In John 21:15ff, Jesus warns Peter about the kind of death he will suffer for God's glory. Peter sees John and asks, "What about him?" To which Jesus replied, "If I want him to remain until I come again, what is that to you?"
In other words, how is taking his eyes off Jesus and focusing on John going to benefit Peter? Remember the last time Peter took his eyes off Jesus? You'd think he'd never forget that "sinking" feeling as the waves began to overtake him (see Matt 14:28-31).
Going back to Peter's "What about him?" concern: What about him? What if God chooses to allow a friend to live in a bigger house, drive a fancier car, have a better job or live a healthier life? What is that to you?
What if Jesus chooses to bless you in another way, by sending you down a different path or allowing you a greater struggle? What is that to you? How does that fact speak to you? If your eyes are on Jesus, following along the path to which he called you. How could comparing self with another benefit you or him?
If we believe that He leads us and that he has purpose in the things he causes or allows, how could we want to sidestep that path and travel on someone else's?
It is when we "seek his kingdom and his righteousness" (Matt 6:33) that we receive all the rest and all the best, not when we follow the path someone else is taking.
What about him? Jus' Askn.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Except These Chains
There was a very famous encounter between the apostle Paul and Govenor Porcius Festus where the governor retorts, "Do you think, in such a short time, you can convince me to become a Christian?" To which, Paul replied, “Short time or long---I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” (Acts 26:29).
Paul wanted everyone to have the life he had been given - not the struggles and hardships his apostleshio caused him but the victorious life he had in Christ, which allowed him to face the chains of prison and even a date with the executioner.
Paul knew suffering - he had been flogged, imprisoned, stoned, etc. (2 Cor 11:23f). And those things, he wouldn't wish on anyone. But he also knew the Savior, a relationship that he wanted everyone to experience - a relationship that would give them the victory over everything life might throw at them.
Paul didn't want to share his chains, he knew that everyone had chains of their own. But he did want to share his Christ - the Christ that would free them from their chains.
What about you? Do you have a relationship with Jesus you can't wait to share with others, or may I introduce you to the One who loves you enough to die for you - the One who came "that you may heave life and have it to the full" (John 10:10)?
Jus' Askn.
Paul wanted everyone to have the life he had been given - not the struggles and hardships his apostleshio caused him but the victorious life he had in Christ, which allowed him to face the chains of prison and even a date with the executioner.
Paul knew suffering - he had been flogged, imprisoned, stoned, etc. (2 Cor 11:23f). And those things, he wouldn't wish on anyone. But he also knew the Savior, a relationship that he wanted everyone to experience - a relationship that would give them the victory over everything life might throw at them.
Paul didn't want to share his chains, he knew that everyone had chains of their own. But he did want to share his Christ - the Christ that would free them from their chains.
What about you? Do you have a relationship with Jesus you can't wait to share with others, or may I introduce you to the One who loves you enough to die for you - the One who came "that you may heave life and have it to the full" (John 10:10)?
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Getting Ready for God
"And the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people" (Ex 19:10-11).
It was a big deal. The people were going to be in the presence of God himself. They needed to prepare themselves to come before the Creator of heaven and earth. The dulling effect of daily life left them in need of retooling their minds and hearts in order to be ready to meet with God.
Do you suppose that we need a time of preparation of reflection of retooling ourselves so that we can come before Him. Do you think a time of reflection on self and a time set aside for devotion to God might be in order to overcome the dulling effect of the daily grind in which we live?
Does is not make sense that a daily quiet time in which you set aside the normal pull of the world and focus on your relationship with God would be extremely helpful if not vital to your walk with Him? Even though we live under grace instead of law, is not God still God and man still man?
We don't have to earn the right to come into His presence, Christ already qualified us on the cross. We don't have to cleanse ourselves from sin to come into His holy presence, that too was accomplished at the cross. But do we not need to tune our hearts and set our minds on His presence?
Jus' Askn.
It was a big deal. The people were going to be in the presence of God himself. They needed to prepare themselves to come before the Creator of heaven and earth. The dulling effect of daily life left them in need of retooling their minds and hearts in order to be ready to meet with God.
Do you suppose that we need a time of preparation of reflection of retooling ourselves so that we can come before Him. Do you think a time of reflection on self and a time set aside for devotion to God might be in order to overcome the dulling effect of the daily grind in which we live?
Does is not make sense that a daily quiet time in which you set aside the normal pull of the world and focus on your relationship with God would be extremely helpful if not vital to your walk with Him? Even though we live under grace instead of law, is not God still God and man still man?
We don't have to earn the right to come into His presence, Christ already qualified us on the cross. We don't have to cleanse ourselves from sin to come into His holy presence, that too was accomplished at the cross. But do we not need to tune our hearts and set our minds on His presence?
Jus' Askn.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Standing In The Gap
In the days of the prophet Ezekiel, Jerusalem came under the Lord's judgment due to her overwhelming sinfulness. God, who desired reconciliation over judgment, "looked for someone among them who would...stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one" (Ezekiel 22:30).
There were no intercessors, no one willing to stand between God and man and petition on sinful man's behalf. Intercessors, those willing to come regularly and often before God in behalf of those bound over to sin, are still hard to find.
Some don't want to stand in the gap because, like Jonah, they believe the sinful deserve punishment. Others are fearful that God will not answer their prayer, causing their faith to be challenged. Others still are just not that concerned one way or the other.
Whatever our reason for not standing in the gap, for not finding the time and expending the energy to pray for the lost and even the evil ones around us, it runs counter to A God who desires that we "love one another" (1 John 4:11) and who "is not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Pet 3:9).
Not everyone can be a missionary in a foreign land, preach a rousing sermon from the pulpit or go to the streets encountering the lost face to face, but everyone can stand in the gap daily lifting up the names of others in prayer. While you may not have the skill or ability to deal directly with sinners, you do have access to the throne room of God - you can daily stand in the gap.
Jus' Sayn.
There were no intercessors, no one willing to stand between God and man and petition on sinful man's behalf. Intercessors, those willing to come regularly and often before God in behalf of those bound over to sin, are still hard to find.
Some don't want to stand in the gap because, like Jonah, they believe the sinful deserve punishment. Others are fearful that God will not answer their prayer, causing their faith to be challenged. Others still are just not that concerned one way or the other.
Whatever our reason for not standing in the gap, for not finding the time and expending the energy to pray for the lost and even the evil ones around us, it runs counter to A God who desires that we "love one another" (1 John 4:11) and who "is not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Pet 3:9).
Not everyone can be a missionary in a foreign land, preach a rousing sermon from the pulpit or go to the streets encountering the lost face to face, but everyone can stand in the gap daily lifting up the names of others in prayer. While you may not have the skill or ability to deal directly with sinners, you do have access to the throne room of God - you can daily stand in the gap.
Jus' Sayn.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Joyful Suffering
As a sequel to yesterday's blog on suffering among Christians, I just finished writing a blog, which promptly disappeared and now I am having to write it over from memory. I am trying to remain joyful. I think I just felt the corner of one side of my mouth turn up in a weak smile.
Nonetheless, I wanted to introduce James encouragement to "count it all all joy, my brothers when you face trials of many kinds....so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (Js 1:2-4). He affirms that suffering can be life giving.
In nature, the cone of the Jack Pine remains closed until the awesome heat of a forrest fire, which destroys the adult trees, opens it and allows the charred cone to seed the burnt forrest floor. The trial of fire produces new life in the Jack Pine.
Imagine a gym whose only equipment were comfy couches, and it's trainers served your favorite desserts. Or a college that had no reading assignments, no papers to write and no finals. We expect our gyms and colleges to test us and try us and apply enough pressure to produce new muscle, new knowledge, new life.
Whatever trial we may go through in life, in Christ we have the victory. In Him we overcome and develop spiritual muscle and one day receive our eternal reward in Heaven. Trials are not fun but can produce reason for joy, if we remain faithful. Jus' Sayn.
Nonetheless, I wanted to introduce James encouragement to "count it all all joy, my brothers when you face trials of many kinds....so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (Js 1:2-4). He affirms that suffering can be life giving.
In nature, the cone of the Jack Pine remains closed until the awesome heat of a forrest fire, which destroys the adult trees, opens it and allows the charred cone to seed the burnt forrest floor. The trial of fire produces new life in the Jack Pine.
Imagine a gym whose only equipment were comfy couches, and it's trainers served your favorite desserts. Or a college that had no reading assignments, no papers to write and no finals. We expect our gyms and colleges to test us and try us and apply enough pressure to produce new muscle, new knowledge, new life.
Whatever trial we may go through in life, in Christ we have the victory. In Him we overcome and develop spiritual muscle and one day receive our eternal reward in Heaven. Trials are not fun but can produce reason for joy, if we remain faithful. Jus' Sayn.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Suffering as Sons
Did you know that God's children suffer? I don't mean just in the usual sense of having a bad day or losing a job or even suffering a financial reversal. I'm talking about the fact that in the last century, there have been more Christian martyrs than in all previous centuries.
Christians are being arrested and left to die in dungeon-like conditions. They are being taken from their families and executed. Their houses and their houses of worship are being burned. They are being persecuted, they are suffering and they are faithful children of God.
And we wonder why God would allow us to suffer loss of any kind, as if it were strange that a child of God would ever suffer. Do we not realize that we live in a fallen world, that our very existence is lived out behind enemy lines in a global war with the Evil One and his followers?
Heaven will be a place where no sorrow, no pain, no loss, no death will be known, but this is not heaven; this is planet earth. And while we have the victory guaranteed, we are still at war, where battles must be fought and loss will be encountered in til that final victory.
This was true, even of the Son of God, Jesus himself "Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered" (Heb 5:8). Jesus suffered, even to the point of death on a cross. Is it too much to think that we might be called to suffer or sacrifice for the same reason that our Lord and millions of God's children have before us?
Jesus' suffering resulted in our salvation, the suffering of saints before us has resulted in our freedom in Christ, what good might your suffering cause - if you keep the faith in the midst of the pain and loss you are going through at any given time? Jus' Askn.
Christians are being arrested and left to die in dungeon-like conditions. They are being taken from their families and executed. Their houses and their houses of worship are being burned. They are being persecuted, they are suffering and they are faithful children of God.
And we wonder why God would allow us to suffer loss of any kind, as if it were strange that a child of God would ever suffer. Do we not realize that we live in a fallen world, that our very existence is lived out behind enemy lines in a global war with the Evil One and his followers?
Heaven will be a place where no sorrow, no pain, no loss, no death will be known, but this is not heaven; this is planet earth. And while we have the victory guaranteed, we are still at war, where battles must be fought and loss will be encountered in til that final victory.
This was true, even of the Son of God, Jesus himself "Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered" (Heb 5:8). Jesus suffered, even to the point of death on a cross. Is it too much to think that we might be called to suffer or sacrifice for the same reason that our Lord and millions of God's children have before us?
Jesus' suffering resulted in our salvation, the suffering of saints before us has resulted in our freedom in Christ, what good might your suffering cause - if you keep the faith in the midst of the pain and loss you are going through at any given time? Jus' Askn.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Too Soon
I received the first call as I was heading in to start my 12 hour on-call rotation. A young man who thought he had a chest cold a few days ago was put on life support as he battled a life-threatening case of double pneumonia.
While with his sister and mother, another family was gathering in a consulting room, where I would be asked to go and help them deal with the sudden loss of their husband, son and brother - each member esperiencing a different level of loss, but loss all the same.
As I walked back into my on-call sleeping quarters, my phone beckoned me again. This time to a family, whose loved one was brought in for an appendectomy that turned out to be stage four colo-rectal cancer.
I got back to my little room, laid my head on the pillow and wearily fell off to sleep. In what seemed like moments, I woke up and looked at my watch, whose face had a blurry 4:30 am on it, and then my phone alerted me to another call for chaplain services.
This fourth and final call, as of this writing, was for a family of a man who had recently had a triple bypass and seemed to be doing well until he had a massive heart attack and died.
Four families, two deaths and two uncertain futures. The common thread was that it was all too soon and too sudden. They thought there was plenty of time, two families hope there will be some time left and the other two knows there is none.
This is not just their reality, it is the truth for all of us. Life on this earth is wrapping up much sooner than you think or will likely be prepared for - it will end too soon for you or the ones you love. As James put it, "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (Js 4:14).
So, I'm wondering, are you ready? Jus' Askn.
While with his sister and mother, another family was gathering in a consulting room, where I would be asked to go and help them deal with the sudden loss of their husband, son and brother - each member esperiencing a different level of loss, but loss all the same.
As I walked back into my on-call sleeping quarters, my phone beckoned me again. This time to a family, whose loved one was brought in for an appendectomy that turned out to be stage four colo-rectal cancer.
I got back to my little room, laid my head on the pillow and wearily fell off to sleep. In what seemed like moments, I woke up and looked at my watch, whose face had a blurry 4:30 am on it, and then my phone alerted me to another call for chaplain services.
This fourth and final call, as of this writing, was for a family of a man who had recently had a triple bypass and seemed to be doing well until he had a massive heart attack and died.
Four families, two deaths and two uncertain futures. The common thread was that it was all too soon and too sudden. They thought there was plenty of time, two families hope there will be some time left and the other two knows there is none.
This is not just their reality, it is the truth for all of us. Life on this earth is wrapping up much sooner than you think or will likely be prepared for - it will end too soon for you or the ones you love. As James put it, "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (Js 4:14).
So, I'm wondering, are you ready? Jus' Askn.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Come And See
The story is told of a young man being baptized in a river by an old preacher. When the preacher pit him under the water and brought him up, he asked, "Have you found Jesus!" The young man, wanting to be honest, said, "No." So, the old preacher dunked him under again and brought him up asking again if he had found Jesus to which he answered no again. The old preacher repeated the process several times asking the same question, getting the same answer. Finally the young man, nearly drowned by all the dunking answered, "I still didn't find him but are you sure he's down there?"
The truth is that Jesus might not necessarily be where we are looking for him. He might not be in our comfortable homes or in our surburban communities. He might not be in our sanitized church buildings or our bountifully spread fellowship dinners. He might not even be in our Bible study groups or Sunday morning assemblies.
Instead, he may be down at the men's shelter or staying at a house in the worst part of town. He might be spending time in a local jail or at the hospital. He might even be out on the streets. Jesus is like that, you know. He is where he is needed and responds to those who are crying out for him. He often shows up at the worst places.
How do we know? How do we know where Jesus is staying? He answered this question to a couple of seekers in John 1:39, "Come and you will see."
Yes, we need to spend time in our homes and communities and church gatherings, but there are times when we need to leave our comfortable surroundings and seek Jesus in the dark and dirty places. The only way to see where else he might be staying and how we might serve with him is to come and see.
Jus' Sayn.
The truth is that Jesus might not necessarily be where we are looking for him. He might not be in our comfortable homes or in our surburban communities. He might not be in our sanitized church buildings or our bountifully spread fellowship dinners. He might not even be in our Bible study groups or Sunday morning assemblies.
Instead, he may be down at the men's shelter or staying at a house in the worst part of town. He might be spending time in a local jail or at the hospital. He might even be out on the streets. Jesus is like that, you know. He is where he is needed and responds to those who are crying out for him. He often shows up at the worst places.
How do we know? How do we know where Jesus is staying? He answered this question to a couple of seekers in John 1:39, "Come and you will see."
Yes, we need to spend time in our homes and communities and church gatherings, but there are times when we need to leave our comfortable surroundings and seek Jesus in the dark and dirty places. The only way to see where else he might be staying and how we might serve with him is to come and see.
Jus' Sayn.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Horses, Carts and Truth
Clichés are so cliché but that doesn't mean they are not true. For instance, we really shouldn't "get the cart before the horse." Horses are top shelf when it comes to pulling but are seriously useless when it comes to pushing. A horse would make a great pick to pull your car into town but I wouldn't try to get him to push start it.
This particular cliché is violated quite a bit in applying Scripture. For instance, "you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free" (John 8:32), is quoted often and it is applied as an educational model for coming to spiritual truth. In other words, if we study enough and learn enough, then we will know the truth and be free spiritually.
But there is where the cart gets before the horse. Verse 32 comes after verse 31. No, duh! I know, it sounds axiomatic but it is so often overlooked. People generally quote and apply verse 32 without giving verse 31 any consideration. But let's read them together and in order: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free .”
Do you see the difference? Coming to know truth cannot be accomplished in an educational model, it has to be an experiential model. You learn about truth by study but you learn truth - come to know it as truth - by living it. Thus is the difference in being educated and in being wise - one comes primarily from books and the other primarily from life.
To really know truth, which is to say, know Jesus who is "the Truth" (Johnn 14:6), you must experience him by following in his steps. This is the core principle of discipleship, which is the response to his call "come, follow me" (Matt 4:19).
Jus' Sayn.
This particular cliché is violated quite a bit in applying Scripture. For instance, "you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free" (John 8:32), is quoted often and it is applied as an educational model for coming to spiritual truth. In other words, if we study enough and learn enough, then we will know the truth and be free spiritually.
But there is where the cart gets before the horse. Verse 32 comes after verse 31. No, duh! I know, it sounds axiomatic but it is so often overlooked. People generally quote and apply verse 32 without giving verse 31 any consideration. But let's read them together and in order: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free .”
Do you see the difference? Coming to know truth cannot be accomplished in an educational model, it has to be an experiential model. You learn about truth by study but you learn truth - come to know it as truth - by living it. Thus is the difference in being educated and in being wise - one comes primarily from books and the other primarily from life.
To really know truth, which is to say, know Jesus who is "the Truth" (Johnn 14:6), you must experience him by following in his steps. This is the core principle of discipleship, which is the response to his call "come, follow me" (Matt 4:19).
Jus' Sayn.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Finding Your "Want To"
Kingdom work - outreach, restoration, forgiveness, sacrifice - can be very demanding in terms of physical, emotional and spiritual output. Mission work can be exhausting and dangerous. Working with homeless can be frustrating and risky. Forgiving people in general opens you up to being let down.
There are many barriers to accomplishing kingdom work such as financial restraints, physical limitations, safety concerns, logistical improbabilities, education, skill sets and the like. But the greatest barrier often is a missing "want to."
With God's help, we can find ways to scales all the barriers set before us but without the desire, without a spirit of "want to," we are not likely to begin trying let alone complete the task.
We tend to be more concerned with personal safety than another's soul. We are geared toward acquiring our wants more than providing another's needs. Me and my own often eclipse others entirely. It's hard to have a "want to" for others when I am focused so much on me.
To really get involved in kingdom work, it takes something beyond ourselves, it takes the love of God. That is why Jesus' prayer for his disciples,max he prepared to leave, included, "I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them” (Jn 17:26).
What it takes to do kingdom work is not more money, time, education or skill. What it takes is more love - more love than we are capable of in and of ourselves, it takes the love of God to reach the in reachable and love the unloveable.
While seeking the love of God, you will find your "want to." Jus' Sayn.
There are many barriers to accomplishing kingdom work such as financial restraints, physical limitations, safety concerns, logistical improbabilities, education, skill sets and the like. But the greatest barrier often is a missing "want to."
With God's help, we can find ways to scales all the barriers set before us but without the desire, without a spirit of "want to," we are not likely to begin trying let alone complete the task.
We tend to be more concerned with personal safety than another's soul. We are geared toward acquiring our wants more than providing another's needs. Me and my own often eclipse others entirely. It's hard to have a "want to" for others when I am focused so much on me.
To really get involved in kingdom work, it takes something beyond ourselves, it takes the love of God. That is why Jesus' prayer for his disciples,max he prepared to leave, included, "I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them” (Jn 17:26).
What it takes to do kingdom work is not more money, time, education or skill. What it takes is more love - more love than we are capable of in and of ourselves, it takes the love of God to reach the in reachable and love the unloveable.
While seeking the love of God, you will find your "want to." Jus' Sayn.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Saint You & Me
It is very common to excuse or perhaps explain bad behavior by saying, "Well, I'm no saint." We consider ourselves broken and tarnished vessels, prone to sin due to our weak and fragile spiritual condition. Most of us would be loathed to call ourselves holy or sanctified because we know ourselves all too well.
And, if our holiness or saint status was dependent on our ability to always think, say and do the godly thing or if we were the source and power of our sanctification, we would be right. We are weak and we, like the apostle Paul, "have the desire to do what is good but cannot carry it out" (Rom 7:18).
But equally like the apostle, Christ's "power is made perfect in our weakness" (2 Cor 12:9). For it is the Spirit of Christ, not us who is the source of our sanctification, our holiness our status as saints: we are "saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit" (2 Thess 2:13).
I used to regard myself as a sinner saved by grace but the truth is that I was a sinner saved by grace and I am now a saint sanctified by grace. Because I walk in His light, "the blood of Jesus [continously] cleanses me from my sin" (1 John 1:7). I, like Paul, struggle with my flesh but also like him am not defined by my struggle but by Christ's victory on the cross.
As hard as it may be to accept at times, the Bible clearly refers to Christians as "those sanctified in Christ Jesus" (1 Cor 1:2). If you are in Christ, you are a saint. Do not let your weakness define you, rather allow His power to define who and what you are. Do not listen to the Great Liar, listen instead to the Word of Truth: "Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth" (John17:17).
Jus' Sayn.
And, if our holiness or saint status was dependent on our ability to always think, say and do the godly thing or if we were the source and power of our sanctification, we would be right. We are weak and we, like the apostle Paul, "have the desire to do what is good but cannot carry it out" (Rom 7:18).
But equally like the apostle, Christ's "power is made perfect in our weakness" (2 Cor 12:9). For it is the Spirit of Christ, not us who is the source of our sanctification, our holiness our status as saints: we are "saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit" (2 Thess 2:13).
I used to regard myself as a sinner saved by grace but the truth is that I was a sinner saved by grace and I am now a saint sanctified by grace. Because I walk in His light, "the blood of Jesus [continously] cleanses me from my sin" (1 John 1:7). I, like Paul, struggle with my flesh but also like him am not defined by my struggle but by Christ's victory on the cross.
As hard as it may be to accept at times, the Bible clearly refers to Christians as "those sanctified in Christ Jesus" (1 Cor 1:2). If you are in Christ, you are a saint. Do not let your weakness define you, rather allow His power to define who and what you are. Do not listen to the Great Liar, listen instead to the Word of Truth: "Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth" (John17:17).
Jus' Sayn.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Royal Priesthood
A priest is a very special person, who stands between God and man, making intercessory between the two for man's benefit. He offers prayers, gives instruction and helps facilitate faith development in another. A priest is a holy man of God for the propel God calls. A priest is man's link to the Father above.
You can easily recognize a priest because of the clothes he wears - basic black with an inverted black collar.... Yeah, about that - not. Actually, a priest may not be easily distinguished from a crowd. A priest's clothes may be exactly like yours, he may live in a house just like yours, drive a car like yours, have a dog like yours, be married like you, have a secular job like you. In fact, he or she might be you.
"What you talkin' 'bout Willis?" I'm talking about the position God gives to every one of his children, the ministry each Christian is called to and set apart for, in the Kingdom of God on earth. I'm talking about the truth revealed in 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
That's right, you - man or woman, black or white, married or single - you, as a disciple of Jesus Christ are set apart (made holy) to intercede (pray for) and facilitate faith development (share your faith) in others. You and I are a holy nation of priests or we are not disciples at all.
Disciples do not sit back and read about the Master or simply believe He exists. Disciples follow their Master, learning to do as he does, live as he lives, think as he thinks. A disciple is one in the process becoming like his Master. What did Jesus do? Do that. How did Jesus treat others? Treat them the same way. What did Jesus teach? Teach that. WWJD? Do it! Jus' Sayn.
You can easily recognize a priest because of the clothes he wears - basic black with an inverted black collar.... Yeah, about that - not. Actually, a priest may not be easily distinguished from a crowd. A priest's clothes may be exactly like yours, he may live in a house just like yours, drive a car like yours, have a dog like yours, be married like you, have a secular job like you. In fact, he or she might be you.
"What you talkin' 'bout Willis?" I'm talking about the position God gives to every one of his children, the ministry each Christian is called to and set apart for, in the Kingdom of God on earth. I'm talking about the truth revealed in 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
That's right, you - man or woman, black or white, married or single - you, as a disciple of Jesus Christ are set apart (made holy) to intercede (pray for) and facilitate faith development (share your faith) in others. You and I are a holy nation of priests or we are not disciples at all.
Disciples do not sit back and read about the Master or simply believe He exists. Disciples follow their Master, learning to do as he does, live as he lives, think as he thinks. A disciple is one in the process becoming like his Master. What did Jesus do? Do that. How did Jesus treat others? Treat them the same way. What did Jesus teach? Teach that. WWJD? Do it! Jus' Sayn.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
The Mystery
In Colossians 1:26, the apostle Paul writes about a mystery that had been "kept hidden for ages and generations." It was a mystery that would now be revealed to the nations through the children of God. It is a mystery revealed through our lives because of the life within us: "the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col 1:27).
The mystery was not a set of core beliefs or a new gathering of doctrines or a theological treatise. Neither was it a revolutionary change in rituals or a special knowledge of religious things. The mystery was not about a manuplation of knowledge or or ritual or rites, the mystery was about a relationship.
The mystery of the ages was that The Rock of Ages, the Christ, the very Son of God would live within our hearts and souls. The mystery wasn't about how we come to know about God but how we come to know God and the intimate way He comes to know us by actually residing in our hearts.
This mystery is the reason we need to spend quiet time alone with Him, growing in that relationship so that His presence in us will be seen by the people with whom we daily come into contact. They will come to see the Christ loving in us and will be drawn to him. Say, how is that relationship developing in your life? Who do people see when they see the hear of you? Jus' Askn.
The mystery was not a set of core beliefs or a new gathering of doctrines or a theological treatise. Neither was it a revolutionary change in rituals or a special knowledge of religious things. The mystery was not about a manuplation of knowledge or or ritual or rites, the mystery was about a relationship.
The mystery of the ages was that The Rock of Ages, the Christ, the very Son of God would live within our hearts and souls. The mystery wasn't about how we come to know about God but how we come to know God and the intimate way He comes to know us by actually residing in our hearts.
This mystery is the reason we need to spend quiet time alone with Him, growing in that relationship so that His presence in us will be seen by the people with whom we daily come into contact. They will come to see the Christ loving in us and will be drawn to him. Say, how is that relationship developing in your life? Who do people see when they see the hear of you? Jus' Askn.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
New Creatures
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" As a born again child of God - a Christian - you are a new creature. But, do you feel it? Does you think within yourself, "I am a new creature?"
Or, do you find yourself think, "I'm pretty much the same old me with the same old problems, the same old weaknesses and the same old failures? What are the voices inside your head telling you?
More importantly, to which voices are you listening? The Spirit of Christ says you are a new creature, endowed with new power and purposes for a new future. The old has gone and the new has come. But do you believe Him? Are you listening to Him?
There is another voice speaking to your heart, the voice of the Great Liar, Satan, who says the old self has not gone, that you have not changed, that you are just as weak and sinful as ever. Which voice will you believe?
Jus' Askn.
Or, do you find yourself think, "I'm pretty much the same old me with the same old problems, the same old weaknesses and the same old failures? What are the voices inside your head telling you?
More importantly, to which voices are you listening? The Spirit of Christ says you are a new creature, endowed with new power and purposes for a new future. The old has gone and the new has come. But do you believe Him? Are you listening to Him?
There is another voice speaking to your heart, the voice of the Great Liar, Satan, who says the old self has not gone, that you have not changed, that you are just as weak and sinful as ever. Which voice will you believe?
Jus' Askn.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Leaving Gifts at The Altar
Not being ancient Jews worshipping at the Temple, we're not too big on taking sacrifices or offerings to the altar as a gift to God. However, we do set aside quiet or devotional time to honor God and we bring contributions to put in the plate or make "love offerings." We do offer time, energy and money to God in various ways and on a number of occasions. But, is God receiving them?
I ask this because the Bible gives clear instructions about the need, at times, to set our gift to God aside and attend to something else and then return to make our offering: "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift" (Matt 5:23-24).
God, like all loving fathers, is not only concerned with our relationship with Him, but equally desires that we love and honor one another. In fact, Jesus said "this is how they will know you are my disciples, by your love for one another" (John 13:35). And the apostle John warns, "...whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen" (1 John 4:20).
So, worship and contributions and quiet times of reflection and prayer are good, but are not God's primary concern for us - reconciliation, restoration, redemption - these are His primary desires for our lives. This was His reason for sending His Son to the earth, to reconcile, restore and redeem - not just the individual, but the family.
There is an old saying, "Love me, love my children." God feels the same way, as do you if you are a loving parent. Jus' Sayn.
I ask this because the Bible gives clear instructions about the need, at times, to set our gift to God aside and attend to something else and then return to make our offering: "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift" (Matt 5:23-24).
God, like all loving fathers, is not only concerned with our relationship with Him, but equally desires that we love and honor one another. In fact, Jesus said "this is how they will know you are my disciples, by your love for one another" (John 13:35). And the apostle John warns, "...whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen" (1 John 4:20).
So, worship and contributions and quiet times of reflection and prayer are good, but are not God's primary concern for us - reconciliation, restoration, redemption - these are His primary desires for our lives. This was His reason for sending His Son to the earth, to reconcile, restore and redeem - not just the individual, but the family.
There is an old saying, "Love me, love my children." God feels the same way, as do you if you are a loving parent. Jus' Sayn.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Equipping The Called
When I think of myself in relation to the great heroes of faith like Abraham, Moses and the apostle Paul, my first thought is, "I'm no Abraham, Moses or Paul." I don't think of it as an excuse for not rising to their level, but rather as being real.
You, no doubt, feel the same way. We could never be expected to rise to the level of such great biblical characters. However, truth be told, they never thought they could rise to that level - and they were right. What? They did rise to that level. No, actually they were raised to that level.
Look at what God told Abram, whose name he changed to Abraham to reflect his new future, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing" (Gen 12:2). It took 25 years of developing Abram before he was ready to become Abraham.
At 40, Moses killed an oppressive Egyptian task-master and tried to settle a dispute between two Hebrew slaves. He found he wasn't even up to the task of being a minor judge,melt alone the leader of the entire nation. It took 40 years of conditioning in Midian before God called him to return to Egypt and become that leader.
Saul of Tarsus had no inclination of being an apostle, he wasn't even a disciple. Instead, he was a bounty hunter of sorts for the Hugh Priest, trying to help eradicate Israel of Christians. When Jesus stopped him on the road to Damascus to ordain him as apostle, he was not equipped only called. Paul would spend three years with The Lord in Arabia before prepared to join the apostles in Jerusalem.
We are not Abraham, Moses or Paul; we are each who God has made us to be and we are called to do what he wills us to do. He may never call us to their level of service, but he will equip us to the level unto which we are called. But remember, we may be years or decades in preparation. Who knows what God is preparing and equipping you for at this very moment. Jus' Sayn.
You, no doubt, feel the same way. We could never be expected to rise to the level of such great biblical characters. However, truth be told, they never thought they could rise to that level - and they were right. What? They did rise to that level. No, actually they were raised to that level.
Look at what God told Abram, whose name he changed to Abraham to reflect his new future, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing" (Gen 12:2). It took 25 years of developing Abram before he was ready to become Abraham.
At 40, Moses killed an oppressive Egyptian task-master and tried to settle a dispute between two Hebrew slaves. He found he wasn't even up to the task of being a minor judge,melt alone the leader of the entire nation. It took 40 years of conditioning in Midian before God called him to return to Egypt and become that leader.
Saul of Tarsus had no inclination of being an apostle, he wasn't even a disciple. Instead, he was a bounty hunter of sorts for the Hugh Priest, trying to help eradicate Israel of Christians. When Jesus stopped him on the road to Damascus to ordain him as apostle, he was not equipped only called. Paul would spend three years with The Lord in Arabia before prepared to join the apostles in Jerusalem.
We are not Abraham, Moses or Paul; we are each who God has made us to be and we are called to do what he wills us to do. He may never call us to their level of service, but he will equip us to the level unto which we are called. But remember, we may be years or decades in preparation. Who knows what God is preparing and equipping you for at this very moment. Jus' Sayn.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Revival
Although not as often as in days past, I still see ads for church revivals. What interests me about the ads is the notion expressed: "We are having a revival, come hear Brother So and So." Revival is advertised as if it were something we can plan and then put on like a production of our own making.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Revival is something that God does to those he chooses in the time and manner he decides. We, don't have the power to revive ourselves or the authority to decide when or what it will look like. We don't even have the power to decide if we will be revived.
To decide and plan on revival would be like a Code Blue patient planning and organizing a resuscitation effort. We would have had Lazurus sending for Jesus to come by his tomb and raise him up from the dead. Revival, resuscitation or resurrection are done to us, not by us.
And, when The Lord chooses to revive someone, He doesn't invite, he directs. Jesus didn't ask, "Lazurus, would mind coming out of the tomb?" Instead, he directed, "Lazurus, come out!" (John 11:43). A surgeon, whose patient has just coded on the table, doesn't ask permission to use the fibulators, he grabs the paddles.
We can and should pray for revival. But if God chooses, it will break out when and where and how and on whom He directs. As the Psalmist proclaimed, "Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning’s womb" (Psa 110:3).
We need not waste time, energy or resources putting up billboards, sending out invitations or preparing facilities. Instead, let us lift up our hearts and our prayers to the Father above to cause revival to break out, ready to go where he sends and do what he bids. We won't need to invite anyone, God will direct them. Jus' Sayn.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Revival is something that God does to those he chooses in the time and manner he decides. We, don't have the power to revive ourselves or the authority to decide when or what it will look like. We don't even have the power to decide if we will be revived.
To decide and plan on revival would be like a Code Blue patient planning and organizing a resuscitation effort. We would have had Lazurus sending for Jesus to come by his tomb and raise him up from the dead. Revival, resuscitation or resurrection are done to us, not by us.
And, when The Lord chooses to revive someone, He doesn't invite, he directs. Jesus didn't ask, "Lazurus, would mind coming out of the tomb?" Instead, he directed, "Lazurus, come out!" (John 11:43). A surgeon, whose patient has just coded on the table, doesn't ask permission to use the fibulators, he grabs the paddles.
We can and should pray for revival. But if God chooses, it will break out when and where and how and on whom He directs. As the Psalmist proclaimed, "Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning’s womb" (Psa 110:3).
We need not waste time, energy or resources putting up billboards, sending out invitations or preparing facilities. Instead, let us lift up our hearts and our prayers to the Father above to cause revival to break out, ready to go where he sends and do what he bids. We won't need to invite anyone, God will direct them. Jus' Sayn.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Heavenly Discipline
When facing painful or difficult times, it is common in the Christian community to speak of spiritual warfare or being under attack by Satan. Often we seek to ease our spirit by saying, "their is a reason for everything," meaning that some unknown greater good is being worked out in or through our suffering.
We assure ourselves that God won't allow more burden than we can carry to be put upon us - that He is monitoring whatever cosmic force is applying pressure to our lives,more addy to put a stop to it before it reaches overload in our lives.
All of this sounds good and may even be true - sometimes. But, it ain't necessarily so. To begin with, The Bible doesn't say that God won't allow more burden than we can bear, it says, "He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear" (1 Cor 10:13). The fact that God tells us to "bear one another burdens" (Gal 6:2), suggests that their are times when we may be over-burdened.
The grand notion that there is a reason for everything is true but not always so grand. Sometimes the reason is our poor choices or downright stupidity (sorry, was that your toe or mine I just stepped on?).
I'm not saying that painful times are never the result of spiritual attack or that God never monitors the amount of suffering we are allowed to endure (the book of Job is precisely about those two realities). What I am saying is that sometimes God is the one bringing or allowing the pain into our lives as discipline for our own good: "God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness" (Heb 12:10).
In times of pain or difficulties, it is therefore important to ascertain whether it is an attack, a natural consequence or discipline from God to effect a change. Don't fail to seek the Spirit in prayer, Bible study, Christian counsel and circumstance. Jus' Sayn.
We assure ourselves that God won't allow more burden than we can carry to be put upon us - that He is monitoring whatever cosmic force is applying pressure to our lives,more addy to put a stop to it before it reaches overload in our lives.
All of this sounds good and may even be true - sometimes. But, it ain't necessarily so. To begin with, The Bible doesn't say that God won't allow more burden than we can bear, it says, "He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear" (1 Cor 10:13). The fact that God tells us to "bear one another burdens" (Gal 6:2), suggests that their are times when we may be over-burdened.
The grand notion that there is a reason for everything is true but not always so grand. Sometimes the reason is our poor choices or downright stupidity (sorry, was that your toe or mine I just stepped on?).
I'm not saying that painful times are never the result of spiritual attack or that God never monitors the amount of suffering we are allowed to endure (the book of Job is precisely about those two realities). What I am saying is that sometimes God is the one bringing or allowing the pain into our lives as discipline for our own good: "God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness" (Heb 12:10).
In times of pain or difficulties, it is therefore important to ascertain whether it is an attack, a natural consequence or discipline from God to effect a change. Don't fail to seek the Spirit in prayer, Bible study, Christian counsel and circumstance. Jus' Sayn.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Cutting Words
In our normal vernacular, cutting words are ones used to wound or offend. These words have an angry tone and are like darts tossed at one's heart. Sometimes they are used to make another the butt of a joke, other times they are direct and completely unfiltered. Never are they welcomed or intended for the benefit of the one to whom they are directed.
There is, however, another kind of cutting word - a word that can cut very deep but is not intended to hurt but to heal. This Word comes from God and is found in Scripture: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Heb 4:12).
The words of the Lord do indeed cut deep and judge in the hidden places of our heart and mind, but they are not intended to defeat us or condemn us, they are meant to heal like the scalpel of a surgeon cutting away tumors of the soul. Jesus' words, rather than put down, give us a place to stand: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matt 7:24).
Nevertheless, just like many avoid seeing a doctor for fear he will give them bad news, many choose not to read the Bible with a listening heart and many choose not to read it at all for fear it will reveal something wrong in them. Sadly, avoiding a doctor doesn't change the diagnosis, it just keeps it hidden. Avoiding God's Word doesn't change what is wrong in your heart, it just allows you to deny it or be unaware of it's deadly nature.
Daily study of God's Word will uncover things about you that need to change, things that are unacceptable, things that are ungodly. But that is the benefit of such study - the opportunity to discover and turn over to the Father those things that mar your spirit. Jus' Sayn.
There is, however, another kind of cutting word - a word that can cut very deep but is not intended to hurt but to heal. This Word comes from God and is found in Scripture: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Heb 4:12).
The words of the Lord do indeed cut deep and judge in the hidden places of our heart and mind, but they are not intended to defeat us or condemn us, they are meant to heal like the scalpel of a surgeon cutting away tumors of the soul. Jesus' words, rather than put down, give us a place to stand: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matt 7:24).
Nevertheless, just like many avoid seeing a doctor for fear he will give them bad news, many choose not to read the Bible with a listening heart and many choose not to read it at all for fear it will reveal something wrong in them. Sadly, avoiding a doctor doesn't change the diagnosis, it just keeps it hidden. Avoiding God's Word doesn't change what is wrong in your heart, it just allows you to deny it or be unaware of it's deadly nature.
Daily study of God's Word will uncover things about you that need to change, things that are unacceptable, things that are ungodly. But that is the benefit of such study - the opportunity to discover and turn over to the Father those things that mar your spirit. Jus' Sayn.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Being One
I recently read something on Facebook, which said, "Not going to church because there are hypocrites there is like not going to a gym because out of shape people go there." I agree with the sentiment but I don't agree with the premise that hypocrites in the church are what really turns people away. I believe it is the hypocrisy of the churches themselves.
What I mean is that churches advocate the first priority of love and then draw lines of fellowship between themselves and other churches. Unity in the Spirit is a major doctrine of churches across the board but then churches divine themselves by their distinctiveness or their points of division.
Jesus, as he prepared to leave this world, prayed that not only his disciple at the time, but that all who called on him would be one so that we might be effective in carrying out the mission of the Gospel: "...that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me" (John 17:23).
And the unifying factor that would convince the world we are followers of Christ is the one thing not evidenced so much between churches and sometimes lacking within individual congregations is love. While we engage in "worship wars" and stand in judgment against other churches, Jesus says, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35).
Love and unity of the Spirit are what will bring us together in Christ, not uniformity in doctrines or traditions or worship styles. We are not called to separate the wheat from the weeds (Matt 13:24-30). We are not called to judge the faith of others at all: "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister" (Rom 14:13).
Perhaps we should stop trying to be spiritual judges and lawyers and policemen, and instead be witnesses as called. Jus' Sayn.
What I mean is that churches advocate the first priority of love and then draw lines of fellowship between themselves and other churches. Unity in the Spirit is a major doctrine of churches across the board but then churches divine themselves by their distinctiveness or their points of division.
Jesus, as he prepared to leave this world, prayed that not only his disciple at the time, but that all who called on him would be one so that we might be effective in carrying out the mission of the Gospel: "...that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me" (John 17:23).
And the unifying factor that would convince the world we are followers of Christ is the one thing not evidenced so much between churches and sometimes lacking within individual congregations is love. While we engage in "worship wars" and stand in judgment against other churches, Jesus says, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35).
Love and unity of the Spirit are what will bring us together in Christ, not uniformity in doctrines or traditions or worship styles. We are not called to separate the wheat from the weeds (Matt 13:24-30). We are not called to judge the faith of others at all: "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister" (Rom 14:13).
Perhaps we should stop trying to be spiritual judges and lawyers and policemen, and instead be witnesses as called. Jus' Sayn.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Righteous Seeds
Proverbs 11:18b says, "the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward." It sounds a bit like works salvation in contrast to the New Testament teaching of "...it is by grace you have been saved through faith...not by works..." (Eph 2:8,9).
However, the context of contrast with verse 18a, which says, "A wicked person earns deceptive wages...," tells us that the reward, like crops growing out of seed is certain but not immediate unlike the wages of the wicked, which appear to be immediate and desired but are deceptive and will be paid in their awful fullness later.
The idea is that the righteous person, in contrast to the wicked, does good because he knows that good will come from his actions - good that will not necessarily be realized by himself immediately but worth doing for the present and will reap a blessing later on.
The point being that while the wicked appear to prosper, their wages are deceptive, not being fully realized presently but they will be very painfully aware of in the future. However, the righteous, who may appear to be getting the short end of the stick, will very happily be aware of their blessing later on.
The application being that we ought to good always regardless of the immediate consequence or reward because it is the righteous and godly thing to do, which honors God and blesses others now, and will produce "...a harvest [of good] if we do not give up" (Gal 6:9). Jus' Sayn.
However, the context of contrast with verse 18a, which says, "A wicked person earns deceptive wages...," tells us that the reward, like crops growing out of seed is certain but not immediate unlike the wages of the wicked, which appear to be immediate and desired but are deceptive and will be paid in their awful fullness later.
The idea is that the righteous person, in contrast to the wicked, does good because he knows that good will come from his actions - good that will not necessarily be realized by himself immediately but worth doing for the present and will reap a blessing later on.
The point being that while the wicked appear to prosper, their wages are deceptive, not being fully realized presently but they will be very painfully aware of in the future. However, the righteous, who may appear to be getting the short end of the stick, will very happily be aware of their blessing later on.
The application being that we ought to good always regardless of the immediate consequence or reward because it is the righteous and godly thing to do, which honors God and blesses others now, and will produce "...a harvest [of good] if we do not give up" (Gal 6:9). Jus' Sayn.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Returning Word
Isaiah 55:11 is often quoted as saying, "God's word will not return to him void." However, what the passage actually says is, "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire..."
Notice the "so is" and the "accomplish what I desire..." Before we can fully understand the statement, we need to investigate the "so is" and "what I desire." God's word is sent out like something and accomplishes something that is in accord with his will.
Verse 10 reveals that His word is sent out like the rain, which returns to the clouds but not before nourishing the earth. God's word, as seen in the opening chapters of Genesis, follows a pattern: It is spoken, it releases creative power and it is good (see Gen 1:3f).
God's word for us will follow the same pattern, however, we may miss that pattern by 1) Not getting around to listening to His word for our lives, "though hearing, they do not hear" (Matt 13:13). Do you carve out time daily to read His word and listen in quiet time?
And 2) Expecting His word to line up with what we desire rather than listening for what It says in the Bible, prayer, our circumstance and counsel of trusted Christians. In other words, we often fail to listen to what we hear because it isn't what we want to hear.
When we tearfully or angrily ask "Why is God allowing...?" What we really mean is "Why isn't God doing what I want?" We are confused by a good God allowing a bad thing.
The trouble is, however, we do not have the same vantage point as God: "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares The Lord" (Isa 55:8). Since God is good and his will is to bless, instead of accusing God of failing to do good, perhaps we should ask, "What is the good I am missing here or what good will God bring out of this moment?" Jus' Sayn.
Notice the "so is" and the "accomplish what I desire..." Before we can fully understand the statement, we need to investigate the "so is" and "what I desire." God's word is sent out like something and accomplishes something that is in accord with his will.
Verse 10 reveals that His word is sent out like the rain, which returns to the clouds but not before nourishing the earth. God's word, as seen in the opening chapters of Genesis, follows a pattern: It is spoken, it releases creative power and it is good (see Gen 1:3f).
God's word for us will follow the same pattern, however, we may miss that pattern by 1) Not getting around to listening to His word for our lives, "though hearing, they do not hear" (Matt 13:13). Do you carve out time daily to read His word and listen in quiet time?
And 2) Expecting His word to line up with what we desire rather than listening for what It says in the Bible, prayer, our circumstance and counsel of trusted Christians. In other words, we often fail to listen to what we hear because it isn't what we want to hear.
When we tearfully or angrily ask "Why is God allowing...?" What we really mean is "Why isn't God doing what I want?" We are confused by a good God allowing a bad thing.
The trouble is, however, we do not have the same vantage point as God: "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares The Lord" (Isa 55:8). Since God is good and his will is to bless, instead of accusing God of failing to do good, perhaps we should ask, "What is the good I am missing here or what good will God bring out of this moment?" Jus' Sayn.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Having a Prayer
When things are really looking bad for someone, it is common to say, "He doesn't have a prayer." The notion reflects the idea that here isn't anything you are going to be able to do to alter the outcome, not even the last hope of prayer.
While I appreciate the sentiment of the cliché, it reflects both a poor theology and a weak practical application of faith. To begin with, the avenue of prayer is always available - even in the most desperate of times and despite are most bone-headed mistakes. Jesus was very clear in saying, "I will never leave you as orphans" (Jn 14:18) - He will never turn his back on us.
Secondly, nothing is beyond the power of God in response to prayer that is not beyond his will for our lives: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us---whatever we ask---we know that we have what we asked of him" (1 Jn 5:14-15).
Finally, is it is a mistake to save prayer as a last result after we have tried our best or have turned over every other stone. Jesus started his day in prayer, before he began to face the challenges it would bring, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed" (Mk 1:35).
Before He chose his disciples, he prayed (Lk 6:12). When he faced the temptations of the devil, he prayed (Matt 4). When he faces the cross, he prayed (Lk 22:41-42). Whatever he faced! he first went to the Father.
If Jesus felt the need for prayer before challenges, don't you suppose you should to? If Jesus made prayer the first thing instead of the last, when do think you ought go to the Father?
You always have a prayer. Prayers always get through to Fod. And prayer ought always be first no past. Jus' Sayn.
While I appreciate the sentiment of the cliché, it reflects both a poor theology and a weak practical application of faith. To begin with, the avenue of prayer is always available - even in the most desperate of times and despite are most bone-headed mistakes. Jesus was very clear in saying, "I will never leave you as orphans" (Jn 14:18) - He will never turn his back on us.
Secondly, nothing is beyond the power of God in response to prayer that is not beyond his will for our lives: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us---whatever we ask---we know that we have what we asked of him" (1 Jn 5:14-15).
Finally, is it is a mistake to save prayer as a last result after we have tried our best or have turned over every other stone. Jesus started his day in prayer, before he began to face the challenges it would bring, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed" (Mk 1:35).
Before He chose his disciples, he prayed (Lk 6:12). When he faced the temptations of the devil, he prayed (Matt 4). When he faces the cross, he prayed (Lk 22:41-42). Whatever he faced! he first went to the Father.
If Jesus felt the need for prayer before challenges, don't you suppose you should to? If Jesus made prayer the first thing instead of the last, when do think you ought go to the Father?
You always have a prayer. Prayers always get through to Fod. And prayer ought always be first no past. Jus' Sayn.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Making God Laugh
We are encouraged to dream big, to let our imaginations go and think outside the box. We are told that if we can dream it we can do it, if we can imagine it we can manage it, if we can think it up we can get it down.
All that may be true, it depends on how determined and resourceful you are. However, though you may well dream what you consider big and imagine what you think is awesome but, as the saying goes, "If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans." For God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Eph 3:20).
God's laughter, by the way, would not be a haughty or derisive laughter, but rather the gentle chuckle of a Father whose small child has just told him his/her big idea. What they told you is adorable but you know they are thinking so small compared to what is really possible.
My point is that despite our best thinking or biggest dreaming, God can accomplish so much more through us when we seek his will and listen to his voice. When people really look to God for direction and invite him to use them for his glory, they wind up saying things like, "I never dreamed I would one day..." Or, "I can hardly believe what God has done in my life." Or, "I had no idea that I could ever..."
Jesus came that we might experience "life to the full" (John 10:10) and the Father desires to do more than we can imagine in and through our lives. At some point, if we are to have that full and meaningful life that God wills for us, we are going to have to "let go and let God."
We don't need to unleash our imaginations, we need to give the reigns over to the Father in prayer and obedience. We don't need to think outside the box, we need to listen inside our spirit. Jus' Sayn.
All that may be true, it depends on how determined and resourceful you are. However, though you may well dream what you consider big and imagine what you think is awesome but, as the saying goes, "If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans." For God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Eph 3:20).
God's laughter, by the way, would not be a haughty or derisive laughter, but rather the gentle chuckle of a Father whose small child has just told him his/her big idea. What they told you is adorable but you know they are thinking so small compared to what is really possible.
My point is that despite our best thinking or biggest dreaming, God can accomplish so much more through us when we seek his will and listen to his voice. When people really look to God for direction and invite him to use them for his glory, they wind up saying things like, "I never dreamed I would one day..." Or, "I can hardly believe what God has done in my life." Or, "I had no idea that I could ever..."
Jesus came that we might experience "life to the full" (John 10:10) and the Father desires to do more than we can imagine in and through our lives. At some point, if we are to have that full and meaningful life that God wills for us, we are going to have to "let go and let God."
We don't need to unleash our imaginations, we need to give the reigns over to the Father in prayer and obedience. We don't need to think outside the box, we need to listen inside our spirit. Jus' Sayn.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Revelation Vs Vision
One of the things I studied in graduate school regarding church growth was "vision casting." The idea behind it was that, as a leader, you had to develop a vision of the growth in numbers or activity and then proactively transfer your view to the members. Once that was accomplished, you could then set goals and then assign tasks.
The idea is used not only in the church but in corporate America as well, where I think it is better suited. I say that because vision, in this context, is what we dream up. And then, as Christians, having decided what we want to do, we begin asking God to bless our plans. Do you see a problem here?
In corporate America, when God may not even be a consideration, personal vision is what one must rely on. But for the Church and the Christian, dreaming up what we want to do is antithetical to being a disciple or follower. To follow, one must know where his Leader is going or directing.
What this means is that, rather than dream up what we want and then ask God to bless our efforts, we begin by asking God what He wants and then ask for direction or revelation of His will. To do otherwise is to be self-directed: "Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint..." (Prov 29:18).
The problem with being self instead of God-directed is that "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death" (Prov 14:12). While we may give it our best thinking, we may still be way off the Mark of what God would have us do, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares The Lord" (Isa 55:8).
Listening for the Holy Spirit through prayer, Bible study, Christian counsel and personal circumstance, rather than developing a vision, is to invite revelation. The God can and will bless. Jus' Sayn.
The idea is used not only in the church but in corporate America as well, where I think it is better suited. I say that because vision, in this context, is what we dream up. And then, as Christians, having decided what we want to do, we begin asking God to bless our plans. Do you see a problem here?
In corporate America, when God may not even be a consideration, personal vision is what one must rely on. But for the Church and the Christian, dreaming up what we want to do is antithetical to being a disciple or follower. To follow, one must know where his Leader is going or directing.
What this means is that, rather than dream up what we want and then ask God to bless our efforts, we begin by asking God what He wants and then ask for direction or revelation of His will. To do otherwise is to be self-directed: "Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint..." (Prov 29:18).
The problem with being self instead of God-directed is that "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death" (Prov 14:12). While we may give it our best thinking, we may still be way off the Mark of what God would have us do, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares The Lord" (Isa 55:8).
Listening for the Holy Spirit through prayer, Bible study, Christian counsel and personal circumstance, rather than developing a vision, is to invite revelation. The God can and will bless. Jus' Sayn.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Potter's Clay
Many years ago, I went through a class designed to help me discover my spiritual gifts. The thought being that if one is to serve God effectively, he should first find out how God has equipped him for service.
The way we went about determining our gifts was to complete a spiritual inventory, a psychological test designed to ferret out your bents, leanings and propensities. My top one was teacher, so preaching and teaching was where I was best suited. Of course, I was already preaching and teaching so I didn't discover anything ground-breaking. In fact, I don't think I discovered anything at all.
What I mean to say is that I only saw what I was already seeing. The inventory only revealed what I already believed as it reflected what I inwardly saw of myself. But, was that what God gifted me to be doing: teaching and preaching? If so, why is the primary ministry I'm involved in today encouraging and supporting people who are dying? I can preach and teach but that isn't what God led me to do in ministry in this season of my life.
God did lead me to preaching ministry and did equip me for the same but He has not been doing so lately. My point being that God's spiritual gifts and calls to ministry are not set in stone, they are molded in clay, which the Potter can alter at will: "But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him...like clay in a potter's hand so you are in my hands" (Jer 18:4-6).
Spiritual gifts aren't something you are born with or trained in that God considers when he calls you to serve. Spiritual gifts are something God supplies when he calls you to serve. You may be quite surprised where and to what He calls you. You may think that it is not your strong suit. But God doesn't need our strength or skills, just our willingness to serve and be molded. Jus' Sayn.
The way we went about determining our gifts was to complete a spiritual inventory, a psychological test designed to ferret out your bents, leanings and propensities. My top one was teacher, so preaching and teaching was where I was best suited. Of course, I was already preaching and teaching so I didn't discover anything ground-breaking. In fact, I don't think I discovered anything at all.
What I mean to say is that I only saw what I was already seeing. The inventory only revealed what I already believed as it reflected what I inwardly saw of myself. But, was that what God gifted me to be doing: teaching and preaching? If so, why is the primary ministry I'm involved in today encouraging and supporting people who are dying? I can preach and teach but that isn't what God led me to do in ministry in this season of my life.
God did lead me to preaching ministry and did equip me for the same but He has not been doing so lately. My point being that God's spiritual gifts and calls to ministry are not set in stone, they are molded in clay, which the Potter can alter at will: "But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him...like clay in a potter's hand so you are in my hands" (Jer 18:4-6).
Spiritual gifts aren't something you are born with or trained in that God considers when he calls you to serve. Spiritual gifts are something God supplies when he calls you to serve. You may be quite surprised where and to what He calls you. You may think that it is not your strong suit. But God doesn't need our strength or skills, just our willingness to serve and be molded. Jus' Sayn.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Seeking God
The prophet Jeremiah warned ancient Israel of their coming fall as a nation and the subsequent captivity in a foreign land. The reason for their demise was that they rejected the protective cover of God - "The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord ?’" (Jer 2:8). And the people themselves, "They did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord, who brought us up out of Egypt?" (Jer 2:6).
They continued offering sacrifices, they maintained their religious cover, but it was void of The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; filled with ritual but empty of relationship. Prayers went up but their hearts remained unmoved. They wanted the blessings that come when one walks with God but didn't want to follow Him.
Aren't you glad we are not like them today? Isn't it good to know that we don't just send up a laundry list of blessings we want bestowed with no real desire to hear what God has to say to us?
Isn't it wonderful that we don't just attend a religious service to check off a set of rituals we're required to perform, but rather we are drawn into a worship experience where we encounter God?
Doesn't it warm your heart to realize that we, as a nation and as individuals are asking where The Lord is on national issues and where He is on our personal choices? Aren't you glad that we have come so far in seeking God and his voice in our lives?
Don't you wish we really did seek that personal relationship with Him? Don't you wish that we were as concerned with hearing what God had so say about our plans as we are in getting Him to bless them? Don't you wish that America and each of us as Americans would ask, "Where is the Lord who gave us freedom as a nation and as individuals?"
What do you wish? Are you seeking God's voice? Jus' Askn.
They continued offering sacrifices, they maintained their religious cover, but it was void of The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; filled with ritual but empty of relationship. Prayers went up but their hearts remained unmoved. They wanted the blessings that come when one walks with God but didn't want to follow Him.
Aren't you glad we are not like them today? Isn't it good to know that we don't just send up a laundry list of blessings we want bestowed with no real desire to hear what God has to say to us?
Isn't it wonderful that we don't just attend a religious service to check off a set of rituals we're required to perform, but rather we are drawn into a worship experience where we encounter God?
Doesn't it warm your heart to realize that we, as a nation and as individuals are asking where The Lord is on national issues and where He is on our personal choices? Aren't you glad that we have come so far in seeking God and his voice in our lives?
Don't you wish we really did seek that personal relationship with Him? Don't you wish that we were as concerned with hearing what God had so say about our plans as we are in getting Him to bless them? Don't you wish that America and each of us as Americans would ask, "Where is the Lord who gave us freedom as a nation and as individuals?"
What do you wish? Are you seeking God's voice? Jus' Askn.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Almighty God
How great, how awesome, how mighty is your God? I ask that because it seems that so many address Him in such an off-handed manner. People use his name as a by-word, without any recognition of His majesty, saying things like "Good God man..." or "For God's sake" or the ubiquitous "OMG!"
Some don"t bother to come to Him in prayer at all. Others, when they want something, address Him like some kind of cosmic errand boy, "Get met this, do that for me, take care of this detail." Relatively few read His Word regularly and fewer still actively strive to incorporate it daily into their lives.
It seems that God is more of an after thought if indeed, He is truly thought of at all by far too many people, even individuals who regard themselves as Christians often live as if they, not God, were the Supreme Being over their lives. "It's my life, I can do what I want with it - it's nobody's business but mine how I live it!"
Really? You and I are the Supreme Authority in our lives? That thinking reminds me of an old bumper sticker, which was meant to express faith in God but revealed a very weak theology indeed: "God Is My Co-Pilot". If so, you need to change seats.
When God revealed himself to Isaiah, he debunked any notion that we are anywhere on the same level, "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me?" (Isa 66:1). How can the God of Creation be contained, how dare we try to pigeon hole Him, how is it that we think we can treat Him in such a cavalier manner?
How one approaches Bible study and prayer says so much about how they view God. While God can communicate directly or in visions or in dreams, The Bible and prayer are daily at our disposal to converse with Almighty God.
Who wouldn't want to take advantage of those daily opportunities, unless their view of God was something less or their view of self was something more than it ought to be? Jus' Askn.
Some don"t bother to come to Him in prayer at all. Others, when they want something, address Him like some kind of cosmic errand boy, "Get met this, do that for me, take care of this detail." Relatively few read His Word regularly and fewer still actively strive to incorporate it daily into their lives.
It seems that God is more of an after thought if indeed, He is truly thought of at all by far too many people, even individuals who regard themselves as Christians often live as if they, not God, were the Supreme Being over their lives. "It's my life, I can do what I want with it - it's nobody's business but mine how I live it!"
Really? You and I are the Supreme Authority in our lives? That thinking reminds me of an old bumper sticker, which was meant to express faith in God but revealed a very weak theology indeed: "God Is My Co-Pilot". If so, you need to change seats.
When God revealed himself to Isaiah, he debunked any notion that we are anywhere on the same level, "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me?" (Isa 66:1). How can the God of Creation be contained, how dare we try to pigeon hole Him, how is it that we think we can treat Him in such a cavalier manner?
How one approaches Bible study and prayer says so much about how they view God. While God can communicate directly or in visions or in dreams, The Bible and prayer are daily at our disposal to converse with Almighty God.
Who wouldn't want to take advantage of those daily opportunities, unless their view of God was something less or their view of self was something more than it ought to be? Jus' Askn.
Friday, January 3, 2014
God's Got This
Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, were taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar. They were set aside for possible service to the king himself, provided they made the cut. If not, their future would have been bleak indeed.
An official was placed over them to prepare them to be presented to the king at the appointed time. He was responsible for insuring these slaves were at their best and a big part of that preparation was diet, believing we are what we eat (imagine that, eating healthy to be healthy, what a concept, huh, go figure),
Their concept of healthy eating included lots of meat, especially including the fat portions in order to overcome that rather gaunt, taken in captivity as a slave look they would have had - similar to how runway models look today.
Daniel knew the predicament they were in. The king would only take the best into court service, the rest would be common slaves if they were allowed to live at all. Conventional wisdom said to put your future into the hands of the experts, even if it meant compromising Hebrew dietary laws ordained for God's people.
Daniel, however, had no intention of compromising his faith: "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine..." (Dan 1:8). He and his friends ate what appeared a rather Spartan diet but, because of his faithfulness to God, "the king found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah" (1:19).
You may be placed in difficult situations this year. You may be tempted to adopt the tactics of the ungodly who seem to have it all together. But true success lies in being true to God, keeping the faith and trusting in Him to deliver. As my wife so often says, "God's got this." Jus' Sayn.
An official was placed over them to prepare them to be presented to the king at the appointed time. He was responsible for insuring these slaves were at their best and a big part of that preparation was diet, believing we are what we eat (imagine that, eating healthy to be healthy, what a concept, huh, go figure),
Their concept of healthy eating included lots of meat, especially including the fat portions in order to overcome that rather gaunt, taken in captivity as a slave look they would have had - similar to how runway models look today.
Daniel knew the predicament they were in. The king would only take the best into court service, the rest would be common slaves if they were allowed to live at all. Conventional wisdom said to put your future into the hands of the experts, even if it meant compromising Hebrew dietary laws ordained for God's people.
Daniel, however, had no intention of compromising his faith: "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine..." (Dan 1:8). He and his friends ate what appeared a rather Spartan diet but, because of his faithfulness to God, "the king found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah" (1:19).
You may be placed in difficult situations this year. You may be tempted to adopt the tactics of the ungodly who seem to have it all together. But true success lies in being true to God, keeping the faith and trusting in Him to deliver. As my wife so often says, "God's got this." Jus' Sayn.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Comparatively Speaking
When someone says, "I'm just as good as those people who go to church," they may well be right. The church, after all, is filled up with people who were sinners saved by grace and are now saints who struggle with their flesh, being sanctified by grace. So, you're just as good as people, who, in themselves, are not good. Jesus was quite clear in saying, "only God is good" (Mark 10:-8).
We can all feel pretty smug about ourselves, if we choose the right comparison group. I'm really young and vigorous compared to the folks in the nursing homes where I see patients daily. I'd dare to say that, even if we fudge on our taxes, drive over the speed limit and don't bother to vote, we are quite the model citizens compared to the inmate population in our country's prisons.
The truth is, however, as good as we may feel about ourselves, we know people who put us to shame. We know people that are "good as gold," people who have inspired us. People who never fudge, wouldn't take a nickel that wasn't theirs and would give you the shirt off their back. We're not as keen on comparing ourselves with them. We know, comparing ourselves to them, we could stand more than a little improvement.
Even so, they are not the standard mankind is called to emulate, they are not good. Even the apostle Paul wouldn't say "be like me." Rather, he said, "follow my example as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Cor 11:1). Jesus is the standard and that standard is awe-inspiring. Isaiah, upon seeing the glory of God, cried out, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty" (Isa 6:5).
Thankfully, while we cannot replicate the standard of righteousness in our lives, we "are saved by grace through faith and not by works" (Eph 2:8-9). It is, however, as imperfect as they may be, in the company of Christians, followers of Jesus, that we are encouraged in that faith, which appropriates that grace. Jus' Sayn.
We can all feel pretty smug about ourselves, if we choose the right comparison group. I'm really young and vigorous compared to the folks in the nursing homes where I see patients daily. I'd dare to say that, even if we fudge on our taxes, drive over the speed limit and don't bother to vote, we are quite the model citizens compared to the inmate population in our country's prisons.
The truth is, however, as good as we may feel about ourselves, we know people who put us to shame. We know people that are "good as gold," people who have inspired us. People who never fudge, wouldn't take a nickel that wasn't theirs and would give you the shirt off their back. We're not as keen on comparing ourselves with them. We know, comparing ourselves to them, we could stand more than a little improvement.
Even so, they are not the standard mankind is called to emulate, they are not good. Even the apostle Paul wouldn't say "be like me." Rather, he said, "follow my example as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Cor 11:1). Jesus is the standard and that standard is awe-inspiring. Isaiah, upon seeing the glory of God, cried out, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty" (Isa 6:5).
Thankfully, while we cannot replicate the standard of righteousness in our lives, we "are saved by grace through faith and not by works" (Eph 2:8-9). It is, however, as imperfect as they may be, in the company of Christians, followers of Jesus, that we are encouraged in that faith, which appropriates that grace. Jus' Sayn.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Do You Love me?
2013 is but a memory and we are hours into 2014, which, resolutions to the contrary notwithstanding, will come to a similar conclusion as last year: We will not likely have accomplished all we intended, improved as much as we hoped or kept all the promises we made.
Although I am not a prophet or the son of a prophet, I think I can safely predict that all of us will, in various ways, miss the mark or as commonly referred to, "sin." What do think the odds are that I will be right? I would say infinity to zero, conservatively speaking.
Wow, Doc, thanks for the vote of confidence! Why should we even try to improve if we know we're going to fail? I say let's not! Let's not try to be better, more acceptable or more holy. In the words of Stars Wars' Master Yoda, "Try not. Do or do not!"
What in the world are you talking about? Good question. I'm talking about the true Peter Principle - not the one where you reach your highest level of incompetence but where you stop trying to improve yourself and just love the Lord, allowing him to embrace you and empower you by his Spirit.
Peter reached his highest level of incompetence when he denied Jesus (Luke 22:54-62) but when Jesus appeared to him after the Resurrection, he did not ask if Peter was ready to try harder or do better, he asked him instead, "Do you love me ?” (John 21:15). Based on his answer to that question, Jesus said, "Feed my sheep" (John 21:17).
Jesus knew Peter had failed and he knew that Peter would falter again in the future, but he knew that Peter loved him and that would make the difference. Love is the difference for God is love, and as Paul affirmed, we will not be put to shame "because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Rom 5:5). Don't try, do love. Jus' Sayn.
Although I am not a prophet or the son of a prophet, I think I can safely predict that all of us will, in various ways, miss the mark or as commonly referred to, "sin." What do think the odds are that I will be right? I would say infinity to zero, conservatively speaking.
Wow, Doc, thanks for the vote of confidence! Why should we even try to improve if we know we're going to fail? I say let's not! Let's not try to be better, more acceptable or more holy. In the words of Stars Wars' Master Yoda, "Try not. Do or do not!"
What in the world are you talking about? Good question. I'm talking about the true Peter Principle - not the one where you reach your highest level of incompetence but where you stop trying to improve yourself and just love the Lord, allowing him to embrace you and empower you by his Spirit.
Peter reached his highest level of incompetence when he denied Jesus (Luke 22:54-62) but when Jesus appeared to him after the Resurrection, he did not ask if Peter was ready to try harder or do better, he asked him instead, "Do you love me ?” (John 21:15). Based on his answer to that question, Jesus said, "Feed my sheep" (John 21:17).
Jesus knew Peter had failed and he knew that Peter would falter again in the future, but he knew that Peter loved him and that would make the difference. Love is the difference for God is love, and as Paul affirmed, we will not be put to shame "because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Rom 5:5). Don't try, do love. Jus' Sayn.
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