Lord, just yesterday You heard a similar prayer from my lips. Needing to make two decisions, I was imploring You for guidance. How I hate the thought of moving contrary to Your will for me. I think the struggle comes when neither option is wrong or bad, but only one is Your desire. Father, see my searching, seeking heart. Know my longing to be in the center of Your will alone. With the information before me and a "multitude of counselors", (Proverbs 11:14), a choice must be made. Father, guide me I pray. If I somehow miss hearing Your voice correctly, please remember my burning desire to be obedient and forgive my waywardness. Would You close any door that would take me down a path You haven't planned for me. Again I am reminded that my job is to trust and Your job is to show the way. Lord, give me the assurance that You're walking ahead of me and purposefully leading. You "have chosen" and I wait to be shown. Father, I'm praying for Your heart, for Your glory. I am casting my lot. Throwing out my all. Waiting for Your will to be revealed.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Casting My Lot
"O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen..." Acts 1:23
Lord, just yesterday You heard a similar prayer from my lips. Needing to make two decisions, I was imploring You for guidance. How I hate the thought of moving contrary to Your will for me. I think the struggle comes when neither option is wrong or bad, but only one is Your desire. Father, see my searching, seeking heart. Know my longing to be in the center of Your will alone. With the information before me and a "multitude of counselors", (Proverbs 11:14), a choice must be made. Father, guide me I pray. If I somehow miss hearing Your voice correctly, please remember my burning desire to be obedient and forgive my waywardness. Would You close any door that would take me down a path You haven't planned for me. Again I am reminded that my job is to trust and Your job is to show the way. Lord, give me the assurance that You're walking ahead of me and purposefully leading. You "have chosen" and I wait to be shown. Father, I'm praying for Your heart, for Your glory. I am casting my lot. Throwing out my all. Waiting for Your will to be revealed.
Lord, just yesterday You heard a similar prayer from my lips. Needing to make two decisions, I was imploring You for guidance. How I hate the thought of moving contrary to Your will for me. I think the struggle comes when neither option is wrong or bad, but only one is Your desire. Father, see my searching, seeking heart. Know my longing to be in the center of Your will alone. With the information before me and a "multitude of counselors", (Proverbs 11:14), a choice must be made. Father, guide me I pray. If I somehow miss hearing Your voice correctly, please remember my burning desire to be obedient and forgive my waywardness. Would You close any door that would take me down a path You haven't planned for me. Again I am reminded that my job is to trust and Your job is to show the way. Lord, give me the assurance that You're walking ahead of me and purposefully leading. You "have chosen" and I wait to be shown. Father, I'm praying for Your heart, for Your glory. I am casting my lot. Throwing out my all. Waiting for Your will to be revealed.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Emmaus Encounter
“Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32
This morning I am a child of the burning heart. So many truths have been opened, I cannot share just one. I have walked my own Emmaus road. Emmaus. The place where Jesus meets us. A place of recognition. A place of personal encounter.
As the two disciples walked the road they met a stranger with whom they shared all they knew about Jesus. How quick am I to share Jesus with those I come in contact with each day? Christ went from stranger to Savoir as they walked and talked and He could for those we meet as well, if only we would tell of all He has done for us.
“That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid…” (John 20:19) Locked doors don’t deter or detour Jesus. Christ holds the Master key. What doors do I have locked? God comes through locked doors.
On the other side of the door Christ addresses unbelieving Thomas’s doubts. Christ will address whatever question we have. The honest seeker who wants to believe and asks God to show Himself, God will respond.
“Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the sea of Galilee.” (John 21:1) The fact that Jesus shows up in our life has to make a difference.
Simon Peter goes fishing. It’s his distraction. An escape from the pain. What is my ‘fishing’ or my diversion when life brings the weight of failure? No matter where we sail off to, Jesus waits patiently for us. “At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach…” (John 21:4) He’ll be there when we return. Waiting.
“He called out, ‘Fellows, have you caught any fish?’
‘No,’ they replied.”
This is the first miracle at the shore. They caught nothing. Not even one small minnow. Empty nets. Vain attempts without Christ. Our best efforts are futile apart from God. We can do everything right and not see results. “Apart from God we can do nothing.”
When the disciples arrived on shore they found breakfast prepared - “fish cooking over a charcoal fire…” (John 21:9) The only other time a charcoal fire is mentioned in all of Scripture was when Peter was sitting at a charcoal fire and denied Christ. Imagine the memories the aroma of these flames burned in his heart. I’m sure we all have similar ‘fires’ that ignite and illuminate recollections, pleasant and pungent. Christ helps us gently bring to mind memories that need to heal from the ashes of our flames.
Three times Jesus now asks Peter, “…do you love me?” Three times. One for each denial. After each time Peter responds, Christ says, “Then feed my sheep” (John 21:15, 16, 17). Jesus is confirming that although Peter faced failure, he is still the right man for the job.
Concluding today’s reading was the great commission, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 The great commission, bookend by Christ’s power (vs.18) and Christ’s presence (vs.20).
As Luke writes in Luke 24:45, “Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” Father, thank You for opening my mind this morning.
“But these are written so that you may continue to believe.” John 20:31 Jesus is saying, don’t just see an empty tomb. Don’t stop at the abandoned grave clothes. Continue on to believe in Me.
This morning I’ve had eyes to look past the empty tomb, as I’ve had an Emmaus encounter.
This morning I am a child of the burning heart. So many truths have been opened, I cannot share just one. I have walked my own Emmaus road. Emmaus. The place where Jesus meets us. A place of recognition. A place of personal encounter.
As the two disciples walked the road they met a stranger with whom they shared all they knew about Jesus. How quick am I to share Jesus with those I come in contact with each day? Christ went from stranger to Savoir as they walked and talked and He could for those we meet as well, if only we would tell of all He has done for us.
“That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid…” (John 20:19) Locked doors don’t deter or detour Jesus. Christ holds the Master key. What doors do I have locked? God comes through locked doors.
On the other side of the door Christ addresses unbelieving Thomas’s doubts. Christ will address whatever question we have. The honest seeker who wants to believe and asks God to show Himself, God will respond.
“Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the sea of Galilee.” (John 21:1) The fact that Jesus shows up in our life has to make a difference.
Simon Peter goes fishing. It’s his distraction. An escape from the pain. What is my ‘fishing’ or my diversion when life brings the weight of failure? No matter where we sail off to, Jesus waits patiently for us. “At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach…” (John 21:4) He’ll be there when we return. Waiting.
“He called out, ‘Fellows, have you caught any fish?’
‘No,’ they replied.”
This is the first miracle at the shore. They caught nothing. Not even one small minnow. Empty nets. Vain attempts without Christ. Our best efforts are futile apart from God. We can do everything right and not see results. “Apart from God we can do nothing.”
When the disciples arrived on shore they found breakfast prepared - “fish cooking over a charcoal fire…” (John 21:9) The only other time a charcoal fire is mentioned in all of Scripture was when Peter was sitting at a charcoal fire and denied Christ. Imagine the memories the aroma of these flames burned in his heart. I’m sure we all have similar ‘fires’ that ignite and illuminate recollections, pleasant and pungent. Christ helps us gently bring to mind memories that need to heal from the ashes of our flames.
Three times Jesus now asks Peter, “…do you love me?” Three times. One for each denial. After each time Peter responds, Christ says, “Then feed my sheep” (John 21:15, 16, 17). Jesus is confirming that although Peter faced failure, he is still the right man for the job.
Concluding today’s reading was the great commission, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 The great commission, bookend by Christ’s power (vs.18) and Christ’s presence (vs.20).
As Luke writes in Luke 24:45, “Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” Father, thank You for opening my mind this morning.
“But these are written so that you may continue to believe.” John 20:31 Jesus is saying, don’t just see an empty tomb. Don’t stop at the abandoned grave clothes. Continue on to believe in Me.
This morning I’ve had eyes to look past the empty tomb, as I’ve had an Emmaus encounter.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Still Moving Stones
"Early on Sunday, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found the stone had been rolled away from the entrance." John 20:1
The stone was rolled away.
Lord, there are places in my life where a stone needs to roll. Held captive and imprisoned by a stone too big and too heavy and I don't have the strength to remove it on my own.
Where there is fear, roll away the stone to bring freedom. Where I am bound by grave clothes of despair, unwrap Your joy. Where wounds still scar, bring healing. Where insecurity shackles, unlock confidence. Where desire has died, resurrect hope. Where pride controls, cover me with humility.
Thank You Lord that You still move stones.
The stone was rolled away.
Lord, there are places in my life where a stone needs to roll. Held captive and imprisoned by a stone too big and too heavy and I don't have the strength to remove it on my own.
Where there is fear, roll away the stone to bring freedom. Where I am bound by grave clothes of despair, unwrap Your joy. Where wounds still scar, bring healing. Where insecurity shackles, unlock confidence. Where desire has died, resurrect hope. Where pride controls, cover me with humility.
Thank You Lord that You still move stones.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
A Broken Heart
"One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out." John 19:34
Carrying His cross, Christ arrived at Golgotha. “King of the Jews” read the sign. King of the Jews? Oh no Lord, You are so much more. King of everything. King of all my thoughts and every desire. “King of my life I crown Thee now.”
Yet, You were royally mocked by priests, teachers, elders and criminals. Still You implored forgiveness for Your accusers. “Father, forgive them…” Words that must have pierced the soldiers just as forcefully as the nails they used to pierce You. Not only did You forgive, but You spoke a word in their defence, saying, “they don’t know what they are doing.”
A scoffing criminal taunts, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself - and us, too, while you’re at it!” Oh, if only You could. It was impossible to do both. You could save Yourself or us. Both was not an option. In selflessness You chose us and courageously remained on the cross. A cross that required abandonment as Your Father turned His face away. You were abandoned so that I would never have to experience such deep separation.
As a final act of scriptures fulfillment, one of the soldiers thrust a spear through Your side and immediately blood and water flowed out. Blood was expected. The flow of water was surprising. Some explain the water came from the rupture of the pericardium, a sac around the heart. It was not the crucifixion that claimed Your life. It was love. You died of a broken heart.
I know that was not the last time Your heart broke. Today, right this moment, is it breaking again? Wounded by those who still mock, reject, accuse and refuse. Father, forgive me for all the times I have been the one to break Your heart. Forgive me Lord. I have no excuse. I know what I am doing.
Carrying His cross, Christ arrived at Golgotha. “King of the Jews” read the sign. King of the Jews? Oh no Lord, You are so much more. King of everything. King of all my thoughts and every desire. “King of my life I crown Thee now.”
Yet, You were royally mocked by priests, teachers, elders and criminals. Still You implored forgiveness for Your accusers. “Father, forgive them…” Words that must have pierced the soldiers just as forcefully as the nails they used to pierce You. Not only did You forgive, but You spoke a word in their defence, saying, “they don’t know what they are doing.”
A scoffing criminal taunts, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself - and us, too, while you’re at it!” Oh, if only You could. It was impossible to do both. You could save Yourself or us. Both was not an option. In selflessness You chose us and courageously remained on the cross. A cross that required abandonment as Your Father turned His face away. You were abandoned so that I would never have to experience such deep separation.
As a final act of scriptures fulfillment, one of the soldiers thrust a spear through Your side and immediately blood and water flowed out. Blood was expected. The flow of water was surprising. Some explain the water came from the rupture of the pericardium, a sac around the heart. It was not the crucifixion that claimed Your life. It was love. You died of a broken heart.
I know that was not the last time Your heart broke. Today, right this moment, is it breaking again? Wounded by those who still mock, reject, accuse and refuse. Father, forgive me for all the times I have been the one to break Your heart. Forgive me Lord. I have no excuse. I know what I am doing.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Lesser Things
"His accusers didn't go inside because it would defile them, and they wouldn't be allowed to celebrate the Passover." John 18:28
I feel like responding with a great big "Ahhhhhhhhh". Poor them. Fear of being defiled kept them worshipping Jewish law, while harbouring murder in their hearts. They were so concerned with ceremony, they were missing the significance. Satisfied with the mundane while bypassing the magnificient. Didn't want to miss the Passover, while crucifying the Passover Lamb.
C.S.Lewis writes, "Satisfied with mud puddles, when you could have had a day at the oceans."
So ironic. Yet we go there too. We can be so caught up in programs and plans, ritual and religion, we miss personal relationship.
Father, may I not be satisfied with lesser things. May the 'doing' leave me empty so the 'being' can fill my hungry soul. Lord, more than anything, I want You.
I feel like responding with a great big "Ahhhhhhhhh". Poor them. Fear of being defiled kept them worshipping Jewish law, while harbouring murder in their hearts. They were so concerned with ceremony, they were missing the significance. Satisfied with the mundane while bypassing the magnificient. Didn't want to miss the Passover, while crucifying the Passover Lamb.
C.S.Lewis writes, "Satisfied with mud puddles, when you could have had a day at the oceans."
So ironic. Yet we go there too. We can be so caught up in programs and plans, ritual and religion, we miss personal relationship.
Father, may I not be satisfied with lesser things. May the 'doing' leave me empty so the 'being' can fill my hungry soul. Lord, more than anything, I want You.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Following Afar
"Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance..." Mark 14:54.
Following at a distance. Following, but far. I just feel like I'm there today. A distant disciple.
It's not geographical position that necessarily speaks of distance. I have a friend in China today who's baby girl was just placed in her arms. My friend and I are oceans apart, but my thoughts couldn't be closer as I'm rejoicing in all that God has done for her. Maps may mark our location, but not our connectedness.
The same is true with God. I may appear to be close...attending church, leading Bible study, reading His Word daily etc... Look at Peter, he did eventually end up in the courtyard. Physically he was fairly close to Christ's presence, yet his denial speaks of his hearts true posture. Lord, I don't want to be content with the "courtyard". I want to be holding Your hand...all the way. Holding Your hand is more than touch...it's obedience.
Those following close walk on water...board airplanes...sit in front rows...respond to the Spirit's prompting...risk...
Mark 6:6 talks about hearts that are far from God.
I feel like I'm standing on the edge. A decision must be made. I'm living on the border of all God desires for me, when He's already given the "Promised Land". Peter had no trouble jumping into the water when emotions ran high, but it's in the daily moment-by moment dry ground we see how close we are truly following. I long to be walking so closely that I'm covered in the dust from His sandals. Dust that covers all of me with His grace as I live a life of faith...my heart bowed in surrender along with my knees.
Praying for the faith and the courage to take that step into His more.
Following at a distance. Following, but far. I just feel like I'm there today. A distant disciple.
It's not geographical position that necessarily speaks of distance. I have a friend in China today who's baby girl was just placed in her arms. My friend and I are oceans apart, but my thoughts couldn't be closer as I'm rejoicing in all that God has done for her. Maps may mark our location, but not our connectedness.
The same is true with God. I may appear to be close...attending church, leading Bible study, reading His Word daily etc... Look at Peter, he did eventually end up in the courtyard. Physically he was fairly close to Christ's presence, yet his denial speaks of his hearts true posture. Lord, I don't want to be content with the "courtyard". I want to be holding Your hand...all the way. Holding Your hand is more than touch...it's obedience.
Those following close walk on water...board airplanes...sit in front rows...respond to the Spirit's prompting...risk...
Mark 6:6 talks about hearts that are far from God.
I feel like I'm standing on the edge. A decision must be made. I'm living on the border of all God desires for me, when He's already given the "Promised Land". Peter had no trouble jumping into the water when emotions ran high, but it's in the daily moment-by moment dry ground we see how close we are truly following. I long to be walking so closely that I'm covered in the dust from His sandals. Dust that covers all of me with His grace as I live a life of faith...my heart bowed in surrender along with my knees.
Praying for the faith and the courage to take that step into His more.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Slap In The Face
"Then one of the Temple guards standing nearby slapped Jesus across the face." John 18:22
Did you see it?
"The first hand to strike the Savior was a religious hand." Ken Gire
Summoned, and now standing before the high priest, Christ is questioned concerning His teaching. His identity opposed by priests and temple officials. Men who were familiar with the Scriptures, but unfamiliar with the Savior. They knew the truth, but missed the One who was the Truth.
How often have I failed to see Jesus? Failed to hear Him speak to me in His Word? Have I raised a hand against Him by my actions or words? Touch is not the only way to slap a face. Ignoring His voice. Disobedience. Insult. Neglect. Pride. Each of these cause greater pain and leave a sting.
There in religious chambers, behind sacred walls, hostility raged.
Today as we enter holy halls of worship, lets honour Him with a tender touch. How could your hand reach his heart with love? Would it be through a step of faith? An act of surrender? A humble confession? Forgiveness sought or received? May the actions of the Temple guard act as a slap in our face to get our attention and awaken us to the ways we are mistreating our Savior.
Did you see it?
"The first hand to strike the Savior was a religious hand." Ken Gire
Summoned, and now standing before the high priest, Christ is questioned concerning His teaching. His identity opposed by priests and temple officials. Men who were familiar with the Scriptures, but unfamiliar with the Savior. They knew the truth, but missed the One who was the Truth.
How often have I failed to see Jesus? Failed to hear Him speak to me in His Word? Have I raised a hand against Him by my actions or words? Touch is not the only way to slap a face. Ignoring His voice. Disobedience. Insult. Neglect. Pride. Each of these cause greater pain and leave a sting.
There in religious chambers, behind sacred walls, hostility raged.
Today as we enter holy halls of worship, lets honour Him with a tender touch. How could your hand reach his heart with love? Would it be through a step of faith? An act of surrender? A humble confession? Forgiveness sought or received? May the actions of the Temple guard act as a slap in our face to get our attention and awaken us to the ways we are mistreating our Savior.
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