Get Out Of My Way Jesus

The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country.  And people came to see what it was that had happened.  And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.  And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs.  And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region.  Mark 5:14-17

Why is it when God does something in our lives that affects what we selfishly see as our well-being, we immediately treat him with contempt?  I mean seriously, we all have this fight or flight mentality innate in us that can serve us well in moments of physical or emotional danger.  Yet, too often, we use this response against God when we know He is working in our lives.

The people in the region of the Gerasenes had a similar response when they saw their herd of pigs killed.  Instead of recognizing the power and authority of Jesus and what He did, they turned against him because their financial and physical livelihoods had been adversely affected.  The Bible says they were afraid of what Jesus had done, instead of in awe of what He could do.  This most likely is the result of a lack of knowledge of Jewish traditions in this region, but it still serves to teach us a valuable lesson.

As we come to the end of 2010 and begin a new year tomorrow, be mindful of turning your back against the the work God is doing in your life.  Be careful not to allow yourself to turn from Jesus because your life circumstances may change.  But rather trust in the fact that His work is evidence of His love for people and His good and perfect plan for your life. 

This coming year, let's let Jesus get in our way instead of asking Him to get out of our way.

Happy New Year

Shiny Floors

I can do all things through him [Christ] who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

For the past week, the idea of forgiveness has been on my heart.  I know why, but honestly, I really haven't wanted to face it or do anything about it.  In fact, I would prefer to shove it in the background and let it fade away as I've done so many times before.  But this time seems different.  It's not because what's going on is a new situation, but rather now it seems the right time to pull back the rug that has laid on top of a lot of bitterness for a long time.

Today as I was driving and listening to the radio, a short commercial shared the verse Philippians 4:13.  As I was listening, a connection between Paul's words and the power of forgiveness hit me.  You see Christ is the one that gives us the power to forgive others and we have the choice to use that power or not.  When we choose not to forgive others, we are merely saying that I don't have the ability to forgive and I am deciding NOT to trust Christ to forgive for me and through me.  So we just lift up the rug and sweep it away to be dealt with another day.

The only possible result of not forgiving someone is a well of bitterness pooling up in your life.  When you decide to sweep your problems under the rug for another day, this bitterness will simply cut a hole in the floor under that pretty rug you've designed to cover up your problems.  It may not be seen, but dare to the person who steps on the rug.  And, at the end of the day, it will simply swallow the rug and consume everything around it.

Friend, you are the floor and your life is the rug.  Take care of the junk under your rug, so the floor will be able to shine.

He Has Come

"See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me.  Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, who you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty.  But who can endure the day of his coming?  Who can stand when he appears?  For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap.  He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.  Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years.  Malachi 3:1-4

God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins, so we could not only have relationship with Him, but our value to eternity would be restored.  This Christmas, let's celebrate His gift by giving Him our ________.

Merry Christmas

Replacing Emptiness

He must become greater; I must become less.  John 3:30

Do we believe the reward found in Jesus is worth the risk of following Him?  It seems that everything we do is to guarantee our own comfort in this life.  Our own comfort in the house we live in, the car we drive and the retirement plan we invest in for the future.  And unfortunately, our own comfort in the church.  But Jesus has called us to something more.  Something greater than our own comfort.  Something bigger than our own self-worship, self-gratification, and self-envy.  He has called us to be His light to a lost world to bring glory to the God of heaven.  And following His call demands less self and more of Him.

Scripture teaches that He has come to give us life, and give it to the fullest.  This isn't an empty promise to those willing to follow, yet so many believers live in emptiness rather than abundance.  Why?  Isn't that the exact opposite result of what we want, the reason why we've accepted Him as Savior and Lord, and what He has promised to those who come to Him in faith?  So why are we left so empty?  Because Jesus called anyone who wishes to be His disciple to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him.  Not sit on our comfortable couches and stockpile the luxuries of this world.  There is much work to do friend, and I promise you if you do it, the fullness of Him will not leave you empty any longer.

The Direction of Your Thoughts

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever if commendable - if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise - dwell on these things.  Philippians 4:8

God has given you free will, including the ability to influence the direction and the tone of your thoughts.  The quality of your attitude will help determine the quality of your life, so you must guard your thoughts accordingly.  So the next time you find yourself dwelling upon the negative aspects of your life, refocus your attention on things positive.  And, the next time you're tempted to waste valuable time gossiping or complaining, resist those temptations with all your might.  And remember: You'll never whine your way to the top...so don't waste your breath.

Bible in a Year
Micah 6-7
Revelation 14