Giving

I recently came across this article and have felt compelled to write about it if for no other reason than just to articulate how I feel about it.  Please take the time to read the article first....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/justin-lee/are-christians-christianitys-worst-enemies_b_2586339.html

Regardless of one's opinion about the Huffington Post, seeing this article makes my heart ache for two reasons maybe more but two that I am going to elaborate.

Reason #1  Sadly I have like the writer have seen and heard this played out many many times over.  It is sad to me that when given the opportunity to be a witness and strong testimony for Christ often Christians choose money over testimony, regardless of it being a tip or in some other circumstance.  God through Paul has called us to walk worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:27).

Reason #2  The other thing that saddens me is what I like to call, "The Tithe Trap."Its the idea often is promoted in church that 10% is what a "Good Christian" gives. Sadly what I have seen is two fold, either people limit what God is doing by only giving 10% or some who find themselves in financial stress feel they can't give at all because it's not 10%.  Interestingly no where in the New Testament is 10% taught.  Actually the Bible tells us to give as the Lord leads you to give and give out of a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7).  Jesus even in his ministry used the giving of a woman who gave all that she had as a teaching on our giving being connected to our true nature of our relationship with Him by how we live it out.  See here's the thing by holding to "The Tithe Trap",  I believe you may be limiting God and limiting the blessing that you could be a part.  Just a few questions,  what if God laid on your heart to give more?  what if the amount was not as important as your obedience?

The sad truth is according to Barna Research and others that I have read.  Only 6% of evangelical followers of Christ tithe and out of the 6% they only give on average 2% of their income.  What does this say about the  heart of followers of Christ here in the US??????

Now with all that said I am so thankful to be a part of a church that breaks the norm.  I am blown away at the giving of our Body of Followers and am never ceased to be amazed at how God is blessing and using the people of HTBC to impact the World.   My prayer is that others would follow your examples as we follow Christ.

Stone Throwing

^{John 8:2-11}

² At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. ³ The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group ⁴ and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. ⁵ In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” ⁶ They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. ⁷ When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” ⁸ Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

⁹ At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. ¹⁰ Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

¹¹ “No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

I recently was challenged to evaluate my approach in speaking to a world that does not except the Bible as an authority.  One of the things that challenged me was what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 5, "What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? God will judge those outside."

We have become quite proficient stone throwers in the church.  Instead of helping our own to grow and avoid the snares of sin we throw stones at a world that we expect to accept the Word of God before they accept the God of the Word.  Isn't true that we really cannot accept the Word of God till we have began a relationship with Jesus where the Holy Spirit comes to reside in our lives.  The world does not have the Holy Spirit, they have Satan pulling the blinders over their eyes.  What do we do, we throw stones and give them a black eye.  We say things like, "the Bible says that marriage is one man and one woman"  which I believe with all my heart.  We say the Bible says "life is precious"  which I believe with all my heart.  But the world says back to us, yes but your Bible also says that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, your Bible says that many of your founding fathers had multiple wives.  This is true and to a world devoid of the Holy Spirit this is all they see.  Because we have the Holy Spirit we understand that the Bible is clear that this was never the will of God for them and that it caused many problems.  

Is it possible that a better approach would be to love them, to let them see our lives that are different because of the Holy Spirit living in us and to introduce them to the God of the Bible.  Then what happens is that when they find Jesus they realize the lifestyle they are living is wrong, they realize the beliefs they once held to just do not add up anymore.

I don't claim to have arrived at this but one thing I do want to do is be obedient to Christ and Jesus said, "you who are without sin cast the first stone".  May I be like those who held the stones realized they were wrong and walked away.  May I walk away from throwing stones.

Catalyst

Catalyst

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending Catalyst a conference for leaders where Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel were speaking.  It was an amazing day of being challenged in leadership and fellowship with my brothers in Christ.  I want to share with you some of the "sticky statements"  that have been burning on my heart.  Partly I want to share them because maybe they will burn on your heart and partly because as I talk about them they burn brighter on mine.  So below I am going to just list them and talk about how they are impacting me currently.....

#1  Your Greatest contribution to the church may not be something you do, but someone you raise.

This is number #1 on the list because it is the most closest to my heart.  I have 5 kids and my greatest desire for them is that they fall head over heals in love with Jesus.  But in order for that to happen I have to be head over heals in love with Jesus and they have to see it.  Sometimes in ministry it is so easy to put the needs of others in the church before the needs of my family.  I cannot say this enough I love our church and I love our people.  But my greatest call is not to be a pastor but a father.  If I fail as a father I fail as a pastor.  I know that I need to adjust some things in my life in order to better spend more quality time with my kids.  My prayer is that as this ":sticky statement" sticks that I will do what I have to because who knows what God has in store for my kids but maybe just maybe He will use one or all to impact the world.


#2 I am not a Christian because of the Bible but because of Jesus

Heretic, woe before you go calling me names hear this out.  Which came first Jesus or the Bible?  Was the new testament written when the first gentiles came to know Christ?  Answers Jesus and no  I am a Christian not because of the Bible but because of an event.  That event is the resurrection.  Jesus died on a cross was buried and rose again and because He did that I am a Christian.  The Bible was written so that I may know in whom I have believed.  I believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God without error.  But the Bible does not save anyone, only Jesus.  So the question we were asked is why do we expect the world (who rejects the Bible) to except the Bible before they except Jesus?  Ouch good question.....  and one that I am still thinking on by the way.

Well I hope these two statements are a Catalyst in your life as they have been in mine.

Time

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

24 hours is what everyone of us has to work with regardless of what, where or why we all have the same amount of time in a day.  What varies is the amount of time we have in this life and honestly what we do with that time given us.

Solomon writes and reminds me that their is a time for everything and season for every activity.  Interesting that phrase "season for every activity" refers to every delight, longing, every good pleasure that one would take delight.  I know so often I say to someone or myself well I just ran out of time today.   Is it that I ran out of time or I chose or allowed other things to take priority over what I wanted or needed to do?

My prayer is that today I will take the time to do the things that draw me closer in my walk with Christ and not allow the mundane or mediocre things take precedent.  

Rewards

2 Corinthians 5:1-11

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. ² Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, ³ because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. ⁴ For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

⁶ Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷ For we live by faith, not by sight. ⁸ We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹ So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Who doesn't like getting a reward?  Maybe its for winning something or recognition for something, but I am pretty sure we as people like rewards.  I know my kids do, "If you guys behave well today at ...... we will go get ice cream after."  Bam motivation set, good behavior delivered, reward given... Mission Accomplished!!!!

Rewards is something that each one of us as followers of Christ will receive. As verse 10 tells us we will receive what is due us for things done in this life, whether good or bad.  Now that should be motivating and convicting all at the same time.  Every work (every action, reaction, thought, word....) will be revealed for what it truly is at the judgement seat of Christ. 

But neither reward or fear should drive us to live for Christ.  We should be driven by love.  Driven by what Christ has done for us and our lives should be lived as a reflection of our deep need of Him.  

Today as I got about this new day my prayer is that I will be constantly reminded of Christ's love for me and that His love will drive me to serve Him. 

One of my favorite lines in a movie is,  "Brothers what we do in this life will echo into eternity."  May my life echo Jesus all day today.

Peace

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Not really sure why but my mind goes to a movie called, Miss Congeniality where this FBI agent is undercover and has to become a contestant in a beauty pageant.  Well the classic question is asked and of course the classic answer is given, "I would like World Peace."  While world peace would be amazing it's highly unlikely because well lets face it, humans stand in the way.  

However, personal peace I believe can be practiced.  So what do I mean by peace?  Well Dictionary.com gives this definition that I believe best fits with this verse:  cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension.  The blueletterbible.org website offers the original Greek as:  to cultivate or keep peace.  

Notice what Paul says, "as far as it depends on you".  What I believe Paul is saying is that cultivating peace or keeping peace really depends on your own personal focus.  Obviously we cannot control how others act or react, but what we can control is ourselves.  So as far as it depends on myself I must decide to cultivate peace instead of cultivating my own agenda, desires, plans, etc...

Is it possible to live at peace and stand your ground?  Does this mean that I have to bend over backwards or get bull dozed every time.  No I do not believe it does mean that, because if I look at Jesus example their is not question that He stood his ground that He answered the critics, he overturned the money changers, he stood up to the religious leaders.  However all that was motivated I believe by a desire to cultivate peace not an agenda, because everything Christ did was saturated with love.  

Looking at my life currently I do not believe that I hold any bitterness or anger toward anyone but I know that could change very quickly depending on my heart.  Often my heart gets distracted by my flesh and Satans attacks.  Today I pray that I will focus on Christ, focus on His love and allow Him to be seen in me.  

2 Peter 3:10-18

2 Peter 3:10-18

¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

¹¹ Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives ¹² as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. ¹³ But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth,where righteousness dwells.

¹⁴ So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. ¹⁵ Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. ¹⁶ He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort,as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

¹⁷ Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guardso that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. ¹⁸ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Not sure there is much else to be said about this passage.  Obviously Jesus is coming and the key is that we are ready and that others are ready.  

James 1:2-4

James 1:2-4

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

This has been an important passage in my life.  When I was 11 my brother was diagnosed with Leukemia and for 9 years he struggled until Dec. 24, 1993 when He was finally healed and went home to be with the Lord. This trial was the most intense of my life.  For many of the years my reaction to it was not at all consistent with this passage.  But as I entered college and came to understand that my life was missing a relationship with Christ things changed drastically.

Fast forward to January 1992 when God finally got my attention and I turned from being a carnal Christian to one who wanted to follow Christ.  That year was especially difficult as my brother had been very sick.  But it was through this trial that God got a hold of my attention.  It was during this time that this passage became very real.  The hardest part was "consider it pure joy".  What I came to understand is that this does not mean be happy.   Rather I have learned that this means a steady trust in God that He is in control and knows what is best for my life.  Joy is a choice that I make each day to trust God with my life and the details of it.

This is where I find myself again today not necessarily a trial like what we faced with my brother but rather a trial of waiting.  Waiting to see what God wants and the direction of my life.  It has been difficult to trust God and continue in prayer and seeking His face.

My prayer is that I will seek first the kingdom and His righteousness so that the joy I should consider will be a reality in my life.  

Luke 12:16-21

Luke 12:16-21

¹⁶ And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. ¹⁷ He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’¹⁸ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. ¹⁹ And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’²⁰ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’²¹ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

After spending the last month in third and fourth world countries this passage has really renewed meaning for me.  Over the past month I have spent much of my time with people who have very little yet have an abundance of joy.  From our perspective here in the US, one might ask, how is that possible?

Especially when in our culture it seems that happiness or joy is based on what or how much of something one has.  Or how secure their future is or whether or not all of our wants are being met.  This was epitomized the other night when I was watching HGTV House Hunters.  A single man was living get this in a 5000 square foot home with 2 dogs.  He was looking to downsize and had over $500,000 as a budget.  He ended up choosing a 2800 square foot home on a golf course.  But at the end of the show he is quoted saying this house is to small so I am adding a 2000 square foot addition.  I was blown away and thought to myself how sad.  

On the contrary I sat in a home no bigger than 10x15 that housed a couple and 5 children in a slum.  They had enough room for a very small bed and some cooking utensils.  I heard the testimony of the mother as she shared about her love for Jesus and her desire to serve Him.   I heard her ask us to pray that their home would stand the monsoon rains that would inevitably be coming.  I heard her ask us to pray for safety for their family.  I heard her ask us to pray for her husband to find work and a good paying job.  But most importantly I heard her praising the God for all that He has blessed them with and given to her family.

The reality of this verse rings true as I think about this man and this woman, and as I think about my own life.  The problem is not necessarily in the things, though the Bible is clear not to store up treasures here on earth.  The problem is the very last part of the very last verse, "rich toward God."  I am confident that someone cannot pursue material possessions and be rich toward God.  That does not mean that someone cannot have great wealth and do great things for God, because I have seen that in action as well.  But what it does mean is simply what Jesus himself said, "you cannot serve both money and God, either you will love the one and hate the other."  The man as far as I could tell had no real contentment which honestly can only come from God.  The woman had joy, contentment and a desire to serve God.  I want to be like the woman, I want to be so dependent on God that I cannot help but praise Him for the smallest of things.  I cannot help but turn to Him when needs arise.  I cannot help but realize without Him I have nothing and am nothing.  The allurement of this life we live in the US is strong but may we realize that in an instant it can all be gone.  May we hold loosely to things of this earth and tightly to things of God.

Hebrews 10:19-25

Hebrews 10:19-25

¹⁹ Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ²¹ and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Jesus has made a way for us.  A way for us to have life and to have it eternal.  A way for us to confidently pray.  A way for us to have forgiveness of sin.  A way for us to stand strong in our faith.  A way for us to encourage each other. Jesus has made a way for us.  Jesus is the way and there is no other way.  

Galatians 5:22-26

Galatians 5:22-26

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

At first as I read the list of the fruit of the spirit one phrase stuck out to me, "Against such things there is no law."  I got to thinking about this and at the surface glance it made me think that in life no law has been made that says you can't do these things.  Actually it would seem completely absurd to make a law stating that these things would be practiced.  These things are obviously in our culture looked favorably upon and encouraged.  While many would not recognize that these things are of God and specifically in the Christians life a work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  The truth is that they are characteristics of God and when we practice them we are in a very real sense demonstrating God toward others.  So let love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control stream from my life so that others might see in my Jesus Christ.   

Colossians 3:12-13

Colossians 3:12-13

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Gods chosen people wow that just sounds amazing.  The day I became part of the "chosen" is the day I put my faith in Jesus Christ.  It is through salvation along that I am chosen and salvation is found in no one else other than Jesus Christ.  With being chosen comes certain responsibilities that set us apart in our actions and reactions.

Paul exhorts us to clothe ourselves.  Literally means to put on, to choose, to be intentional about showing compassion, kindness, humility and so on.  As I look over this list the one that I struggle with the most is gentleness.  Especially in the way I react and talk with my kids.  My prayer is that as I surrender this area of my life that God will take control and will give me the strength to speak in love and with gentleness.  But I do believe that if i intentionally choose to clothe myself with gentleness that God will indeed give me what I need to be gentle.  

Father grant me the strength and the determination to intentionally put on gentleness.  I know that this is a fruit of the spirit and so I believe that by doing so is something that you will help me to accomplish.  May you help me to be quick to expressing myself with gentleness and slow to anger, frustration.  

Colossians 4:5-6

Colossians 4:5-6

⁵ Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. ⁶ Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

The phrase "actions speak louder than words" maybe would be better said "words speak louder than actions" in the context of this set of verses.  I guess really there is an emphasis on both action and words.   Verse 5 makes it clear that we must be wise (full of understanding) in how we act toward those who do not know Christ.  Verse 6 makes it clear that our words must also be used properly.  

For me I know which one is more difficult, my words.  It is so difficult to have my words seasoned with grace and salt.  Its when when my words are full of grace and seasoned with salt that I will be able to respond properly. The phrase "you may know how to answer" is not talking about what to say as it is how to say it.  The word how is speaking of the manner or the attitude of how words are spoken.  Are they spoken in love or anger, are they mean or caring, are they destructive or building up.  For me its the how (manner) of my words that I struggle with, not so much what I say but how I say it, especially toward my kids.  I really do believe that my words are words that honestly I say for their best.  But even building up words said in the wrong how (manner) can become destructive, hurtful and invoke the opposite response.  

This is an area of my life that I have to daily (moment by moment) surrender to the Lord and seek His strength.  Because in my own strength I cannot accomplish what I have set out to do.  

Father today give me the strength and wisdom to speak words in a manner that would honor and glorify you.  Help me to speak my words toward my kids as if I was saying them to you.  May you always be on the tip of my tongue and the edge of my heart so that you come spilling out.  

1 Samuel 7:7-12

1 Samuel 7:7-12

⁷ When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came up to attack them. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid because of the Philistines. ⁸ They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.” ⁹ Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. He cried out to the Lord on Israel’s behalf, and the Lord answered him.

¹⁰ While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites. ¹¹ The men of Israel rushed out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, slaughtering them along the way to a point below Beth Kar.

¹² Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

The song, "Come Thou Fount" has a line that is often sung but not understood.  "Here I raise my Ebenezer", is taken from this very passage of scripture.  Ebenezer means the Lord helps us.  It was a rock that was used to remind the people of God that He helps His children.  To raise my Ebenezer is to remember that God is God that helps us.  The word helps means surrounds, girds, defends the one it is focused upon.  In this case the people of God and in my case myself.  What a comfort to know that God helps us, that he surrounds us that he defends us, why because we really are such vulnerable people.  We are finite while he is infinite, we are weak while he is strong.  I am reminded of another great hymn, "I Need Thee."  

I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord; 
 no tender voice like thine can peace afford. 
Refrain:
I need thee, O I need thee; 
every hour I need thee; 
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

I need thee every hour; stay thou nearby; 
temptations lose their power when thou art nigh. 

I need thee every hour, in joy or pain; 
come quickly and abide, or life is vain. 

I need thee every hour; teach me thy will; 
and thy rich promises in me fulfill. 

I need thee every hour, most Holy One; 
O make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son. 

1 Peter 5:5-6

1 Peter 5:5-6

⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

I have been working with you for a long time and this passage gives much insight into what I have seen played out in life.  Those that are younger should always submit themselves to those who would be called their elders (teachers, parents, authorities, etc....) But notice it does not stop there both the elders and the younger are instructed to clothe themselves with humility toward one another.  I have often heard of humility being defined practically as the ability to put anothers needs before my own.

What I have seen is that too often the younger do not respect or submit (obey) the elders.  But I also see much of the time the elders not willing to put the needs of younger above their own.  I believe this is partly why we have such disconnect between generations in the church.  Why we see little of the older discipling the younger and why that divide seems to be growing.  There is no question that both sides are to blame and that it will take both sides being willing to put verses such as this in practice.  But I do believe that their are many adults and many teens that are leading the way in this and they are having great success.  My prayer is that their example would spread to the rest of the church and be a spring board for really exciting days ahead as we learn to encourage each other and see Christ glorified in our actions.

James 1:22-25

James 1:22-25

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

This is one of my favorite passages.  I think partly its because of James sarcasm.  So he says listening to the word of God and not doing it is like someone who looks in a mirror walks away and immediately forgets what he looks like.  That is just ridiculous, completely absurd, how does one even do that, they don't.   I am confident that I have never done that, yet often I have listened to the Bible or someone speaking the Bible and often do not live it.  How ridiculous, completely absurd and yet reality.  I think part of it is that I do not look beyond these couple of verses to verse 25.  Looking intently involves listening and action and when that happens freedom and blessing comes.  May not be the blessing that I define it as or the freedom that I define it as but it is freedom and blessing according to the word of God.  I think sometimes that is where the friction comes is that it does not look like or is not at all what I was looking for in freedom and blessing.  

So what to do ignore this instruction and lose out on blessing and freedom.  Or obey it and allow the freedom and blessing that only God can bring rain down on me.

Father today please help me to choose your way.  Give me the strength to choose your way and then the contentment to allow your freedom and blessing to be all that I need.  

Philippians 4:11-13

Philippians 4:11-13

¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Today is my birthday and I am turning 40.  Wow seriously does not seem possible that cresting the proverbial "hill".  But what I find even more amazing is that the Lord decides to remind me of my life verse today in verse 13.  It would be really easy for me to look at my life and not be content with where I am at or what I am doing or how much or don't have.  It is really tempting to feel like I have not accomplished much with my life.  

But the fact of the matter is that if I accomplish nothing else in life I can say I know Jesus Christ and have a relationship with Him.  I know that He gives me strength and that no matter what I face in life He is with me.

So instead of feeling discontent and letting Satan whisper sweet (ok not so sweet) nothings into my ear.  I choose to listen to the voice of God that resounds in my ear, I love you and together there is nothing we cannot do.  

Father today may I over and over be reminded of your love and strength.  May I lean on that strength to face this day and each day as I strive to live for you.  

Luke 18:9-14

Luke 18:9-14

⁹ To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ¹⁰ “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

¹³ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

¹⁴ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

I find it amazing that the Pharisees found themselves to be righteous (another words made all the right decision and obeyed God), yet them would look down on other people.  They would treat others with contempt and treat them as sub par, pointing fingers just as they did in verse 11.  Jesus taught that to love God you must love others as you love yourself.  It is impossible to be righteous and treat others the way Pharisees treated people around them.  

Sadly I see this even today in the church, a place where the Love of Christ should be overwhelming, I see contempt.  I see people who would rather point out the sin or what they perceive as sin in others lives then to look at themselves in the mirror.  They would rather quit a church because of this contempt then choose to love in spite of others faults.  
Sadly I see this even in my own life as well.  Not sharing my faith with others because of fear or because of a pre-conceived idea that they really don't want to hear the gospel or will reject it.  Penn and Teller a pair of illusionists and out spoken atheist once said, "How much do you have to hate someone if you believe you have the answer for their lives and you will not tell them."  That if where like the Pharisees I see I treat others with contempt.  
Father I need your strength, I need to see others as you see them, I need to be willing to go and to share the truth of your son with them regardless of costs.  Help me to move beyond contempt to compassion.