“As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, and they want to speak to you. Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” Matthew 12:46-50 (NLT)

Observation

When we follow Christ we gain an inheritance. God has given us the inheritance through his Son Jesus, we were called and now are united as brothers and sisters with Jesus. Because we have accepted Christ we are now one big happy family. (Ephesians 1:11)

Mary & the Pot Roast

Mary and Jesus brothers were standing outside, what did they think about what Jesus had said? I don’t know, I venture to say that they were used to the fact that Jesus was Gods only begotton Son at this point. Mary could have been like “just tell Jesus that dinner is at five and we were wondering if he will be having dinner with the prostitutes and tax collectors again.”

Application

I don’t know how you relate to Jesus. I have a fairly dynamic relationship, it changes based on the circumstances. Sometimes I do relate to Jesus as a brother or as a close friend. I know that I take Jesus with me and we do all kinds of cool things. Perhaps we should reconsider going to places that we cannot take Jesus?

Prayer

Hey Jesus, going on bro? I really appreciate our relationship.

“When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake. Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead.” Matthew 8:18-22 (NLT)

Observation

james: “Jesus! I want to follow you!!”

JESUS:  Are you sure that you want to follow me?

james: Yep! anywhere you go, I’ll follow you!

JESUS: Do you really know what you are saying? Are you really prepared to stay on with me until the end?

james: Oh yeah, not a problem, I just had a cup of coffee and I’m feeling great!

JESUS: Oh, wait, I just had a thought… you’re going to fall flat on your face.

james: Jesus, that’s not cool, that’s not a great way to encourage me!

Jesus: James, you’re a knuckle head. You’re not going to be able to anything in your own power. Following me, being a disciple,  isn’t like taking a walk in the park when you feel good. It’s a consistent walk, one that you need to be prepared to die for.

james: Oh, it’s starting to sound like a pretty big commitment. I’m having doubts as to my preparedness for this journey. Maybe I should take a break, read a little, go to school again, get really prepared to follow you until I die.

JESUS: Uh, how about you just follow me right now? I’ll teach you as we walk.

james: Jesus, I don’t know how to walk…I can’t feel my legs!

JESUS: Dude, get off the ground! Here, take my hand and I’ll help you…good, now walk with me.

Application

Being a disciple isn’t a decision that can be made easily. It’s not a decision that can be made half-heartedly or only once in your life.

You: “Oh, so I take it you’re not a once saved, always saved person”

I’m not talking about salvation, I’m talking about discipleship. Being a disciple is something that you need to work on every single day of your life. It’s a walk that you need to work on, a walk that requires consistent dedication…a daily walk.

I’ve got a long way to go. Too many times in my life I’ve allowed my feelings to dicatate my actions. Thank God for grace. Take heart! Wake up each day with the understanding that it’s a walk that can be made with Jesus at your side. You’re not walking alone.

Prayer

Help me to wake up each and every day and first focus on you. Help me to choose to walk with you daily. Thank you for the grace that you have extended to me when I fail.

“For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. ¹¹ Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right. “2 Corinthians 7: 10-11 NLT

Observation

Have you ever  been corrected by another individual? Most likely yes. I’ve been corrected many times, so we’re in the same boat. Depending upon the “spirit” of the person correcting you the act results in a couple different reactions.

1. defensiveness/anger
2. sorrow/conviction

If you get defensive and angry the next logical step is to lash out. If you are sorry and become convicted the next logical step is repentance. Godly sorrow produces conviction and leads us away from sin and towards a reconciliation with him.

Application

There have been many times when correction has led me to be convicted in a way that produced “godly sorrow”. That’s the kind of correction that we need to be attentive to so that we can repent. It comes in many ways. Through people, the holy spirit, many times while reading the bible, praying, reflection…

What about those times that I feel led to correct? Do it prayerfully.

Prayer

Thank you for giving me the opportunity so many times in my life to recognize a wrong, stand convicted, and repent. Please help me to be attentive to things that need correcting so that I can be a better example for others. Help me become a better ambassador for you.

“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.” 2 Corinthians 5: 20 through 2 Corinthians 6:1

Observation

We are ambassadors for Christ, right? That means that we have been entrusted with bringing Christ to people here on earth. We are representatives of the one true God’s one and only son Jesus. Great! now what?

It’s hard to “feel” like an ambassador when you are flipping burgers or serving other people isn’t it? I mean, where is the armed escorts, attache’s, and fortified embassies? Additionally if we are ambassadors why are we not doing things that ambassadors do?

Exactly. I admit that I’ve been a horrible ambassador for periods of time in my life, I’ve ignored the marvelous gift of God and become lax in my responsibilities (many times). From my perspective I have two options:

1. Give up and condemn myself to a meaningless existence.
2. Do something about it.

You might have those same two options as well?

We’re not talking about salvation here right? As born again Christians we’ve already taken care of that. We are talking about walking with God, seeking to become better disciples every day, in every situation that we find ourselves.

Application

Come back to God! That’s what Paul is saying to people like you and me. Start acting like ambassadors in every area of your life.

Let me say that again, I didn’t get it the first time. “In every area of your life”. That means in area’s of our life that people see, and don’t see.

It means changing our hearts. Our minds. Our life perspectives. Our motives. Our priorities and values. Everything.

Prayer

Hey God. We can fool other people but we can’t fool you! This gift you have given us (your Son) is an awesome gift. We sometimes forget to acknowledge the gift as we live our lives. Your patience with us is amazing. Change our hearts and minds. Lead us into a deeper understanding of you. Help us walk with you daily, in every way. Thanks.

“I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me. They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.” 1 Corinthians 16:17-18 (NLT)

Observation

It’s nice to be appreciated right? More importantly, it’s nice to show appreciation for someone else. I really enjoy finding opportunities to exhort.

Paul understood the power of words. In his writings he chastises and builds up, he is very deliberate in how he chooses his words. He knew the effect of showing appreciation and instructs others to show it to “all who serve so well”.

Application

Do you have the spiritual gift of exhortation? No? So what, do it anyway, people need to know that you are appreciative of them. You don’t have to have the spiritual gift to do it!

As for me I need to continue looking for opportunities to exhort others too.

Prayer

God, thanks for giving us people to share this  journey with. Thank you for the opportunity to show appreciation for the actions of others.

“But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.” I Corinthians 2:10-12 (NLT)

Observation

Many of the things that Christians hold to be true are perceived as foolishness to the unbeliever. When we begin pursuing God’s ways rather than our own ways we develop a new lense in which we view the world. This lense is what enables us to make choices that are beneficial for others and not for our own self benefit.

Is there human compassion in the absence of God? Yes, non-believers have charities and out reaches aimed at relieving the world of suffering. Who are they giving the glory to? Themselves, humanity, not to God. They are working with the understanding that humans can save themselves.

When the believer reaches out to the world we don’t do it for ourselves. We do it for the Glory of God. God has placed within us his Spirit that manifests through good works. We know that humans are not inherently reconciled to God and that without Christ we exist in a fallen state. When we accept Christ we are freed from the world’s spirit that says we are in a sense our own gods, able to decide our own destiny.

Application

It’s freeing to know that we don’t depend on ourselves and that we are taken care of by the one true God. I personally have many more questions than answers, I am not the author of my own life. I know that my life is in Gods hands, and because I am reconciled to God he has placed within me his Spirit. As a vessel of God I am freed from the responsibility of doing things with my own power.

So, why don’t I move mountains? Why don’t I turn pennies into Gold and live a lavish life if all things are possible through him who is within me?

The power to move mountains and to perform magnificent works is not our power, it’s Gods. Nothing can be done that is not first ordered by the Father. I’m now responsible to seek God in all things so that his work is completed through my hands. Seek God Daily.

…I’ve Got a Long Way to go…

Prayer

God, open my eyes so that I may see your will in my life. Help me cast aside my own self will and replace it with yours.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Do not banish me from your presence,
and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.”

Psalms 51:10-11 (NLT)

“God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.  Therefore, as the Scriptures say, ‘If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord’ “  I Corinthians 1:28-31

Observation

All the awards, medals, ribbons, and plaques in the world don’t mean a darn thing do they? We can boast about our accomplishments and pat each other on the back and wear our medals on our chest. In the end it’s all just emptiness. We wear our accomplishments so that our past victories will have a lasting reward regardless of future actions. We build monuments to people who inspire us. We seek the approval of our peers and man.

In the end all that really matters is our relationship with God through Christ.

Our badge is one of humility, we are servants of the Lord.

…I think I need to work on this one…

Application

I need to stop seeking the approval of beings that are infected with humanity. I need to focus on pleasing the one true God, because his approval is all that really matters. I need to be more sensitive to the voice of God as I trip, stumble, and fall through life.

Out of my brokenness I need to rise and declare that I can only do things because of Christ who strengthens me. Any wisdom or strength that I have been given comes through him. It’s God whom I serve and not man, and it’s God who deserves all the glory. I need to boast only about the Lord.

And why should I do that? Isn’t Gods grace enough to cover all of our shortcomings?

If we want people to be reconciled to God through us we need to let God do the work. If we get in the way it’s not going to happen. We’re not reconciling anything, right?

Prayer

Hey God, a little help please. I know, when you look at me you see that I am cleansed by your Son Jesus and that’s why I can stand here and talk to you. It’s really cool how all this works. But if you were to take your Son out of the equation I would fry, I’m just saying. Can you help me be a better servant? Can you help me be more humble and be more able to give you the glory in everything that I do? Thank you.

“There, in a foreign land, you will worship idols made from wood and stone—gods that neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell.  But from there you will search again for the Lord your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.” Deuteronomy 4:28-9 (NLT)

Observation

james: “But, but, God! I don’t want to worship idols, I just want to worship you!”

GOD: “Are you kidding me? Wake up dude. What about the idol you made out of that Twinkie? Have you noticed how many times you let your job, your toys, your selfish pursuits, come before me?”

james: “That Twinkie? What in the…world…are you talking about?”

GOD: “James, look, the world is full of idols, anything that you depend on more than me can become an idol.”

james: “Hah, you’re right, what about the idea that we can be our own gods and create our own destiny…I’m sure you’ve seen all of those self help books”.

GOD: “Yes, I’ve noticed, let’s not even go there right now. I just want each of you to know that I love you and I want you back. If you search for me with all of your heart and soul, you will find me”

james: “Sweet, I love you too. Hey look, a new Land Rover Discovery, six cylnders, 4 wheel drive…”

GOD: “Knock, knock, knock. I’m standing here knocking! I just want you to seek me first and put me before everything.”

GOD: “…James? you spelled cylinders wrong, James? Hello?”

Application

james: “Hi God, I got distracted for a second. It’s so easy to fall away and start putting things before you.”

GOD: “I never said it was going to be easy did I? I’m not going to brainwash you into seeking me first before everything. I want you to seek me first because you love me. I want you to want to know me. ”

james: “And I want me to want to seek you first too! I would love to know you more! I think consistently seeking you in the morning before everything else is a great start. It’s becoming a habit, and I really enjoy spending time reading the bible…most days…and spending time with you.”

GOD: “It’s working out pretty good isn’t it? I love spending time with you too!”

james: “I love you God”

GOD: “and I love you”

Prayer

God, thank you for your patience and un-dying love that you have for us. Thank you for loving us and giving us a chance to know you more. Help me become more consistent in pursuit of you.

“Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44 (NLT)

Observation

Let me point out the obvious: God measures the heart of the giver and not the amount of the gift. Compare and contrast that with us humans and we find that we are greedy little creatures. We measure things in finite amounts of exact measure. We want to pay the least and get the most. We want to receive more than we give and as a result live more abundantly than the ones we stand next to.

God doesn’t want two Tablespoons of your heart he wants one Godspoon. He isn’t looking for a token of appreciation, no, he wants your complete adoration. Godspoons are really big, in fact they are exactly everything.

Application

When we give we need to do so out of love and faith, not out of greed and with a resentful heart. In everything that we give we need to measure it with Godspoons.

Prayer

God teach me how to measure out my giving in Godspoons. Teach me to give out of love and faith in everything that I do.

“The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry.  He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit.  Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it.” Mark 11:12-14 (NLT)

Observation

I would have made that Fig tree not bear bear fruit too. Why? I’m human and I get a little ticked at things that disappoint me. We all get ticked off, even Sheryl or my favorite mother in law Cheri (I’ve seen them get ticked at me!).

After Jesus trashed the temple and threw out the money lenders we read that:

“The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up. Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!”  Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.” Mark 11:20-23 (NLT)

I like to think that  Jesus passed that tree and gave a wink to his disciples. As if to say, “pretty cool huh”?  Because it IS cool. That’s just one reason why I’m already like Jesus, I think making a fig tree whither is cool.

Application

Jesus wants to know all of us. Me, you, that bum on the street corner, everyone. He doesn’t want to meet the “churchy you” on Sundays, nope, he wants to know you personally.  As a matter of fact you’re so in that God, the creator of EVERYTHING wants to know you just like that too.

When we are able to know God intimately we are able to hear him. As we seek God our relationship grows. As our relationship grows our faith builds. And when we have faith (with no doubt in our hearts) we can kill fig trees, or hurl mountains into the ocean. It’s going to be a blast.

Prayer

God, I want an intimate relationship with you. I know that you have work for me to do, and I’ll do it. When we get to know each other a little better I sure would like to move mountains…just keep that in mind.