I remember my dad talking about gun safety while I was a youngster and saying “you can’t unshoot a gun”. Trauma surgeons know this all too well…you can take out the bullet, but the damage is already there. Similarly, the nails could be removed after Jesus allowed the Roman soldiers to nail him to the cross…but the holes were still there (Mark 20:25-29). Just because God forgives the sin, doesn’t mean that all the consequences here on Earth go away.
David certainly knew about this after sleeping with Bathsheba and ordering the death of her husband (2nd Samuel 1:2-4, 14-17). God sent His prophet Nathan to tell David a story about a rich man who took the only lamb from a poor man to feed a visiting traveler (2nd Samuel 12:1-5). David became irate at the rich man in the story and said that he should die and repay the poor man 40 times over for his lack of pity! Nathan then told David he was that rich man and calamity would fall upon David’s house…David’s response was to acknowledge his sins against the Lord. God was merciful to David by forgiving his sin and letting him live…but war and family turmoil continued throughout the rest of David’s life.
God loves His people so much that he sent His Son to take away the eternal consequence of sin which is separation from God in hell (John 3:16-21). He also loves His people so much that He wants them to follow His will so they will not have to face the consequences of sin during this life…so we can live life more abundantly (John 10:10)!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Judge Dredd
Have you ever been driving and made a mistake that almost caused a wreck? If you have, you are certainly hoping for mercy at that time. Have you ever been in that same situation and then become irate just minutes later when someone cuts you off? This reminds me of the movie Judge Dredd where Sylvester Stallone says “I am the law!”
The story of the servant who owed a great debt to the king reminds us of how to offer grace to others (Matthew 18:21-35). The king was collecting from all people who were indebted to him. The servant owed a large sum of money…and the king was about to sell off the man’s family to settle his debt. The servant pleaded with the king to give him more time to pay the king back…and the king decides to cancel his debt! The servant goes out and demanded one of his fellow servants repay him a small amount of money…when the fellow servant could not, he was thrown in prison by the first servant. When the king heard about the first servant’s unwillingness to extend the grace that had been offered to him, the king had the first servant thrown in prison.
Too often, we think we deserve to judge who deserves to receive grace. If you ask how often you should extend grace, Matthew 18:21 tells us to forgive those who sin against us 70 times 7 times (good luck with counting someone else’s sins and maintaining a heart that is in sync with God’s grace…those 2 just don’t go together). Let’s extend the grace God has so freely given to us instead of demanding that people settle their debts (emotional, physical, economical, etc.) with us.
The story of the servant who owed a great debt to the king reminds us of how to offer grace to others (Matthew 18:21-35). The king was collecting from all people who were indebted to him. The servant owed a large sum of money…and the king was about to sell off the man’s family to settle his debt. The servant pleaded with the king to give him more time to pay the king back…and the king decides to cancel his debt! The servant goes out and demanded one of his fellow servants repay him a small amount of money…when the fellow servant could not, he was thrown in prison by the first servant. When the king heard about the first servant’s unwillingness to extend the grace that had been offered to him, the king had the first servant thrown in prison.
Too often, we think we deserve to judge who deserves to receive grace. If you ask how often you should extend grace, Matthew 18:21 tells us to forgive those who sin against us 70 times 7 times (good luck with counting someone else’s sins and maintaining a heart that is in sync with God’s grace…those 2 just don’t go together). Let’s extend the grace God has so freely given to us instead of demanding that people settle their debts (emotional, physical, economical, etc.) with us.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
One of a Kind
Have you ever seen anyone that makes you say that person is one of kind? Many professional football commentators say this about former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice, who is considered one of the greatest players in NFL history. While other wide receivers may eventually approach or even break his records, none will be Jerry Rice. It is widely reported that he developed his great hands by catching bricks that his brothers would throw to him. His off-season training regimen included running up a steep 5 mile hill in the morning and weight lifting in the afternoon. He also excelled at the less glorified parts of being a wide receiver including running great routes and being a great blocker.
So, what does all this have to do with you? You are one of a kind as well. Psalm 139:13-14 says "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…". Matthew 10:29-31 spells our worth out even more explicitly "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs or your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
God didn't make us unique just to sit idly on a shelf, just like Jerry Rice's talents may have never been known if he never played football. Our purpose is to "…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…" (Matthew 28:19-20). So, live your life for God's purpose…because God purposely made and cares for you.
So, what does all this have to do with you? You are one of a kind as well. Psalm 139:13-14 says "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…". Matthew 10:29-31 spells our worth out even more explicitly "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs or your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
God didn't make us unique just to sit idly on a shelf, just like Jerry Rice's talents may have never been known if he never played football. Our purpose is to "…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…" (Matthew 28:19-20). So, live your life for God's purpose…because God purposely made and cares for you.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Perseverance
Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals will face the Pittsburgh Steelers tomorrow in Super Bowl 43. Sports reporters have talked about Kurt Warner’s story of going from a stock boy in a grocery store to 2 time MVP and Super Bowl quarterback. Then injuries, ineffective play, and other circumstances left Kurt Warner as an afterthought to professional football for 5 years. There were a lot of opportunities for Kurt to give up during this time and a lot of built in excuses including: 1) I’m too old, 2) I don’t have enough talent around me, 3) I don’t think people aren’t treating me fairly. Kurt chose to persevere during those tough years and was able to have a fantastic season (4,583 yards, 30 touchdowns) and led the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl ever.
Joseph is another example of how perseverance can lead to God being able to lead us through tough times and ultimately be exalted for conducting His work. Joseph was his father’s favorite son (Genesis 37:3). Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt and told his father that he was dead (Genesis 37:23-33). One of Pharaoh’s officials bought Joseph’s services. He was so impressed by Joseph that he trusted Joseph to be in charge of everything in his house (Genesis 39:4-6). Joseph was thrown into prison after being falsely accused of rape, but God was still with Joseph. Ultimately God placed Joseph in charge of Egypt (Genesis 41:41) and allowed Joseph to save his family from the famine occurring in Israel.
What circumstance are you persevering through right now? Whatever it is, know that God is there for all who have trusted Christ as Lord and Savior. Just because things don’t seem to be working on our schedule doesn’t correlate into the fact God is not working. David asked “How long?” four different times in Psalm 13 before finally arriving at the conclusion that “I trust in your unfailing love” and that “He has been good to me”. Let’s remember what God has done, is doing, and will do in our lives and keep working for the His glory.
Joseph is another example of how perseverance can lead to God being able to lead us through tough times and ultimately be exalted for conducting His work. Joseph was his father’s favorite son (Genesis 37:3). Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt and told his father that he was dead (Genesis 37:23-33). One of Pharaoh’s officials bought Joseph’s services. He was so impressed by Joseph that he trusted Joseph to be in charge of everything in his house (Genesis 39:4-6). Joseph was thrown into prison after being falsely accused of rape, but God was still with Joseph. Ultimately God placed Joseph in charge of Egypt (Genesis 41:41) and allowed Joseph to save his family from the famine occurring in Israel.
What circumstance are you persevering through right now? Whatever it is, know that God is there for all who have trusted Christ as Lord and Savior. Just because things don’t seem to be working on our schedule doesn’t correlate into the fact God is not working. David asked “How long?” four different times in Psalm 13 before finally arriving at the conclusion that “I trust in your unfailing love” and that “He has been good to me”. Let’s remember what God has done, is doing, and will do in our lives and keep working for the His glory.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
What’s Your Go-To Play?
You often hear about teams having their backs against the wall when facing adversity. Teams will often focus on the one thing they can do better than anyone else to try to overcome these times of adversity. This single-minded focus can help the team regain its swagger by focusing on doing only things that have become second nature…things that they know will come through no matter the situation.
A lot of us have our backs against the wall right now…whether it is our finances, job, health, struggles with family and/or friends…so what are we supposed to do? Fortunately, there are some examples of what to do in difficult times. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were tossed into a fiery furnace because they refused to bow to the golden image of King Nebuchadezzar (Daniel 3). Job lost his wealth and children…all his friends and his wife told him to curse God and die.
So, you might be asking yourself, “Why would people still believe in God with all these troubles?” Remember that people go back to what they know they can trust in times of trouble. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego told the King “we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter...the God we serve is able to save us…even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods…” Job said in the midst of his troubles “I know that my Redeemer lives and the end the end he will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25). Christ told us “come to me, all you who weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30)...so why don’t we take Him up on it today?
A lot of us have our backs against the wall right now…whether it is our finances, job, health, struggles with family and/or friends…so what are we supposed to do? Fortunately, there are some examples of what to do in difficult times. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were tossed into a fiery furnace because they refused to bow to the golden image of King Nebuchadezzar (Daniel 3). Job lost his wealth and children…all his friends and his wife told him to curse God and die.
So, you might be asking yourself, “Why would people still believe in God with all these troubles?” Remember that people go back to what they know they can trust in times of trouble. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego told the King “we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter...the God we serve is able to save us…even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods…” Job said in the midst of his troubles “I know that my Redeemer lives and the end the end he will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25). Christ told us “come to me, all you who weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30)...so why don’t we take Him up on it today?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Size Matters….NOT!
If you got to watch the San Diego Chargers play the Indianapolis Colts last weekend, you were in for a treat. Darren Sproles, all of 5 feet 6 inches tall, racked up 328 all-purpose yards…which is good enough for 3rd all-time in playoff history. When he entered the NFL draft out of Kansas State, he had plenty of critics...he’s too small…he’s only a kick returner or 3rd down back…you can’t depend on him every play. I wonder how many folks still doubt Darren Sproles after that great performance.
Mr. Sproles isn’t the only person that has ever had people doubt him because of his appearance. David was the youngest of eight boys in his family. When Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel, he thought any of David’s older brothers were surely the one God had chosen. Instead, God told Samuel “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). When David was called in from tending the sheep, God told Samuel to “Rise and anoint him; he is the one” (1 Samuel 16:12).
Jesus showed us how we are to be more concerned with people’s hearts than with their looks or prestige. He often disagreed with Pharisees and Sadducees that were considered the most religious people of the day. Instead, Jesus spent much of his time teaching “common people”…reaching out to leapers, prostitutes, and people that He wasn’t “supposed” to talk to. God isn’t about the way things look…we shouldn’t be either.
Mr. Sproles isn’t the only person that has ever had people doubt him because of his appearance. David was the youngest of eight boys in his family. When Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel, he thought any of David’s older brothers were surely the one God had chosen. Instead, God told Samuel “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). When David was called in from tending the sheep, God told Samuel to “Rise and anoint him; he is the one” (1 Samuel 16:12).
Jesus showed us how we are to be more concerned with people’s hearts than with their looks or prestige. He often disagreed with Pharisees and Sadducees that were considered the most religious people of the day. Instead, Jesus spent much of his time teaching “common people”…reaching out to leapers, prostitutes, and people that He wasn’t “supposed” to talk to. God isn’t about the way things look…we shouldn’t be either.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
I Want That!
You may remember the scene from Napoleon Dynamite where Uncle Rico is trying to get a couple to buy a 24-piece set of Tupperware. As soon as he gets out the miniature ship that comes with the 24-piece set, the lady in the scene goes “I want that!” You can tell that no matter how good or bad the product is, she is willing to pay the price to get that ship.
This got me to thinking…how often do folks look at Christians and see enough of Christ to go “I want that!” We are clearly told in that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7). Furthermore, Proverbs 3:17-18 tells us that wisdom’s “ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.” Proverbs 24:5 adds that “A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength.” That sounds pretty appealing, doesn’t it?
So, what is this wisdom? James 3:17 tell us that it is “first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” What should we do if we lack wisdom? James 1:5-6 says “If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God…and it will be given to him. But he must believe and not doubt…” Therefore, we have to not only ask God, but believe that He wants what is best for us, including provision of His wisdom as He gives freely. Then we can live lives filled with peace that are full of mercy and good fruit that others will want for themselves.
This got me to thinking…how often do folks look at Christians and see enough of Christ to go “I want that!” We are clearly told in that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7). Furthermore, Proverbs 3:17-18 tells us that wisdom’s “ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.” Proverbs 24:5 adds that “A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength.” That sounds pretty appealing, doesn’t it?
So, what is this wisdom? James 3:17 tell us that it is “first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” What should we do if we lack wisdom? James 1:5-6 says “If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God…and it will be given to him. But he must believe and not doubt…” Therefore, we have to not only ask God, but believe that He wants what is best for us, including provision of His wisdom as He gives freely. Then we can live lives filled with peace that are full of mercy and good fruit that others will want for themselves.
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