Fresh Blog

Saul

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 09:35:18 -0600

Scripture
Acts 9

Observation
No specific verse struck me today, but a new thought came to my mind about Saul. It seems reasonable that Saul could have forced people to convert to Christianity, much in the same way he persecuted them. At the very least, he could have persuaded the Jews who were still waiting for a messiah to establish his kingdom on earth to follow him. Yet, Saul did not choose to rely on his man-given power; he relied on preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Nothing of Saul was used, except for his own story.

Application
The encouragement to believers should be obvious: There is no need to rely on our own strength or ability. Just tell the story of Jesus.

Prayer
Lord, do not let me get hung up on the perceived challenges to telling your story to others. Just let me speak.

Q, but no A

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:32:28 -0600

Scripture
“Peter asked, ‘Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?’” - Luke 12:41

Observation
Oh, Peter, Peter, Peter...it seems like he is always the one disciple asking the wrong question at the wrong time. Sometimes in scripture, Jesus rebukes him, but in this case Jesus continues with what he had to say about being alert for the coming of the end times, apparently ignoring Peter.

Application
Maybe I ask God questions before he is done speaking to me. Maybe the issue about which I am concerned is not as important as what God wants to communicate to me. Maybe if I let God finish his presentation, my original question won’t seem so important.

Prayer
Lord, I have many questions. I want to trust you to provide answers in your time. Help me to be patient and help me to listen. Amen.

Because You Say So

Tue, 5 Jan 2010 09:33:36 -0600

Scripture
“Simon answered, ‘Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’” - Luke 5:5

Observation
Simon’s answer shows it is possible to be realistic and faithfully obedient at the same.

Application
I have a school bill looming, a check engine light on a car, and a house that continues to depreciate in value. Yet, God continues to say “Tithe” and “Give.” Even though it doesn’t seem realistic, let alone prudent, because he says so I will.

Prayer
Lord, I’ve worked hard, cut spending, saved more, and yet expenses keep coming with no end or letdown in sight. But because you say so, I will continue to tithe and give to those who need.

Flashlight

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:31:36 -0600

Scripture
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” - James 1:17

Observation
God does not change.

Application
As many times as I have heard and read the metaphor of God being light, I had not thought about it as applicable to his unchanging nature until today. If I turn on a flashlight, I can move it around the room to create all sorts of different shadows and to see certain things more clearly. Yet, the light itself does not change. Regardless where it is in the room or even if something is draped over it, the light itself is exactly the same. The only difference is the way I perceive the light, which changes based on where I am in the room and what obstacles may be in between the flashlight and me.

Prayer
In these long, dark winter days, I can appreciate the light metaphor. Thank you, Lord, for giving me a new way to consider your amazing nature.

Careful Teaching

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 09:34:22 -0600

Scripture
“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” - I Timothy 4:16

Observation
The inverse of this verse is evident today: if you do not persist in keeping a close watch on yourself and on the teaching, you will save neither yourself nor your hearers.

Application
The consequences of failing to immerse ourselves in God’s word and to teach it properly will result in those witnessing us to turn away or, perhaps worse, to accept falsehood as truth. I think of how the Catholic priest scandals of recent years must have affected many children to grow up with a warped view of God’s love, or even how those hearing about the scandals on the news now view the church. I think of how far we’ve come with homosexual marriage and wonder how any church could support such a thing in view of I Timothy 1:8-10. The law (God’s Word) is written for those who need it, as Paul says, so that they may see that what they are doing goes contrary to the way God would have it. By ignoring or minimizing the law in making decisions, we are doing the same thing to God. People who are stuck in sin will not find the freedom of Jesus Christ if our actions and teaching to not match up with what we believe.

The great challenge we have today is to show how the love of Christ is far greater than a life of ignoring the law.

Prayer
Lord, help me meet the challenge of showing your love to those who need it today.