Garden Decision 5

John 17:20-21

In the game “Apples to Apples” the dealer turns up a topic card – a card that has an idea on it, like “Fun.” You then toss in cards you have that you feel match the topic. For instance, if you have a card that says “Pancakes,” you might toss that in for “Fun” because eating pancakes can be fun.

Few, if any, of the cards are even related to the topic, let alone perfect matches. Part of the fun of the game, then, is trying to convince the dealer that what you offered is worth choosing as the closest match. You hope your decision becomes the dealer’s decision as well.

Today’s passage is a return to John and the prayer that Jesus offered before being arrested. He has been praying for his disciples. Now who is he praying for? What does he desire?

In this time of stress and anticipation, this time before going to the Garden of Gethsemane and struggling with the ultimate decision he had to make, Jesus took the time to offer prayer to God for his followers. He wanted God to strengthen them and to bless their efforts. He wanted the disciples to have success in living out their ministry.

But his prayer extended out beyond those closest few at his side. His prayer expanded to include all who would hear the message of the resurrection. His prayer was that all who heard the story of Christ would believe, would embrace it, and would become as one in spirit with all others who believed.

The prayer Jesus prayed was for you.

Jesus prayed that you would hear the Gospel story and believe. He prayed that you would embrace the love God has and that you would choose to share that message. Jesus prayed that your faith would allow you to impact the faith of others, that lost souls might be rescued.

Our faith can become like the game. Jesus made a decision. He made a choice. Now, we must make a decision to believe and serve him or not. If we choose to serve him, then we can influence others in their decisions.

Your garden decision, your choice to do the good work of God’s kingdom and share the good news of who Jesus is and what he did, will influence others. Because of your choice, others will also need to make a decision of their own. Will they accept Christ? If they do, will they choose to serve him?

DAILY CHALLENGE: Who needs to know the choice you have made?

Garden Decision 4

1 Peter 2:4-5

I have mentioned my friend Bill before. He was the one who got me interested in collecting miniatures. Bill was an expert at painting the 15mm figurines. He has thousands of them and his always looked fantastic. He also has an N gauge model railroad that is incredibly impressive.

I have long admired Bill and his talents. Many years ago I wanted to have the same things Bill had – a collection of miniatures and a model train layout. But I kept thinking that I could never do as good of a job as Bill.

Eventually I realized that if I wanted what Bill had I needed to do what Bill did. I needed to move forward with what I wanted and apply my talents, weak though they may be. In time I developed my own abilities and skills, and now I impress myself with what I can produce.

When it comes to faith we have one Master who has shown us what to do. Jesus Christ is the one who has given himself completely for the ransom of our souls. Jesus is the one who was able to express perfect love. Jesus is the example before us all.

And we can compare ourselves to Christ and find that we are seriously lacking. We can tell ourselves that there is no way we can ever be anything like Jesus. But Peter has some guidance on how we can develop our spirituality.

Who are we to come to? What happens to us when we draw near to Christ? What are we to offer?

We will never have the perfection of love and spiritual strength that we find in Jesus, but we can become better Christians. We do that by coming to Christ – drawing near to him in our faith, trying to imitate his behaviors and attitudes, trusting in his presence.

Then, as we draw near to Christ – becoming more like Jesus – we become priests in this holy faith of Christianity. We take on the spiritual authority and spiritual ability of devout believers. And through this devoted life and devoted behavior, what we do and say becomes acceptable sacrifices to God.

For each of us to be more like Jesus in our attitudes, for each of us to have more spiritual strength, for each of us to be able to do good things which are acceptable to God, we must first choose to do so. We must make our own decision to follow Jesus and be like him.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be built into a spiritual house and a holy priesthood?

Garden Decision 3

John 20:17-18

As a parent I sometimes get frustrated with my children when they don’t do what I have asked them to do. I tell them to bring down the dirty laundry. I tell them to sweep the floor. I tell them to take out the garbage. When I see that they haven’t done what I told them to do I get aggravated.

In John’s account of the resurrection Mary Magdalene has come to the garden to visit he tomb. When she discovers it is empty she assumes someone has taken the body. Upon seeing Jesus she at first assumes he is the gardener and asks him about where the body might be.

But when he says her name she immediately recognizes him. What does Jesus tell her to do? What does she do?

Although they were in different gardens and the events were separated by a few days, both Jesus and his follower, Mary, were in a garden when they made decisions about God’s work. Christ made the decision to put his own desires aside and go through with the crucifixion. Now, Mary has received instructions from Jesus in a garden.

He has told her to go to the other disciples and tell them about the resurrection. She has been given instructions to go and do something – spread the word. Tell the good news.

Is it because Jesus can’t leave the garden? Is it because Jesus has no idea where the disciples are? Is that why Mary is supposed to go inform the disciples?

I don’t think so. I think it is simply that each of us who believes in Jesus Christ and who embraces the love of God is supposed to share our faith. We are supposed to be the hands and feet of Christ. We are supposed to go and do.

Mary is given her instructions. She now has a decision to make. She can hang around the garden with Jesus. She can ignore his instructions and keep the good news to herself. Or she can choose to obey her Lord.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can help you make your own garden decision?

Garden Decision 2

John 17:3

“And they lived happily ever after.” Most of us are familiar with that phrase. We hear it all the time at the end of bedtime stories, fairy tales and fables we heard as children. While intended to be a positive statement it can be kind of dismissive – you don’t need the details; they were happy! End of story.

Unfortunately many the faithful believer has a similar approach with faith. What are we to do in our faith? We are to accept the death and resurrection of Christ. Then we are saved. We live happily ever after.

We seldom go into much more detail than that. Accept Christ. Be saved.

But Jesus sums up this happily ever after in a single sentence. What is he describing? What is it?

In his prayer to God before the arrest and crucifixion Jesus makes statements about all that he has done in his ministry and all that he wants to have happen with those who believe in him. He asks God to be with his disciples after the crucifixion. He prays for all who will hear the message of salvation.

But before giving the details of doing work for the kingdom, Jesus begins with the declaration that he has the authority to offer eternal life. And then he defines eternal life. It is knowing God and knowing Jesus. Eternal life comes when you are familiar with and understand who God is and what He is all about. Eternal life is understanding and thoroughly being aware of the sacrificial love of Jesus.

This is a difficult concept to grasp (it is much easier to take the “happily ever after”), but I believe we enter into the eternal nature of God, the everlasting life of God when we have learned to appreciate and value God. When we truly recognize the self-inflicted pain God gave Himself through the crucifixion we see love in its purest form.

God showed pure love when God (the Father) allowed God (the Son) to suffer on the cross for us. When we recognize the importance and the weight of such a decision we can enter into that God-flow of God-love and become more and more like Jesus was.

To be part of that happy ever after we must appreciate the decision of Jesus and learn to imitate it. We must learn to make those garden decisions, to choose to give of ourselves in love.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to help others enter into the eternal life of knowing God?

Triumphal Entry 5

2 Timothy 4:2

Special performances and programs at the local school make me a little antsy because I have been unexpectedly called on in the past for various reasons. Once I was asked to offer a prayer at the beginning of an event. Once I was asked to draw names for a contest (because I am a pastor they figured no one would accuse me of cheating). Once I received an unexpected award.

Now, when I attend any school event I try to be as alert as possible because I never know if someone will call on me to do something.

The young Christian leader Timothy is given some advice on how to be prepared spiritually. What are the many things he should be ready to do? What does “in season and out of season” mean to you?

These instructions to Timothy are all about being prepared with faith. Timothy is encouraged to not allow anyone or anything take him off guard.

His first charge is to preach the Word. He is supposed to share the good news of Jesus with other people. He should also teach other people, correcting bad behavior and encouraging good.

And can’t these things be said of us as well? We should all be prepared to share the good news of Jesus Christ whenever we have a chance. We should not allow ourselves to use the excuse that we are not ready to talk about Jesus. We need more time to prepare.

If we have that attitude we can miss out on opportunities to save people from a life of hopelessness and sinful behavior. We can let slip our chances of doing good for God.

Instead we need to be prepared in season and out. We need to be ready to talk about our faith and our relationship with Jesus at any time, not just in places and situations where we would expect to. I have had unexpected conversations with people struggling in their faith in the grocery check-out line, in my driveway, and in the corner of a restaurant. Not everyone gives me the opportunity to meet them in my office with my Bible and commentaries spread across my desk.

Like Timothy we all should be prepared in season and out. We should be strong in our faith, confident in our relationship with Jesus, trusting in God’s presence, and ready to be that example of Christ others may need.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can equip you to be ready to share your faith?

Triumphal Entry 4

Romans 6:5-6

I heard a story long ago about a famous actress married to a rich businessman. Their life together was one of opulence, wealth and plenty. It was said that on one of their anniversaries the husband gave her a card that said, “Thank you for being with me through thick.” Apparently there was no “thin” in that marriage.

But most relationships are going to have both the thick and the thin times. There will be good times and bad times, and those who really care about one another will stand side by side through it all. True caring and love will not shy away from difficulties.

In Romans Paul explains that when we are baptized we are baptized into Christ. In other words, we are made a part of Jesus and we are connected to him. Through that connection, then, we are also connected to his death. As he is a victor over sin and death, so are we.

What further comment does he make about our connection with Jesus? What does he say about our life before faith in Jesus?

Keeping faith in trying times may be difficult. We can’t always see things from God’s perspective. We don’t always understand what is going on, and it is easy to start questioning your own abilities to endure and cling to faith.

But we can be ready in our faith, ready to deal with all the troubles of life, because we know the old is gone and the new is here. Once we accept Jesus as Savior then we belong to him. We are baptized into his life, death and resurrection. We no longer have to live a life of hopelessness and sin.

And more than that, we are no longer alone. Even though we may face struggles and hardships in life, because we believe in Jesus and have accepted him as Savior, we are united with him. He is there to give us that strength we need to face the troubles of life.

Jesus is in a relationship with us, and he will be with us through thick and thin, good times and bad. Knowing that should help us to be strong in our faith.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you approach sin and temptation knowing that Jesus has freed you from them?

Triumphal Entry 3

Luke 22:31-32

When I have things on my mind or I am feeling stressed about something I can become rather testy. That means I am likely to snap at other people in my family, especially my wife. And then we have an argument with raised voices and hurt feelings.

But when I have had a chance to calm down and get a better perspective on things I can go to my wife and find forgiveness. Things go back to where they need to be, and that’s a good thing.

During the Last Supper with his disciples Jesus had some bad news for Peter, the disciple who thought he was the most devoted. What was Jesus’ warning? What was his assurance?

A close look at what Peter does in all the Gospels will show you that Peter was somewhat impetuous. He seemed to be the first to jump at things, to open his mouth, to step forward. He always had something to say, and he was frequently wrong.

Jesus warned Peter that things were not going to be easy for him during the crucifixion. Peter gives an oath that he would follow his Lord even to death (verse 33) but Jesus still predicts his betrayal. In spite of what he was saying Peter was not ready with his faith just yet. He was not ready to withstand the testing he would go through.

But Jesus also assured him that Peter was protected by Christ’s prayers. Although he would deny Christ – three times, no less! – Peter would still have faith. And when he was ready to get back on his spiritual feet, it would be his job to help the others get their act together too.

We can be like Peter. We can think we are strong in our faith, that we believe, that we understand the Bible and we’re ready to face anything. And then something difficult comes along and knocks us right out of the saddle. We doubt. We question God. We feel abandoned.

But like Peter, if we have accepted Christ as our Savior, then he is with us in these trying times. And like Peter, when we get a clearer perspective on our faith we are welcomed back by Jesus and strengthened in our faith.

We must be ready to face the challenges of life. And we must be ready to trust in God during the tough times.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can remind you that God is with you to strengthen your faith in hard times?

Triumphal Entry 2

Mark 14:49-50

As our children get older we are giving them more and more responsibilities and expecting more involvement in what we do. One of their responsibilities has been to help out with doing the dishes – washing utensils, pots and pans – and then putting them away. Frequently, however, one of them will hold up a spatula or pot and ask, “Where does this go?”

That usually gets a response of “Are you new here?” How can they live in our house day after day for years and not know where we keep these items?

It can be frustrating to think you have been putting time and effort into things and no one seems to notice or appreciate it. I can imagine how Jesus felt when he was arrested in the garden. What did he say about himself? How did his followers react to the arrest?

Upon the arrival of this group of men who came to arrest him Jesus has a comment to make about how they are acting. They have come with swords and clubs, as if they have to subdue this man. Jesus points out that he has been around for quite some time. He has made no secret of his teachings and his actions. Now, suddenly, it is not okay and these people are acting as if they know nothing about him.

Jesus’ words are a criticism of the behavior and attitude of this band of armed men, but it is also a reminder that Jesus has had a ministry that has spanned some time. He has taught several lessons. He has explained things to his followers over and over again. And now we see the response of his disciples. “Everyone deserted him and fled.”

In spite of the time Jesus has spent with his disciples, in spite of all the lessons he has taught and the miracles he has performed in front of them, they are not ready to stand behind their Lord. These followers of Jesus were not ready to stand up in faith even though Jesus had been with them all that time.

We also can claim to have faith and a relationship with Christ and still shrink away from our responsibilities as Christians. We can claim to love the Lord and still be unprepared to share our faith or show love to strangers.

If we will be true children of God we need to be ready to stand with Jesus at our side, and not desert him in tough times.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do stand firm in your faith and not run from your responsibilities?

Triumphal Entry 1

Luke 19:29-31

This past Sunday I forgot to get two cloth napkins to wrap around the loaf of bread for Communion. On my way to church I had to get out my cell phone and call home. It was a simple fix to a brief problem. I knew exactly where the napkins were and so was able to give instructions as to where they might be found.

When I realized I had forgotten the napkins I had a moment of panic, but it was quickly over because I knew where the napkins were. They just had to be gathered up. Although I had forgotten them I was prepared and what I needed was easy to get.

As Jesus entered Jerusalem he knew what was going to unfold with the crowds in the city. Who did Jesus send ahead of him? What were his instructions? What should they expect to encounter?

There is a great deal of speculation and interpretation of why Jesus took part in what has been labeled his triumphal entry. It could have been a mockery of the Roman “Triumph,” a special, stylized parade of Roman officials who enter a conquered or subdued city. It could have been a deliberate contrast to this military display, or it could have been a symbolic gesture of peace.

Regardless of why he did what he did, it seems clear that Jesus was well aware of what was happening. He was prepared for the dramatic arrival in Jerusalem. Whether it was pre-arranged or it was because Jesus is God, he knew a colt (or donkey) was waiting for him to use. He even anticipated someone asking about the situation and had a response for them.

In this encounter we have an example for ourselves. Jesus was prepared for this very important time in his ministry. He was ready for what was ahead of him.

We need to be certain we are ready for our encounter with the risen Christ. Living as Christians means we may face challenges, situations that may make us doubt our faith or question our own ability to be faithful. Having faith means living a life of trusting God and daring to do things we may not want to do for the good of God's kingdom. We need to use the time of Lent to build or faith and prepare ourselves to be the strong Christians we need to be.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be certain your faith is as strong as it should be?

Last Supper 5

2 Peter 1:3-4

The fear of public speaking is one of the most powerful of all fears. It is a frightening idea to think of standing up in front of other people and presenting information. It is especially daunting if you are called to give a message in church, because the importance of what is being said is far greater.

When I am talking to anyone new to preaching, and sometimes when I am dealing with my own anxieties over preaching, I simply point out that those who preach are never alone. The Holy Spirit is present with you as you speak. God is moving to help in that moment.

The same is true of our life of faith. We may feel that we are unable to be the type of Christian we are called to be and the celebration of Communion can make us feel even more unworthy as we confront our own sins and our own inabilities. But Peter has a message for those who believe.

What does Jesus give to us? What does this gift enable us to do?

As we take part in Communion we are taking part in a moment of invitation. We are both invited to come before God to be forgiven and to accept Christ as our Savior, and to invite the Spirit of God, through Jesus, to live within us. Christ’s presence in us gives us the ability to live a life of godliness. It is through knowing who Jesus really is that we are able to be holy and good in our living.

By accepting the sacrifice of Jesus and the presence of his Spirit in the ritual of Communion we accept the promises of eternal life and the promises of the ability to be holy. With Christ present with us we can avoid the temptations of sinfulness and the corruption that surrounds us in the world.

We must remember the words of Jesus as he instituted the act of Communion. He said, “This is my body given for you.” The cup represents his blood poured out for you. You are the person that Jesus died for. You are the person who can receive his grace and power.

Knowing that you are the center of this act, the one who receives Christ’s presence, can make you able to be strong in your faith.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you remember that Jesus is with you during Communion and after the celebration as well?

Last Supper 4

Mark 2:18-19

I remember the times when my uncle would come to visit, flying back to the United States from the job he had in Pakistan. I also recall when our friends came up from North Carolina to visit us in Ohio. The normal flow of life, the monotony of the routine, the required chores and so on, were all happily discarded so that we could heap all of our time and attention on our guests. Nothing else mattered for those few days except being with these loved ones.

Jesus often challenged the norm and the rituals of his day. What question was asked when the Pharisees and John the Baptist’s followers were fasting? What metaphor does Jesus present?

The ritual of Communion carries with it the importance and significance of Christ’s sacrifice. It is also a time to remind us of our responsibilities as Christians. What we often overlook, however, is that it is also a time of celebration.

The celebration of Communion is not simply a re-enacting of what Jesus did with his disciples in that upper room. We do go through the actions that Jesus did during that time, and the purpose of that is to be reminded of what Jesus did for our salvation.

But Communion is also a time of joining our spirit with the spirit of Jesus. That is why we call it “communion;” communion means sharing a time of intimacy. As we take part in Communion, as we eat the bread and drink the cup, we are symbolically inviting Jesus to enter into us so that he might rule our hearts and guide our lives.

While acknowledging our own sinfulness and acknowledging the sacrifice Jesus made for us can be a sobering time, a time of deep reflection and prayer, we must also accept Christ’s presence. And in that acceptance, in that awareness of Jesus’ presence, we should experience joy, the same joy that guests at a wedding might feel, and the same joy that we felt when we were with a loved one who was usually so far from us.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you celebrate the presence of Christ in your life and in your heart?

Last Supper 3

Matthew 20:22

I shared the other night in our Bible study group that when I was very young I begged my parents to have our family rent a houseboat on one of the TVA lakes in Tennessee. Year after year I asked for it, and year after year I was denied. Then one year my parents finally gave in and we, along with my cousin’s family, rented a houseboat.

It was terrible – three days on a small square of metal and wood in the middle of a lake with nowhere to go. It was dark and cold at night, stuffy and smelly in the day. Sometimes we don’t realize what we are asking for when we ask for something.

One day the mother of James and John came to Jesus with the request that her sons be permitted to sit at Christ’s right and left when he came into his kingdom. What does Jesus point out? What type of cup is he talking about?

Like this woman, and possibly James and John themselves, many of us would love to receive the praise and acclaim for a job well done. There are some of us who would love to have the renown and respect of some of the religious giants we know. But there is a price to pay for serving the Lord.

Jesus mentions a cup in his response. Can these disciples drink the same cup that Jesus will drink?

This comment, of course, reminds us of the cup Jesus would use at the Last Supper. With that cup Jesus would point out the sacrifice he would make for the entire world. His “cup” was the cup of complete giving, allowing his blood to pour out as he hung on the cross.

The question had two meanings. Could James and John be part of this close group of followers and share in this moment of intimacy, this moment of realization of what Jesus was about to go through? Did they have the courage to see their master accept crucifixion?

He was also asking if these two would be willing to make as big of a sacrifice as Jesus would do. As we take part in Communion we must ask ourselves if we have the faith to accept Christ as our Savior, because in doing that we are also accepting the responsibility of being a Christian – and that requires sacrifice.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What is the cup that you must take part in for Jesus?

Last Supper 2

Luke 9:23-25

As many already know, Peggy enrolled me in curling classes which I have been enjoying very much. (You can see some highlights from the first lesson on YouTube.) One of the first things I had to do was to sign a liability waiver stating that I did not hold the organization responsible if I suffered injury, permanent paralysis or death because of curling.

It made me laugh. I can’t imagine the set of circumstances that would need to happen for me to die while curling, but there it is. The organization had to let me know there were risks.

Jesus had a caution for those who would follow him. He presented a challenge and a warning for the faithful believers who would try to do his work. What requirements are upon those who would obey Christ? What question does he pose in verse 25?

Jesus knew that he would ultimately face crucifixion on the cross. The time spent with the disciples during the Last Supper was a final opportunity for him to be among those he cared for, and also a chance to prepare them for what was to come. But long before that meal Jesus let the faithful believers know what it would cost to follow him.

If anyone will follow Jesus – that is, try to live a life of loving and caring other people – then we will need to take up our own cross. It is likely not to be a wooden structure built for execution. Instead, our own cross will probably be the work and effort and struggles we will endure as we try to do good work for the kingdom of God. And it is not a one-time effort, but a daily sacrifice.

Being an obedient Christian is not an easy task. Jesus himself points out that we must deny ourselves by giving up personal comforts and ease for the trials of work and sacrifice. If we will save our life – have eternal life with God – we must lose our life – abandon the pleasures and personal gratification of our mortal life.

Communion is an opportunity to invite the presence of Jesus into your heart to help guide you in a life of service and sacrifice. While it is not easy, the reward is our eternal joy for serving our Lord.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you lose your life in order to save it?

Last Supper 1

Luke 22:19-20

When I was very young I attended Catholic mass with my cousins and witnessed the ritual of Holy Communion being performed in a way I had never seen before. For years and years my family joked about my comments after that service. I had thought the priest was performing a magic act. But Communion is not a magic act. It has deep meaning and purpose.

The passage for today should be one familiar to most. It is what Holy Communion is based on, the actions instituted and begun by Jesus himself. What did he do with the bread? What did he say of the bread? What did he say of the wine?

The actions Jesus took at the Last Supper with his disciples were more than simple ritual. They had deeper meaning. The bread Jesus used was likely the bread that had been hidden as part of the Seder Meal tradition, hidden to be found again and celebrated.

As Jesus took this bread and gave it new meaning it is probable that the disciples recognized how important this was. It was more than just a bit of bread that was part of the meal. Jesus gave it more significance.

The same is true of the cup of wine. It was likely the cup of salvation, also part of the Seder Meal. Now the disciples were made aware that Jesus was offering salvation.

The ritual of Communion can be very stylized and become something that is performed without thought or emotion. We know what we are to do in Communion, but we may overlook why we do it and what it means.

By taking part in Communion we are being reminded that we need to take part in Jesus. His body was given for us, broken on the cross so that we might have salvation. His blood was poured out so that we might be forgiven of our sins.

But to gain this salvation and forgiveness we need to partake. We need to make room for Christ in our lives. We must open our hearts to allow this grace and love of God to enter in. We must accept this salvation, this sacrifice, and make it part of who we are, how we act, how we live, how we behave in our lives of faith.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to show that Jesus is the bread and wine for you, the very source of sustenance in your faith life?

Anointing 5

John 14:6

As the pastor of the church I have a ring of keys to open all the doors to get into the building. There were times, however, that I would arrive at church and realize that I forgot my keys and there was no way to get in. Now I keep one door key with my car keys so that if I forget the rest I can at least get inside.

It is nice to have options for entering the church. I can enter through just about any door depending on which keys I have with me. But our relationship with Jesus doesn’t give us as many choices.

As Jesus was talking to his disciples and preparing them for what he was about to do he explained the importance of a relationship with him. What did he say about it? How do we get to God, the Father?

The statement leaves very little wiggle room or options in our faith. There are still many people who feel certain that they will go to heaven and enjoy the blessings of eternal life because – in their mind – they have never done anything wrong. They haven’t stolen anything. They haven’t told any harmful lies. They even try to be nice to other people.

But Jesus makes it plain. Jesus is the way. He is the person with whom we must have a relationship in order to more fully understand who God is.

Good deeds are never enough. Kind words are never enough. Sympathy, caring, giving are never enough; and certainly good intentions don’t do it.

To be a real Christian we must have a deep and genuine relationship with Jesus. He is the way to be holy and to know God. Learning from him and trying to show love the way he did is the way to be a righteous person. We must accept that Jesus is our Savior and we must acknowledge that he is the Son of God.

In our Lenten journey we are to examine our faith life and honestly determine what our relationship with Jesus really is. If we only think of him as a wise teacher and compassionate counselor then we are falling short in our faith. To achieve that fulfilling and successful life of faith and love we must see that Jesus is our Lord, and we must value what all of that means to us.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Have you affirmed that Jesus is the son of God? Have you accepted him as your Savior? Will you do it now?

Anointing 4

1 John 1:6-7

In the first few weeks at our current assignment I was in the church building late one evening and thought I could navigate my way through the Sanctuary to my office without turning on any lights. After taking a few steps into the Sanctuary I hit my knee on the piano that I could not see. It hurt so bad I fell to the floor for a minute or two in pain.

We sometimes live our lives the way I tried to walk through the church. We think we do not need any light from God; we don’t need His guidance or fellowship or love. But we can find out quickly that we are lost without it.

John gives us a wonderful comment on how to live a life of faith. According to verse 6, what is really going on if we only think we are good Christians? What happens when we are in the light of God?

I have been noticing more and more people who come to me with their problems and worries. But, as I talk with them and understand their situation better, I find that they are not the type of Christian we need to be.

They may attend church once or twice a year. They may own a Bible, but it is likely they never read it. And they may say they believe in God and trust in Jesus, but their lives do not exhibit this.

As John points out, if we claim we are with God but we really aren’t, we are lying to ourselves and others. To truly live as Christians means that we walk in the light of God. Walking in the light of God means relying on the wisdom and teachings of Jesus and truly valuing what Christ means to us. It means honestly and sincerely believing in Jesus as our Savior and as the Son of God.

Only then will the blood that Jesus shed on the cross provide us with salvation. Only when we truly try to live a life of holiness, imitating Christ in our attitudes and actions, are we in a real relationship with Jesus and not a superficial, empty one.

As we approach Easter we must examine our relationship with God. Is it true? Is it genuine? Are we really trying to walk in the light of love from God, or are we stumbling in the darkness of sin, fooling ourselves and lying to ourselves about our faith?

DAILY CHALLENGE: What must you do to be walking in the light of God?

Anointing 3

Luke 11:23

I once saw an inspirational saying that said (approximately) “If you cannot follow, then lead. If you cannot lead, then follow. If you cannot lead or follow, then get out of the way.” Simply put, if you aren’t part of the solution then you are part of the problem and we would rather you not do that.

Jesus sums up the idea in a simple statement to a crowd who has expressed doubts in his motivation and actions. They claimed that Jesus was doing the work of the devil in his miraculous works. What did Jesus say?

Again, simply put, if you aren’t a helper then you are part of the problem. Those who are not in favor of Jesus – those who do not support his goodness – are against him. There is no middle ground. There is no safe sideline where we can wait and decide later whose side we are on.

This comment addresses our faith and our relationship with God. We are either believers in Christ or we aren’t. And even if we say with our lips that we believe in Christ, if we do not actively value Jesus and his salvation, if we do not actively live out our beliefs and our faith, then we are not the Christians we claim to be.

If we are not real Christians, expressing the love of God and showing compassion to those in need, then we are not Christians at all. John Wesley applied the term “almost Christians” to those who do not have a deep faith, but I cannot believe in the “almost.” We either are or we are not.

This does not eliminate those who are struggling with their faith or those who are new to the faith and want to see their faith grow. In fact, those who desire to have stronger faith and a deeper knowledge and closeness to Jesus are indeed Christians and (I believe) will achieve that strength and depth that they seek.

But so many people are practicing Christians only because they want to play it safe. They pray and wear a cross around their necks just to be on the safe side, just in case there really is a God.

We cannot have that approach. We must choose – consciously, deliberately, and with our whole being – to believe in Jesus and accept him as our Lord and Savior.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Have you decided in your heart that Jesus is your Lord? What can you do to show that you are “with” Jesus?

Anointing 2

1 Peter 1:8-9

As a parent one of the most joyful times of my life was learning that my wife was expecting a child. Although the birth was several months away and we had no idea whether the child would be a boy or a girl we were excited about all the possibilities that the new addition in our lives would bring. We had hopes and expectations of what the child would be like and hope for the unseen future ahead.

Peter also describes a sense of joyful expectation in his first letter to believers. What does he say about the believer’s relationship with Jesus? How does he describe the believer’s joy? Why do we experience that joy?

Peter was one of those fortunate few people who had actually seen Jesus while he lived. Peter had the wonderful experience of hearing his voice, seeing his face, and knowing what type of incredible person he was.

We do not have that benefit to our faith. In fact, that is part of what our faith is based on – belief in things that we have not seen. We have not seen Jesus face to face and must rely entirely on the stories and teachings that others have recorded. We have not heard his mortal voice and must trust in the way Jesus speaks to our hearts and guides our spirits.

There are many skeptics in the world today. There are many people – educated and uneducated – who doubt that Jesus was the person that Christians claim he was. Many do not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, but at best was a wise teacher and compassionate leader.

The stories of miracles and healings are just fables and myth to these individuals. Some of the stories are make-believe to these people, or events that could be explained away with science and logic or an understanding of the ignorance of those who witnessed what went on.

If we will be true Christians, faithful children of God, then we must value Jesus – who he was and who he still is to us now. To truly appreciate the meaning of our faith, our Lenten journey, and the wondrous miracle of Easter we must believe in the Christ and value what his life, teaching and sacrifice means.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you show that you value Jesus and believe in who he was and still is?

Anointing 1

Mark 14:8

I never found out who it was, but someone at our previous church always made certain that there was a glass of ice water in the pulpit for whoever was preaching that Sunday. Somehow, in the midst of all the hubbub of preparing for the service, that person slipped in with the water and slipped back out. There was also an older couple who came to church in the middle of the week and made certain all the pencils in the pews were sharpened, all the old bulletins were taken out and thrown away, and all the hymnals were put neatly in the racks.

These individuals did not do major works for the kingdom of God. What they did were small things, but very important for those who received the benefits. We are all called to do what we can for God.

During Holy Week Jesus went to the home of a man named Simon, and while he was there a woman came in and with a jar of expensive perfume. Much to the upset of some of those watching she poured it on Jesus, anointing him with the costly substance. What does Jesus say of this?

The act of anointing – pouring oil, perfume, wine or water on a person – sets that person apart as someone special and blessed. The woman who came to the house where Jesus was eating anointed him with expensive perfume. The act was meant to honor Jesus. It set him apart as someone blessed and special.

Her action could be considered to be inconsequential. It didn’t change much. But, as Jesus pointed out, she did what she could for him.

It is not important what the act was. It is not important how expensive the perfume was. What is important is that this woman valued Jesus, recognizing him as the Son of God and as someone incredibly important.

Sometimes we can get caught up in what we do for our religion or for our church, and we lose sight of why we are doing this. We can get into the habit of doing something but not realizing we need to value Jesus, recognizing him as the very Son of God, our Savior, our Lord. We can attend times of worship and forget that we need to remember Jesus is the center of our faith, the cornerstone and foundation of our faith and the reason we do what we do.

We must keep Christ as the focus and central point of our faith.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to keep Jesus at the center of your faith life?

Clearing the Temple 5

Psalm 10:4

Every time we leave on a trip we go through the ritual of packing the van with all of our luggage – clothes, pillows, books, food, and on and on. Everything has to go in a certain way, the suitcases and boxes all fitting in an intricate pattern so that there is room for it all. If we don’t pack the van right we end up with something that won’t fit, and we risk not having all we need for our trip.

The same is true with our relationship with God. Our hearts and our minds, the things we desire and focus on, even the activities that we involve ourselves in only have so much room. We must fill our lives and our spirits with essential things and not allow other matters to push out what is important.

Psalm 10 makes an observation about attitudes. What does the psalmist say about the wicked person? Why does the wicked person not seek God?

We can sit in judgment of any person with the label of “wicked.” Surely a wicked person is one who causes hurt to others and is selfish in all ways. The wicked are not like us at all.

Or are they?

The psalmist explains that the wicked person does not seek God. Why not? Because of pride. The wicked person is so caught up in his own interests that he has no room in his thoughts for God.

Do those words describe us in any way? Do we allow our own interests and desires to crowd out God? It is so easy to get caught up in the business of work, spending time with friends and family, or watching all your favorite programs that you don’t have any room left for God.

We need to learn how to pack our hearts and minds with the right things so that we can be in a deep and rewarding relationship with our God. But before we do that we may need to clean out all the clutter that we have allowed to gather in our lives. We may need to clear a space in our hearts so that there is room enough for God.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you make more room for God in your life?