As far back as I can remember, I have endured the discomfort of flat feet. It’s not as though my arches are low; they are practically non-existent. I mean, my feet are as flat as the tabletop upon which my laptop now sits. They are F-L-A-T. Because of my feet, I would often get lower leg injuries and had hip and back pain in my college days. They even disqualified me from getting into Jump School (where they don’t really teach you to how to jump, but rather how to fall) when I was in ROTC. Oh, the Army would still let me in all right; but only if I’d sign a waiver that would indemnify them of all responsibility if my feet were injured. I didn’t sign.
I DID have plastic supports over the years but they never quite did the trick. Eventually, I saw a podiatrist who took one look at my flimsy inserts and declared that they weren’t worth two cents. He had custom orthotics fitted for me (which cost my dad over twenty-two thousand times what my old ones were deemed worth…$450) and I went through the fitting process of using them a little each day until my body had aligned itself. The supports work by locking my ankles into a correct alignment. It was amazing! I was finally able to walk without pain. Lower leg injuries became a thing of the past. I couldn’t believe how precious a pair of carbon fiber inserts could be. “Worth their weight in gold,” I’d often remark.
That was fourteen years ago. Although my orthotics began to show their age, I paid no mind. “They’re carbon fiber; they’ll last longer than I will!” Or so I thought. Turns out, they’re only supposed to last about five years. The past few years, I’ve had chronic back pain, but never blamed my orthotics. When I discovered that there indeed was an expiration date, I decided to check out how much new ones would cost. I did this with a lot of trepidation because if these things set my dad back $450 in a PREVIOUS century, how much would they cost now?
They’re actually less expensive now (but not cheap by a long shot) and so I went to get new supports. To make a long story short, I am in the middle of getting used to my new ones. Today was day three, and I wore them for three hours. I’ve been cautioned that during this adjustment period, I’m likely to experience some pain. My body is noticing that something is up.
My body DOES NOT want to realign to a new set of insoles. After the daily ritual of replacing my new ones with the old ones, my feet sigh with relief, “This is what I’m supposed to feel like,” they seem to tell me. But nonetheless, I add another hour each day. I know that through this discomfort, I’m actually allowing my body to work like it’s supposed to.
It is through disciplining ourselves that we get to where we want to be. Where we need to be.
Straightening out our bodies is not the only discipline that challenges us. There is physical discipline in getting up early in the morning for a walk around the block, or a trip to the gym. There is dietary discipline where we begin to make better overall choices in what we eat. There is mental discipline in learning new things. There is schedule discipline where we discover that there IS plenty of time to do what’s most important to us.
Then there’s spiritual discipline. And this discipline is different because it’s not what we do, but rather, what we ALLOW God to do that changes us to be more like Him.
Like all discipline, we tend to shrink away from it. We get so comfortable in how things are, that we don’t really want to embrace change.
What disciplines do you need to work on? What are some areas in your life that could use direction that would lead to a healthier you? What are some areas that God might to want to work in you?
Joe
Related Scriptures
Proverbs 1:1-7
These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.
Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Colossians 2:20-3:11
You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.
But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
John 15:4-5
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
NLTse
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Liar Liar
I knew someone during my college years that could really spin a tall tale. I mean, this guy could flat out invent stuff. I wasn’t the only gullible one around either. At one point, he got several of us hooked on the idea of renting a “friend’s” dream house together. This house was supposedly located in Coral Gables (the glamorous part of Miami), had multiple bedrooms, a pool and a TENNIS COURT (I’m not into tennis…but come on, a TENNIS COURT). His “friend” needed a house sitter, and was supposedly open to us renting the place for a year. After hearing this description, we were drooling all over ourselves at this opportunity. You see, most of us were still living at home, and this seemed to be the golden ticket to good times.
Our “friend” eventually led us on a wild goose chase all over Coral Gables looking to find where it was supposedly located. As the afternoon wore on, it began to dawn on me that there was no pot of gold at the end of this rainbow. Conveniently, the house was “no longer available” a few days later. Any trust I had evaporated at that point, and I nursed a grudge against him. One of my friends (and fellow “almost-roommate”) shared with me that he thought I shouldn’t be too hard on him. “He just does it to get attention, you know.” I disagreed. I wanted justice and I wanted to expose him as a fraud.
Time went on, and he kept right on lying. I bit my tongue and said nothing, but anger seethed within me anytime I set eyes on him, heard his voice, or even just heard his name mentioned. I’m sure I prayed plenty of times for God to change him, to make him come clean. Instead of changing him, however, God started to change me.
I began to see him as God sees him; through eyes of mercy and grace. I even began to be able to tolerate his presence without grinding my teeth. The biggest miracle of all?
We became friends. Good friends.
He never stopped lying, but I didn’t care anymore. I saw him for who he really was; somebody who God loved.
Last week, I wrote about wrestling with what to do about people who hold a grudge against us.
Today, the shoe’s on the other foot. As we go through life and endure harsh and unfair treatment from others, do we ever lose track that God loves them as well? When we cry out for justice, are we really asking for revenge? What has been your experience with praying for others; people who have mistreated you? Did they change? Did you?
Related Verses
Matthew 5:10-16
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Mark 11:22-25
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Romans 12:9-21
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
NLTse
Our “friend” eventually led us on a wild goose chase all over Coral Gables looking to find where it was supposedly located. As the afternoon wore on, it began to dawn on me that there was no pot of gold at the end of this rainbow. Conveniently, the house was “no longer available” a few days later. Any trust I had evaporated at that point, and I nursed a grudge against him. One of my friends (and fellow “almost-roommate”) shared with me that he thought I shouldn’t be too hard on him. “He just does it to get attention, you know.” I disagreed. I wanted justice and I wanted to expose him as a fraud.
Time went on, and he kept right on lying. I bit my tongue and said nothing, but anger seethed within me anytime I set eyes on him, heard his voice, or even just heard his name mentioned. I’m sure I prayed plenty of times for God to change him, to make him come clean. Instead of changing him, however, God started to change me.
I began to see him as God sees him; through eyes of mercy and grace. I even began to be able to tolerate his presence without grinding my teeth. The biggest miracle of all?
We became friends. Good friends.
He never stopped lying, but I didn’t care anymore. I saw him for who he really was; somebody who God loved.
Last week, I wrote about wrestling with what to do about people who hold a grudge against us.
Today, the shoe’s on the other foot. As we go through life and endure harsh and unfair treatment from others, do we ever lose track that God loves them as well? When we cry out for justice, are we really asking for revenge? What has been your experience with praying for others; people who have mistreated you? Did they change? Did you?
Related Verses
Matthew 5:10-16
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Mark 11:22-25
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Romans 12:9-21
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
NLTse
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Human Sandpaper
I began attending magnet schools in the 4th grade. Art curriculum eventually led to photography classes, and I eventually decided to take pictures instead of make them when I went to South Miami Middle School. We enjoyed a two-hour block for photography, so there was ample time to hang out with my fellow photo geeks. We had a normal sized classroom that had a large fully equipped darkroom next door. The only way to cross from one to the other was a special automatic darkroom door.
We dubbed it the “Star Trek” door. You’d step on a mat in front, and the front doors would open. Stepping inside would trigger the doors you just walked through to snap shut. Taking another step would open the inner doors, and walking out would then cause those to shut as well. This prevented the entry of white light, which would ruin any photos that were being processed (photos were ruined anyways at times, but hey…we were in middle school). I must say that having one teacher and two rooms presented interesting opportunities for conversations and activities away from adult supervision.
It was here in these rooms that I met the first person in my life that I couldn’t stand; and the feeling was mutual – to this day I still don’t know exactly why.
“Antonio” and I shared several mutual friends, but we never seemed to get along. He was larger than I was, and used that to his advantage at times. He wasn’t a classic bully, but I always felt uncomfortable around him. He was like human sandpaper. Of course, there were times that he’d get belligerent, but never to the point of actually threatening physical violence.
That is, until one day in 8th grade.
Our class was responsible for setting up a photo exhibit in what was then The Bakery Center (which was later demolished and replaced by the Shops at Sunset Place) on a Saturday in 1989. The Bakery Center was practically empty by then, and we had free run about the place. After helping set up the show, we visited the multiplex downstairs and got tickets for Dead Poets Society. After watching that, we snuck into the adjacent theater and watched Star Trek V. It was a glorious romp.
After our foray in juvenile delinquency, we hung out around the parking lot waiting for our parents to pick us up. I don’t recall what led up to the incident, but at some point I’m sure everyone was picking on Antonio and he decided to take his frustration out on me.
“You wanna laugh at me?!” He yelled as he grabbed a beer bottle by the curb and raised it overhead to bash in my brains. The stale beer that was left inside then proceeded to drain out.
On him.
The shocked silence was broken by peals of laughter. “Great Antonio, now your dad’ll think we all got drunk,” said “Jose” with a cackle.
He forgot what he wanted to do, dropped the bottle and began panicking.
It was then that I realized that Antonio was all bluster and no beef. My life was no easier from that point on, but I began to see him with different eyes.
I felt sorry for him.
There will always be people who are difficult to deal with for whatever reason. For some, it may be because of hurts in the past. For others, it might be differences in opinions or beliefs. Some people are just plain NASTY for reasons they may or might not be aware of.
Our responsibilities are not to change others, but to change how WE deal with others.
Who goes out of their way to make your life more difficult? Why?
What can you do to make their life better?
Joe
Related Verses
Mark 11:22-25
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Romans 12:9-21
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
1 Peter 3:13-18
Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!
Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 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. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
NLTse
We dubbed it the “Star Trek” door. You’d step on a mat in front, and the front doors would open. Stepping inside would trigger the doors you just walked through to snap shut. Taking another step would open the inner doors, and walking out would then cause those to shut as well. This prevented the entry of white light, which would ruin any photos that were being processed (photos were ruined anyways at times, but hey…we were in middle school). I must say that having one teacher and two rooms presented interesting opportunities for conversations and activities away from adult supervision.
It was here in these rooms that I met the first person in my life that I couldn’t stand; and the feeling was mutual – to this day I still don’t know exactly why.
“Antonio” and I shared several mutual friends, but we never seemed to get along. He was larger than I was, and used that to his advantage at times. He wasn’t a classic bully, but I always felt uncomfortable around him. He was like human sandpaper. Of course, there were times that he’d get belligerent, but never to the point of actually threatening physical violence.
That is, until one day in 8th grade.
Our class was responsible for setting up a photo exhibit in what was then The Bakery Center (which was later demolished and replaced by the Shops at Sunset Place) on a Saturday in 1989. The Bakery Center was practically empty by then, and we had free run about the place. After helping set up the show, we visited the multiplex downstairs and got tickets for Dead Poets Society. After watching that, we snuck into the adjacent theater and watched Star Trek V. It was a glorious romp.
After our foray in juvenile delinquency, we hung out around the parking lot waiting for our parents to pick us up. I don’t recall what led up to the incident, but at some point I’m sure everyone was picking on Antonio and he decided to take his frustration out on me.
“You wanna laugh at me?!” He yelled as he grabbed a beer bottle by the curb and raised it overhead to bash in my brains. The stale beer that was left inside then proceeded to drain out.
On him.
The shocked silence was broken by peals of laughter. “Great Antonio, now your dad’ll think we all got drunk,” said “Jose” with a cackle.
He forgot what he wanted to do, dropped the bottle and began panicking.
It was then that I realized that Antonio was all bluster and no beef. My life was no easier from that point on, but I began to see him with different eyes.
I felt sorry for him.
There will always be people who are difficult to deal with for whatever reason. For some, it may be because of hurts in the past. For others, it might be differences in opinions or beliefs. Some people are just plain NASTY for reasons they may or might not be aware of.
Our responsibilities are not to change others, but to change how WE deal with others.
Who goes out of their way to make your life more difficult? Why?
What can you do to make their life better?
Joe
Related Verses
Mark 11:22-25
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Romans 12:9-21
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
1 Peter 3:13-18
Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!
Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 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. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
NLTse
Thursday, August 5, 2010
To Move Mountains
Last week I shared about the Lone Ranger and our need to live and grow in community with others. Well, as I was preparing to deliver that message, I was hit by a thunderbolt out of the blue. Actually, it wasn’t a thunderbolt, but it came out of the blue. Or rather, it came out of eBay.
You see, I originally wrote about receiving a Lone Ranger action figure along with his horse Silver. I even described how Silver was made of plastic and his tail was made of rubber. As I had been working on the piece, I visited a website devoted to Lone Ranger toys and saw a picture of The Lone Ranger astride Silver. Having that visual helped immensely, and I thus proceeded to finish the story and send it away via email and Facebook.
Well, Sunday morning, I was going over my notes and decided to see if the Lone Ranger set was being sold on eBay (which sells anything that can be sold as well as some things that can’t). It was there that it hit me. I saw a picture of Silver for sale (minus the Lone Ranger). You know, I remembered Silver very clearly. VERY CLEARLY. But things started getting foggy whenever I tried to think about the rider. The more I thought about it, the less I “remembered”.
The truth hit me. We never got the Lone Ranger! We only got his horse!
Isn’t memory funny that way?
Memory and perception are peculiar things. Two people can witness the same event yet have widely different opinions over what exactly transpired.
While this can provide depth to our understanding, differing views can also bring disagreements. Minor disagreements can escalate into full-blown war. Relationships can get broken with wounds that stay raw. You say that you’re fine, that it’s all in the past…but you run across “that” person again and your blood pressure goes up.
The tragedy of it all is that sometimes people follow disconnected lives because of an imagined or widely exaggerated slight that occurred deep in the past.
In speaking of the power of faith, Jesus mentions how it can move mountains. He then adds that before you move mountains, you must forgive those who’ve wronged you. That can be a mountain all its own! Thank goodness that the power to forgive comes from God Himself!
Are you not speaking to someone because of anger towards them? What would it take for you to forgive them?
Does anybody refuse to speak to you because of an issue in the past? Is there anything you can do to help mend the fences? How do you deal with the cold silence?
Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing about doing our part to move mountains.
Hope you hang out with us!
Joe
Mark 11:22-25
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Luke 15:11-32
To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.
“A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.
“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” ’
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. ’
“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
“Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’
“The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’
“His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’ ”
NLTse
You see, I originally wrote about receiving a Lone Ranger action figure along with his horse Silver. I even described how Silver was made of plastic and his tail was made of rubber. As I had been working on the piece, I visited a website devoted to Lone Ranger toys and saw a picture of The Lone Ranger astride Silver. Having that visual helped immensely, and I thus proceeded to finish the story and send it away via email and Facebook.
Well, Sunday morning, I was going over my notes and decided to see if the Lone Ranger set was being sold on eBay (which sells anything that can be sold as well as some things that can’t). It was there that it hit me. I saw a picture of Silver for sale (minus the Lone Ranger). You know, I remembered Silver very clearly. VERY CLEARLY. But things started getting foggy whenever I tried to think about the rider. The more I thought about it, the less I “remembered”.
The truth hit me. We never got the Lone Ranger! We only got his horse!
Isn’t memory funny that way?
Memory and perception are peculiar things. Two people can witness the same event yet have widely different opinions over what exactly transpired.
While this can provide depth to our understanding, differing views can also bring disagreements. Minor disagreements can escalate into full-blown war. Relationships can get broken with wounds that stay raw. You say that you’re fine, that it’s all in the past…but you run across “that” person again and your blood pressure goes up.
The tragedy of it all is that sometimes people follow disconnected lives because of an imagined or widely exaggerated slight that occurred deep in the past.
In speaking of the power of faith, Jesus mentions how it can move mountains. He then adds that before you move mountains, you must forgive those who’ve wronged you. That can be a mountain all its own! Thank goodness that the power to forgive comes from God Himself!
Are you not speaking to someone because of anger towards them? What would it take for you to forgive them?
Does anybody refuse to speak to you because of an issue in the past? Is there anything you can do to help mend the fences? How do you deal with the cold silence?
Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing about doing our part to move mountains.
Hope you hang out with us!
Joe
Mark 11:22-25
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Luke 15:11-32
To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.
“A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.
“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” ’
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. ’
“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
“Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’
“The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’
“His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’ ”
NLTse
Thursday, July 29, 2010
No Lone Rangers
When I was a young child, my siblings and I inherited a variety of toys. Coming from a large extended family with lots of older cousins, we would often get toys that were slightly used, but just as fun to play with. We got everything from vintage G.I. Joe and Japanese B-movie monsters (thanks Orlandito!) to a large crossbow with a quiver full of target, hunting, and even fishing bolts (thanks Roger!). It didn’t come with a bowstring, but we were resourceful beyond our tender years. By taking several lengths of heavy twine and “braiding” it with a bunch of knots, we crafted a suitable (if not unspeakably dangerous) substitute. We were terrorizing wooden boards all around our backyard in no time!
At one point early on, we got a Lone Ranger action figure along with his horse Silver. To the best of my knowledge, it was a rare complete find. You could outfit Silver with a vinyl saddle and riding tack. Both horse and rider had clumsy joints, but you could position them pretty much any way you felt like. I remember Silver being plastic, but his mane and tail being hard rubber. “Hi Yo Silver Away!”
The origins of the Lone Ranger (not to be confused with Sherriff Woody Pride of “Toy Story” fame) are varied but similar. Here’s an abridged version: The Lone Ranger was originally part of a team of Texas Rangers who were killed in an ambush set up by outlaws. A wandering Apache named Tonto found one ranger still alive and nursed him back to health. Vowing to fight for truth, justice and the American…oh, wait that’s Superman -- Anyways, the Lone Ranger vowed to fight for justice and help people.
Funny thing is…the Lone Ranger wasn’t really “lone”. He had his sidekick beside him to share adventures and to help people wherever they went. His focus was the settlement of the West and its transformation away from a lawless, vacant frontier.
For many years, our culture has put a premium on the idea that everyone should be able to “pull himself up by his own bootstraps”. We glamorize those who face seemingly impossible odds and do great deeds on their own.
Why?
Isolation was not the Creator’s intent. We were designed to live in community. It is through community that we share life’s ups and downs. Don’t you feel like you can share more over a cup of coffee than by writing or reading an email? Isn’t a long walk with a friend better therapy than reading the latest “self-help” guide?
Too many followers of Jesus have decided to walk a dusty trail alone. Too many people try to substitute discipleship alongside other seekers by only reading the Bible and the latest books about God. They miss something special. The church is a remarkable organism; it needs its members as much as its members need it to live out their mutually supportive purposes.
This is reinforced in part four of our vision, which goes as follows:
No Lone Rangers are allowed here. We were created to live in community with God as well as each other. We want to be like Jesus so we take hold of His identity and allow Him to wrap His life around us, above us, beneath us, yes, even within us. We recognize that truly following Jesus is a process that does not come from just reading the latest books and taking a bunch of classes. Rather, we learn His ways as we serve others and walk with those on the Journey. The Way of Jesus is caught more than it's taught. As we follow Jesus, we begin to see changes that we couldn't bring about in ourselves. Miracles happen. We become more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, and self-controlled. We choose a lifestyle of purity because it's how we were designed to live and who we are called to be.
Who do you walk with and why?
Joe
Related Verses
Hebrews 10:24-25
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.
Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?
But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
NLTse
At one point early on, we got a Lone Ranger action figure along with his horse Silver. To the best of my knowledge, it was a rare complete find. You could outfit Silver with a vinyl saddle and riding tack. Both horse and rider had clumsy joints, but you could position them pretty much any way you felt like. I remember Silver being plastic, but his mane and tail being hard rubber. “Hi Yo Silver Away!”
The origins of the Lone Ranger (not to be confused with Sherriff Woody Pride of “Toy Story” fame) are varied but similar. Here’s an abridged version: The Lone Ranger was originally part of a team of Texas Rangers who were killed in an ambush set up by outlaws. A wandering Apache named Tonto found one ranger still alive and nursed him back to health. Vowing to fight for truth, justice and the American…oh, wait that’s Superman -- Anyways, the Lone Ranger vowed to fight for justice and help people.
Funny thing is…the Lone Ranger wasn’t really “lone”. He had his sidekick beside him to share adventures and to help people wherever they went. His focus was the settlement of the West and its transformation away from a lawless, vacant frontier.
For many years, our culture has put a premium on the idea that everyone should be able to “pull himself up by his own bootstraps”. We glamorize those who face seemingly impossible odds and do great deeds on their own.
Why?
Isolation was not the Creator’s intent. We were designed to live in community. It is through community that we share life’s ups and downs. Don’t you feel like you can share more over a cup of coffee than by writing or reading an email? Isn’t a long walk with a friend better therapy than reading the latest “self-help” guide?
Too many followers of Jesus have decided to walk a dusty trail alone. Too many people try to substitute discipleship alongside other seekers by only reading the Bible and the latest books about God. They miss something special. The church is a remarkable organism; it needs its members as much as its members need it to live out their mutually supportive purposes.
This is reinforced in part four of our vision, which goes as follows:
No Lone Rangers are allowed here. We were created to live in community with God as well as each other. We want to be like Jesus so we take hold of His identity and allow Him to wrap His life around us, above us, beneath us, yes, even within us. We recognize that truly following Jesus is a process that does not come from just reading the latest books and taking a bunch of classes. Rather, we learn His ways as we serve others and walk with those on the Journey. The Way of Jesus is caught more than it's taught. As we follow Jesus, we begin to see changes that we couldn't bring about in ourselves. Miracles happen. We become more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, and self-controlled. We choose a lifestyle of purity because it's how we were designed to live and who we are called to be.
Who do you walk with and why?
Joe
Related Verses
Hebrews 10:24-25
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.
Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?
But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
NLTse
Friday, July 23, 2010
El Pulpo Paul
When Kathy and I went to get groceries the other day, she at one point snatched a small can from the shelves and declared, “We need to buy some pulpo.”
We looked at each other, laughed, and then she quickly put the can back.
Pulpo is octopus. Ugh.
If you’ve followed the World Cup last month, an interesting side story emerged from behind the scenes in an aquarium in Germany. Paul, an octopus, began predicting matches involving Germany. His handlers would lower two clear boxes in his tank; each with food, and each bearing a different flag. As Paul would predict, Germany would follow suit. He correctly guessed all eight World Cup matches. He chose Spain (much to the chagrin of German fans) who ended up beating Germany in the semifinals, and then chose Spain again to win it all. He was hailed as a prophet!
However, it turns out that the Octopus Oracle didn’t have a perfect track record after all. He missed some games during the European Soccer Finals and as a result only boasts an 86% lifetime record predicting games (he is currently retired). He wasn’t a true prophet. The mark of someone who speaks on God’s behalf is 100% accuracy. 100%.
Paul reminds me of a classic source of guidance from my youth; a shiny black orb otherwise known as the “Magic Eight-Ball.” I would consult with it while I was in drugstores waiting for my mom to get our prescriptions filled. Inevitably, I’d ask if a particular girl liked me, or if I’d get something I wanted. If it didn’t give the message I desired, I’d shake it up and try again … and again ... and, well, you get the picture. I never thought of it as a slight against God…I just thought that it might be cool if it was true.
The issue with divination touches upon God’s deep desire to share life with us despite our refusal to walk with Him. It’s not that He doesn’t want us to know what’s around the corner; it’s that He wants us to trust in Him and walk with Him. Attempting to consult with the supernatural world by any means other than through the Creator of life is forbidden in Scripture. It results in trying to catch shifting shadows as opposed to entering the presence of the Author of light. It’s dangerous.
Why do people sometimes try to look elsewhere for guidance? Are we afraid to approach God with our requests? Are we afraid of meeting with God because of what He might tell us? I vividly remember spending several days during college where I wouldn’t look at the Bible or even pray; I was afraid that God would tell me something I didn’t want to hear. Why was I so afraid?
It’s one thing to make decisions about our lives by thinking through possible scenarios, making lists, deciding pros and cons, etc. You make a decision and live with it. It’s an entirely different thing when you approach God. If you ask, He will lead you…but maybe not in the direction you expect (or even want) to go. When God speaks, you end up with only two choices; obey or disobey.
The one thing God demands of all who would follow Him is trust. That’s not an easy way to live in a world as upside down as ours is. God wants us to trust Him. To take Him at His word. To experience the innumerable miracles He constantly parades around us through the eyes of faith.
How do we make and live out our choices in life? Our instincts? Our strategizing and planning? The Magic Eight-Ball? El Pulpo Paul? God?
Has God asked you to do something that would change your life and the lives of others?
Where do we put our trust?
Joe
Deuteronomy 18:17-22
“Then the LORD said to me, ‘What they have said is right. I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him. I will personally deal with anyone who will not listen to the messages the prophet proclaims on my behalf. But any prophet who falsely claims to speak in my name or who speaks in the name of another god must die.’
“But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the LORD?’ If the prophet speaks in the LORD’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the LORD did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.
Exodus 28:30
Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron’s heart when he goes into the LORD’s presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the LORD’s will for his people whenever he goes in before the LORD.
Leviticus 19:31
“Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the LORD your God.
Isaiah 8:11-20
The LORD has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them. Make the LORD of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. He will keep you safe.
But to Israel and Judah he will be a stone that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare. Many will stumble and fall, never to rise again. They will be snared and captured.”
Preserve the teaching of God; entrust his instructions to those who follow me. I will wait for the LORD, who has turned away from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my hope in him. I and the children the LORD has given me serve as signs and warnings to Israel from the LORD of Heaven’s Armies who dwells in his Temple on Mount Zion.
Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead?
Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. They will go from one place to another, weary and hungry. And because they are hungry, they will rage and curse their king and their God. They will look up to heaven and down at the earth, but wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair. They will be thrown out into the darkness.
Chapter 9:1-7
Hope in the Messiah
Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder.
For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
NLTse
We looked at each other, laughed, and then she quickly put the can back.
Pulpo is octopus. Ugh.
If you’ve followed the World Cup last month, an interesting side story emerged from behind the scenes in an aquarium in Germany. Paul, an octopus, began predicting matches involving Germany. His handlers would lower two clear boxes in his tank; each with food, and each bearing a different flag. As Paul would predict, Germany would follow suit. He correctly guessed all eight World Cup matches. He chose Spain (much to the chagrin of German fans) who ended up beating Germany in the semifinals, and then chose Spain again to win it all. He was hailed as a prophet!
However, it turns out that the Octopus Oracle didn’t have a perfect track record after all. He missed some games during the European Soccer Finals and as a result only boasts an 86% lifetime record predicting games (he is currently retired). He wasn’t a true prophet. The mark of someone who speaks on God’s behalf is 100% accuracy. 100%.
Paul reminds me of a classic source of guidance from my youth; a shiny black orb otherwise known as the “Magic Eight-Ball.” I would consult with it while I was in drugstores waiting for my mom to get our prescriptions filled. Inevitably, I’d ask if a particular girl liked me, or if I’d get something I wanted. If it didn’t give the message I desired, I’d shake it up and try again … and again ... and, well, you get the picture. I never thought of it as a slight against God…I just thought that it might be cool if it was true.
The issue with divination touches upon God’s deep desire to share life with us despite our refusal to walk with Him. It’s not that He doesn’t want us to know what’s around the corner; it’s that He wants us to trust in Him and walk with Him. Attempting to consult with the supernatural world by any means other than through the Creator of life is forbidden in Scripture. It results in trying to catch shifting shadows as opposed to entering the presence of the Author of light. It’s dangerous.
Why do people sometimes try to look elsewhere for guidance? Are we afraid to approach God with our requests? Are we afraid of meeting with God because of what He might tell us? I vividly remember spending several days during college where I wouldn’t look at the Bible or even pray; I was afraid that God would tell me something I didn’t want to hear. Why was I so afraid?
It’s one thing to make decisions about our lives by thinking through possible scenarios, making lists, deciding pros and cons, etc. You make a decision and live with it. It’s an entirely different thing when you approach God. If you ask, He will lead you…but maybe not in the direction you expect (or even want) to go. When God speaks, you end up with only two choices; obey or disobey.
The one thing God demands of all who would follow Him is trust. That’s not an easy way to live in a world as upside down as ours is. God wants us to trust Him. To take Him at His word. To experience the innumerable miracles He constantly parades around us through the eyes of faith.
How do we make and live out our choices in life? Our instincts? Our strategizing and planning? The Magic Eight-Ball? El Pulpo Paul? God?
Has God asked you to do something that would change your life and the lives of others?
Where do we put our trust?
Joe
Deuteronomy 18:17-22
“Then the LORD said to me, ‘What they have said is right. I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him. I will personally deal with anyone who will not listen to the messages the prophet proclaims on my behalf. But any prophet who falsely claims to speak in my name or who speaks in the name of another god must die.’
“But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the LORD?’ If the prophet speaks in the LORD’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the LORD did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.
Exodus 28:30
Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron’s heart when he goes into the LORD’s presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the LORD’s will for his people whenever he goes in before the LORD.
Leviticus 19:31
“Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the LORD your God.
Isaiah 8:11-20
The LORD has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them. Make the LORD of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. He will keep you safe.
But to Israel and Judah he will be a stone that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare. Many will stumble and fall, never to rise again. They will be snared and captured.”
Preserve the teaching of God; entrust his instructions to those who follow me. I will wait for the LORD, who has turned away from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my hope in him. I and the children the LORD has given me serve as signs and warnings to Israel from the LORD of Heaven’s Armies who dwells in his Temple on Mount Zion.
Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead?
Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. They will go from one place to another, weary and hungry. And because they are hungry, they will rage and curse their king and their God. They will look up to heaven and down at the earth, but wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair. They will be thrown out into the darkness.
Chapter 9:1-7
Hope in the Messiah
Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder.
For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
NLTse
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Striking Gold
Whenever I spend a few days at my old home in Miami, I inevitably wake up early one morning and go out to get the paper. By going out, I mean walking a mile to the nearest 7-Eleven. Of course, I could drive there in a few minutes, but the journey holds many memories for me; so I walk.
I go across my street and gaze at the home where one of my friends once lived. He is gone now, along with the mighty trees that once graced the corner we shared.
I cross over a canal by way of a bridge that people loved to drive over at full speed. This was before they put in a traffic circle at its base. It’s a little safer now.
I pass the boyhood home of one of my elementary school friends who also was named Joseph. He had one of those 1980’s light sabers that was just a hollow tube that made a “wooong-woong” sound without the need for batteries or fancy electronics…*sigh*
Eventually I come up to where 112th Avenue intersects Miller Road and I head left towards the rising sun. Traffic is in full force by now, and I watch the multitudes dodge and weave their way towards work.
I pass by where I once found a fifty-dollar bill on the sidewalk during my college years. I used it to keep a check from bouncing.
I walk by the Miller Dental Group, my former dentist’s office. I always wondered who the architect was that designed that building. The inside reminded me of a contemporary log cabin with paneled vaulted ceilings that soared. It was the only dental office that I actually looked forward to going to.
I glance over where I got my hair cut by a guy named Jose, and a little cafeteria that serves Cuban Coffee and other assorted delicacies.
I pass by our local Farm Stores (imagine a drive-thru market). Their chocolate chip ice cream is hands down the best I’ve ever tasted. Not even Ben and Jerry’s could compare.
I cross by the fish market and arrive at the 7-Eleven.
Once I arrive, I buy the Miami Herald and turn around to head back home, either pinning the paper under my arm, or loosely swinging the rolled copy in hand. This IS South Florida, so if it was under my arm, it would inevitable get damp with perspiration.
I know I’m home when I’ve got a fresh copy of the Herald in my hands.
Way back when, I would get the paper for several reasons. I liked keeping up with the Miami Dolphins (this was before the Internet) and loved the comics. However, once a year, I’d read my horoscope.
I remember the yearly ritual well. I’d get the paper and find a spot I where I could read in peace and quiet. I would search for the horoscopes in section “B”. Then, I’d looked for the familiar phrase, “If today is your birthday, you are…”
I wanted to be affirmed. I wanted to know who I was. I never thought to look within, or ask without. The newspaper would tell me, or so I would think.
I got the usual “You are creative, charming, and attractive to members of the opposite sex… “ I’d soak this in, then carefully read ahead to see if THIS was the year that I’d find a girlfriend, acquire wealth, or achieve success. I shake my head now thinking of all those birthdays spent searching for myself in the back pages of a sweat-stained newspaper.
If only they could have printed a mirror instead. If only they would print, “Stop looking here and start living!” If only they would say that if I sought after God, He would reveal who I was. He would open my eyes (albeit in His time) to whom He was creating me to be.
Striking gold means discovering God and finding ourselves in the process.
As you look back on your journey, what moments serve as mileposts for your life? How has your life changed? How have you affected others? Where has God been through all of this?
What direction are you walking? Where are your answers coming from?
Joe
Luke 9:51
“As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.”
Psalm 139
O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name. O LORD, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
NLTse
I go across my street and gaze at the home where one of my friends once lived. He is gone now, along with the mighty trees that once graced the corner we shared.
I cross over a canal by way of a bridge that people loved to drive over at full speed. This was before they put in a traffic circle at its base. It’s a little safer now.
I pass the boyhood home of one of my elementary school friends who also was named Joseph. He had one of those 1980’s light sabers that was just a hollow tube that made a “wooong-woong” sound without the need for batteries or fancy electronics…*sigh*
Eventually I come up to where 112th Avenue intersects Miller Road and I head left towards the rising sun. Traffic is in full force by now, and I watch the multitudes dodge and weave their way towards work.
I pass by where I once found a fifty-dollar bill on the sidewalk during my college years. I used it to keep a check from bouncing.
I walk by the Miller Dental Group, my former dentist’s office. I always wondered who the architect was that designed that building. The inside reminded me of a contemporary log cabin with paneled vaulted ceilings that soared. It was the only dental office that I actually looked forward to going to.
I glance over where I got my hair cut by a guy named Jose, and a little cafeteria that serves Cuban Coffee and other assorted delicacies.
I pass by our local Farm Stores (imagine a drive-thru market). Their chocolate chip ice cream is hands down the best I’ve ever tasted. Not even Ben and Jerry’s could compare.
I cross by the fish market and arrive at the 7-Eleven.
Once I arrive, I buy the Miami Herald and turn around to head back home, either pinning the paper under my arm, or loosely swinging the rolled copy in hand. This IS South Florida, so if it was under my arm, it would inevitable get damp with perspiration.
I know I’m home when I’ve got a fresh copy of the Herald in my hands.
Way back when, I would get the paper for several reasons. I liked keeping up with the Miami Dolphins (this was before the Internet) and loved the comics. However, once a year, I’d read my horoscope.
I remember the yearly ritual well. I’d get the paper and find a spot I where I could read in peace and quiet. I would search for the horoscopes in section “B”. Then, I’d looked for the familiar phrase, “If today is your birthday, you are…”
I wanted to be affirmed. I wanted to know who I was. I never thought to look within, or ask without. The newspaper would tell me, or so I would think.
I got the usual “You are creative, charming, and attractive to members of the opposite sex… “ I’d soak this in, then carefully read ahead to see if THIS was the year that I’d find a girlfriend, acquire wealth, or achieve success. I shake my head now thinking of all those birthdays spent searching for myself in the back pages of a sweat-stained newspaper.
If only they could have printed a mirror instead. If only they would print, “Stop looking here and start living!” If only they would say that if I sought after God, He would reveal who I was. He would open my eyes (albeit in His time) to whom He was creating me to be.
Striking gold means discovering God and finding ourselves in the process.
As you look back on your journey, what moments serve as mileposts for your life? How has your life changed? How have you affected others? Where has God been through all of this?
What direction are you walking? Where are your answers coming from?
Joe
Luke 9:51
“As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.”
Psalm 139
O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name. O LORD, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
NLTse
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