Category Archives: Knowing Him

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February 10, 2017

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Church & Worship, Faith & Hope, Holy Spirit, Knowing Him, Love & Works, Prayer, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith

FANS OR FRIENDS?

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. [John 15:13-15 (NLT)]

img_1540-cropc7-vertwebI have a young friend who’s quite a sports fan. Not only can he spout statistics for his favorite baseball and football players, he can recite the biographies of the top American Ninja Warriors as well. He knows about several athletes and yet none of them know anything about him or would recognize him on the street. I don’t know which team he favored for last Sunday’s Super Bowl but I’m sure he knew who led in kicking and punting or kick and punt returns. Enthusiastic fans do more than know the stats—they often wear team jerseys and may even paint their faces. The prevalence of blue and red shirts on Sunday made it clear the fans at our church favored the Patriots. Considering all the whooping, hollering, high fives and fist bumps that occurred later that day while watching the Super Bowl, you’d think the fans were the ones scoring the points. Using the pronoun “we” for their favored team, they moaned about calls, trash talked the opposition and analyzed plays as if they were on the field. Although fans can dress like their favorite team member, know the stats for the players, and watch every game, they’re not on a first name basis with any of the team. Neither friends nor acquaintances, they’re just fans.

There’s nothing wrong with being a fan. It binds us with other people and gives us a sense of belonging. It’s a way to capture a little feeling of glory and achieve victory when we can’t attain it ourselves. If nothing else, it gives us something to talk about with strangers. There is, however, a big difference between fandom and friendship.

Are we fans of Jesus or are we His friends? Rather than stats, do we quote Bible verses? Rather than games, do we attend worship services? Instead of hosting a tailgate, do we serve at church? Rather than buy team merchandise, do write a check for a good cause? While all are worthwhile, none of these make us anything more than fans. Knowing Bible verses, worshipping, serving at church, and even tithing are no substitute for a relationship with Jesus. It’s not enough to know about Him or to do for Him. He wants us to be His friends rather than His fans; He wants to know us and for us to truly know Him.

Unlike fandom, Christianity is not a spectator sport. God wants fellowship with us; he wants to know us personally. Prayer is what takes us from fandom to friendship. In prayer, we summon all of the enthusiasm we have for God and use it to speak with Him. While few of us will ever meet or eat with Ninja Warrior Joe Moravsky or the Patriots’ Tom Brady, Jesus welcomes us into His heart every day and invites us to break bread with Him regularly. We’re only a prayer away from Him. We can celebrate an athlete’s victories or we can celebrate God’s grace with the one who was victorious over sin and death!

Fan or friend—which one is it?

What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer! [Joseph Scriven]

So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. [Romans 5:11 (NLT)]

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January 20, 2017

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Attitudes & Behavior, God's Grace & Love, God's Plan, Holidays & Holy Days, Knowing Him, Obedience, Sharing Our Faith, Trusting God

MY KING – Inauguration Day 2017

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. [Psalm 145:13 (ESV)]

He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. [1 Timothy 6: 14b-16 (ESV)]

blue jay birdCarrying posters, displaying bumper stickers, wearing t-shirts, or hash tagging with the words, “He’s not my president!” changes absolutely nothing. After today, he is. How we voted, who got the popular vote, whether we’re happy or outraged, whether we have faith in him or not makes no difference. This is what we have for the next four years.

Putting politics aside, consider another head of state in whom many don’t believe—Jesus. Just as our new president’s reign is not limited to those who voted for him, Jesus’s dominion is not limited to Christians. He is the savior promised by God in the Old Testament—not just for Jews but for all of mankind. Descending from the royal line of David, Jesus was declared king at his birth. The fact that people rejected his kingship with His crucifixion and continue to deny Him today doesn’t mean He’s not in His rightful place of majesty and power. Believers and non-believers alike are all subjects in His kingdom. It is God’s world—He is the supreme power, ruler and authority!

In the political arena, we have elections and can voice our approval or disapproval of government at the polls. In four years’ time, there may be an entirely different group of people protesting a change in political regime. Moreover, in our democracy, to some extent, Congress and the Supreme Court can thwart a president’s plans and limit his reach. Things are much different in in God’s Kingdom. He has no term limits—the length of His reign has nothing to do with our belief or approval. It was His kingdom in the beginning, is now and forevermore will be. His plans can’t be thwarted nor His power lessened. No one and nothing can stop or impeach our omnipotent God Almighty. In Him is all power and authority.

These last few months, we’ve seen a tremendous amount of passion on both sides of the political fence with people trying to convince one another of the legitimacy or illegitimacy of our new president. Wouldn’t it be nice to see that sort of passion devoted to furthering the cause of the one true ruler of the universe? In the long run, whether or not we consider him our president is of little consequence—the identity of our King, however, is of eternal consequence. God rules all mankind and not just those who believe in Him. Whether or not we consider Jesus our King, one day we all will answer to Him!

For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. [Romans 14:10b-12 (ESV)]

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December 28, 2016

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Church & Worship, Faith & Hope, God's Word: The Bible, Knowing Him, Prayer, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith

NOMINAL FANS

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Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention. [Matthew 7:13-14 (MSG)]

Northwestern University’s football team is in the Pinstripe Bowl and I’ll cheer on the team at a bowl party this afternoon. I’m not really a football fan but I’ll look and act like one today. I’ll wear a purple and white NU Wildcat t-shirt, cheer when everyone else cheers, wave a purple pompon, and even sing the fight song. Since I know next to nothing about football and don’t even know who they’re playing, I’m what could be called a nominal fan. I’m only going because I went to Northwestern fifty years ago and we’re new members of the local NU alumni club, sponsors of the event. Although my husband likes football, our real motivation is to meet people and make friends. We probably won’t give Northwestern or their team another thought until the next alumni event.

My type of fandom is what being a “nominal” or “cultural” Christian is like. Nominal Christians are the people who attend church simply because they did when they were growing up, society expects it of them, or they want to meet some new people. They’re the people who call themselves Christian because they’re not Jewish, atheist, Hindu or Muslim. Nominal Christianity is often based on faulty logic: “Christians are good, I am good, therefore I am a Christian” or “Since Christians go to church and I go to church, I must be a Christian.” Nominal Christians may know and observe Christian holidays, but they don’t know Jesus. Although they bear the name of Christ, Jesus has no bearing on their lives. Nominal Christianity certainly is easier – it doesn’t require a changed life and things like repentance, forgiveness or loving your enemies. Nominal Christianity, however, doesn’t offer salvation and eternal life.

As I walked through the park taking photos before our Christmas Eve service, I wondered about the more the 4,000 in attendance. Were they believers, firm in their relationship with our triune God? Were they seekers trying to find their way in this troubled world? Were they new to the faith and anxious to learn more about their Lord and Savior? Were they nominal Christians or “birth and resurrectionists,” attending church because that’s what one does on Christmas Eve, or were they curious tourists, there just because of the good reviews on Yelp?

It’s not my business to judge the depth of anyone’s faith, but I wondered if Jesus ever enters their thoughts until the next time they enter a church, whenever that may be. Are their only prayers the ones said at a worship service? Is reading or hearing God’s word a Sunday only event? I remembered our new pastor’s words when asked about the future of our church. He didn’t want to see us just grow larger; he wanted us to grow deeper. The first place to start is in our own lives with a careful examination of our faith and relationship with Jesus. Do we take a minimalist approach to God or are we in a deep and long lasting relationship with Jesus? Evangelist Billy Sunday said, “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile.” Let’s remember that calling ourselves Christians doesn’t make us Christians any more than wearing a team jersey makes me (or anyone else) a football fan.

Cultural Christianity is not saving faith. [Trevin Wax]

Knowing the correct password—saying Master, Master,” for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, “Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.” And do you know what I am going to say? “You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.” [Matthew 7:21-23 (MSG)]

Copyright ©2016  jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.
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December 23, 2016

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Bible Stories, Church & Worship, God's Grace & Love, Holidays & Holy Days, Knowing Him, Love & Works, Miracles, Sharing Our Faith

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT – CHRISTMAS (2016)

Christmas eve-elebration community beach church
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. [Isaiah 9:2 (NLT)]

Tomorrow night is Christmas Eve and most of us will gather with friends and family around a table heavy laden with delicious food, exchange gifts, sing carols, pray and gather in worship. Before the evening is over, many will light candles as part of our worship services. Other candles will be lit tomorrow night by our Jewish brothers and sisters as they celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. They will light two candles on their menorahs and, like us, celebrate their holiday with traditional food, family and friends, gifts, prayers, and songs.

More than twenty-one centuries ago, Israel was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) who wanted to wipe out all Jewish traditions. The study of the Torah was prohibited as was kosher food, circumcision, and the observance of other Jewish rituals. The Temple in Jerusalem was vandalized, defiled by pig sacrifices and an altar to Zeus was erected. A revolt against this paganism was led by the Jewish priest Mattathias and his five sons. When Mattathias died, his son Judah Maccabee led the rebels. Against all odds, they drove the Seleucids from Jerusalem and reclaimed the Temple. In 165 BC, the temple was restored and, during its rededication, the seven-branched candelabrum was relit. Although this light was supposed to burn constantly, there was only enough untainted oil for one night. Miraculously, the flame continued for eight days until new ritual oil was prepared. In memory of this miracle of God’s provision, the sages appointed an annual celebration of thanksgiving and candle lighting known as the Festival of Dedication, now known as Hanukkah.

For the next eight nights, Jews throughout the world will light their menorahs as a way of memorializing and publicizing God’s miracle of victory and His eight-day provision of oil. Using the center candle to light the others, one other candle is lit the first night. Each night, another candle is added until all nine are aflame the eighth night. Traditionally, the menorah lights are to be displayed in windows or on doorsteps making them visible to the public.

Like Hanukkah, Christmas celebrates a victory over evil and a miracle of God’s provision, not just for eight days but for all eternity. Christmas, like Hanukkah, is a Festival of Lights, or rather a festival of one light: Jesus Christ. Although the Maccabees defeated the Seleucids with their swords, God defeated the forces of darkness by sacrificing His son for our salvation. Unlike a candelabrum that needs a source of fuel to shine, the light of Christ truly is an eternal light—it can’t be diminished, depleted or extinguished. Moreover, just as a menorah should be displayed for all to see, the light of Christ should shine through Christians for the world to see. Unlike Hanukkah with only eight days of lit candles, however, the light of Christ should be visible all year long. Let your light shine and Merry Christmas!

We are indeed the light of the world—but only if our switch is turned on. [John Hagee]

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” [John 8:12 (NLT)]

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. [Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)]

Copyright ©2016 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.

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December 6, 2016

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Church & Worship, God's Word: The Bible, Knowing Him, Prayer, Salvation: A New You, Wisdom & Guidance

WRITTEN JUST FOR YOU

Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word. I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map—and your commands are my chart and guide. I long for your instructions more than I can tell. [Psalm 119:18-20 (TLB)]

hibiscus -Filled with law, wisdom, history, prophecy, poetry, gospel, and letters, the Bible is the basis of our faith. None of us, however, were alive in 1400 BC when Genesis was written or at the end of the 1st Century when Revelation was penned. We’re neither Jews in Judah, Egypt, Israel, or Babylon nor 1st Century Jewish or Gentile converts in Rome or Greece and we have little in common with the Bible’s original audience. Although Scripture is timeless, that difference in time and culture makes us think of Scripture as impersonal and its words as general instructions dedicated to the community of faith at large. There is, however, nothing impersonal about God’s message to us and we are not faceless nameless members of His family. Scripture penned thousands of years ago was written specifically for you and me today. There is a personal relevant message for each one of us every time we read its words.

This was made evident several years ago when our Pastor had several people share their impressions of the same Psalm. While there was no dissension about its meaning, they each found an individual message that pertained specifically to their lives at the time. The Bible is more than a message of love to all of mankind; it is a personal love note written specially to each of us. The very same verses may remind one person of his value when they reassure another of her forgiveness. While Scripture is like a general’s orders to his troops, it is also a directive sent specifically to each one of his soldiers. Some are sent to battle and others are told to wait. Scripture may be an atlas to guide us all as we journey through life but it is also a road map drawn to lead us each to our unique destinations. Some might be told to take the direct route when others are sent the long way. Scripture is an encyclopedia of life, but it is also an instruction manual designed for my specific situation just as it is for yours. I may be told to listen and you may be told to speak. While it is a Rules of the Road for all drivers, it also is a driver’s ed course taught expressly for each of one of us. Some of us have more difficulty stopping while others don’t yield well.

Today, try reading the Bible as if the words were written just for you and you alone. Instead of asking, “What does this mean for all of us?” try asking, “What does this mean for me?”  I admit this is much easier to do with Proverbs and Psalms than with Chronicles or the many genealogies of the Old Testament. Nevertheless, hidden in your reading, you’ll find a message meant just for you. God sends each of us a personal shout out in His word. Read it, think it, pray it, and then claim it; His word is yours!

For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding. He grants good sense to the godly—his saints. He is their shield, protecting them and guarding their pathway. He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time. For wisdom and truth will enter the very center of your being, filling your life with joy. [Proverbs 2:6-10 (TLB)]

For whatever God says to us is full of living power: it is sharper than the sharpest dagger, cutting swift and deep into our innermost thoughts and desires with all their parts, exposing us for what we really are. [Hebrews 4:12 (TLB)]

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November 28, 2016

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Attitudes & Behavior, Challenges & Difficulty, Fruit of the Spirit, Holy Spirit, Knowing Him, Love & Works, Money & Wealth, Salvation: A New You, Temptation & Sin

CORE VALUES

It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. [Galatians 5:19-21a (MSG)]

God can’t stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity. [Proverbs 11:20 (MSG)]

great egret

Last month, I read an article about a local construction company. Its founders built a successful business by focusing on a core set of values that are bookended by integrity and faith in God. Values such as leadership, lasting relationships, healthy environment, and quality are found in between those two. I recalled a dinner we had just attended that honored five businesses for their excellence. In their acceptance speeches, nearly every CEO mentioned integrity as one of his company’s core values. Considering how many corporate scandals have hit the news lately, it was heartening to find successful businesses that consider integrity to be one of their guiding principles. In just the last few months, the news has been filled with stories about corporate greed, insider trading, hacking schemes, Medicare fraud, kickbacks, identity theft, phony accounts, false claims, bribery, corruption and tax, securities, and accounting fraud. Integrity seems to be in short supply these days.

Integrity is being honest, fair and reliable. It is having soundness of moral character and being honorable, incorruptible and straightforward. It is having the courage to do the right thing in all situations. It is conducting our lives in private the same way we do in public. It is treating people who can do us favors the same way we treat those who can’t. It is what each and every person and each and every business should have but, unfortunately, often doesn’t.

Out of curiosity, I looked up the published core beliefs or corporate values of several of the recent black sheep of the business world and was surprised to see that many of them listed things like integrity, doing what’s right for their customers, ethics, and honesty as one or more of their guiding principles. Apparently, it’s easy to say we believe in integrity but much harder to act with it. What I didn’t find on any of those websites, however, was any mention of faith in God. Perhaps the mistake those scandal-ridden businesses made was not having a value like integrity bookended with faith in God. After all, it’s only through the power of the Holy Spirit that our sinful nature can be conquered.

Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you. [H. Jackson Brown, Jr.]

Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. [2 Peter 1:3 (MSG)]

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. [Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG)]