More than a children's story

Today’s reading: Luke 2 NASB

SCRIPTURE 

“ Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.  While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” -Luke 2:1-20 NASB

OBSERVATION

I’ve heard this story countless times.  And if I’m to be 100% honesty - to some unknown degree to me our western culture has transformed this precious story about God into a common folklore.  Taking a most precious story about God’s love, hope, & grace -- and giving it a common place as if it was a mere children’s story.  This story is so much more than a mere children’s story.  It the Bible was read verse bye verse and not skimmed through it’s modern day rating would be “PG-13” if not “R”. What? Why? Battle’s, bloodshed, anger, hate, deception, love, reconciliation, unity, etc.... Honestly, if it was told / read within that light - IT’S CAPTIVATING!  However, at most churches it’s dumbed down, censored.... Why? I’m not sure...  

Okay, now what? - What comes next?  In the midst of my pondering, I hear the words of a trusted friend Richard Berry, “what’s the better question....” If I’m are attempting to take something that is common and make it precious again what questions do I need to ask and have answered?

How did this happened?  

That good - but I think there is a better question.

How can we not allow precious things to become common?  

That’s also great question.

What was God’s purpose in sending His son?

Now that’s a question worth exploring! What was God’s purpose in sending His son?

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.” - John 3:16-17

“Not to perish” it not merely physical death as we think of it.  The greek text communicates a much bigger picture.  One the takes in a physical aspect of death but focuses on the aspect of eternal separation.  So that “to perish” or “to die” would accurately be interpreted as to be separated forever / eternally separated and “eternal life” would then also convoy a principle of eternally being with the one that supplies life. 

What answers to my question can I establish from this text?

God’s purpose in sending His son was for me:

• to not be eternally separate from Him (“not perish / die”)
• to be eternally with the giver or source of life.

Another text I need to look at in attempting to answer my question is: 

“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law & the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.” -Matthew 5:17

What is the Law or the Prophets?

The Law, is the whole body of the Mosaic legislation - 28+ laws are given through out the 1st five books of the bible (called the Torah) including the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:3-17 (look them up).

What answers to my question can I establish from this text?

-God’s purpose in sending His son was for us to fulfill the Law & the Prophets; so that, we would not have to be conscious of our failure to keep God’s commands.  

So, why is it important to us that Christ fulfilled the Law?

-Because the Law demands for me to make a payment for each law or command I’ve broken and face the terrible consequences wrath of God -- possibly eternal separation from Him. 

-In modern terminology for not honoring God, would be translated - “breaking the law” or “sin”

James 4:17 defines “sin” as “to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

Romans 3:23 states, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” 

As an individual I live by the gracious judgment of God declared from heaven, so the sentence of the Law is overruled and reversed. “He that believe on the Son has eternal life” -John 3:36.

Once the Gospel has been received by an individual and they discover an eternal peace from death and the terrors of hell, the Spirit’s influence is felt.  By no means am I saying that I will stop wrestling with the issues life tosses at us.  It’s through the issues that God preciously invites me into a genuine growing relationship - one that involves all the ups, downs, and aspects of a relationship.  Its through my relationship with Him that His Law begins to live in mankind’s heart; I begin to loves it, delight in it.  It’s through the point relationship that Eternal life begins here, and continues as I journey through out this life.

APPLICATION

When I open God’s word I often need to take the “Perspective” of a student sitting at the feet & learning from master teachers - struggling to not allow their voices to fall on deaf ears - fighting to not allow God’s word become “common story” when it holds a key with eternal significance. What can I walk away with?

A question. A daily challenge.  How am I going to make my relationship with God “Precious” / “Valued” verses just another common thing I do? 

PRAYER 

I’m amazing at the simplicity and priceless work You accomplished on the Cross.  Thank you, for speaking directly to me as I choose to sit at Your feet - thank you for empowering me (us) with the incredible gift of “freewill.” Help me daily aline my heart, my mind, and my life to You - Jesus.  Help me make time for that which is most important - TIME W/ YOU.  Continue to refine and guidance my heart & mind - thank you for being a God that daily gives me great life lessons. Honestly, YOUR word is one of the most difficult books to read and at the same time the MOST REWARDING - Thanks. - Trevor

Authentic vs Pretentious Living Requires Listening & Responding

Today’s reading: Psalm 81 NASB
SCRIPTURE  Authentic vs Pretentious
“....He will established it for a testimony in Joseph when he went throughout the land of Egypt.  I heard a language that i did not know; “I relieved his shoulder of the burden, his hands were freed from the basket.  You called in trouble and I rescued you....I, the Lord, am your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide and I will fill it.” -Psalm 81:5-6,10 NASB

“.... but my people did not listen to My voice, and Israel did not obey Me. So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart, to walk in their own devices. Oh that My people would listen to Me.  That they would walk in My ways!.... Those who hate the Lord would pretend obedience to Him and their time of punishment would be forever.  But I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.....” -Psalm 81:11-13 // 15-16 NASB

OBSERVATION
Psalm 81 is consider to be one of the twelve Psalms of Asaph.The Psalms of Asaph (לְאָסָף) were composed in the northern territories of Israel during Biblical times. They underwent some redaction after 722 BC, but appear to have been intact by the post-exilic period. The origin and identity of the person of Asaph is ambiguous, and it is difficult to know whether or not there was an identifiable progenitor for this family name. The Asaphite priests had a pre-exilic role to provide musically-based or induced prophecy, and a post-exilic role singing praise to God.
As I read this Psalm 81 verses 5-6,10-13, & 15-16 stood out in the midst of a key principle of Listening: Comprehension vs. Hearing appeared.
Let’s go, Psalm 81:5-6,
Here, I found the Psalmist referencing how God established Joseph’s testimony (life’s story).  Joseph went from a brother to an out cast - from a slave to ruler.  As I attempt to engage the text, I find myself attempting picture Joseph’s circumstances.  Emotionally broken (sold into slavery by his own brothers), physically weary (traveled hundreds of miles by foot with little nourishment or care), and mentally challenged (struggled to learn the Egyptian language).  How many times did Joseph call out to God?  How long did Joseph pray before God answered? ....before Joseph’s burdens were lifted? ...before his hands were freed? 
To often I picture God’s relief coming immediately.  To often I visual God swooping down like SUPERMAN “to save the day” within the moment.  The truth - God provides relief within His timeframe and not mine.  Why? I don’t know.  No matter the timeline - the end result speaks loudly as God did bring Joseph up from the land of Egypt - and God will save me.
Let’s go, Psalm 81:11-13 // 15-16,
Between verses 10 and 11, I came across an interesting grammatical transition.  What?  From a focus on Joseph moving to a focus on the nation of Israel as a whole.  This is noted in the following grammatical phrases, “My people,” “My voice,” “Israel,” and “Me.”  Wow!  The Psalmist is paralleling Joseph’s life and the National of Israel within a ‘real-time’ comparison.
Within Psalm 81:11-13 and 15-16 a few key phrase stand out,
“My people (Israel) did not listen to My voice....” -vs 11
“Israel (my people) did not obey Me.” - vs 11
Then what happened?

“So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart, to walk in their own devices.” - 12

Wow, this sounds a bit like a few sections of my life’s story!  Respectable guidance from my dad, a close mentor, an old friend, and what do I do... not listen!  What are the results of not listening?  Discovering things through consequences / the hard way.

Let’s continue in Psalm 81,
“Oh that My people would listen to Me.  That they would walk in My ways!” -vs 13.  As I read these words my heart broke and my mind honed in as I related to God’s heart ache as a father.... as I once again got a glimpse of what I took my father through....

The Psalmist concludes by saying, “Those who hate the Lord would pretend obedience to Him and their time of punishment would be forever.  But I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.....” -vs 15-16.  “....pretend obedience....” According to Wikipedia “A pretender is one who claims entitlement to an unavailable position of honour or rank. The original meaning of the English word pretend, from the French word prétendre (from the Latin prae-tendo lit. "to stretch out before" means "to put forward, to profess or claim"; this predates today's more common English meaning of "pretend", which is to claim falsely.”

....I’ve “pretended obedience” to God. Why?  I choice self gratification over God’s guidance.
When did I realize I was “pretending obedience” to God?  I knew it from the moment I mentally made the decision. When I choose to sin - I choose to enter a state of “pretending obedience.”

During that season, God allowed me to see things (in my life) which made me sick to my stomach!

APPLICATION
The importance of daily interactions with God via reading the Bible.
Reading (check). 
Listening & responding (Importance of slowing down and writing out my thoughts / interaction with the text via observations / applications).
As I allow God’s word (the Bible) to read me it keeps me Authentic vs Pretentious.

PRAYER
Jesus, once again, I’m amazing at the simplicity and priceless work You accomplished on the Cross.  Thank you, for speaking directly to the culture / time when you walked the earth - thank you for empowering me (us) with the incredible gift of “freewill.” Help me daily aline my heart, my mind, and my life to You - Jesus.  Help me make time for that which is most important - TIME W/ YOU.  Continue to refine and guidance my heart & mind - thank you for being a God that daily gives me great life lessons. ThankYOU. - Trevor

Helpful links in overcoming “pretentious living”: www.xxxchurch.com, www.x3pure.com, www.x3watch.com, www.relevantmagazine.com, http://developer.enewhope.org/api/bible.php

A Lesson From Apocalyptic Literature: .... .... ....

Today’s reading: Revelation 3:19-22 NASB

SCRIPTURE

¹⁰ Since you have kept my command to endure patiently....” -Revelation 3:10 NIV

“¹⁹ Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. ²⁰ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. ²¹ To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. ²² Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” -Revelation 3:19-22 NIV

OBSERVATION

The Book of Revelation is the final book of the New Testament. The title came into usage from the first word of the book in Koine Greek: apokalupsis, meaning "unveiling" or "revelation" (an interesting historical side point: the author himself did not provided the title). It is also known as the Book of the Revelation of Saint John the Divine or the Apocalypse of John, (both in reference to its author) or the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ (in reference to its opening line) or simply Revelation, (often dubbed "Revelations" in contrast to the singular in the original Koine) or the Apocalypse. The word "apocalypse" is also used for other works of a similar nature, and the genre is known as apocalyptic literature. Such literature is "marked by distinctive literary features, particularly prediction of future events and accounts of visionary experiences or journeys to heaven, often involving vivid symbolism." The Book of Revelation is the only apocalyptic document in the New Testament canon, though there are short apocalyptic passages in various places in the Gospels and the Epistles.  Revelation brings together the worlds of heaven, earth, and hell in a final confrontation between the forces of good and evil. Its characters and images are both real and symbolic, spiritual and material. Revelation's cryptic nature makes the book a source of controversy among scholars who try to interpret its meaning and its message. Nevertheless, it has not only endured, but captured the imagination of generations of Bible students, both professional and lay readers alike. The author, named John, has traditionally been identified with John the Apostle, to whom the Gospel of John is also attributed. Historical-critical scholars, however, generally conclude that the author did not also write the Gospel of John. Most scholars think that Revelation was written near the end of the 1st century.

Almost every time, I read this finial book of the New Testament: Revelation.  I pause and pray.... ....  Why? The material, symbolism, and confrontation between good and evil are enchanting!  The text of Revelation enthralls, engrosses, and almost hypnotizes my mind with questions and fascination - that’s why I pause and pray.  I need God to guide and direct me.  I need Him to keep me from going down a miscellaneous rabbit trail - this is where Revelation 3:10 & 19-22 stood out.  Scripture interprets Scripture: A.K.A. What within Revelation symbolism verifies God’s Word?   

¹⁰ Since you have kept my command to endure patiently....” -Revelation 3:10 NIV

“¹⁹ Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. ²⁰ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. ²¹ To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. ²² Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” -Revelation 3:19-22 NIV

APPLICATION

1. “.... you have kept my command to endure patiently....” -Revelation 3:10 NIV

• To holdfast to God’s commands with “post cross” ramifications:

1. “You (Trevor) shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” - Matthew 22:37 NASB
2. “You shall shall your neighbor as your yourself.” - Matthew 22:39 NASB
3. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28: 19-20

1. “endure patiently....” - Revelation 3:10 NIV

1.  ³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ⁵ For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. ⁶ If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. ⁷ And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. ⁸ We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters,^[a^] about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. ⁹ Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. ¹⁰ He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, ¹¹ as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. ¹² Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity^[b^] and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace. ¹³ For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, ¹⁴ as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.” - 1 Corinthians 1:3-14 NIV

1. “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” -Revelation 3:19

• Scripture interprets Scripture: A.K.A. What within Revelation symbolism verifies God’s Word? 

1.  “⁴ In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. ⁵ And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
      and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
   ⁶ because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
      and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” ⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? ⁸ If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. ⁹ Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! ¹⁰ They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. ¹¹ No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” - Hebrews 12:4-11

PRAYER 

Jesus, thank you for taking the time to speak to my heart & engage my mind.  I find myself grateful that you meet me where I’m at.  I’m amazing at the simplicity and priceless work You accomplished on the Cross.  Thank you for speak directly to my heart.  It seems that as I slow down to read Your read - it reads me.  Help me daily make time for that which is most important - TIME W/ YOU.  Continue to refine and guidance my heart & mind - thank you for being a God that daily gives me great life lessons. ThankYOU. - Trevor

“¹ Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we^[a^] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we^[b^] boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we^[c^] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

 ⁶ You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹ Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! ¹⁰ For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! ¹¹ Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” -Romans 5:1-11

Cultural Relevance & Faith

Why does faith seem to miss the mark, when it come "cultural surges.”  

First things first, let’s discover what a “cultural surge” is.  

According to Wikipedia the term “cultural” is, 

1. relating to the ideas, customs, and/or social behavior of a society

and the word “surge” would be defined as,

1. a sudden powerful forward or upward movement by a crowd or by a natural force such as the waves, or,
2. a sudden large increase, typically a brief one that happens during an otherwise stable or quiescent period.

This defining the term “cultural surge” as the idea, custom, and/or social behavior seen within a power forward or upward movement by a crowd.

From an early age triathlons captured my attention.  Why?  Why not?!? The sport embraces the ongoing element of change positively; while, breaking through physical, mental, and emotional limits!  Have you not seen the Ford Ironman Triathlon Championship and not been inspired?  It’s not just about how hard I can hit something, how fast I can do, or if I can handle it - the world of a triathlon embraces a variety of aspects.  Changing disciplines, transitions, and environments.  It is multi-sport event involving the completion of three continuous and sequential endurance events. While many variations of the sport exist, triathlon, in its most popular form, involves swimming, cycling, and running in immediate succession over various distances. Triathletes compete for fastest overall course completion time, including timed "transitions" between the individual swim, bike, and run components.  

I remember my first Sprint Distance Triathlon. I had been inspired and encouraged by my brother “Rock,” a friend Jordan Schick, and the Ironman Championship to pursue a dream.  I showed up and was intimidated by the environment—two elite Ironman athlete's were recognized, about a dozen professionals stepped forward (all riding top of the line time trial bikes), and then in the midst of my feeling small I found comfort in seeing other “weekend warriors” alongside me.  Yes, I had completed my training, but had very little concept of what the triathlon race culture was all about.  After several hours, three triathlons, and continuing to engage within the triathlon community my eyes began to see other’s overwhelmed, fearful, and hesitant as they joined this “cultural surge.”

Lance Armstrong said, “If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to adapt and hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or Fight Like Hell.”

Change and growth create life; while, mediocrity and complacency eventually bring death.

John Dickson from Sydney, Australia spoke at the 2011 Willow Creek Leadership Summit.  He academically touched on two historical aspects of the church: 1) Change. 2) Cultural Surges.  His discussion was based around the principle that “a leadership’s strongest tool is humility,” he continues to say, “it intensifies credibility.” Although change and cultural surges were sub-points of Mr. Dickson discussion, it got me thinking though the implications of those elements.

Why not capture both: Cultural surges / current style; while, embrace tradition and authenticity?

Okay.  What did Jesus do?

Jesus broke all kinds of traditions while embracing individuals right where they were at through-out Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  We see Jesus embracing cultural surges (social philosophy within diverse groups) and challenging tradition in order to make God known.

I will admit that some of my own personal decisions have been in reaction to cultural influences - what’s wrong with that - and honestly who hasn’t made a decision based on a cultural influence?  Have you ever consumed a bottled product? 

What if Jesus cared so much about people that He was willing to reach them right where they are (couch, clubs, movies, business, media, internet, classroom, etc...)? 

Was Jesus focus more about building a big church or building big people?  

People sometimes assume that I’m a progressive 30-year-old who enjoys to push back just for the reaction, that I must want a super-hip church—which boasts “an awesome worship experience,” a fair-trade coffee bar, its own iPhone app, and I look like a Jonas brother.  Ya, some of that maybe true; however, it all underlined by a desire for people to genuinely know & follow Jesus. 

While none of these features are inherently wrong (and can of course be used by good people to do good things), these days I find myself longing for a church with a social relevant factor of about 7.

That’s right.

I want a church desire to be apart of a church where the term, “come as you are” is truth.  I desire to be apart of a church that’s socially relevant where individuals are transformed as they cultivate a genuine relationship with God. 

Does that mean the Gospel story is always accompanied by a fog machine and light show.  No, but it can be.  

Why do so many church desire to be part of an “uncool” / “socially un-relevant” disconnected church?  

Some reply that, “they want to be part of a community that shares the reputation of Jesus. To not be of the world.” Like it or not, Jesus’ invested his time and energy into people.  Meaning he went after people: CEO’s and unemployed - misfits and scholars - broken and healthy.

Why not follow in the footsteps of Jesus verses swing to one side of the pendulum or the other.  Let’s be like Jesus relevantly - connecting with people right where they are within their culture and stop the friendly fire.  Honestly, one person maybe distracted while another is engaged - one maybe inspired while another is overwhelmed - at my first triathlon their was probably both in the crowd.

Some of us wear our brokenness on the inside, others on the outside and Jesus see’s our heart.

We’re all in need of Him.

We’re all in need of a Savior.

So let’s be people who are the church - outside and inside a building - where the good new is proclaimed in such a way that those who are far from God draw near and those that are mature followers of Christ are being transformed through a genuine relationship with Jesus.  Why?  Because cultural relevance and faith go hand in hand.

Cultural Relevance & Faith by Trevor L Drinen

A Sons Prayer

Today’s reading: John 17 NASB
SCRIPTURE
“....I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” -John 17:20-21 NASB

OBSERVATION
As I read Jesus’ prayer this morning - I visualized an intimate conversation between a Son and a Father about me (us).  This morning, I find myself once again honestly amazed at the love Jesus has for me (us)!

“I (Jesus Christ / God’s Son) have made Your (God) name know to them (me / you / humanity), and will make it known, so that, the love with which You (God) loved Me (Jesus Christ / God’s Son) may be in them (humanity), and I in them.” - John 17:26

Jesus wants me to know & experience un-tampered, un-twisted - genuine pure love!  Not only does Jesus want me to know & experience it - He desires to this love to “be in” me!

Questions?
1) Why was this particular prayer recorded / documented and not others?
I don’t know. How could every single prayer Jesus said be recorded?

2) How is this prayer relevant to me today?
An individual(s) (God & Jesus) heart reviled through a relational conversation.

“.... to all (humanity: you & me) whom You (God) have given Him (Jesus Christ / God’s son), He (Jesus Christ / God’s son) may give eternal life.” - John 17:2 NASB

3)  What is eternal life according to the text?
“This is eternal life, that they (humanity: you & me) may know You (God), the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You (God) have sent.” - John 17:3 NASB

Bottom line: Eternal life is ‘knowing God.’

4) How does Jesus “give eternal life”?
“I (Jesus Christ / God’s son) glorified You (God) on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do.” - John 17:4 NASB
Jesus accomplished his assignment from God daily & through his death.
Daily: 1) Obedience established through a genuine relationship / love.
Through his death: 1) Fulfillment of Old Testament. 2) Establishment of New Way.
What is this “New Way”?
Grace based faith mixed with obedience founded through relationship / love.

5) How is does Jesus communicate “eternal life” to others?
“.... the words which You (God) gave Me (Jesus Christ / God’s son) I have given to them; and they received them & truly understood that I came forth from You, & they believed that You sent Me.” - John 17:8 NASB
First, Jesus learns from God.
Then Jesus communicates things verbally to others.  A.K.A. Shares HIs knowledge via life.

APPLICATION
This morning, I find myself reminded of the importance of slowing down to listen.  Allowing God’s word to read me verse merely checking it off my “to do” list. 

Why is it important to slow down?
Time is a critical element in listening to a story, processing a story, responding to a story, and effectively communication a story to another.

Is my time with God priority / valued?
Where do I spend my time?  Where is my money being spent?

PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for taking the time to speak to my heart & engage my mind.  I find myself grateful that you meet me where I’m at.  That you speak directly to my heart & situation.  It seems that as I slow down to read Your read - it reads me.  Help me daily make time for that which is most important - TIME W/ YOU.  So that, You can refine and guidance my heart & mind. Thanks G. - Trevor

Questions in the midst of pain

Today’s reading: John 11 NIV

SCRIPTURE

“When Mary arrived & saw Jesus, she fell at his feet & said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” - John 11:32

OBSERVATION

The situation was not looking very promising for a man by the name of Lazarus. He was ill, & there were no doctors, treatments, or medicine that could remedy his ailments. It appeared as though his condition was worsening, & it was only a matter of time before this sickness would ultimately take his life. 

His two sisters, Mary & Martha, had seen Jesus heal others, so they sent word to him in hopes that something could be done. I’m sure that in this urgent situation they hoped Jesus would drop everything he was doing & come to Lazarus’ aid immediately, but we find him staying where he was for two more days. 

Didn’t Jesus care? Didn’t Jesus value Lazarus? Why would he delay? Doesn’t he realize the urgency of the situation? 

Lazarus died before Jesus returned to Judea, & Mary & Martha were devastated. From their perspective, it appeared as though Jesus had failed them, as all their eyes could see was Lazarus’ death, all their ears could hear was the absence of his voice, & all their hearts could feel was the hurt & pain of their loss. 

We find Mary responding, as I would have.... in the midst of pain - questioning, hurting, & frustrated. 

I thought you cared? I thought you considered him a friend? Why did you delay coming?  Why did you allow this bad thing to happen? 

Mary saw an insurmountable obstacle, & Jesus saw an impending opportunity to bring glory to God. Jesus, the Giver of Life, entered the tomb that had held Lazarus’ dead body for 4 days, called out to him, & Lazarus rose in life & strength. The on-lookers encountered the Divine that day, & many believed, transforming their eternities.

APPLICATION

Have you ever had questions in the midst of pain?  Have you ever questioned God? 

I know I have. 

There have been times of heartache where I’ve asked God “WHY!?”, times of disappointment where I’ve questioned His plan, & times of frustration where I’ve questioned His timing. 

It’s human nature to allow what we see with our eyes & the emotions of our heart to dictate our perspective. Which ultimate breeds doubt & fear. 

God had a perfect plan far greater than what Mary & Martha understood.  This plan was founded on flawless wisdom & outside two sisters optimal timing. 

Last night was able to watch the movie “The Soul Surfer”.  The movie tells the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a teenage girl with a love of surfing in her heart & a passion for God in her soul. Following a devastating shark attack, her arm was lost. She would live, but life would never be the same. The tasks which were once effortless now seemed impossible, & she found herself having troubles peeling an orange.  Bethany eventually hit bottom emotionally & started asking difficult questions.  “Why God would allow this to happen?” “If He works all things for good - where is ‘good’ in her loosing her arm?” The pastor shared that she didn’t know his plan.  

Bethany persevered & has won a junior surfing championship & been used by God to inspire millions of people. 

Why would God allow this to happen? 

John 11:4 gives us a hint, “…it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” God receives great glory when his children stand in faith & obedience in the face of difficult circumstances. 

My default should be trusting our God who is in control of everything, which breeds hope & joy. He is more than able to handle any, & every, circumstance that I’m. Beyond that, He is love, & He cares for me more than I will ever comprehend. 

We serve a God who is worthy of our faith & trust, as His plans are perfect, His wisdom is flawless, & His timing is optimal at all times! Because of this, I will choose to stand in hope & trust no matter what comes my way.

PRAYER 

Jesus, despite my confusion, my frustration, my anger I find myself grateful that you meet me where I’m at.  For the last few years, I’ve felt as if I wiped out surfing and was caught underneath the wave - tumbling - flighting - bouncing off the ocean floor. God, help me relax & trust... Help me float to the surface & paddle out once again to boldly ride a wave once again.  - Trevor

Anger & Stones Require A Response

Today’s reading: John 10 NIV
SCRIPTURE
“.... picked up stones to stone him.” -John 10:31 NIV

OBSERVATION
As I visualize this setting - I see a group of local church members emotionally moved to the point of physical aggression over a statement. 

Why were these individuals angered to the point of possible murder? 

33 “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”

Jesus replied to them, “Why do you accuse me of blasphemy? Because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? 37 Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. 38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”

Why, are religious individuals so quick to take up arms?  Why, is it that religious individuals are often the quickest to unleash judgement?  Why, are these individuals so closed off to Jesus’ words? 

What is Jesus physical response in the midst of a heated situation?

”39 he escaped their grasp. 40 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, 41 and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” 42 And in that place many believed in Jesus.” - John 10:39-42
APPLICATION
God what do You want me walk away with?

Discussions with closed minded religious individuals are not beneficial (which I can not exclude myself f/ being).
Be mindful of people’s statements & body language within communication.
Wisely choose your battles.
Know when to withdraw.

Sometimes I’m so right I’m wrong.
Always be willing to learn.
Ask good questions (internally & externally).
Internally:
Why is it so important to prove my point?
Why am I so angered by these responses / questions / statements?
Externally (listening, processing, & responding):
Listening - The most important apart of being able to ask a good question.
Processing - Seeing things from their perspective & then forming a question.
Responding - Not out of an emotional state, but in response to the question at hand.
God is still God no matter how the discussion ends.

PRAYER
Jesus, I find myself grateful that you meet me where I’m at.  That you speak directly to my heart & situation.  It seems that as I slow down to read Your read - it reads me.  Help me daily make time for that which is most important - TIME W/ YOU.  So that, You can refine and guidance my heart & mind. Thank you for surrounding me with a few key individuals over the past several years (Aaron O., Brett H., Kiha P., Ben H., Pastor Wayne C) to assist me in processing Your truth in the midst of it being hard to hear. Thanks G. - Trevor