“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matt 11:28
Often when we feel beaten down, the common response is either to work harder to FIX it or to QUIT and wait for something to change. Neither one are very effective. You can just look around and watch the results of both of this attempts. Marriages that are struggling quit in divorce or try to FIX their spouse by arguing and complaining. Parents push their kids into dozens of activities to fix their kids behavior or quit and leave it up to schools and society to raise their children for them. Adults want more possessions or pleasures and spend more hours working to gain money, or just give up and pay with credit expecting a bailout to save them. Politicians wait for the markets to change or go spend more money to fix what debt and entitlement have created. FIX or QUIT is the common answer to every struggle---an that's not a criticism or blame, it's true for all of us.
So when Jesus addresses that feeling of weariness and burdened lives, He offered a third alternative... Get off the couch or leave the desk and come to me. Instead of FIX or QUIT, COME! To come to Him means humbling ourselves to the truth--that we have messed up and need help. It means recognizing we don't know what to do and submitting to His plan of action instead of our own. And coming means WE have to go to HIM (not Him coming to us).
Burden makes us tired, and often the last thing we want to do is face a God who will change us. Change sounds like more burden. But Jesus says when we get up and go to Him, His change will actually give us rest---less burden! The answer is not to fix it ourselves but let God CHANGE us from our burden. It's not to QUIT but to COME!
Want less struggle and burden, then stop making excuses or justifying behaviors and come to Jesus. Go to church, make the changes that Jesus calls for in His Word, and watch the burdens be lifted. He will do it, He promised!!!
What if marriages started using COME and CHANGE... Or parents... Or even a country? Our burdens would just be bumps in the road of life.
The answer for our struggles is to get up & walk to God, not sit around and wait for change. So get up this week and find you way back to Him, to His body, to His rest.
COME and CHANGE.
A devotional on the Grace of Jesus from reading through the New Testament. Provided by Journey Christian Church of Tracy CA - www.journeycc.net
A Year of No Worry!
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matt 6:34
Some things need to be stopped cold turkey style. There are some things in life that can't be managed or reduced or medicated away. The only answer is to quit immediately.
That's the case with worry. Worry is predicting tomorrow based on possibilities. It's the absence of faith, because it bases outcomes on what a person can know or imagine instead of what is real. Worry makes me into God instead of believing in God's plan.
God's prescription for worry is to STOP immediately!!! Do not do it! He doesn't say we won't be tempted to worry, but tells us when we are tempted to not DO worry. That means quitting cold turkey. Throw away the package, flush it, run from it. Stop it!!! Every time we start to get concerned about tomorrow reroute your mind to what you are doing today.
Mature people realize that worry is a time waster. Worry actually takes energy away from what we can get done today...which then CREATES the worry even more. Instead, put our energy into what needs done today! If we invested an hour into our marriage/family today we wouldn't have to worry about losing them tomorrow. If we worked to put a little money aside today we would be fine with having something in the years ahead. And if we invest a little effort in our relationship with God today, we will lean into Him better for the future that is unpredictable.
Jesus also gives us some help with how to reroute our worry. He tells us to look at how the rest of creation operates. When we see seasons continue faithfully, and animals getting their needs met, and realize how we have been cared for all thru our lives, then we can have a little faith in God to do the same for us in the future too.
Make a commitment today---every time you feel like worrying you will reflect on your blessings and invest in today. Instead of wasting energy on worry, use it for results. What would a year of no worry look like? Let's find out in 2013!!!!
Some things need to be stopped cold turkey style. There are some things in life that can't be managed or reduced or medicated away. The only answer is to quit immediately.
That's the case with worry. Worry is predicting tomorrow based on possibilities. It's the absence of faith, because it bases outcomes on what a person can know or imagine instead of what is real. Worry makes me into God instead of believing in God's plan.
God's prescription for worry is to STOP immediately!!! Do not do it! He doesn't say we won't be tempted to worry, but tells us when we are tempted to not DO worry. That means quitting cold turkey. Throw away the package, flush it, run from it. Stop it!!! Every time we start to get concerned about tomorrow reroute your mind to what you are doing today.
Mature people realize that worry is a time waster. Worry actually takes energy away from what we can get done today...which then CREATES the worry even more. Instead, put our energy into what needs done today! If we invested an hour into our marriage/family today we wouldn't have to worry about losing them tomorrow. If we worked to put a little money aside today we would be fine with having something in the years ahead. And if we invest a little effort in our relationship with God today, we will lean into Him better for the future that is unpredictable.
Jesus also gives us some help with how to reroute our worry. He tells us to look at how the rest of creation operates. When we see seasons continue faithfully, and animals getting their needs met, and realize how we have been cared for all thru our lives, then we can have a little faith in God to do the same for us in the future too.
Make a commitment today---every time you feel like worrying you will reflect on your blessings and invest in today. Instead of wasting energy on worry, use it for results. What would a year of no worry look like? Let's find out in 2013!!!!
God First Actions lead to God Given Blessings
After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (Genesis 15:1 NIV84)
Abram had just risked his life and family to go rescue Lot, then gave one tenth of the revenue to a high priest named Melchizedek. After that powerful moment, God approached Abram to confirm His covenant promises with three new blessings:
1). Security. Having God as our friend means we have NOTHING to fear! Nothing!! Who can defeat God? Who can hold back His blessings? With God we have security for life. So don't worry or be afraid. Most of our fears in life (including financial) is because we haven't established or maintained that relationship with the God over all fears.
2) Shield. Having just defeated a large enemy there was bound to be revenge on the minds of those kingdoms. Instead, God provides Abram a shield of personal and financial protection to make his enemies stay away. Making income is not that difficult...keeping it from being lost in accidents, thefts, repairs, maintenance, and greed IS difficult. When God is our shield, then our lives and livelihood is protected.
3) Reward. Our measure of reward these days is money. But money is temporary. God gives and He can take it away. But His Love is permanent, and He loves to bless His children with the best He has (including money at times). God is a permanent giver---and offers us eternally lasting rewards.
All of this was because Abram put God first in his life---in obedience AND in giving. Those are three good motives to make God first in our lives as well ... In our calendar and our paychecks.
I wonder what "after this" blessings are awaiting our God First actions?
Abram had just risked his life and family to go rescue Lot, then gave one tenth of the revenue to a high priest named Melchizedek. After that powerful moment, God approached Abram to confirm His covenant promises with three new blessings:
1). Security. Having God as our friend means we have NOTHING to fear! Nothing!! Who can defeat God? Who can hold back His blessings? With God we have security for life. So don't worry or be afraid. Most of our fears in life (including financial) is because we haven't established or maintained that relationship with the God over all fears.
2) Shield. Having just defeated a large enemy there was bound to be revenge on the minds of those kingdoms. Instead, God provides Abram a shield of personal and financial protection to make his enemies stay away. Making income is not that difficult...keeping it from being lost in accidents, thefts, repairs, maintenance, and greed IS difficult. When God is our shield, then our lives and livelihood is protected.
3) Reward. Our measure of reward these days is money. But money is temporary. God gives and He can take it away. But His Love is permanent, and He loves to bless His children with the best He has (including money at times). God is a permanent giver---and offers us eternally lasting rewards.
All of this was because Abram put God first in his life---in obedience AND in giving. Those are three good motives to make God first in our lives as well ... In our calendar and our paychecks.
I wonder what "after this" blessings are awaiting our God First actions?
Prayer is more Powerful than even Polls
I urge that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1Tim 2:1-2
America has a rich and blessed heritage where we have the privilege of voting our key leaders into positions of authority. This form of government is quite new to history, since most governments were established as theocracies or monarchies. The blessing is that we have a say in who leads and where our country goes.
But by being a country where our opinions influence policy, it also can distract us from the mission we were given by Jesus. We ARE to participate and be a voice in political issues. But our primary objective is to be an ambassador and witness for the King we swore allegiance to. His mission was for us to go change hearts, not votes.
Sometimes we fall for the trap to think we can change the country by voting for candidates, and to some extent that is true...but it's also temporary. The true way we change our country is to change people's hearts. And the way we change hearts is to bring them to know the Heart-Changer ... King Jesus.
So it's appropriate to remember Paul's instruction on every election---whether your candidate won or lost. We are to pray for our leaders and live in peace, so that we can continue the assignment of bringing people to know Jesus. Prayer is more powerful than polls---because the polls may elect a temporary leader, but prayer empowers an eternal Lord. So pray for your leaders and submit to their authority, and get back to work on the mission we were called to do.
Who knows---God may just use the new leader to bring the change He wants for many people thru our prayers!!
America has a rich and blessed heritage where we have the privilege of voting our key leaders into positions of authority. This form of government is quite new to history, since most governments were established as theocracies or monarchies. The blessing is that we have a say in who leads and where our country goes.
But by being a country where our opinions influence policy, it also can distract us from the mission we were given by Jesus. We ARE to participate and be a voice in political issues. But our primary objective is to be an ambassador and witness for the King we swore allegiance to. His mission was for us to go change hearts, not votes.
Sometimes we fall for the trap to think we can change the country by voting for candidates, and to some extent that is true...but it's also temporary. The true way we change our country is to change people's hearts. And the way we change hearts is to bring them to know the Heart-Changer ... King Jesus.
So it's appropriate to remember Paul's instruction on every election---whether your candidate won or lost. We are to pray for our leaders and live in peace, so that we can continue the assignment of bringing people to know Jesus. Prayer is more powerful than polls---because the polls may elect a temporary leader, but prayer empowers an eternal Lord. So pray for your leaders and submit to their authority, and get back to work on the mission we were called to do.
Who knows---God may just use the new leader to bring the change He wants for many people thru our prayers!!
Are we speaking words or a message?
Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. 1Thess 1:5
Ever heard someone tell you to believe something or do something that they don't practice themselves? Maybe you have done that as well?
Parenting kids can commonly expose these issues. With us, it was most obvious when sarcasm came out of our daughter's mouth ... and we quickly realized telling her to stop being sarcastic was just words. She was only doing what we as parents were also doing. For it to stop, we had to set the example. Telling her to quit was only words---she needed to see that we practiced it too.
Words do not have much power until they are backed by example. When we say words, they come out I our mouth, but when we share our example in words AND action, it becomes a message out of our hearts. And with those words comes power.
The power of God is not in the words on the paper of our Bibles, but in the perfect example He modeled for us both in His creation and in His son. God didn't just give us words--He have us a message. And that message has great power...because it targets our heart, not just our head. That's why the Bible is so living an active---it's the message of God, not just words.
Words backed by example are powerful. The Gospel is Jesus' love backed up by his example & His actions. It is a message, not just words.
Parents---don't give your kids your words, share a message. Leaders---don't boss your employees with rules, set for them the message of your example.
Let your message speak louder than your words.
Ever heard someone tell you to believe something or do something that they don't practice themselves? Maybe you have done that as well?
Parenting kids can commonly expose these issues. With us, it was most obvious when sarcasm came out of our daughter's mouth ... and we quickly realized telling her to stop being sarcastic was just words. She was only doing what we as parents were also doing. For it to stop, we had to set the example. Telling her to quit was only words---she needed to see that we practiced it too.
Words do not have much power until they are backed by example. When we say words, they come out I our mouth, but when we share our example in words AND action, it becomes a message out of our hearts. And with those words comes power.
The power of God is not in the words on the paper of our Bibles, but in the perfect example He modeled for us both in His creation and in His son. God didn't just give us words--He have us a message. And that message has great power...because it targets our heart, not just our head. That's why the Bible is so living an active---it's the message of God, not just words.
Words backed by example are powerful. The Gospel is Jesus' love backed up by his example & His actions. It is a message, not just words.
Parents---don't give your kids your words, share a message. Leaders---don't boss your employees with rules, set for them the message of your example.
Let your message speak louder than your words.
Careful with Opinions - 08/20/12
Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. Luke 18:17
Have you ever heard children talk politics? It's one of the funniest examples of hearsay...
One day I was talking with a 10-year old about something, and the topic somehow switched into a discussion about political decisions. I was impressed with how this young person seemed so informed on the issues of budget deficits, taxes and the country's direction! He carried a STRONG opinion about how our country should be run and what needed to be done about it in the next election. A 10-Year Old!!! (Maybe he will be a presidential candidate sometime soon!)
Needless to say, it was relatively obvious that this 10-year old had his facts flavored by discussions happening at home or with adults. He hadn't lived long enough to learn it by experience, so it was planted into him from someone else. Someone with strong opinions had impressed those opinions onto this young boy, and now were being transferred by a young man with little experience. One man's opinions became a young boy's facts.
Everyone has opinions. Some are based on information (knowledge) and some are based on experiences. The problem isn't having opinions. The problem is to think our opinions are the only right answer. When we start pushing our opinions as fact, it can create problems or arrogance. We are CERTAINLY welcome to our opinions (those often drive our own decisions), and are even encouraged to express opinions to others (that's how we can learn together), but be careful to remember they are limited in scope and still OUR opinion.
I'm fascinated by this topic lately. I've noticed that many times, people share their opinions and react to the response they receive. If the receiver disagrees and says so, the opinionator may react with anger or argument. If the receiver doesn't respond or stays quiet, the opinionator thinks they are right or feels they have the upper hand. If the receiver walks away, an opinion now becomes a relational divide. Better to recognize that we all share our opinions and to respect them without BELIEVING we are always right in them.
That's where childlike faith comes in ... Jesus challenged all of us to be careful with our opinions, and remember that we are still children when it comes to personal faith. We have MUCH to learn, so don't turn our opinions into others' law. We have limited experience, so be careful how we share our opinions. Remember to approach God as the one who's opinion REALLY matters, and learn to respect His instruction like a child listens to their parent.
Many people have opinions about how to gain eternal life. But the only one that matters is the One who judges us and decides who enters. We can believe and express anything we want, but our opinion will not decide eternity for anyone.
That young boy was a great example of childlike faith --- he listened to the opinion of his authority and believed. Too bad the authority was not always accurate in their opinions. Take courage and remember that our Authority is God Himself, who's opinions are 100% accurate - forever! Believe and trust in His opinions, even above your own. That's childlike faith!
Have you ever heard children talk politics? It's one of the funniest examples of hearsay...
One day I was talking with a 10-year old about something, and the topic somehow switched into a discussion about political decisions. I was impressed with how this young person seemed so informed on the issues of budget deficits, taxes and the country's direction! He carried a STRONG opinion about how our country should be run and what needed to be done about it in the next election. A 10-Year Old!!! (Maybe he will be a presidential candidate sometime soon!)
Needless to say, it was relatively obvious that this 10-year old had his facts flavored by discussions happening at home or with adults. He hadn't lived long enough to learn it by experience, so it was planted into him from someone else. Someone with strong opinions had impressed those opinions onto this young boy, and now were being transferred by a young man with little experience. One man's opinions became a young boy's facts.
Everyone has opinions. Some are based on information (knowledge) and some are based on experiences. The problem isn't having opinions. The problem is to think our opinions are the only right answer. When we start pushing our opinions as fact, it can create problems or arrogance. We are CERTAINLY welcome to our opinions (those often drive our own decisions), and are even encouraged to express opinions to others (that's how we can learn together), but be careful to remember they are limited in scope and still OUR opinion.
I'm fascinated by this topic lately. I've noticed that many times, people share their opinions and react to the response they receive. If the receiver disagrees and says so, the opinionator may react with anger or argument. If the receiver doesn't respond or stays quiet, the opinionator thinks they are right or feels they have the upper hand. If the receiver walks away, an opinion now becomes a relational divide. Better to recognize that we all share our opinions and to respect them without BELIEVING we are always right in them.
That's where childlike faith comes in ... Jesus challenged all of us to be careful with our opinions, and remember that we are still children when it comes to personal faith. We have MUCH to learn, so don't turn our opinions into others' law. We have limited experience, so be careful how we share our opinions. Remember to approach God as the one who's opinion REALLY matters, and learn to respect His instruction like a child listens to their parent.
Many people have opinions about how to gain eternal life. But the only one that matters is the One who judges us and decides who enters. We can believe and express anything we want, but our opinion will not decide eternity for anyone.
That young boy was a great example of childlike faith --- he listened to the opinion of his authority and believed. Too bad the authority was not always accurate in their opinions. Take courage and remember that our Authority is God Himself, who's opinions are 100% accurate - forever! Believe and trust in His opinions, even above your own. That's childlike faith!
The Greatest Temptation-08/11/12
The devil said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Luke 4:3
What is the biggest temptation in life?
Some would say sex. That with all the media attention, advertisements, and even the desires and lusts for satisfaction or attraction, sex would be the greatest temptation. But that really isn't it.
Some would suggest money. With all that money provides us, it might be a good argument. Money brings with it opportunities and influence. It opens doors to experiences and self-serving satisfactions. Even Jesus warned of its great danger, but that wouldn't be it either.
Some Biblically-intelligent people would suggest pride--and as with all sins they would be accurate. Pride is the root of every sin, and certainly would be connected to the greatest temptation. But Satan is a bit more subtle than that. He doesn't call us to be proud because we all know better. He tempts with other methods.
Based on both Adam and Jesus all of those answers would be close---even connected to the greatest temptation. In Gen 3 and Luke 4 we see Satan offer the greatest temptation to both of these guys. And it's the one he uses in us too. The greatest temptation is to make a name for yourself (or to prove yourself). The greatest temptation deals with our identity. Who are you? Who am I? With Adam it was about making a name for himself, and with Jesus it was about proving himself.
Adam fell for it and sinned. He wanted to be somebody, and not just be Gods image but be a god himself. Instead, he found himself hiding from God and becoming known more for his failure than for his success. Making a name for ourselves is Very subtle---yet its the back door to pride. Boys want to be the best so they can be known. Girls dress to be noticed. Many men make money, build companies, and collect possessions all to feel like winners. Many women pursue the next activity, beauty secret or body shaping method to be considered valuable. Not that those things are always bad, but pursuing them to improve our identity is the temptation of Satan.
Your identity was set at birth. Not only were we placed into a family and given a unique DNA, but we were created in the image of God Himself. We have nothing to prove because we are already His. The sin of man is trying to create our own identity instead of enjoying the identity we have in Christ.
I admit that this is a constant battle for me, and I continue to ask Jesus for help. I wish I could have the athletic skills of Michael Jordan or the golf swing of Tiger Woods. It dream of leading and building a ministry like Bill Hybels or Andy Stanley. And there are many role models around my life that put me to shame with their discipline, love for their family, and devotion to their work. The temptation to desire a name for myself is strong!
That's what makes Luke 4 so powerful... Jesus did not need to prove Himself, even though He WAS the son of God and could. His identity in God was enough.
Choose to live IN the image of God instead of making a name for yourself. Do whatever God gives you to do, and if God places you on a stage don't let it change your identity. Have NO other gods before you (including yourself).
What is the biggest temptation in life?
Some would say sex. That with all the media attention, advertisements, and even the desires and lusts for satisfaction or attraction, sex would be the greatest temptation. But that really isn't it.
Some would suggest money. With all that money provides us, it might be a good argument. Money brings with it opportunities and influence. It opens doors to experiences and self-serving satisfactions. Even Jesus warned of its great danger, but that wouldn't be it either.
Some Biblically-intelligent people would suggest pride--and as with all sins they would be accurate. Pride is the root of every sin, and certainly would be connected to the greatest temptation. But Satan is a bit more subtle than that. He doesn't call us to be proud because we all know better. He tempts with other methods.
Based on both Adam and Jesus all of those answers would be close---even connected to the greatest temptation. In Gen 3 and Luke 4 we see Satan offer the greatest temptation to both of these guys. And it's the one he uses in us too. The greatest temptation is to make a name for yourself (or to prove yourself). The greatest temptation deals with our identity. Who are you? Who am I? With Adam it was about making a name for himself, and with Jesus it was about proving himself.
Adam fell for it and sinned. He wanted to be somebody, and not just be Gods image but be a god himself. Instead, he found himself hiding from God and becoming known more for his failure than for his success. Making a name for ourselves is Very subtle---yet its the back door to pride. Boys want to be the best so they can be known. Girls dress to be noticed. Many men make money, build companies, and collect possessions all to feel like winners. Many women pursue the next activity, beauty secret or body shaping method to be considered valuable. Not that those things are always bad, but pursuing them to improve our identity is the temptation of Satan.
Your identity was set at birth. Not only were we placed into a family and given a unique DNA, but we were created in the image of God Himself. We have nothing to prove because we are already His. The sin of man is trying to create our own identity instead of enjoying the identity we have in Christ.
I admit that this is a constant battle for me, and I continue to ask Jesus for help. I wish I could have the athletic skills of Michael Jordan or the golf swing of Tiger Woods. It dream of leading and building a ministry like Bill Hybels or Andy Stanley. And there are many role models around my life that put me to shame with their discipline, love for their family, and devotion to their work. The temptation to desire a name for myself is strong!
That's what makes Luke 4 so powerful... Jesus did not need to prove Himself, even though He WAS the son of God and could. His identity in God was enough.
Choose to live IN the image of God instead of making a name for yourself. Do whatever God gives you to do, and if God places you on a stage don't let it change your identity. Have NO other gods before you (including yourself).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)