1 John 1: Fellowship and Confession

Fellowship and Confession

1 John 1:6 and 1 John 1:9 show us what it is to be honest about our fellowship with God. We can say we unite with God and walk with Him, but yet we live in darkness. Well, what does that mean? Living in darkness would be along the lines of 1) understanding what it means to be in unity with God and 2) actually doing it. If I meet someone and I say to them I am a manager of a job I have, knowing that manager is not in my job title or description, yet I give off the impression to others possibly to impress them that I am something that I am now, then I am lying. I might have similar responsibilities to a manager, but I am not the manager. So, when I say I walk with God and seek to be in unison with His will, someone would be able to see it by my actions and my words and compare them up against God's will. In addition, verse 9 isn't as deep with a diagnosis, yet it is just as important. Confession of sins is important as it shows us that our way of handling things, saying things, thinking and behaving isn't always in unison with God's will. Being in God's will is the focus. When we act outside of His will, we express selfishness and we sin. When we confess that we have sinned, we are admitting to God, "hey, I didn't get it right. I messed up, but I wanna be back in your good graces." When you can humble yourself and tell God that you want to try it again and get back on the right track, that shows God that we are willing to be humble and seek His ways over our own. 

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Friday Focus #38

Give Your Troubles to God

The Book of Psalm is full of crying out to God and venting frustrations and just letting God know you heart. In Psalm 120:1 we are told that the writer (possibly David or another- do some research) took their troubles to God, first. If you read through Psalm 119:169-176 we see that these troubles consisted of straying away from God and wanting to know God on a deeper level. But, first the troubles were taken to God. That takes wisdom to know to whom to turn. It also takes humility to not try and "fix it." The writer "cried out to Him" which is an expression of the writer's despair. If you don't talk to God, then how do you express to God what you feel and what you want? Simply, you don't. And finally God answered the prayer. But what prayer was it? If you read the through Psalm 119 again and see the problems that were spoken then you see that they were in line with what God wanted for them and for us.

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Friday Focus #35

You Are Wonderfully Made

Do you know that verse Psalm 139:14 about being wonderfully made? It is a verse that I personally need to look back on and remember when I feel down or low or unhappy about life. I can feel empty emotionally or even relationally and forget that when people let me down (for whatever reason) that God still loves me and I am important to Him. 

The verse starts off with "I praise You" which indicates the writer being thankful to God. It is not a sarcastic way of expression like Paul did with the churches when he wrote them letters. But a heart felt praising. When you go through a rough time (and we all have had them) thank God afterwards when it is over. Praise Him for the little things. One little thing I love to praise God for is a parking good spot in my neighborhood. That may sound silly, but if you cannot thank God in the small, how will you even see Him in the bigger things? He is always working for you and to show you how you can be thankful. I have been through some tough times and can see God's hand in those times and for that I praise Him.

Next the psalmist writes "for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." I can figure out what wonderfully made can mean, but what about fearfully? Well, that means having a "fear" of God. I don't mean fear like the fear we have of wild animals but a respectful fear, like what one might have for a parent. To know that you are made to respect God and that God made you wonderful shows how the Lord wants you to honor Him for what He does and what He did.

And lastly, "Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Acknowledge that you know what God Has done, whether it is large or small, acknowledge God. Imagine if someone bought you a house as a gift and you never thanked them for it. That may sound silly, but throw that same ideology onto God who we know has us fearfully and wonderfully made. How insane is it to not acknowledge God for that? Humble yourself and stop taking credit for everything and acknowledge the work God has done.

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Philippians 2: From Selfish Ambition to Humility

From Selfish Ambition to Humility

We really can get off track when it comes to our walk in the Spirit with the Lord. In Philippians 2:3-5, Paul gives another solid direction for the church to follow. This is nothing new, just a new way for the church to hear. Paul says "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit..." How often do we act selfishly towards other and speak over them as if what we have to say is more important? Or When we drive and our destination is so much more important than everyone else's that we cut people off and don't let them in? What if we reverse that and started letting people finish talking or drove more lovingly. He continues "...but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." That is such a great way to look at humility. One might say, "But why would I do that?" That question itself is selfish in this context. It is asking "what can I get out of it?" It isn't about you. Our mind should be focused on how can I serve others instead of how can I be served. There is nothing wrong with taking a break and getting re-energized to serve the Lord (even God rested on the Sabbath). But if we are often focused on what we are getting from people, then our focus is off in life. Think like Jesus.

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Ephesians 4: Bear with One Another in Love

Bear with One Another in Love

There is so much we can miss when we chose (yes it is a choice) to not honor God with our words and hearts. When we are not honoring God, then we are not honoring others either. When you submit your will to Christ and let the Holy Spirit work through you, ideas like those found in Ephesians 4:2-3 are easier (not easy) to follow through on. It is not about doing it on your own volition but it is that of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." That humility and gentleness and patience all come from the Holy Spirit and these are a part of the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). Furthermore, in Ephesians 4:29, Paul tells the Ephesian church to watch what they say. He tells them to use their mouths to speak words to build each other up, not tear one another down.

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2 Corinthians 11: False Teachers and Humility

False Teachers and Humility

In verses 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Paul separates himself from teachers who claim to be the same as he is. He calls them false apostles, deceitful and they are disguising themselves. Paul is telling the church at Corinth to beware of these people and not assume that they are the same as Paul who may not be as good of a speaker, but possesses the knowledge. Paul is trying to save them from being led astray. He says that even Satan disguises himself so it would be obvious that his servants would disguise themselves too. 

Lastly, Paul does not like to boast. He has been known to tell his stories of his experiences and he has been told that he is bragging and boasting. Paul says in verse 30 that if he were to boast it would be in his weaknesses. In those weaknesses it can be seen that God is the King of all and turn those weaknesses into strengths to honor his Kingdom. Amen.

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Acts 20: What Lies in Paul's Words

What Lies in Paul's Words

There are many things Paul says in Acts 20:17-35, but I want to point out transparency, humility in trials and and serving like Christ. Being transparent is not something that many of us Christ followers allow ourselves to be these days. We live lives of seclusion and don't want anyone holding us accountable for how we can become stronger in our walks or stop letting ourselves sin. Paul was transparent. As a leader he needed to be transparent. He was an example of what it was to walk in the Holy Spirit and follow Christ. He tells the elders of the church in Ephesus that they know how he lived since he lived among them in Asia (Acts 20:18).

Paul also served. I know that sadly is not something common in this "gimme gimme" society we live in, but a leader of the church spreading the word of Christ was serving. He served with humility and with tears and trials for all the things that happened to him while spreading the word of Christ and avoiding capture from the Jews (Acts 20:19).

Lastly, in verse 35 he really breaks down the true essence of serving and quotes Jesus. He says that he has shown them that when you work hard you must also help the weak and remember what Jesus said that "It is more blessed to give than to receive." For anyone who is a believer and is not serving from their heart to honor God's will for our lives and show love and be loving to others, then you may have missed the point of being a Christ follower.

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Acts 14: Unbelievers, Healing and Humility

Unbelievers, Healing and Humility

Unbelievers can really cause some trouble. Their unbelief and hard hearts can stir up those who are seeking. Unbelievers can be cynical and overlook truth and proof due to their personal issues, not because what they do not believe in is not true. The unbelievers here in verse 2-6 were Jewish poisoned the minds of the Gentiles and turned them against the brothers Barnabas and Paul. But, Barnabas and Paul found out about and fled and continued preaching the gospel. I love the dedication here. I think many would find it easy to say "if I keep hitting these roadblocks, then it isn't meant to be." When you are doing God's will, it isn't about what the naysayers and haters say.

Being in God's will can also allow you to heal those that are sick and disabled. In verses 8-10 we see that man who had never been able to walk was commanded to stand by Paul's voice and the man was healed. Once again, the Holy Spirit has healing power. It isn't just physical. If you have ever had the Holy Spirit work through your life in restoring a relationship or helping you through a personal problem, then you too know of the Holy Spirit's power and have a testimony to tell.

But, sometimes people get things twisted and confused. We see good things people do and we begin to worship them or make false idols (see Exodus 32). In verses 11-18, when the crowds saw what Paul had done with healing the man, they began to refer to them as gods and wanted to offer a sacrifice to them. When Barnabas and Paul heard about this they stopped them and showed them that they were also men and need not be worshiped. Barnabas and Paul could have used that time and gotten the glory like Herod wanted, but they chose the humble route.

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John 17- Jesus Prayed for Us

Jesus Prayed for Us

I know this may not be that big of a deal for some, but it just further cements the understanding how humble Jesus was. Furthering the point, being that Jesus was fully God and fully human, I also really liked John 17:7, regarding Jesus acknowledging that everything that he had was from god and solidifying that people now knew that. In addition, Jesus desired for us to be with him and with God as he was with God.

In John 17:14-18, Jesus says that he has given us God's word, the world hates us for not being of the world (but being of God), then he asks God to keep us from the evil one. He is praying for our temptations. And lastly, he says that he has sent us into the world as God sent him into the world. Jesus told us to do as God had Jesus do. Go into the world, not be of the world and spread the word to all.

We know what Jesus said. We know what Jesus did. We know how Jesus came to us and that he was fully God and fully human. It is up to us, through Christ and the Holy Spirit, to tell others about him as God sent him to reunite us with God for redemption from our sins.

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John 15- True Vine and Branches

True Vine and Branches

We understand it is not our good deeds that bring us salvation, but salvation does require a action steps of faith like the bleeding woman (Matthew 9:20-22) following Christ unlike the rich man (Matthew 19:16-30) and most importantly over all else is grace from God (Ephesians 2:8). You must believe that Jesus is the son of God and was God in the flesh. And once that has been done, we do as Christ said with being born again of water and spirit (John 3:5).

But then what? After I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior and follow him, can I sit on the couch and watch TV all day? Can I just hang out on social media and keep up with the Kardashians? I don't think that is the best way to serve God, by inactivity. When you love you serve. Serving is a way to show that Jesus is working through us. 

When he said "I am the true vine" Jesus was telling you that when you are connected to him (the true vine) which is cared for by God (the vinedresser) you will be pruned when producing fruit in order to produce more fruit. But if the branch (us) is not producing fruit, God takes it away.

The fruit is the proof that you follow Christ. How do you serve or do you serve at all? Do you love people? That is the fruit. The actions that you do out of love for people by following Christ. We have seen numerous examples of his heart and humility, purpose and service. Follow him and his example.

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John 13: Jesus is the Portrait of Humility

Jesus is the Portrait of Humility

Are there certain jobs or careers or tasks that seem "beneath" you? Would you ever clean a toilet? Pick up trash? Cutting grass? Maybe you see jobs like that or other ones as beneath you. You can try to qualify your pride by saying you are over qualified, but what about when we are serving others. Are we "too qualified" to be humble and serve? If so, then you are also too prideful.

Jesus wasn't prideful at all. He didn't go on and on about all of the works he has done and bragged about being the son of God. He didn't get all the fancy robes and attire fit for a king. Jesus was humble and sought to serve the will of God above all else. We see in John 13:15-17, after Jesus washes the disciples feet that he tells them that he has set an example for them that they are to follow. We are to do for others what Jesus has done for us. This is not to gain something from God or people, but to serve God by serving people.

In John 13:21, Jesus reveals that he knew one of the disciples would betray him. I love that he didn't call out the guy's name and put his name all out there. Jesus was still serving and did not ostracize him. In this day and age, if we feel wronged by someone we ignore them, hate them and maybe even talk about them on social media. Or we may gossip to people about them. What good does that do? How does that glorify God or reflect our walk with Christ. Yes, we are all imperfect, but we need to check our decisions too.

If you are looking for a way to stretch yourself to serve this coming week, Subway has a deal on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. If you buy one sub you get one free. That doesn't mean you eat both, but give one away. Maybe to a homeless person or someone you work with. Anyone!! Click here for to read more on the offer.

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Luke 18:17- Receive the Kingdom like a Child

Receive the Kingdom like a Child

Children depend on their parents and guardians for many things. Children need food and shelter and clothing and most importantly love. Children need guidance too. How can a child come to know Jesus and who he was if the parents do not tell or lead the child?

The disciples were trying to stop the children from being brought to Jesus. But Jesus corrected their actions and said "Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."

Jesus wants us to be humble when we seek the Kingdom. Children receive God's blessing without pretending they don't need it. We need God. We need His will ion our lives. Children are dependent on parents like we should be dependent on God for all we need. 


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Luke 14:7-24- Humility and Salvation Parables

Humility and Salvation Parables

Jesus told many parables. He used these parables to drive home points that people needed to understand about humility and salvation and serving the poor. He brought up these points to also show us to be used by God for God's purposes. 

The scene is set knowing that Jesus is set to eat at the house of the ruler of the Pharisees on a Sabbath. He healed a man with dropsy (fluid accumulation in body tissues) and knowing he was being watch asks the lawyers and Pharisees if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. We know Jesus was far more focused on fulfilling God's purposes and being in God's will than trying to meet man's expectations and interpretations of God. Jesus asked them if their son or ox they owned fell into a well on the Sabbath, would they let them drown or try to save them? No one had an answer. Jesus is exposing their hypocrisy of how they would rationalize their own law breaking but hide it while condemning others who break laws.

Jesus then uses the parable of the Wedding Feast (Luke 14:7-11) to explain how many are concerned with giving only if they are to get back. In a Wedding Feast, people are likely to sit at places of honor and feel ashamed when asked to move to lower places. Jesus said that people should sit in the lowest place so that the host has the chance to move you to a higher place of honor. That way you will not be humbled in front of others, but be exalted by someone else rather than yourself. He is saying there is nothing wrong with being honored, but if you are honoring yourself then that can lead to being humbled and embarrassed.

The Great Banquet parable found in Luke 14:12-24. It has a couple of different pieces to it.  In verses 7-14, Jesus explains that when we have feasts, we should not invite those that can and may feel obligated to repay us. We should invite those that cannot repay us like the poor, crippled, lame and blind. Jesus says we will be repaid at the resurrection of the just ("we will never be the loser when we give after the pattern of Gods generosity."- Dave Guzik).  

There is a second part that breaks down Jesus's role in salvation. He compares God to a man who hosts a great feast and sends a servant (Jesus) to get people (all people on earth) to attend. People give excuses as to why they cannot attend the feast such as tending to a field, examining their property and being just being married. His point is that people will give any possible reason as to why they will not follow him (the servant) back to the man's (God's) feast (salvation or Heaven). God sent Jesus to get us to sit with Him in Heaven. It is up to us to follow Jesus to that feast.

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Mark 12:44- The Widow's Offering

The Widow's Offering

At first read of Mark 12:41-44, I was thinking that the message was pretty simple, but upon reading it again and thinking about it, I see something else. Capital F type of Faith and Capital O type of Obedience.

I see her full dependence on God. Obviously, being a widow, she was not married, so she could not be depending on a husband to bring in more money. But, when you give your last as an offering that is full obedience and dedication. You are not saying "God you can't have this because I need this" you are saying "God take this as I give you my full trust."

I also see capital H, Humility. All the other people who were giving out of their abundance, meaning they could have given more. She gave her last.

It makes me think of the things that we hang on to  and do not want to let God be in charge of. Is it our money or our relationships? Maybe it is a job that we know we is not spiritually healthy for us and we let it  affect us because the money is good or good enough.

When will we stop hanging on to what we want and start giving it to God and seeking what He wants from us? The time is now.

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Matthew 18:4-6- Humble Yourself

Matthew 18:4-6- ^"4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.⁶ “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." commentary- When the disciples wanted to know which of them was the greatest, they were off base in their questioning. Jesus shows them that it is not those who are trying to be great that are great, it is those who are focused on humility that are great. He used the example of the child because children were seen as property not as individuals. Children are also not intimidating and they don't care about social status.

In verse 6, his point is if you take someone (or "something" in this context) and ruin it, then shame on you. You ruined something beautiful with human purposes over God's purposes. Those of you/us who have children, let our interaction with them be as God would want it. We are their examples. As children, didn't you look up to an adult and make that person your hero? How often are our heroes from our youth people that have no good character? We have to check ourselves with the holy spirit and seek God's purposes for our lives, over our own.