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Before and After

Today’s reading link: Genesis 27; Matthew 26; Esther 3; Acts 26

One of our readers (Jane Harris who happens to be my loving mom) rightfully commented on Growing Leaders that Paul was the “before and after”. Thanks mom for your engagement on Bible Journal, we appreciate you!!!

In Acts 26 Paul describes his before and after. Paul’s before included imprisoning Christ followers as well as voting to put them to death. He punished them, tried to get them to curse (blaspheme) Jesus, was full of rage, and forced them to flee to foreign cities. In 1 Timothy 1:15 Paul even refers to himself as the chief or foremost sinner. These attributes come to mind in describing Paul’s prior life: full of anger, hatred, rage, abusive, murderous thoughts, and pride. Then he met Jesus, literally – he met him, and chose to trust and follow him with all his heart, and everything changed. The before attributes transformed into a beautiful after: fully recognizable “fruit of the Spirit”.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

There’s another before example in today’s reading in Matthew 26. Jesus’ disciples hung out with him, listened to his teaching, witnessed his miracles, and even declared that he was the Son of God. They were scared when Jesus was arrested, and instead of staying beside their teacher and proving their love, they left him. Peter (the same guy whose faith enabled him to walk on water) denies Jesus verbally, three times.

This behavior is evidence of a before situation; lives not yet filled with the Holy Spirit, and very similar to my life for many years. I had attended church as a kid, heard the teachings of Jesus, professed to follow him, professed verbally that he was the Son of God, and had been voluntarily baptized. The problem was that when it came down to it, I basically either ignored Jesus or left him out of fear, and denied him far more than three times (not verbally, but with my heart and life choices). I was dead in my sin, but God is rich in mercy…

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” – Ephesians 2:1-5

One key difference between my before and after is my relationship with God. I had always had some belief that there was a God, but I couldn’t say I loved God or Jesus because we didn’t have a relationship. Can we love someone we don’t know? I don’t think so. The more I get to know God through a real relationship (for example: prayer, studying scripture, writing these journal entries) the more I realize how deeply he loves all of us, and I grow in my love for Him.

Considering these before and after situations, the word “unlikely” keeps coming to mind. God, through his love, mercy, and grace makes the seemingly impossible possible. It seemed unlikely that Saul (Paul) would become a Christ follower, but God had a different plan. It seemed unlikely the disciples would turn back to Jesus, but they did.

If you knew me in high school or college it would have seemed unlikely that I would get married and be a faithful husband, but I did get married and have remained faithful to the most amazing woman I have ever met. Thank you God. It seemed unlikely that I’d join a small group, fall in love with God’s word, or share my faith publicly on the internet, but I did. I say these things not to convince anyone that I’m a good person; I am a sinner and actually have wondered if I might be in competition with Paul for “chief sinner”. The thing is that I now see my sin as sin, and the more I realize how big and wrong sin is, the greater I see the magnitude of what Jesus did on the cross so that I can be forgiven.

This is my before and after. What’s yours?

Isaac Relocates

A dog showing patience with a treat on nose.

Family: Genesis 26; Matthew 25. Secret: Esther 2; Acts 25.

I am humbled today by the patience and steadfastness of Isaac. This starts in the beginning of Genesis 26 when there was a famine in the land. As he is deciding where to go, presumably so that he can take care of his family, God has an interesting message for him. In effect, he says, “hey, don’t go to Egypt. Instead, stick around here and hang out in this land. If you stay, I will be with you and bless you. In fact, remember the promise that I gave your father, Abraham? I told him that he would be the father of nations. If you hang out with me here, you will be the one that helps me establish my promise to him.” Wow! That is a pretty serious honor. Isaac does, what any of us would do with such huge prospects ahead of us. He settles in the land God suggested, Gerar.

According to the scripture, God made Isaac very wealthy, very quickly. Yet, that same year, king Abimelech demands that he leave the valley. Now, I don’t know about you, but if I had just become rich I would be doing everything in my power to hold on to what is mine. Moreover, I would be even more pugnacious because God himself promised me. Isaac, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to mind. Without delay, he packs up and moves on, displaying incredible patience.

Perhaps Isaac is bolstered his patience with the prospect of using his father’s old wells? Surely he considered these to be part of God’s plan. I certainly would have. Unfortunately, he would quickly discover that the old wells were no longer useful. They would need to be re-dug because the Philistines had spitefully filled them in. To his credit, he was not deterred by the extra work and effort. Not only would he rebuild the wells, he would show honor and gratitude for them, reestablishing the name of each, in homage of his father’s legacy.

Isaac endured trouble steadfastly. Every time he rebuilt a well, finding water, the neighboring people would come over and quarrel with him, claiming it for their own. What did he do? Nothing. He moved on and did it again. This perplexes me greatly. Everything in me wants Isaac to fight for what is his. Not only did Abraham establish these wells, God promised to provide for and prosper him. I want him to fight! Instead, Isaac moves forward, steadfastly, knowing that God will provide. It pays off. He finally digs a well and there are no quarrels. How does he respond? Not with a single thought or inkling that he had finally received his due, as I may have. Rightfully, Isaac responds with full thanks and gratitude to God. It was pure worship.

As I read through this story of Isaac, God reminds me that His promises are good, trustworthy and guaranteed. Unfortunately, God’s good promises can become feelings of entitlement and presumption. When they do, be reminded that the object of our affection has shifted to ourselves. Isaac never considered his own gain as a victory. Instead, all glory, honor and praise were for the Giver.

Be Not Deceived

Today’s reading: Genesis 25; Matthew 24; Esther 1; Acts 24

January 24th, 2016

In Matthew 24 Jesus speaks of the end times. Upon this His disciples asked Him for help:

Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. – Matthew 24:3b-4

I’m not sure how the disciples felt but I know I had the thought “that wasn’t really an answer” the first few times I read this account. But my spirit told me I should know better then to think that. To be sure, upon reflection, was it not the best answer? Could Jesus have been saying, let this be your sign, that as the end times come deception will run rampant? Not only giving an answer but also giving a command that can save us. Be not deceived.

Deception is indeed all around us. May we not be deceived. May we be accurate in our interpretation of God’s word and not led astray from the way.

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. – 2 Timothy 3:1–7

May we believe the Word as truth and may our minds be renewed through the real power of Jesus Christ. May we cling to the Word and be not deceived.

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. – 1 Thessalonians 2:13

God would You put up an hedge around us that our paths be lit always in the power of truth? God would You give us understanding so that we may keep Your law with all our hearts? Would You turn our hearts toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain? Would you turn our eyes away from worthless things and preserve our life according to Your word? God we need You. Keep us LORD, would You please? I ask this in Jesus Name. God, thank You. You are good! Amen.

Building Together

Genesis 24; Matthew 23; Nehemiah 13; Acts 23

The other day Jon shared many amazing leadership attributes that were in Paul. I have read them many times since then. One of the common themes among many biblical leaders is their faith in God. God has a divine plan for us all and he equips us if we listen and follow his examples.

Hebrews 13:21 God will –equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.

I’ve previously read through Nehemiah without totally reflecting on his amazing leadership and passion to listen faithfully to God. His faith in God, his non-judgmental direction he provided to all who listened, persistence, and courage to follow through in adversity in order to complete a task. The job of rebuilding Jerusalem’s city wall was a daunting job that at first brought Nehemiah to his knees in agonizing prayer and later brings him to his knees in prayers of joy. Nehemiah’s dedication to God and prayer is modeled throughout this story.

Often an opportunity will arise in our job or in life a situation may seem too hard to accomplish and won’t go according to our plan. What if we responded more like Nehemiah. I can be quick to make up an excuse, pass it on to someone else, jump ship, or just complain about it. Often it is my pride or fear of failure that holds me back because we depend on ourselves to complete something and afraid of failure. I’m reminded in Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Through God, Nehemiah’s was equipped with skills including; having vision , organization , management, supervision, courage in adversity, and a master of encouragement. Nehemiah and the many families of believers rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem while rebuilding their own faith in God. Nehemiah used prayer throughout the unbelievable 52 days it took to rebuild the wall. These prayers were asked, heard, and met by God.

Do I first use prayer in solving my own problems? We may not all be building physical walls but what is God asking us to build? Are we listening? Pray for vision, courage, faith, and follow through to see and complete all things God has planned for us. Thank you God for providing us with the amazing leader in Nehemiah who truly wanted to build your kingdom.

Nehemiah 13:14 Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service.

While trying to be the best leaders we can whether at work or home I’m also reminded to always “practice what you preach” (Matthew 23:3). I’ve have been a hypocrite long enough in my life and continue to strive towards cleaning the inside while not just portraying the outside. (v.26) Through God’s mercy and his blessing of a wife and two children this saying holds so much more value when I don’t follow this principle. The greatest leadership I can offer is loving servant leadership.

Matthew 23:4 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Few Are Chosen

January 22, 2016

Today’s Link: Genesis 23; Matthew 22; Nehemiah 12; Acts 22

I have often struggled with the idea of the exclusivity of Christianity. The notion that salvation is available to all, but then somehow is limited to only the elect, or the chosen. This has often weighed heavily on my heart, and has been a central issue in many discussions with Christians and non-Christians alike.

When I refer to salvation, I mean the freedom that comes from being saved or delivered from sin, and its consequences. I often wonder; is this salvation truly available to all people or just special people? What is it about the “path to salvation,” that makes it difficult to get on, and to stay on? And when is it easy?

I think this path is both easy and difficult. Since salvation is offered “by grace, through faith……,” the path may be easier than it looks. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Salvation is also easy in the sense that it’s main requirement is the willingness to receive a precious gift. And it is also easy because Jesus did the really hard work, paying the price for our sins with his very life. It would have been hard, impossible really, for us to do what he did. It is impossible for us to live perfect holy lives on our own; lives which would allow us to be worthy of a relationship with the infinite, perfect, all powerful, all knowing creator of the universe. We cannot live perfect lives; but we can live lives blessed by the deliverance from our sin as if we had earned it ourselves, because of Jesus.

As one who wants to reduce things to their simplest purest form, I love this very powerful and incredibly simple proclamation that Jesus made. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:36-40) These words shed a brilliant light on a narrow path leading to salvation. Finding and following this path however, while it seems easy in concept, is not so easy to do. This passage has often helped me realize that I needed to focus on God all the time, another easy idea to grasp, but much harder to do in practice, especially on my own.

What is especially challenging for me is to surrender my sense of self-importance, along with the desires of my flesh. These are the things that often stand between me and God. Between me and a God who knows me, and who I can know in a very powerful way, if I so choose.

Ironically, the difficulty of getting closer to God, is our “hard wired” genetic code to survive. This includes amazing God given ability: to reason, to justify anything, to learn and understand about everything, and to create really cool stuff. But as I compete to survive, I have this persistent urge to want more than, and to be better than others. When I compare myself to others, unhealthy competition is reinforced. When I think and behave this way, I can never find fulfillment of purpose. This foolishness of chasing after the wind also sets the trap of thinking I am better than others. Jesus explicitly stated, I am not to think of others as any less than myself. When I “love my neighbor as myself,” I am set free from the endless cycle of unfulfilled self seeking.

The problem with all this self focus is the need to be on “top” of something to be ok, to find peace or satisfaction. Since there is always something better, someone with something more; the rewards for this pursuit of supremacy are limited, and fleeting at best.

I am not saying that the pursuit of excellence is wrong, but we are called to excellence for the glory of God. And it is in this challenge of seeking constant improvement that we are forged to become something more than animals. We are encouraged to find fulfillment by following the example of Jesus who demonstrated a life of first seeking God’s will. Our spirits are made for unity with God. The path to salvation is the path away from the “worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth” (Matthew 13: 22). This is our destiny! If we miss this, we become misdirected, and this misdirection, at least for me, never leads to lasting joy or fulfillment, despite all the contrary messages from our culture and the basic urges of my flesh. We were made for fellowship with God which is abundantly available through the life and death of Jesus.

The easy part of this path to salvation begins with the willingness to take it on faith that God exists. As Jennifer talked about yesterday, it all starts with faith, then acting upon that faith by trusting God to be God.

We must choose to enter into a relationship with a God who seeks us out, and who invites us into covenant through the sacrifice of Jesus. In accepting this we are made clean, we are made whole, and we are made worthy of a true kinship with God. Then, in the realization of this miraculous adoption into God’s family, in our deepest humility and abundant gratitude to His amazing grace, we bow down to worship — surrendering all that we desperately cling to in our brokenness and in our confusion. In this way we receive God’s spirit and we are changed forever. This is a process I have repeated many times, and each time I become more like the creature God has already made me to be. If I am to be chosen, I must choose to follow Christ, and only then am I given the power to do so. The invitation to salvation is universal, but it is by faith that we must choose to be chosen.

Yes the path to salvation is both easy and difficult. It is God who makes it easy for us, we are the ones that make it hard. Many are called but few are chosen. Thank God we are given the invitation and the will to answer the call.

Faith and Trust

Macro image of a female hand holding a mustard seed. The mustard seed is often seen as a symbol of faith and belief because of various biblical passages.

Today’s reading link: Genesis 22; Matthew 21; Nehemiah 11; Acts 21

Merriam-Webster defines faith as, “strong belief or trust in someone or something”. Matthew has talked to us a lot about faith this week. Today’s reading starts with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowds believed in Jesus, and had confidence he was who he said he was. Their response was to praise him.

Back in Matthew 17, Jesus rebuked his disciples for not having the faith to cast out demons. He tells them if they just had a little faith, even that as small as a mustard seed, they could do something: move mountains. In Matthew 21:21-22, Jesus again reminds the disciples of the power available to them through faith. “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

As defined in the English dictionary, faith is a noun. Note that Merriam-Webster uses the word “trust” in the definition. In contrast to faith, trust can also be a verb. It is something we do, an action, prompted by our faith. God calls us to act upon our faith.

James 2:17 says, “Faith without works is dead.” A few verses later, James references one of the greatest examples of faith, which we read about in Genesis 22 today. Here we see Abraham’s faith in God prompting him to take action. God tells Abraham to offer Isaac as a burnt offering. The long-awaited son born to him by Sarah to be sacrificed as an offering to God? He had just sent Hagar and his son Ishmael away, was God really going to take Isaac from him too? In order to do follow through with God’s command, Abraham had to trust that God would bless his action. God is faithful. Not only did he bless Abraham by preserving Isaac’s life, God’s blessed Abraham by promising to multiply his offspring.

What does that faith look like in your life and my life today? Are we completely trusting God enough to follow through in action?

Growing Leaders

Today’s reading link: Genesis 21; Matthew 20; Nehemiah 10; Acts 20

Jesus, although having all authority over heaven and earth reminds us that he came to serve.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28

Jesus set the greatest example of servant leadership and Paul sought to live it out. Today’s reading in Acts 20 provides numerous examples as to how Paul lived the servant-leader lifestyle. From this chapter we could perhaps summarize all of the (good) leadership books ever written!

Before diving into the leadership attributes, there is some background on Paul that should be noted. Paul (formerly Saul) had some serious training. He studied and memorized Jewish law and scripture for many years. He was trained to become a Pharisee; the highest in order within the ruling class of Israel. Paul was chosen by Jesus to take his message to Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel (see Acts 9:15). In summary: Paul was educated, trained, and appointed. He didn’t just show up on the scene taking over the leadership reigns.

Here are the leadership attributes that I’ve noticed in Acts 20 along with the verse number for reference. Perhaps I’ve missed some… Can you identify more in this chapter?

Leaders “are” and/or “do” the following:

Encourage; Paul “encourages them”. Encouragement helps give us meaning to our work and can also help get us through rough times. (1-2)
Engage; they meet with people in their environment; they’re visible; Paul spends much of his time traveling to be with those who need him (2-3) and “lived among them”. (18)
In-sync; leaders surround themselves with team-members for assistance and mentoring. They know what is going on with their team and vice-versa. Paul was accompanied by several people, he wasn’t going at it alone. (4)
Tireless; leaders selflessly invest hours and make many sacrifices where and when appropriate. Prior to departing, Paul preaches and teaches “until daybreak”. (7, 11)
Compassionate, merciful; Paul shows kindness to the young man who fell out of the window. Reading this I also sense a calm confidence from Paul as he embraces the injured young man who was believed to be dead. (10)
Intimate; they broke bread together. Some commentary suggests verse 11 was a meal, some suggest the Lord’s Supper, and some suggest both. Regardless, breaking bread equates to “doing life” with people and this kind of environment can open doors to deep conversation and build bonds among peers. (11)
Humble, passionate; Paul served with all humility and with tears due to the trials he was put through. (19)
Direct; Paul tells it like it is, without holding back; “didn’t shrink” (20, 27)
Devoted; Paul led and taught publicly and privately for the benefit of others, he taught in public and from house to house. (20)
Focused; leaders know the mission statement and act on the mission; Paul firmly led and taught: “testify of repentance” and faith in Jesus. (21)
Inclusive; Paul made it clear that the mission and message were for all, both Jews and Greeks. (21)
Faithful; Paul didn’t know exactly what would happen but faithfully presses on for the cause. (22)
Fearless; jail and suffering lie ahead and Paul is committed to facing both. (23)
Relentless; finishing the work means everything; considers his life worthless unless he finishes his course. (24)
In touch; Prepare others as leaders to take over, giving instruction; Paul has been watching over these people and is getting them ready, and is in touch with them as well as in touch with the knowledge of hardships yet to come. (28-29)
Truthful; warns them of liars coming to distract and destroy. Paul cherished the truth. (30)
Invest; Paul spent three years, night and day, instructing. (31)
Commend, pass the baton; turning over leadership position at the right time, to those who are ready. (32)
Noble, they do not seek wealth for themselves; Paul didn’t seek after money or things such as clothing. (33)
Preserve; they are good stewards of their resources, not burdening others; Paul supplied for his own needs, he didn’t ask for much from a material standpoint. (34)
Helpful, hard-working, with the focus on helping others. (35)
Prayerful; Paul prayed with others. I’ve spent time with executives and leaders whom I highly respected and nothing touched me more than when they prayed with and for me, humbly bowing down and seeking council from God Almighty. (36)
We can also tell that Paul was a real leader because he was respected and admired by those whom he impacted. They even wept when he departed. (37-38)

These leadership attributes hadn’t ever popped out to me in the past, even after reading the chapter several times. Then after taking some time reading it over again slowly, and prayerfully considering what to write, it became so clear and I wondered how I missed it before. I’m so thankful that the Bible is relevant and that God uses it to speak to us when we take the time to read it with the intent to seek and do his will.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Obstinate

his is as stubborn as a mule

Family: Genesis 20; Matthew 19. Secret: Nehemiah 9; Acts 19.

Am I the only one that gets a little anxious when reading Matthew 19? There is something about verse 25 that scares the snot out of me. As I ponder the reasons why that may be the case, I am confronted with a stark reality.

In reality, I am just like the rich young ruler (I’m speaking more about my heart than my bank account). That is to say that when God asks me to give something up in order to better serve him, I leave in sorrow, just as the rich young ruler did. Sometimes, I just don’t want to give up what I want! It doesn’t matter what you call it ambition, wealth, money, possessions or fortune. At the end of the day, these things entangle our hearts. The rich young ruler chooses death. I really do not want to choose the same!

This reality is driven home for me in Nehemiah 9. Starting with verse 35, we are reminded of the great land that God had given his people. It is described as large and rich and surrounded by God’s great goodness. But, of course, the people did not serve God, or turn from their wicked works. As in Nehemiah 9:36, I realize that I am nothing more than a slave. I become so surrounded and submerged in American culture that I often cannot see the goodness of God. No longer do I care that we have been given a great and rich land. When called upon to use a portion of it for His purposes, we reject him and live for our own passions and desires.

So what are we to do? Is there no hope? It would seem that we are all doomed to live as slaves, replaying this scenario over and over again. Thankfully, the disciples were on to this same question. It appears that they are just as freaked out as I am when they ask, “in astonishment, who can be saved?” (Matthew 19:25). I can hear the desperation in the question. They sense the impending doom. But, it is not. As long as we can keep an eye on Jesus there is hope. Jesus replies, “with man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” When we focus on him, nothing else matters.

Father, remember us as you have remembered those before us. Even though we turn away and forsake your goodness, you are great in mercies. You did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God. (Nehemiah 9:31 ESV)

Try Again, Go Deeper

1.18.16

Today’s reading: Genesis 19; Matthew 18; Nehemiah 8; Acts 18

In Matthew 18 Jesus tells a story of a King who calls to account his people, finding among them a debtor. The debtor unable to pay. His sum too great to bear; he begs for mercy promising to pay all. The King moved, forgives all and sets him free. What a beautiful story.

Until one day some of the King’s servants bring report of a great atrocity. The debtor had been found giving no mercy to those who owed him little. Upon receiving this report the King seized the debtor and handed him over to the tormentors. What a shame.

Had the debtor not received mercy to extend on? Had his debts not been forgiven? Should not margin abound so that he could extend mercy too? It does not make sense to me why he would act this way. Perhaps, could he have had trouble receiving the freedom? Could it have been because he didn’t really believe he’d been forgiven that he turned so ruthlessly in the shadow of his great grace to collect? How could this be? What a tragedy. He had it all!

I recall the first time I read the Parable of the Prodigal Son and realized who I was in the story. It hit me quite hard. So hard I had a defensive response to laugh at my grand oversight. I suppose it was one of those ‘laugh or cry moments’ and I took the weaker way, not wanting to face straight on to wretchedness deep in my heart.

The Bible is full of lessons for us that come through stories. When we read of a protagonist, let us not be too quick to say, ‘that’s me alright’, but instead might we say “how can I become more like them”? When we read through the proverbs let us not be too quick to give ourselves a pat on the back that could end up deep in our hearts. Let us be careful what we believe for out of our hearts’ come the issues of life. More still, when we read of an antagonist let us not be too quick to dismiss; asking from the outside looking in saying ‘how could they?’ Instead, let us look from the inside out and say ‘how could I have?’ Then we go deeper. What is God teaching us? Who are you in the today’s story?

Oh God please forgive me of my wickedness, would You? LORD that I would even notice offenses towards me from others, which are so little and insignificant, within the shadow of Your beautiful and perfect and steadfast forgiveness of my great wickedness, pains my soul. God if you leave me to myself I will continue in my wickedness. Oh God, would You please rescue me from myself? God would you please help me extend a measure of the Grace You afford me for Your Namesake? God would You please be gentle with me for I am weak? I ask this in Jesus Name. Thank You God! You are good and worthy of all praise! Amen.

From today’s reading, after the king receives the tragic report:

Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. – Matthew 18: 32-34

From Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount:

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. – Matthew 6:12

The first thing Jesus Says after the Sermon on the Mount:

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. -Matthew 6:14–15

On the benefit of believing and understanding the gravity of the truth; that we are who God says we are: sinners deserving of all tournament; and that God is who He says He is: our Redeemer; and that Jesus can do what He says he can do: save us.

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; -Ephesians 3:8

A Changed Life

Genesis 18; Matthew 17; Nehemiah 7; Acts 17

I love the times when I’m in the Word. Every moment a person spends in the Word can be a blessing to that person and those around them. The Word touches our hearts and is displayed in our actions leaving a imprint on us with a ripple effect on others. There are times when a single verse can change your perspective on a situation guiding our future thoughts and actions. Reading and reflecting in the Word each day provides me with a reminder of God’s grace. The Word shares an example of how Jesus lived His life and guides us on how to live ours.

In today’s readings I was impacted by a couple of versus in Genesis 18 that have helped me reflect on how I demonstrate hospitality in our home. Abraham and his wife, Sarah, showed genuine love in their hospitality to the Lord by immediately dedicating themselves to Him. This servant minded hospitality when shown immediately, not when it fit in their schedule. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares”. Sometimes we worry about the presentation of our house or choice in meal. The real message though is to show dedicated, genuine love to others. Do I dedicate myself to the other person? Do I avoid thinking of my response to what they are saying or am I checking my phone? Do we serve them with all we have?

Later in Genesis Sarah was having a hard time believing she would conceive again at an older age. Genesis 18:14 said, “Is anything to hard for the Lord?” Not at all. Why do we have the tendency to limit God and what he can handle? Asking that same question in our own lives allows us to develop our prayer life and relationship with Him. Job 42:2 says, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

Our Father is in complete control and he reminds us many times in the Word when he says, “have no fear”. Why do we allow fears to slip in? What are the ways that you increase your faith to overcome this? In Matthew 17:20, “Because of your little faith. For truly I say to you that if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you”. – Where’s our faith? Where do we turn our minds and heart in various trials? We can overcome any tribulations with our faith in God our father.

Finally, in Acts 17:6 Paul and Silas had, “turned the world upside down” when they told others about Jesus and the Word. We are so blessed by Scripture and through our testimonies we demonstrate how “our world turned upside down”. Our lives are changed. I was and can be so far from God. My pride leads me to losing God’s way for me. It can hurt my wife, children, brothers, sisters, parents, family, friends, and others. I hurt God. I receive God’s grace not because I deserve it, but because of who He is. God is good! God’s grace and Word can turn your world “upside down” from focusing on yourself to focusing on Him. The scary part is that at any moment when we do things without him our world can change right back.

God I’m always praying for a life where we focus more on you and less on ourselves. Provide us with courage to continue to share the wonderful Word about God because we never know when we can open a door to turn another persons world upside down.

A Changed Life