Committed 5

Matthew10:34-38

Faith isn’t easy – I wish I could say that it is.  Belief in God, commitment to following the ways of Christ is not simple.  It is challenging and brings with it some disputes that will likely arise between you and others.

Jesus was well aware of what problems true faith might bring.  What shocking declarations does Jesus make?  What is the conclusion in verse 38?

Such comments from Jesus himself can cause some discomfort and even discouragement in believers.  Jesus – the one who says to come to him when we are heavy-laden – has now said that his teachings are not going to bring about peace.  He has introduced a sword – conflict – to the lives of those who will be committed to him.  He even goes into detail claiming that members within a family will be at odds with one another, and that we should not love our parents as much as we love Jesus.

Although disturbing, there is naturally quite a bit of truth in all this.  And I also believe it may not be quite as literal as we may at first take it.

Should we love Jesus over everyone else, even our parents?  Of course.  We should love God over all things.  But that doesn’t mean we don’t love our parents or others in our family.

Jesus did bring peace to the world, in spite of what he says in verse 34.  We have peace in knowing that God loves us so much that Jesus was willing to die for us.  But our faith can also be a source of dispute.

If we will be truly committed to the Lord and our faith it will mean that we must put God and the good of His kingdom over everything and everyone else.  This may cause some clashes between you and loved ones.  Others may want you to have less faith and pay more attention to what is going on with them.  Some may criticize your faith and want you to be more like everyone else in the world.

We must be prepared for the occasional dispute and disconnect with loved ones.  If we will be completely committed to the Lord – which we are called to do – then there will likely be those times of conflict.  But this doesn’t mean we don’t love our family and friends.  It just means we love God more.

We must take up our cross and follow Jesus.  We must take up our faith in who Jesus was and still is.  We must take up our faith in the love of God and move forward in complete commitment to God in all we do.

DAILY CHALLENGE:  How will you take up your cross?

This concludes the 10/2 Grow daily devotions for this spring.  We pray that all will have a safe and happy summer. – Roger and Peggy

Committed 3

1Timothy 4:1-5

About mid-way through my college education I moved out of my parents’ home and shared an apartment with two other guys.  We were young and rebellious and seeking our way in life.  One comment that sticks with me is something my roommate often asked – “Will people say we lived together for two years and came out with our heads together?”

At the time we were convinced that all of our conversations and ever-changing convictions would result in enlightenment.  We would emerge from this uncertain time as people who had a very clear picture of the meaning of life.

But ultimately I discovered that we were wandering around in the darkness of ignorance and selfishness and human gratification.  I did not come out of the experience with my “head together,” but was more confused than ever.

As I grew older and more experienced I returned to the foundation of my faith.  I returned to the things I had been taught in church.  And it was through examination and prayer and study that I found a strong connection to God which is now unshakable.  I have my “head together” now because of my strong faith in God.

Today’s passage is part of one of the letters intended to offer guidance to the young believer, Timothy.  What caution is offered?  What positive assurance is given?

We do not need to be young and inexperienced to be pulled away from our faith.  The world offers temptations and lures to young and old.  There are a wide variety of ways to look at the world and life, different views on who God is and whether or not He even exists.  Others provide suggestions on what is suitable for eating based on religious beliefs.

But what Timothy is told, and what we should also see, is that there are many who will abandon the beliefs in Jesus and pursue strange and convoluted ways of finding God and inner peace.  We should not be one of those who follow ridiculous teachings or superstitious practices.

We need to see that God has created all things to be good.  And if we can remain firm in our connection to the Lord, through prayer and study we can establish an unshakable faith in the one true God.

DAILY CHALLENGE:  What gives you confidence in the teachings of Jesus?

Investment 5

1 John 2:24-25

Visiting friends and relatives over the holidays we got to see many generations of our family and the family of our friends – parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren. And as we spent time together we could see family traits emerging in younger generations. This one looks like grandpa. That one acts like Mom.

Our heritage, whether physical attributes or parts of our personality, is handed down from person to person and lived out in our lives. And the same is true of our faith in Jesus.

The author of 1 John has some direction for believers. What should remain in us? To whom does that connect us? What are we promised?

If you look to the very beginning of 1 John you will see the first indication of what John is talking about here. In 1 John 1:1 it says, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.”

He is talking about Jesus Christ and pointing out that the experience of the reality of Jesus, the knowledge that Christ is of God, has been handed down from those who were witnesses. This knowledge, this foundation of faith, has been handed down over the centuries to each of us.

Now it is up to us to embrace that heritage. It is up to us to invest ourselves in our faith, to accept as true the Son-ship of Jesus. And this Son of God, Jesus, must remain in us. He must be part of who we are and how we relate to the world.

If we allow Jesus to live within us and if we live out the example of Jesus then we are connected to God, the Father. If we can have Jesus remain in us then like Jesus we can say, “When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me.” (John 12:45)

And what is the reward of this? For one we are part of the glorious and joyful ministry of God’s kingdom. We are part of the blessing of grace to the world. And we are promised everlasting life.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can Jesus remain in you?

Investment 4

John 12:44-46

We are planning to teach our children how to cook. We already have them help out as much as they can in the kitchen, but we intend to give them more responsibility and more detailed instruction in meal preparation.

In doing this we will be passing down recipes and cooking techniques that have been handed down over the years. Our parents taught us and they learned from others in the distant past. Our children will learn and will some day teach others. The learning and skills will be a continuation of knowledge and ability from generation to generation.

So, also, our belief in Jesus is not an isolated occurrence. Who do we believe in when we believe in Jesus? Who do we see when we see Jesus? Why has Jesus come?

If we will accept Christ as our Savior then we must accept that he is indeed the very Son of God. We must believe that Jesus was God in flesh come to live among us. And if we believe that then we believe in God.

The teachings of Jesus and the way that he lived must, therefore, be the teachings and example of God Himself. If we are to imitate Jesus then we are living out the goodness and holiness of the Almighty.

Belief in Jesus requires an investment on our part. We must be willing to accept the truth about our Savior. We must be willing to live a life that follows the example of Jesus. When we do that we can live a life of goodness, a life that is filled with the light of hope and love from God.

When we invest ourselves in our faith in this way we are investing ourselves in showing God to the world. If we imitate Jesus in our caring for others, in our sacrificial love for them, then the world will see Jesus when they see us. And if Jesus is the example of God, then we must also be the example of God to those who have not met God yet.

It is an awesome responsibility. But it is also a glorious calling for each of us. We can be Christ to the world. We can be the example of God in our living.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you show Jesus to the world?

Investment 3

Hebrews 10:23-24

I can get distracted easily. If I begin to make the bed in the morning I might spot a dirty towel on the floor and take it to the laundry room. Then I notice some dirty glasses that need to be put in the dishwasher and an important paper that should be filed away. Eventually I make my way back to the bedroom to discover the bed is only half finished.

In time I get things done. It just may take me a round-about route to finish things.

Unfortunately even the most devoted of Christians can find themselves being distracted. What does the author of Hebrews encourage us to do? Why should we do that? According to verse 24 what job should we do?

Sometimes it can be easy to jump into our faith and be excited about our relationship with Jesus. We know what we ought to be doing – caring for others, helping those in need, professing the story of Christ. But we can be distracted by other things.

Life can get in our way. Our job takes up a great deal of our time. Our family obligations require that we go here and there to take care of matters. And, of course, we need to have some time for ourselves.

In all that we have to do our faith can take a backseat, be pushed aside and tucked away in a corner until we can get back to it. But a true relationship with God, a true life that seeks to walk as Jesus walked, requires that we invest our hearts and minds in what we are doing.

We need to hold on tightly to the hope of salvation that we believe in. Jesus is again our model. He is always there for us. Can we be there for him at all times?

And what about others? We are supposed to keep our own faith strong and then share that conviction with other people. The author of Hebrews tells us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” We can’t do that if we allow the worries and busy-ness of life to distract us from walking like Jesus.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What needs to be set aside so that you might be more invested in your faith?

Investment 2

1 Peter 1:14-15

When our children were in elementary school the issue of school uniforms was a hot-button topic in our town. Many people opposed them as a form of oppression and a way to remove individuality and creativity. We were fine with the concept of school uniforms. It made it easy to decide what each child would wear every day.

After seeing children in school uniforms in other countries I realized that they are a way to provide a sense of belonging to the children. It is evident at a glance who the children are and where they belong. Their outward appearance is an indication of who they are.

When it comes to our faith in Christ we too must put on a sort of uniform. What does Peter urge us NOT to do? How should we behave? Who is our model?

While we may not be expected to all wear the same clothes to show the world we are followers of Jesus, we are urged to have the same type of behavior and attitude. If we will be obedient children of God – that is, if we will love God and do as He desires us to do – then we will not fall to the temptations of earthly life. Rather, our behavior will be the actions of holy people, people who live as Jesus did, expressing care and compassion to others.

Being a child of God means more than just a superficial name we call ourselves. It goes deeper than outward appearances and uniform clothing. If we will be children of God we will be holy because God is holy. We will live a holy life sharing God’s love with all around us.

Like God we must be caring for the people who are in need. We must be forgiving of those who need to know forgiveness. We must resist the temptations of the world, the desire to get ahead in life at any cost, to worry more about ourselves than anyone else, and to find pleasure at the expense of others.

Holy behavior and faith in God requires an investment on our part. We must put forth the effort to live holy lives, modeling ourselves after God in human form – Jesus. “Faith” is more than a word and “Christianity” is more than a name. It requires our commitment to live as we should.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What must you do to be holy?

Investment 1

1 John 2:5-6

There is an old saying that we often quote – “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck it must be a duck.” It is a simple and true statement. We recognize what things are and who people are by the way they behave. The same can be said of people who believe in God.

The Book of 1 John is a book about living out faith. In the second chapter John talks about investing ourselves in our belief in Jesus. How is God’s love made complete in us? How are we to “walk?”

There are so many religious terms that believers can throw around without really understanding what they mean. One of them is the expression that we must walk like Jesus. What does that mean?

Like the expression about a duck the same can be true of us. If we are going to be Christians, if we are going to be the children of God, then we must walk like Jesus did. And that has nothing to do with putting one foot in front of the other or the way we carry our body.

To walk as Jesus walked means we must invest ourselves in our faith. It means we must try to live out the love of God in the same way Jesus did. It means that we must be humble and peaceful, and tolerant of others.

To live out the love of God by walking as Jesus did means to love God as deeply and passionately as Jesus did. God must be first in our thoughts, and obeying the commands of God must be the most important thing in our hearts and minds.

It also means that we must care for all human beings in the same way Jesus did. Jesus desired that every person have a life of comfort and spiritual security. He desired that people should be free from the guilt of sin and the erroneous way of holding onto worldly attitudes – desiring the temporary pleasures that earthly things can bring.

If we will walk as Jesus did then we must concern ourselves with the well-being of those around us – friends, family and strangers alike. We must stand for justice and fairness. And we must also value the sharing of love and compassion more than the temporary comforts and advantages that earthly life can tempt us with.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What must you do to walk more like Jesus?

Love 5

Matthew 18:20

Whenever I travel, and especially in these winter months with bad weather, I am grateful for the cell phones our family now owns. No matter where we are or what we are going through we can connect with one another in an instant. During moments of loneliness or anxiety we can keep in touch, the voice over the phone offering security and assurance. Although the loved one is not actually physically present, knowing that we are in touch gives strength and hope in times of fear and worry and solitude.

Just as Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 talks about that third strand in a cord, as we enter into a love relationship we must be aware of the need to invite God into the connection. In Matthew what does Jesus say about his presence?

This passage is specifically used for times of worship, times of Christian fellowship, Bible study, or any time believers gather. If two or more are gathered in the name of Jesus, for the purpose of holy fellowship, then Christ will be present also. Jesus will bless that time together and be a part of the connection.

But I believe this passage can apply even to a love relationship. If we enter into a bond with another person, if we share a relationship of love and caring for another, and we put Christ into that relationship as well, then the Spirit of the Lord will indeed be present. If we invite Jesus to be part of our love relationship he will come and be that third strand, that strengthening presence, which will help keep the love relationship powerful and secure.

Too often we enter into a commitment with other people and we trust in the emotion and our own faithfulness, failing to recognize that our relationships are at risk if we do not strengthen them with the presence of God. If we will love another person, even when we commit to binding that emotion of love to our being and that commitment of faithfulness to our hearts, we can sustain our love if we involve the Lord.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Have you invited Jesus to be with you in your love relationships?

Love 4

Proverbs 3:3

I imagine that every one of us could name a relationship that has fallen apart, whether two people who were married and are now divorced, or two or more people who were committed to one another but in time that relationship ended. And we see failed love. We see a strong emotion that has faded or been broken, and we may be part of one of those relationships ourselves.

It can sadden us to see these bonds being broken. It can even frighten us to see relationships fall apart. And we may wonder if anyone can have a good love relationship, or is it reserved only for a lucky few.

But Proverbs offers some guidance in love. How are we to approach love and faithfulness? What are we to do with them?

Successful love relationships are not a matter of luck. Strong love bonds involve a daily commitment of those who are in love, holding fast to the emotion of love and the commitment of faithfulness.

Obviously love and faithfulness are emotions and behaviors, attitudes and not objects. So it may be difficult to comprehend how we are to bind these ideas around our necks. But the writer is speaking symbolically, giving advice on attitudes rather than specific actions.

If we will truly love another person we must be the ones who cling to this emotion. If we will see our relationships succeed then it is up to us to hold tight to love and faithfulness. We are the ones who should not allow these to leave us.

And how do we do this? We do it by symbolically binding love and faithfulness to ourselves. Our love and devotion should always be with us, tied to our very being and who we are. Love should be written on your heart, a part of what you do and how you behave in your relationship.

As a person might write in ink on a tablet of paper, the images and words becoming a permanent, everlasting message, so love and faithfulness must be in your heart. Love is not a fleeting emotion, a temporary feeling. It is an everlasting commitment of caring and dedication to the one who is loved.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be certain that love and faithfulness are written in your heart?

Love 3

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

There are times when the noise and confusion of life get to be too much, or the demands of being a husband and father put stress on me. Then I want to be alone, to have some time to myself. And there are times when I am left alone, but I have found that times alone are really not all that great. The biggest benefit is total control of the TV remote, but then there isn’t anything worth watching.

Even though we all need our time alone now and then, being with one you love is so much better in my opinion. The writer of Ecclesiastes seems to agree.

What are the many benefits of two people together? What is the final comment in verse 12? Why have we suddenly switched from two to three?

Ecclesiastes supports the concept of a love relationship, and this passage is another of those which is frequently read at weddings. Although I value my own time, I truly appreciate the time that I spend with those I love. Even with the noise and pressure of relationships, the benefits of being with a loved one far outweighs the solitude of “alone time.”

The benefits are many. Two people can accomplish more than one. There is safety in numbers; if one falls, the other can help.

Two people can help to keep each other warm in cold weather. And two people are more capable of defending themselves.

All of these examples support the idea of two people being together. Then suddenly the writer mentions a cord of three strands. All along the writer was talking about two, and now a third has been added.

I believe the concept is to bring God into this relationship. A relationship of two people, two people in love with one another, two people who care about one another, is a good thing. There are many benefits. And these benefits are multiplied when you bring God into the picture.

God should be that third strand in your love relationships. God’s presence adds strength and quality to an already good relationship of two people.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be certain to have a third strand in your relationship?

God Is There 4

Hebrews 13:5-6

As I prepare for two weddings which are coming up the meaning behind marriage is foremost in my mind. It is more than simply a legal binding together of two people, it is a spiritual commitment of one to the other. Marriage is a ceremony celebrating and marking the pledge of constant companionship and support, mutual and enduring strength and encouragement, and of the uniting of two spirits and two minds.

As time goes on there will be those rough patches in the road of life. There will be times of doubt and times of challenge, of setbacks and pain. But the marriage pledge is a commitment to always be there for the other person no matter what the circumstances. And the wedding ceremony is a reminder that God is part of that joining together.

As powerful as a pledge made in marriage can be, God’s pledge is stronger. The author of Hebrews offers some assurance in life. What instruction is given? What pledge has God made to all of us?

Whether married or single each one of us can count on the promise of God. Although we face uncertainty in our lives, fears and worries about income and the economy, struggles with our jobs, challenges in our relationships, uncertain health, even questions about our place in God’s Kingdom, we can rely on the certainty of God. We are never alone no matter what the challenge is before us.

No matter how difficult life may feel, no matter how much we may wonder if we have the ability to push through the hard times, God is with us. God is able at all times to strengthen us and surround us with His Spirit of love, mercy and comfort.

Our enemies and the evils of this world may try to convince us that we are weak and alone. We may even tell ourselves that we have no one but ourselves to rely on. But that is not true at all.

God is with us at all times. We must learn to trust in our God and place our confidence in the sure knowledge that God is with us and will never leave us.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can help you remember God’s eternal presence?