Key Scripture Passage
"If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." Matthew 5:41 NIV
Reflection
Conventional wisdom teaches to invest in what provides a return. We may give our time and money to others, but we enjoy the "good feelings" we get when our generosity is appreciated, or maybe we give with the hope of being admired by others. Why spend your own precious money and time when there is absolutely nothing to show for it? Or maybe for a more selfless person the thought process would be "would they appreciate my sacrifice?" As Christians we know that Jesus paid an agonizing price for all, though many do not recognize that sacrifice.
Matthew 5 primarily focuses on being generous with enemies. Which, from the standpoint of conventional wisdom, would be foolish. We are told to not resist an evil person, and in the examples given enemies are already taking something when we are asked to walk the extra mile or give away our cloak or turn to them the other cheek. Outside the context of this verse, in a real life situation, most Christians would say it is foolish to give more to an evil person who is already taking from you. If you are robbed at gunpoint and they ask for your wallet, do you offer them the keys to your car as well?
This is a challenging exhortation. At the core we are called to love our enemies. Every human on Earth is a creation of God and the worst sinners can become God's greatest advocates. Saul in Acts 8, is a great persecutor of the Church, but he becomes a disciple of Jesus and one of the Bibles greatest evangelists! Part of Saul's transformation to Paul involved God sending a man named Ananias to go heal Saul. He of course had second thoughts as Saul was a well known persecutor. God was sending Ananias to place hands on and heal a great enemy. No matter how evil the sinner, it should not preclude them from receiving Gods love through us. How powerful a message it is to give more to your enemies than they want to steal from you.
In the end, the Kingdom of Heaven is like the man who sold all his possessions to buy a precious pearl in Matthew 13:45, and walking an extra mile with someone to further the Kingdom of Heaven and exemplify God's love does not seem so steep a price.
Questions to Consider
Are you willing to love your enemies or at least love the unlikable people in your life?
Action Step for the Week
Since we hopefully will have few opportunities to go the extra mile with someone who is forcing us to, try to find ways to go the extra mile with people in your life especially the ones you initially would rather not walk the first mile with.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Is God's Mercy Dangerous?
The last of three posts on "Go now and leave your life of sin".
Key Scripture Passage
Reflection
God's mercy can be dangerous!
Now how in the world could something so amazing as God's mercy ever be dangerous?
The danger lies in our choosing to act in whatever way we wish and to think that we are innocent of any wrongdoing just because God shows us mercy. Soon we allow our culture to shape what we consider right and wrong rather than God's Word. We dismiss greed, lust, and more as perfectly normal because it's the way we see others, even those in the church, living.
And we love this passage from John 8. Certainly if Jesus could show mercy to a woman caught in adultery, we must be innocent of any wrong doing.
Or are we? A closer look at this John 8 passage shows that Jesus offered the woman a pardon, not an acquittal. He called her behavior "sin"; He didn't declare her innocent. There's nothing close to a "You're OK, I'm OK." perspective from Jesus here. To the contrary - Jesus tells her to change her lifestyle. The one person who was without sin has the moral authority to encourage her to leave her life of sin.
And Jesus would say the same words to us today. If we're really going to go and extend the kingdom, we have to be ones who respond to God's dangerous mercy not with presumptuous lives, but humble, obedient lives that appreciate offering up ourselves as living sacrifices is a very reasonable act of worship to this Mercy Giver.
Questions to Consider
Have you handled God's grace dangerously? Given your behavior, do you consider yourself innocent of any wrongdoing, or guilty and in need of a pardon?
Action Step for the Week
Identify those sins you have been dismissing as small and inconsequential since everyone else does them. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength to leave such a life of sin.
Key Scripture Passage
Reflection
God's mercy can be dangerous!
Now how in the world could something so amazing as God's mercy ever be dangerous?
The danger lies in our choosing to act in whatever way we wish and to think that we are innocent of any wrongdoing just because God shows us mercy. Soon we allow our culture to shape what we consider right and wrong rather than God's Word. We dismiss greed, lust, and more as perfectly normal because it's the way we see others, even those in the church, living.
And we love this passage from John 8. Certainly if Jesus could show mercy to a woman caught in adultery, we must be innocent of any wrong doing.
Or are we? A closer look at this John 8 passage shows that Jesus offered the woman a pardon, not an acquittal. He called her behavior "sin"; He didn't declare her innocent. There's nothing close to a "You're OK, I'm OK." perspective from Jesus here. To the contrary - Jesus tells her to change her lifestyle. The one person who was without sin has the moral authority to encourage her to leave her life of sin.
And Jesus would say the same words to us today. If we're really going to go and extend the kingdom, we have to be ones who respond to God's dangerous mercy not with presumptuous lives, but humble, obedient lives that appreciate offering up ourselves as living sacrifices is a very reasonable act of worship to this Mercy Giver.
Questions to Consider
Have you handled God's grace dangerously? Given your behavior, do you consider yourself innocent of any wrongdoing, or guilty and in need of a pardon?
Action Step for the Week
Identify those sins you have been dismissing as small and inconsequential since everyone else does them. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength to leave such a life of sin.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Commission or Omission?
The second of three posts on "Go now and leave your life of sin".
Key Scripture Passage
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Titus 2: 11-15a NIV
Reflection
I remember as a teenager hearing a preacher say, “if you don’t give your life to Christ after hearing the gospel message over and over, your punishment in hell will be even worse.” That scared me enough to get me out of my seat and head down the aisle to the altar to pray for Jesus to save me. The funny thing is that after that prayer, I waited for my life to change and nothing seemed to happen. I kept falling into the same old sins. Why was I unable to “go and leave my life of sin?” I tried my best to stop sinning, but this salvation thing just didn’t seem to be working for me. Nevertheless, I kept going to church and listening and gradually the Holy Spirit began revealing God’s truth to me, convicting me of my sin and I made an amazing discovery – Jesus died on the cross to save me from my sin, and the Holy Spirit was there to give me power to stop doing the ridiculous and destructive things that the devil had convinced me were good. As I took my baby steps towards Jesus, I discovered that following Him was delightful. Saying “no” to sin and “yes” to Jesus was an amazing adventure.
In those early days of following Christ, the sins I was learning to say “no” to were the ones that theologians call “sins of commission” (the things we do that we shouldn’t). But now, the struggle is oftentimes with the “sins of omission” (the things that we should do but don’t). When I look at the list of the “go” passages that we are studying this year, my sins of omission are glaring . . . go and make disciples, go back and report what you hear and see, when you pray, go into your room, go with him two miles. And just like when I was a young believer, I realize that I need the Holy Spirit to show me God’s truth, to convict me of my failure and to give me joy in obedience and eagerness to be on the adventure with Him. Failing to obey Jesus’ most important instructions for extending His kingdom to earth is the life of sin that I must leave behind.
Questions to Consider
What are the sins in your life that you are ignoring? Sins of commission? Sins of omission?
Action Step for the Week
Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the sins He wants to help you overcome. Write them down in your journal. Confess and ask for His forgiveness and His power. Take steps today to follow Jesus in obedience in each of the areas He shows you.
Key Scripture Passage
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Titus 2: 11-15a NIV
Reflection
I remember as a teenager hearing a preacher say, “if you don’t give your life to Christ after hearing the gospel message over and over, your punishment in hell will be even worse.” That scared me enough to get me out of my seat and head down the aisle to the altar to pray for Jesus to save me. The funny thing is that after that prayer, I waited for my life to change and nothing seemed to happen. I kept falling into the same old sins. Why was I unable to “go and leave my life of sin?” I tried my best to stop sinning, but this salvation thing just didn’t seem to be working for me. Nevertheless, I kept going to church and listening and gradually the Holy Spirit began revealing God’s truth to me, convicting me of my sin and I made an amazing discovery – Jesus died on the cross to save me from my sin, and the Holy Spirit was there to give me power to stop doing the ridiculous and destructive things that the devil had convinced me were good. As I took my baby steps towards Jesus, I discovered that following Him was delightful. Saying “no” to sin and “yes” to Jesus was an amazing adventure.
In those early days of following Christ, the sins I was learning to say “no” to were the ones that theologians call “sins of commission” (the things we do that we shouldn’t). But now, the struggle is oftentimes with the “sins of omission” (the things that we should do but don’t). When I look at the list of the “go” passages that we are studying this year, my sins of omission are glaring . . . go and make disciples, go back and report what you hear and see, when you pray, go into your room, go with him two miles. And just like when I was a young believer, I realize that I need the Holy Spirit to show me God’s truth, to convict me of my failure and to give me joy in obedience and eagerness to be on the adventure with Him. Failing to obey Jesus’ most important instructions for extending His kingdom to earth is the life of sin that I must leave behind.
Questions to Consider
What are the sins in your life that you are ignoring? Sins of commission? Sins of omission?
Action Step for the Week
Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the sins He wants to help you overcome. Write them down in your journal. Confess and ask for His forgiveness and His power. Take steps today to follow Jesus in obedience in each of the areas He shows you.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Leave Your Baggage - Go Take a Hike!
The first of three posts on "Go now and leave your life of sin".
Key Scripture Passage
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." John 8:11 NIV
Reflection
Jesus gave the woman caught in adultery in John chapter 8 an extra ordinary assurance: 'neither do I condemn you'. This assurance gives us a way forward to leave the past baggage, all of it, at the cross, accept this forgiveness, and march onwards.
We are called to 'leave our life of sin'. Before such a transformational change can happen, we have to grasp the enormity of His love and His grace. Philip Yancey puts this idea beautifully: “Grace teaches us that God loves because of who God is, not because of who we are.” So the weight of the past baggage is irrelevant, all that matters is to internalize the fact that 'He still loves me'.
It is time to act, to identify the things that need to go first. I carefully carve them out, one by one, and stuff them in a leave-behind bag. Now I am ready to travel light, leaving all this baggage behind. It is not going to be easy in the beginning, since the temptations will still be around. Identifying my stumbling blocks along the trail will help me to stay clear of them.
Knowing God's Word will be my essential navigation tool, prayer will be my hydration pack, and counting my many blessings will be my milestones. I will use fellowship and friendship from other Christ followers as my nourishing support system, which like a good hiking boot, will take me a long way forward. After the first few miles, I will start conversations, report what I see, share burdens, and cheer on and thus invest in other hikers along the trail.
Questions to Consider
Are you carrying too heavy a load? Are you allowing your past sins to haunt you and remain with you?
Action Step for the Week
If you are carrying too heavy a load, identify two of the heaviest stones that you need to discard. Then go into your room, get on your knees, confess your sins to God, and drop these stones to the floor. Feeling the warmth of His grace, you are now ready to get up and start your hike.
Key Scripture Passage
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." John 8:11 NIV
Reflection
Jesus gave the woman caught in adultery in John chapter 8 an extra ordinary assurance: 'neither do I condemn you'. This assurance gives us a way forward to leave the past baggage, all of it, at the cross, accept this forgiveness, and march onwards.
We are called to 'leave our life of sin'. Before such a transformational change can happen, we have to grasp the enormity of His love and His grace. Philip Yancey puts this idea beautifully: “Grace teaches us that God loves because of who God is, not because of who we are.” So the weight of the past baggage is irrelevant, all that matters is to internalize the fact that 'He still loves me'.
It is time to act, to identify the things that need to go first. I carefully carve them out, one by one, and stuff them in a leave-behind bag. Now I am ready to travel light, leaving all this baggage behind. It is not going to be easy in the beginning, since the temptations will still be around. Identifying my stumbling blocks along the trail will help me to stay clear of them.
Knowing God's Word will be my essential navigation tool, prayer will be my hydration pack, and counting my many blessings will be my milestones. I will use fellowship and friendship from other Christ followers as my nourishing support system, which like a good hiking boot, will take me a long way forward. After the first few miles, I will start conversations, report what I see, share burdens, and cheer on and thus invest in other hikers along the trail.
Questions to Consider
Are you carrying too heavy a load? Are you allowing your past sins to haunt you and remain with you?
Action Step for the Week
If you are carrying too heavy a load, identify two of the heaviest stones that you need to discard. Then go into your room, get on your knees, confess your sins to God, and drop these stones to the floor. Feeling the warmth of His grace, you are now ready to get up and start your hike.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Cheap Reward?
The last of three posts on "When you pray, go into your room".
Key Scripture Passage
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6 NIV
Reflection
Have you ever heard the story of Joseph Kratzle? He was a Chicago service elevator operator in an apartment house and recovered two checks for $114,000 which had been lost by a tenant. It wasn't like he just found the checks on the floor of the elevator - he spent hours searching through fourteen trash bags and garbage cans after hearing from a tenant that the checks had been lost. You can imagine the reward Joseph received from the tenant. Or can you? He actually received a fifteen cent tip and an offer to put iodine on the cuts on his hands resulting from his search. Joseph accepted the fifteen cents. He declined the offer of first aid and administered his own treatment when he returned to the basement from the tenant's apartment.
Jesus tells us when we go into this room alone with God and pray, we will be rewarded. Does the limited frequency with which we go into that room alone with God suggest we consider the reward akin to Joseph Kratzle's?
There is no better way to experience the kingdom of heaven on earth than to spend time alone with God in that room. From such times we gain the reward of His peace, His power, and His provision. I like the way The Message addresses this in Philippians 4:6-7: "Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
Not only does going into the room alone with God allow us to experience more of the kingdom of heaven on earth, it allows us to join the Holy Spirit in extending the kingdom of heaven on earth as well. As we spend time alone with God, we come to share His heart for the materially poor and the oppressed, and we are better able to tap into His power to break through the gates of hell that so often enchain the poor.
The reward Jesus is referring to is far greater than Joseph Kratzle could have ever imagined receiving. Would you like to have the reward of experiencing and extending more of the kingdom of heaven on earth? Then go into your room alone with God as often as you possibly can.
Questions to Consider
When's the last time you went into the room alone with God? What was your reward?
Action Step for the Week
Set aside 30 minutes in your week ahead to be alone with God. Thereafter, identify the reward of having done so.
Key Scripture Passage
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6 NIV
Reflection
Have you ever heard the story of Joseph Kratzle? He was a Chicago service elevator operator in an apartment house and recovered two checks for $114,000 which had been lost by a tenant. It wasn't like he just found the checks on the floor of the elevator - he spent hours searching through fourteen trash bags and garbage cans after hearing from a tenant that the checks had been lost. You can imagine the reward Joseph received from the tenant. Or can you? He actually received a fifteen cent tip and an offer to put iodine on the cuts on his hands resulting from his search. Joseph accepted the fifteen cents. He declined the offer of first aid and administered his own treatment when he returned to the basement from the tenant's apartment.
Jesus tells us when we go into this room alone with God and pray, we will be rewarded. Does the limited frequency with which we go into that room alone with God suggest we consider the reward akin to Joseph Kratzle's?
There is no better way to experience the kingdom of heaven on earth than to spend time alone with God in that room. From such times we gain the reward of His peace, His power, and His provision. I like the way The Message addresses this in Philippians 4:6-7: "Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
Not only does going into the room alone with God allow us to experience more of the kingdom of heaven on earth, it allows us to join the Holy Spirit in extending the kingdom of heaven on earth as well. As we spend time alone with God, we come to share His heart for the materially poor and the oppressed, and we are better able to tap into His power to break through the gates of hell that so often enchain the poor.
The reward Jesus is referring to is far greater than Joseph Kratzle could have ever imagined receiving. Would you like to have the reward of experiencing and extending more of the kingdom of heaven on earth? Then go into your room alone with God as often as you possibly can.
Questions to Consider
When's the last time you went into the room alone with God? What was your reward?
Action Step for the Week
Set aside 30 minutes in your week ahead to be alone with God. Thereafter, identify the reward of having done so.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Shameless Audacity
The second of three posts on "When you pray, go into your room".
Key Scripture Passage
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. Psalm 84:10a (NIV)
Reflection
Do you remember the famous photo of JFK sitting at his desk in the oval office and his son, John Jr. on the floor peeking out from under the desk? (Click here if you'd like to see it.) Two thoughts immediately come to mind when viewing that photo. “What is a toddler doing under the desk of the most powerful man in America?” And at the same time, “That little guy belongs right there playing at his father’s feet.”
The picture captures what I think Jesus is trying to teach in the parable of the friend at midnight who comes knocking and asking for a loaf of bread. Jesus said, “because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need” (Luke 11:8). Jesus’ point is that even though God is Almighty, we, His children, are welcome in His presence at any time. The little John Kennedy Jr probably didn’t want anything more than to be close to his father. And that’s exactly what God wants us to desire. Jesus is calling us to simply be with Him.
Psalm 73:25 says, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.” I wish I could say that to God with complete sincerity. But I want so many things here on earth, good things. But even more than the good things that I often ask God for, He wants to give me the best thing – Himself, time with Him, His presence in my life.
Questions to Consider
Who do you have in heaven other than God? What on earth do you desire that keeps you from spending time simply enjoying God’s presence?
Action Step for the Week
Set aside 30 minutes in your week ahead to be alone with God. Spend time appreciating how amazing our Father is.
Key Scripture Passage
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. Psalm 84:10a (NIV)
Reflection
Do you remember the famous photo of JFK sitting at his desk in the oval office and his son, John Jr. on the floor peeking out from under the desk? (Click here if you'd like to see it.) Two thoughts immediately come to mind when viewing that photo. “What is a toddler doing under the desk of the most powerful man in America?” And at the same time, “That little guy belongs right there playing at his father’s feet.”
The picture captures what I think Jesus is trying to teach in the parable of the friend at midnight who comes knocking and asking for a loaf of bread. Jesus said, “because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need” (Luke 11:8). Jesus’ point is that even though God is Almighty, we, His children, are welcome in His presence at any time. The little John Kennedy Jr probably didn’t want anything more than to be close to his father. And that’s exactly what God wants us to desire. Jesus is calling us to simply be with Him.
Psalm 73:25 says, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.” I wish I could say that to God with complete sincerity. But I want so many things here on earth, good things. But even more than the good things that I often ask God for, He wants to give me the best thing – Himself, time with Him, His presence in my life.
The Luke 11 passage goes on to say, “Which of you fathers, if your
son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if
he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts
to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit
to those who ask him!” The verse doesn’t say “how much more will your Father in heaven give you fish and eggs and other goodies”. It says He will give us the Holy Spirit because
God knows that is the best gift imaginable.
That’s what we really need and what we should really desire. So, with shameless
audacity let’s go often in that quiet room and be with our Almighty, Eternal,
Holy, Unchanging, All-powerful, All-wise, All-knowing, Sovereign, Gracious,
Merciful, Faithful God. We belong there,
sitting at His feet, not needing to ask for anything, and discovering that one
day in His courts is truly better than a thousand elsewhere.
Questions to Consider
Who do you have in heaven other than God? What on earth do you desire that keeps you from spending time simply enjoying God’s presence?
Action Step for the Week
Set aside 30 minutes in your week ahead to be alone with God. Spend time appreciating how amazing our Father is.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
A Frequent Encounter with Royalty
The first of three posts on "When you pray, go into your room".
Key Scripture Passage
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6 NIV
Reflection
I still find it difficult to believe to this day.
We were visiting Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard. A sudden buzz came across the gathered crowd when news broke out that the Queen Mother's motorcade would soon be passing. Sure enough it came, but to everyone's surprise, it stopped. The car door opened, and out stepped the Queen Mother herself. Much to my amazement, she approached me, called me by name, and asked if I would step into the Palace with her for a private meeting. I forgot all about my busy schedule that day and humbly followed with a sense of honor I had never felt before. Imagine - the Queen Mother wanted a private meeting with me!
Well, you can keep it to your imagination because, of course, that story isn't true. But an even more amazing one is - the King of kings has invited me into a private meeting with Him whenever I choose to come!
Surely I would put aside my petty busy-ness and take advantage of such an amazing invitation as frequently as I could. Or would I? Do I?
Why don't I spend more time alone with God? Is my busy-ness really that important? Is it because I really don't comprehend who He is, value Him, and appreciate the invitation? What reward am I missing out on because I don't develop this close intimacy with God? How much more of the kingdom of heaven on earth could I experience here and now, and extend it to others, if I was only willing to accept the invitation and enter the room with the King of kings?
We'll explore these thoughts in the posts to follow.
Questions to Consider
How intimate are you with God? Do you value Him so much that you are willing to regularly put everything else aside and spend time with just Him in your "room"?
Action Step for the Week
Set aside 30 minutes in your week ahead to be alone with God. Ask Him "What do you have to say to me today, God?" Then listen.
Key Scripture Passage
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6 NIV
Reflection
I still find it difficult to believe to this day.
We were visiting Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard. A sudden buzz came across the gathered crowd when news broke out that the Queen Mother's motorcade would soon be passing. Sure enough it came, but to everyone's surprise, it stopped. The car door opened, and out stepped the Queen Mother herself. Much to my amazement, she approached me, called me by name, and asked if I would step into the Palace with her for a private meeting. I forgot all about my busy schedule that day and humbly followed with a sense of honor I had never felt before. Imagine - the Queen Mother wanted a private meeting with me!
Well, you can keep it to your imagination because, of course, that story isn't true. But an even more amazing one is - the King of kings has invited me into a private meeting with Him whenever I choose to come!
Surely I would put aside my petty busy-ness and take advantage of such an amazing invitation as frequently as I could. Or would I? Do I?
Why don't I spend more time alone with God? Is my busy-ness really that important? Is it because I really don't comprehend who He is, value Him, and appreciate the invitation? What reward am I missing out on because I don't develop this close intimacy with God? How much more of the kingdom of heaven on earth could I experience here and now, and extend it to others, if I was only willing to accept the invitation and enter the room with the King of kings?
We'll explore these thoughts in the posts to follow.
Questions to Consider
How intimate are you with God? Do you value Him so much that you are willing to regularly put everything else aside and spend time with just Him in your "room"?
Action Step for the Week
Set aside 30 minutes in your week ahead to be alone with God. Ask Him "What do you have to say to me today, God?" Then listen.
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