TODAY'S READING: Romans 5:1-5
When I read this passage, I am amazed by God's love.
I amazed that a God that was, is, and always will be perfect was the One who took the first step. He didn't have to. We are the ones who sinned against Him. We are the ones who turned our back on our Creator. We deserve none of this.
But here we read of our God. The God that not only loved us in word, but in action. The God that was willing to put on flesh and become like one of us. The God that was willing to suffer pain and agony to bring us sinful, rebellious people peace with Him.
Is that crazy? YES!
So when we suffer is it difficult? Or course. But is it any more difficult than being the Creator of the universe and watching your creation murder your Son that you sent in love?
That is a fundamental reason why suffering builds faith. It makes us more like God and can cause us to see things more from His perspective.
And in the last verse of this passage, we see God doing something even more crazy. It was wild enough that God was willing to take the risk to become flesh and live among us. Imagine how uncomfortable it was for Jesus to walk in a sinful world among sinful people.
Now comes an even bigger step for God. He is willing to enter your body and mine when we become Christians. That's right, God Himself in the form of the Holy Spirit lives in a sinful body.
At least with Jesus, God could keep Himself pure. Now God is taking the risk of living in a body that does sin. God is willing to endure the pain He experiences every time we disobey. It is both encouraging and scary.
When you lied, the Holy Spirit had to be a part of it.
When you cheated, the Holy Spirit was there to go through it.
When you gossiped, the Holy Spirit had to listen.
When you lusted, the Holy Spirit was pained.
But the true purpose of the Holy Spirit is much more. God wants to fill us with His love. And so as we face problems and trials God knows that we are not alone. He has given us the Holy Spirit to live in us so we can have a Helper along the way.
Man, I love my God!
He created me.
He came to earth for me.
He climbed into my body so I could be filled with His love.
That makes we want to jump and shout no matter how bad life gets!
The next time life seems to get you down, remember that Christians have God living in them to help them. Sure, it isn't always easy, but when we learn to trust in God both now and for eternity, we will always find every experience bringing us a little closer to Him.
shine!
Jason
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Faith brings peace
TODAY'S READING: Romans 5:1-5
When I read this passage, I am amazed by God's love.
I amazed that a God that was, is, and always will be perfect was the One who took the first step. He didn't have to. We are the ones who sinned against Him. We are the ones who turned our back on our Creator. We deserve none of this.
But here we read of our God. The God that not only loved us in word, but in action. The God that was willing to put on flesh and become like one of us. The God that was willing to suffer pain and agony to bring us sinful, rebellious people peace with Him.
Is that crazy? YES!
So when we suffer is it difficult? Or course. But is it any more difficult than being the Creator of the universe and watching your creation murder your Son that you sent in love?
That is a fundamental reason why suffering builds faith. It makes us more like God and can cause us to see things more from His perspective.
And in the last verse of this passage, we see God doing something even more crazy. It was wild enough that God was willing to take the risk to become flesh and live among us. Imagine how uncomfortable it was for Jesus to walk in a sinful world among sinful people.
Now comes an even bigger step for God. He is willing to enter your body and mine when we become Christians. That's right, God Himself in the form of the Holy Spirit lives in a sinful body.
At least with Jesus, God could keep Himself pure. Now God is taking the risk of living in a body that does sin. God is willing to endure the pain He experiences every time we disobey. It is both encouraging and scary.
When you lied, the Holy Spirit had to be a part of it.
When you cheated, the Holy Spirit was there to go through it.
When you gossiped, the Holy Spirit had to listen.
When you lusted, the Holy Spirit was pained.
But the true purpose of the Holy Spirit is much more. God wants to fill us with His love. And so as we face problems and trials God knows that we are not alone. He has given us the Holy Spirit to live in us so we can have a Helper along the way.
Man, I love my God!
He created me.
He came to earth for me.
He climbed into my body so I could be filled with His love.
That makes we want to jump and shout no matter how bad life gets!
The next time life seems to get you down, remember that Christians have God living in them to help them. Sure, it isn't always easy, but when we learn to trust in God both now and for eternity, we will always find every experience bringing us a little closer to Him.
shine!
Jason
When I read this passage, I am amazed by God's love.
I amazed that a God that was, is, and always will be perfect was the One who took the first step. He didn't have to. We are the ones who sinned against Him. We are the ones who turned our back on our Creator. We deserve none of this.
But here we read of our God. The God that not only loved us in word, but in action. The God that was willing to put on flesh and become like one of us. The God that was willing to suffer pain and agony to bring us sinful, rebellious people peace with Him.
Is that crazy? YES!
So when we suffer is it difficult? Or course. But is it any more difficult than being the Creator of the universe and watching your creation murder your Son that you sent in love?
That is a fundamental reason why suffering builds faith. It makes us more like God and can cause us to see things more from His perspective.
And in the last verse of this passage, we see God doing something even more crazy. It was wild enough that God was willing to take the risk to become flesh and live among us. Imagine how uncomfortable it was for Jesus to walk in a sinful world among sinful people.
Now comes an even bigger step for God. He is willing to enter your body and mine when we become Christians. That's right, God Himself in the form of the Holy Spirit lives in a sinful body.
At least with Jesus, God could keep Himself pure. Now God is taking the risk of living in a body that does sin. God is willing to endure the pain He experiences every time we disobey. It is both encouraging and scary.
When you lied, the Holy Spirit had to be a part of it.
When you cheated, the Holy Spirit was there to go through it.
When you gossiped, the Holy Spirit had to listen.
When you lusted, the Holy Spirit was pained.
But the true purpose of the Holy Spirit is much more. God wants to fill us with His love. And so as we face problems and trials God knows that we are not alone. He has given us the Holy Spirit to live in us so we can have a Helper along the way.
Man, I love my God!
He created me.
He came to earth for me.
He climbed into my body so I could be filled with His love.
That makes we want to jump and shout no matter how bad life gets!
The next time life seems to get you down, remember that Christians have God living in them to help them. Sure, it isn't always easy, but when we learn to trust in God both now and for eternity, we will always find every experience bringing us a little closer to Him.
shine!
Jason
Monday, January 30, 2006
Real and lasting joy
TODAY'S READING: James 1:2-18
You know what? I don't like difficult times. Do you? Most of us don't.
I don't think God likes us to have difficult times, but I know that He uses them to help us grow. The bottom line is that God wants us to rely on Him in difficult times. But we want to find comfort everywhere else.
It could be our material goods. Or food. Maybe it's physical pleasure. We might seek comfort in alcohol or drugs. Sometimes it's just the noise of life. But we all seek comfort from the difficulties of life. And we often look in the wrong place.God wants us to look to Him.
James calls it an opportunity for joy. The joy only found in God. The joy not found in the things of this world, but only in the things of His kingdom.
God doesn't put temptation in our life to test us. It is our selfish desires that cause temptation to bring us down. It is the "quick fix" of earthly happiness that robs us of the joy of godliness.
We live in a culture that wants everything now. We use credit cards to buy things we really can't afford. We have relationships that rush into a false sense of intimacy. We buy the book that gives us the easy remedy to (fill in the blank). We buy that car/house/clothing/whatever it is that will make us feel better about ourselves because of the name on the label. We hang around with friends that have shallow relationships with us but make us feel "popular." We consume food or drugs that make us feel better for the moment.
I would imagine you can relate to at least one thing (if not many) in the list above. I know I can. We have been poisoned by our culture to turn away from God and trust in the stuff this world offers. It's in our hallways. It's on the television. In the movies. It surrounds us and seeps into our soul.
But James gets right to the point at the end of this passage and hits us right between the eyes.
Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows. In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession. (James 1:17-18)
Those clothes you just bought. Out of style next year.
The car you drive. It will be on a used car lot in a few years.
The friends that are not real friends. They may turn their back on you next week when it fits their needs.
The addiction that brings you comfort. You will need more next month just to get the same pleasure.
The debt you have accumulated. You will spend more as you try to ease the pressure and keep up with your peers.
As bad as that sounds, there is an answer.
Look to the One who is good and perfect.
Look to the One who never changes.
Look to the One who created us.
Look to the One who considers you His choice possession.
The message is clear. Let go of the things that possess you and grab on to the God who loved you enough to give His Son so He could have a real relationship with you. That is the source of real joy.
shine!
Jason
You know what? I don't like difficult times. Do you? Most of us don't.
I don't think God likes us to have difficult times, but I know that He uses them to help us grow. The bottom line is that God wants us to rely on Him in difficult times. But we want to find comfort everywhere else.
It could be our material goods. Or food. Maybe it's physical pleasure. We might seek comfort in alcohol or drugs. Sometimes it's just the noise of life. But we all seek comfort from the difficulties of life. And we often look in the wrong place.God wants us to look to Him.
James calls it an opportunity for joy. The joy only found in God. The joy not found in the things of this world, but only in the things of His kingdom.
God doesn't put temptation in our life to test us. It is our selfish desires that cause temptation to bring us down. It is the "quick fix" of earthly happiness that robs us of the joy of godliness.
We live in a culture that wants everything now. We use credit cards to buy things we really can't afford. We have relationships that rush into a false sense of intimacy. We buy the book that gives us the easy remedy to (fill in the blank). We buy that car/house/clothing/whatever it is that will make us feel better about ourselves because of the name on the label. We hang around with friends that have shallow relationships with us but make us feel "popular." We consume food or drugs that make us feel better for the moment.
I would imagine you can relate to at least one thing (if not many) in the list above. I know I can. We have been poisoned by our culture to turn away from God and trust in the stuff this world offers. It's in our hallways. It's on the television. In the movies. It surrounds us and seeps into our soul.
But James gets right to the point at the end of this passage and hits us right between the eyes.
Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows. In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession. (James 1:17-18)
Those clothes you just bought. Out of style next year.
The car you drive. It will be on a used car lot in a few years.
The friends that are not real friends. They may turn their back on you next week when it fits their needs.
The addiction that brings you comfort. You will need more next month just to get the same pleasure.
The debt you have accumulated. You will spend more as you try to ease the pressure and keep up with your peers.
As bad as that sounds, there is an answer.
Look to the One who is good and perfect.
Look to the One who never changes.
Look to the One who created us.
Look to the One who considers you His choice possession.
The message is clear. Let go of the things that possess you and grab on to the God who loved you enough to give His Son so He could have a real relationship with you. That is the source of real joy.
shine!
Jason
Real and lasting joy
TODAY'S READING: James 1:2-18
You know what? I don't like difficult times. Do you? Most of us don't.
I don't think God likes us to have difficult times, but I know that He uses them to help us grow. The bottom line is that God wants us to rely on Him in difficult times. But we want to find comfort everywhere else.
It could be our material goods. Or food. Maybe it's physical pleasure. We might seek comfort in alcohol or drugs. Sometimes it's just the noise of life. But we all seek comfort from the difficulties of life. And we often look in the wrong place.God wants us to look to Him.
James calls it an opportunity for joy. The joy only found in God. The joy not found in the things of this world, but only in the things of His kingdom.
God doesn't put temptation in our life to test us. It is our selfish desires that cause temptation to bring us down. It is the "quick fix" of earthly happiness that robs us of the joy of godliness.
We live in a culture that wants everything now. We use credit cards to buy things we really can't afford. We have relationships that rush into a false sense of intimacy. We buy the book that gives us the easy remedy to (fill in the blank). We buy that car/house/clothing/whatever it is that will make us feel better about ourselves because of the name on the label. We hang around with friends that have shallow relationships with us but make us feel "popular." We consume food or drugs that make us feel better for the moment.
I would imagine you can relate to at least one thing (if not many) in the list above. I know I can. We have been poisoned by our culture to turn away from God and trust in the stuff this world offers. It's in our hallways. It's on the television. In the movies. It surrounds us and seeps into our soul.
But James gets right to the point at the end of this passage and hits us right between the eyes.
Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows. In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession. (James 1:17-18)
Those clothes you just bought. Out of style next year.
The car you drive. It will be on a used car lot in a few years.
The friends that are not real friends. They may turn their back on you next week when it fits their needs.
The addiction that brings you comfort. You will need more next month just to get the same pleasure.
The debt you have accumulated. You will spend more as you try to ease the pressure and keep up with your peers.
As bad as that sounds, there is an answer.
Look to the One who is good and perfect.
Look to the One who never changes.
Look to the One who created us.
Look to the One who considers you His choice possession.
The message is clear. Let go of the things that possess you and grab on to the God who loved you enough to give His Son so He could have a real relationship with you. That is the source of real joy.
shine!
Jason
You know what? I don't like difficult times. Do you? Most of us don't.
I don't think God likes us to have difficult times, but I know that He uses them to help us grow. The bottom line is that God wants us to rely on Him in difficult times. But we want to find comfort everywhere else.
It could be our material goods. Or food. Maybe it's physical pleasure. We might seek comfort in alcohol or drugs. Sometimes it's just the noise of life. But we all seek comfort from the difficulties of life. And we often look in the wrong place.God wants us to look to Him.
James calls it an opportunity for joy. The joy only found in God. The joy not found in the things of this world, but only in the things of His kingdom.
God doesn't put temptation in our life to test us. It is our selfish desires that cause temptation to bring us down. It is the "quick fix" of earthly happiness that robs us of the joy of godliness.
We live in a culture that wants everything now. We use credit cards to buy things we really can't afford. We have relationships that rush into a false sense of intimacy. We buy the book that gives us the easy remedy to (fill in the blank). We buy that car/house/clothing/whatever it is that will make us feel better about ourselves because of the name on the label. We hang around with friends that have shallow relationships with us but make us feel "popular." We consume food or drugs that make us feel better for the moment.
I would imagine you can relate to at least one thing (if not many) in the list above. I know I can. We have been poisoned by our culture to turn away from God and trust in the stuff this world offers. It's in our hallways. It's on the television. In the movies. It surrounds us and seeps into our soul.
But James gets right to the point at the end of this passage and hits us right between the eyes.
Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows. In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession. (James 1:17-18)
Those clothes you just bought. Out of style next year.
The car you drive. It will be on a used car lot in a few years.
The friends that are not real friends. They may turn their back on you next week when it fits their needs.
The addiction that brings you comfort. You will need more next month just to get the same pleasure.
The debt you have accumulated. You will spend more as you try to ease the pressure and keep up with your peers.
As bad as that sounds, there is an answer.
Look to the One who is good and perfect.
Look to the One who never changes.
Look to the One who created us.
Look to the One who considers you His choice possession.
The message is clear. Let go of the things that possess you and grab on to the God who loved you enough to give His Son so He could have a real relationship with you. That is the source of real joy.
shine!
Jason
Friday, January 27, 2006
Do you believe?
TODAY'S READING: Matthew 9:27-34
Belief, true belief, in Jesus is more than acknowledging who He is. It's about taking action that shows you believe who He is. As a matter of fact, James wrote, "Do you still think it's enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror!" (James 2:19)
The men in this Matthew passage believed in Jesus enough that they were willing to follow Him "blindly" wherever He went. They were willing to go with Jesus not just because they believed who He was, but because they knew the power He had.
Maybe the reason we are often unwilling to completely follow Jesus is because we don't accept the power He has.
And here is an even more challenging thought. Are we unwilling to accept His power because we don't want to surrender control of our own lives?
If we are going to allow the power of God to fully work through our lives we must be willing to surrender control. We must be willing to let go and follow Jesus "blindly." This doesn't mean we stop thinking and following Him foolishly. But we must be willing to trust Him and follow Him even if we may not see where He is leading.
One of the greatest adventures in life is following Jesus. The trip may not always be smooth and the path is not always clear, but there is no one besides Jesus that I would trust to guide me through this journey called life.
shine!
Jason
Belief, true belief, in Jesus is more than acknowledging who He is. It's about taking action that shows you believe who He is. As a matter of fact, James wrote, "Do you still think it's enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror!" (James 2:19)
The men in this Matthew passage believed in Jesus enough that they were willing to follow Him "blindly" wherever He went. They were willing to go with Jesus not just because they believed who He was, but because they knew the power He had.
Maybe the reason we are often unwilling to completely follow Jesus is because we don't accept the power He has.
And here is an even more challenging thought. Are we unwilling to accept His power because we don't want to surrender control of our own lives?
If we are going to allow the power of God to fully work through our lives we must be willing to surrender control. We must be willing to let go and follow Jesus "blindly." This doesn't mean we stop thinking and following Him foolishly. But we must be willing to trust Him and follow Him even if we may not see where He is leading.
One of the greatest adventures in life is following Jesus. The trip may not always be smooth and the path is not always clear, but there is no one besides Jesus that I would trust to guide me through this journey called life.
shine!
Jason
Do you believe?
TODAY'S READING: Matthew 9:27-34
Belief, true belief, in Jesus is more than acknowledging who He is. It's about taking action that shows you believe who He is. As a matter of fact, James wrote, "Do you still think it's enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror!" (James 2:19)
The men in this Matthew passage believed in Jesus enough that they were willing to follow Him "blindly" wherever He went. They were willing to go with Jesus not just because they believed who He was, but because they knew the power He had.
Maybe the reason we are often unwilling to completely follow Jesus is because we don't accept the power He has.
And here is an even more challenging thought. Are we unwilling to accept His power because we don't want to surrender control of our own lives?
If we are going to allow the power of God to fully work through our lives we must be willing to surrender control. We must be willing to let go and follow Jesus "blindly." This doesn't mean we stop thinking and following Him foolishly. But we must be willing to trust Him and follow Him even if we may not see where He is leading.
One of the greatest adventures in life is following Jesus. The trip may not always be smooth and the path is not always clear, but there is no one besides Jesus that I would trust to guide me through this journey called life.
shine!
Jason
Belief, true belief, in Jesus is more than acknowledging who He is. It's about taking action that shows you believe who He is. As a matter of fact, James wrote, "Do you still think it's enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror!" (James 2:19)
The men in this Matthew passage believed in Jesus enough that they were willing to follow Him "blindly" wherever He went. They were willing to go with Jesus not just because they believed who He was, but because they knew the power He had.
Maybe the reason we are often unwilling to completely follow Jesus is because we don't accept the power He has.
And here is an even more challenging thought. Are we unwilling to accept His power because we don't want to surrender control of our own lives?
If we are going to allow the power of God to fully work through our lives we must be willing to surrender control. We must be willing to let go and follow Jesus "blindly." This doesn't mean we stop thinking and following Him foolishly. But we must be willing to trust Him and follow Him even if we may not see where He is leading.
One of the greatest adventures in life is following Jesus. The trip may not always be smooth and the path is not always clear, but there is no one besides Jesus that I would trust to guide me through this journey called life.
shine!
Jason
Thursday, January 26, 2006
We all need Jesus
TODAY'S READING: Matthew 9:18-26
I find it interesting how certain situations remove the barriers between different classes of people. I still remember on September 11, 2001, when people of all races, income levels, political parties, and more, came together.
It seems that in tragedy we are all faced with the reality of life. Sure, when times are good we can hide behind the false security of our earthly belongings. Money can buy happiness, but it is only temporary. And we often use it as a barrier to "protect" us from those who may not be a well off as we are.
We see in Jesus' encounter with these two people from different places in society that we all need Him. First we see the leader of a synagogue. Here is a man who is "high society." He probably wears all the right clothes and lives in the right neighborhood. People all over town would have looked up to Him. But in this man's time of need he turns to Jesus.
Right in the midst of this encounter we meet the bleeding woman. She would have been an outcast. With her medical problems she would have been considered unclean and unable to enjoy full involvement in her Jewish community. The leader of the synagogue would have likely had nothing to do with her.
So how much more powerful does this make Jesus' action when He puts the needs of the woman before the leader of the synagogue? In the end Jesus helps both of them, but He also makes a statement. Jesus doesn't care where we are in society. He isn't impressed with our titles or position. As a matter of fact, He favors the woman who would be considered "lowly" to most.
Our faith calls us to do much more than meet with people like us and encourage our own little group. Faith in Jesus challenges us to step out of our comfort zone. Actually, Jesus demands that we do this.
James speaks of this struggle that we face...
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others?
For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor"--well, doesn't this discrimination show that you are guided by wrong motives?
Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn't God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren't they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? And yet, you insult the poor man! Isn't it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?
Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord's royal command found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself." But if you pay special attention to the rich, you are committing a sin, for you are guilty of breaking that law. (James 2:1-9)
Our neighbor is not just the person next to us that lives in a house like us, drives a car like us, and wears clothes like us. Our neighbor is anyone we encounter in life.
Many of us struggle with how to deal with people who are "different" than us. We are comfortable in our own group. We like how easy it is to be with people like us. But if we are truly faithful followers of the Christ we must follow His example and turn the world's rankings upside down.
When we are willing to tear down barriers the world has created then we can truly bring the love of Jesus to our world. Until we are willing to get uncomfortable and reach out to others Jesus will not be able to fully shine through our lives. It won't be until we realize everyone needs Jesus that we will serve everyone for Him.
shine!
Jason
I find it interesting how certain situations remove the barriers between different classes of people. I still remember on September 11, 2001, when people of all races, income levels, political parties, and more, came together.
It seems that in tragedy we are all faced with the reality of life. Sure, when times are good we can hide behind the false security of our earthly belongings. Money can buy happiness, but it is only temporary. And we often use it as a barrier to "protect" us from those who may not be a well off as we are.
We see in Jesus' encounter with these two people from different places in society that we all need Him. First we see the leader of a synagogue. Here is a man who is "high society." He probably wears all the right clothes and lives in the right neighborhood. People all over town would have looked up to Him. But in this man's time of need he turns to Jesus.
Right in the midst of this encounter we meet the bleeding woman. She would have been an outcast. With her medical problems she would have been considered unclean and unable to enjoy full involvement in her Jewish community. The leader of the synagogue would have likely had nothing to do with her.
So how much more powerful does this make Jesus' action when He puts the needs of the woman before the leader of the synagogue? In the end Jesus helps both of them, but He also makes a statement. Jesus doesn't care where we are in society. He isn't impressed with our titles or position. As a matter of fact, He favors the woman who would be considered "lowly" to most.
Our faith calls us to do much more than meet with people like us and encourage our own little group. Faith in Jesus challenges us to step out of our comfort zone. Actually, Jesus demands that we do this.
James speaks of this struggle that we face...
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others?
For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor"--well, doesn't this discrimination show that you are guided by wrong motives?
Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn't God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren't they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? And yet, you insult the poor man! Isn't it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?
Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord's royal command found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself." But if you pay special attention to the rich, you are committing a sin, for you are guilty of breaking that law. (James 2:1-9)
Our neighbor is not just the person next to us that lives in a house like us, drives a car like us, and wears clothes like us. Our neighbor is anyone we encounter in life.
Many of us struggle with how to deal with people who are "different" than us. We are comfortable in our own group. We like how easy it is to be with people like us. But if we are truly faithful followers of the Christ we must follow His example and turn the world's rankings upside down.
When we are willing to tear down barriers the world has created then we can truly bring the love of Jesus to our world. Until we are willing to get uncomfortable and reach out to others Jesus will not be able to fully shine through our lives. It won't be until we realize everyone needs Jesus that we will serve everyone for Him.
shine!
Jason
We all need Jesus
TODAY'S READING: Matthew 9:18-26
I find it interesting how certain situations remove the barriers between different classes of people. I still remember on September 11, 2001, when people of all races, income levels, political parties, and more, came together.
It seems that in tragedy we are all faced with the reality of life. Sure, when times are good we can hide behind the false security of our earthly belongings. Money can buy happiness, but it is only temporary. And we often use it as a barrier to "protect" us from those who may not be a well off as we are.
We see in Jesus' encounter with these two people from different places in society that we all need Him. First we see the leader of a synagogue. Here is a man who is "high society." He probably wears all the right clothes and lives in the right neighborhood. People all over town would have looked up to Him. But in this man's time of need he turns to Jesus.
Right in the midst of this encounter we meet the bleeding woman. She would have been an outcast. With her medical problems she would have been considered unclean and unable to enjoy full involvement in her Jewish community. The leader of the synagogue would have likely had nothing to do with her.
So how much more powerful does this make Jesus' action when He puts the needs of the woman before the leader of the synagogue? In the end Jesus helps both of them, but He also makes a statement. Jesus doesn't care where we are in society. He isn't impressed with our titles or position. As a matter of fact, He favors the woman who would be considered "lowly" to most.
Our faith calls us to do much more than meet with people like us and encourage our own little group. Faith in Jesus challenges us to step out of our comfort zone. Actually, Jesus demands that we do this.
James speaks of this struggle that we face...
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others?
For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor"--well, doesn't this discrimination show that you are guided by wrong motives?
Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn't God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren't they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? And yet, you insult the poor man! Isn't it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?
Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord's royal command found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself." But if you pay special attention to the rich, you are committing a sin, for you are guilty of breaking that law. (James 2:1-9)
Our neighbor is not just the person next to us that lives in a house like us, drives a car like us, and wears clothes like us. Our neighbor is anyone we encounter in life.
Many of us struggle with how to deal with people who are "different" than us. We are comfortable in our own group. We like how easy it is to be with people like us. But if we are truly faithful followers of the Christ we must follow His example and turn the world's rankings upside down.
When we are willing to tear down barriers the world has created then we can truly bring the love of Jesus to our world. Until we are willing to get uncomfortable and reach out to others Jesus will not be able to fully shine through our lives. It won't be until we realize everyone needs Jesus that we will serve everyone for Him.
shine!
Jason
I find it interesting how certain situations remove the barriers between different classes of people. I still remember on September 11, 2001, when people of all races, income levels, political parties, and more, came together.
It seems that in tragedy we are all faced with the reality of life. Sure, when times are good we can hide behind the false security of our earthly belongings. Money can buy happiness, but it is only temporary. And we often use it as a barrier to "protect" us from those who may not be a well off as we are.
We see in Jesus' encounter with these two people from different places in society that we all need Him. First we see the leader of a synagogue. Here is a man who is "high society." He probably wears all the right clothes and lives in the right neighborhood. People all over town would have looked up to Him. But in this man's time of need he turns to Jesus.
Right in the midst of this encounter we meet the bleeding woman. She would have been an outcast. With her medical problems she would have been considered unclean and unable to enjoy full involvement in her Jewish community. The leader of the synagogue would have likely had nothing to do with her.
So how much more powerful does this make Jesus' action when He puts the needs of the woman before the leader of the synagogue? In the end Jesus helps both of them, but He also makes a statement. Jesus doesn't care where we are in society. He isn't impressed with our titles or position. As a matter of fact, He favors the woman who would be considered "lowly" to most.
Our faith calls us to do much more than meet with people like us and encourage our own little group. Faith in Jesus challenges us to step out of our comfort zone. Actually, Jesus demands that we do this.
James speaks of this struggle that we face...
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others?
For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor"--well, doesn't this discrimination show that you are guided by wrong motives?
Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn't God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren't they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? And yet, you insult the poor man! Isn't it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?
Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord's royal command found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself." But if you pay special attention to the rich, you are committing a sin, for you are guilty of breaking that law. (James 2:1-9)
Our neighbor is not just the person next to us that lives in a house like us, drives a car like us, and wears clothes like us. Our neighbor is anyone we encounter in life.
Many of us struggle with how to deal with people who are "different" than us. We are comfortable in our own group. We like how easy it is to be with people like us. But if we are truly faithful followers of the Christ we must follow His example and turn the world's rankings upside down.
When we are willing to tear down barriers the world has created then we can truly bring the love of Jesus to our world. Until we are willing to get uncomfortable and reach out to others Jesus will not be able to fully shine through our lives. It won't be until we realize everyone needs Jesus that we will serve everyone for Him.
shine!
Jason
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
In the midst of the storm
TODAY'S READING: Matthew 8:23-27
Deserted.
Detached.
Defeated.
Down.
Discouraged.
Death.
Divorce.
Darkness.
We have all been there at some point. All of us face storms in life. All of us have times where there seems to be no hope. You feel like you are drowning in the worries of life.
Jesus offers calm in the midst of the storm. When we look at thestorm instead of trusting in Jesus we miss His presence. He wants tobe there to bring peace and comfort.
Jesus will not always take the storm away, but He will always bethere in the storm. One of my favorite songs speaks so well of how Jesus is there for us in the storms of life. Here are the lyrics tothis Scott Krippayne song...
All who sail the sea of faith
Find out before too long
How quickly blue skies can grow dark
And gentle winds grow strong
Suddenly fear is like white water
Pounding on the soul
Still we sail on knowing
That our Lord is in control
Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child
He has a reason for each trial
That we pass through in life
And though we're shaken
We cannot be pulled apart from Christ
No matter how the driving rain beats down
On those who hold to faith
A heart of trust will always
Be a quiet peaceful place
Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be stillHe can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child
-----
If we stay near Christ He will be there for us. He never leaves us,but sometimes we forget that He is there. We look at the wind andwaves that life brings our way and panic. Jesus hopes we will noticeHim there in the boat with us and trust that He is in control.
Faith is more than acknowledging that Jesus is Lord. It involves thewillingness to trust Him with all of your life. It calls us to stopfocusing on the storms and fix our eyes on the One who can bringcalm to any storm.
shine!
Jason
Deserted.
Detached.
Defeated.
Down.
Discouraged.
Death.
Divorce.
Darkness.
We have all been there at some point. All of us face storms in life. All of us have times where there seems to be no hope. You feel like you are drowning in the worries of life.
Jesus offers calm in the midst of the storm. When we look at thestorm instead of trusting in Jesus we miss His presence. He wants tobe there to bring peace and comfort.
Jesus will not always take the storm away, but He will always bethere in the storm. One of my favorite songs speaks so well of how Jesus is there for us in the storms of life. Here are the lyrics tothis Scott Krippayne song...
All who sail the sea of faith
Find out before too long
How quickly blue skies can grow dark
And gentle winds grow strong
Suddenly fear is like white water
Pounding on the soul
Still we sail on knowing
That our Lord is in control
Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child
He has a reason for each trial
That we pass through in life
And though we're shaken
We cannot be pulled apart from Christ
No matter how the driving rain beats down
On those who hold to faith
A heart of trust will always
Be a quiet peaceful place
Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be stillHe can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child
-----
If we stay near Christ He will be there for us. He never leaves us,but sometimes we forget that He is there. We look at the wind andwaves that life brings our way and panic. Jesus hopes we will noticeHim there in the boat with us and trust that He is in control.
Faith is more than acknowledging that Jesus is Lord. It involves thewillingness to trust Him with all of your life. It calls us to stopfocusing on the storms and fix our eyes on the One who can bringcalm to any storm.
shine!
Jason
In the midst of the storm
TODAY'S READING: Matthew 8:23-27
Deserted.
Detached.
Defeated.
Down.
Discouraged.
Death.
Divorce.
Darkness.
We have all been there at some point. All of us face storms in life. All of us have times where there seems to be no hope. You feel like you are drowning in the worries of life.
Jesus offers calm in the midst of the storm. When we look at thestorm instead of trusting in Jesus we miss His presence. He wants tobe there to bring peace and comfort.
Jesus will not always take the storm away, but He will always bethere in the storm. One of my favorite songs speaks so well of how Jesus is there for us in the storms of life. Here are the lyrics tothis Scott Krippayne song...
All who sail the sea of faith
Find out before too long
How quickly blue skies can grow dark
And gentle winds grow strong
Suddenly fear is like white water
Pounding on the soul
Still we sail on knowing
That our Lord is in control
Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child
He has a reason for each trial
That we pass through in life
And though we're shaken
We cannot be pulled apart from Christ
No matter how the driving rain beats down
On those who hold to faith
A heart of trust will always
Be a quiet peaceful place
Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be stillHe can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child
-----
If we stay near Christ He will be there for us. He never leaves us,but sometimes we forget that He is there. We look at the wind andwaves that life brings our way and panic. Jesus hopes we will noticeHim there in the boat with us and trust that He is in control.
Faith is more than acknowledging that Jesus is Lord. It involves thewillingness to trust Him with all of your life. It calls us to stopfocusing on the storms and fix our eyes on the One who can bringcalm to any storm.
shine!
Jason
Deserted.
Detached.
Defeated.
Down.
Discouraged.
Death.
Divorce.
Darkness.
We have all been there at some point. All of us face storms in life. All of us have times where there seems to be no hope. You feel like you are drowning in the worries of life.
Jesus offers calm in the midst of the storm. When we look at thestorm instead of trusting in Jesus we miss His presence. He wants tobe there to bring peace and comfort.
Jesus will not always take the storm away, but He will always bethere in the storm. One of my favorite songs speaks so well of how Jesus is there for us in the storms of life. Here are the lyrics tothis Scott Krippayne song...
All who sail the sea of faith
Find out before too long
How quickly blue skies can grow dark
And gentle winds grow strong
Suddenly fear is like white water
Pounding on the soul
Still we sail on knowing
That our Lord is in control
Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child
He has a reason for each trial
That we pass through in life
And though we're shaken
We cannot be pulled apart from Christ
No matter how the driving rain beats down
On those who hold to faith
A heart of trust will always
Be a quiet peaceful place
Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be stillHe can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child
-----
If we stay near Christ He will be there for us. He never leaves us,but sometimes we forget that He is there. We look at the wind andwaves that life brings our way and panic. Jesus hopes we will noticeHim there in the boat with us and trust that He is in control.
Faith is more than acknowledging that Jesus is Lord. It involves thewillingness to trust Him with all of your life. It calls us to stopfocusing on the storms and fix our eyes on the One who can bringcalm to any storm.
shine!
Jason
Monday, January 23, 2006
I am not worthy
TODAY'S READING: Matthew 8:5-13
I am so amazed at the humility of the Roman officer. Here is a man with great power in the military who realizes his real place in the world. He may be able to control his soldiers, but he has no real control in this thing called life.
This man understands the power that Jesus has. He knows that with a word Jesus can heal his servant. He comes to Jesus acknowledging that only Jesus can handle this. And Jesus compliments this man's faith.
I don't know about you, but I struggle with having faith like this. So often I think I can handle it on my own. "Don't worry Jesus, I've got this one under control." Ever say that? Those may not have been the words you used, but is that what you believe at times?
I firmly believe that so often we accomplish less than we could for God not because He doesn't have the power. Rather, we are unwilling to trust Him to do what He has all the ability to do.
We like to have God in a little box where He does things on our terms. He gets involved in our life when we want Him to. We are able to keep Him put away when we do things the way we want.
That may mean putting God in storage when we commit that sin that we don't want Him to see.
It could be that we want to do it our way.
Sometimes we simply have too much pride to "need" God.
We as a church and as individuals could accomplish so much more for God if we would simply approach Him with the humility of the Roman officer and place our trust in Him.Let me finish today with a prayer that Paul recorded 2,000 years ago, but is just as relevant now...
"When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21)
shine!
Jason
I am not worthy
TODAY'S READING: Matthew 8:5-13
I am so amazed at the humility of the Roman officer. Here is a man with great power in the military who realizes his real place in the world. He may be able to control his soldiers, but he has no real control in this thing called life.
This man understands the power that Jesus has. He knows that with a word Jesus can heal his servant. He comes to Jesus acknowledging that only Jesus can handle this. And Jesus compliments this man's faith.
I don't know about you, but I struggle with having faith like this. So often I think I can handle it on my own. "Don't worry Jesus, I've got this one under control." Ever say that? Those may not have been the words you used, but is that what you believe at times?
I firmly believe that so often we accomplish less than we could for God not because He doesn't have the power. Rather, we are unwilling to trust Him to do what He has all the ability to do.
We like to have God in a little box where He does things on our terms. He gets involved in our life when we want Him to. We are able to keep Him put away when we do things the way we want.
That may mean putting God in storage when we commit that sin that we don't want Him to see.
It could be that we want to do it our way.
Sometimes we simply have too much pride to "need" God.
We as a church and as individuals could accomplish so much more for God if we would simply approach Him with the humility of the Roman officer and place our trust in Him.Let me finish today with a prayer that Paul recorded 2,000 years ago, but is just as relevant now...
"When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21)
shine!
Jason
Friday, January 20, 2006
Run the whole race
TODAY'S READING: Acts 20:18-35 & 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Looking at the life of Paul I notice something very interesting. He was all about running the whole race. Not starting strong and then stopping. Not a sprint at the end. No. Paul ran the whole thing.
He said, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." (2 Timothy 4:7)
I often hear people (especially teenagers and young adults) say that they are going to "enjoy life" and get serious about God later. What if Paul had said that after His encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus? Would he have even started the race?
Once Paul met Jesus it was on. No hesitations. No delays. No excuses. He was in the race from the word go.
Paul's ministy was all about getting serious from start. He says in the book of Acts, "You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now I have done the Lord's work humbly--yes, and with tears." (Acts 20:18-19)
Faithfulness to God is not a hobby we pick up later in life when we feel like it. Faithfulness is a life-long race that we must be in from the start. Once we encounter Jesus the race is on.
Do you think Satan waits once you commit your life to Jesus? I doubt it. As a matter of fact, Peter warns us. "Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith." (1 Peter 5:8-9)
Satan is at you from the beginning. His goal is to defeat you. And he knows that the longer you wait to start the race the harder it will be to finish.
Following Jesus is not a spectator sport. It is a race and battle that we are involved in every day. And until we approach it as the serious task that it is, we will always be in danger of missing the finish line.
shine!
Jason
Looking at the life of Paul I notice something very interesting. He was all about running the whole race. Not starting strong and then stopping. Not a sprint at the end. No. Paul ran the whole thing.
He said, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." (2 Timothy 4:7)
I often hear people (especially teenagers and young adults) say that they are going to "enjoy life" and get serious about God later. What if Paul had said that after His encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus? Would he have even started the race?
Once Paul met Jesus it was on. No hesitations. No delays. No excuses. He was in the race from the word go.
Paul's ministy was all about getting serious from start. He says in the book of Acts, "You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now I have done the Lord's work humbly--yes, and with tears." (Acts 20:18-19)
Faithfulness to God is not a hobby we pick up later in life when we feel like it. Faithfulness is a life-long race that we must be in from the start. Once we encounter Jesus the race is on.
Do you think Satan waits once you commit your life to Jesus? I doubt it. As a matter of fact, Peter warns us. "Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith." (1 Peter 5:8-9)
Satan is at you from the beginning. His goal is to defeat you. And he knows that the longer you wait to start the race the harder it will be to finish.
Following Jesus is not a spectator sport. It is a race and battle that we are involved in every day. And until we approach it as the serious task that it is, we will always be in danger of missing the finish line.
shine!
Jason
Run the whole race
TODAY'S READING: Acts 20:18-35 & 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Looking at the life of Paul I notice something very interesting. He was all about running the whole race. Not starting strong and then stopping. Not a sprint at the end. No. Paul ran the whole thing.
He said, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." (2 Timothy 4:7)
I often hear people (especially teenagers and young adults) say that they are going to "enjoy life" and get serious about God later. What if Paul had said that after His encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus? Would he have even started the race?
Once Paul met Jesus it was on. No hesitations. No delays. No excuses. He was in the race from the word go.
Paul's ministy was all about getting serious from start. He says in the book of Acts, "You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now I have done the Lord's work humbly--yes, and with tears." (Acts 20:18-19)
Faithfulness to God is not a hobby we pick up later in life when we feel like it. Faithfulness is a life-long race that we must be in from the start. Once we encounter Jesus the race is on.
Do you think Satan waits once you commit your life to Jesus? I doubt it. As a matter of fact, Peter warns us. "Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith." (1 Peter 5:8-9)
Satan is at you from the beginning. His goal is to defeat you. And he knows that the longer you wait to start the race the harder it will be to finish.
Following Jesus is not a spectator sport. It is a race and battle that we are involved in every day. And until we approach it as the serious task that it is, we will always be in danger of missing the finish line.
shine!
Jason
Looking at the life of Paul I notice something very interesting. He was all about running the whole race. Not starting strong and then stopping. Not a sprint at the end. No. Paul ran the whole thing.
He said, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." (2 Timothy 4:7)
I often hear people (especially teenagers and young adults) say that they are going to "enjoy life" and get serious about God later. What if Paul had said that after His encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus? Would he have even started the race?
Once Paul met Jesus it was on. No hesitations. No delays. No excuses. He was in the race from the word go.
Paul's ministy was all about getting serious from start. He says in the book of Acts, "You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now I have done the Lord's work humbly--yes, and with tears." (Acts 20:18-19)
Faithfulness to God is not a hobby we pick up later in life when we feel like it. Faithfulness is a life-long race that we must be in from the start. Once we encounter Jesus the race is on.
Do you think Satan waits once you commit your life to Jesus? I doubt it. As a matter of fact, Peter warns us. "Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith." (1 Peter 5:8-9)
Satan is at you from the beginning. His goal is to defeat you. And he knows that the longer you wait to start the race the harder it will be to finish.
Following Jesus is not a spectator sport. It is a race and battle that we are involved in every day. And until we approach it as the serious task that it is, we will always be in danger of missing the finish line.
shine!
Jason
Thursday, January 19, 2006
A gun to your head
TODAY'S READING: Daniel 3:1-30
What if someone put a gun to your head and asked you if you believed in God?
What would your answer be?
These leads me to two questions.
Do you live the kind of life where people know you are a follower of Jesus?
Do you trust God enough that you would answer yes?
These three men we read about in Daniel faced a similar situation. They were placing their allegiance with God above everything. They lived their lives in a way that made it obvious who their God was. When faced with certain death or bowing to a different God, this was their response.
"O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18)
They were willing to lay it all on the line.
There was a teenager who faced a similar situation back in April of 1999. Cassie Bernall was a student at Columbine High School. On April 20, 1999, a gun was put to her head and she was asked if she believed in God. I have two observations. First of all, she must have been living for Jesus to be put in that situation. I do not believe she was randomly chosen. I think she was picked out because her faith was showing itself in her life.
Second, when faced with the option to sell out God and live, she chose to remain faithful and give her life. But this was not just a spur of the moment decision. It was a lifestyle choice. Here is an excerpt from a note that Cassie's mom found after her death...
"When God doesn't want me to do something, I definitely know it. When he wants me to do something, even if it means going outside my comfort zone, I know that too. I feel pushed in the direction I need to go...I try to stand up for my faith at school...It can be discouraging, but it can also be rewarding...I will die for my God. I will die for my faith. It's the least I can do for Christ dying for me."
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego made their decision long before they stood before the furnace. Cassie Bernall made her decision long before the gun was against her temple.
Have you made your decision yet? I am not just talking about a decision to be baptized. No, it goes much deeper. Have you made a decision to be a sold-out follower of the Christ? Have you decided that no matter what comes your way that you will be faithful?
Faithfulness is not about showing up at a church building. Faithfulness is not accomplished when we are baptized or by taking communion every week.
Are those a part of our faith walk? Absoultely.
But true faithfulness to God comes when we are willing to lay down our lives. It may not involve physical death, but it does involve death.
Death of our pride.
Death of our desires.
Death of our selfishness.
Most of us will never stand before a furnace or have a gun pointed at our head, but all of us will face tests on a daily basis. The question we must ask ourselves is if we have made the decision to do what God has called us to do. In the words of modern-day, teenage martyr Cassie Bernall, "I will die for my God. I will die for my faith. It's the least I can do for Christ dying for me."
What if someone put a gun to your head and asked you if you believed in God?
What would your answer be?
These leads me to two questions.
Do you live the kind of life where people know you are a follower of Jesus?
Do you trust God enough that you would answer yes?
These three men we read about in Daniel faced a similar situation. They were placing their allegiance with God above everything. They lived their lives in a way that made it obvious who their God was. When faced with certain death or bowing to a different God, this was their response.
"O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18)
They were willing to lay it all on the line.
There was a teenager who faced a similar situation back in April of 1999. Cassie Bernall was a student at Columbine High School. On April 20, 1999, a gun was put to her head and she was asked if she believed in God. I have two observations. First of all, she must have been living for Jesus to be put in that situation. I do not believe she was randomly chosen. I think she was picked out because her faith was showing itself in her life.
Second, when faced with the option to sell out God and live, she chose to remain faithful and give her life. But this was not just a spur of the moment decision. It was a lifestyle choice. Here is an excerpt from a note that Cassie's mom found after her death...
"When God doesn't want me to do something, I definitely know it. When he wants me to do something, even if it means going outside my comfort zone, I know that too. I feel pushed in the direction I need to go...I try to stand up for my faith at school...It can be discouraging, but it can also be rewarding...I will die for my God. I will die for my faith. It's the least I can do for Christ dying for me."
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego made their decision long before they stood before the furnace. Cassie Bernall made her decision long before the gun was against her temple.
Have you made your decision yet? I am not just talking about a decision to be baptized. No, it goes much deeper. Have you made a decision to be a sold-out follower of the Christ? Have you decided that no matter what comes your way that you will be faithful?
Faithfulness is not about showing up at a church building. Faithfulness is not accomplished when we are baptized or by taking communion every week.
Are those a part of our faith walk? Absoultely.
But true faithfulness to God comes when we are willing to lay down our lives. It may not involve physical death, but it does involve death.
Death of our pride.
Death of our desires.
Death of our selfishness.
Most of us will never stand before a furnace or have a gun pointed at our head, but all of us will face tests on a daily basis. The question we must ask ourselves is if we have made the decision to do what God has called us to do. In the words of modern-day, teenage martyr Cassie Bernall, "I will die for my God. I will die for my faith. It's the least I can do for Christ dying for me."
A gun to your head
TODAY'S READING: Daniel 3:1-30
What if someone put a gun to your head and asked you if you believed in God?
What would your answer be?
These leads me to two questions.
Do you live the kind of life where people know you are a follower of Jesus?
Do you trust God enough that you would answer yes?
These three men we read about in Daniel faced a similar situation. They were placing their allegiance with God above everything. They lived their lives in a way that made it obvious who their God was. When faced with certain death or bowing to a different God, this was their response.
"O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18)
They were willing to lay it all on the line.
There was a teenager who faced a similar situation back in April of 1999. Cassie Bernall was a student at Columbine High School. On April 20, 1999, a gun was put to her head and she was asked if she believed in God. I have two observations. First of all, she must have been living for Jesus to be put in that situation. I do not believe she was randomly chosen. I think she was picked out because her faith was showing itself in her life.
Second, when faced with the option to sell out God and live, she chose to remain faithful and give her life. But this was not just a spur of the moment decision. It was a lifestyle choice. Here is an excerpt from a note that Cassie's mom found after her death...
"When God doesn't want me to do something, I definitely know it. When he wants me to do something, even if it means going outside my comfort zone, I know that too. I feel pushed in the direction I need to go...I try to stand up for my faith at school...It can be discouraging, but it can also be rewarding...I will die for my God. I will die for my faith. It's the least I can do for Christ dying for me."
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego made their decision long before they stood before the furnace. Cassie Bernall made her decision long before the gun was against her temple.
Have you made your decision yet? I am not just talking about a decision to be baptized. No, it goes much deeper. Have you made a decision to be a sold-out follower of the Christ? Have you decided that no matter what comes your way that you will be faithful?
Faithfulness is not about showing up at a church building. Faithfulness is not accomplished when we are baptized or by taking communion every week.
Are those a part of our faith walk? Absoultely.
But true faithfulness to God comes when we are willing to lay down our lives. It may not involve physical death, but it does involve death.
Death of our pride.
Death of our desires.
Death of our selfishness.
Most of us will never stand before a furnace or have a gun pointed at our head, but all of us will face tests on a daily basis. The question we must ask ourselves is if we have made the decision to do what God has called us to do. In the words of modern-day, teenage martyr Cassie Bernall, "I will die for my God. I will die for my faith. It's the least I can do for Christ dying for me."
What if someone put a gun to your head and asked you if you believed in God?
What would your answer be?
These leads me to two questions.
Do you live the kind of life where people know you are a follower of Jesus?
Do you trust God enough that you would answer yes?
These three men we read about in Daniel faced a similar situation. They were placing their allegiance with God above everything. They lived their lives in a way that made it obvious who their God was. When faced with certain death or bowing to a different God, this was their response.
"O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18)
They were willing to lay it all on the line.
There was a teenager who faced a similar situation back in April of 1999. Cassie Bernall was a student at Columbine High School. On April 20, 1999, a gun was put to her head and she was asked if she believed in God. I have two observations. First of all, she must have been living for Jesus to be put in that situation. I do not believe she was randomly chosen. I think she was picked out because her faith was showing itself in her life.
Second, when faced with the option to sell out God and live, she chose to remain faithful and give her life. But this was not just a spur of the moment decision. It was a lifestyle choice. Here is an excerpt from a note that Cassie's mom found after her death...
"When God doesn't want me to do something, I definitely know it. When he wants me to do something, even if it means going outside my comfort zone, I know that too. I feel pushed in the direction I need to go...I try to stand up for my faith at school...It can be discouraging, but it can also be rewarding...I will die for my God. I will die for my faith. It's the least I can do for Christ dying for me."
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego made their decision long before they stood before the furnace. Cassie Bernall made her decision long before the gun was against her temple.
Have you made your decision yet? I am not just talking about a decision to be baptized. No, it goes much deeper. Have you made a decision to be a sold-out follower of the Christ? Have you decided that no matter what comes your way that you will be faithful?
Faithfulness is not about showing up at a church building. Faithfulness is not accomplished when we are baptized or by taking communion every week.
Are those a part of our faith walk? Absoultely.
But true faithfulness to God comes when we are willing to lay down our lives. It may not involve physical death, but it does involve death.
Death of our pride.
Death of our desires.
Death of our selfishness.
Most of us will never stand before a furnace or have a gun pointed at our head, but all of us will face tests on a daily basis. The question we must ask ourselves is if we have made the decision to do what God has called us to do. In the words of modern-day, teenage martyr Cassie Bernall, "I will die for my God. I will die for my faith. It's the least I can do for Christ dying for me."
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Jericho
TODAY'S READING: Joshua 6:1-27
Ever wonder why God asks you to do something? I am sure that Joshua and the Israelites were a little confused when God gave them their instructions. March around the city and we will defeat it?!?!?
God is all about defying conventional wisdom. But when we are faithful we will have the victory. Jesus lived and breathed the wisdom of God.
"But I say, don't resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow." (Matthew 5:39-42)
"But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:44-45)
"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing?" (Matthew 6:25)
"If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the fault. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If that person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. If the church decides you are right, but the other person won't accept it, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17)
"If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21)
"Then these righteous ones will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visityou?' And the King will tell them, `I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' (Matthew 25:37-40)
And then...
The ultimate.
Hanging on a cross, Jesus asks God to forgive His murderers.
What is God calling you to do that seems outrageous?
Is it reaching out to that person that everyone makes fun of?
Could it be leaving a relationship that draws you away from God?
Do you need to get rid of some of your music?
Is it time to obey your parents?
God asks us to do a lot of things that seem crazy to this world, but isn't that what our struggle is all about? Paul seems to say it best.
I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds to those who are on the road to destruction. But we who are being saved recognize this message as the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, "I will destroy human wisdom and discard their most brilliant ideas." So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made them all look foolish and has shown their wisdom to be useless nonsense. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never find him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save all who believe. God's way seems foolish to the Jews because they want a sign from heaven to prove it is true. And it is foolish to the Greeks because they believe only what agrees with their own wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended, and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the mighty power of God and the wonderful wisdom of God. This "foolish" plan of God is farwiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength. (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)
Listen to God's wisdom.
Follow Christ's example.
Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Then you can be outrageous for God!
Ever wonder why God asks you to do something? I am sure that Joshua and the Israelites were a little confused when God gave them their instructions. March around the city and we will defeat it?!?!?
God is all about defying conventional wisdom. But when we are faithful we will have the victory. Jesus lived and breathed the wisdom of God.
"But I say, don't resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow." (Matthew 5:39-42)
"But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:44-45)
"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing?" (Matthew 6:25)
"If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the fault. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If that person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. If the church decides you are right, but the other person won't accept it, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17)
"If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21)
"Then these righteous ones will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visityou?' And the King will tell them, `I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' (Matthew 25:37-40)
And then...
The ultimate.
Hanging on a cross, Jesus asks God to forgive His murderers.
What is God calling you to do that seems outrageous?
Is it reaching out to that person that everyone makes fun of?
Could it be leaving a relationship that draws you away from God?
Do you need to get rid of some of your music?
Is it time to obey your parents?
God asks us to do a lot of things that seem crazy to this world, but isn't that what our struggle is all about? Paul seems to say it best.
I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds to those who are on the road to destruction. But we who are being saved recognize this message as the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, "I will destroy human wisdom and discard their most brilliant ideas." So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made them all look foolish and has shown their wisdom to be useless nonsense. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never find him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save all who believe. God's way seems foolish to the Jews because they want a sign from heaven to prove it is true. And it is foolish to the Greeks because they believe only what agrees with their own wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended, and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the mighty power of God and the wonderful wisdom of God. This "foolish" plan of God is farwiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength. (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)
Listen to God's wisdom.
Follow Christ's example.
Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Then you can be outrageous for God!
Jericho
TODAY'S READING: Joshua 6:1-27
Ever wonder why God asks you to do something? I am sure that Joshua and the Israelites were a little confused when God gave them their instructions. March around the city and we will defeat it?!?!?
God is all about defying conventional wisdom. But when we are faithful we will have the victory. Jesus lived and breathed the wisdom of God.
"But I say, don't resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow." (Matthew 5:39-42)
"But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:44-45)
"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing?" (Matthew 6:25)
"If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the fault. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If that person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. If the church decides you are right, but the other person won't accept it, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17)
"If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21)
"Then these righteous ones will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visityou?' And the King will tell them, `I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' (Matthew 25:37-40)
And then...
The ultimate.
Hanging on a cross, Jesus asks God to forgive His murderers.
What is God calling you to do that seems outrageous?
Is it reaching out to that person that everyone makes fun of?
Could it be leaving a relationship that draws you away from God?
Do you need to get rid of some of your music?
Is it time to obey your parents?
God asks us to do a lot of things that seem crazy to this world, but isn't that what our struggle is all about? Paul seems to say it best.
I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds to those who are on the road to destruction. But we who are being saved recognize this message as the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, "I will destroy human wisdom and discard their most brilliant ideas." So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made them all look foolish and has shown their wisdom to be useless nonsense. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never find him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save all who believe. God's way seems foolish to the Jews because they want a sign from heaven to prove it is true. And it is foolish to the Greeks because they believe only what agrees with their own wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended, and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the mighty power of God and the wonderful wisdom of God. This "foolish" plan of God is farwiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength. (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)
Listen to God's wisdom.
Follow Christ's example.
Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Then you can be outrageous for God!
Ever wonder why God asks you to do something? I am sure that Joshua and the Israelites were a little confused when God gave them their instructions. March around the city and we will defeat it?!?!?
God is all about defying conventional wisdom. But when we are faithful we will have the victory. Jesus lived and breathed the wisdom of God.
"But I say, don't resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow." (Matthew 5:39-42)
"But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:44-45)
"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing?" (Matthew 6:25)
"If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the fault. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If that person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. If the church decides you are right, but the other person won't accept it, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17)
"If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21)
"Then these righteous ones will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visityou?' And the King will tell them, `I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' (Matthew 25:37-40)
And then...
The ultimate.
Hanging on a cross, Jesus asks God to forgive His murderers.
What is God calling you to do that seems outrageous?
Is it reaching out to that person that everyone makes fun of?
Could it be leaving a relationship that draws you away from God?
Do you need to get rid of some of your music?
Is it time to obey your parents?
God asks us to do a lot of things that seem crazy to this world, but isn't that what our struggle is all about? Paul seems to say it best.
I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds to those who are on the road to destruction. But we who are being saved recognize this message as the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, "I will destroy human wisdom and discard their most brilliant ideas." So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made them all look foolish and has shown their wisdom to be useless nonsense. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never find him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save all who believe. God's way seems foolish to the Jews because they want a sign from heaven to prove it is true. And it is foolish to the Greeks because they believe only what agrees with their own wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended, and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the mighty power of God and the wonderful wisdom of God. This "foolish" plan of God is farwiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength. (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)
Listen to God's wisdom.
Follow Christ's example.
Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Then you can be outrageous for God!
Sunday, January 08, 2006
This is what it's all about
There are days I feel like going back to some secular job.
There are times I look in the mirror and wonder who I am.
There are moments I ask God if He knew what He was doing when He called me to ministry.
Then I read this note from a student...
just wanted say thank you... you have been such an inspiration to me and such a spiritual guide... God has used you so much in many people's lives... and especially mine... and i know that you are only going to help me and my personal ministry more and more through college... i love you jason and again... thank you
Wow! No more turning back. No more wondering. No more questioning.
Will there be tough days? Oh, yeah.
Will there be challenges? No doubt.
Will there be frustrations? Without a doubt.
But it's notes like this that remind me what ministry is all about. It's about touching lives. It's about helping people get to know Jesus just a little better. It's about making an impact with eternal significance.
It's better than any "job" I could even imagine.
I could make more money as an engineer, but I would never get to see that student look at me with that smile because she just encountered God in a way she never did before.
I could be more "successful" as a businessman, but I would never be able to sit at lunch with that student and study the word of God.
I could "change the world" by inventing some new devise, but I would never get to really change the world by helping a student find Jesus.
I have THE best job world. As a matter of fact, it's more than a job, it's a calling. It's a life mission. It's a chance to be Jesus to a generation that needs Him. It's an opportunity to shine the light of Jesus in a world that seems filled with darkness.
To the one who wrote those words above (you know who you are)...thank you for reminding me of what it's really all about!
There are times I look in the mirror and wonder who I am.
There are moments I ask God if He knew what He was doing when He called me to ministry.
Then I read this note from a student...
just wanted say thank you... you have been such an inspiration to me and such a spiritual guide... God has used you so much in many people's lives... and especially mine... and i know that you are only going to help me and my personal ministry more and more through college... i love you jason and again... thank you
Wow! No more turning back. No more wondering. No more questioning.
Will there be tough days? Oh, yeah.
Will there be challenges? No doubt.
Will there be frustrations? Without a doubt.
But it's notes like this that remind me what ministry is all about. It's about touching lives. It's about helping people get to know Jesus just a little better. It's about making an impact with eternal significance.
It's better than any "job" I could even imagine.
I could make more money as an engineer, but I would never get to see that student look at me with that smile because she just encountered God in a way she never did before.
I could be more "successful" as a businessman, but I would never be able to sit at lunch with that student and study the word of God.
I could "change the world" by inventing some new devise, but I would never get to really change the world by helping a student find Jesus.
I have THE best job world. As a matter of fact, it's more than a job, it's a calling. It's a life mission. It's a chance to be Jesus to a generation that needs Him. It's an opportunity to shine the light of Jesus in a world that seems filled with darkness.
To the one who wrote those words above (you know who you are)...thank you for reminding me of what it's really all about!
This is what it's all about
There are days I feel like going back to some secular job.
There are times I look in the mirror and wonder who I am.
There are moments I ask God if He knew what He was doing when He called me to ministry.
Then I read this note from a student...
just wanted say thank you... you have been such an inspiration to me and such a spiritual guide... God has used you so much in many people's lives... and especially mine... and i know that you are only going to help me and my personal ministry more and more through college... i love you jason and again... thank you
Wow! No more turning back. No more wondering. No more questioning.
Will there be tough days? Oh, yeah.
Will there be challenges? No doubt.
Will there be frustrations? Without a doubt.
But it's notes like this that remind me what ministry is all about. It's about touching lives. It's about helping people get to know Jesus just a little better. It's about making an impact with eternal significance.
It's better than any "job" I could even imagine.
I could make more money as an engineer, but I would never get to see that student look at me with that smile because she just encountered God in a way she never did before.
I could be more "successful" as a businessman, but I would never be able to sit at lunch with that student and study the word of God.
I could "change the world" by inventing some new devise, but I would never get to really change the world by helping a student find Jesus.
I have THE best job world. As a matter of fact, it's more than a job, it's a calling. It's a life mission. It's a chance to be Jesus to a generation that needs Him. It's an opportunity to shine the light of Jesus in a world that seems filled with darkness.
To the one who wrote those words above (you know who you are)...thank you for reminding me of what it's really all about!
There are times I look in the mirror and wonder who I am.
There are moments I ask God if He knew what He was doing when He called me to ministry.
Then I read this note from a student...
just wanted say thank you... you have been such an inspiration to me and such a spiritual guide... God has used you so much in many people's lives... and especially mine... and i know that you are only going to help me and my personal ministry more and more through college... i love you jason and again... thank you
Wow! No more turning back. No more wondering. No more questioning.
Will there be tough days? Oh, yeah.
Will there be challenges? No doubt.
Will there be frustrations? Without a doubt.
But it's notes like this that remind me what ministry is all about. It's about touching lives. It's about helping people get to know Jesus just a little better. It's about making an impact with eternal significance.
It's better than any "job" I could even imagine.
I could make more money as an engineer, but I would never get to see that student look at me with that smile because she just encountered God in a way she never did before.
I could be more "successful" as a businessman, but I would never be able to sit at lunch with that student and study the word of God.
I could "change the world" by inventing some new devise, but I would never get to really change the world by helping a student find Jesus.
I have THE best job world. As a matter of fact, it's more than a job, it's a calling. It's a life mission. It's a chance to be Jesus to a generation that needs Him. It's an opportunity to shine the light of Jesus in a world that seems filled with darkness.
To the one who wrote those words above (you know who you are)...thank you for reminding me of what it's really all about!
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