March 25- Making A Comparison

Deuteronomy 4:1-49
Luke 6:39-7:10
Psalm 68:1-18
Proverbs 11:28

A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Being compared to someone can be a scary thing. In the past, I've been compared to other family members, a few washed-out comedians and musicians, and the occasional random person that someone grew up knowing that has long since been forgotten. However, in the last two weeks, I have been told twice by two different people that I remind them of one person in particular. Both times I heard this, I leaned back and laughed, because the comparison being made was to someone who I consider to be a mentor in my life. He invested in me, and now I reflect him, represent him, and take him with me in all of my interactions with others. The fact is, we do tend to be like those that we've been around and spend time with. The question for the Christian is, "How much like Jesus are we?" Do we reflect Christ? Can we honestly say that we look and act and behave like him? If we don't, it is possible the reason for this comes from a lack of association. To truly be like him is to know him. To truly know him is to be like him. Today we are called to be like Jesus!

March 24- The Wonderment of Wandering

Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
Luke 6:12-38
Psalm 67:1-7
Proverbs 11:27

Deuteronomy 2- ¹ Then we turned back and set out toward the desert along the route to the Red Sea, as the LORD had directed me. For a long time we made our way around the hill country of Seir. ² Then the LORD said to me, ³ "You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north.

Is it just me, or does this verse make it sound like God is just letting them walk for a while one direction and then walk for a while another? Of course, we know that they wandered for forty years. A great deal of wandering is just walking around I suppose. It does make me think however... "Why does God lead us on the path that he leads us?" Think about any time in your life where you truly were letting him lead you. Weren't there many detours, round-a-bouts, and dead ends along the way? Didn't at times you just wanna grab the wheel and start driving, convinced that you could get to the destination much faster? However, being lead by God, it was almost as if you had to jump through a few hoops and take a few difficult roads unnecessarily. That's what it is to follow God. Because God knows that it's not just the destination, but the road to get there that matters. God is about building character, not just about giving us what we desire. So, the road sometimes looks a little rugged. It's ok! It is still crucial to be lead by him. When we do so, we may just discover that we find something greater than the destination at the end. We may just find ourselves!

March 23- Where Are The Sick?

Numbers 36:1-Deuteronomy 1:46
Luke 5:29-6:11
Psalm 66:1-20
Proverbs 11:24-26

It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

I suppose the problem is that none of us actually believe that we are sick. That's why we have such a hard time finding Jesus. That's why we fail to see the mission he has called us to. That's why we judge our neighbors and hate our brothers. If we knew we were sick, we'd surly have a renewed approach to this world. Maybe we'd act faithfully and humbly, without the self delusion that the world needs me, like I've got it all figured out. Yes, everyone now days is healthy. Where are the sick?

March 22- Choose Good, Not Evil

Numbers 33:40-35:34
Luke 5:12-28
Psalm 65:1-13
Proverbs 11:23

Proverbs 11:23- The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.

Fact is, when people don't have God in their lives, the ultimate result for such a lifestyle is sadness and emptiness. Those trusting in God, discover that life can be joyful and filled with happiness. While it may not always seem happy, the ultimate outcome is always better for the righteous than the unrighteous. So, God calls us to a life of faithfulness. Why? Because life will end better for us if we choose obedience rather than disobedience.

March 21- Better For Knowing Him

Numbers 32:1-33:39
Luke 4:31-5:11
Psalm 64:1-10
Proverbs 11:22

In Luke 4:40, Jesus is with the crowd healing and the text says that he healed everyone in need, (as some versions say) "no matter what." The Bible can be a complex book for many people. It can be hard to read, difficult to understand, and a challenge to apply. Still this verse to me so clearly says one thing about God. When we are in need and come to him, he will help us. I take peace in knowing this fact. I see hurt people all the time, know that the body of Christ at Lakeview is filled with them, and want to suggest that anyone who comes to Jesus asking for his help will be made better. Four Gospels clearly demonstrate this fact. People who come to Jesus are made better. Sure, he challenges us, sure he calls us to a high standard, sure he forces us to change. However, he also makes us better. He creates peace, makes broken hearts whole, and lifts up those who are beaten down. Thank God for his attitude towards us. God really does love us and is willing to better us, "no matter what."

March 20- Dealing With An Angry Mob

Numbers 30:1-31:54
Luke 4:1-30
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 11:20-21

Luke 4 blew me away today. Think about this. The text opens with Jesus being challenged to throw himself down from a high place, as a means to demonstrate God's protection in his life. Jesus knows that the Old Testament text says such a thing, but chooses not to test God by jumping through Satan's hoops. The very next story, Jesus is in Nazareth and speaks about not performing a miracle there, because of disbelief. In the process, he upsets the crowds who take him to THROW HIM OFF A HIGH CLIFF! Jesus is not going to die here, God is protecting him. Likewise, Satan has already planted in Christ's mind that he could be thrown down and God would miraculously save him. However, Jesus chooses to just walk away.

I don't know about you, but I've been in positions where I felt justified in acting certain ways. Maybe I felt God had convinced me that it was ok to do something, just to later decide that I was wrong in that idea. Jesus here may have felt justified to let the crowd throw him from the high place. He was never in any danger, knowing how his death would come about. Likewise, he could have easily taken Satan's earlier advice, misinterpreting scripture and feeling justified in showing the people who he really was. Only problem with that idea was that he had already rebuked the people, saying that miracles aren't performed when faith is not present. So, Jesus saved his message, chose the selfless/sinless act, and once again didn't allow himself to fall from a very high place.

Jesus reminds us that Satan's schemes are very tricky. They look good on one level, but can be deceptive on the other. We must have eyes that can see through the tricks, and are humbly willing to follow God. By doing so, we fulfill our purpose and ministry in the world. Thus we honor God by doing what Jesus would do, and not just what may seem right at the time.

March 19- 30 Years and Serious About God

Numbers 28:16-29:40
Luke 3:23-38
Psalm 62:1-12
Proverbs 11:18-19

Luke 3:23- Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph

This verse reminds me of a psychology class I had a while back that spoke of people and the stages in life that they go through.

This verse is neat, because it seems to show that Jesus didn't have a lot going for him at this point in history. He was young and had a confusing family history. Lots of details that can make for a poor ministry.

The point is that who we are is defined by where we are at in our lives. Jesus was just 30. And at 30, he saw himself as the man that he was to be. At age 30, Jesus had begun thinking about his fellow man, serving his world, understanding his place in that world, and doing all of the things that he was called by God to do. Jesus at age 30 was a spiritual giant.

I am inspired by Jesus. I want to know him, be like him, and lead as he did. That's not easy. I constantly fail. Still, this is my quest. This is what we are called to.

March 18- Finding Contentment In What We Have

Numbers 26:52-28:15
Luke 3:1-22
Psalm 61:1-8
Proverbs 11:16-17

Luke 3- ¹⁴Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay."

John preaches a nice little sermon here. As he tells the soldiers what it is to be like Jesus, he suggests to them that contentment is the key to sinless living. That makes good sense, because this theme seems to be peppered across the ten commandments as well. After all, if people are happy with what God gives them, they won't need to steal, kill, covet, or commit adultery. I want to suggest that when we aren't content, we are telling God that we aren't happy with what he gives us. When we aren't content, sin is just a moment away. Why? Because people who aren't happy with what God gives them, choose to cut their own path without his help. People who aren't happy with the spouse they have, find a new one. People who dislike their role in the world, push themselves into another role. People who aren't content with the power they've been given, force others out of power. Choosing to follow Jesus is the choice to go where he leads us, and walk where he walked. In other words, the Christian finds contentment where he is at.

This has been a difficult thought for me to truly live, as for years I have coveted ministers with more power, more prestige, and more opportunity than myself. God is calling me today to be happy with the place I am at. Honestly, I feel that happiness in a renewed and vibrant way. I desire to share that with others as well.

March 17- Godly Women

Numbers 26:1-51
Luke 2:36-52
Psalm 60:1-12
Proverbs 11:15

Luke 2- ³⁶There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, ³⁷and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

This text serves as a reminder to me. It reminds me that with titles come responsibilities. Being a leader in Christianity is about one's Christian walk with God. Show me a person who is willing to forsake the comforts of life for their walk with God. Show me a person who fasts, reads, and prays (I mean seriously does these things). Show me someone who decides not to marry for the sake of God. I want to see a leader who submits in the name of Christianity, and does so humbly without boasting. You show me that, and I'll show you a person worthy of taking on the title that Anna had.

March 16- Word To The Wise

Numbers 24:1-25:18
Luke 2:1-35
Psalm 59:1-17
Proverbs 11:14

Proverbs 11- ¹⁴ Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.

If wise leadership is required to keep a nation from being burnt to the ground, what does wise leadership do for a church? Churches need wise leadership! Churches need men who will think about the needs of others over themselves. To sense when people are hurting, and care as a means to help the situation. Many times, leadership wants the power, dignity, and prestige that comes from the title, without doing the hard task of furthering the Gospel through grace, patience, love, righteousness and truthfulness. I'd like to see leadership step up to the plate and start taking on that task of wisdom and caring. We need godly, wise leaders. Leaders willing to think, pray, engage in God's word, and hold to the truth of the Gospel. Having such leaders will help ensure that the future of the church will remain solid and focused on God.

At AIM

I'm going to watch some missionaries graduate from their two years of service this weekend, so I won't be around for a few days. Anyway, that's why I got a head up on the posting. You guys take it ez and I'll see you in a few.

March 15- Be A Mule

Numbers 22:21-23:30
Luke 1:57-80
Psalm 58:1-11
Proverbs 11:12-13

In Numbers 22, we observe how a donkey had spiritual eyes while a servant of God did not. While we refrain from calling Balaam a stubborn mule (or any other variation of the term), it is clear that Balaam is at least ignorant of God's presence and direction in his life. God is calling us today to see his face, to seek his ways, and to know him. We recall these stories as they remind us that it is possible to completly miss that which God is calling us to. So, we pray for eyes that see and ears that hear. May we ever see God, as Balaam's mule did.

March 14- The Magnificat

Numbers 21:1-22:20
Luke 1:26-56
Psalm 57:1-11
Proverbs 11:9-11

In Luke 1, Mary prayed
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. ⁴⁷ How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! ⁴⁸ For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. ⁴⁹ For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. ⁵⁰ He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. ⁵¹ His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. ⁵² He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. ⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. ⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. ⁵⁵ For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.

What a beautiful prayer from one whose heart sings praises to her Lord. Little does she know that God's salvation resides within her very womb. May we all have a heart like Mary, realizing that God sees us individually and that his sovereignty is known both on a global and personal level.

March 13- Calling Jesus Anything Less

Numbers 19:1-20:29
Luke 1:1-25
Psalm 56:1-13
Proverbs 11:8

Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!

In Numbers 20 when Moses struck the rock, he quickly learned that doing so would prevent him from entering the promise land. Why? Simple. Because such blatant disobedience showed the Israelites that Moses saw himself as equal with God. "God says give the water this way, but I in my holy anger will give you water from this rock!" With the flick of his wrist and the power of his hand, Moses poured water out from a rock, providing Israel with their needed drink. See, when anyone comes and claims to be God, there is punishment to be had. Claiming that one can provide water, when God is the provider, is blasphemy.

Isn't it interesting that Jesus came on the scene saying that he was the rock, that he was the living water, that those who drink from him will never be thirsty? Jesus told the woman at the well to drink from him and called the hungry to eat of him and be satisfied. Why could he do it? Why could he make such claims and be honored at the right hand of God? Well, because he was God! Jesus is the living water, Jesus is the rock, Jesus does quench the thirsty! So, its perfectly fine to acknowledge that Jesus is God. In fact, it is right to do so. Calling Jesus anything less would be... blasphemy.

March 12- Making Our Concerns Shallow

Numbers 16:41-18:32
Mark 16:1-20
Psalm 55:1-23
Proverbs 11:7

Isn’t it amazing how we human beings worry about the wrong things sometimes? Our concerns can be so focused on the temporal, momentary events, that we overlook the bigger picture. In Mark 16:1-8, as the women closest to Christ walk towards the tomb of Jesus, they consider all of the challenges standing in their ways. They have a duty to do in honoring Jesus, but they are preoccupied by the details of getting that job done. Little do they realize that Jesus has already resurrected, just as he said he would. In but a split second, the worries of how best to adorn the deceased messiah are replaced by questions and excitement concerning the resurrected Lord! So often, the things that produce great anxiety on one day melt away on the next. Usually the reason for this change occurs with a shift in perspective. Once our perspectives change, so do our priorities. Mark 16 reminds us that when our hearts are focused on the resurrected Jesus, our concerns will often have much less importance to us.

March 11- Weight Too Heavy

Numbers 15:17-16:40
Mark 15:1-47
Psalm 54:1-7
Proverbs 11:5-6

^{Proverbs 11- 5} The godly are directed by honesty; the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.

The reality is that disobedience doesn't help anyone. Sure, it offers glamor and glitz, but really it just crushes those under its own weight. As humans seek to cut their own paths, little do they realize how sin can and will destroy them. The weight of sin is too heavy a load to carry. However, the righteous are directed by honesty.

March 10- How Long Will People Rebel?

Numbers 14:1-15:16
Mark 14:53-72
Psalm 53:1-6
Proverbs 11:4

How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?

The problem with us (people in general), is that we never seem to get the point. God is calling us to a higher standard. He wants more out of us. However, rebellion is way too easy. I don't know about you, but I've seen the miracles, I know the stories, and I've experienced the good life. So, why is it that daily I struggle to do the right thing? On so many levels and in so many ways, God calls us to obedience to him. God is calling his people to a life of belief and trust. Why do we choose rebellion? Probably just pure selfishness I guess. However, we must assume that at some point, our decisions to follow selfish desires will lead us to a decision to totally rebel against God and never come home.

So, we turn to him today. We call on his name and pray for his change in our lives.

I Love Good Movies & "Watchmen" Isn't One

I love good movies. That's why I want to tell you about a movie that NO ONE should go see. I've been waiting for months for the comic book movie the Watchmen to come out. I love this genre of movie and I can tell you that it is going to be a blockbuster. However, I WILL NOT go and see it! After reading about the content of the movie, no one should go and see it.
Here's my source (read at your own risk)
I just don't see Jesus watching the Watchmen movie. Since I want to live like Jesus, I guess I probably won't be seeing this one either. Sure, I know that Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners. He lived outside the box when it came to those he ministered to. However, he also called his followers to put away filth and walk in the light. So, while I love a good comic book flick, this one isn't for me.

March 9- Envious For Me, Not Jealous For God

Numbers 11:24-13:33
Mark 14:22-52
Psalm 52:1-9
Proverbs 11:1-3

Numbers 11-
²⁵ And the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses. Then he gave the seventy elders the same Spirit that was upon Moses. And when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But this never happened again.

²⁶ Two men, Eldad and Medad, had stayed behind in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but they had not gone out to the Tabernacle. Yet the Spirit rested upon them as well, so they prophesied there in the camp. ²⁷ A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp!”

²⁸ Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ assistant since his youth, protested, “Moses, my master, make them stop!”

²⁹ But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them all!” ³⁰ Then Moses returned to the camp with the elders of Israel.

This is a neat story. It reminds me that sometimes we get jealous of other people's success in God. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've done this over the past fifteen years. Jealous that some young kid lands a great ministry job at a mega congregation. Jealous that a friend is asked to baptize someone that I've invested in. Jealous when I haven't been asked to sing when others are given the chance. Yes, the jealousy has run thick here in the past. And yet, Moses reminds us that its not about us. I love his words- I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them all! SLAM! I should be happy to see my friends baptizing, working for great big churches, and singing praises to God. There is no need for the jealousy! It's about God, not us. Moses makes that so clear here.

March 8- Ready To Kill God

Numbers 10:1-11:23
Mark 14:1-21
Psalm 51:1-19
Proverbs 10:31-32

Mark 14: ¹⁰ Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. ¹¹ They were delighted when they heard why he had come.

Everybody hates Judas. We all know that he was a horrible person, willing to betray Christ so easily. But, what about those priests? How is it that the priests came so far, and yet forgot all of who God was and what he was about? They are actually happy that someone had betrayed Jesus! They were glad for the chance to destroy another person! This reminds me, that it is possible to know God's word, know of God's salvation, and do God's work, while totally and completely missing God. The priests were glad to destroy Jesus, just like Judas was. They delighted in evil and hated that which was good. How about us? Do we really know him? Have we really bought into his will and passion? Or, are we out to destroy him in the name of our faith?

March 7- God With Us

Numbers 8:1-9:23
Mark 13:14-37
Psalm 50:1-23
Proverbs 10:29-30

Numbers 9 wraps up with a picture of God's presence, in the midst of the Israelite camp. When God moved, the people moved, and when God stayed, the people stayed. The people were so connected with God, that his presence influenced daily life. What an awesome concept. God being so tied to a nation, that his influence could be felt daily. The sad thing is, eventually, God's presence was no longer felt. Eventually, God was no longer a daily part of their thought process. We must never forget that God has been among us. His presence was once so clear, so visible. Now, he still makes himself known to those who believe in him. So, we long for him. We look for him. We cling for the presence of the Lord! May the Lord always direct our steps and lead our thinking.

March 6- The Widow's Mite

Numbers 6:1-7:89
Mark 12:38-13:13
Psalm 49:1-20
Proverbs 10:27-28

When the widow placed two copper coins in the collection, the Apostles assumed like everyone else, she had given only a piece of her faith. That was until Jesus came and rebuked the Apostles. Problem is, too often we fall into the same trap about judging other people's works, not knowing all that they are putting into them. I've seen Christians give a ton, and I've seen Christians give a little. A ton of love, a ton of money, a ton of service. A little joy, a little hope, a little kindness. Maybe, just maybe I don't really know what percentage a person is offering as they give. Maybe one person's 100% looks different from another person's 100%. Possibly being like Jesus is not questioning what percentage has been given, but honoring the giver. Who knows? I just know that recently the issue of who does what seems to be on my mind. Jesus says, "Looks can be deceiving."

March 5- Pure For God

Numbers 4:1-5:31
Mark 12:18-37
Psalm 48:1-14
Proverbs 10:26

Numbers 5 opens with a discussion of purity in Israel. As the story goes, the Israelites are to keep their camp clean and holy, pure from outside contaminants. The Christian application is too clear. Christianity is about purity as well. We must strive and live to set ourselves apart from all types of unclean things. By being pure in all areas, we demonstrate how God's people are to be holy as he is holy. So, cast away all moral filth and be purified in Jesus Christ!

March 4- The Cornerstone Of Faith

Numbers 2:1-3:51
Mark 11:27-12:17
Psalm 47:1-9
Proverbs 10:24-25

The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone.

Whatever flaws or failings that the people saw in Christ, these were the very attributes used by God to build the kingdom that would later be established. From a literary standpoint, the Gospels are just a great story, because they remind us of how an unlikely character grows up to be the great hero. And yet, the heroics of Jesus are never what one might think. Jesus never rode in with guns blazing. He never wiped out their enemies and declared war on the surrounding nations. Jesus came loving, caring, and helping. Why is it that we always want justice and blood? Jesus comes eating and drinking and it is offensive to us. So, he is rejected. This is the story we cling to and the faith that we hold. The Christ has come and didn't measure up. Still, it was not he that failed, but those doing the measuring.

March 3- Like Father, Like Son

Leviticus 27:14-Numbers 1:54
Mark 11:1-26
Psalm 46:1-11
Proverbs 10:23

Psalm 46 ¹ God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

³ though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

So, does God involve himself with us, and care about our daily lives? Or does God set us up like a top, start to spin us around and watch us wind down? The way we see this question does impact how we view God. If God sets us up and watches us go, then we can have the same level of commitment to him. Like creator like creation, like father like son. He was never there for us, and we aren't there for him. However, if God is involved, if God does care, then we have a responsibility to him. As the text says, "God is an ever present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear." Like father like son. If God cares, then so should I.

So, does God care? Look at the way he lived and died for us. Notice his compassion, willingness, and dedication. God came to earth in the form of Jesus, the son of God. Jesus showed us great love and care. Like father like son. Yes, God is involved! Yes, God cares!

March 2- Being Like Christ

Leviticus 25:47-27:13
Mark 10:32-52
Psalm 45:1-17
Proverbs 10:22

You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?

In Mark 10, when the Zebedee boys come marching up and asking for a seat of prominence in Jesus' kingdom, little do they know what they are asking. I must say, I've never asked to sit at Jesus' right or left. However, I have asked some pretty bold things. "Transform me. Make me like you. Teach me to serve. Make me humble. Help me to be self sacrificial. Help me to be more like Jesus." And while I know that these sound a lot better than the Zebedee boys' prayer, they are still asking something of Jesus that I really may not be prepared for. Lots of times I compare myself to Christ. After all, I wanna be like him, know him, serve him, and follow him. And yet, the gap between Jesus and me is so big. While I call myself a Christian and speak boldly in his name, I have never had to drink from his cup or be baptized in suffering as he was. I've enjoyed most of the titles, with few of the hardships. And while I'm glad to take on his name, maybe I should humble myself a tad bit more. Just because I share his name, doesn't mean that I have taken hold of his responsibility. To share his name is to share his responsibility. Maybe God is telling me in this story, "Chris, those are fine things to pray for, but do you know what you are really asking? When you say 'make me like Jesus', you are asking for pain and sorrow and self sacrifice. Jesus can not be separated from sacrifice, as this is what he is all about. " Years ago I prayed to be like Jesus, and I must say that this road has been a hard one. However, do I even know how far down the road the Lord will take me? I humbly pray for God to make me more like Christ, knowing that just like the Zebedee boys, I don't know what I'm asking.

March 1- It's OK To Encourage

Leviticus 24:1-25:46
Mark 10:13-31
Psalm 44:9-26
Proverbs 10:20-21

Proverbs 10

²⁰ The words of the godly are like sterling silver;
the heart of a fool is worthless.

²¹ The words of the godly encourage many,
but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.

This text brings me back a couple years or so to a lesson that I learned wrong. It seems that a while back, I was told or lead to believe that if a person is gifted at encouraging, they really have no place in the kingdom. You may say, "That's ridiculous", and you'd be right. Still, the idea came about that mankind so desperately needs its ears tickled, that the best thing a Christian could offer the world is a firm rebuke. Why see the positive when there is so much ungodliness going on? Why point out a single good work, when a single sin is destroying the individual? And like that... poof... my words became harsh and hurtful. I became discouraged, believing that it was right to kick a man when he was down, and wrong to spend time encouraging those who were weaker. "There are better works to do than encourage and mentor." Once again, this seemed to make sense. "Why mentor the saved, when there are lost that need Christ? Why encourage the broken, when sin runs so thick through their veins? Why help the helpless, when you could challenge the helpless to help themselves?" With such persuasive words, the encourager became replaced by the prophet. And yet, here in Proverbs we see a verse that says, "The words of the godly encourage many."

Obviously, God is calling us to balance. He desires us to do and say the right things. To be both bold and humble, to speak both about sin and salvation. The balance is what is needed. I want to suggest that it is not wrong to encourage the helpless, serve the needy, and pickup the sinner. Likewise, it is very much right to rebuke sin, declare justice, and to hold the world to a high moral standard. Having good balance is good! Good balance can transform lives for the Lord.

Things Have Been A Little Crazy

I just want to let all of you know that I am still alive here. My life has been crazy these last few days, so I haven't been posting properly. Still, I will get back on track shortly. Thanks for your compassion and patience as I get posting daily again.
- Chris

February 28- Sort This One Out

Leviticus 22:17-23:44
Mark 9:30-10:12
Psalm 44:1-8
Proverbs 10:19

Mark 9 reads-
³⁸ John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.” ³⁹ “Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me.

I've read this verse many times before. However, this is the first time I've read and noticed that Jesus said the people doing the miracles eventually wouldn't speak evil against him. I have a hard time with this text (I always have). However, today it is even much more complex than before. How is it that these people perform miracles in his name, while at the same time speak evil of him? This is an interesting one that I need to look up in a commentary for sure. Still, the text reminds me of the importance of getting ourselves out of the picture and letting God work. God takes people where they are at, and seeks to transform them. So many times, we view church as a means to sort people. He goes here, she goes here, etc. By classifying and organizing, we are able to move people into their appropriate boxes. Christianity, isn't about sorting people. Rather, it is about working with and helping people to be the best they can be for Christ. Jesus knows this. Thus, he doesn't sort and arrange. Rather, he suggests that God needs to work in people's lives, so that thought and deed are unified.