Tomorrow our team of 29 will leave for Brazil. We will be working with the Victory church in Rio for the next 10 days. Please pray for our safe travels, and more importantly, pray that lives will be touched by God. Ask God for an outpouring of His Spirit and that we can be His hands and feet to the church in Rio and the Brazilians we will meet. Thank you for your prayers!
brilho!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Re-imagining the church as a village
Last Sunday I had the honor and privilege of sharing the pulpit with our pulpit minister, Patrick Mead. Together Patrick and I presented a fundamental paradigm shift in how ministry to youth and their families is done. The lesson was entitled "Re-imagining the Church as a Village." While this concept has been around for several years (and is actually more biblical than the one most youth ministries follow today), it is certainly a new direction for me and for the Rochester church. God has been leading me this way for a few years and it is exciting to see God continuing my journey. You can listen to the sermon by going to http://rccaudio.christianwitness.us/. There you can either download the lesson or listening to it in streaming audio format.
shine!
shine!
Brazil!
Tomorrow our team of 29 will leave for Brazil. We will be working with the Victory church in Rio for the next 10 days. Please pray for our safe travels, and more importantly, pray that lives will be touched by God. Ask God for an outpouring of His Spirit and that we can be His hands and feet to the church in Rio and the Brazilians we will meet. Thank you for your prayers!
brilho!
brilho!
Re-imagining the church as a village
Last Sunday I had the honor and privilege of sharing the pulpit with our pulpit minister, Patrick Mead. Together Patrick and I presented a fundamental paradigm shift in how ministry to youth and their families is done. The lesson was entitled "Re-imagining the Church as a Village." While this concept has been around for several years (and is actually more biblical than the one most youth ministries follow today), it is certainly a new direction for me and for the Rochester church. God has been leading me this way for a few years and it is exciting to see God continuing my journey. You can listen to the sermon by going to http://rccaudio.christianwitness.us/. There you can either download the lesson or listening to it in streaming audio format.
shine!
shine!
Blind-spot
TODAY'S READING: 2 Samuel 12:1-14
Have you ever been driving down the road and when you go to switch lanes you begin to move over and you hear someone honk their horn? When you look again there is a car in the lane you were moving into. Most of us who drive understand there is a blind-spot that we must be aware of when we drive.
How many of us are aware of our spiritual blind-spots? David certainly didn't see his. I am sure that when he slept with Bathsheba, found out she was pregnant, and plotted to have her husband killed, he was aware of the sin. But, he continued to plot and hide the truth.
Then, when Nathan told the story we read today, David never saw the parallel between what he had done and what Nathan had said. It wasn't until Nathan said the words, "You are that man!" Then Nathan goes on to remind David of all the blessings God gave him.
David committed a serious sin in spite of all the ways that God had blessed him and been with him. David's blind-spot caused him to create a huge mess. And the rest of David's life would be filled with struggles because of this.
No matter how successful we are, all of us have spiritual blind-spots. That is one of the reasons it is essential we have healthy, close relationships with spiritual-minded people. Those relationships will help keep us accountable. It will take spiritually-minded close friends to help us see our blind-spots.
Do you have at least one close friend who keeps an eye out for you? Do you have someone who you can share your struggles with that will keep you accountable. As you strive to become the person God wants you to be, make sure you surround yourself with people who will watch your back in this journey called following Jesus.
shine!
Jason
Have you ever been driving down the road and when you go to switch lanes you begin to move over and you hear someone honk their horn? When you look again there is a car in the lane you were moving into. Most of us who drive understand there is a blind-spot that we must be aware of when we drive.
How many of us are aware of our spiritual blind-spots? David certainly didn't see his. I am sure that when he slept with Bathsheba, found out she was pregnant, and plotted to have her husband killed, he was aware of the sin. But, he continued to plot and hide the truth.
Then, when Nathan told the story we read today, David never saw the parallel between what he had done and what Nathan had said. It wasn't until Nathan said the words, "You are that man!" Then Nathan goes on to remind David of all the blessings God gave him.
David committed a serious sin in spite of all the ways that God had blessed him and been with him. David's blind-spot caused him to create a huge mess. And the rest of David's life would be filled with struggles because of this.
No matter how successful we are, all of us have spiritual blind-spots. That is one of the reasons it is essential we have healthy, close relationships with spiritual-minded people. Those relationships will help keep us accountable. It will take spiritually-minded close friends to help us see our blind-spots.
Do you have at least one close friend who keeps an eye out for you? Do you have someone who you can share your struggles with that will keep you accountable. As you strive to become the person God wants you to be, make sure you surround yourself with people who will watch your back in this journey called following Jesus.
shine!
Jason
Blind-spot
TODAY'S READING: 2 Samuel 12:1-14
Have you ever been driving down the road and when you go to switch lanes you begin to move over and you hear someone honk their horn? When you look again there is a car in the lane you were moving into. Most of us who drive understand there is a blind-spot that we must be aware of when we drive.
How many of us are aware of our spiritual blind-spots? David certainly didn't see his. I am sure that when he slept with Bathsheba, found out she was pregnant, and plotted to have her husband killed, he was aware of the sin. But, he continued to plot and hide the truth.
Then, when Nathan told the story we read today, David never saw the parallel between what he had done and what Nathan had said. It wasn't until Nathan said the words, "You are that man!" Then Nathan goes on to remind David of all the blessings God gave him.
David committed a serious sin in spite of all the ways that God had blessed him and been with him. David's blind-spot caused him to create a huge mess. And the rest of David's life would be filled with struggles because of this.
No matter how successful we are, all of us have spiritual blind-spots. That is one of the reasons it is essential we have healthy, close relationships with spiritual-minded people. Those relationships will help keep us accountable. It will take spiritually-minded close friends to help us see our blind-spots.
Do you have at least one close friend who keeps an eye out for you? Do you have someone who you can share your struggles with that will keep you accountable. As you strive to become the person God wants you to be, make sure you surround yourself with people who will watch your back in this journey called following Jesus.
shine!
Jason
Have you ever been driving down the road and when you go to switch lanes you begin to move over and you hear someone honk their horn? When you look again there is a car in the lane you were moving into. Most of us who drive understand there is a blind-spot that we must be aware of when we drive.
How many of us are aware of our spiritual blind-spots? David certainly didn't see his. I am sure that when he slept with Bathsheba, found out she was pregnant, and plotted to have her husband killed, he was aware of the sin. But, he continued to plot and hide the truth.
Then, when Nathan told the story we read today, David never saw the parallel between what he had done and what Nathan had said. It wasn't until Nathan said the words, "You are that man!" Then Nathan goes on to remind David of all the blessings God gave him.
David committed a serious sin in spite of all the ways that God had blessed him and been with him. David's blind-spot caused him to create a huge mess. And the rest of David's life would be filled with struggles because of this.
No matter how successful we are, all of us have spiritual blind-spots. That is one of the reasons it is essential we have healthy, close relationships with spiritual-minded people. Those relationships will help keep us accountable. It will take spiritually-minded close friends to help us see our blind-spots.
Do you have at least one close friend who keeps an eye out for you? Do you have someone who you can share your struggles with that will keep you accountable. As you strive to become the person God wants you to be, make sure you surround yourself with people who will watch your back in this journey called following Jesus.
shine!
Jason
How to be king
TODAY'S READING: 1 Samuel 18:1-16
There are all kinds of leadership training classes and seminars. You can find a host of books on how to be a leader. But we see David living out what makes an effective leader for God. It's not about seminars, books, or training sessions. Yes, those can all be helpful. But the key to a successful godly leader is found in the heart of the person. Consider what we read about David in this passage.
David was successful in what Saul asked him to do. (verse 5) David was dependable and carried out his assignments.
David was faithful, even when Saul took away some of his troops. (verse 13) David remained faithful in his tasks, even when his "boss" mistreated him.
The Lord was with David. (verses 12 & 14) When David was faithful, God was with him.
We can learn a lot from David. The biggest thing I learn from David in this situation is that we must be a servant regardless of how we are treated. I know there are times I don't want to serve because someone treated me poorly. I would imagine most of us have been there at least a few times.
David shows me that a real leader grows from a real servant. If we can show kindness, faithfulness, patience, and dependability as we serve others, God will often bless us with the opportunity to lead others. This is not a guarantee, but it is certainly a principle I have seen in Scripture and real life. Not all leaders show these characteristics, but most effective, godly leaders will show these attributes long before they are called to lead. Whether you are a leader or not, pray that God will help you develop into the kind of person who could be king, whether you are called to leadership or not. Because the reality is that all of us will lead someone. But are we doing it in a way that brings glory and honor to God?
shine!
Jason
There are all kinds of leadership training classes and seminars. You can find a host of books on how to be a leader. But we see David living out what makes an effective leader for God. It's not about seminars, books, or training sessions. Yes, those can all be helpful. But the key to a successful godly leader is found in the heart of the person. Consider what we read about David in this passage.
David was successful in what Saul asked him to do. (verse 5) David was dependable and carried out his assignments.
David was faithful, even when Saul took away some of his troops. (verse 13) David remained faithful in his tasks, even when his "boss" mistreated him.
The Lord was with David. (verses 12 & 14) When David was faithful, God was with him.
We can learn a lot from David. The biggest thing I learn from David in this situation is that we must be a servant regardless of how we are treated. I know there are times I don't want to serve because someone treated me poorly. I would imagine most of us have been there at least a few times.
David shows me that a real leader grows from a real servant. If we can show kindness, faithfulness, patience, and dependability as we serve others, God will often bless us with the opportunity to lead others. This is not a guarantee, but it is certainly a principle I have seen in Scripture and real life. Not all leaders show these characteristics, but most effective, godly leaders will show these attributes long before they are called to lead. Whether you are a leader or not, pray that God will help you develop into the kind of person who could be king, whether you are called to leadership or not. Because the reality is that all of us will lead someone. But are we doing it in a way that brings glory and honor to God?
shine!
Jason
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
How to be king
TODAY'S READING: 1 Samuel 18:1-16
There are all kinds of leadership training classes and seminars. You can find a host of books on how to be a leader. But we see David living out what makes an effective leader for God. It's not about seminars, books, or training sessions. Yes, those can all be helpful. But the key to a successful godly leader is found in the heart of the person. Consider what we read about David in this passage.
David was successful in what Saul asked him to do. (verse 5) David was dependable and carried out his assignments.
David was faithful, even when Saul took away some of his troops. (verse 13) David remained faithful in his tasks, even when his "boss" mistreated him.
The Lord was with David. (verses 12 & 14) When David was faithful, God was with him.
We can learn a lot from David. The biggest thing I learn from David in this situation is that we must be a servant regardless of how we are treated. I know there are times I don't want to serve because someone treated me poorly. I would imagine most of us have been there at least a few times.
David shows me that a real leader grows from a real servant. If we can show kindness, faithfulness, patience, and dependability as we serve others, God will often bless us with the opportunity to lead others. This is not a guarantee, but it is certainly a principle I have seen in Scripture and real life. Not all leaders show these characteristics, but most effective, godly leaders will show these attributes long before they are called to lead. Whether you are a leader or not, pray that God will help you develop into the kind of person who could be king, whether you are called to leadership or not. Because the reality is that all of us will lead someone. But are we doing it in a way that brings glory and honor to God?
shine!
Jason
There are all kinds of leadership training classes and seminars. You can find a host of books on how to be a leader. But we see David living out what makes an effective leader for God. It's not about seminars, books, or training sessions. Yes, those can all be helpful. But the key to a successful godly leader is found in the heart of the person. Consider what we read about David in this passage.
David was successful in what Saul asked him to do. (verse 5) David was dependable and carried out his assignments.
David was faithful, even when Saul took away some of his troops. (verse 13) David remained faithful in his tasks, even when his "boss" mistreated him.
The Lord was with David. (verses 12 & 14) When David was faithful, God was with him.
We can learn a lot from David. The biggest thing I learn from David in this situation is that we must be a servant regardless of how we are treated. I know there are times I don't want to serve because someone treated me poorly. I would imagine most of us have been there at least a few times.
David shows me that a real leader grows from a real servant. If we can show kindness, faithfulness, patience, and dependability as we serve others, God will often bless us with the opportunity to lead others. This is not a guarantee, but it is certainly a principle I have seen in Scripture and real life. Not all leaders show these characteristics, but most effective, godly leaders will show these attributes long before they are called to lead. Whether you are a leader or not, pray that God will help you develop into the kind of person who could be king, whether you are called to leadership or not. Because the reality is that all of us will lead someone. But are we doing it in a way that brings glory and honor to God?
shine!
Jason
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
God's warrior
TODAY'S READING: 1 Samuel 17:32-51
This story brings so many questions to my mind. Here are a few for starters...
Why do we often fail look at where we have been and see what God has prepared us for?
Why do we often try so hard to be something God didn't design us to be?
Why do we often look to ourselves as the ultimate source of power and control?
David isn't your typical warrior. First of all, his king didn't believe him but he went anyway. In most armies, if the general tells you that you can't do it, you don't head into battle. But David realized who his REAL king was. He knew who was in charge.
David didn't worry about his size of lack or military training. Sure, David realized who he was going up against. But Saul failed to acknowledge who Goliath was really going up against. Goliath was not simply fighting a shepherd boy, runt of the litter, untrained warrior. Goliath was facing the God of all creation, and David knew it!
David didn't try to be something he wasn't. Trying to put on armor that was not designed for him would have done two things. It would have limited his ability to battle the way he had learned as a shepherd protecting the flock and it would have shown a lack of trust in the Lord. David knew where his power and protection could be found.
I believe the key to David's victory can be found in verses 46 and 47 where David says, "Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone will know that the LORD does not need weapons to rescue his people. It is his battle, not ours. The LORD will give you to us!"
Do we fight our battles the same way? When we face temptation, sin, persecutions, and other struggles, do we look to God for the power and protection? Do we realize that the battle is ultimately God's?
Often I think we forget...
When we feel insufficient, we try to dress up in the armor of the world. Why else would we worry about what kind of clothes we wear? Why else would we put other people down to make ourselves feel better? Why else would we worry more about being popular than being faithful to God?
We tend to use our abilities to bring ourselves glory as opposed to bringing God glory. Why else would we work so hard to get promotions and recognition? Why else would we dump so many hours into success in a sport or hobby that we usually only do for a few years? Why else would we spend so much money on status symbols?
We all struggle with one or more aspects of either feeling insufficient or wanting glory. It is a part of this fallen world we live in. But we can learn a valuable lesson from David. When we face what seems like insurmountable odds, God will deliver us when we trust Him and send the glory His way. When our focus is squarely on God, He will work in our lives in ways we never imagined. When we go to battle for the only real King, victory is certain. It is His battle, not ours.
shine!
Jason
This story brings so many questions to my mind. Here are a few for starters...
Why do we often fail look at where we have been and see what God has prepared us for?
Why do we often try so hard to be something God didn't design us to be?
Why do we often look to ourselves as the ultimate source of power and control?
David isn't your typical warrior. First of all, his king didn't believe him but he went anyway. In most armies, if the general tells you that you can't do it, you don't head into battle. But David realized who his REAL king was. He knew who was in charge.
David didn't worry about his size of lack or military training. Sure, David realized who he was going up against. But Saul failed to acknowledge who Goliath was really going up against. Goliath was not simply fighting a shepherd boy, runt of the litter, untrained warrior. Goliath was facing the God of all creation, and David knew it!
David didn't try to be something he wasn't. Trying to put on armor that was not designed for him would have done two things. It would have limited his ability to battle the way he had learned as a shepherd protecting the flock and it would have shown a lack of trust in the Lord. David knew where his power and protection could be found.
I believe the key to David's victory can be found in verses 46 and 47 where David says, "Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone will know that the LORD does not need weapons to rescue his people. It is his battle, not ours. The LORD will give you to us!"
Do we fight our battles the same way? When we face temptation, sin, persecutions, and other struggles, do we look to God for the power and protection? Do we realize that the battle is ultimately God's?
Often I think we forget...
When we feel insufficient, we try to dress up in the armor of the world. Why else would we worry about what kind of clothes we wear? Why else would we put other people down to make ourselves feel better? Why else would we worry more about being popular than being faithful to God?
We tend to use our abilities to bring ourselves glory as opposed to bringing God glory. Why else would we work so hard to get promotions and recognition? Why else would we dump so many hours into success in a sport or hobby that we usually only do for a few years? Why else would we spend so much money on status symbols?
We all struggle with one or more aspects of either feeling insufficient or wanting glory. It is a part of this fallen world we live in. But we can learn a valuable lesson from David. When we face what seems like insurmountable odds, God will deliver us when we trust Him and send the glory His way. When our focus is squarely on God, He will work in our lives in ways we never imagined. When we go to battle for the only real King, victory is certain. It is His battle, not ours.
shine!
Jason
God's warrior
TODAY'S READING: 1 Samuel 17:32-51
This story brings so many questions to my mind. Here are a few for starters...
Why do we often fail look at where we have been and see what God has prepared us for?
Why do we often try so hard to be something God didn't design us to be?
Why do we often look to ourselves as the ultimate source of power and control?
David isn't your typical warrior. First of all, his king didn't believe him but he went anyway. In most armies, if the general tells you that you can't do it, you don't head into battle. But David realized who his REAL king was. He knew who was in charge.
David didn't worry about his size of lack or military training. Sure, David realized who he was going up against. But Saul failed to acknowledge who Goliath was really going up against. Goliath was not simply fighting a shepherd boy, runt of the litter, untrained warrior. Goliath was facing the God of all creation, and David knew it!
David didn't try to be something he wasn't. Trying to put on armor that was not designed for him would have done two things. It would have limited his ability to battle the way he had learned as a shepherd protecting the flock and it would have shown a lack of trust in the Lord. David knew where his power and protection could be found.
I believe the key to David's victory can be found in verses 46 and 47 where David says, "Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone will know that the LORD does not need weapons to rescue his people. It is his battle, not ours. The LORD will give you to us!"
Do we fight our battles the same way? When we face temptation, sin, persecutions, and other struggles, do we look to God for the power and protection? Do we realize that the battle is ultimately God's?
Often I think we forget...
When we feel insufficient, we try to dress up in the armor of the world. Why else would we worry about what kind of clothes we wear? Why else would we put other people down to make ourselves feel better? Why else would we worry more about being popular than being faithful to God?
We tend to use our abilities to bring ourselves glory as opposed to bringing God glory. Why else would we work so hard to get promotions and recognition? Why else would we dump so many hours into success in a sport or hobby that we usually only do for a few years? Why else would we spend so much money on status symbols?
We all struggle with one or more aspects of either feeling insufficient or wanting glory. It is a part of this fallen world we live in. But we can learn a valuable lesson from David. When we face what seems like insurmountable odds, God will deliver us when we trust Him and send the glory His way. When our focus is squarely on God, He will work in our lives in ways we never imagined. When we go to battle for the only real King, victory is certain. It is His battle, not ours.
shine!
Jason
This story brings so many questions to my mind. Here are a few for starters...
Why do we often fail look at where we have been and see what God has prepared us for?
Why do we often try so hard to be something God didn't design us to be?
Why do we often look to ourselves as the ultimate source of power and control?
David isn't your typical warrior. First of all, his king didn't believe him but he went anyway. In most armies, if the general tells you that you can't do it, you don't head into battle. But David realized who his REAL king was. He knew who was in charge.
David didn't worry about his size of lack or military training. Sure, David realized who he was going up against. But Saul failed to acknowledge who Goliath was really going up against. Goliath was not simply fighting a shepherd boy, runt of the litter, untrained warrior. Goliath was facing the God of all creation, and David knew it!
David didn't try to be something he wasn't. Trying to put on armor that was not designed for him would have done two things. It would have limited his ability to battle the way he had learned as a shepherd protecting the flock and it would have shown a lack of trust in the Lord. David knew where his power and protection could be found.
I believe the key to David's victory can be found in verses 46 and 47 where David says, "Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone will know that the LORD does not need weapons to rescue his people. It is his battle, not ours. The LORD will give you to us!"
Do we fight our battles the same way? When we face temptation, sin, persecutions, and other struggles, do we look to God for the power and protection? Do we realize that the battle is ultimately God's?
Often I think we forget...
When we feel insufficient, we try to dress up in the armor of the world. Why else would we worry about what kind of clothes we wear? Why else would we put other people down to make ourselves feel better? Why else would we worry more about being popular than being faithful to God?
We tend to use our abilities to bring ourselves glory as opposed to bringing God glory. Why else would we work so hard to get promotions and recognition? Why else would we dump so many hours into success in a sport or hobby that we usually only do for a few years? Why else would we spend so much money on status symbols?
We all struggle with one or more aspects of either feeling insufficient or wanting glory. It is a part of this fallen world we live in. But we can learn a valuable lesson from David. When we face what seems like insurmountable odds, God will deliver us when we trust Him and send the glory His way. When our focus is squarely on God, He will work in our lives in ways we never imagined. When we go to battle for the only real King, victory is certain. It is His battle, not ours.
shine!
Jason
Monday, June 12, 2006
A shepherd's heart
TODAY'S READING: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
We live in a society that is all about looks. If you doubt this, look around when you are in line at the grocery story. There are magazines all over with attractive people on the covers and 10 ways to look better on the inside. If that doesn't convince you, tune in for the latest show about "Hollywood's 10 Most Beautiful Stars." And on and on it goes.
When God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse to find the next king for Israel he fell into the same trap. It almost sounds like the "Mr. Israel" competition. Each of Jesse's sons is paraded before Samuel. And each time the result is the same. "Next." None of them are the one.
Then in from the fields comes David. Not anyone's vision of what a king should be, God chooses him. Not because of his looks. Not because he is the biggest and baddest. No. God selects David because of who he is on the inside. The "runt" of the family is also the one with the heart of a shepherd.
God will often used the most unlikely people. At least unlikely in the world's eyes. But God has a different - and much healthier perspective. God looks at a person's heart. It is substance, not style, that determines who someone is.
The next time you want to judge someone's worth, consider David. Here is the little brother than ended up leading an entire nation. The next time you think someone couldn't possibly serve God, remember David. The one that everyone in the family probably looked down on was the one an entire people eventually looked up to.
We waste so much time worrying about and trying to improve our looks. But how much time do we invest in shaping our hearts? Are we concerned more with what people think about our appearance or who the real us is on the inside? As you consider these questions, remember that God chose the youngest, weakest-looking boy in the house of Jesse to guide His nation.
shine!
Jason
We live in a society that is all about looks. If you doubt this, look around when you are in line at the grocery story. There are magazines all over with attractive people on the covers and 10 ways to look better on the inside. If that doesn't convince you, tune in for the latest show about "Hollywood's 10 Most Beautiful Stars." And on and on it goes.
When God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse to find the next king for Israel he fell into the same trap. It almost sounds like the "Mr. Israel" competition. Each of Jesse's sons is paraded before Samuel. And each time the result is the same. "Next." None of them are the one.
Then in from the fields comes David. Not anyone's vision of what a king should be, God chooses him. Not because of his looks. Not because he is the biggest and baddest. No. God selects David because of who he is on the inside. The "runt" of the family is also the one with the heart of a shepherd.
God will often used the most unlikely people. At least unlikely in the world's eyes. But God has a different - and much healthier perspective. God looks at a person's heart. It is substance, not style, that determines who someone is.
The next time you want to judge someone's worth, consider David. Here is the little brother than ended up leading an entire nation. The next time you think someone couldn't possibly serve God, remember David. The one that everyone in the family probably looked down on was the one an entire people eventually looked up to.
We waste so much time worrying about and trying to improve our looks. But how much time do we invest in shaping our hearts? Are we concerned more with what people think about our appearance or who the real us is on the inside? As you consider these questions, remember that God chose the youngest, weakest-looking boy in the house of Jesse to guide His nation.
shine!
Jason
A shepherd's heart
TODAY'S READING: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
We live in a society that is all about looks. If you doubt this, look around when you are in line at the grocery story. There are magazines all over with attractive people on the covers and 10 ways to look better on the inside. If that doesn't convince you, tune in for the latest show about "Hollywood's 10 Most Beautiful Stars." And on and on it goes.
When God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse to find the next king for Israel he fell into the same trap. It almost sounds like the "Mr. Israel" competition. Each of Jesse's sons is paraded before Samuel. And each time the result is the same. "Next." None of them are the one.
Then in from the fields comes David. Not anyone's vision of what a king should be, God chooses him. Not because of his looks. Not because he is the biggest and baddest. No. God selects David because of who he is on the inside. The "runt" of the family is also the one with the heart of a shepherd.
God will often used the most unlikely people. At least unlikely in the world's eyes. But God has a different - and much healthier perspective. God looks at a person's heart. It is substance, not style, that determines who someone is.
The next time you want to judge someone's worth, consider David. Here is the little brother than ended up leading an entire nation. The next time you think someone couldn't possibly serve God, remember David. The one that everyone in the family probably looked down on was the one an entire people eventually looked up to.
We waste so much time worrying about and trying to improve our looks. But how much time do we invest in shaping our hearts? Are we concerned more with what people think about our appearance or who the real us is on the inside? As you consider these questions, remember that God chose the youngest, weakest-looking boy in the house of Jesse to guide His nation.
shine!
Jason
We live in a society that is all about looks. If you doubt this, look around when you are in line at the grocery story. There are magazines all over with attractive people on the covers and 10 ways to look better on the inside. If that doesn't convince you, tune in for the latest show about "Hollywood's 10 Most Beautiful Stars." And on and on it goes.
When God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse to find the next king for Israel he fell into the same trap. It almost sounds like the "Mr. Israel" competition. Each of Jesse's sons is paraded before Samuel. And each time the result is the same. "Next." None of them are the one.
Then in from the fields comes David. Not anyone's vision of what a king should be, God chooses him. Not because of his looks. Not because he is the biggest and baddest. No. God selects David because of who he is on the inside. The "runt" of the family is also the one with the heart of a shepherd.
God will often used the most unlikely people. At least unlikely in the world's eyes. But God has a different - and much healthier perspective. God looks at a person's heart. It is substance, not style, that determines who someone is.
The next time you want to judge someone's worth, consider David. Here is the little brother than ended up leading an entire nation. The next time you think someone couldn't possibly serve God, remember David. The one that everyone in the family probably looked down on was the one an entire people eventually looked up to.
We waste so much time worrying about and trying to improve our looks. But how much time do we invest in shaping our hearts? Are we concerned more with what people think about our appearance or who the real us is on the inside? As you consider these questions, remember that God chose the youngest, weakest-looking boy in the house of Jesse to guide His nation.
shine!
Jason
Friday, June 02, 2006
Experiencing peace
TODAY'S READING: Philippians 4:4-20
People today seek peace and comfort in so many places. Think about ome of the industries that have blossomed in recent years. Restaurants. Movies. Spas. Sports. Alcohol. Television. Vacation homes. Tobacco. Internet pornography. Recreational drug use.
Most people would agree that not all of these things are necessarily evil. But at the same time, I would dare to say that all of these things can become sinful if we try to use them to replace God as our source of comfort. Why do you think God told the nation of Israel thousands of years ago, "Do not worship any other gods besides me. Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or
animals or fish. You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god! I do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations. But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations." (Exodus 20:3-6)
God realized that human beings would often seek the "quick fix." We are constantly looking for the next "magic pill" to solve our problems. If you have a hard time believing that, just look at the cover of a magazine or watch a few TV commercials.
"Ten ways to lose 50 pounds in a month."
"The quicker picker-upper."
"How to make thousands in 90 days."
"Your way, right away."
"Calgon, take me away."
"Extreme makeover"
I am sure I could fill a few pages with things like this, but you get the idea. We are a culture in search of peace and comfort in a world full of sin, destruction, and evil. And unfortunately, even many of us in the church skip the real answer and seek out quick, short-cut solutions.
Peace is not always easy to achieve, but the formula is simple. Trust in God.
Listen to His words. Meditate on His words. Live by His words.
When we are able to focus on God and what He has done for us, especially in the person of Jesus, we will begin to discover a peace beyond compare. But we must realize that this is a journey. God usually operates more like a crock-pot than a microwave. It is when we allow Him to work on our hearts and minds over time that real, significant change takes place. And this is where real peace is able to grow and mature in our lives.
shine!
Jason
People today seek peace and comfort in so many places. Think about ome of the industries that have blossomed in recent years. Restaurants. Movies. Spas. Sports. Alcohol. Television. Vacation homes. Tobacco. Internet pornography. Recreational drug use.
Most people would agree that not all of these things are necessarily evil. But at the same time, I would dare to say that all of these things can become sinful if we try to use them to replace God as our source of comfort. Why do you think God told the nation of Israel thousands of years ago, "Do not worship any other gods besides me. Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or
animals or fish. You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god! I do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations. But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations." (Exodus 20:3-6)
God realized that human beings would often seek the "quick fix." We are constantly looking for the next "magic pill" to solve our problems. If you have a hard time believing that, just look at the cover of a magazine or watch a few TV commercials.
"Ten ways to lose 50 pounds in a month."
"The quicker picker-upper."
"How to make thousands in 90 days."
"Your way, right away."
"Calgon, take me away."
"Extreme makeover"
I am sure I could fill a few pages with things like this, but you get the idea. We are a culture in search of peace and comfort in a world full of sin, destruction, and evil. And unfortunately, even many of us in the church skip the real answer and seek out quick, short-cut solutions.
Peace is not always easy to achieve, but the formula is simple. Trust in God.
Listen to His words. Meditate on His words. Live by His words.
When we are able to focus on God and what He has done for us, especially in the person of Jesus, we will begin to discover a peace beyond compare. But we must realize that this is a journey. God usually operates more like a crock-pot than a microwave. It is when we allow Him to work on our hearts and minds over time that real, significant change takes place. And this is where real peace is able to grow and mature in our lives.
shine!
Jason
Experiencing peace
TODAY'S READING: Philippians 4:4-20
People today seek peace and comfort in so many places. Think about ome of the industries that have blossomed in recent years. Restaurants. Movies. Spas. Sports. Alcohol. Television. Vacation homes. Tobacco. Internet pornography. Recreational drug use.
Most people would agree that not all of these things are necessarily evil. But at the same time, I would dare to say that all of these things can become sinful if we try to use them to replace God as our source of comfort. Why do you think God told the nation of Israel thousands of years ago, "Do not worship any other gods besides me. Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or
animals or fish. You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god! I do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations. But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations." (Exodus 20:3-6)
God realized that human beings would often seek the "quick fix." We are constantly looking for the next "magic pill" to solve our problems. If you have a hard time believing that, just look at the cover of a magazine or watch a few TV commercials.
"Ten ways to lose 50 pounds in a month."
"The quicker picker-upper."
"How to make thousands in 90 days."
"Your way, right away."
"Calgon, take me away."
"Extreme makeover"
I am sure I could fill a few pages with things like this, but you get the idea. We are a culture in search of peace and comfort in a world full of sin, destruction, and evil. And unfortunately, even many of us in the church skip the real answer and seek out quick, short-cut solutions.
Peace is not always easy to achieve, but the formula is simple. Trust in God.
Listen to His words. Meditate on His words. Live by His words.
When we are able to focus on God and what He has done for us, especially in the person of Jesus, we will begin to discover a peace beyond compare. But we must realize that this is a journey. God usually operates more like a crock-pot than a microwave. It is when we allow Him to work on our hearts and minds over time that real, significant change takes place. And this is where real peace is able to grow and mature in our lives.
shine!
Jason
People today seek peace and comfort in so many places. Think about ome of the industries that have blossomed in recent years. Restaurants. Movies. Spas. Sports. Alcohol. Television. Vacation homes. Tobacco. Internet pornography. Recreational drug use.
Most people would agree that not all of these things are necessarily evil. But at the same time, I would dare to say that all of these things can become sinful if we try to use them to replace God as our source of comfort. Why do you think God told the nation of Israel thousands of years ago, "Do not worship any other gods besides me. Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or
animals or fish. You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god! I do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations. But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations." (Exodus 20:3-6)
God realized that human beings would often seek the "quick fix." We are constantly looking for the next "magic pill" to solve our problems. If you have a hard time believing that, just look at the cover of a magazine or watch a few TV commercials.
"Ten ways to lose 50 pounds in a month."
"The quicker picker-upper."
"How to make thousands in 90 days."
"Your way, right away."
"Calgon, take me away."
"Extreme makeover"
I am sure I could fill a few pages with things like this, but you get the idea. We are a culture in search of peace and comfort in a world full of sin, destruction, and evil. And unfortunately, even many of us in the church skip the real answer and seek out quick, short-cut solutions.
Peace is not always easy to achieve, but the formula is simple. Trust in God.
Listen to His words. Meditate on His words. Live by His words.
When we are able to focus on God and what He has done for us, especially in the person of Jesus, we will begin to discover a peace beyond compare. But we must realize that this is a journey. God usually operates more like a crock-pot than a microwave. It is when we allow Him to work on our hearts and minds over time that real, significant change takes place. And this is where real peace is able to grow and mature in our lives.
shine!
Jason
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Producing fruit
I worked on a farm for two summers in 1984 and 1985. I remember getting up around five most mornings to get to the fields and get to work. At $1.50 an hour, I wasn't getting rich, but it gave me a little money.
Anyway, one of my jobs on the farm was to walk through the fields and get rid of weeds. The farmer knew that weeds would make it more difficult for the crops to grow and produce. Whether it was the weeds taking some of the moisture and nutrients from the ground or getting to the size where they blocked sunlight, weeds were nothing but hurtful to the crops. If they were not safely and fully removed, the plants would die or at best they would not produce any crops.
This is exactly what Jesus is talking about in the parable we read today. The cares of this life and the lure of wealth are just like the weeds. They either steal our energy away from serving God or they block out our ability to see the Son.
We may still go to church. We may keep up the appearances of serving God. But are we producing fruit?
This is what the cares of life and the lure of wealth do to us. They change us from healthy plants producing a crop to nonproductive plants. If we are not careful we are transformed from people sharing our faith and leading people to Jesus to people who are satisfied with sitting in a pew.
Is worry impacting your ability to produce a crop for God? Find someone to help you, pray with you, or challenge you to pull the weeds out of your life so you can bring forth the fruit that God is calling you to produce.
shine!
Jason
Anyway, one of my jobs on the farm was to walk through the fields and get rid of weeds. The farmer knew that weeds would make it more difficult for the crops to grow and produce. Whether it was the weeds taking some of the moisture and nutrients from the ground or getting to the size where they blocked sunlight, weeds were nothing but hurtful to the crops. If they were not safely and fully removed, the plants would die or at best they would not produce any crops.
This is exactly what Jesus is talking about in the parable we read today. The cares of this life and the lure of wealth are just like the weeds. They either steal our energy away from serving God or they block out our ability to see the Son.
We may still go to church. We may keep up the appearances of serving God. But are we producing fruit?
This is what the cares of life and the lure of wealth do to us. They change us from healthy plants producing a crop to nonproductive plants. If we are not careful we are transformed from people sharing our faith and leading people to Jesus to people who are satisfied with sitting in a pew.
Is worry impacting your ability to produce a crop for God? Find someone to help you, pray with you, or challenge you to pull the weeds out of your life so you can bring forth the fruit that God is calling you to produce.
shine!
Jason
Producing fruit
I worked on a farm for two summers in 1984 and 1985. I remember getting up around five most mornings to get to the fields and get to work. At $1.50 an hour, I wasn't getting rich, but it gave me a little money.
Anyway, one of my jobs on the farm was to walk through the fields and get rid of weeds. The farmer knew that weeds would make it more difficult for the crops to grow and produce. Whether it was the weeds taking some of the moisture and nutrients from the ground or getting to the size where they blocked sunlight, weeds were nothing but hurtful to the crops. If they were not safely and fully removed, the plants would die or at best they would not produce any crops.
This is exactly what Jesus is talking about in the parable we read today. The cares of this life and the lure of wealth are just like the weeds. They either steal our energy away from serving God or they block out our ability to see the Son.
We may still go to church. We may keep up the appearances of serving God. But are we producing fruit?
This is what the cares of life and the lure of wealth do to us. They change us from healthy plants producing a crop to nonproductive plants. If we are not careful we are transformed from people sharing our faith and leading people to Jesus to people who are satisfied with sitting in a pew.
Is worry impacting your ability to produce a crop for God? Find someone to help you, pray with you, or challenge you to pull the weeds out of your life so you can bring forth the fruit that God is calling you to produce.
shine!
Jason
Anyway, one of my jobs on the farm was to walk through the fields and get rid of weeds. The farmer knew that weeds would make it more difficult for the crops to grow and produce. Whether it was the weeds taking some of the moisture and nutrients from the ground or getting to the size where they blocked sunlight, weeds were nothing but hurtful to the crops. If they were not safely and fully removed, the plants would die or at best they would not produce any crops.
This is exactly what Jesus is talking about in the parable we read today. The cares of this life and the lure of wealth are just like the weeds. They either steal our energy away from serving God or they block out our ability to see the Son.
We may still go to church. We may keep up the appearances of serving God. But are we producing fruit?
This is what the cares of life and the lure of wealth do to us. They change us from healthy plants producing a crop to nonproductive plants. If we are not careful we are transformed from people sharing our faith and leading people to Jesus to people who are satisfied with sitting in a pew.
Is worry impacting your ability to produce a crop for God? Find someone to help you, pray with you, or challenge you to pull the weeds out of your life so you can bring forth the fruit that God is calling you to produce.
shine!
Jason
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