Author: Jon Harris

Eat, drink, remember.

The events in Matthew 26 take place just prior to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In verse 38 Jesus says, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death”. He knows he is nearing the end of his earthly life so he is making final preparations, and sharing parting words and guidance with his disciples.

Jesus continues to teach and love this group of followers all while knowing one of them will betray him, another will deny him, and they will all “fall away” (NLT uses the word “desert”) because of him.

Some good friends, right? Alas, I too am guilty of betrayal through my sin, denial, and most certainly desertion.

One practice that puts me back on track, reminds me of who Jesus is and the significance of what He has done is the partaking in Holy Communion (which we find in today’s chapter).

This act must not be taken lightly, nor should it be considered a box that we check over the weekend. Holy Communion is a ritual of deep significance that has been practiced for over 2,000 years, billions of times, by billions of people.

Holy Communion exists and is valuable because of the greatest sacrifice of all time. Consider coming to the table as described in Philippians 2:12b “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,”. Let us come to the table handing over our worries and doubts and confessing our sins, then receiving the free gift of salvation.

Please read these words slowly today, and even consider “mentally” partaking in communion as you read them remembering, this is his body, this is his blood, for the forgiveness of our sins.

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the[c] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26-28)

Communion is about remembering, humbling ourselves, coming to the holy table of the Almighty God. Without the broken body and the spilled blood of Jesus Christ, we go to the table covered in shameful sin and we have no chance at the final judgment. Nothing but the blood of Jesus can take away our sin. He lived innocent and died innocent. Eat, drink, remember.

The Lord Reigns! Psalm 99

A lesson in humility

One observation from today’s reading in Matthew 12 is a reflection on the humility of Jesus. He did so much for so many, yet never boasted about himself. Even while he performed miracles or when he was unjustly accused numerous times, he was humble.

Today’s reading links: Matthew 12 & Psalm 85

This week I had the opportunity to observe some manual laborers who work outside, often in challenging conditions in a manufacturing environment where safety is the utmost in priority. There are lots of moving parts, vehicles and machines, thus making it a very noisy and intense environment. The workers do heavy lifting, work with their hands, and are on their feet all day. There is little room for error, the pace is fast and the pressure is high; perhaps “organized chaos” is a good description.

On this particular day, the outside temperature was about 47 degrees Fahrenheit and it was windy so it felt like about 30 degrees. The workers were wearing multiple layers of clothing, gloves, steel-toe boots, and other protective gear. The heavy rain during the two prior days had left its mark on much of the outdoor raw material area. I was in awe; these jobs are not for the weak.

In just a few minutes of observing, I had so many emotions:

  • First and foremost, great respect for these hard workers.
  • Fear that if that was my job I would be a total failure or injure myself.
  • Thankfulness for the opportunities that have been granted to me.
  • Shame for any pride I might have in thinking I might be better than anyone else, ever.
  • Humbled that hard workers like these men and women are truly the backbone of our great country.

To cap all of this off, I was introduced to a man named Jason. We asked him a couple questions about his job and he looked me in the eye, politely responded with a huge and genuine smile, “well, today is my first day on the job, so I’m just learning”.

No complaining, no nonsense, just humility. I could tell that he was thankful for his job and the opportunity that had been granted to him. Call me crazy, but I absolutely felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, teaching me, humbling me, and leading me to pray more and love more. May God bless Jason; a humble and strong man.

In closing today, please reflect on these seven verses and consider the humility of Jesus and how we can strive to become more humble as well.

15 Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all 16 and ordered them not to make him known. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

18 “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
    my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
    and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
19 He will not quarrel or cry aloud,
    nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;
20 a bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;
21     and in his name the Gentiles will hope.” (Matthew 12:15-21)

Two Hearts

Today we have a front row seat to an unimaginable event. We get a detailed account from Luke, describing a Roman crucifixion. Scavenger creatures are probably approaching and stench is in the air. Death is near.

It is a scene of torture, pain, blood, sweat, and tears, along with eternity-altering dialogue between three people who can barely breathe and are about to die. There was no mercy, no hope, no rescue in a crucifixion; once you’re up there, death is imminent.

With this, we get to be witnesses to what are perhaps the final words of three men. I’d think that when someone knows they are going to die, their words and thoughts become very raw and very real, very quickly. I find it truly fascinating that we have this conversation in writing.

We have Jesus (not guilty) then two men who are guilty.

First, we have words from one of the guilty men:

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (Luke 23:39)

Adamant, defiant, railing (I interpret “railing” to mean mocking or scoffing, much like the rulers and soldiers were doing). While he didn’t seem to be in denial of the charges at this point, there doesn’t seem to be any repentance from him.

And the other criminal with a different heart:

40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” (Luke 23:40-41)

Even the criminal knew Jesus was innocent, yet sentenced to death. We get a glimpse into the criminal’s heart and mind. He acknowledges Jesus as king.

42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42)

With that one simple statement of faith and a repentant heart, eternity in Heaven is his. The same goes for all of us, depending on our choice to either rail him or repent and call him who he really is: King and Lord of All.

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Luke 23 & Psalm 71

Picture: La Crocifissione by Michele Da Verona (c. 1470 – c. 1536)

Die to Self

Luke 9:23 presents one of the greatest, direct, over-arching challenges to us in clear form. Jesus is saying, if you’re going to follow me, die to self.

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

In a recent worship service, we were challenged to put everything aside apart from our focus on worshiping our heavenly father. Something was stated to the effect of “anything other than this, makes the worship about us, and not about God”.

This theme led me to once again realize that selfishness is at the root of most, if not all sin.

Selfishness manifests itself in many forms. We see people claiming to be Christ followers yet criticizing the church for preaching Biblical truth. I only see human selfishness in these arguments and it breaks my heart. Political standoffs, words of hurt, rock stars calling on Jesus but every other word points to himself or herself as someone almighty, and social media blasts clamoring on and on.

But hold on… before we get too upset over these things, do not forget that it is the ploy of the evil one to deceive and cause dissension – especially within the church. Jesus has already won. He defeated death, he defeated sin. We have love. We have the words of Jesus. We have this command:

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44)

It is a dark world to spiral into when we start thinking that some other human is the problem as this leads to blame, gossip, anger, retaliation, and even hatred. We cannot fall into the trap. When we judge our enemies we become hypocrites as we are basically making it about us. Revenge is his.

Vengeance is mine, and recompense,
    for the time when their foot shall slip;
for the day of their calamity is at hand,
    and their doom comes swiftly. (Deuteronomy 32:35)

Father God, please show me where I am selfish, where I need to die to self, where I need to pick up my cross and follow you, and you alone. Amen.

Luke 9 & Psalm 57

 

No matter where we are

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (1 John 5:14)

What a promise. What is on your heart today that you believe is in God’s will that you need to ask him for? I know it is in his will that we share the gospel, share his love, that we give, that we repent, that we flee from sin and that we turn our hearts and will toward him.

How often do we take this promise too lightly? No matter where we are, anytime, we have the ear of the almighty God, creator of the Heavens and the Earth, Lord of All, and oftentimes my prayers are just so lame it is embarrassing.

I repent right now Lord for treating you so small. You rescued me, you gave me mercy and grace. You offer perfect truth through your Holy Spirit and your word in the Bible. Thank you for forgiving my sin, for loving me, for listening, for your mercy and grace that I can never repay.

Taking God’s promises too lightly in my world is a result of my own selfishness, which ends up becoming idolatry; me first, everything else second.

Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. (1 John 5:21 NLT)

I asked my boys to read 1 John 5, then share any thoughts that the reading might have provoked. They both (separately) mentioned verse 21. The ESV uses the word idols, but I sure love how the NLT puts it in our terms today and basically defines idols as anything that might take God’s place in our hearts.

Preston related this verse to having the desire to play video games that he knows are wrong/bad for him. Peyton related it to choosing sports over spiritual growth. Pretty sure we can all relate!

Even during the writing of this post I allowed myself to be distracted by looking for the best hotel for an upcoming business trip. Hmm, the one with a 4.4 rating or the 4.3 rating that looks like nicer rooms but not as desirable location? Pretty sure I checked out for 15 minutes browsing photos and reading reviews. In the end, my investment in that search was about about seeking what would please me and would give me the most comfort. After wasting time on this search I literally felt empty and even a little depressed. Nothing on this earth will ever satisfy like the living water of Jesus… nothing.

Lord Jesus I need you, every day, every hour, every second. I repent for allowing the things of this world to take your rightful place in my heart. Renew me, restore me, guide me today for your glory. Amen.

Today’s reading links: 1 John 5 & Psalm 43

A good car ride, praising God

This week I had the privilege to travel a couple hours by car with a man I’ll refer to as “Patrick” who is a new friend. In the journey we had some cordial personal banter, then great business dialogue, then God revealed himself in glorious fashion.

As we neared the end of the ride, Patrick shared that he has a daughter who was conceived with help from In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). There were evidently some difficulties in becoming pregnant, but a few years later he and his wife were hoping to become pregnant once again. Except the timing wasn’t good; IVF is very expensive and Patrick’s mother had become ill with cancer.

Unfortunately, Patrick eventually lost his mother to cancer, however on the weekend of her death, Patrick’s wife shared that she was pregnant once again. This time, no help from IVF. Patrick praised God for this miracle and was such a joyful man, I couldn’t help but feel overjoyed and praised God for what he had done. I praised God for the opportunity to meet Patrick, for people who share their story and give God the glory. How refreshing!

Would you join me in saying a prayer for Patrick and his growing family?

What story can you share with someone today as to how God has changed your life?

18-21 Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ’s sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It’s because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God. (1 Peter 1:18-21 – MSG)

Today’s reading links: 1 Peter 1 & Psalm 29

You only get married twice, once.

Last weekend I had the honor to officiate a wedding “do over” for a couple who first married each other in 1997, but divorced several years ago. I’ve known this couple (Jamie and Jalynn Schnur) since the moment they met in 1993. 

This week’s post is an edited version of my message from the wedding…

Father God, thank you for bringing us here today. Please bless the words that will be spoken in this ceremony, may they glorify you, may they be used to strengthen marriages, and to get a better glimpse into your character. We ask for a blessing on this marriage and this family. In Jesus name. Amen.

The reconciliation, the restoration, the second chance that has occurred here is fascinating. We are part of something very special and rare. Many people will say that divorce is like a death. In some ways it is because marriage is an entity, and divorce brings an end, a death, to that entity. While weddings symbolize the beginning of something, this wedding also symbolizes the end of something. The end of separation, the end of the divorce. This wedding is unique.

Like Jamie and Jalynn say “you only get married twice, once”.

Jalynn shared with me that while it would have been easier (and less expensive) for them to jet off for a private ceremony, they wanted to share this time, this event, this gesture with friends and family because they wanted all of us to be a part of it. To learn from it.

She wants to do this to “put a bow on it”. They’ve come a long, long way together and they wanted to cross this finish line in the presence of friends and family.

Several years ago I was hanging out with Jamie and Jalynn, and the thought popped into my head to ask them, “how is your marriage?” – but I chickened out. I made excuses.

  • didn’t want to intrude
  • didn’t want to offend
  • I’m sure it is fine
  • none of my business

Except as a friend who had known them as a couple longer than anyone, it was absolutely my business. I knew in my heart there was something wrong but I didn’t do anything intentional to address it. A missed opportunity at best, and I bet I’m not the only one here today who could have been a better friend.

The beautiful thing is that it is all ok. These two have learned how to forgive; there has been a lot of hurt along the way. The hurt piles up, but only in true forgiveness can there be true reconciliation and healing. Jalynn shared with me that toward the end of her father J.C.’s life, he grew more and more into a man who was all about forgiveness; both in words and action. That same theme, forgiveness, is part of the Schnur reconciliation both with each other, and with those who may have been part of their pain in the past.

Who in your life right now needs you to step up, lean in, and offer love, a listening ear, words of encouragement, a shoulder to cry on, prayer, wisdom, financial support or forgiveness? Whether it be a marriage on the rocks, a troubled teenager, a lost soul, or someone you know is hurting. Who will step up to intervene?

If something stirs in us to even ponder saying something, then we’ve been called. We were not put on this earth merely to satisfy our own pleasures and desires. We as humans, made in the image of God were put here to live out our lives for His glory, and how we respond to those in need is a reflection of our inward hearts. Jamie and Jalynn were blown away by the response to their wedding and see that as a symbol of how we feel about them. Most of us have no idea how important we are to other people. Let’s all start sharing more with others how important they are to us.

Consider Jesus of Nazareth. His miracles were well documented with his first being the turning of water into wine at a wedding feast. He performed miracles not to glorify himself but to glorify his father in Heaven; he raised people from the dead, walked on water, healed the sick, helped the blind to see, and in the end he offered the ultimate sacrifice as a substitute for the penalty we deserve for our sin; he offered his very life.

Matthew chapter 22 documents Jesus’ response to the question “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-39)

We have the same call with what we’ve been given as far as intellect, strength, and our resources such as time and money. We are called to offer this love to our friends, family, and people we may never even know personally. Don’t miss the opportunity as it will not last. We know people are counting on us. How will we respond today?

A few years ago while talking to Jamie about “joy”, sadly at that time he said “there’s no joy Jon, none”. That broke my heart; there were lots of broken hearts during those times.

But there is hope… JOY HAS RETURNED! 

There is gratitude and gratefulness for the second chance. Few people get this opportunity. Jamie and Jalynn have a new perspective and are doing this for the right reasons. They are both ready; their family is ready. They’ve rebuilt something together that now stands on more solid ground than ever before. They don’t seek to be perfect on their own; they seek to learn from mistakes, let the past be the past, and move on. Life is precious and too short to take any other approach.

Today there’s love, restoration, respect, trust, laughter, forgiveness, passion, peace, patience, kindness, and goodness. There is communication. There are tears of joy.

And that’s what we are here today to celebrate; this is a reunion of friends and family, so let’s get on with it and make it official, let’s put a bow on it.

Today’s reading links: Hebrews 7 & Psalm 15

In Closing

If you knew you were at the end of your life and writing your last letter to people you loved, what would you say?

2 Timothy 4 closes out Paul’s final writings in the Bible. He knew he was at the end of his life and he was passing the torch to his dear friend Timothy who was like a son to him.

In his personal instructions and closing (verses 9-22), we can observe that Paul is very people focused. Thinking about what is (or should be) most important to any of us, I think about the people I’ve been entrusted to love, teach, guide and to learn from and wanted to share two stories from this week.

On Tuesday, a close family member had a very serious health scare; one that caused great panic for a short period of time. Immediate thoughts went though my mind wondering if I’ve properly shared the gospel with him, if I’ve treated him with love, goodness, kindness, and gentleness. What if the last time I saw him was truly “the last time”? What would life be like without him?

On Thursday, Amy’s car broke down with an issue that was a severe safety hazard an hour from home while I was several hours away at work. She had our boys with her and the car was packed full of luggage. Generally a panic situation.

One of my biggest fears in life (apart from public speaking) is actually that my family would be stranded somewhere in a broken down car AND that I’d be too far away to help! With immediate prayer along with feeling nauseous, I started making phone calls.

Praise God, our local dealership actually called a tow truck, had the truck come to the dealership and pick up a loaner car, bring that car to Amy, then take our car back to the dealership.

And based on my own experience with tow truck drivers, I’ll admit to some negative bias. Not this guy! Amy said he was so nice and helpful, she was blown away… wow!

Praise God that these two situations had best case scenario results. Praise Him for putting people in our lives who listen, respond and give us love. May we respond in a way that honors God and his calling.

Starting today we’re going through the Psalms for additional praise and teaching. Here’s a link for today: Psalm 1

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. (2 Timothy 4:22)

Worthy of His Calling

My prior post inquired about being worthy of imitation and also asked “Are we living a life worthy of our calling?” When writing that post I hadn’t read the scripture for today’s post yet (which is 2 Thessalonians 1), and was completely surprised to find the following regarding being worthy of God’s calling:

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, (2 Thessalonians 1:11)

This week my job has “called” me to visit Italy. The countryside, architecture, and historical sites are stunningly beautiful. Even more important than the physical beauty, our hosts are bending over backwards for us; setting aside their work and even their personal schedules to accommodate our every need.

Our hosts have been driving us around, booking our hotels, shifting plans on short notice, being patient with our inability to speak Italian and also teaching us Italian, offering coffee at least every hour and engaging us in work-related conversation (well and lots of talk about food) during three to four hour dinners very late into the night.

Our host just today after lunch offered to take me golfing “right now” and he was dead serious (had to decline that but going to plan for it next time), invited us to dine at his home tonight (hopefully his wife is aware), introduced us to the chef/owner of one of his favorite restaurants, introduced us to the owner of our hotel (along with the owner’s family), and offered to help us find the right school for our kids.

The food here is incredible; the best I’ve ever had. Same with the wine. There is so much.. I’m speechless (and very, very full).

Saying all of this, I can see how easy it can be to get distracted by the pleasures of this world. Food, wine, scenery, friendship, fun… these are all good things, but we all need Jesus, and this week my “work-related” calling includes building relationships, but my eternal calling has nothing to do with food, and everything to do with spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. I feel the pull and empty promises of the worldly things, so I am so thankful for what is not empty: the promises of God, for his holy truth, for being “found” whenever we seek him, for God being my rock, and my true comfort.

For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14)

Worthy of imitation?

After a quick transition to a new job in a new state with a new company along with plans to eventually move overseas, this last month has given me a lot to look forward to, and it has also inspired me to pause and reflect. Today’s reading is on Philippians 3 and this verse stood out in particular in reflection of the spiritual mentors/influencers in my life:

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. (Philippians 3:17)

Since I was a kid, my mom prayed for me to have friends, mentors, guides and role models influencing my spiritual journey in a positive way. As a result, whenever this prayer is answered, I praise God for what he’s done and thank him for my mom and her countless prayers and dedication.

Many of us have people we look up to or consider heroes in this life. I’m a sports fan, not a fanatic, so while I respect and admire those at the top – I don’t really follow these people and I’d never consider purchasing a jersey with someone else’s name on it. Famous actors/actresses, and even musicians are not that exciting to me… I’ll enjoy the contributions to the arts, but I won’t seek to imitate or follow these folks closely, if at all.

Those who do inspire me are the strong, bold, influential, successful, yet humble and self-aware leaders who live out their faith both outside and inside the workplace. The ones whose priorities are in the right order and encourage/support others to prioritize the same; loving God and loving people. My friend Duane exemplifies all of these attributes and is worthy of imitation through his imitation and submission to Jesus Christ. While I’ve tried to verbally share with him the impact he’s had on my life, he certainly doesn’t know the depth. Thank you Duane!

I challenge our readers to consider the following by thinking of those who have influenced your spiritual journey for the better:

  1. There are people observing our behavior and we likely have far more influence than we realize. What can or should we do about this? Are we living a life worthy of our calling?
  2. Who are the most spiritually influential people in your life? Have you thanked them properly? Do they have any idea how much they mean to you or of the fruitful results of their actions?
  3. What are the behaviors (known or unknown to others) that should not be imitated and are we seeking repentance? Can we, like Paul suggest that people imitate us?

Father God, thank you for putting people in our lives who pray for us, who lead by example and who boldly proclaim the gospel of salvation through your son Jesus. May our eyes be opened and affixed firmly on you to recognize your work, your plans, your will, and your ways. We repent for acting as though our ways are better. Give us the courage like Paul states (in Philippians 3:14) to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Amen.