Swords, promises and power

Today: Hebrews 1-6

It's Halloween today and I'm writing this after handing out handfuls of candy to trick-or-treaters...or as my Mom innocently referred to them today as..."Halloweeeners." :)

We saw lots of costumes tonight--princesses and bumble bees and superheroes. When it comes to dressing up, one thing I've noticed about little boys is the fact that they like to have costumes with superpower capes or weapons...swords, claws, you name it.

I thought about those costumes as I read today's passage--which compares God's Word to a sharp scalpel. It's powerful. It's filled with promises that are not empty, but potent. Here are a few highlights from our passage in Hebrews today:

God means what he says.

What he says goes.

His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel,

cutting through everything,

whether doubt or defense,

laying us open to listen and obey.

Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word.

We can't get away from it—no matter what...

...When God made his promise to Abraham,

he backed it to the hilt, putting his own reputation on the line.

He said, "I promise that I'll bless you with everything I have—bless and bless and bless!" Abraham stuck it out and got everything that had been promised to him.

When people make promises,

they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them

so that if there is any question that they'll make good on the promise,

the authority will back them up.

When God wanted to guarantee his promises,

he gave his word,

a rock-solid guarantee—

God can't break his word.

And because his word cannot change,

the promise is likewise unchangeable.

That's pretty incredible when you think about it--an all-powerful God can absolutely NOT break His word. It is that strong and that true...much better than a plastic light saber. :)

Tomorrow: Hebrews 7-10

Readiness to give and forgive

Today: Titus-Philemon

Today's passage felt a bit short to me (I don't know about you...), but it was packed with a lot of great messages.

The one that stood out to me was Paul's message to Titus about God's gift of salvation. Here's what it says:

God's readiness to give and forgive is now public.

Salvation's available for everyone!

We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life,

and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life.

I loved how Paul described salvation as proof of God's heart to give and forgive...everyone who accepts it. Wow.

So many people struggle with having a readiness to give--if left to our own devices, we might stick to our two-year old attitudes, whining, "MINE!!!" We might hoard things or obsess about finding the next big gadget or fashion. We might neglect caring for the poor or even our own family members (biological or spiritual) in need. We might live in fear--afraid to give of our time, money or talent because we're "too busy," "not rich," or "not good enough."

Similarly, many people struggle with the ability to forgive...other people or themselves. They can't let go of past hurts, anger or resentment. Instead, they build up walls of "protection"--that ultimately block them from knowing what it is to be really loved or love someone else in return.

God is completely different. He gave Himself and His very life for all of us--for you and me...for Mother Teresa and Dr. Martin Luther King...and for Hitler and Osama bin Laden. And he's willing to forgive all of us, too. I can't even imagine looking with kindness toward someone like a Hitler let alone loving them. But God did. And if anyone of us (yes, Osama, too) asks for God's forgiveness, He's willing to give it.

That seems totally absurd for me to even write. Crazy. It's extreme...but that's how much God wants to give and forgive.

God doesn't categorize sin or goodness like we do--all human beings are sinners in need of a Savior, all who accept the gift of salvation are saved, and everyone (saved and unsaved) is LOVED equally.

Another interesting thing? Those who want to really follow God should adopt a similar pattern--having a heart that's quick to give and forgive.

There's nothing like...

Today: 2 Timothy

...Fill in the blank.

Some people would say there's nothing like...Baseball. Coldplay. Nintendo Wii. Family. Friends. Golf. Sex. Cake. "Better than sex" cake.

You get the point, right? :)

Today's passage said something different. In 2 Timothy, the apostle Paul tells Timothy that there's nothing like...the Word of God. Here's what it says:

There's nothing like the written Word of God

for showing you the way to salvation

through faith in Christ Jesus.

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed

and useful one way or another—

showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes,

training us to live God's way.

Through the Word we are put together

and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

Personally, this passage solidified why I'm doing this "project" right now...there aren't many things that can provide direction and training that totally shapes us and puts us together. There's nothing like our God and His Word.

Tomorrow: Titus-Philemon

Lessons from a legend

Today: 1 Timothy

Imagine having a one-on-one basketball coaching session with Michael Jordan. What would it be like to take voice lessons from Whitney Houston? Or a have a private cooking class with Martha Stewart?

Intimidating? Maybe. Inspiring? Probably. Life-changing? Definitely.

I wonder if Timothy thought that way about the letters he received from his mentor, the apostle Paul? Did he realize that he was receiving lessons from a legend? Or were they just letters from a friend, leader and mentor?

I don't know....what do you and I think when people speak God's messages to us? Hmm...

Here are a few of the highlights from the legend's (Paul's) lessons for Timothy:

And don't let anyone put you down because you're young.

Teach believers with your life:

by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.

Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching.

And that special gift of ministry you were given

when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—

keep that dusted off and in use.

Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them.

The people will all see you mature right before their eyes!

Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching.

Don't be diverted. Just keep at it.

Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation...

And oh, my dear Timothy, guard the treasure you were given!

Guard it with your life.

Avoid the talk-show religion and the practiced confusion of the so-called experts.

People caught up in a lot of talk can miss the whole point of faith.

Tomorrow: 2 Timothy

The evidence is you

Today: 1 Thessalonians

When I was younger, I had a little fascination with courtroom dramas. I watched "The People's Court" and "Matlock." Even now, I'll periodically get sucked in to "Law & Order."

There's something compelling about watching detectives and lawyers build up a case and find evidence. Then, you wait in anticipation to see the wise judge determine a verdict.

Imagine if a judge looked at you and said, "You're the evidence."

Huh?

That sounds kind of strange, but when it comes to supporting a case for the existence of God, it could be true.

Have you ever heard the saying, "You're the only Jesus someone might ever see?" There's a bit of truth in that statement. But I think it slightly misses the mark. Whether or not people see Jesus in you or me, they could see Him in creation, in the Bible, in music or even in writings from other people (like C.S. Lewis, Max Lucado or other great authors). However, you and I could definitely be part of the "evidence" that someone uses to determine whether or not God is real.

That sounds like a tall order--it is. But we don't have to be the "evidence" on our own. The Holy Spirit can give us "convictions of steel." Take heart in what we read in today's passage:

It is clear to us, friends,

that God not only loves you very much

but also has put his hand on you

for something special.

When the Message we preached came to you,

it wasn't just words.

Something happened in you.

The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions...
Do you know that all over the provinces...

believers look up to you?

The word has gotten around.

Your lives are echoing the Master's Word,

not only in the provinces but all over the place.

The news of your faith in God is out.

We don't even have to say anything anymore—

you're the message!

Tomorrow: 2 Thessalonians

In pursuit...of perspective

Today: Colossians

What should I do with my life?
What college should I go to?
Who should I marry?
Where should I live?
What career should I go after?

Most of us ask questions like these (at some point or another)...and we pursue the answers. That's good, I guess. But something can be even better? Pursuing the right perspective--God's perspective. Here's what today's passage said:

...So if you're serious about living

this new resurrection life with Christ,

act like it.

Pursue the things over which Christ presides.

Don't shuffle along,

eyes to the ground,

absorbed

with the things right in front of you.

Look up,

and be alert

to what is going on

around Christ—

that's where the action is.

See things from his perspective.

Tomorrow: 1 Thessalonians

Friends

Today: Philippians

Do you have people in your life who just get you?

Maybe they're not all your best friend, but they're people you can count on. Friends are such a huge part of life and although today's passage has some of the most famous verses in the Bible, I thought I'd focus on the heart connection Paul felt with the people known as Philippians.

Take a look at these verses from the first chapter:

Every time you cross my mind,

I break out in exclamations of thanks to God.

Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer.

I find myself praying for you with a glad heart.

I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us,

believing and proclaiming God's Message,

from the day you heard it right up to the present.

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind

that the God who started this great work in you

would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish

on the very day Christ Jesus appears.
It's not at all fanciful for me to think this way

about you.

My prayers and hopes have deep roots in reality.

You have, after all, stuck with me all the way...

I think there's a few things we can learn in these verses about being a great friend...and appreciating the great friends in our lives. Here's what I got:

1. Thank God for your friends and pray for your them...even when they cross your mind for a brief moment.

2. Be a friend who stands by others and follows through (with God's help of course!).

3. Continue to be consistent--the go-to person others can count on.

In the NIV version of these verses, Paul writes, "It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart." Celebrate the friends and family who are in your heart. Always.

Tomorrow: Colossians

Growing pains, Dr. Phil and you

Today: Ephesians 4-6

Growing up is hard to do...

Sounds like a song doesn't it? I think the song is actually "Breaking up is hard to do," but whatever. :) Both statements are true.

In this passage, Paul...and God, actually...are really encouraging Christians to grow up. I can almost picture the apostle Paul writing this as a Dr. Phil-like character, telling it "like it is" throughout this passage (though perhaps with more hair, no accent and a bit more edge).

Actually, he encourages the readers to "tell the whole truth" here, too:

God wants us to grow up,

to know the whole truth and tell it in love—

like Christ in everything.

We take our lead from Christ,

who is the source of everything we do.

He keeps us in step with each other.

His very breath and blood flow through us,

nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God,

robust in love.

All right--sounds good. But...how? The rest of the passage outlines a lot of things. I'll include some of the verses and my own short version (in bold) of eight ways to grow up, too (trust me, I'm still working on them, too!):

1. Don't follow a crowd who doesn't follow Christ. They don't know where they're going.

And so I insist—and God backs me up on this—

that there be no going along with the crowd,

the empty-headed, mindless crowd.

They've refused for so long to deal with God

that they've lost touch not only with God

but with reality itself.

They can't think straight anymore.

Feeling no pain, they let themselves go

in sexual obsession,

addicted to every sort of perversion.

But that's no life for you.

2. Learn Christ and His ways. He's truth itself and can transform your life, so that it feels brand new.

You learned Christ!

My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him,

been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus.

Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance,

everything—and I do mean everything—

connected with that old way of life has to go.

It's rotten through and through.

Get rid of it!

And then take on an entirely new way of life—

a God-fashioned life,

a life renewed from the inside

and working itself into your conduct

as God accurately reproduces his character in you.

3. Tell the truth without phony pretense, just as you'd want others to tell it to you.

What this adds up to, then, is this:

no more lies, no more pretense.

Tell your neighbor the truth.

In Christ's body we're all connected to each other,
after all.

When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.

4. It's okay to be angry...for a little while. If you let it last, it can destroy you.

Go ahead and be angry.

You do well to be angry—

but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge.

And don't stay angry.

Don't go to bed angry.

Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.

5. Don't steal--work, so you can help others.

Did you use to make ends meet by stealing?

Well, no more!

Get an honest job so that you can help others who can't work.

6. Speak life and encouragement. Words matter to God and people.

Watch the way you talk.

Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth.

Say only what helps, each word a gift...

Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk.

Be gentle with one another, sensitive.

Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly

as God in Christ forgave you.

7. Be conscious of your conscience. "Gut instinct" could be God at work inside you (as long as it's in line with the Bible, of course!).

Don't grieve God.

Don't break his heart.

His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you,

is the most intimate part of your life,

making you fit for himself.

Don't take such a gift for granted.

8. Imitate God: Love.

Watch what God does,

and then you do it,

like children who learn proper behavior from their parents.

Mostly what God does is love you.

Tomorrow: Philippians

I can't imagine...

Today: Ephesians 1-3

I'm a creative person. But there are many things in this world I can't imagine...or understand. At all.

A few things I just don't understand? Bagpipes. Mullets. The Snuggie. Overalls on adults. Accordians. Why men spit on sidewalks (do they produce more spit than women?). Co-workers cooking fish in the microwave. The Snuggie...for dogs...with glasses?!?

Joking aside, there's obviously a lot about God I don't understand and I can't even imagine. Today's passage highlighted a few of those things.

The first thing I don't fully get about God is how much He loves me...and you, too, of course! Check this out:

Long before he laid down earth's foundations,

he had us in mind,

had settled on us as the focus of his love,

to be made whole and holy by his love.

Long, long ago he decided

to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ.

(What pleasure he took in planning this!)

He wanted us to enter into the celebration

of his lavish gift-giving

by the hand of his beloved Son.

I don't know about you, but I can't imagine that God even thought about me WAYYYY before I was ever born...before anyone was ever born. Beyond that, the fact that He loved me enough to make me part of His family? Why? I can't even come close to comprehending that.

Later in today's passage, we saw even more:

...And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love,

you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus

the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love.

Reach out and experience the breadth!

Test its length!

Plumb the depths!

Rise to the heights!

Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.

God can do anything, you know—

far more than you

could ever imagine

or guess

or request

in your wildest dreams!

He does it not by pushing us around

but by working within us,

his Spirit deeply and gently

within us. "

Whoa. Not only is God's love "extravagant" in its dimensions--He's working within us--and at the same time, He far more than we can imagine in our wildest dreams. That's pretty incredible when you think about all the wild dreams people have...I just hope we're not dreaming in our Snuggies. :)

Tomorrow: Ephesians 4-6

My favorite

Today: Galatians 4-6

Today's passages included one of my favorite Bible quotes. Ever.

It's Galatians 5:6b--and I have to say that I think I like the NIV version better. It says simply, "...The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."

It's very simple, but one of my favorites because it captures the idea that faith and love are always tied together...you can't really love God, a person, or even a company if you don't have some measure of faith in them. And if you have faith, it's demonstrated in your life through your love.

Throughout the book of Galatians, Paul is writing to people who have been drawn to listen to legalistic, rule-based religion (see "Mary Poppins faith"). But that's not what Christianity is about...it's about grace, love and freedom. However, Paul does a good job of explaining the balance between freedom and following God's instructions:

It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life.

Just make sure that you don't use this freedom

as an excuse to do whatever you want to do

and destroy your freedom.

Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love;

that's how freedom grows.

For everything we know about God's Word

is summed up in a single sentence:

Love others as you love yourself.

That's an act of true freedom.

This portion of the passage provides a very high-level picture of a free life, grounded in God's guidance. What does that mean to your everyday life? To your everyday work?

Thankfully, Paul gives a bit more instruction to address those questions as well. Take a look:

Make a careful exploration of who you are

and the work you have been given,

and then sink yourself into that.

Don't be impressed with yourself.

Don't compare yourself with others.

Each of you must take responsibility

for doing the creative best you can

with your own life.

I think he's saying here that our lives our really a gift from God--our responsibility is to do the "creative best" we can (to be good stewards, if you will) of every aspect of our lives. That may sound like a tall order, but remember--you and I have been given freedom to make choices about our time, family, relationships, money, work, service and more. Some important questions? How is your faith expressed in love? And in the "creative best" of your life?

Tomorrow: Ephesians 1-3

Mary Poppins faith

Today: Galatians 1-3

"You're like Mary Poppins," she said, "Practically perfect--in every way."

Believe it or not, I've had a few different people say this to me. It's flattering and was intended to be a nice compliment. But I know I'm actually far from perfect...in every way.

However, some people (including some Christians) actually subscribe to what I'll call "Mary Poppins faith"--they believe that if you're good enough, "almost perfect" enough, you can earn your way to heaven or earn some special position as one of God's favorites.

You may laugh at my description, but I'm actually serious. Most religions in the world are based on Mary Poppins-style beliefs that good works get us in to heaven as insiders with God.

And some Christians take certain Scriptures (like "Be perfect as I am perfect") to the extreme. For example, I remember my college campus nurse discussing the fact that eating disorders often impact Christian young women more than those who don't claim to know God. And from my experience living on a small campus, each year, I knew of at least one girl in my dorm (each dorm had approx. 18 girls) with a current or past eating disorder. That's heartbreaking...

There's a lot of pressure in our society to be perfect.

In most work environments, things are very competitive. Employees are expected to juggle A LOT of plates--what happens when one breaks?

I may even sound controversial here, but even at churches, some people aim to be perfect--they really want to be the blonde, size 2 supervolunteer who helps with the childrens' ministry, sings on the worship team, holds a fabulous job, and has the "perfect" marriage and family. That's not realistic. And...shocker...it may not be God's plan for everyone, either.

The more important point? "Mary Poppins faith" isn't really faith at all. The truth is that we receive an invitation to heaven through faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. (That means first admitting that we're imperfect people in need of a Savior!) And God's love is unchanging. Despite your flaws or successes--He will never love you more or less than He always has. God is love.

Take a look at what Paul wrote to the Galatians in today's passage:

What actually took place is this:

I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God,

and it didn't work.

So I quit being a "law man"

so that I could be God's man.

Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it.

I identified myself completely with him.

Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ.

My ego is no longer central.

It is no longer important

that I appear righteous

before you or have your good opinion,

and I am no longer driven to impress God.

Christ lives in me.

The life you see me living is not "mine,"

but it is lived by faith in the Son of God,

who loved me

and gave himself for me.

I am not going to go back on that.
Is it not clear to you that to go back

to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion

would be an abandonment

of everything personal and free in my relationship with God?

I refuse to do that, to repudiate God's grace.

If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping,

then Christ died unnecessarily.

Tomorrow: Galatians 4-6

It's time for your check-up...

Today: 2 Corinthians 10-13

Have you ever given yourself a test?

I'm not talking about one of those things with number two pencils and bubbles to fill in. I'm talking about giving yourself a test of faith.

Huh?

I know that may sound strange, but it's something that Paul taught the Corinthians in today's passage. And I think it's good to periodically give yourself a heart check-up (when I read today's verses, I realized I wrote about this topic back in 2007!).

Why do you believe what you believe?

Why do you volunteer?

Why do you go to church?

Or more importantly, why not?

I don't know the answers to these questions in your life (and truthfully, even in my own at times). Asking the questions can be a good starting point, though...because it helps us to not just accept the status quo, get caught up in a routine or become too robotic. Here's what Paul said:

Test yourselves

to make sure you are solid in the faith.

Don't drift along

taking everything for granted.

Give yourselves regular checkups.

You need firsthand evidence,

not mere hearsay,

that Jesus Christ is in you.

Test it out.

I love the part at the end--you need firsthand evidence, not mere heresay, that Jesus is in you. Our God is real--He's not someone to be taken for granted. I know sometimes God may feel distant or far away to you, but I'm a firm believer in the verse that says, "Come near to God and He'll come near to you." (James 4:8) And as Paul wrote, "Test it out."

Tomorrow: Galatians 1-3

The details of serving

Today: 2 Corinthians 5-9

Have you ever been at a restaurant where the server went above and beyond?

It may not have even been a fancy place--just somewhere where the server called you by name, refilled your drinks before you ever had to ask, or sent you home with extra fresh breadsticks to accompany your leftover pasta. Maybe he held out your chair before you sat down or she brought extra crayons for the kids at the table. Great servers are great with the details.

What about the people who serve God? Maybe they volunteer at church...or maybe you just know them at work or school. Yup, the details are important there, too. Here's what today's passage said:

Our work as God's servants gets validated—

or not—

in the details.

People are watching us as we stay at our post,

alertly, unswervingly . . .

in hard times, tough times, bad times;

when we're beaten up, jailed, and mobbed;

working hard, working late, working without eating;

with pure heart, clear head, steady hand;

in gentleness, holiness, and honest love;

when we're telling the truth, and when God's showing his power;

when we're doing our best setting things right;

when we're praised, and when we're blamed;

slandered, and honored;

true to our word, though distrusted;

ignored by the world, but recognized by God;

terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead;

beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die;

immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy;

living on handouts, yet enriching many;

having nothing, having it all.

Tomorrow: 2 Corinthians 10-13

The ringbearer and the treasure

Today: 2 Corinthians 1-4

Have you ever watched a ringbearer at a wedding?

A ringbearer is a small boy, typically under the age of five. At home, his mom doesn't let him carry a cup of juice across the family room floor. Before he arrived at the ceremony (and his mom cleaned him up), he rolled around in the mud of his backyard, let his dog lick his face clean and carried a frog in his back pocket. He's a kid!!! But one girl in a beautiful white dress has trusted him to carry her most precious gift in all the world.

I've never been a ringbearer (or a flower girl for that matter!), but I've carried around some pretty amazing treasure. So did the apostle Paul, as we learned in today's passage:

Remember, our Message is not about ourselves;

we're proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master.

All we are is messengers,

errand runners from Jesus

for you.

It started when God said,

"Light up the darkness!"

and our lives filled up with light

as we saw and understood God

in the face of Christ,

all bright and beautiful.

If you only look at us,

you might well miss the brightness.

We carry this precious Message around

in the unadorned clay pots

of our ordinary lives.

That's to prevent anyone from confusing

God's incomparable power

with us.

You and I, like a ringbearer at a wedding, are ordinary people entrusted with some extraordinary precious cargo--the treasure of God's Message, the light of His love and the truth of His story. Let's carry it well.

Tomorrow: 2 Corinthians 5-9

With a single stroke...

Today: 1 Corinthians 15-16

Do you remember fingerpainting?

I haven't done it in a long time...maybe since Kindergarten...but I remember it was fun! I remember mixing colors...like blue and red to make purple or yellow and red to make orange. What a discovery! With a single stroke of my fingers, a new color could be created. A picture could emerge from little blobs of paint.

I remembered my childhood fingerpainting experiences this week when I read a friend's comments on Facebook about her daughter's response to fall. Her daughter (who is about five years old, I think) wanted to know if God painted the leaves with a paintbrush. The little girl said He is all "mixey" because there is still green from the spring...and expressed a genuine appreciation for His mixey-ness. :)

With single strokes of creativity, God can change the leaves and the sunsets...and with a single stroke of Life through Christ, He can change our lives. Here's what today's passage said:

It was sin that made death so frightening

and law-code guilt that gave sin its leverage,

its destructive power.

But now in a single victorious stroke of

Life,

all three—sin, guilt, death—

are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ.

Thank God!
With all this going for us,

my dear, dear friends,

stand your ground.

And don't hold back.

Throw yourselves into the work of the Master,

confident that nothing you do for him

is a waste of time or effort.

What's interesting about God's work in our lives is that we're part of it, too. You and I aren't lifeless globs of paint in the fingers of a Kindergartener. No--we are active participants in the "mixey-ness" of God's creation. He transforms us into something incredible, but we have the ability to throw ourselves into His work, allowing Him shape us into the people He's called us to be.

Your life is better when you let Him wipe out sin, guilt and death...and with just a single stroke of Life, create a masterpiece.

Tomorrow: 2 Corinthians 1-4

Your life depends on...love

Today: 1 Corinthians 12-14

What does your life depend on?

If we asked people on the street, I think many would say things like, "Meeting my basic needs for food, water and shelter" or "Having a job that pays the bills." These things are important. But they're all just...things.

Have you ever thought that your life depended on love? Today's passage included what's known as "The Love Chapter" of the Bible--1 Corinthians 13. It's a chapter that describes love in its purest form. I love the end of the chapter and the (less famous) beginning of chapter 14). Take a look:

Trust steadily in God,
hope unswervingly,
love extravagantly.
And the best of the three is love.
Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it—
because it does.
Give yourselves to the gifts God gives you.
Most of all, try to proclaim his truth.

Life isn't just here for living--it's here for us to love. Love God. Love people. Because your life depends on it...and because your life and the lives of others will be always be enriched with a little bit of love.

Tomorrow: 1 Corinthians 15-16

Tears, tests and God's help

Today: 1 Corinthians 9-11

I'll start this post with a disclaimer: I'm not a crier.

Growing up, my sisters and I would sometimes tease our mom for her ability to tear up on a dime...with a Hallmark commercial, anything with puppies or the one time on a sitcom ("Growing Pains" to be exact) where she cried because a friend of Mike (Kirk Cameron) was leaving to serve in the Army. :)

That's partly why in a way, it kills me to write this or to be this vulnerable...but I've cried a lot over the past year or so. Today on the way home, I started to get misty-eyed on the downtown trolley ride to my vehicle. When I got to the safety of my car, I lost it. I went in to The Ugly Cry where you sob and your face gets red and blotchy....and if anyone driving next to me saw this, they probably thought I was a little crazy.

At a stoplight, my cell phone rang. It was my sister and I tried to play it cool. But she knew my voice wasn't quite right (I HATE that it's a dead give-away!). "Are you okay? Did something happen today?"

"I'm fine," I answered, "It's nothing...and it's a lot of things. I've gotta go." I hung up the phone partly because I didn't want to get a ticket for using it while driving, but mainly because I didn't want to start bawling again.

I don't want to get into specifics, but I will say that like many people, I've faced a lot of change and hard stuff this year. And I've had some very amazing friends who have been hurt or gone through much worse than I ever have.

However, I will say that a lot of my own tears lately have been the good kind--where I've been so overwhelmed by God and His presence in worship or in His Word (yeah, this project has been part of that, too!).

Case in point, when I read today's passage after my afternoon episode, here's what I saw:

No test or temptation that comes your way

is beyond the course of what others have had to face.

All you need to remember

is that God will never let you down;

he'll never let you be pushed past your limit;

he'll always be there to help you come through it.

Isn't that so like God?!?

Even if one else reads this note or that verse today, He knew I would see it...just when I needed it the most.

If you're reading this post right now, I hope it means something to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this exact moment. For what it's worth (and by now you know I'm writing this in the middle of my own "stuff"), faith in God can get us through anything. I believe.

Tomorrow: 1 Corinthians 12-14

One verse

Today: 1 Corinthians 5-8

Today I'm highlighting one verse that says a lot (and illustrates why I'm not writing much today):

We

never really know

enough

until we recognize that

God

alone

knows it all.

Tomorrow: 1 Corinthians 9-11

You know my heart...

Today: 1 Corinthians 1-4

In high school, I was a writer and editor for our school newspaper (I know--shocker, right?). For one story assignment around Valentine's Day, I interviewed married teachers and staff members about their spouses, how they met, fell in love and all that mushy gushy stuff. I don't remember most of the stories. But I do remember one.

"What do you love most about your husband?" I asked an administrator.

She paused. Then she replied simply, "He knows me best and loves me most."

It's been over 10 years and I never forgot that. I don't why exactly. Maybe it's because I'm still looking for that guy, for that kind of love. Perhaps it's because I still need to be that kind of person--to have the ability to love someone that way.

"He knows me best and loves me most," is a pretty powerful statement when you think about it. I can barely imagine a guy who knows me better than anyone--seeing me in the morning before Frizz-Ease and Bouncy Cream tame my hair and Starbucks makes me...conscious. To think that same guy could see me at those moments and when I'm sick, moody, or selfish...and still love me--still choose me--above anybody else?!? That pretty much proves love is a miracle. :)

The amazing thing is that God's love is even beyond that. Even when I marry that guy, he won't be able to read every one of my thoughts, motives, and attitudes (and that's probably a good thing for both of us!)...but God does...and still loves me more than any one person ever could. Here's what the Word said in today's passage:

For who do you know

that really knows you,

knows your heart?

And even if they did,

is there anything they would discover

in you

that you could take credit for?

Isn't everything you have

and everything you are

sheer gifts from God?

So what's the point of all this comparing and competing?

You already have all you need.

You already have more access to God than you can handle.

All right, so the part of this I didn't address earlier is the fact that you and I can't take all the credit for the good stuff that's in us. I didn't make my eyes, voice or mind--so I can't take full credit for anything good that comes from them. I've been given everything I have and everything I am--that doesn't mean that I should walk around with an arrogant attitude like "God's given the world the gift of Me! Muah ha ha!" (In the words of Whitney Houston, "Hell to the no!!!") :)

In this passage, I believe Paul's encouraging people to be confident...but at the same time, humble, thankful for what God has done and more importantly, for who God is. He knows our hearts inside and out...let's just try to get a glimpse of His.

Tomorrow: 1 Corinthians 5-8

Consistency, strength and God in trouble

Today: Romans 14-16



What happens when people...when Christians....get into trouble?

What if it's trouble they bring on themselves?

How should you and I respond?

And more importantly, how does God respond?



These are some serious questions. In life so far, I've seen people get into trouble and I've been in some myself. I thought that today's passage had some interesting answers, so let's talk about some of the questions again.



What happens when people...when Christians....get into trouble?

What if it's trouble they bring on themselves?

I believe there are different kinds of trouble we face in life. Some is trouble that comes from simply being a human being in a world tainted by sin (e.g. people can be sick, abused by others, poor, etc. through absolutely no fault of their own). And sometimes, it's trouble we bring on ourselves through bad choices or sin. This chapter (and today's post) deals with that kind of trouble, as the passage states:

If the way you live isn't consistent

with what you believe,

then it's wrong.

I've faced this kind of trouble before (and my bet is that you have, too!). When you live inconsistent with what you believe--or what is true--it can tear you up inside. It's living out of sync with your conscience. It's hypocritical.

If it goes on too long, it can make you numb--lifeless, blind to God's truth and deaf to the direction of the Holy Spirit. But there's always hope...

How should you and I respond?

If someone in your life is struggling, here's what the passage says to do:

Those of us who are strong

and able in the faith

need to step in and lend a hand

to those who falter,

and not just do what is most convenient for us.

Strength is for service, not status.

Each one of us needs to look after

the good of the people around us,

asking ourselves, "How can I help?"

Sometimes when people struggle, we avoid them...like they have some kind of contagious disease. Or when people struggle, a lot of Christians want to say the right things like, "I'll pray for you" or even "God has a plan." Those things may be true...but they may not be what the person struggling needs.

They may need you to listen. Really. They may need you to call or visit. They may need you to babysit or cook a meal. They may need you to mow their lawn or help them laugh.

How does God respond to people in trouble?

God's response to trouble is so incredible when you think about how people characterize other religious figures (like Buddha, for example)...or even people (like celebs or politicians) that are idolized. Here's what the passage says:

...That's exactly what Jesus did.

He didn't make it easy for himself

by avoiding people's troubles,

but waded right in and helped out.

"I took on the troubles of the troubled,"

is the way Scripture puts it.

Even if it was written in Scripture long ago,

you can be sure it's written for us...

May our dependably steady

and warmly personal God

develop maturity in you

so that you get along with each other

as well as Jesus gets along with us all.

I love this description of Jesus as the God who waded in trouble. He wasn't afraid to deal with people whose lives were messy...He picked them up in their mess and helped them out.

The mark of a mature faith is to do the same--to get along with people, to help them, to stand with them in good times and in bad. Be a dependable, warmly personal friend--just as Jesus is that kind of friend to you.

Tomorrow: I Corinthians 1-4

Word to live by

Today: Romans 11-13

My intro. text today is really short because tonight's passage includes some pretty incredible Word to live by. So think about it. Live it. Here are a few of life's best instructions from the book of Romans:

Take your everyday, ordinary life—

your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—

and place it before God

as an offering.

Embracing what God does

for you

is the best thing you can do

for him.

Don't become so well-adjusted

to your culture

that you fit into it without even thinking.

Instead, fix your attention on God.

You'll be changed from the inside out.

Readily recognize what he wants from you,

and quickly respond to it.

Unlike the culture around you,

always dragging you down

to its level of immaturity,

God brings the best out of you,

develops well-formed maturity in you.

Love from the center of who you are;

don't fake it.

Run for dear life from evil;

hold on for dear life to good.

Be good friends who love deeply;

practice playing second fiddle.
Don't burn out;

keep yourselves fueled and aflame.

Be alert servants of the Master,

cheerfully expectant.

Don't quit in hard times;

pray all the harder.

Help needy Christians;

be inventive in hospitality.
Bless your enemies;

no cursing under your breath.

Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy;

share tears when they're down.

Get along with each other;

don't be stuck-up.

Make friends with nobodies;

don't be the great somebody.
Don't hit back;

discover beauty in everyone.

If you've got it in you,

get along with everybody.

Don't insist on getting even;

that's not for you to do.

"I'll do the judging," says God.

"I'll take care of it."

God's timing...

Today: Romans 8-10

Earlier today I was browsing on Facebook and saw a friend's status update that said, "God's timing..."

I commented, "Is sometimes annoying and amazing at the same time."

That was before I read today's passage which actually had some similar themes. In the passage, there's a section where Paul is writing about the "joyful anticipation" of all creation for something much greater than this world (Heaven, actually). Paul compares it to pregnancy. I haven't experienced that yet, but I'm pretty sure from talking to my friends that pregnancy could also be described as, "...Sometimes annoying and amazing at the same time."

People don't like waiting. And our timing is different than God's timing.

I love what the Word says here:

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting,

God's Spirit is right alongside

helping us along.

If we don't know how or what to pray,

it doesn't matter.

He does our praying in and for us,

making prayer out of our wordless sighs,

our aching groans.

He knows us far better than we know ourselves,

knows our pregnant condition,

and keeps us present before God.

That's why we can be so sure

that every detail

in our lives of love for God

is worked into something good.

I realize that the last portion of this Scripture could sound so Pollyanna---that good can come from every detail of your life and love for God.

It's important to remember, though, that God's Word is always true. This verse could sound cheesy to you at first, but it wasn't written by a Disney character. These words were penned by guy who experienced a lot of pain--jail, shipwrecks, snake bites, abandonment--you name it. Paul faced these terrible things, but wrote with Pollyanna-like hope. Why?

I believe the beginning of the quote tells us--he felt God's help during his pain. He believed God never left him--that God knew what it felt like to face hard things and the human "pregnancy" feeling of waiting and hoping for something more. That's pretty amazing (and not really annoying at all!).

Tomorrow: Romans 11-13

Love on the line

Today: Romans 4-7

"Attention! Attention, all associates!" a voice on the intercom blared in my office today. "Do not leave the building at this time. The police department has also asked that you back away from the windows facing the street. An investigation is actively underway. We will provide more information as soon as possible."

Of course, most of us had already looked out the windows before this announcement to see police blockading several streets with their large guns in tow, apprehending a suspect and containing a parking lot with a suspicious backpack. We watched Wall-E-like robots move and prod it. And we definitely heard the, "BOOM!" as the bomb squad proactively detonated the backpack (which didn't have a bomb by the way...I probably wouldn't be here writing this now if it did!).

It was amazing for me to see what the police and firefighters do to put their lives on the line...for hundreds of strangers.

In today's passage, Paul talks to the Romans about how God put His life and love on the line for all of us:

We can understand someone dying

for a person worth dying for,

and we can understand

how someone good and noble

could inspire us to selfless sacrifice.

But God put his love on the line

for us

by offering his Son

in sacrificial death

while we were

of no use whatever

to him.

That's pretty amazing, isn't it? The police and firefighters who protected my city today put their lives on the line for me. But they didn't put their love on the line, too. But God was willing to risk both His Son, His life--and His heart--for me (and you...and everyone in the whole world, too!).

Here's another way Paul explains it:

...sin didn't, and doesn't,

have a chance

in competition

with the aggressive forgiveness

we call grace.

When it's sin versus grace,

grace wins

hands down.

All sin can do is threaten us with death,

and that's the end of it.

Grace,

because God is putting everything together again

through the Messiah,

invites us into

life—

a life that goes on and on and on,

world without end.

The description of grace as "aggressive forgiveness" floors me. In the words of my favorite celeb stylist, Rachel Zoe, it's OOC (out of control!). That's what love on the line is all about. It's the "all in" bet where God threw Himself, eternal life and heaven into the pot. It's more mind-boggling than trying to count all the stars or really understand time, space and gravity. It's a promise that's backed up with the evidence of sacrifice.

Tomorrow: Romans 8-10

You are who you are...

Today: Romans 1-3

"It is what it is."

"You are who you are."

I can't tell you how many times I've heard words like these. They're not always directed at me, but most frequently used to excuse behavior--like individuals are wired a certain way that they can't break away from. As in, you are (and always will be) a coffee addict. Selfish. Stubborn. Materialistic. Poor. Foolish. Angry. Debbie Downer. (You get the point, right?)

Have you ever thought about how hopeless that perspective feels? (Just watch the Debbie Downer clip...you'll get it.) When it comes to people, the Bible teaches that some things are unchangeable...but sin and sinful attitudes can always be changed through the power of Jesus, His forgiveness and our choices to move in a different direction.

I love how today's passage said:

You are who you are

through this gift and call of Jesus Christ!

Wow. How can we get so off track? How can people live feeling like they don't have purpose? I think the passage explains this situation, too:

What happened was this:

People knew God perfectly well,

but when they didn't treat him like God,

refusing to worship him,

they trivialized themselves into

silliness and confusion

so that there was neither sense

nor direction left in their lives.

They pretended to know it all,

but were illiterate regarding life.

They traded the glory of God

who holds the whole world in his hands

for cheap figurines

you can buy at any roadside stand.

How true is that?!? How many people do you know who have rejected God and the truth of His Word (that really includes all of us at times!) and believed lies like, "You don't measure up," "You can do whatever you want to do," "You're just not good enough," "You don't need God or anyone else to help you...you can do it all by yourself" or "You'll never beat this addiction/habit/poverty"?

If we believe them, the cheap lies and imitations of truth can ruin us. We need God. We need His Word and His guidance for our lives. I love what this excerpt from today's reading says here (note that these are from separate sections of the passage, but I think they're definitely connected):

God is kind, but he's not soft.

In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand

and leads us into a radical life-change...

Out of sheer generosity

he put us in right standing with himself.

A pure gift.

He got us out of the mess we're in

and restored us to where he always wanted us to be.

And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.

That's pretty incredible. Yes, you are who you are...through Jesus. You and I can live freely...to be the people we're meant to be...when we live outside of lies, mess and sin, instead choosing to be led by God.

I should clarify that when you choose to be led by God, you won't be perfect. And while you're still breathing, you'll face the messes, lies and sin of this world. But it will be different because when God sees you, He sees the perfection of Jesus and His forgiveness over your life. One of the best things? You won't be alone, stuck in the mess. God will be with you, leading you to walk through it with His strength.

Tomorrow: Romans 4-7

A shipwreck, snake bite and open door

Today: Acts 27-28

I remember babysitting a family with three young children when I was about 15 years old. It was a nice summer day and we decided to play outside on their backyard swing set. I pushed the two oldest girls on the swing set, when the six-year-old oldest sister (typically the calmest of the bunch) started shrieking.

"IT'S...A...SNAKE!!!" she screamed and pointed at the grass nearby.

I looked down and saw a little garter snake. Some of you will be totally shocked by this (since I'm kind of a girly girl)...but I grew up playing "fort" in the woods with my sisters and a neighborhood boy. And I'm not afraid of garter snakes.

"It's all right," I told her, "Those kind are harmless and it's not going to bother us over here."

She kept on screaming and did this hyperventilating thing that kids tend to do when they're on the verge of tears, "But it's a cursed animal!!!"

"What do you mean?" I asked her.

"God cursed a snake in the Bible!" she said. "In the story about Adam and Eve!"

I couldn't argue with that (or the three kids who were getting a bit distraught). We went inside. :)

I thought about this story from my past as I read today about Paul's snake bite (NOT from a garter snake!) and shipwreck experience. Crazy. I can't imagine one guy...one good, God-focused guy...going through all that stuff (and more). But so much good came out of those experiences. People saw God in those situations.

Perhaps what I loved most about today's reading was its simple ending. Here's what it said about Paul:

He welcomed everyone who came to visit.

He urgently presented

all matters of the kingdom of God.

He explained everything

about Jesus Christ.

His door was always open.

These sentences are simple and brief (especially after the dramatic shipwreck and snake bite stories that precede them!). They show a great picture of Paul and his time in Rome--actually modeling what Christians today should be (not just do): welcoming people, sharing the story of Jesus and keeping open doors, hearts and lives to God and to others...well...maybe with the exception of snakes. :)

Tomorrow: Romans 1-3

Your story on trial

Today: Acts 24-26

When I was in college writing classes, the professors--especially those who taught journalism courses--taught us, "Everybody has a story." They're right.

In today's passage, it struck me just how many times Paul had to tell his story...the before and after story of his life with Jesus...while on trial.

You and I probably aren't in a courtroom today, but our stories are on trial. People watch who we are, how we struggle, what we're like under pressure, how we treat others and how we respond to success. Does your story hold up in that kind of court?

To be totally honest, no one's could every single day. But that's the good thing about our
stories--they're continually evolving.

Tomorrow: Acts 27-28

Obedience through problems

Today: Acts 21-23

Obedience is not really a popular topic in our culture today...even in church. I don't remember the last time I heard a Christian speaker even use the word "obedience."

For most people, it's not a comfortable topic in the workplace. We do our work and our assignments--but does anyone really call that "obeying" the boss' instructions? Not really. It becomes "managing a project" or just simply "doing work." We take obedience out of the equation...because the very word implies that we're not in charge.

Most people aren't into the idea of obedience...but God is. I don't know if I've ever thought about obedience as a cool illustration of God's work in our lives. But it is--especially when we're obedient through our problems.

Paul definitely knew this point well. In this passage, some prophets warned him not to go to Jerusalem. They foresaw challenges for him there (and they were right!). But when Paul heard their advice, he said:

"You're looking at this backward.

The issue in Jerusalem is not what they do to me,

whether arrest or murder,

but what the Master Jesus does through my obedience.

Can't you see that?"

Wow. Paul was willing to go through an arrest because he knew God could use his obedience to reach somebody. Paul was right. When he was arrested, he was given the opportunity to share his story and to talk about how Jesus changed his heart and his life.

The chapters today didn't say that crowds of people were saved. On the contrary, they were pretty angry at Paul. But in a crowd of people, someone had to be listening, someone had to wonder, "What if he's right? What if Jesus really is the Son of God?" Maybe no one believed that day. But they heard--and they saw--Paul's story in action. That's obedience at work.

Here's a few questions for all of us to consider: How is obedience at work in my life today? Am I allowing God to lead me? How does my obedience (or lack thereof) impact my life and the lives of others--particularly through problems?

Tomorrow: Acts 24-26

Head and heart love

Today: Acts 18-20

There are some things I can love only with my head--like spiders, for instance.

I can love spiders with my head because I know that God made them and because I know that they actually catch other bugs. But I do NOT love spiders with my heart--I do not feel any sense of compassion, empathy or affection for them. At all. :)

On a similar note, John Mayer sings a song ("I Don't Trust Myself") where he asks, "Who do you love? Me? Or the thought of me?" In this song, John illustrates the difference between head and heart love. Both are actually essential when it comes to really loving people...and when it comes to loving God.

I love what Paul asked some new Christians in today's reading:

"Did you take God into your mind only,

or did you also embrace him with your heart?

Did he get inside you?"

Those are powerful questions. When God is in our minds only, we may respect Him. We may revere Him. Those qualities are important and essential to a real understanding of who He is. But we may not really love Him.

To really love Him--the real Him--is different when your heart is involved. Love from the heart means loving God when He doesn't make sense (to us anyway) or when things aren't peachy "on paper" perfect. It means that we have to stop projecting our own (sometimes ridiculous!) thoughts of who He is onto Him...and start seeing and knowing the real Him.

God wants my whole head, heart and life. Saying "I love you" to Him should not be routine and robotic, but real...and forever.

Tomorrow: Acts 21-23

Hide and seek

Today: Acts 16-17

I love little kid games. When I was younger, we played virtually all the traditional ones...Marco Polo, House, Ring Around the Rosy, Red Rover and of course, Hide and Seek.

There are a lot of people who play Hide and Seek their whole lives. Perhaps they have habits or addictions they keep secret from family members and close friends. Or maybe they are really shy or guarded and don't really share who they really are with others. And there are a lot of people who try to play Hide and Seek with God.

I love what Paul says to address that here:

The God who made the world

and everything in it,

this Master of sky and land,

doesn't live in custom-made shrines

or need the human race to run errands for him,

as if he couldn't take care of himself.

He makes the creatures;

the creatures don't make him.

Starting from scratch,

he made the entire human race

and made the earth hospitable,

with plenty of time and space

for living

so we could seek after God,

and not just grope around in the dark

but actually find him.

He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us.

He's not remote; he's near.

We live and move in him, can't get away from him!

Often, Christians talk about the importance of pursuing God. I get their intent. Relationships (with God and people) are always a two-way street--all parties have to prioritize the relationship, make time to talk and listen.

However, just like we can never out-love or out-give God, I believe we can never out-pursue Him. He's just always there. Why do we ever try to hide?

Tomorrow: Acts 18-20

What the heck are we fighting for?!?

Today: Acts 14-15

Have you ever watched people and wondered, "What the heck are you fighting for?!?"

I've asked that question whenever I've (sadly) watched a minute of "The Hills." But even more tragically, I've asked it...virtually all my life...when I've watched Christians fighting Christians.

When I was a little girl, I attended a small church where the congregation voted on everything. I remember nights sitting under a pew hearing the people of God...argue about carpet colors for the church...or whether or not to buy a new real piano versus a keyboard.

Just this week, I heard about a pastor sending an angry letter to another local church (not my own by the way). Why? The church is hosting a U2charist event...using U2's music to present God's love to their community. This pastor took the time to spew a hateful letter about another church's outreach event.

Shouldn't he have focused his time and energy on something else...like, I don't know...loving, serving and reaching people in his own community?

What the heck are we fighting for?!?

In today's passage, the early church faced similar battles. Some rule-focused Jewish Christians thought it was impertative for non-Jewish converts to become circumcized (an old part of the Jewish faith and law). For obvious reasons, the non-Jewish adult male converts weren't exactly thrilled about the idea. Thankfully, some of the apostles and disciples gathered people together, discusssed the issue and decided to focus on the big picture. I love what Peter said here:

"Friends, you well know that from early on

God made it quite plain

that he wanted the pagans to hear

the Message of this good news and embrace it—

and not in any secondhand or roundabout way,

but firsthand, straight from my mouth.

And God, who can't be fooled by any pretense on our part

but always knows a person's thoughts,

gave them the Holy Spirit exactly as he gave him to us.

He treated the outsiders exactly as he treated us,

beginning at the very center of who they were

and working from that center outward,

cleaning up their lives

as they trusted and believed him.
"So why are you now trying to out-god God,

loading these new believers down

with rules that crushed our ancestors and crushed us, too?

Don't we believe that we are saved

because the Master Jesus

amazingly and out of sheer generosity

moved to save us

just as he did those from beyond our nation?

So what are we arguing about?"

I'd like to ask Christians today the same question...whenever they fight about politics, carpet colors, musical styles, or outreach events.

Let's remember--Jesus died because He loved people and wanted to save them. I don't think He thought about carpet color on the cross.

Tomorrow: Acts 16-17