Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
Let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all Gods. Psalm 95:1-3.
Families will be gathering together during this Thanksgiving season. They will eat much turkey, with all the dressings, and some will watch some football. Most will spend a little time remembering the many blessings they have. With acts of kindness and service, some will remember that there are many people who are less fortunate.
My encouragement for each of us is to spend some time reflecting on the One who provided all the blessings we enjoy. David, the author of nearly half of the Psalms (73 bear his name), was passionate about remembering that God was the source of all. He was not shy in proclaiming in bold terms some of the ways that we could demonstrate our thankfulness – by singing for joy, shouting aloud, coming before Him and extolling Him with music.
I, personally, will probably not shout, extol, or dance in my expression of thankfulness to God. Perhaps I will sing. But one thing I am going to make sure that I do is this: as the Psalmist proclaims, I will give thanks to my God, for He is truly my Rock and my great God and King.
Will you join me in spending some time during this season giving thanks to God? If so, be intentional and specific in your thanks to Him. And will you join me in remembering the poor and less fortunate, and do some act of kindness for them?
Prayer: Father, I praise You! You are the mighty God, the creator of all things, and the One who holds all creation in balance. And yet, You care so intimately and personally for each person on earth. May Your kingdom come, here on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
November 12, 2009 - Acts 10:45
“The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.” Acts 10:45.
Peter travelled to Cornelius’ home with several Jewish disciples. As Peter began to speak, the Holy Spirit somehow made Himself present in and through the Gentiles in this meeting. And the manifestation was similar to what happened to the Jews on Pentecost. When the Jewish believers witnessed the Holy Spirit come on these Gentiles, they were dumbfounded. They hadn’t expected this in any way. They thought that God would act one way, but God had something else in store. God was radically challenging the paradigm of the Jewish believers, opening up a life of faith in Jesus to the Gentiles. And the world would never be the same!
There have been many times when I thought that God would act a certain way, and I must admit that He has dumbfounded me over and over again. It seems that the one constant in this is that I have very often gotten it wrong! But God has given me a heart that is willing to change, to learn, and to adjust with His paradigm shifts. This happens usually with some resistance on my part, but in the end, it does happen and I eventually come around.
Questions to consider: Have you ever realized that God was doing something dramatically different than what you expected? What was that like for you, and how did you adjust? Is there anything that you are presently experiencing that might represent a paradigm shift in your life? What is God saying to you concerning this?
Prayer: Father, thank You for not leaving me to flounder in my own limited thinking. Thank You for giving me opportunities to change, to learn, to adjust – and to be astonished - with the moving of Your Hand in our world. Amen.
Peter travelled to Cornelius’ home with several Jewish disciples. As Peter began to speak, the Holy Spirit somehow made Himself present in and through the Gentiles in this meeting. And the manifestation was similar to what happened to the Jews on Pentecost. When the Jewish believers witnessed the Holy Spirit come on these Gentiles, they were dumbfounded. They hadn’t expected this in any way. They thought that God would act one way, but God had something else in store. God was radically challenging the paradigm of the Jewish believers, opening up a life of faith in Jesus to the Gentiles. And the world would never be the same!
There have been many times when I thought that God would act a certain way, and I must admit that He has dumbfounded me over and over again. It seems that the one constant in this is that I have very often gotten it wrong! But God has given me a heart that is willing to change, to learn, and to adjust with His paradigm shifts. This happens usually with some resistance on my part, but in the end, it does happen and I eventually come around.
Questions to consider: Have you ever realized that God was doing something dramatically different than what you expected? What was that like for you, and how did you adjust? Is there anything that you are presently experiencing that might represent a paradigm shift in your life? What is God saying to you concerning this?
Prayer: Father, thank You for not leaving me to flounder in my own limited thinking. Thank You for giving me opportunities to change, to learn, to adjust – and to be astonished - with the moving of Your Hand in our world. Amen.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
November 5, 2009 - Acts 10:34-35
“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.’” Acts 10:34-35.
Peter, in entering Cornelius’ home, is entering into a new phase of his faith journey. As a Jew, he had never to his knowledge entered into the house of a non-Jew. To go into such a home was strictly against Jewish tradition, and, being a good Jew, Peter tried to avoid contact with Gentiles. But God had something else in mind, and to Peter’s credit, he recognized God’s hand at work in bringing him to Cornelius’ household. Upon entering, Peter recognized that God had a bigger vision: that no favoritism was shown by God and that all from every nation were accepted in His sight.
In order for him to recognize God’s movement so easily, Peter had become pliable in God’s hand. He was growing in his ability to hear, to respond, and to obey God’s leading. As I think about this trait in Peter, I remember how impetuous and strong-willed he had been in the past. There was now a dramatic change in the focus of his heart.
I can identify with Peter, especially his old, brash, impetuous nature that was – “talk first – think later.” I can also recognize how God has helped me to become more pliable and workable in His hands. It has taken quite a bit of time, and I still have my moments of falling back into old patterns, but I do see changes in my ability to hear and to obey as God leads and directs me.
Questions to consider: How pliable are you in God’s hands? What hinders you from becoming more pliable? Is there an area in your life that God is challenging you in right now where you need to be more pliable?
Prayer: Father, help me to recognize Your movement in and through my life, and help me to obey how you are guiding me and stretching me. Help me to be pliable in Your hands. Amen.
Peter, in entering Cornelius’ home, is entering into a new phase of his faith journey. As a Jew, he had never to his knowledge entered into the house of a non-Jew. To go into such a home was strictly against Jewish tradition, and, being a good Jew, Peter tried to avoid contact with Gentiles. But God had something else in mind, and to Peter’s credit, he recognized God’s hand at work in bringing him to Cornelius’ household. Upon entering, Peter recognized that God had a bigger vision: that no favoritism was shown by God and that all from every nation were accepted in His sight.
In order for him to recognize God’s movement so easily, Peter had become pliable in God’s hand. He was growing in his ability to hear, to respond, and to obey God’s leading. As I think about this trait in Peter, I remember how impetuous and strong-willed he had been in the past. There was now a dramatic change in the focus of his heart.
I can identify with Peter, especially his old, brash, impetuous nature that was – “talk first – think later.” I can also recognize how God has helped me to become more pliable and workable in His hands. It has taken quite a bit of time, and I still have my moments of falling back into old patterns, but I do see changes in my ability to hear and to obey as God leads and directs me.
Questions to consider: How pliable are you in God’s hands? What hinders you from becoming more pliable? Is there an area in your life that God is challenging you in right now where you need to be more pliable?
Prayer: Father, help me to recognize Your movement in and through my life, and help me to obey how you are guiding me and stretching me. Help me to be pliable in Your hands. Amen.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
October 29, 2009 - Acts 10:28
“He said to them: ‘You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.’” Acts 10:28.
Upon his arrival, Peter announces that he really should not even be there. After all, he was a Jew and the people he was visiting were not, and according to Jewish law, he was not to “associate” with them. But Peter now understood God’s purpose in bringing him to that place. God had shown Peter that no one was to be considered “impure or unclean.” In other words, the barrier that was in place between Jews and all other people was now to be broken down, and all people were to be accepted as the same.
While I know intellectually that all people are equal and that I am called to love all people equally, I still know that I struggle “associating” with some people. For instance, I am not so sure I could ever associate with anyone who was from the rival of my old high school! Okay, I’m kidding. I am actually married to someone from the rival high school! In all seriousness, each one of us could most likely name some people, or groups of people, that we would not like to associate with. We have barriers, in ways similar to Peter, that keep us away from “loving our neighbors”, as Jesus commanded.
Questions to consider: Who do you wish not to “associate” with? What does God have to say about that? Like with Peter, have there been times when you’ve been confronted with this type of barrier and you sensed God nudging you to deal with it? Who is your neighbor?
Prayer: Father, help me to notice when You are directing me to deal with who my neighbor truly is. Help me to love as You have called me to love; to love the unlovable, remembering how unlovable I was and still am, at times. Amen.
Upon his arrival, Peter announces that he really should not even be there. After all, he was a Jew and the people he was visiting were not, and according to Jewish law, he was not to “associate” with them. But Peter now understood God’s purpose in bringing him to that place. God had shown Peter that no one was to be considered “impure or unclean.” In other words, the barrier that was in place between Jews and all other people was now to be broken down, and all people were to be accepted as the same.
While I know intellectually that all people are equal and that I am called to love all people equally, I still know that I struggle “associating” with some people. For instance, I am not so sure I could ever associate with anyone who was from the rival of my old high school! Okay, I’m kidding. I am actually married to someone from the rival high school! In all seriousness, each one of us could most likely name some people, or groups of people, that we would not like to associate with. We have barriers, in ways similar to Peter, that keep us away from “loving our neighbors”, as Jesus commanded.
Questions to consider: Who do you wish not to “associate” with? What does God have to say about that? Like with Peter, have there been times when you’ve been confronted with this type of barrier and you sensed God nudging you to deal with it? Who is your neighbor?
Prayer: Father, help me to notice when You are directing me to deal with who my neighbor truly is. Help me to love as You have called me to love; to love the unlovable, remembering how unlovable I was and still am, at times. Amen.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
October 22, 2009 - Acts 10:26
“But Peter made him get up. ‘Stand up,’ he said, ‘I am only a man myself.’” Acts 10:26.
Peter arrived at the house of Cornelius, having been escorted there by Cornelius’ servants. As he was coming into the house Cornelius knelt before Peter, as if Peter were a Caesar, a god of some kind, or at least a very special person. Peter realized that he was not worthy of anyone’s worship and commanded him to get up; after all, he was only a man, just like Cornelius. Peter apparently was not interested in lifting himself up or making himself of any importance. He was a man who was seeking to be a whole-hearted servant of Jesus.
Have you ever noticed someone that was an attention-seeker? Or possibly someone who did not mind being placed on a pedestal of importance or notoriety? I have witnessed pastors or leaders who really like, even crave, the attention, and have acted as though they were special and deserved notice or special treatment. When someone has this kind of heart attitude, it is difficult to smell the wonderful fragrance of Christ.
Let me make this very clear. One of the things that I do not like about myself is my own need for attention. If I were in Peter’s situation, I am not so sure how I would have responded. I might have enjoyed the notice and special attention. But my hope is that I would have done as Peter did.
Questions to consider: Do you seek, or, maybe even, crave, attention from others? If so, how do you act that out in your life? What does it make you feel like to see others who are acting in ways that draw attention to themselves?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire for less of me and more of You to show. Please help me to “deny myself, take up my cross, and follow” You. Help me to respond as Peter did, in order to draw attention to You, and You alone. Amen.
Peter arrived at the house of Cornelius, having been escorted there by Cornelius’ servants. As he was coming into the house Cornelius knelt before Peter, as if Peter were a Caesar, a god of some kind, or at least a very special person. Peter realized that he was not worthy of anyone’s worship and commanded him to get up; after all, he was only a man, just like Cornelius. Peter apparently was not interested in lifting himself up or making himself of any importance. He was a man who was seeking to be a whole-hearted servant of Jesus.
Have you ever noticed someone that was an attention-seeker? Or possibly someone who did not mind being placed on a pedestal of importance or notoriety? I have witnessed pastors or leaders who really like, even crave, the attention, and have acted as though they were special and deserved notice or special treatment. When someone has this kind of heart attitude, it is difficult to smell the wonderful fragrance of Christ.
Let me make this very clear. One of the things that I do not like about myself is my own need for attention. If I were in Peter’s situation, I am not so sure how I would have responded. I might have enjoyed the notice and special attention. But my hope is that I would have done as Peter did.
Questions to consider: Do you seek, or, maybe even, crave, attention from others? If so, how do you act that out in your life? What does it make you feel like to see others who are acting in ways that draw attention to themselves?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire for less of me and more of You to show. Please help me to “deny myself, take up my cross, and follow” You. Help me to respond as Peter did, in order to draw attention to You, and You alone. Amen.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
October 15, 2009 - Acts 10:17
"While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate." Acts 10:17.
Peter had just received a vision in which God was stretching the boundaries of his belief system by requiring him to "kill and eat" food forbidden to Jews. Peter was wondering what this would mean when the men sent by Cornelius arrived. Cornelius had sent these men to ask Peter to come to him, after God had told him in a vision to send for Peter. It appears that God was setting the stage for not only Peter's stretching, but also, for the young church's expansion.
When things happen in our lives, we never know how wide ranging the effect will be. In Peter's case, it was dramatic. The church was thrust out beyond the boundaries of Judaism. I recently heard from an old friend, whom I haven't seen in years. She told me that her life had been deeply impacted by the work my wife and I did when we had a ministry with young people. After her college days, she became a volunteer leader, and impacted a number of high school students, who in turn went on to become youth leaders. Several of those that she worked with later joined the staff of Young Life, and years later, I ended up working alongside a few of them, without knowing about the connection. I only recently put together that this amazing cycle of impact on people's lives had taken place. We never know at the time how we are going to impact others. Each meeting holds potential significance. I can either choose to be present in the moment or to just coast along in neutral.
Questions to consider: In looking back, when have you seen events that, though they did not appear at the time to be significant, ended up being very significant? What can you do to make each moment with others more significant?
Prayer: Father, help me to be fully present when I am with others. Help me to be approachable and able to listen. Help me to see each meeting with others as potentially significant for Your kingdom's purposes. Amen.
Peter had just received a vision in which God was stretching the boundaries of his belief system by requiring him to "kill and eat" food forbidden to Jews. Peter was wondering what this would mean when the men sent by Cornelius arrived. Cornelius had sent these men to ask Peter to come to him, after God had told him in a vision to send for Peter. It appears that God was setting the stage for not only Peter's stretching, but also, for the young church's expansion.
When things happen in our lives, we never know how wide ranging the effect will be. In Peter's case, it was dramatic. The church was thrust out beyond the boundaries of Judaism. I recently heard from an old friend, whom I haven't seen in years. She told me that her life had been deeply impacted by the work my wife and I did when we had a ministry with young people. After her college days, she became a volunteer leader, and impacted a number of high school students, who in turn went on to become youth leaders. Several of those that she worked with later joined the staff of Young Life, and years later, I ended up working alongside a few of them, without knowing about the connection. I only recently put together that this amazing cycle of impact on people's lives had taken place. We never know at the time how we are going to impact others. Each meeting holds potential significance. I can either choose to be present in the moment or to just coast along in neutral.
Questions to consider: In looking back, when have you seen events that, though they did not appear at the time to be significant, ended up being very significant? What can you do to make each moment with others more significant?
Prayer: Father, help me to be fully present when I am with others. Help me to be approachable and able to listen. Help me to see each meeting with others as potentially significant for Your kingdom's purposes. Amen.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
October 8, 2009 - Acts 10:14
“’Surely not, Lord!’ Peter replied. ‘I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.’” Acts 10:14.
Peter, while visiting believers outside of Jerusalem, had a vision in which he was instructed to “kill and eat” food that Jews were forbidden to eat. This voice instructed him to do so three times, adding, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Peter was deeply perplexed by what he had seen. He was certain that the voice speaking to him was from God because he called the voice “Lord.” What was so perplexing was that the voice was asking him to do something that was completely foreign to his experience, as a Jew. Much had changed in Peter’s life, and even more was now being required.
Have you ever felt like you were being pushed beyond your limits? Sometimes it has felt as if I was being pushed far beyond my understanding, but like Peter, I say to the Lord, “This is difficult, but You have the words of life. Where else would I go?” In looking back, I can see the wisdom in His pushing, but at the time, it is painful and is usually, well, perplexing. For me, these times are dark and unsure, and I am challenged to the core of my belief. On the other side, I recognize how God was with me throughout the time, but it was still very tough to go through. Thankfully, it was He who guided me along.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced any perplexing times that challenged your beliefs? What was that like for you? In looking back, do you see His hand guiding you through the situation?
Prayer: Father, help me to hear Your voice in the midst of challenging and stretching times. Help me to a willing learner, ever seeking to know You better. Amen.
Peter, while visiting believers outside of Jerusalem, had a vision in which he was instructed to “kill and eat” food that Jews were forbidden to eat. This voice instructed him to do so three times, adding, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Peter was deeply perplexed by what he had seen. He was certain that the voice speaking to him was from God because he called the voice “Lord.” What was so perplexing was that the voice was asking him to do something that was completely foreign to his experience, as a Jew. Much had changed in Peter’s life, and even more was now being required.
Have you ever felt like you were being pushed beyond your limits? Sometimes it has felt as if I was being pushed far beyond my understanding, but like Peter, I say to the Lord, “This is difficult, but You have the words of life. Where else would I go?” In looking back, I can see the wisdom in His pushing, but at the time, it is painful and is usually, well, perplexing. For me, these times are dark and unsure, and I am challenged to the core of my belief. On the other side, I recognize how God was with me throughout the time, but it was still very tough to go through. Thankfully, it was He who guided me along.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced any perplexing times that challenged your beliefs? What was that like for you? In looking back, do you see His hand guiding you through the situation?
Prayer: Father, help me to hear Your voice in the midst of challenging and stretching times. Help me to a willing learner, ever seeking to know You better. Amen.
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