came not for the self-righteous, but for sinners. In this passage we find three kinds of sinners. Mark mentions tax collectors. These were people who had compromised their ethnic and national identity by working for the Romans at the expense of their own people. These were equivalent to the white-collar criminals of today, swindling money out of the vulnerable through unethical and shady business practices. They tried to look clean on the outside as if everything was kosher but Jewish society wouldn't let them forget that they were not welcomed in their religious clubs.
The second category of sinner is simply called "sinners." These are the run-of-the-mill individuals who did little to cover up their sins and didn't particularly care about the label. Their sin was openly visible and their reputation preceded them. They may have tried to make things right through ritual and sacrifice however the Jewish community wouldn't let them forget that their behavior, whether spiritual or carnal, didn't change their identity, they were sinners. They knew this.
The final category of sinner is those who didn't accept the fact that they were sinners, self-righteous religious people who looked down on those who couldn't escape their sins and the reputation that came with it. These sinners were the ones who made the rules in Judaism and determined who would be in and who would be out. These were the Pharisees and Sadducees and scribes and teachers of the Law who's sin was the most subtle but the most toxic of all; pride, arrogance, ignorance and self-righteousness. Their sin was most toxic because it prevented them from seeing and accepting their true condition; sinner.
The label "sinner" actually has no hierarchy. Sin is sin. And there is only one type of sin that God is tolerant of; repented sin. No self-righteous person could possibly receive the forgiveness of sins sins the first step in forgiveness is recognition of sin followed by repentance.
I suppose, in light of this understanding, there really are only two types of sinners in this world; ignorant and repentant. Which one am I?
"When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”"
To clarify, what Jesus was saying here is that He came not for the self-righteous, but for sinners. In this passage we find three kinds of sinners. Mark mentions tax collectors. These were people who had compromised their ethnic and national identity by working for the Romans at the expense of their own people. These were equivalent to the white-collar criminals of today, swindling money out of the vulnerable through unethical and shady business practices. They tried to look clean on the outside as if everything was kosher but Jewish society wouldn't let them forget that they were not welcomed in their religious clubs.
The second category of sinner is simply called "sinners." These are the run-of-the-mill individuals who did little to cover up their sins and didn't particularly care about the label. Their sin was openly visible and their reputation preceded them. They may have tried to make things right through ritual and sacrifice however the Jewish community wouldn't let them forget that their behavior, whether spiritual or carnal, didn't change their identity, they were sinners. They knew this.
The final category of sinner is those who didn't accept the fact that they were sinners, self-righteous religious people who looked down on those who couldn't escape their sins and the reputation that came with it. These sinners were the ones who made the rules in Judaism and determined who would be in and who would be out. These were the Pharisees and Sadducees and scribes and teachers of the Law who's sin was the most subtle but the most toxic of all; pride, arrogance, ignorance and self-righteousness. Their sin was most toxic because it prevented them from seeing and accepting their true condition; sinner.
The label "sinner" actually has no hierarchy. Sin is sin. And there is only one type of sin that God is tolerant of; repented sin. No self-righteous person could possibly receive the forgiveness of sins sins the first step in forgiveness is recognition of sin followed by repentance.
I suppose, in light of this understanding, there really are only two types of sinners in this world; ignorant and repentant. Which one am I?
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
to trust the Holy Spirit
Mark 1:12-13
Immediately the Spirit drove Him (Jesus) into the wilderness.
And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.
These two verses are so packed with truth and wonder for me.
First, Jesus, the Son of God, was driven by the Spirit. Jesus didn't act of His own will and wisdom but depended upon and obeyed the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Jesus' demonstration of obedience to both the Father's agenda and the Spirit's moving reveal profound humanity and humility in Jesus.
Second, the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness where he would face substantial emotional, spiritual and physical danger. Most of us have a theology that prompts us to believe that the Holy Spirit only guides us toward blessing, away from danger and around such temptation and trial. This is not so. At times, the Spirit leads us directly into harms way, that God might intervene and minister to us by His holy angels, His Holy Spirit and/or His Holy Word.
Third, the fact that Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted and tried tells me that Jesus was growing in knowledge, wisdom and strength for His mission and ministry. He didn't show up on the scene fully equipped and prepared to sprint to the cross. He stopped to grow, to pray, to rest, to develop compassion, to celebrate, to ask questions, to gather a group of friends, to be strengthened, to live among us. It was this experience in trusting the Holy Spirit even though He led Him into harms way that empowered Jesus to trust the Holy Spirit later when He would be led to the cross.
Finally, I'm encouraged by the last line; "angels ministered to Him." When I read this verse I imagine a boxer, collapsed in his corner after rounds of brutal but victorious combat, being tended to by his trainer and coach, with water and wet towels and soothing rubs. Obedience to the Father's agenda, trusting the Spirit's prompting is no easy road but in the end, it is good. There is victory and comfort and rest. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, a ribbon at the finish line, a crown for the victor and a reunion of saints that is only possible through such complete and reckless obedience.
Do I trust the Holy Spirit in this way? Am I dependent upon His promptings and obedient to His direction? Am I willing to be led into danger and temptation and trial; to be prepared for a greater ministry for me and to me in the end? Do I trust that there is rest for the weary and comfort for the conflicted?
Father - sharpen my hearing that I might know and follow the prompting of Your Holy Spirit. Strengthen my resolve that I might obey his directions and fight the good fight You have laid before me. Prepare me daily for a greater ministry that I might honor You in all that I do and say. Amen.
Immediately the Spirit drove Him (Jesus) into the wilderness.
And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.
These two verses are so packed with truth and wonder for me.
First, Jesus, the Son of God, was driven by the Spirit. Jesus didn't act of His own will and wisdom but depended upon and obeyed the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Jesus' demonstration of obedience to both the Father's agenda and the Spirit's moving reveal profound humanity and humility in Jesus.
Second, the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness where he would face substantial emotional, spiritual and physical danger. Most of us have a theology that prompts us to believe that the Holy Spirit only guides us toward blessing, away from danger and around such temptation and trial. This is not so. At times, the Spirit leads us directly into harms way, that God might intervene and minister to us by His holy angels, His Holy Spirit and/or His Holy Word.
Third, the fact that Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted and tried tells me that Jesus was growing in knowledge, wisdom and strength for His mission and ministry. He didn't show up on the scene fully equipped and prepared to sprint to the cross. He stopped to grow, to pray, to rest, to develop compassion, to celebrate, to ask questions, to gather a group of friends, to be strengthened, to live among us. It was this experience in trusting the Holy Spirit even though He led Him into harms way that empowered Jesus to trust the Holy Spirit later when He would be led to the cross.
Finally, I'm encouraged by the last line; "angels ministered to Him." When I read this verse I imagine a boxer, collapsed in his corner after rounds of brutal but victorious combat, being tended to by his trainer and coach, with water and wet towels and soothing rubs. Obedience to the Father's agenda, trusting the Spirit's prompting is no easy road but in the end, it is good. There is victory and comfort and rest. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, a ribbon at the finish line, a crown for the victor and a reunion of saints that is only possible through such complete and reckless obedience.
Do I trust the Holy Spirit in this way? Am I dependent upon His promptings and obedient to His direction? Am I willing to be led into danger and temptation and trial; to be prepared for a greater ministry for me and to me in the end? Do I trust that there is rest for the weary and comfort for the conflicted?
Father - sharpen my hearing that I might know and follow the prompting of Your Holy Spirit. Strengthen my resolve that I might obey his directions and fight the good fight You have laid before me. Prepare me daily for a greater ministry that I might honor You in all that I do and say. Amen.
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