Is Jesus Still Knocking? - July 3rd, 2011

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:20

History and Context:

Revelation was revealed to John the Apostle when he was exiled on the Isle of Patmos. Stories outside of the Bible have shown us that the reason John was exiled was because the Romans couldn't kill him. They attempted to boil him and God saved him from death. When they realized that they couldn't kill him, they decided they would exile him on this island in order to keep him from influencing the people. He then wrote revelation. The first three chapters are letters to seven churches at the time, then starting in chapter four God gives him a revelation of heaven and coming events.

The Text:

This particular passage comes from the letter to the church of the Laodecians, famously known as 'the lukewarm church'. Jesus tells this church that they have become 'lukewarm', but He would rather they be either fully hot or fully cold. They were 'riding the fence' but he wished they would get on one side or the other. This scripture is often used in evangelistic efforts, saying that Jesus is at the 'door' of the non-Christians heart, but it is important to note here that Jesus was talking to Christians, to the church. These Christians had left Jesus outside of their true hearts, knocking, hoping to be let in.

The Challenge:

Look at your own life. Is there an area in which you have left Jesus out? Have you been guarding your true innermost heart from Him? It is time that you heed the knocking and let Him in. Trust Him, He will only make things better. Allow Him in and allow Him to change your life. If it's a sin, He will help you get rid of it. If it is a desire or wish, He may help you fulfill it. He wants to be a part of your entire life, the challenge for us is to allow Him to do so.

The Prayer:

Lord, come into my life! Come into every aspect of my life. Lead me and guide me in every decision I have. I want you to be invited in to every part of me. Thank you Lord! In Jesus name, Amen!

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus - July 2nd, 2011

 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Philippians 2:1-4

History and Context:

For a brief history on the letter to the Philippians go to God Shall Provide. The one thing I do want to mention here is the purpose of Paul writing this letter was to thank the church in Phillipi for sending help with Epaphroditus in Paul's time of need. Of course Paul also took the opportunity to teach and encourage in the Lord.

The Text:

There are two key qualities Paul is preaching in this text: unity and humility. He says we need to be of one mind and in one accord. Then he says in order to do this we can't do anything through selfish motives and we must put others above ourselves. He's pointing out the connection between these two qualities. If I am always looking for my best interest, than my church, organization, family, community, etc. will not have unity. In order to be unified we must all be looking towards the same goal. In the next few verses Paul brings it a step further and shows us how Jesus, Himself, took the form of a servant:

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men."

When we think ourselves as too good to serve, we have not only attempted to put ourselves above the people around us, we have attempted to put ourselves above Jesus, and God Himself.

The Challenge:

Be looking today for opportunities to serve. Look for an opportunity to put someone else's interest over your own. Maybe you find an opportunity to by lunch for a homeless person, maybe you buy the coffee for the person behind you in the Starbucks drive thru, or maybe you simply take time to listen to someones problems when you would rather watch your favorite movie. There are unlimited possibilities of how you can take this challenge, but to truly take it, it has to be a sacrifice. It's not putting other's interests, above your own unless your own are sacrificed. As always, I would love to hear your story of how you took this challenge and what the results were.

The Prayer:

Lord, help me to see these opportunities and not get caught up in my own business or my own needs. Help me to make that decision to sacrifice my own interests in order to look out for someone else's. Help me to be a servant, even as you were an example of a servant on this earth. In Jesus' name, Amen!



Your love, oh Lord... - July 1st, 2011

Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 36:5-7 (NIV)

History and Context:

Today I was inspired by a worship song by Third Day, Your Love Oh Lord, based off of this psalm. This is another Psalm by King David. Another example of David's heart for worship, and his understanding for how great God is. Scholars believe that David began writing psalms when he was around 14 years of age. These very psalms have lasted the tests of time and are still used today, some three to four thousand years later.

The Text:
The text is simply noting and wondering at the greatness of God. God's love and faithfulness stretches and covers more than we could imagine, His righteousness is stronger than the mightiest mountain. The psalm begins by claiming that the wicked have no fear of God, and 'flatter' themselves instead. He then begins describing God and makes it clear how absurd it is to flatter ourselves when we look at the greatness of God. David then finishes the psalm by again affirming that the wicked have no power in God's sight: "See how the evildoers lie fallen — thrown down, not able to rise!"

The Challenge:
For today's challenge I will take from the words of Paul:

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought,

but rather think of yourself with sober judgment,

in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Romans 12:3

Remember how great God is! Remember that without Him you wouldn't have the gifts and talents that you have. But also remember that with Him you have everything you need to soar! Without Him I am nothing, with Him I am everything!

The Prayer:

Lord, you are an awesome God! I thank you Lord for your amazing love and faithfulness in my life. I thank you Lord, that though I am nothing without you, you have made me everything. Help me live to the potential that I have in you. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen!