Invitation to a Changed Life

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Luke 5 (click the link)


REFLECTIONS:
Levi gave a large dinner at his home for Jesus. Everybody was there, tax men and other disreputable characters as guests at the dinner. The Pharisees and their religion scholars came to his disciples greatly offended. “What is he doing eating and drinking with crooks and ‘sinners’?”

Jesus heard about it and spoke up, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting outsiders, not insiders—an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out.” (Luke 5:29-32, The Message)

This whole chapter is about what happens when Jesus introduces himself to people. Awe, repentance redemption and rejection are seen clearly in its pages. Envision it with me…


Peter
The opening scene has Jesus backed up to a lake with crowds pushing in to hear the word of God. So he gets into Simon’s boat and asks him to put out a little bit further from the shore, and he begins to speak, letting his words bounce up to those seated around him in the natural amphitheater at hand. 

When he is done teaching, he tells Simon to push out into deeper water and let his nets out for a catch. This is interesting to me, because Jesus is paying attention to the practical needs of those around him. He noticed the fishermen cleaning and putting away their empty nets before he started teaching, and I think he wants to bless Simon for letting him use his boat, and also show Simon a little of who He is. Simon is tired from fishing hard all night. He knows there is nothing out there. But something about Jesus makes Simon give it a shot—he pushes out, lowers the nets, and his boat starts to sink from the huge catch. He beckons over the other boat, and they are both filled to the brim.

What is it that captures a fisherman’s heart? Two boat loads of fish in waters that he knows were empty. We don’t know Peter’s situation. Maybe he was worried about provision for his family. Maybe he just wanted to get ahead a little. But now he is faced with a situation that defies logic, that he just can’t chalk up to luck. Jesus said, “Go,” Peter said, “if you say so,” and now there are fish everywhere. Peter falls to his knees and says, “‘Master, leave. I’m a sinner and can’t handle this holiness. Leave me to myself.’ When they pulled in that catch of fish, awe overwhelmed Simon and everyone with him… Jesus said to Simon, ‘There is nothing to fear. From now on you’ll be fishing for men and women.’ They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed him.” (MSG)

This is amazing. It’s not Jesus’ teaching that moves Peter to awe. Jesus reaches in and touches Peter right where he lives. In the beautiful light of Jesus’ lordship over the things he created, Peter sees himself as he really is: sinful, and worthy of abandonment. Imagine Peter’s joy when Jesus invites him into a different kind of life, where he can fish all day long for men and women in the kingdom of heaven, where he can be with Jesus always.


The Leper
Next we have a villager who is covered with a skin disease. In this time he would have been thought of as not only physically unclean, but spiritually unclean as well. This is a man who has not been allowed to worship for the duration of his illness, because his skin screams to all, “Don’t let me touch you, it would defile you! Unclean! Unclean!”  This is a man who has not been touched by anyone since his flesh began to rot away. Yet he has the courage to say to Jesus, “‘If you want to, you can cleanse me.’ Jesus put out his hand, touched him, and said, ‘I want to. Be clean.’ Then and there his skin was smooth, the leprosy gone.”(MSG)  Jesus could have kept his distance here. The man just wants to get healed. But Jesus wants to heal him of all the spiritual abuse he has received because of his illness. He wants to reach into his heart and gently wash away the wounds of rejection, shame, and all the other rotting things in his heart. Jesus, a rabbi, touches him. And the message to us is that if he can be touched and cleansed, anyone can. Even me. Even you.


Paraplegic Man
We all know this story. Jesus is teaching, the religious leaders have come from far and wide. The scriptures tell us that the healing power of God was on Jesus that day. That to me reinforces the idea that he is fully human in this moment, relying on God alone for any power to heal (like we have too). He also had to withdraw to out-of-the-way places to pray, like we do.

So he is sitting there when the friends of this man lower him through the roof, impressing him with their belief in action. I think if I were in his shoes, and the healing power of the Lord was on me, I would have taken one look at this guy and assumed that what he needed was to be physically healed. But Jesus sees what’s what, and knows that this guy’s heart needs attention. The most important, most desperate need this man has, is a need for forgiveness. So Jesus forgives his sins.

Cue the grumbling of the religious ones. “Blasphemy!” “How dare you!” 

“This is how I dare, says Jesus. This is what I do. I forgive sins. But so you can see with your own eyes that I have a right to do this, get up and walk!” If I were directing this scene, I would have had Jesus yell this part dramatically.  Who knows how it happened. All I know is that Jesus is comfortable living and breathing and moving in the authority he owned. And the people who witnessed this were awestruck. This man’s real life was changed the moment his sins were forgiven. I think the physical healing was the icing on the cake. And the religious leaders even got what they needed. They needed to see the truth in action. They too were invited on this day into a changed life—but many of them exercised their right to say, “No, thank you.”


Levi
Next we see Levi, a Jew, who is collecting taxes from the Jews for the Roman government. We know that these people were seen as traitors to their own people. We also know that corruption was widespread and that many of these people took more than the government was asking for to line their own pockets with. Levi knows he can’t come back from this socially, or spiritually. Then Jesus walks up and says to Levi, “Come along with me.”  A simple scene, straightforward, Levi at work, Jesus says just a few words. But think about it. Jesus is a rabbi. There is a buzz about him and crowds following him wherever he goes. There is something special about him and everyone knows it. Levi has probably lost most of his Jewish friends. He has probably been gossiped about, hated, shunned and rejected for working with the enemy. So for Jesus to walk up and invite Levi into his fold of disciples is extraordinary, and it did something to Levi’s heart. Scripture tells us he walked away from everything and went with Jesus.

Later Levi gives a big dinner at his home for Jesus and invites other tax men and disreputable characters, which offends the religious leaders. What kind of rabbi eats and drinks with crooks and sinners?

The kind that invites the outsiders, all of us really, into a changed life. Changed inside and out.


PRAYER:
Jesus, let us see you as you are, so we can see ourselves as we are, desperately in need of you. Fill us with awe in your presence. Touch us where we live so we can hear the invitation to the different life that is your kingdom on the earth. 


WHO AM I
I am Suzanne Zucca, and I identify with the outsiders.

It's Customary

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Luke 4 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. (Luke 4:16, NASB)


THE BIG IDEA:
After Jesus is baptized and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in chapter 3, chapter 4 begins with Jesus leaving the Jordan and going into the wilderness for 40 days. The devil tempts Jesus three times: once in the desert; once “up” to view the kingdoms of the world; and once at the pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem.  With each temptation Jesus answers with scripture from the law in Deuteronomy. After Jesus is tempted by the devil the third time and Jesus turns away from the temptation, the devil departs from Jesus. Jesus leaves the pinnacle of the temple and returns to Galilee… to His earthly homeland (the kid in me still wonders how Jesus got down from the pinnacle after the devil left Him “up” there, but I decided years ago that when there is a will there is a way and God can provide the way).


REFLECTIONS:
I am struck by where Dr. Luke, the detail guy, tells us Jesus goes first after being tempted by Satan… to the synagogues in Galilee to teach. Word traveled fast and Jesus was praised by all (verse15).

Even during Jesus’ time when there was disagreement and corruption in the synagogues, scripture was still read, the goers could still rely on the readings each and every Sabbath. Everyone entering any synagogue knew they would hear and receive the customary order of service at synagogue:

1. The Shema “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4)
2. Prayers and receive a blessing from the priest
3. The reading of the Law from the Torah scrolls by the high priest
4. The Haftarah, the reading of the prophets from the scrolls—usually read by someone from the synagogue community
5. A sermon or teaching related to the Haftarah—usually by someone from the synagogue community
6. The Priestly blessing “May the Lord Bless you and keep you…” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Jesus entered the synagogue in Nazareth, as was His custom even after being led through the wilderness for 40 days, denouncing great temptation, traveling, and teaching in neighboring communities.

Jesus is part of the Sabbath prayer service on this day at synagogue. He is handed the scrolls to read from Isaiah: 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,

Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.

He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives,

And recovery of sight to the blind,

To set free those who are oppressed,

To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” (verses 18-19)

It seems so much of what Jesus did and continues to do through the Holy Spirit is His custom because He knows His Father and desires to be in constant contact with Him.  Jesus knew the scriptures of the law deep within Himself because it was His custom to know. He could fend off the devil with each temptation. He knew the responses that God had provided long ago. His hometown synagogue knew Him as well and when Jesus came home He was included in the Sabbath service. And as was customary, Jesus continued after the reading from the prophets (the Haftarah) to give the sermon… and a fiery sermon it was (that makes two June. If you missed June’s devo on chapter 3 Friday… check it out).

The testimony of another believer made a difference in my life. She explained how knowing the scriptures made a difference in hers: While on a retreat many, many years ago a pastor shared that each morning she reads scripture she delegated for that day along with a devotion relating to the scripture… sort of her own devo Haftarah if you will. Even on days when she doesn’t want to or doesn’t have time. Even if she hurries through it and doesn’t comprehend a thing she reads. She still reads. She shared it never fails, on the days when she is tempted to close the Bible and not read, that at some point during the day something would come up relating to the verses from her morning scripture. She said she now has the Word of the Lord available to her and it’s important. She has the scripture because she read it, and even if briefly, has pondered it. The Word stuck. It was her custom. 

PONDERINGS:

Lord, is it my custom to be in Your presence in ways that delight You?  Is it my custom to include prayer in all decisions?  Is it my custom to read, study and ponder Your Word… daily?  Is it my custom to rely on You in the face of temptation?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for not having the custom of You in all things I do, say and think. Thank You Lord for the example of Your son. Thank You for your mercy and grace.

WHO AM I

Recently I was in the Deep South for my aunt’s memorial service. I had forgotten some of the customs of the Deep South—of my “homeland.” A waitress calling me Suga Baby, the gentleman at the gas station calling me darlin’, wearing hose to a funeral no matter how steaming hot it is, sweet cheek kisses, a r-e-a-l-l-y  s-l-o-w, thick drawl, fried everything, comfort of extended family, kudzo, and dangling Spanish moss so low you can grab it.  Be blessed y’all, Gayle. 

The Fiery Beginning

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Luke 3 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘ We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.” (Luke 3:7-8, NASB)

And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.” And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:10-14, NASB)


REFLECTIONS:
I would have to say in all my MANY, MANY (LOL) years of life I have heard some pretty strong sermons about repentance and a few “hellfire” prophetic types.  I have heard people quote the phrase “you brood of vipers” from this passage, but I have never heard anyone ACTUALLY identify a group of people with this phrase.  So for John the Baptist to address the crowd this way must have been daunting.  If I had been there to hear it, I think that probably my first thought would be “I’m out of here,” and yet the FIRST sermon that John the Baptist preaches is THIS.

I know enough about the Word to know when you see a FIRST thing in the Bible that you need to pay attention.  SOOO… Why does this sermon bother me so much?  I think to steal a line from Jack Nicholson, most people (myself included), “Can’t handle the Truth.”  It always convicts and that is uncomfortable.  Americans and I would venture to guess, most people, don’t want to be uncomfortable.

I think it also says something about our arrogance when confronted by God.  I don’t want to THINK that I am arrogant, but it really does boil down to that.  If the greatest preacher of all time (Jesus said John was the greatest among men) nailed down how to enter the Kingdom of God, and I reject it as archaic, or too over the top… then that says that I know better than God.  Arrogance.   There it is.  I am arrogant and I need to have Jesus change my heart.

These passages go on and continue to dig farther into my heart.  Of all the subject matter that John could have chosen, he settles on a few interesting things.  All of them have to do with our relationship to one another.  He says nothing about reverence to God or making him first or anything like that.  The way to pave the way for the Promised One and HIS Kingdom was to clean up your relationships with everyone around you, even ones who were casual acquaintances.  Here is a list of the items he pinpoints that need our repentance:

Share clothes
Share food
Don’t extort money from each other
Don’t say false things about others
Be content with what you have
Live in sexual purity

It struck me that these things are the basics for treating people with respect.  A verse comes to mind:  

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

I would like to interject a word also about UNITY… doing the verse above causes unity.  God likes unity in His children.  He moves in unity and shows up in unity.  He speaks with ONE voice.  These things bring that unity that is filled with power.

Another point that I would like to glean from Luke 3 is this: There is a price to pay for walking in Truth. John lost his head for the Truth (Matthew 14:1-12). Jesus lost his Life.  Why is Truth so hated?  It’s because it goes against the grain of our fallen state.  It reminds us that things are not just OK.  There is a moral code that God himself set up and he wants us to see mankind as the potential to bring his Kingdom into being, but in order to do so, CHANGE has to happen… and most people don’t want to take the time and effort it takes to push through to see the Kingdom come… right here, right now.  It will cost us something—time, convenience, clean houses, uninterrupted relaxation, money, family time.  What would happen if we just started saying the truth with a loving heart to everyone, and practice the things I listed above?  Maybe we would see the Kingdom of God come in Power.

POINT OF ACTION:

Look at your relationships with those around you.  Ask God what is needed from you to cause those relationships to be brought into the Kingdom of God.  You might want to begin construction in your heart to build bridges to others that have been burned in the past.  What about family?  Ask God what you can do or say to get that relationship back on track.

PRAYER:

Father, I ask you to send the Holy Spirit to come and convict my heart with the TRUTH.  Let your Kingdom come in my heart, in all my relationships; let your will be done in me as it is in Heaven.  I want to see the Kingdom of God established in the earth.  Start with me!

WHO AM I

I’m June Crier and I just want to say that I am praying for Pedernales River Fellowship.  That means YOU reading this.  I want to see the dynamic work of the Holy Spirit fulfilled in you.  I am so filled with anticipation as to what God will ultimately do in the midst of a surrendered people.  Why not us?  Why not now?

What Are Your Expectations?

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Luke 2 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (Luke 2:5-7, NIV)

Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 

 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:27-38, NIV)

REFLECTIONS:

My wife and others were recently able to visit what is believed by archeologists to be the actual site of Jesus’ birth place.  At the time of Jesus, this was the actual birthing place for the lambs that were raised specifically to be sacrificed to God at the temple.  The lambs, when birthed, were covered with these strips of cloth to keep them pure.  The shepherds were surprised when they saw a baby instead of a lamb in the birthing area wrapped with strips of cloth normally used to keep the lambs pure.  This site looks nothing like the manger scenes we see at Christmastime. It is not a wooden stable; it is dug into the ground.  The layout of the area where Jesus was born even models the layout of the temple.  There would have been no other animals like cows or oxen because that would have been considered unclean.  There weren’t inns back then, at least not how we think of them.  Visitors would stay with family members in guest quarters.  For Mary and Joseph’s family, the guest quarters were more like a cave that oversaw what could have possibly been the threshing floor that was in the story of Boaz and Ruth.  This is believed to belong to the house of David because of the emblem above the entrance to the cave.  When looking back at the Old Testament stories, everything ties together to support that this truly could be the place Jesus was born, making us have to adjust our preconceived expectations of what Christ’s birthplace looks like.

During the time of Jesus’ birth, everyone in Israel was waiting expectantly for the Messiah.  While most of the Jewish conversations had something to do with the coming Messiah, even King Herod’s palace was built overlooking this actual spot because the Messiah was prophesied to come from this place.  King Herod was planning to kill the Messiah before he could overthrow him.  Herod was expecting a great military leader with an army to overthrow his kingdom not a baby in a manager that was to be sacrificed at the temple for our sins.  The Jewish people thought God would restore Israel and make them the envy of every nation—a mighty nation overtaking other nations by might and force, just like the glory days of David.  They would overthrow the Romans and make all nations subservient to them.  It was all about national pride, control, being the envy of every nation because of their wealth and power, the big “I,” etc.  It was never about being “a light that will reveal salvation to the Gentiles” as shouted by Simeon in the temple.  I could see the Pharisees getting ready to stone Simeon for making the statement about bringing salvation to the Gentiles.  They were an unclean people and enemies of the Jews.  Israel did not want to bring the light and salvation to the Gentiles that were currently oppressing them, even though this was their calling from God at the very beginning.  Because of their worldly preconceived expectations of the Messiah, they actually missed what they were always seeking after.

Simeon and Anna knew Jesus was the Messiah because they were filled with the Holy Spirit and they did not retain any worldly, preconceived expectations of God; as did the Pharisees, Sadducees and most of the Jewish population.  Instead, Simeon and Anna came to the temple each day with an open heart of worship to God; only wanting a deeper relationship with and understanding of God.  Anna went and told everyone at the Temple (including all of the Pharisees, Sadducees and teachers of the Law) that the Messiah was Jesus Christ; however, the Jewish leaders did not receive the good news because of their preconceived expectations of the Messiah.

Some things never change.  Just like the times of Jesus, we have our own worldly preconceived expectations of God.  We try to place God in a box (i.e. what God should look like, how God should act, when God should act, where God should act, etc.).  Do we have an open heart of worship to God like Simeon and Anna, only wanting a deeper relationship and understanding of Him, to actually worship God from the depth of our whole heart?! Just as it was in Jesus' time, most of us come to church with our own worldly preconceived expectations of God. We only look to have our own wants and desires met by God.

POINT OF ACTION:

We have to let go of all our worldly preconceived expectations about God and allow the Holy Spirit to direct us on the things of God.  We have to become more like Simeon and Anna—seeking after God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.  We must come before God each day with an open heart of worship, desiring only a deeper relationship and understanding of God—that we may become the eyes, ears, hands, feet, and heart of God on earth in order to bring the good news of salvation to the world—including all of our enemies.  The amazing thing is this is what God wants for all of us.

PRAYER:

Dear Heavenly Father, mold us into the men and women who seek after you with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help us to let go of our preconceived expectations that come from our selfish desires. May we worship You with an open heart of sincere gratitude for all of the things You do for us each day.  Help us not expect anything in return from You except for a deeper relationship and understanding of You.  Enable us to carry out Your will on earth and to become useful in Your hands.  May we be Your light of salvation to everyone around us; even to our enemies all around the world. 

WHO AM I

I am Max Peeples. A man currently being refined by God so he can be better used by God for His will and purpose on earth.  A man who is married to a woman who seeks after God with all of her heart, soul, mind and strength.  My wife takes my breath away every time I see her. Here is a picture of my beautiful wife at the entrance of the guest quarters. 

Two Unplanned Pregnancies

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Luke 1 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” (Luke 1:18)

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34)


REFLECTIONS:
Since the day's reading is quite lengthy, I'll keep things short and sweet today.

Luke’s gospel tells of two announcements of two unplanned pregnancies. The situations were vastly different; the responses were very different too. Luke 1 is WAY too deep to communicate here all the awesome truth it contains, so I’ve hit some of the highlights. 

Different Settings (Luke 1:5-12; 26-29)—
Zechariah was one of 18,000 priests and served in the temple twice a year, but only once in his life would he get to assist in the daily offering by going into the holy place. On this day, he won the “lottery” and got to offer incense. Right in the middle of Zechariah’s religious activity before the whole nation in its religious center, Gabriel appeared to Zechariah. 

Five or six months later, in a small rural “truck stop” of a town in a region 45 to 85 miles north of Jerusalem, Gabriel again appeared, this time to Mary. We don’t know the exact setting, but it surely was vastly different from the temple in Jerusalem—a contrast between a very public setting and a very private one. Also note: Gabriel’s announcement was to John’s father, and to Jesus’ mother.

Similar Announcements (Luke 1:13-17; 30-33, 35-37)—
Gabriel told Zechariah that his prayer had been answered. Since Zechariah and his wife had given up on having children, his prayer was probably concerning his nation’s hope of a Messiah. Even so, having a child would fulfill a long-abandoned desire. So God was actually answering two requests at once—one national, the other personal. (Here’s a nice side-lesson for us—sometimes God’s answers to prayer come in surprising ways long after we’ve stopped praying them.) Gabriel’s announcement to Zechariah included the position, character and mission of the child. 

When Gabriel talked with Mary, the mood was very different. A simple calmness existed in the exchange between them. Gabriel’s announcement about Jesus included his position, his authority, and his divine ties. Note that whereas Gabriel said that Zechariah’s prayer was answered, he complimented Mary on her character and blessed position.

Different Responses (Luke 1:12, 18; 29, 34, 38)—
Zechariah’s initial startled reaction to the presence of an angel then moved to abject fear. He might have feared that he had done something wrong in administering the incense for the nation and that the angel was going to harm him. When Gabriel told Zechariah about the unplanned pregnancy, Zechariah’s response was very human—he knew that he and his wife were too old to conceive a child. Zechariah, as righteous as he was, needed to learn that God would do what he promised. Zechariah’s temporary deaf/mute condition, a judgment from God, allowed the priest time to reflect on what he needed to learn. 

Mary’s initial reaction to Gabriel wasn’t about his appearance, but his opening greeting. She had no idea if what he said was good news or not. After hearing Gabriel’s announcement, Mary’s response wasn’t disbelief, but she did wonder what would happen. Since she didn’t know how God was going to create a child within her, she asked, “How WILL this be?” (Not, “How CAN this be?” which is basically what Zechariah wondered.) Mary’s faithfulness and obedient nature are seen in her final statement to Gabriel, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”

The contrast between Zechariah’s and Mary’s responses to Gabriel’s announcement isn’t a contrast between good and bad. Both were godly people. We learn from them that we can encounter God anywhere, at any time, in any circumstance. We discover from them that fear, uncertainty and misunderstanding are natural—and that we should have faith in the One for whom nothing is impossible. We learn that God answers prayer, that he works in the miraculous and supernatural, and that sometimes he chooses an individual to work through.


PRAYER:
How often, Father, is my response to you similar to Zechariah's? You know the ways I try to put you in a box and limit you. You know the way I struggle to believe that all things are possible for you. I confess these things and ask that you might teach me to be more like Mary. I want to be the kind of person who naturally and easily responds: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”


WHO AM I
I am Tres Sansom and I love my siblings, Phillip and Natalie. My brother and his crew are part of the PRF family (they drive in from Buda almost every Sunday). He's a fantastic electrician, possesses a stuntman-like wild streak, can still quote all the lyrics to Sir Mix-A-Lot rap songs, and has a scar on the back of his head courtesy of his older brother. My sister and her family just recently moved back to Southern California. L She's a loving stay-at-home mom, possesses a contagious laugh, loves to dance like crazy to Michael Jackson songs, and has a special ability to love just about any dog alive.

Do the Right Thing

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Philemon (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account. (Philemon 1:18, NASB)


THE BIG IDEA:
(First let me say, while other writers of this daily devotional are charged with writing about one measly chapter, I’m given the MONUMENTAL task of writing about an entire book!!!  Granted, it’s only a one-chapter book, but hey, it’s still the whole book.  Sorry, I digress…)

This letter from Paul to Philemon is a personal request for clemency that Paul is making on behalf of Onesimus.  Onesimus was Philemon’s slave who escaped and ran away…a charge punishable by death should the slave’s owner choose to do so.  But this slave met Paul, believed on the Lord Jesus, and ministered effectively with Paul.  The problem is, Onesimus is guilty of a crime; and now Paul knows about it!  To make matters worse, this crime is committed against a friend of Paul’s, Philemon.  This puts everyone in a very difficult position; if Paul turns Onesimus in, he might be sentenced to torture or death.  If he doesn’t, he’s really betraying the trust of his buddy Philemon who’s out a worker.  So what’s the “right thing” to do here?


REFLECTIONS:
In this short letter, Paul accomplishes the “right thing.”  He acknowledges that Philemon has been wronged, and that as his true friend and brother, he has no right or claim to ask for Onesimus’ pardon.  However, he also informs Philemon that Onesimus has become “useful both to you and to me.”  Paul appeals to Philemon that he receive Onesimus back, not just as a slave, but as beloved brother as well.  So, we can read from this letter that Onesimus did the right thing, he confessed his “crime” to Paul in truth and honesty; Paul did the right thing too in sending Onesimus back, however with an eloquent letter asking that Onesimus’ wrong-doing be forgiven and put onto Paul’s “account.” In reading this letter, is there any doubt that Philemon did the right thing as well; forgiving Onesimus and receiving back much more than he lost…a brother instead of a slave?


POINT OF ACTION:
So what application does this really have for us here in 2012?  Well, we can certainly use this as an example of how to advocate for someone else who has need of assistance.  Paul is advocating for the guilty dude, Onesimus, with his friend Philemon.  You know, we have an advocate working for us as well!!  1 John 2:1 says: “And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”  Can you just picture yourself standing before the Father, who has before him a list of all your sins?  By rights, you are guilty and without excuse; but then Jesus stands up and says, “But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account”!!!!!  Jesus not only paid the price for our sins by going to the cross, He now has become our advocate before the Father.  Just as Onesimus could have been in BIG trouble before Philemon without Paul’s advocacy, we too would be lost and condemned without Jesus’ advocacy for us!!!  

Here’s one last thought.  Try and envision Onesimus walking into Philemon’s house after running away like he did.  I can see the look on Philemon’s face; anger, resentment, punishment, and judgment are written there.  Then Onesimus hands Philemon Paul’s letter and watches him read it.  In the brief time it takes to comprehend Paul’s message, Philemon’s face turns from anger and retribution to one of forgiveness, love, acceptance, and joy.  I can just see the two of them, tears running down their faces, embracing as brothers instead of slave and master.  The slave knowing he’s not worthy, and the master now looking on him in love.  Do think it will be anything like that when we stand before our Father in Heaven?   


PRAYER:
Thank you Jesus for being my advocate, I need it!!!


WHO AM I?
I’m Alan Wassel. Yes, that’s me on the top of that rock.  Lest you think I’m an accomplished climber, there was a little path up the back-side of this rock… an easy hike… and No, I didn’t dive into the water from there; there might have been sharks!!!  

The Bond of Prayer

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Colossians 4 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should… Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. (Colossians 4:2-4, 12-13, NIV)


REFLECTIONS:
Paul began his letter to the Colossians by telling them that he always thanked God for them and that he continuously prayed for their spiritual growth (1:3-14). Now, as he draws his letter to a close, he asks them to return the favor by praying for him.

Paul is the great apostle who has already been halfway around the northern Mediterranean, has preached the gospel and planted numerous churches, has been beaten and stoned and imprisoned for the gospel, has been the hero and the villain at various points in a dozen major cities. The Colossians, on the other hand, are relatively new believers in Christ. They are taking their early steps in the faith. They have many problems to face, many challenges to rise to, many dangers to avoid. How can Paul possibly ask the Colossians for help?

The truth is, no matter how senior or respected anyone is in the ministry of the gospel, they still need the prayers of the most apparently junior, humble, and insignificant believer. (Of course, in God's eyes, no Christian is more or less senior or junior, significant or insignificant, than any other.)

To ask the Colossians church to pray for him is to bind them to him with ties of mutual obligation. They have never seen him face to face; but once you have prayed for someone, and once you realize they are praying for you as well, a bond grows up, which creates a relationship of love and trust ahead of any personal contact. (Dorene gave evidence of this in her devotional last week.)

………

Paul's request for prayer indicates the way in which he continued to view his ministry, even though he remained in prison. As he thanked God in 1:3-8 that the word had done its work in Colossae, so he asks them to pray that the same will be true as he continues on with his ministry of speaking and writing. Paul can talk all he likes, but unless God opens the door for the word to go through—the door into peoples' innermost beings that leads not just to salvation but to transformation—he will simply be making a useless noise. 

Paul was under no illusions. He had learned that you can never take for granted that a door for the gospel would be opened. The door doesn't open automatically. What opens the door, again and again, is prayer.

………

Epaphras has been mentioned by Paul in this letter in 1:7-8 and in 4:12-13. Based on these two references, it seems that his home is in Colossae, but that he originally heard the gospel from Paul while on a visit to Ephesus. After becoming a believer and (we assume) receiving some training from Paul, he apparently became the evangelist responsible for announcing the gospel message to his own people. (How cool is that?) After some time in his hometown, it seems that he traveled back to Ephesus to be with Paul and has now, for a time, chosen to stay with the apostle. 

No matter the distance between Ephesus and Colossae, Epaphras has been hard at work on behalf of his fellow Colossian believers. How might he have been "working hard" on their behalf? By "always wrestling in prayer" for them and asking that God would strengthen them to grow to full maturity in Christ. Those devoted to prayer will most assuredly testify that it is hard work, and that it oftentimes feels like a wrestling match. Those familiar with a fruitful ministry or ministry filled with growing and mature believers, will also testify to the necessity of faithful prayer warriors.

………

Paul urges the Colossians to devote themselves to prayer, being ever watchful and thankful. Paul was a man completely devoted to a lifestyle of prayer. Similar to Jesus, he always set an example for others. The following passages are just a few of the many references in Paul's letters regarding the important place of prayer in his own ministry or the life of his fellow believers.

• God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times. (Romans 1:9-10)
• Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)
• I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. (Romans 15:30)
• For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. (Ephesians 1:15ff)
• And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:18)
• I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. (Philippians 1:3ff)
• Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
• For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you… (Colossians 1:9ff)
• We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. (1 Thessalonians 1:2)
• Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. (1 Thessalonians 3:10)
• Pray continually. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
• With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. (2 Thessalonians 1:11)
• I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people… (1Timothy 2:1ff)
• I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. (2 Timothy 1:3)

POINT OF ACTION:
As you may have gathered from the "detached" tone of this devotional, the topic of devotion to prayer is one of theory more than practice for me. I regret to say, that I oftentimes struggle to remain faithfully committed to prayer. Not many years ago, I could truthfully say without any pretense that I was devoted to prayer. After being inspired by the writings of E. M. Bounds, J. Hudson Taylor, George Mueller, and others, I began praying for literally hours a day for dozens of people and a whole variety of ministries. However, I eventually became more dedicated to Bible study as I went through seminary. After graduation, I had a lot more free time due to being employed part-time and still unmarried. After a while, I began making the most of this free time by committing myself to "traditional" methods of prayer and by experimenting in various methods of contemplative prayer. This was an exciting period of growth in my own life and in the ministries with which I was involved. However, I must confess that over the last few years I have been rather sporadic in my devotion to prayer. I have yet to consistently master the art of splitting my time between spiritual disciplines (such as prayer) and my time with family and friends. In offering this public confession, I ask that you lovingly hold my feet to the fire by periodically asking me to the convicting question How's your prayer life these days?

According to Romans 12:4-5, we are all members of one body and, as such, we all "belong to each other." There is a very real "interrelatedness" in the body of Christ. Because of this, as I read over this chapter I began to feel the burning conviction of the Spirit. He lovingly spoke the truth to my heart, saying that I have failed to consistently fulfill my God-ordained responsibility of praying for my fellow believers of PRF. When I've felt this conviction before, my tendency has been to try to manufacture a fresh new devotion to prayer. It never was long, however, before I got busy or distracted or lazy. So, this time I'm gonna try something new. I'm asking that God would create within me a new desire for prayer and that he would provide the strength and stick-to-it-ive-ness to begin faithfully devoting myself to praying for our church. 

It's in my nature to need a plan. So, one of the first things I plan to do today is to ask for the Spirit's insight and wisdom, and then to cooperate with him to begin the process of developing a prayer plan and prayer list regarding our church.

Whether you need a plan, or not, I urge you to invite the Spirit to create within you a new passion for prayer and to begin devoting yourself to prayer with a spirit of watchfulness and thankfulness.


WHO AM I?
I am Tres Sansom and it's at about this time of summer that I begin to eagerly look forward to my annual summer vacation in Maine. I'm not sure if my favorite part is spending time with the world's greatest in-laws or listening to Sky Streety weep with jealousy. T minus 23 days and counting...

Renewed Patterns of Speech

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Colossians 3 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him. (Colossians 3:9-10, NASB)


REFLECTIONS:
Some of you may remember the first Karate Kid movie and the scene where Daniel is cleaning Mr. Miyagi’s car.  “Wax on, wax off.  Wax on, wax off.”  For some reason those are the words that come to me when I read this and other passages of Scripture which encourage us to “take off,” “lay aside,” “put on,” “take up,” etc.  I don’t know that there’s any ultra-deep meaning to it, other than to remind me of the work involved in laying aside my old self and putting on my new self… and that just makes me think of The Emperor’s New Groove:  “Me and my bad self.”  Ok, so where was I?  Oh yes, so this getting rid of the evil old and putting on the glorious new. Well, it takes time, patience, diligence, it builds muscles, and fine-tunes movements.

So what does it mean to not lie to one another?  What is a lie?  The New Bible Dictionary says this, “Essentially, a lie is a statement of what is known to be false with intent to deceive.”  I do not like lies.  They make me sick to my stomach.  Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, when I’m feeling on-the-spot, I lie.  And then, I cannot take the tightening of my stomach, the sense that my heart is going to explode out of my chest, or the feeling of my lungs being squeezed; I have to go apologize.  Throughout the Bible lies are associated with evil.  E.V.I.L.  I hate lies.  I hate them even more when I’m the one telling them.

Our society has adopted this standard of “little, white lies.”  These are lies spoken from a sense of compassion, not deception, according to Psychology Today.  Huh.  Um, even Webster’s Dictionary defines lie as: something to convey a false impression.  So, let’s rephrase PT.  These are statements conveying a false impression spoken from a sense of compassion, not deception.  Don’t we all feel better now?  Here is what the BIBLE says, “A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin” (Proverbs 26:28). Forgive my bluntness, but I’ll take the Bible over Psychology Today, any day.  God manages to exercise compassion without lying; in fact, dare I say, it is actually His truthfulness with us that IS compassion.  He never conveys a false impression in order to show compassion.  When He says we are made in His image, it’s not to make us feel better… it’s because it’s true.

We have become people so sensitized to our fear of conflict that we have de-sensitized ourselves to truth.  Compassion is not found in “No, honey, that dress doesn’t make you look fat.” it’s found in “Honey, what is going on with you, that you are feeling so insecure?”  We have become lazy, unwilling to actually engage (and possibly encounter conflict) with others’ hearts.  It’s so much easier to simply feed people words they want to hear than to actually stop and listen to what they are saying.  Do not lie to one another.

Often we will mistake the truth for being “right.”  Truth is intrinsically right, in that it is good, but truth’s opposite is false, not “wrong.”  What do I mean by that?  Well, let me try to explain.  Recently we had some surprise house guests.  I struggle, because of old wounding, to have invited guests, let alone surprise guests, in our home.  When I found out, I kind of shut down.  I got super quiet.  Max was surprised about the guests too.  It wasn’t his fault.  He was in a tough spot—wanting to be generous to dear friends but knowing I was going to be stressed.  My truthfulness with Max was simply acknowledging this was difficult for me.  It didn’t mean things had to go my way… i.e. I didn’t have to be “right” and not have guests.  I simply had to not lie and falsely present to Max that things were peachy.  As I was honest with Max, he was able to step into that space with me and acknowledge the truth of my experience.  The circumstance didn’t change—we still had guests—but I was known and valued. In a sense I was “renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created” me.  Oh, and I actually enjoyed the visit.  Do not lie to one another.


POINT OF ACTION:
Ok, this is important to remember.  Just like “wax on, wax off” it takes practice.  Not lying, or speaking truth, is not about crushing someone.  It’s not splattering your words about; harming others in the name of “truth.”  After all, Colossians 3:8 says to put aside anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech.  Speaking the truth is not about steamrolling your way over someone.  It is about compassion and love.  Truth says I care about you, I value you as a person and I’m interested in the deeper issues at play in our interaction.  Truth says I don’t have to be right, but this is what I hear, think, see, feel, believe.  Practice being honest with those closest to you.  It’s a risk.  In fact, your first step might simply be to say, “Hey, I want to be more honest and I’m afraid I might hurt you…will you help me be compassionate as I attempt to put aside lying?”  In other words, will you not lie to me, as I choose not to lie to you?  I wish I could say everything will be smooth sailing, but I can’t. (See what I did just there? J)  I mess up all the time.  My words come out harsher than I intend, or more passionate than they ought to be.  I word things in a way that isn’t always helpful.  Thankfully those closest to me know my heart.  They know my love, and my desire to put aside lying, is still a work in progress.  Renew each other to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created us.


PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for creating us in Your image.  Thank You for not only speaking truth to us, but being Truth for us.  Your truth compels us to greater love and in that love we have no fear.  We are free to fail and Your grace lifts us back up.  The world may try to redefine lies and truth, but Your definition remains the same.  Jesus, break my heart for what breaks Yours.  I love You.


WHO AM I?
That is the million dollar question.  Who am I?  I am Beth Peeples, and I'm a broken, scared, often failing little kid who needs Jesus every second of every day.  I am the little girl sitting cross-legged with Jesus in front of me.  I am the one who is trying to listen to His every word.  I am the one who boldly raises my hand and says, “I’m here, pick me, Jesus!”  I am the one who timidly reaches to touch His foot; the one who sees His smile and hears His laugh.  He is my ultimate best friend and I cannot wait to see Him face-to-face, in all His glory.

Faith

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Colossians 2 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. (Colossians 2:6-7, NASB)


REFLECTIONS:
The first few phrases in this verse to jump out at me are: “so walk in Him” and “established in your faith.” The more I meditate on this verse the heavier it seems to become. 

“So walk in Him.” Keep moving in Him because He is my Lord now, not fear, not pain, not inadequacy, not sorrow, not anything else. So why then be held up by any of these?

“Established in your faith.” Let’s define "establish":

verb (used with object)

1. to found, institute, build, or bring into being on a firm or stable basis: to establish a university; to establish a medical practice.

2 to install or settle in a position, place, business, etc.: to establish one's child in business.

3. to show to be valid or true; prove(remove doubt): to establish the facts of the matter.

4. to cause to be accepted or recognized: to establish a custom;She established herself as a leading surgeon.

5. to bring about permanently: to establish order.

6. to enact, appoint, or ordain for permanence, as a law; fix unalterably.

7. to make (a church) a national or state institution.

8. Cards. to obtain control of (a suit) so that one can win all the subsequent tricks in it.

Faith. It seems we always associate faith with belief, almost as if it’s something we can muster up from our own will; however, let’s look at it from a different angle. Faith, to me, is knowing what is true about God and living out of that knowledge. The more we know that God is good the more we will trust Him. More specifically, when we understand—and I mean understand with heart and head—that we only need the approval of God, and have it, the less we will strive for the approval of men. 

James talks much about faith. He says that “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself” (James 2:17). With this new perspective on faith, I hear this verse like this: So I know what is true about God, but I don’t act like it is true therefore that knowledge is dead/useless. 

James says: “and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up…” (James 5:15). Seems that if we pray from the perspective of our knowledge and understanding of God, the Kingdom comes.

Now let’s picture being established in faith. I love words and their meanings and have really been drawn to the word establish recently. Mainly because I feel the Lord has been establishing me in Him. The part of the definition that hit me was, to remove doubt. Read over the definition a few times and then re-read Colossians 2:6-7. Use all the definitions and focus on the phrase “established in your faith.” Also look up definitions to know/knowledge and understanding is a good one too.

POINT OF ACTION:

So here is an action step to aid us being established in faith. First recognize that we have nothing if not for God and his provision, not even faith. List what you know what is true about God. What does the bible say about Him? What does your spirit testify about Him? Be aware of the ones that are easy to say but do not resonate deep within you. Invite the Holy Spirit to search those out. It is easy to say God is good but do we know it? Do we live it? Take the list a step further and read it out loud, yell it if you’d like.

What I know about God is that He does not disappoint. Where has He not kept His word? Where has He been unfaithful? It is not in Him to disappoint. That is what I know.

WHO AM I?

I am Justin son of James, son of God, fathered by many, brother to all. I like to be outside. I’m a nomad at heart and an avid chess player. I love my Jesus more than anything.