LIVE FOR HIM

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 6 (day two) “And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer…” vs. 11a

The voices of the martyrs cried out to the Lord for justice, and they were told to wait because their number would continue to increase before the end. One of the comforts that we have in the American church is that we do not live under any constant threat of persecution. There are indeed examples of pressure placed on the body, but we, as a group, are not under the kind of oppression that our Myanmar brothers and sisters have faced. We do not know and understand radical persecution like other parts of the world. For this we are thankful, but this passage serves as a warning that the church has not seen the end of persecution.

We, then, are forced to examine ourselves and ask if we are willing to die for our faith. Perhaps a better way to look at it is – are we living like we are willing to die? When it all comes to a close, what will really matter about our journey? LIVE FOR HIM

Worthy

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 4:1-7, 5:1-14 (day two) “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” 5:12

Who or what in our lives is worthy (to receive honor and glory)? I mean someone or something that is so deserving of honor and respect that there can be no dispute of their worthiness. The more pluralistic our society comes, and the more man-centric we are it seems there can be no consensus. No matter the figure it seems some group can’t reconcile some part of their story, and therefore refuses to bestow respect.

While this is sad, there are some great people throughout history who have done great things, it is also accurate. In its truest sense the only one truly WORTHY is Jesus. Even those who condemned him found no fault in him. He laid down his life to be lifted up and exalted.

Next time you find yourself disappointed in another flawed creature, consider looking higher. This Jesus never sought power, riches, wisdom, might, honor, or glory, yet by his obedient nature that submitted his will totally to the father is faultless and truly WORTHY of all honor we can give.

Wake Up Call

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 2:1-11; 3:1-6, 14-21 (day two) 

Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.” 3:2

You’ve lost your first love, you’ve fallen, you’re neither hot nor cold. These declarations to the churches contain some very direct and often harsh criticism. No one is without blame, they all are broken in some way. But there is hope. Look at how the letters end:

2:7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.”

2:11b “He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.”

The other letters end similarly. The point? God is not giving final condemnation here. He is giving the churches a wake up call, a state of the Union. We need to hear where we are strong, but also where we are weak so that we may better serve. If you feel that word of reproach, take it for what it is. Wake up, change course, serve well.

Many Waters

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 1 (day two)

“…and His voice was like the sound of many waters.” vs. 15b

We have a sound machine that is located near baby Jessica’s crib. Every time we put her down for a nap or bedtime we turn it on. Perhaps you have used one of these devices before. They even have apps that you can get on your phone. They contain a variety of different sounds, but the one we use sounds like ocean waves crashing on a beach. We use this because that “white noise” tends to drown out everything else that might interfere with Jessica’s rest.

If you have ever stood on the beach you know that sound. It is at once both powerful and soothing. By it everything else is made small. This is how John describes the voice of the Lord. If you long for his voice, for his guidance, for his path forward you must stand before that sound. What that means is that you will have to let go of whatever other sounds are competing for your attention. Your sin, your self-doubt, your anxieties, all of these pale to the great voice of the Lord. If you want to hear him, you cannot listen to the others. Then, only then, can you find your rest.

Cannot Remain Silent

Re:Verse reading–Acts 4:1-22 (day two) For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” vs. 20

“But whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:33

Peter and John had so many reasons to keep their mouths shut. By performing a miracle and proclaiming Jesus’ authority they had stirred quite a commotion. They knew what the consequences could be, they both were witnesses to Jesus trial, torture, and death. But Peter had also walked this road before. He had been cross-examined in the streets and had denied knowing Jesus. That bitter pill was still fresh in his mouth. He would not make that mistake again.

The truth is, they knew what could happen, but they also knew what did happen. Jesus rose from that grave, and gave voice to their new ministry. No matter the cost, they would proclaim that truth until the end.

 

IMMOVABLE

Re:Verse reading–1 Corinthians 15:50-58  (day two)

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” vs. 57-58

Death-sin, mortal-immortal, perishable-imperishable…RESURRECTION-VICTORY

Paul, in this power-packed chapter of his first letter to the church in Corinth, has given us the bottom line for our faith’s defense: The power of the resurrection. Where there was death, now there is life. What was corruptible, is now incorruptible. There is no other power or person in heaven or earth that can grant this kind of victory.

Therefore we can be IMMOVABLE in our conviction. Steadfast beyond the world’s understanding. Jesus is the only reason for such complete redemption, and only through the power of his resurrection. Those found in him, can claim the victory too.

Unbending Strength

Re: Verse reading–Luke 22:31-34, 54-62 (day two) But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” 3:33

Petrus – rock. If there is one disciple who you would have picked to stand beside Jesus until the bitter end it probably would have been Peter. Strong, loud, prone to action not cowardice, and yet when the moment came – he froze. In the midst of the chaos Peter forgot about Jesus, and focused on his own safety.

Paul understood: For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. Romans 7:19 When the rubber meets to road and we are called into account, we must not rely on our own strength for the moment. If we think we are strong enough we must remember Peter. God knows our every weakness, and he desire to be the unbending source of strength in times of trial. Never forget that.

 

Grieving Alone?

Re:Verse reading–Matthew 26:36-46 (day two) 

And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed.  Then He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.” vs. 37-38

The apostles’ role in this story has always been one that garners derision from the reader. Rightly so, they were to watch and pray and they fell asleep. This is a cautionary tale that we should all remain vigilant. I never considered, however, Jesus’ desire for company. He went and prayed alone, but before that he took with him some of his closest friends that they may share this time with him. They came to mourn with Jesus, to pray for him, and to protect if need be. Is Jesus giving us a pattern for grieving here? Knowing what lay before him, Jesus took with him friends to share in this trial. Are you there? Have you considered bringing others to watch, pray, and grieve with you? Maybe you should.

 

Consider the Bluebonnets

Re:Verse reading–Luke 12:22-34 (day two)  But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? vs. 28 

I’m not a native, most know that I am very proud of my Missouri roots. There is one thing that I adopted as soon as I got here 18 years ago…the bluebonnets. There is just nothing that compares to driving down a country highway and seeing that feast of color. Did you know that there are fields of flowers that sometimes go completely unseen? Can you imagine? Why did God make such vibrant beauty and not force folks to take a look at it? As a matter of fact why did he need to create so many different kinds of flowers, with different shapes, colors, and smells at all?

If God would take such care for something so transient, shouldn’t it make you take a breath? Maybe that’s why he did it after all, so that the next time you saw those patches along the highway you would stop, breath, and let go of all the stuff that is cluttering your mind.

Protecting Pride

Re:Verse reading–Jonah 1:1-3, 3:1-5, 4:1-11 (day two)

He said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will become calm for you, for I know that on account of me this great storm has come upon you.”  1:12

Rather that confess or repent for his willful act of disobedience, Jonah’s choice is further rebellion. Knowing that his actions have set this storm in motion, his choice was to kill himself rather than follow God’s command. This act is both arrogant and cowardly. Jonah could not see beyond his own prejudice to God’s greater plan for the Ninevites. Are you where Jonah was? Are you willing to throw everything away to protect your own pride? Jonah knew exactly what he was supposed to do, I would suspect you do too. It’s a matter of figuring out which priority is ultimately going to rule the day: yours or God’s.