√ Reality Check: October 2006

Friday, October 27, 2006

Lessons From a Beehive

I Timothy Chapter 2
Scripture= I Timothy chapter 2:8-10 (Today's New International Version)

8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

Observations and Applications=WARNING!
(Because of the nature of this passage this blog will have a little more of teaching feel then most others.)

Do you remember as a kid watching on television or at the movies a scene where some character accidentally grabs hold of a beehive? Think about it; what do you do? Throw it down? Try to run? Jump into the water (if there is any around you)? I mean no matter what you do, you know that you are going to get stung; it is just a matter of how many times.

That is how I feel when I look at I Timothy chapter 2. There are at least two very controversial passages in this chapter especially verses 11-15. As you might have noticed I took the brave pastor, chicken approach and chose the verses before this controversial section. In my defense however, verses 8-10 are rather controversial as well. I chose them because I do believe that verses 8-10, in the context of the chapter, have something to say about verses 11-13.

The place to begin to understand this passage of scripture is the first four verses of the chapter. Paul writes to Timothy that, “we should (may) live ‘peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.” (See verse 2-4) Verse 8 then has a ‘therefore’ in it, which means this verse is linked back to something said previously and I believe that it is linked back to verses 1-4.

If the point of our behavior is to point people to Jesus then somehow verses 8-15 have something to do with revealing Jesus and pointing people to the truth. The earlier verses talked about peaceful and quiet lives that are filled with godliness and holiness. So maybe what Paul is telling Timothy is how men and women in the church can live these types of lives. The men shouldn’t be fighting and disputing with one another in anger because that would distract people from the Lord. This type of behavior is far from being peaceable and non-controversial.

The women if they are to live in peace and have non-controversial lives should not be in a clothes competition with one another. They shouldn’t be in a place where there are debates on whether they are dressed modestly enough. It would be better to err on the side of modesty than to stir up arguments. This is not however, calling for the modesty police. The word here is that they should have personal discretion that would coincide with the other women around them. Remember the idea is to point others to Jesus; not to be controversial.

Following the same flow of verses 8-10, it makes sense to me that verses 11-15 refer to distractions and controversies that would take place in church if there were debates between husbands and wives or men and women in church. Remember the context of chapter 2 is not about who teaches or doesn’t teach but about living peaceable, quiet, godly and holy lives. If the word ‘woman’ in verses 11 & 12 could also be translated “wife,’ this would fit the context that Paul is talking about not having distractions from Jesus from within a household. Husbands and wives were not openly to discuss or debate what was being taught in the church. This would distract others and could border on a lack of submission to God, other church members and to one another (wives to husbands). The willingness to not debate these things publicly would reveal a peaceable and quiet heart. Controversy and debates over doctrine, church issues, clothing choices or family arguments and discussions in church all ought to be avoided.

Do we distract people in Church today? Do we do the same things? Do we argue and openly debate in opposition to one another? Do we see clothes controversies and wardrobe choices that distract and cause dissention? Is there open hostility or disrespect observable among husbands and wives and men and women? What do we need to do to live peaceable, quiet, godly and holy lives? Remember our lives point people to Jesus.

Prayer= Lord speak into my life. Show me where I need to live a more quiet and peaceable life? I want to live in godliness and holiness with others. I want to be an example and not a distraction to those who need to see what you look like in me.

Posted by Reality Check at 4:58 PM | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, October 26, 2006

All that and a Bag of Chips!

I Timothy Chapter 1

Scripture=I Timothy 1:12 -16 (N.I.V.)

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Observation and Application=
Sometimes it is easy to get so caught up in our walk with Christ that we begin to think that somehow we ‘are all that and a bag of chips!’ What I am saying is that we get so good at doing all ‘the right things’ that we forget what God has done for us and that everything we possess and have become has been given to us through the grace of God. We almost think that we have always been worthy some how of all that God has done for us. I am not saying that we are not new creations in Christ. What I am saying is that it can be easy to forget our need and the grace, love and even our faith was given to us by God.

Paul tells this young pastor Timothy, that even though he is Timothy’s mentor, Paul remembers what Jesus did for him (Paul). Jesus died for sinners and Paul calls himself ‘the worst of sinners.’ Paul tells Timothy that Jesus showed him (Paul) mercy so others could see God’s great patience. Wow, what an outlook on ones life? What an understanding of grace. Paul understands who he is in Christ and he is not groveling or expressing false pride or false piety. Paul knows what Jesus did for him and that fact keeps Paul both humble and grateful.

What great insight and wisdom for a young pastor to learn from his spiritual father. How many times did I feel coming out of seminary that ‘I was all that and a bag of chips.’ I couldn’t wait to teach all the people in my church all that I knew. They were so lucky to have me! I know that this is a sad confession but unfortunately too true. How wise for Paul to help young Timothy gain a valuable perspective on who we really are and what God has done for us and continues to do. Paul knew that this valuable insight would help Timothy remember what Paul called himself ‘a bond servant of Jesus.’ A man bound to the saving mercy, forgiveness, grace, love of his Savior and Lord. A man whose past reminded him that he was called to serve!

Do you remember what Jesus has done for you? As we reflect on God’s marvelous salvation given to those who needed it so desperately (me and you) may we stay grateful and humble enough to remember that we are called to serve.

Prayer= Thank You Lord Jesus for saving a sinner like me and for your grace that I need today as much as ever! I want to remember what you have done for me so that I will never forget that I have been given the privilege to serve your children.

Posted by Reality Check at 9:09 PM | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Believers and Skeptics

The Gospel of Luke

Luke Chapter 23
Scripture= Luke chapter 23:39-42, 36-37, 47
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” 40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

36 The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. 37 They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”

47 When the Roman officer (centurion) overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent (righteous).”

Observations and Applications=
Faith is sometimes so hard to figure out. I am not talking about the concept of faith but why certain people can see something and believe and someone else can see the same thing and deny everything. What makes you a believer and what makes you a skeptic?

In Luke Chapter 23, we see that one of the two thieves who were crucified beside Jesus taunts him and the other believes in him. We also see a group of Roman soldiers mock Jesus during the crucifixion and then at the end of Jesus’ life a Roman Centurion praises God and states that Jesus was a righteous man. It is hard to understand how one person sees a Savior while the other sees nothing at all. All of them were seemingly given the same opportunity but there were definitely different results!

I know that our salvation is a gift from God. I also know that our salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit as he reveals to us our need and our Savior. But it is a mystery why one believes and one denies. Does this change the way that we present the Gospel? Romans chapter 10:14-15, asks: How anyone can call on Jesus if they have never believed in him? And how can anyone believe in someone that they have never heard about? And how can anyone hear about Jesus if no one preaches to them? And how can anyone go preach to someone unless they are sent to do so?

I might not be able to figure out the inner workings of someone’s faith but I still have the responsibility to respond to the Holy Spirit and obediently share my life and my story with someone. Sometimes my testimony will be my actions and sometimes it will be my words. The important point is to just be available and obedient. The results we will just have to leave with God.

Prayer= Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for our sins and giving us your life. I want to be a willing testimony of your grace. I ask that the opportunities that you give me to share your love with others will bear fruit, fruit that will last!

Posted by Reality Check at 10:55 PM | Permalink | Comments

Monday, October 23, 2006

Are You Having A Bad Day?

The Gospel of Luke

Luke Chapter 22
Scripture= Luke chapter 22:31-32, 34
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

Observations and Applications=
Do you ever have bad days, days that seem to never end? Days that no matter what you do everything just seems to go wrong? On days like that I just want to go home and get into bed and wait them out. I want to be in a safe place where I can’t keep messing everything up and where I can’t hurt anyone else. I remember a song in my youth that had words that said, ‘Momma told me that there would be days like this, there would be days like this my Momma said.’

We have all had bad days. Days we would like to forget and we wished would have never happened. In Luke chapter 22, we read about Peter having such a day. Peter is told by Jesus that he will deny Jesus three times. Peter cannot believe what he is hearing, he wouldn’t do that! Peter states that he would go to prison for Jesus or even die for him but you know what happens don’t you? Peter denies Jesus, makes eye contact with Jesus, realizes what he has just done and runs away having committed the worst sin of his life. Talk about a bad day; could it have been any worse?

What is so amazing about this story is that we tend to focus so much of our attention on Peter’s actions that we overlook what Jesus said to Peter before any of these bad things had happened. Jesus told Peter that he had prayed for him. Now before you say, “isn’t that so sweet,” look at what Jesus says. He tells Peter that Satan wants to destroy Peter. Satan wants to ruin Peter’s life and to attack Jesus through one of Jesus’ closest followers and friends. But Jesus tells Peter, “I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

When Peter could not see or believe what he was going to do, Jesus was there for him. Jesus pleaded in prayer for Peter, Jesus believed in Peter, Jesus knew what Peter would do and he still loved him. Jesus’ prayers are what enabled Peter to survive. Jesus even spoke into Peter’s life about a point and time beyond Peter’s fall. Jesus’ prayers saw Peter through the worst days of Peter’s life.

When we have bad days Jesus has been and always will be, there for us as well. When we fall Jesus is not there hovering over us watching us fail him and deny him with our words and our actions.
Romans 8:34 states; “Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.”
Jesus is pleading (interceding) for us just like he did for Peter. Jesus is not condemning us; he is praying us through and seeing us beyond our point of failure.
Hebrews 7:25 states, “Therefore he (Jesus) is able, once and forever, to save (completely) those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” As our high priest Jesus will always be there to pray us through. In our bad days Jesus is always there for us when we sin.
I John 2:1 states; “My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.”

So are you having a bad day or feeling bad about a day in your past? Remember that Jesus has been and always will be praying for you. And when you repent and turn back to Jesus, strengthen one of your brothers and sisters who like you are having a bad day!

Prayer=Lord Jesus, Thank for believing in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. Thank you for always remaining faithful even when I hurt you with my selfishness. I need your mercy and grace everyday. I chose today to see myself in you and to not allow my circumstances to define who I am.

Posted by Reality Check at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments

Saturday, October 21, 2006

Twenty Questions

The Gospel of Luke

Luke Chapter 20
Scripture=Luke chapter 20:1-2, 26, 39-40 (N.L.T.)
1 One day as Jesus was teaching the people and preaching the Good News in the Temple, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. 2 They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”
26 So they failed to trap him by what he said in front of the people. Instead, they were amazed by his answer, and they became silent.
39 “Well said, Teacher!” remarked some of the teachers of religious law who were standing there. 40 And then no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Observations and Applications=
Did you ever play 20 questions? It is a game where one person thinks of a person, place or thing and the other people playing can ask twenty questions to try to guess what the person is thinking of. This chapter in Luke reminds me of this game.

In Luke chapter 20, we find all the religious wise men of Israel trying to play twenty questions with Jesus. It is obvious when you read this chapter that their questions were not asked because they were seeking truth. These religious leaders were on a mission to discredit Jesus, his ministry and his authority. They were jealous of his fame and they were envious that he was the real deal and they seemed powerless and without authority in his presence.

As they send leader after leader to question his authority and try to trap him in some mind game Jesus not only rises to every challenge but also reveals who they really are to the listening crowd. These men are incensed that their true motives were exposed. They are baffled with the questions that Jesus asked them and all in all it was a sad day for the leaders of Israel. They were exposed as men who cared more for their status and position than they cared about helping the people.

If we are not careful we too can take for granted the life that God has given to us. We can easily adopt a superior attitude about our walk with Christ and begin to compare ourselves to others. Without even realizing what we are doing we can forget that we too, represent Christ to those around us. We can become something to look at instead of someone who is involved in meeting the needs of others.

People need to see ‘the Jesus’ in us that causes us to see others in need and respond; not ‘the Jesus’ that only makes us feel better than others. Walking with Jesus doesn’t make us better than others it simply makes us better equipped to meet their needs! John Maxwell says it like this, “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.”

Prayer= Lord Jesus, thank you for saving me. May I show your love to others by my words and my deeds. May others see you Jesus in my appearance and my actions today.

Posted by Reality Check at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments

Friday, October 20, 2006

Are You A Risk Taker?

The Gospel of Luke

Luke Chapter 19
Scripture= Luke chapter 19:26 (N.L.T.)
“‘Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.

Observations and Applications=
Do you like to take risks? Are you willing to step out beyond yourself and your comfort levels? If someone asked me if I was a risk taker I would probably respond that I am. Lately however, I sense that my Abba Daddy (Father God) is challenging that opinion of myself.

I crave adventure but I see that I am allowing my busy-ness to control my risk. I also see that the failures of my past can control my sense of adventure and keep me secure in my comfort zones. Our enemy the ‘accuser of the brethren’ (the devil) will bring up your failures and tell you “that as long as you are moving forward everything is okay. After all remember what it was like to be in great need and you don’t want that to happen again do you? Why risk it? Why step out into the unknown, just wait for a sign or for things to get set up for you before you take risks and step out of your comfort zones!”

Our enemy’s advice sounds all right doesn’t it, but let me tell you that the consequences of such an approach can be devastating! In Luke chapter 19, Jesus tells a story that is like the ‘parable of the talents’ found in Matthew 25:14-30. Three servants are given a portion of ten pounds of silver with the instructions to invest it for the Master while he is gone away.

Two of the servants risk losing the silver by investing it. One servant hides his potion of the silver to make sure that nothing is lost. The two servants that took a risk were able to make a profit for their master and were rewarded proportionately. The one who hid his silver of course made no profit at all. The two that took the risk, you could argue, took a chance and could have lost everything and then what would the Master have said? The third servant is the only one who could guarantee that nothing would be lost.

It seems however, that the point of the story is not about playing it safe and not risking anything. Rather, it seems like the point of the story is in fact about being willing to risk everything! Look again at verse 26, Jesus tells us that we are to use what we have been given and to not play it safe. Doing nothing is NOT an option! WE MUST BE WILLING TO STEP OUT AND TAKE THE RISK!

Is this story and the point it makes speaking to you? Like I wrote earlier, I am being challenged that I am not stepping out beyond my comfort zones and trusting God. God is showing me that my response to his word MUST be obedience without calculating the risk involved or how God’s command will make me look! There are risks, when we step out, no doubt, but I have to trust in God for the profits of the investment my responsibility is to obey! I have been challenged to go back and write down the investment opportunities I have not acted upon. I am also supposed to write down the new areas of risk that God is placing before me. What about you? Are ready to step out and step up? Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

A friend of mine Steven Tavani, made this statement in a recent meeting of pastors I was attending:
“Don’t choose something so cheap that it doesn’t cost you anything.
-Instead-
Choose something so great that it will cost you everything!”

Prayer= Lord, I want to step out and obey your word. When I am afraid I will trust in you. I am ready for your adventure; I am willing to take the risk so help me God.

Posted by Reality Check at 2:02 PM | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Sleight of Hand

The Gospel of Luke

Luke Chapter 18
Scripture= Luke chapter 18 {THE WHOLE CHAPTER}

Observations and Applications=
Do you like to watch sleight of hand magic tricks. You know the type: Now you see it now you don’t. The coin disappears only to come out of someone’s ear, a wand turns into a bouquet of roses, a chosen card pops up out of the deck? I love that stuff and do you know why? Because you know that it is a trick. It’s not real. The magician gets you to look at a distraction and then is able to perform the trick. The switch or transfer takes place and viola, magic! I love it because I want to figure out how the magician did it! You know that what you are seeing isn’t true it is just an illusion and I want to know how the trick was performed.

So many times the way that we live is really a sleight of hand trick. What is apparent outwardly is an illusion. What is taking place in our hearts is really the truth. Who we are on the inside is who we really are. We distract one another by our actions so that we are able to hide what is really taking place in our lives.

In chapter 18 of the Gospel of Luke we see several instances of this sleight of hand; were we see one thing outwardly but something else is actually happening. The chapter opens up with a story of a widow who bugs a judge long enough to illicit a response from him. He responds to her so that she will get off his back. Jesus ties this story to prayer and at first you might think that he is saying to bug God until he answers you. I think however, that if you look at the sleight of hand you will see that the woman was persistent with the judge because he was the only one who could help her. I believe that Jesus is telling us to go to God and only God because he is the only one who can answer our petitions.

When we look closer at this story and then read the rest of the chapter, we see that it is important to pray honestly from our hearts and to cry out to God who IS FAITHFUL to hear our prayers. He alone is our source. He is the one we should take everything to. The Pharisee looks outwardly holy but it is a slight of hand for the tax collector’s humility is really the indication of a holy life.

Children seem to be of less consequence than adults because of what they seemingly can contribute to society but it is a sleight of hand for children still have their life ahead of them and they have both the innocence and faith to believe on and trust in God.

The religious leader in the next part of chapter 18 seemed to have his act together. He had obeyed all the commandments and was wealthy too. This was a sure sign to everyone that he was blessed and favored by God. Those around Jesus were shocked when it was revealed to be simply a sleight of hand trick. Outwardly this religious leader appeared to be perfect but Jesus knew his heart and where his faith had been placed. Jesus challenged him to trust God completely with all that he had.

The truth about Jesus dying was something that his disciples could not handle; the truth would not even sink in. The Messiah couldn’t die, after all he was supposed to be their king and restore the throne of David. Even this was a sleight of hand because we know that without the death of Jesus we could never be free. The whole point of Jesus’ life was to die and to be our sacrifice.
The last sleight of hand is seen in the healing of the blind man. What a contrast from the rich young man this blind man was. He was a beggar and to the crowd he was simply an outcast and had no worth to society. But this blind man cried out to God and God heard him. Jesus ordered the blind man to be brought to him and Jesus healed him. This outcast was a man of faith on the inside and his faith enabled him to be healed.

In what ways do we live out a ‘sleight of hand existence?’ God told Samuel in I Samuel 16:7, “that man looks on the outward appearance but God looks at the heart.” Our slight of hand lives can’t fool our God. What is God speaking to you about as you have read this? Are you judging others only by their outward appearance? Do you ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Scripture to you or do you simply try to figure it out on your own? And finally, while outwardly your life looks like you’ve surrendered everything to God are their any areas that you are keeping under your own control? Is your walk with God simply a sleight of hand trick?

Prayer= Lord, I want to be sold out. I don’t want to hold out. Show me where I am self deceived. Teach me to keep my eyes on the things that are important to you.

Posted by Reality Check at 5:31 PM | Permalink | Comments

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

True Discipleship!

The Gospel of Luke

Luke Chapter 17
Scripture= Luke chapter 17:3-4 (N.L.T.)
“If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”

Observations and Applications=
Conflict is not something that most normal people relish. Even when we are wronged we tend to suffer more than we probably should due to the conflict of confronting our assailant. I am not saying that we shouldn’t say something, in fact most people will voice a quick retort when wronged but we usually don’t get down to the reasons and motives behind the hurt. Why?

Jesus tells us in Luke 17:3-4 that when wronged we should rebuke and forgive. He states, ‘if another believer sins’ and than says, ‘you must forgive.’ That implies to me that the person has sinned against us. I understand how to rebuke and forgive but it seems like there is a process implied here.

I believe that Jesus is teaching us about some kingdom dynamics. I believe that I am my brother and my sister’s keeper. I believe that I am to be in fellowship with other believers and this fact is not up for debate. To rebuke and forgive other Christian believers means to me; that I must be in a relationship with them. This process is about the growth and development of character for the both of us.

Think about what must take place in this whole process; first there is a conflict, then there is confrontation but there is also mercy, exhortation (correction), instruction, repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration. These are the ingredients of a real, growing, healthy relationship. It is not possible to have pure fellowship without them! A relationship like this demands our time, our attention and great effort. There must be a commitment to one another. When we have relationships like this we are actually making disciples.

It seems to me that these are the relationships that Jesus expects of his followers. When I look at verses 7-10 I get the impression that when I am committed to this type of an ongoing relationship I shouldn’t think that I will be honored for doing something special. Instead, I need to understand that this is simply standard procedure for a child of God. Do we care enough to confront, forgive and restore? Do we simply care?

Usually I don’t bother to confront because I care more about what people think about me than I care about making disciples. Remember we are known to be His disciples by our love for one another. If you truly love me you will confront me for I am being made into the image of my Lord.

Prayer= Lord, help me to accept my responsibility to my brothers and sisters of faith. I don’t want to play the Holy Spirit but I do want to be obedient and faithful. Help me to care enough to walk someone through this process and to be humble enough to be led through it myself.

Posted by Reality Check at 7:49 PM | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Little and Big Things...

The Gospel of Luke

Luke Chapter 16

Scripture=Luke chapter 16:10-12 (New Living Translation)

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?

Observations and Applications=
Did you ever think what you would do with a million dollars?

It is fun just to think about it isn’t it? How much would you invest? What would you buy; a new house, a new car maybe? Would you give anything to God? A tithe (10%) and perhaps something special for your church? Would you give any of it away? What do you really think you would do with all that money?

For many of us the answer is really kind of easy. It would be fairly obvious what we would do with the money. Seriously, most of us could know right now what we would do. All you would have to do is look and see what you are doing with the money that you have right now!

In Luke chapter 16:10-12, Jesus tells us that if we are faithful in little things we will be able to be trusted with even bigger things. I know that I have been writing about money but the principle is really the same for everything. We are stewards over everything we have; including our time, our treasures and our talents (our personalities and gifts). If you are not using wisely what God has given you now what makes you think that having more of anything would make you give more faithfully?

I am not suggesting that you give simply to get more. What has been given to us is like being given a financial trust and we are responsible for how we use it. If we are faithful stewards of God’s blessings now, then we can be given even more. Good stewardship of God’s provisions given to us here on earth will open up the gates of heaven for us to receive heavenly riches as well.

Prayer= Lord Jesus you are the Christ and all that I have is yours. Help me to be faithful with everything that is given from your hand. I want to be faithful with the things of this world so that I can be trusted with the riches of heaven.

Posted by Reality Check at 4:19 PM | Permalink | Comments

Monday, October 16, 2006

I'm Back!

The Sons of Ingratitude

The Gospel of Luke

Luke Chapter 15

Scripture= Luke chapter 15:28-31(New Living Translation)

“The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours.

Observations and Applications=
Ingratitude; just the word stirs me up inside. Have you ever done something for someone; I mean you went out of your way and worked really hard to pull it off and then the person didn’t even acknowledge your effort let alone say thank you?
It makes you go off. You might say, “I’ll never do anything for them ever again!” Or maybe you have said, “How could someone be so selfish or so insensitive?” You feel unappreciated and even taken advantage of.

The incredible thing about this whole scenario is; that if you were doing this for someone, then the true gift of your actions was in your giving and not in an acknowledgement from the receiver! I know that seems hard to understand but the real issue is the motive for your giving. Did you give simply to receive something in return? If you did then honestly, your actions were more selfish than your non-responsive recipient. Your gift was simply a manipulative lever for self gratification.

The whole point is the motivation behind your giving. Why did you give the gift in the first place? A gift given in love is given without strings attached. It is simply a gift of love. Yes, you might be disappointed if you receive no response because we wanted the recipient of our love to know the reason we gave them the gift. But as hard as it is, we have to remember that the gift was given simply because of our love.

Our passage of scripture today is from the story of the Prodigal Son. Probably one of the most well known of all of Jesus’ parables. Note the response of the elder son at the return of his prodigal brother.

‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’

It makes you wonder about the motivation behind his obedience doesn’t it? Did he ever appreciate all that the father was giving him? Was he anymore grateful than his younger brother? Yes, his prodigal brother had expressed his ingratitude by taking his inheritance and leaving but was the elder son any more grateful or appreciative? The elder son claimed to be faithful and obedient but the question to be asked is why? It might have looked good from the outside but it seems like his behavior was just as selfish as his younger brother.

The Pharisees were so upset that Jesus was hanging out with sinners and would never admit that they too needed God’s grace. Jesus’ story tells us that obedience for recognition is like giving a gift for recognition. We can never manipulate God into giving us favor. Why do we live a life of obedience to God? Is it to receive something in return? I guess in a way our answer would be yes, to hear, ‘well done good and faithful servant enter into the joy of the Lord.’ I think more than this however, the motivation of our obedience should be our gratitude for the Heavenly Father’s gifts of grace, mercy, forgiveness and love! We are all prodigals the only difference is the manifestation of our ingratitude. What motivates you to stay faithful to your Father’s cause?

Prayer=
Lord, I thank you for loving me and extending to me your grace. May I share your heart that no one should perish and be grateful when my brothers and sisters find their way home?

Posted by Reality Check at 1:44 PM | Permalink | Comments

Friday, October 06, 2006

Out of Town

Hey all you Reality Check readers out there!
I am sorry for not having a posting for you to read. I am on a road trip and I am not able to stay current this week. I will try to do something later today Friday, October the 6th if I can. Stay up with the reading plan and I will hopefully catch up with you in the next two days!

I apologize for any inconvenience.

Pastor Dan

Posted by Reality Check at 9:28 AM | Permalink | Comments

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Spectacularly Ordinary!

This posting is a make up for Tuesday October the 3rd.

The Gospel According to Luke

Luke Chapter 2
Scripture= Luke 2:6 – 7, 39 – 40
6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
39When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

Observations and Applications=
It is amazing to me when I read Luke chapter 2 how extra-ordinary the story of our Saviors birth is. When you look at Mary and Joseph they are ordinary people who find themselves carrying out a series of natural events that are the fulfillment of supernatural phenomena. God has come to live on earth!

Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem to fulfill their obligations to the government of Rome. By going to the city of David they fulfill prophecy. They don’t have reservations for the hotel and end up in a stable again fulfilling prophecy. The baby Jesus is wrapped in common rags. The first visitors to the baby’s birth are common shepherds. Mary and Joseph settle for the sacrifice price of the poor when they circumcise and dedicate their new baby. When everything is done they simply head back to their home in Nazareth…simply a ho–hum existence, right? Hardly!

Think about it? Angels proclaim Jesus’ birth and then a heavenly chorus joins the angels in singing praises about the birth of this baby. Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the temple and two people prophetically proclaim his identity. One has been told that he will not die until he has seen the Messiah and the other is 84 or has been a widow for 84 years which makes her even much older. This story is spectacularly ordinary!

I wonder how often we have misjudged our own lives? We claim that our lives are boring and that they are simply ordinary. How many times have we missed the supernatural hand of God interfacing with our lives? Remember God uses the foolish things to confound the wise and the ordinary circumstances to fulfill his purposes. (See I Corinthians 1:26-31) Live to be spectacularly ordinary!

Prayer= Lord, I thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made! Take my life today and use it for your glory.

Posted by Reality Check at 3:49 PM | Permalink | Comments

Monday, October 02, 2006

The Right Timing Is So Important!

The Gospel According to Luke

Luke Chapter 1
Scripture= Luke 1:20, 37, 45
20And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time."
37For nothing is impossible with God."
45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Observations and Applications=
Sometimes the right timing means everything...

In a comedy routine even the most well written hilariously funny script can be ruined without proper timing.

Have you ever planned a surprise party for someone and despite your carefully laid plans to keep it all a secret someone’s wrong timing gave everything away before anyone could yell, “surprise?”

Have you ever taken the time to lay out a budget only to discover that a bill was due right before your pay cycle? Trying to switch the bill due date or rearrange your whole budget is a serious example of the importance of timing.

Luke gives us several important lessons about timing in chapter one of his gospel. First we see in verse 37, that nothing is impossible with God. An old woman can conceive and have a baby in her old age and a virgin can become pregnant without ever having sexual relations with any man. Whatever God wants to do, He Can Do!

The second lesson about timing is to believe that what God said he would do, will happen. Sometimes it is hard to wait and keep the faith especially when the outcome depends totally on God. It is our human nature to want to do something to help God, to be involved, to get the ball rolling. We have to be like Elizabeth who praises God for something that she was not able to accomplish on her own. We have to respond like Mary who believed that if God said it; It Would Happen!

The last lesson about timing is found in verse 20; God’s word will come true at just the right time! Only God knows when a word given is to be fulfilled and his sense of timing is always impeccable. When we try to rush things and force things to happen in our sense of timing things never turn out right. God's Timing is Always Perfect!

Are there words that have been spoken over you that are yet to come to pass? Do you still believe? Are you trying to accomplish them on your own? Ask God to show you the signs that he is working (Both women couldn’t hide their pregnancy) and remember God might be working in you to prepare you for the answer.

Prayer=
Lord, show me where you are working in my life and help me to trust in you and your perfect sense of timing. I do believe, help me with my unbelief!

(He's Real) All The Power You Need

Hillsong
My God can never fail
He's been proved time and again
Trust Him you'll seehe's got all the power you need

He's never early never late
It takes courage and it takes faith
Trust Him you'll see he's got
All the power you need

He saves forgives and heals
He takes back what the devil steals
My debt's paid in full
And every day He does miracles

God dreams turn them into plans
Too big for human hands
Trust Him you'll see
He's got all the power you need

He's real
He's real
Faith's a lot stronger than what you feel
He's real
He's real
I'm believing for miracles

Trust Him you'll see
He's got all the power you need

Posted by Reality Check at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments

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