Remembering the "Least of these" this Christmas Season.

I will be off these next two weeks. See you again after the first of the year.

Dec. 18th,. Scene three: Go See!

The end of the three-part play finds the Shepherds looking at one another after the angels leave. It's one of those awkward moments when you know you should be doing something but nothing great comes to mind. It's that moment when you know you have been in the presence of God and words can't express what is happening inside. Knees are weak because of the amazement, the skin is moist because of the fear and awe, the mouth is dry, and forming words is almost impossible. It is times like these that the practical takes over. “Let's go see” one of them finally said, thus uttering one of the greatest phrases in scripture.

It is a direct link to what Jesus Himself will one day say to others who wish to follow Him: “Come and see.” In many ways the life of faith is a go-and-see experience. Putting faith into words and words into action are the bases of our daily walk. Going, seeing, believing are steps in a process which bring us closer to Christ and to the discovery of His plan for our lives.

I want to take a little literary license here and suggest that it is fitting that shepherds were the first group of people to hear the announcement, and that afterwards they had opportunity to share the story with others. The role of a Pastor in the church is the same. To go and see, to believe and then share the gospel with others who also might believe. Not that this was the intent, but there is so much to suggest that what God was doing was painting for us a picture of leadership through caring for others, like shepherds for sheep.

The story in the gospels has it climax when the shepherds come to the manger scene and find everything just as it was told to them. In that moment, we capture a glimpse of what intimacy with God is like. Truth revealed is one of the greatest faith builders I know. Truth believed is fuel for the fire of our soul and brings us to the only logical outcome of worship and praise.

Two things happened because of this announcement. The first was Good News delivered. The story told through the ages of the birth of our Savior, the hope of the world. The second was Good News received. Mary, Joseph, the wise men, shepherds, you and I, we have all received the good news of Jesus Christ born on Christmas morning.

The shepherds returned rejoicing. What are you doing this morning?

Dec. 17th. Scene two: Heavenly Host

Suddenly, I love that idea. I have been trying to visualize this activity today. What would it have been like to be present when the magnitude of the heavenly host suddenly appeared? I like how God gave a very unique confirmation to the one angel's words. It was like, BAM there it is. TODAY JESUS IS BORN! God excels in the surprise arena.

If you look with a keen eye concerning the events where God showed up in scripture, you would find that it is in the most surprising ways and in the most unexpected places—once again here in this birth announcement to a group of shepherds, God shows up and then really shows up to give to these simple herdsmen the message of the ages.

There are two ideas we can take away with us from this passage. The first is simple. God cares so much for us that He chose to redeem us through His Son Jesus. Surprise, we did not deserve His grace or gift; yet in His plan for us He gave everything to us in the least expected places and in the most unusual circumstances so that we might have hope in our life through Him.

The second is that all of heaven is excited about what God has done. There is no surprise here. Creation was broken at the fall of Adam, and God has been preparing for this exact moment to spring upon us the greatest news ever recorded. In fact, the news was so big that one angel could not contain it all. God sent a multitude of the Heavenly Host to remove any doubt that this event was real and that God was about to emerge in the form of a little baby, the Savior of the world.

Now here is the challenge: put yourself in the scene. Which part of the performance do you want to behold? Grab hold of it and play this story out with gusto.

See you tomorrow for scene three!

Dec. 16th. Scene one: Shepherds

Scene one: Shepherds

It is in the Gospel of Luke that we find the account telling the experience of the Shepherds. The appearance of angels, lights, music and the Glory of the Lord must have caused quite a startling experience for what would have been considered some of the "least of these. " Doing the work of a shepherd was not glamorous; in fact, the dangers far outweighed the advantages and the lonely nights spent on the hillside drove these wandering groups of men together where they could share the warmth of fire, some food and conversation.

This part of the story is like a three part play. Scene one: Shepherds down right, angels enter with lights and music…It makes for a wondrous introduction. The words that follow are filled with great and interesting news.

Luke 2:10-12 "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

I noticed something today that I have not realized before. This is the fact that this announcement was personal. This was not a broadly-cast, everyone come, headlines-in-the-paper announcement. This was given directly to this group of ordinary people--shepherds. Notice how gently the announcement came. “Do not be afraid” were the first words spoken. Think of how many times in these birth narratives the people involved are comforted with these words. Mary, Joseph, now shepherds.

However, the most important part of this are these words: “A Savior has been born to you.” It is as if the only people that mattered at that moment was this band of shepherds. All creation was looking on as this announcement was given, and it was directed to them-"born to you." The beauty of this is that Jesus still works that way. Individually, He comes to each of us with the gift of salvation on a one-on-one encounter to offer to us eternal life. That is the purpose of His coming, and that message is still calling us today.

Join with me tomorrow for scene two.

Dec. 15th. Bethlehem

Bethlehem

A city in the “hill country” of Judah

It was originally called Ephrath. It is first noticed in Scripture as the place where Rachel died and was buried “by the wayside,” directly to the north of the city. The valley to the east was the scene of the story of Ruth the Moabitess. There are the fields in which she gleaned, and the path by which she and Naomi returned to the town. Here was David's birthplace, and here also, the birthplace of Jesus.

The gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:6) gives us a unique blending of Old and New Testament history through the prophetic announcement of the birthplace of Jesus. The history is rich with Biblical figures who have shaped culture, but not-so powerful as the birth of Jesus. Our very foundation of Christian faith and witness come from this city on a hill. So it is no wonder that at one point in the teaching of Jesus He makes reference to our lives being like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden.

I believe that our passage of scripture today points to the people who received the first message and gift of the birth of Jesus. But more importantly it points to each of us as receivers of this truth.

I am convicted by the words of a song by Third Day, of the importance of this reality. I pray that we also will be like Bethlehem that out of us will come the truth of the power of Christ to redeem all people. Here are the lyrics from the song “City on a Hill,” by Third Day.

You are the light of the world

A city on a hill cannot be hidden

Shine your light before all men

That they might see your works and then

Praise your Father up in Heaven

A city on a hill cannot be hidden

Standing tall before all men

To show the things that it's been given

And everything that it can give

Just like that city on a hillside

We got a light that's deep within us

No, don't keep it to yourself

Just remember how you felt

When you first gave your life to Jesus

And I know that our salvation isn't based on the things we do

But it's only given by the grace of God

By the sacrifice of Jesus, and if we really did believe

We were born to share this message with someone

Dec. 14th. Disturbed

Disturbed

I find it somewhat fitting that at the pivotal point of the birth narrative in Matthew the story jumps to how this birth is disturbing. It starts with King Herod and spreads throughout Jerusalem. It is pivotal because at this point all of us are faced with the same question: Does Jesus disturb you?

I am not referring to the presence of fear or dread, but in the sense of how His presence is causing you to rethink life and some of the stuff we do so easily? I think this is precisely why and how Jesus came into our world. His life and ministry and even His very presence should cause us to become disturbed. In actuality, if Jesus is not making a difference in our lives for the good or even the bad, then why did He come? What was His purpose other than to bring us to a new relationship with God and to draw us toward Himself through faith?

I believe that Jesus has the answers for living life to the fullest, for finding purpose and ministry, and for discovering the hidden areas of our existence that need to be rooted out. Jesus' entire ministry was about challenging the status quo and calling ordinary people just like you and I to come and follow Him with reckless abandonment. So the question again is posed: Does Jesus disturb you?

In our reading, King Herod was disturbed; he saw his world in danger and was willing to do anything to keep things in order. Continue to read chapter 2:13 – 18 and see to what extent he reached because of how greatly disturbed he was.

The same might be said of us. See how greatly he or she acts in order to escape the feelings Jesus brings when He challenges our ordinary with His extraordinary. Might I suggest that the next time you are confronted with the person of Jesus allow Him to get deep into your life and to bring about the change His transformational life can bring.

See you on the journey…

Dec. 11th,. Searching

Searching…

We’re on a quest. We seek knowledge; riches, the best job, a perfect spouse, a good friend and…the list could go on and on. The reality is that this is the way that God has created us. He created us to be seekers and our greatest quest is the search for Him. This is evidenced in the journey of the Wise Men.

In each of us there is the desire to discover God and to enter into relationship with Him. There is nothing strange about this or unusual. It is, in fact, a natural course to follow. It is natural to follow the creator of our purpose so that we might be fully developed and we might discover in us His purpose. Let me be clear here. I believe that God has created us to bring Him glory and praise. I/we are not created for ourselves (there is nothing unique in that). We are created with divine purpose to reflect the glory of Him who created us.

It was natural then that the Maji were seeking someone they could worship. In fact, the reason for their quest was this central theme. Matthew 2:2 asks, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."

Here are some qualities of seekers:

1. They were looking. If you and I are to be seekers, we need to look beyond ourselves and seek God where we can find Him. The reality of this is, that when we seek God, He reveals Himself. It’s His promise: those who seek me will find me.
2. They were willing to take a risk. They decided to journey to a place which they had not been before. How true that is for us. If we are going to discover God perhaps we need to look in other places than where we have been looking.
3. They noticed the sign. Road maps are not good unless we rightly read where they lead us. The star went before them as a marker to where they should go. If we are not looking for the sign, well guess what, we will more than not miss it.
4. When they did find Jesus, they knew it. Seekers can know when they have found the answer they seek. It brings about a sense of purpose and direction like never before experienced. It will change life.

Who are you seeking today? Where are you looking? May I suggest looking toward Jesus and seeking Him. You might just find what you are looking for.

Dec. 10th. Righteous People

I have decided to change the focus of my BLOG's over the next week until Christmas. What I hope to accomplish is insight into the Birth narratives in the Gospels and the truths held for us in this season. Join with me each weekday to walk the Jesus walk.

Righteous people.

I think it is amazing how much we read into the story of Christmas and therefore lose the central message. I must admit that there is not much about Christmas that I don't like, but one thing is perhaps the crowds of people. However, that is not just a Christmas thing. I am just not that much into crowds. I love, however, the pageantry, the Nativity settings, the stories of Christmas, and yes even the movies both secular and sacred. They have become for me a part of the celebration and mystery of the season.

However, when you consider the Biblical text in Matthew, we find something completely different. What we have here is the story of family and struggle and even death. Yes, there are some amazing external events with the Maji, but beyond that we have a family in crisis. The beauty of this passage for me is how and why they survived. What made the difference? I know families that break up over less and so do you. In the midst of this beautiful story lies some deep truth for us as well.

The first truth is righteousness. Joseph had this. His struggle was about doing the "right" thing. Legally, he could just say the marriage to Mary was off, and he would have been justified to do so. But righteousness most often does not work that way. Righteousness makes decisions not based upon just the law, but upon what is the right thing to do—the compassionate thing to meet another’s need.

I like the fact that Joseph was already considered a righteous man. I can imagine that the pressure Joseph felt at this point was huge. Public opinion is hard to live down. Family expectations and long-range goals needed to be considered. His head told him to divorce Mary, but his heart was another matter. Righteousness is also about relationship. Broken trust and promise are not the marks of a righteous person. Belief, in times like these, is hard to come by. Who can I trust? Who can I turn too?

Joseph did the right thing because he was righteous. Righteous people have God experiences. They have ears that can hear what God is saying, and God speaks to them in astonishing ways. In a dream, Joseph came to a point in his life where he could trust that what was happening was from God. That was the difference maker. Sometimes the answers to our most difficult struggles come to us in the most unusual ways. I think righteous people are the ones who can discern the difference and make decisions that make a difference.

Day 30: Jesus Always Provides

Jesus Always Provides

I am touched by the fact that in these closing chapters of John we find Jesus ministering to the needs of specific people--people with heartfelt needs who were wondering if all that they had been involved in with Jesus these past three years was over, and if there was anything worth moving forward for.

That is a typical question in times of distress--a question I often ask myself when faced with an uncertain future and difficult decisions. I have often wondered why John put so much emphasis on these closing stories: the woman at the tomb, the appearing to the disciples in hiding, the presentation of Himself to Thomas, and this beautiful interaction between Peter and Jesus with those searching questions. I am convinced that these stories are told to show us again that Jesus always provides what we need.

The last sentence of chapter 20:30-31puts it into perspective, “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Did you catch that? “By believing you may have life.” Jesus always provides. He provides hope for our fear, truth for our doubt, touch for our unbelief and forgiveness for our sin. Jesus always provides.

What is it that Jesus is providing for you today?

Day 29: Spoken Words

Spoken Words

The ending of the story of Jesus in the book of John is one of final statements spoken by Jesus especially here in chapters 17 – 19. It is important to note that it is only after Jesus speaks that things happen. Nothing is going to be out of His control; nothing is going to detour the process; nothing is going to be out of place. In fact, Jesus says in the last part of Chapter 19:28, “After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said to fulfill the Scripture, ‘I thirst.’”

Here is some truth for us today: Nothing is going to happen to Jesus unless He allows it to happen. His ability to command the seas, His ability to speak into existence all that is, His ability to even speak these final words are evidence of His divine nature and powerful presence.

This is a powerful reminder for us personally. Nothing is going to happen to us unless it is in the will and plan of God to do it. I can go along believing that I can make my way alone and that I have control of who I am and what I do. Then when I mess up or find myself in places I did not want to go, I run to God asking for Him to fix the wrong that I created. OR I can live my life with the knowledge that God is in control and follow His lead knowing His way is best because God has always been in control. Nothing has changed unless God changes.

What a wonderful thought to take with us today. Even as Jesus faced the cross and His death, nothing was going to happen unless He allowed it to. All things were going to be accomplished, and His plan for the redemption of the world would be fulfilled through Him. In fact, Jesus concludes His words in chapter 19:29 with this statement: “It is finished.”

All Jesus came to do is finished and available for us. What are we waiting for? We just need to faithfully read His word and walk in His ways. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Day 28: Troubled Hearts

Troubled Hearts.

I was thinking of the song by Simon and Garfunkel “Bridge over Troubled Water” after reading today’s passages. The words of the first verse are these:

When you're weary, feeling small,

When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;

I'm on your side. When times get rough

And friends just can't be found,

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down.

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down.

Certainly in life, troubles will come. It’s what happens because of the brokenness of our world through sin. We are in constant trouble and distress. I am sure that many of us could make a list of our problems which could be posted here. Each of us might be able to say, “Hey, that is my list; I have that problem.” Problems are not unique. Everyone is plagued with them. That is our sin nature.

In the midst of this, however, Jesus offers some amazing words of comfort.

John14:1, "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”

WOW, there it is, the promise contained in a simple act of belief. Jesus offers a cure to our worry, and it is called belief. How easy it is for us to be consumed by our worry and fear of the things surrounding us. The trials and tribulations face us each day, and in the midst of those we forget just how great God is. Twice in today’s readings, Jesus commands us with these words, “Let not your heart be troubled, but believe.”

What might happen in us if we took this command and put it into practice?

Day 26: Who Is Jesus?

Who is Jesus?

Chapters 8, 9, and 10 are some of the most thought provoking chapters in the book of John. There is this common idea contained within these passages dealing with who Jesus is. Here in chapter 8 Jesus sets down the central theme. Who are you going to follow?

The three chapters are divided into at least four parts.

Part one deals with Jesus the Light. Here Jesus teaches us that he is the light of the world, sent from God to call people out of the darkness of sin. It is always true that we can see much better in the light than in the darkness. What Jesus does in our lives is illuminate our darkness so we can see our sin and turn toward Him.

Part two deals with Jesus as the Truth. Jesus teaches that when we sin we become slaves to sin. Yet, when we know the truth we will be set free. Sin enslaves. His truth sets us free. Here is the beauty of this part. Jesus says of Himself, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Part three states that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. We are reminded that those who know His voice He calls by name and leads them out. What a wonderful picture of Jesus caring for each of us individually and as a total flock. He knows us each by name, because we are in relationship with him, we know His voice. He leads us because He is the Shepherd and in Him we are safe.

Part four is my favorite. Jesus and the Father are one. Jesus is clear about this. He has come to do the will of His Father. In fact, He says that He and the Father are one--0ne in purpose, one in eternity, and one in love. Everything about Jesus is also about God. What does this mean for us? Jesus answers that in Chapter 10:28, 29. “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

Day 25: The Food that Endures

The Food that Endures

What is it that Jesus wants to do in your life? Great question; however, I think when we examine it deeply there are three things that stand out in the Christian walk which Jesus calls us to.

The first is dependency. We are called not to go it on our own but to learn a life of total dependency upon God. This has been one of the most difficult lessons for me to learn. I am a can-do-type-of-guy. I think I have the ability and capacity, yet more often than not I fall short. Learning to be dependent upon God has been a challenge; yet the value of Him in me has and continues to be worth the journey.

The second is discipline--another area, which I don’t do well. Most of my life is un-disciplined. All I have to do is look at my desk. Discipline is a lifelong journey to be conformed into the image of Christ so that I might show forth the beauty of Christ in me. Disciplines are learned and practiced over and over again. It’s like working out at the club. The first week my muscles are sore, but eventually the soreness goes away and muscle grows. In my daily walk with Christ, I have found it to be difficult at first but as I continue to walk with Jesus that discipline is growing strong.

The third is surrender. My will is my will. It contains all I am and all I want to be. The problem with my will is that God does not control it. I control it. That’s the problem with the will. It needs to be controlled. Control is a choice. I can choose to live according to the law of God and live life full and free, or I can choose to live outside God’s will and live life empty. Each day I must choose to be controlled by Christ, so that I might live a life that is filled with His grace and love.

Jesus in His teaching today invites us not to labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life. His food is worth the effort of all that we are so that we may become children of Him who has called us to follow.

Let’s eat that food today.

Day 24: They Believed

The Gospel of John is one of my favorites. I marvel at the word pictures painted throughout and the themes of life, light, and word, which are found in numerous places.The Gospel begins with God creating all things through His Word whom we understand to be Jesus. In Jesus is Life, and this life is the Light for us.

So it is by design that the disciples proclaim in Chapter 2:22 --

His disciples remembered that He had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

I love that idea. They believed because of the words of Jesus and because of the scriptures--not only because of what Jesus did but also because of what He said and what was written about life in the scriptures.

My meditation today is on; “What makes the Scriptures so important in our life?” I know this list is not exhaustive, but these are the ideas I wrote down today.

1. The Scriptures are the recorded spoken (verbal/non-verbal) words of God. That means when I read Scripture I am reading the inspired words of God. This is God’s message to and for me.
2. The Scriptures are truth. God cannot lie and His words, which are recorded, can be trusted. He proves that through His actions and through His purpose.
3. The Scriptures hold the gift of life. The promise is if you put into practice the teachings of scripture, you will have life and it will be abundant and free.
4. The Scripture is powerful. It is like a two-edged sword, able to divide truth and error.
5. The Scriptures challenge. Every time I read the word of God I am faced with something new in my life that God’s word deals with.
6. The Scriptures heal. Forgiveness found in scripture restores my soul and my salvation.
7. The Scriptures transform. You cannot read the Bible and not be changed.

My hope is that you will allow the Scriptures to speak to you today.

Day 23: Adoration

As I was reading the scriptures on my journey today, this song was playing in the background: “Adoration” by Benton Brown. I have included a link in case you would like to listen in as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wflL-qs-VpM&feature=related

The words that touched me were “receive my adoration.” I was reading the passage pertaining to Jesus on the cross, and I sat in awe at how much He gave to us. All I can offer is my adoration in return. “How wonderful you are” are words that speak of all He gave for us. That all He asks in return is surrender of our will to Him.

It is interesting to note as well that in the closing sentence of 1^st John, the words describe some of this wonderment:

And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened,

and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Today I want to invite you to worship God--to pause and think of all He has done. May He receive our adoration! Amen.

“Adoration” by Benton Brown

(Verse 1) We bow our hearts, We lift our hands We turn our eyes to you again. And we surrender to the truth That all we need is found in You.

(Chorus) Receive our adoration Jesus Lamb of God Receive our adoration, How wonderful you are

(Verse 2) We choose to leave it all Behind and turn our eyes towards the prize The upward call of God in Christ You have our hearts, Lord take our lives



(Bridge) Every soul you've saved sings out Everything you've made resounds All creation's standing now
 Lifting up your name We're joining in the angel's song We’re gathered to your ancient throne Children in our Father's armsShouting out your praise

Day 22: Simplicity

The simplicity of so many of Jesus' answers is amazing to me. When asked difficult questions in today's reading, Jesus' response was most often than not, very direct and yet very simple. An example of this is found in the passage Luke 21:21-26. "Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, "Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?" They said, "Caesar’s." He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s."

The beauty of this response is that it left the hearers speechless. I like things that are simple. That means it is easy for me to understand what I am supposed to do and how I am to act. However, I have found in my life that sometimes the answers are not easy or simple. I try under my own understanding to work things out and to make it happen on my own initiative. I was reminded in a message yesterday of the simplicity of this statement from Proverbs 3:7, “Do not be wise in your own eyes.”

Again I am stirred by Jesus words that when you look deeply into all that He said, we are instructed that there are actually only two things, which everything else hinges upon--Love God and Love your neighbor.

Simple living is the goal of "The Jesus Walk.” Everyday trying to discover simple truths that we can rely upon for our journey in faith. I have discovered that I don't need to figure everything out before I act. I can trust God to go before me and prepare the way. My task is to follow. Sounds easy enough!

Day 19: Blessed is He who Comes in the Name of the Lord

“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

This last sentence of today’s reading caught me unaware. It was not that I did not know it was coming; it was because of its wonderful reminder of an action that I need to have in my life everyday. In this passage just before this sentence is the statement from Jesus, which says, “You will not see me until you say, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” Now, I don’t believe that we can just say things and they happen, what I believe is that through a sustained disciplined life we practice the things that will produce in us the evidence of who Christ is in us. Let me un-pack that.

Three things are needed in this life to fully see and understand Jesus.

1. Speaking. This is coming to a place in my life where I acknowledge that Jesus is Lord and Savior. I place my trust in that which I cannot prove and even cause to happen believing that Jesus has done for me that which needs to happen in order for my salvation. I will not see Jesus until I say, “blessed is He.”
2. Practice. The Christian life is a sustainable life, dependent upon continual practice of spiritual disciplines. I make a statement of what I believe by the way I do things. When my actions are the result of disciplines, my practice proclaims who Jesus is in me.
3. Looking. I think one of the problems I have in seeing Jesus is that many times I am not even looking for Him. I am looking for my own way or the way that is easy. Jesus in this passage is calling us to come back to Him. This lament found here is that Jesus desires to gather us together, into His arms, but we would not. Why? Because we were not even looking.

Day 18: He who has Ears

“He who has ears to hear let him hear.”

This phrase jumped out at me today as I read the passages in Luke. I thought about all the times I could not hear--the times I was surrounded by noise and distractions. I thought of the times I am surrounded by voices inside and outside my mind all-jockeying for attention. I thought about the voices in the media and the communities where I live and how they call out to me with images and empty promises of wealth and prosperity and the multitude of things I can have if only I do this or that. In fact, even as I write these words the radio is blaring and a dog is barking outside. I can hear my neighbors talking, and the sounds of traffic from the highway across the way drift to my ears.

What does this phrase mean in today's world? "He who has ears to hear let him hear."

Perhaps another way of saying this: How do we discern between the voices we hear? How do we know which voice to follow, and how do we make the right choice when sometimes all the voices seem to be calling at once?

I think this parable in itself holds the key; it is the parable of the seeds by the way.

The truth is not in the many voices that we hear but in the soil that receives it. True, there is bad seed out there, but the good seed is the one that produces the harvest. (Ever planted bad seeds and received anything in return?) Knowing the difference between the many voices depends upon our ability to have good soil in our lives. The way we get good soil is to have our lives filled with the power and presence of God through the Holy Spirit.

If my life is soil, it means that seeds can be planted and grow. What type of soil, as defined through this parable, am I?

The ability to have good soil is possible. It happens as I give my life into the hands of God through surrender to Jesus Christ as my Lord. Then filled with the power of His Spirit, I can live life full--filled with the voice of Christ.

Day 17: I Will

“I Will!” Have you ever heard that spoken to you? It happens often, you know. Every time you pray believing, Jesus answers, "I will." Every time you ask for forgiveness, Jesus answers, "I will." Every time you ask Jesus to lead you, He answers, "I will."

The power of Jesus' words for us when we ask, have an amazing ability to reach into every area of our lives with the transforming power of His love to change us, heal us, and empower us to be all He desires us to be.

However, as I say this, I realize that not all my prayers get answered, at times I don’t feel forgiven, and many times I can’t see where Jesus is leading. Because of this, I wonder if any of this is real and does Jesus, in fact, have the power to answer in any way the questions I have in my heart and mind? "I will," Jesus says. I will…in that simple statement is the power of faith to believe.

Two things jump out at me in this point. The first is this. What I believe about Jesus does not change who and what He is. For me to say, I can’t see or feel or understand does in no way diminish the power of Jesus. What it shows is my lack of understanding of the power which Jesus has and the glory which is His. The second point is this. Jesus desires to prove His power in my life. Perhaps when I don’t see it or don’t feel it, it is not His lack of ability but my lack of belief.

“I will,” Jesus says.

Lord, Help me to believe!

Day 16: Trials - a way to Life

Trials are a part of life. I don’t like them, and I wish that I did not have to go through them. But go through them is what I do. I know I can’t escape them; trials are everywhere. They are to be endured and overcome. That was true in Jesus’ life as well.

The Apostle Luke, in Chapter 4 of the Gospel of Luke, paints the picture of the ultimate in trials and temptations--the easy way out, escape to destruction if you ask me. Glory and fame has its cost as well as placing your allegiance in the right place. There were the trials Jesus faced and in each situation He was able to defend Himself with the weapons He has provided us.

It’s interesting to look at my own life and see how often I tried to overcome on my own. To work out my own way. Each time I tried under my own power, I ended up defeated and in a worst place that when I started. The trial won and I gave in. What did I learn in those times? Not much:  quitting is easy, placing blame on another is not going to get it done, and placing my trust in the wrong thing ends in disaster.

What I learn from going through the trial and facing the temptation, is that God has been there all along. The thing I feared the most very seldom happens and what I experience on the other side of the trial is liberation and freedom. This principle you cannot learn unless you go through the trial and arrive on the other side.

Jesus goes before us in trials and temptations and also in liberation and freedom. He shows the way and calls us to follow.

Day 15: Interacting with Jesus

I just returned from a seminar this past weekend that dealt with the idea of, "How does Jesus interact with people?" I came away with some new learning that all of Jesus’ life is a textbook for my own life. I can learn from Him how to interact, how to care, how to love. In fact, I think that in every area of my life I can discover something in the life of Jesus that will help me on my own journey.

I am struck today by the largeness of the life of Jesus, which is to say that every part of who He is, is relevant for today.

In fact, what part of Jesus life does not give us insight into living our own life? I know that some will say, "Jesus is a historical figure," or "Jesus might have something to say to religious people." There are many other things people can say, much of that would be truth. Yet, I find a deeper reality in this life lived before us. I find a person who wants to be my closest friend--someone who will accept me for what I am and then through His own love for me reaches out to help me and to guide me into real life.

Reading through these passages at the end of the book of Mark, you cannot but be reminded that in every area of life Jesus has something to teach us and even to show us if only we would open our eyes to who He really is.

So my question to you today: NOT, how does Jesus interact with people, but, how is Jesus interacting with YOU?

Day 12: What's on the Inside?

What's on the inside?

This passage found in Mark Chapter 14 has always caused me to be convicted by my own words and actions.

Life change happens on the inside and the proof of that life change is not what we appear to be on the outside but what we really are on the inside.

It is easy to fool people some of the time, however, I have found out that every time I thought I was fooling or hiding my real actions or intentions, I wasn't really fooling anybody except myself. Of course for some they did not know for a time but that is the problem with time. At some point the real me comes out and then they know. In reality I think they knew along but did not want to face the truth about me. (Now that is another issue we can talk about in the future)

Concerning this inside stuff, as hard as I tried I knew deep down inside that I was wrong and somehow it all comes to the surface even though I did not want it to do so. It happens in a slip of the speech, or a wrong look, or a short temper or even in an out and out defiance and action of rebellion.

Jesus words are warning to this destructive reality, yet, He gives us insight to how to control this as well. Jesus said, "It is what is in the heart that defiles." SO, our remedy to this sin nature is a change of heart.

What is in your heart that needs to be changed?

How do you guard your heart from sin?

If I fill my heart with the words of Jesus then what comes out will be His words. That’s what I want for my life.

Day11: Get Away Time

Get Away Time.

I love this passage dealing with the crowds following Jesus. The first thing I noticed was He attempts to get alone and how often that was impossible. I know from experience that making time away is difficult if you don’t plan for it and even when you do something will come up that demands your attention. Therefore, it is a discipline that needs accountability and practice to become a regular part of life.

Several times in today’s reading we see the statement that Jesus left the crowd and went somewhere else only to be followed or greeted again by a large crowd. Ministry is much like that. It’s not necessarily the large crowds but the constant demands of time and energy and resource.

Ever feel dry after a time of great ministry? Then you can relate to what was happening in the life and ministry of Jesus. Ministry is both life-giving and life-sucking, and if you let it, ministry can leave you completely empty and sometimes even angry.

The big question I think is this. What are you doing to keep yourself filled up? What things do you do that helps keep you focused after a long ministry season? If you don’t know, I believe you are headed for a time of less than effective ministry and service to the Kingdom.

Commitment 4 (see thejesuswalk.org for a list of the 5 commitments) reminds us to take a time away each month for Spiritual renewal and refreshment for our lives.

Day 10: Come See - Go Tell

Come see - Go tell

The final chapter of Matthew details the moments after the resurrection to the ascension of Jesus into Heaven. I am reminded of the power of this phrase uttered by the angel,

“Do not be afraid.”

I am reminded that many times, in fact most of the time, my life is directed by fear. Fear of what will happen next, fear about not knowing the future, fear of how easily it is to do the wrong things. However, here in this passage we are confronted with three basic teachings that need to become part of our foundation of belief.

In order to not fear:

1. Come see. The central message of the Gospels is to come and see the power of God.

We are challenged to put to the test and see if this message of God’s redemptive grace really works. Come see if this person Jesus can save your life; come see that God is real and that He wants to come into your life.

2. Go tell. One of the powerful ways to overcome something is to face it. Go and tell is taking that which we have found to be true and sharing that truth with another.

3. Behold He (Jesus) is going before you. The one great fact of our life is that Jesus is going before us to lead the way. He did so in life, and He did so in death. He is here now leading if we will only follow.

Don’t be afraid.

Day 9: Are you ready

Are You Ready

This story told so many times is stark reminder of our need to be

prepared. The imagery is again one of the Bride getting ready for the

groom. We know that this is a picture of the church, and our

preparation is necessary in order not to miss the appointed time of

Christ's return.

There are three points that jump out at me.

1. There is a point when it seems like His return has been delayed and

we get tired. As the scriptures say, we fall asleep.

It is interesting to note it is at that precise time He chose

to return.

2. Our Lamps should always be burning. Notice that the lights were not

out. They were burning, albeit not bright. Yet, when they needed to be

burning the brightest, they did not have oil enough to last.

This is so true of us at times. I burn my light all the time,

yet when it needs to burn the strongest I am tired and almost out of

strength because I did not bring with me the extra I needed. Can you

make a comparison to your own life?

3. The third point is that there comes a time when it is too late.

Christ will come. Our responsibility is to be awake, watching,

prepared, with lights brightly burning.

Where do you find yourself in this story?

Day 8: The wedding garmet

Day 8: The wedding garmet

I love it when I come across a passage where I stop and say, “What does that mean?”

The statement found in Matthew 22:11, "But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. 13Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14For many are called, but few are chosen."

The wedding garments got to me. What does that mean?

Here are a few of my ideas.

1. I think it is reasonable to see that the garments represent our relationship to Christ. Those who are His are adorned as a Bride. The Church is the Bride of Christ and our relationship with Him is special. The clothing we wear is our salvation.

2. I think it is clear by this passage that it will be easy to see those who are His and those who are not His. Scripture speaks of those who are dressed in sheep’s clothing. But at this celebration of the marriage feast the difference will be clear.

3. It is also implied that the garments are not something we can manufacture for ourselves. The gift of salvation which sets us apart from others is a free gift from God not based on works but alone on God's grace.

4. Those who try another way are lost. Sad but true, the way to Christ is difficult. However, there is provided a way for us. Which way are you choosing?

Day 5: What defiles you?

Day 5: Matthew 13 – 15

What defiles me? I thought about asking this question about you. That would be far more interesting. I don’t like to examine myself and discover the things that need to be changed. Every time I do I find something I really don’t like about me and then I get convicted about how I need to change to become more like Jesus.

Thus the reasons for this journey…to become more like our master. Here is one of the simplest lessons for growth found in the Bible. What comes out of your mouth defiles you.

This morning I was in a conversation with a person when something was said that was completely inappropriate. What came out of this person's mouth was wrong. How easy it is for me to do the same thing.

The JesusWalk is about learning to walk with and like Him to discover ways to control our lives so that we can live in such a way that brings glory to the Kingdom.

What areas of your life need to be changed?

Day 4: Come to Jesus

Day 4: Matthew 10 – 12

Come to me!

Powerful words “Come to me”…The qualifying factor is this: [those who are heavy laden (filled with problems) and those who are laboring.]

Interesting that He does not say this to those who are taking life easy or just finding a way to get through the next crisis. It’s a call to COME to those who are in the midst of the struggle.

Three things are offered-- rest, learning and lighter burden.

Notice that the promise is not to take the burden away; it is a promise to enter a time where Jesus can minister to your needs, where you can learn a better way and where you can resume the journey with a renewed purpose, which makes your load lighter.

What are you struggling with? What burden seems overwhelming? Jesus says to each of us, “Come, step aside for a while and find rest for your souls."

I need this from time to time just to keep things in focus.

Remember that one of our commitments is to take a time away once a month for renewal. What are you doing to come to Jesus?

Day 3: Matthew 7 - 9

For many years living the Christian Walk seemed easy. In fact, I thought to myself, “I have God on my side, I can’t lose.” The problem with that belief was my thought that things would be easy. That just doing the little I was doing was enough. How far from the truth, I discovered that to be.

I find today a different but also more rewarding principle--the one Jesus talked about in Chapter 7 "entering through the narrow gate." I have discovered that life is difficult, that there are obstacles in my path and that Satan is trying to block me in every direction.

Jesus’ words at this point show us the path to follow--not just what but HOW to follow in becoming one of His.

There are three defining ideas.

1. The gate is narrow. If it looks wide, you might be at the wrong gate.

2. The way is hard. If it looks easy, you might be on the wrong way.

3. Few will find it. If everyone is doing it, you might not be in the right group.

Things to think about today.

Rip

Day 2: Matthew: 4 -6 (Day 2)

The Beatitudes have always been one of my favorite passages of Scripture. In fact, this whole teaching from Jesus is rich with wisdom and instruction on not just what we should be doing but how we should be doing it. Just look at the passages on love and how we are to love even our enemies.

Well, in this I have 5 ideas that I wrote down as I listened and read the passages this morning under the heading of “What does it mean to be blessed?”

1. It defines who I am in Christ. I realize that in His blessings in my life, especially as they relate to the Beatitudes, I am defined as a follower of Christ.

2. It commits me to a pattern of living. I fully understand and accept the amazing relationship this produces. Relationships are built upon shared understanding, trust, faithfulness and a willingness to be changed by the power of God in my life.

3. It calls me to share from my blessed position in Christ. I am called to give that which I have received. As a follower of Christ, I am called to give away my faith. This is a privilege not a chore.

4. It proves who God is. These blessings are not attainable on my own merits but on the free gift of God’s amazing grace.

5. It demonstrates the divine will of our Heavenly Father, as He will bless those whom He chooses based upon who He is. His way and will are perfect.

These are just some of my thoughts; would love to see what you think.

Day 1: Nov. 2: Matthew 1 -3

Living the Jesus walk. It has been one month for me as I have tried to live these 5 big ideas. Reading the Gospels, meeting weekly with another person, reflection and study, time away and service projects. All in all, I have done OK. Yet it has been difficult. The process has been challenged because of conflicts, scheduling and sometimes just not feeling like doing the work.

I am reminded, however, that putting my mind to a task and setting my eyes on the goal are actions which will produce in me results that are good and helpful.

In my struggles, I experienced feelings of guilt and then feelings of lack of concern. These are feelings I was not expecting. On the other hand when I was faithful, I found renewed faith and positive outcomes in my life.

My encouragement to you is give it a try, be faithful...the journey is not easy, and live as if every word you read can and will change your life.

I am glad you are on the journey with me.

Rip