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Today’s reading link: Genesis 40; Mark 10; Job 6; Romans 10

How should we receive the kingdom of God? Like a child.

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” – Mark 10:15

This verse actually scared me because it was very specific saying that if we don’t receive the kingdom like a child we shall not enter it. Hopefully you’re with me and are planning on entering it, so I thought it worthwhile to spend some time considering what it means to receive the kingdom of God like a child.

The word receive is a verb so this provides reasoning that receiving the kingdom requires active participation. God is always near us and is seeking a relationship with us, but we need to receive him, we need to let him in. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

These thoughts come to mind when I think about the minds and actions of children and some correlating verses that speak to these attributes:

1. Receive fearlessly; if you give them something, they just take it without hesitation. We too should be fearless. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
2. Children seem to always be hungry and thirsty. Like a child hungering and thirsting for food, we should hunger and thirst for righteousness. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6) 
3. Receive joyfully. Luke 19:1-10 tells the story of Zacchaeus, the cheating tax collector who turned to follow Jesus. Zacchaeus received Jesus joyfully; like us, he had much to be thankful for when he recognized salvation in repentance and trust in Jesus.
4. Children are meek. Merriam-Webster defines meek as “having or showing a quiet or gentle nature” (keyword here is “nature”… it is fully understood that children can be extremely loud, but their nature is generally quiet and gentle). “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)
5. A synonym for meek is the word humble and we need to humble ourselves like children. Matthew’s account of Jesus teaching about receiving like children includes the verb “humbles”. Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3-4)
6. Children do not have the weight of the world on their shoulders. They don’t have worries piled up. They’re not worrying about their future (marriage, retirement, their own children) or their past (mistakes, sins, or when they were harmed by others). They’re focused on “right now”. Jesus has it covered and said, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34)
7. Children fully depend on their caregivers for sustenance. Jesus reminds us of our value to God and is telling us to trust God for sustenance as he said “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26)
8. Children want to be taught and led. While children may often resist teaching and leadership, I believe humans have an “inner program” designed by our creator where we crave learning and we long for someone to lead us. How wonderful it would be to have leaders of nations who are solely for us. “This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.” (Isaiah 48:17)
9. Children want a father. While we all have differing experiences and relationships with our earthly fathers, we have one consistent, loving, Heavenly Father who made us, shaped us, and will never leave us. “But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)
10. Children want to be loved, held, and given attention. What greater proof that we are loved than the fact that our creator, God in Heaven, sent his own son to die for us? “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:7-8)

These desirable childlike attributes remind me that I’m often quite the opposite, I’m like a problem child, but in my repentance through Jesus Christ I am forgiven.

“But they and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments. They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them. (Nehemiah 9:16-17)

Heavenly Father, I’m stubborn and I often disobey your commandments. I often selfishly choose to forget what you’ve done for me, even though you remind me every day how you rescued me and how you love me. Thank you for dealing with me with grace and mercy. Thank you for being slow to anger even though I am not. Thank you for loving me even when I don’t show love. Thank you for not forsaking me even when I have forsaken you. Amen.

Today’s reading: Genesis 38; Mark 8; Job 4; Romans 8

February 5th, 2016

In the past when I have gone through, what some may refer to as difficult times, I do my best to listen to the Spirit and seek out what God is trying to teach me. Wednesday night was one of these times. A time when a situation, so gripping on the soul, that a moment’s loosening can create so much hope that it will end. During one of these flash of relief I found myself, in prayer, begging God that the relief would continue through the night. When the relief ceased, I began to beg its return. But, by the grace of God, being of sound mind, the Spirit returned my thoughts to the question at hand; “what are You trying to teach me LORD?”

An answer came, “Perseverance”. Whenever answers come clear, I can not help but be overwhelmed with thankfulness that God would consider a wretch like me. I praised God from my heart for keeping His loving eye on me and it was at that moment I believe my lesson in perseverance began. Thankfulness, contagious as it is, spilled over and took hold the situation.

Instead of begging God that relief would return I began to praise Him for the relief that had come. Thanking Him for the sweetness of it. Then realizing His goodness, I began thanking Him for the next wave of relief that I knew would come. I was at this moment I felt a strong sense of the difference between hope and faith. Praying for something in hope being different than certainty of receipt thereof and thanks therein. He is good! I began to understand how trusting in God’s goodness breeds the faith in deliverance and how perseverance is rooted deep in a holding fast on certain goodness to come. Knowing that relief was coming made turned the moments grip on my soul from bearable to gone. It was already gone. I was already in the future where it was gone. Faith had mounted me up on wings like eagles; my strength had been renewed.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry miracles are preceded by faith. From today’s reading following Jesus feeding 4,000 we have the Pharisees demanding a sign. Jesus’ response:

And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation. – Mark 8:12

This word generation γενεά means: same generation; people of the same kind; descendants; age. I do not believe that generation here used means what we commonly use the term for now; baby boomers, millennials, etc. Particularly so because a miracle had just been performed, which, in my estimation, could easily have been taken as a sign from heaven. But rather meaning more: people of the same kind.

God may we be a people whose trust in You gives us faith like a child. May this faith unlock the miracles You give to Your generation. May You be glorified and may we witness to all the earth the Good News the miracle of saving grace. Amen.

 

Today’s Readings:  Genesis 37; Mark 7; Job 3; Romans 7

There are many times when I catch myself saying something not Christ-like. I can act in a way that I know I shouldn’t, or have a thought that makes me wonder. Why God? I then reflect and proceed to pray and ask for forgiveness and wisdom to not repeat my shortcoming.  There has been many times where I make a bad decision and would point the blame somewhere else.  I now understand my insecurity a little more and try to just own it.  In today’s readings I’m reminded about my poor actions and thoughts.  I’m so grateful for our God who gives us Grace we don’t deserve. My desires to do right are always there, my mind and “flesh” have different plans sometimes.

Romans 7:18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.

I now try to pray throughout my day knowing any moment I could be led astray. I also try to pray in the moments before, during, and after my “flesh” is only thinking about myself and not around God.  Unfortunately, sometimes  my response is – “I’m sorry God, I failed again”. My wife Jennifer and I were baptized at Eastview in the last few years. It has dramatically changed our lives. Being born again through faith happens in seconds, becoming like Christ is a lifelong process.  I tell kids all the time, one of the hardest things we do in life is admit when we do something wrong.  We always want to be right and please yourself or others.  The truth is our actions and thoughts need to be more focused around God. The more we focus on Him, the less likely we will revert to our own ways.  He has given us a story that provides numerous examples of the way we should love others. We must depend on Christ to guide, support, and direct us in ours.

Romans 7:25 I serve the law with God in mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. In our weak earthly moments turn to God and give thanks to God for who He is.

In Mark 7:15 it reads There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him. 

This verse reminds me of the my choices I have in allowing what goes into my heart, mind, and body. But, it also reminds me what comes out is also from me. I pray in my responses and actions in our earthly life I act in a manner that was set by our greatest example Jesus.  It’s easy to say and can be encouraged when you start your day with the Word.  But our flesh doesn’t always allow this to happen.  The more you are reading and living in Christ your works will mirror your faith. Philippians 4:8 tells us whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything  worthy of praise, think about these things. Practice these things.

In Genesis 37 Joseph’s brothers sell him because of their “flesh” responses to his dreams. In Job 3, Job’s “flesh” response from the attack by Satan has Job question his own birth. In the unbelievable story of Job, he later goes on to confess and repent for his thoughts and actions.  We to need to do the same.

Job 42:2 I know you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.  

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 

Dear God, I am humbled, grateful, and broken.  You restore, comfort, and love us us like children.  Help us to be centered around you and not our own desires. Thank you for being the Father who picks us up when we are crying out. Thank you for being such a grace-filled  Father.  Amen

 

Today’s reading: Genesis 35–36; Mark 6; Job 2; Romans 6

The paradox of freedom, is the power to choose that to which we subordinate our lives.

I didn’t consider the “important” things in my life to be distractions until I found my true purpose.  My hobbies, pursuits and passions seemed so worthwhile, even noble at times, but they were the very things that held me captive.  Vigorously I pursued work, family relationships, fitness and causes; but mostly just work.  My obsession with work often left me physically and mentally depleted and I struggled to find balance.  As it turned out, even balance was just another thing to distract me from the truth.  Then one day, while reading from the book of Ecclesiastes, a light went on — everything was vanity.  Everything that is, except the pursuit of God.  If I wasn’t pursuing God first and foremost, following his law, learning his ways, then I was missing the big point of life.

It wasn’t that my pursuits were bad, though some certainly were; but anything that I preferenced above God was idolatry.  I foolishly put my trust and hope in things that were inferior.  Everything that wasn’t fully subordinated to God’s will was a problem.  Trusting anything more than God was potentially idol worship.  Idolatry.

We can choose to devote ourselves to idols: self, money, sex, power, causes, enterprise, even religion.  We can construct our awesome theories about how the universe works, perhaps even striving to yield our lives in brilliant transcendence to some impersonal force or power that seems to be behind everything.  Then we might even say we have found God and we are spiritual, and perhaps we have and we are.  Alternatively if we intentionally pursue the knowedge of God we can experience real power, and true hope, in a relationship with the personal, living, eternal God who is the creator of everything.  This is the same God whose truth and wisdom is written on our hearts and revealed through our prayers; and in the understanding of God’s Word, which is also found in the Bible, He is revealed!

We will always choose something to worship — we were made to worship.  When we choose to put God first, all other things in our lives find their rightful place.  Some are purged while all others find their order in the prioritities of God’s will.  For most of us this can only happen when we ask, seek and knock.  Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened… (Mathew &:7-8)

As I began to trust God, placing Him instead of me on the throne of my life, everything else started to work out.  Not all at once, and not always how I expected — but always perfect.  Looking back, this became easier to see and understand.  I had found real freedom from trusting God, from yielding my ego and intentionally following Jesus Christ.  He is, and was, and is forever the messiah, offering everyone freedom in the deliverance from the fear of loss, death, abandonment, humiliation and scarcity.  I learned that the Lord gives and takes away with purpose and love.  And the more I prayed, and read God’s word, the more I learned about God. The more I learned about God the more I changed.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28).

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1John 4:18).

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship. And by him we cry Abba Father. (Romans 8:15).

I was no longer bent on constructing my own imperfect reality.  No longer trying to become the master of my kingdom built upon the sin of self worship.  I was no longer seeking out personal glories and pleasures which had become the broken records of my disappointment.

As I read and prayed and listened, I found ears to hear, and the futility of “doing it my way” (no disrespect to Frank Sinatra but…) was revealed, and in its place I discovered the truth of the freedom of righteousness.  I had been a prisoner to sin.  Now I would become a slave to righteousness, and in that glorious bondage I finally found real freedom.

God I pray that I would never be a slave to sin again, and that I would continue to discover the depths and abundant blessings you have bestowed upon me in the incredible freedom offered through your amazing grace and by the power of your Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Today’s reading link: Genesis 33; Mark 4; Esther 9–10; Romans 4

Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” – Genesis 31:-3

We read in Genesis 27:41-42 that Esau planned to kill his brother Jacob, so it is no surprise that Jacob is fearful when God instructs him to return to his homeland (where Esau resides). Jacob could have chosen allow the fear to manifest into distrusting God and therefore avoid Esau, but he obeyed God’s command, trusted His promise, then took action. He shared his fear with God and sent a multitude of gifts to Esau, but today’s focal point is that in his repentance he got his heart right and humbled himself before Esau.

Jacob refers to himself as Esau’s servant, bows before his brother, refers to Esau as “my lord”, and shows great gladness in Genesis 33:10 saying “For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me.” Jacob didn’t try to justify his actions or make excuses. He knew his gifts weren’t enough of an apology, he needed to convey true sorrow and repentance. As for us and God, he doesn’t want excuses, he doesn’t need our gifts or works, he requires our hearts to be right with him.

In Esther 8:10-11, we’re told that the Jews to had been given the right by the king to defend themselves and take the plunder (riches and possessions) of their attackers. In Esther 9:16, after the Jews had triumphed over their attackers they would have been justified in taking the plunder, however they chose not to. Wealth was at their fingertips, theirs for the taking and they didn’t take it! Instead they turned in worship, praise, and thankfulness. As a result of these events, they left a beautiful legacy that would be commemorated “throughout every generation, in every clan, province, and city.” Their hearts were right before God.

Mark 4:10-25 also has a heart right theme. These verses basically talk about two ways we can receive God’s word; hearts in the wrong place or the right place. We can read and hear the truth but if our hearts are not right – we miss the message; we’re like the beaten path, the rocky ground, the thorns, or the basket hiding the lamp. When our hearts are right, we allow his word to grow in us and change us to be more like Jesus.

Romans 4 talks about Abraham’s faith through adversity. God promised that Abraham would become the father of many nations however at age 100 things weren’t looking too good. He could have been resentful and lost faith, but on the contrary, his heart was right and his faith grew stronger, and this brought glory to God. We benefit from this faith as well:

And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. – Romans 4:22-25 (NLT)

Father in Heaven, I ask you today to show me where my heart needs to change and be made right so that you may be honored and so that I may know you better. I cannot save myself. My attempt to do good works is not enough, so I thank you for the abundance of mercy and grace you have given through your son Jesus. Thank you God. Amen!